Alkermes presents encouraging data on molecules targeting opioid receptors

Data from two preclinical studies demonstrated that the three molecules showed statistically superior oral efficacy as well as evidence for improved metabolic and pharmacokinetic profiles compared to an active control.

The study results included efficacy data from an ethanol drinking behavior model in rodents, a well-characterized model for evaluating the effects of potential therapeutics targeting opioid receptors. Results showed that single, oral doses of Alkermes’s novel molecules significantly reduced the ethanol drinking behavior in rodents, with an average reduction from baseline ranging from 35% to 50% for the proprietary molecules compared to 10% for the active control.

Data showed that the molecules have improved metabolic stability compared to the active control when cultured with human hepatocytes (liver cells), suggesting that they are not readily metabolized by the liver. Pharmacokinetic results showed that the oral bioavailability of ALKS 33 was significantly greater than that of the active control.

Elliot Ehrich, chief medical officer of Alkermes, said: “Alkermes is focused on developing pipeline candidates with a high likelihood of success compared to traditional new chemical entities. These proprietary molecules reflect the broadening of our strategy to utilize chemistry to improve known molecules to enhance outcomes.”