Watson launches generic of Abbott antibiotic

NEW YORK, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc (WPI.N) said on Thursday it launched a generic version of Abbott Laboratories Inc's (ABT.N) antibiotic Biaxin XL.

Watson launched the product, known generically as clarithromycin extended-release tablets, in the 500 milligram dosage strength. Biaxin XL and generic versions have total annual U.S. sales of about $200 million, Watson said. (Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)