UPDATE 1-Pfizer to launch generic drugs in Japan

* Says to start selling generic drugs in Japan after 2010

* To integrate Wyeth's Japan operations by Sept 2010

* To add more sales representatives in the country

(Adds details)

TOKYO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc (PFE.N), the world's largest drugmaker, will start selling generic drugs in Japan sometime after 2010, its unit in the country said on Tuesday.

"We will detail next year our plan to sell generic drugs, including when and how many products will be sold," Pfizer Japan director Hiroshi Matsumori told a news conference.

Pfizer Japan had said on Nov. 19 that the U.S. company might start selling generic drugs in Japan from 2011 as part of efforts to diversify its operations. [ID:nT240518]

Israel's Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA.TA), the world's largest generic drug maker, has also said that it will start selling its products in Japan via a joint venture, targeting a market share of 10 percent by 2015.

In contrast, Takeda Pharmaceutical (4502.T), Japan's largest drugmaker, said on Monday it was not interested in launching a generic drug business in Japan, but that it may enter generic markets abroad. [ID:nT53116]

Following its merger with Wyeth in the United States, Pfizer Japan chairman Hiromitsu Iwasaki told the news conference that the two firms will complete the merger of their Japanese operations by September next year.

The merged unit will increase its number of sales representatives from a total combined size of nearly 2,900 to facilitate the launch of new products in Japan, Pfizer Japan president Ichiro Umeda added.

Pfizer and Wyeth together have seven new products, including cancer and rheumatism drugs, under review by Japanese regulators for marketing approval. (Reporting by Yumiko Nishitani; Editing by Joseph Radford) ((yumiko.nishitani@thomsonreuters.com; +81 3 6441 1803; Reuters Messaging: yumiko.nishitani.reuters.com@reuters.net))