UPDATE 1-Watson gets FDA nod to sell generic asthma inhaler

(Adds detail)

CHICAGO, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc (WPI.N) said on Wednesday that it had received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell generic Accuneb to treat asthma.

The company said it intended to launch the inhalation product, albuterol sulfate inhalation solution, immediately and will receive 180 days of marketing exclusivity.

The drug is the generic equivalent to Dey L.P.'s Accuneb inhalation solution, which is approved for relief of bronchospasm in asthma patients from 2 to 12 years old. It has the same active ingredient, albuterol, as several other drugs, including Sepracor Inc.'s (SEPR.O) Xopenex.

Dey's Accuneb had total U.S. sales of about $20 million in the 12 months that ended in June, according to IMS Health data. Dey is an affiliate of Merck KGaA (MRCG.DE). (Reporting by Debra Sherman)