Teva wins FDA OK to sell generic Fosamax

CHICAGO Feb 6 (Reuters) - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd TEVA.O of Israel said on Wednesday U.S. health authorities approved its generic version of Merck & Co Inc's (MRK.N) osteoporosis treatment Fosamax.

The branded product had annual U.S. sales of about $1.9 billion in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, according to IMS sales data.

Teva has been awarded a 180-day period of marketing exclusivity.

The drug, Alendronate Sodium, will be sold in tablets in 5 milligram, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg and 70 mg strengths.

Teva said shipment will begin immediately. (Reporting by Debra Sherman, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)