Alkermes, Cephalon to make extended-release Vivitrol to treat alcoholism

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., May 2 - Alkermes and Cephalon announced Tuesday a partnership to develop Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) for the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Vivitrol is the only once-monthly injectable medication for alcohol dependence and is indicated for alcohol-dependent patients who are able to abstain from drinking in an outpatient setting and are not actively drinking when starting treatment, according to a news release.

Current statistics show about 50% of treated patients relapse to drinking within the first few months of treatment and 75% relapse within the first year.

Data from the Combine study underscore the need to develop new treatment options for the serious and chronic disease of alcohol dependence, the companies said.

The efficacy of Vivitrol was studied in a six-month phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of alcohol dependent patients.

Alkermes develops sustained-release injectable drugs and is located in Cambridge, Mass.

Cephalon is a biopharmaceutical company based in Frazer, Pa.

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