Neuroscience Biotech Alkermes Sees Narcolepsy R&D as Launchpad for a Range of New Fatigue Therapies - MedCity News
Alkermes is expanding its neuroscience scope to sleep science with the development of alixorexton, a once-daily oral drug targeting the orexin 2 receptor for narcolepsy types 1 and 2, and has acquired Avadel Pharmaceuticals to leverage its commercial infrastructure for a stronger market presence. Meanwhile, Takeda is poised to launch the first orexin agonist, oveporexton, for narcolepsy, potentially benefiting Alkermes by raising awareness of this new drug class.
Alkermes is strategically positioning itself in the narcolepsy market by acquiring Avadel Pharmaceuticals and its commercialized drug, Lumryz, for $2.37 billion, providing immediate market presence and infrastructure. This acquisition allows Alkermes to leverage Avadel's established relationships with sleep specialists to support the launch of its own narcolepsy drug, alixorexton, which targets both NT1 and NT2. The move not only enhances Alkermes' revenue and profitability but also sets the stage for further expansion into related neurological disorders, potentially broadening their market reach.