Watson to open global R&D technology center

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals is planning to open a global research and development technology center.

The center will be a 32,000-sq.-ft., 50-acre complex consisting of lab, production and office space. The drug maker said it primarily will be used for developing generic pharmaceutical products, in particular for inhalation technology and respiratory products, with the ability to conduct formulation development and analytical testing.

The drug maker said it intends to initially invest about $4.5 million in outfitting the facility, which will be based in North Brunswick, N.J.

"The location of the new global R&D technology center will enable Watson to leverage our proximity to such educational centers of excellence as Rutgers University," Watson president and CEO Paul Bisaro said. "This will enable Watson to establish collaborations with University departments including pharmaceutics, chemistry and engineering and permit us to benefit from the talent pool in the heart of the pharmaceutical industry of New Jersey."