Generic Cozaar® Launches "Immediately": Teva's 180 Days Begin, Tomorrow

Per a Reuters newsfeed, just now -- Cozaar^® launches "(semi-) at risk":

. . . .Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. said on Wednesday it won U.S. approval for its generic versions of Merck & Co's blockbuster blood-pressure drugs Cozaar and Hyzaar.

Teva, the world's biggest generic drugmaker, also said it will have 180 days to market the generics exclusively, an award generally given to companies that challenge patents first. Israel-based Teva said it was launching sales immediately. . . .

This launch is essentially riskless, for Teva, but it does not have a final, non-appealable order to launch on, either. You'll recall that Merck has the right to file, and Teva is awaiting, a final appelate review here, now only at the United States Supreme Court. So, Teva does in fact possess the unfettered lawful right to launch, under these circumstances. Say good-bye to $3.5 billion, worldwide -- starting now, at New Merck.