Alkermes plc focuses on developing innovative medicines primarily in the field of neuroscience, targeting complex psychiatric and neurological disorders. The company employs a "bedside to bench" approach, which emphasizes understanding real-world patient needs to inform their research and development efforts. Their pipeline includes investigational candidates such as Olanzapine and samidorphan for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as ALKS 2680, an oral orexin 2 receptor agonist aimed at treating various forms of narcolepsy. Alkermes is committed to rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these investigational therapies.

To support their drug development, Alkermes utilizes proprietary technologies that enhance the therapeutic properties of their medicines. This includes long-acting injectable technologies, which allow for controlled release of medications over time, and a range of oral controlled-release technologies that enable customized drug-release profiles. Additionally, the company leverages advanced molecular design capabilities, incorporating techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations and artificial intelligence to optimize their small molecule projects. Alkermes also actively supports independent research through grants and investigator-sponsored studies, further contributing to advancements in the field of neuroscience.

Ireland

Alkermes seeks to develop innovative medicines that help address the unmet needs and challenges of people living with debilitating diseases. As a fully-integrated, global biopharmaceutical company, Alkermes applies its scientific expertise, proprietary technologies and global resources to develop products that are designed to make a meaningful difference in the way patients manage their disease.

Nervous System Diseases

Psychological Diseases

Alkermes plc

Mental health

Schizophrenia

Aripiprazole lauroxil is a prodrug of aripiprazole. Following intramuscular injection, aripiprazole lauroxil is likely converted by enzyme-mediated hydrolysis to N-hydroxymethyl aripiprazole, which is then hydrolyzed to aripiprazole. The mechanism of action of aripiprazole in schizophrenia is unknown. However, efficacy could be mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors.

Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil)

Alcohol dependence

Opioid dependence

Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist OR blocking medication. Antagonists create a barrier that blocks opioid molecules from attaching to opioid receptors. Antagonists attach to opioid receptors, but do not cause the release of dopamine. They are non-addictive and do not lead to physical dependence. VIVITROL blocks opioid receptors for one month at a time. Patients must be opioid-free before starting VIVITROL.
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 <li><a href="https://www.vivitrol.com/opioid-dependence/how-vivitrol-works">Source</a></li>
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Vivitrol (naltrexone)

Bipolar disease

ALKS 3831 is an investigational, novel, once-daily, oral atypical antipsychotic drug candidate for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia and for the treatment of adults with bipolar I disorder. ALKS 3831 is composed of samidorphan, a novel, new molecular entity, co-formulated with the established antipsychotic agent, olanzapine, in a single bilayer tablet.

 LYBALVI (ALKS 3831)

Narcolepsy

ALKS 2680 is a novel, investigational, oral, selective orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) agonist in development for the treatment of narcolepsy. Orexin neuropeptides are important regulators of the sleep/wake cycle through OX2R activation, and loss of orexinergic neurons in the brain is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy.1 ALKS 2680 was designed to address the underlying pathology of narcolepsy with the goal of improving duration of wakefulness and providing cataplexy control. Once-daily oral administration of ALKS 2680 is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 study in healthy volunteers and people living with narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Alkermes plc

Company Details