Alkermes to Present First Clinical Data for Orexin 2 Receptor Agonist ALKS 2680 at World Sleep Congress

Alkermes plc, a global biopharmaceutical company, is set to present groundbreaking data on ALKS 2680, their investigational orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) agonist, at the upcoming World Sleep Congress in Rio de Janeiro. This eagerly anticipated event will take place from October 20-25, 2023.

During the congress, Alkermes will deliver an oral presentation that will unveil initial clinical proof-of-concept data for ALKS 2680 in patients with narcolepsy type 1. This data is derived from the first cohort of four patients involved in the ongoing phase 1 study, which evaluates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the drug in both healthy volunteers and patients with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia.

In addition to the clinical data, Alkermes will also present results from a preclinical study that examined the impact of ALKS 2680 on wakefulness and cataplexy in a mouse model of narcolepsy type 1. This study provides valuable insights into the potential efficacy of ALKS 2680 in managing the symptoms associated with narcolepsy.

Furthermore, Alkermes will share findings from structured interviews conducted with individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy type 1 and type 2. These interviews shed light on the diagnosis journey and the various symptoms experienced by people living with this condition. The company’s commitment to understanding the patient experience underscores their dedication to developing effective treatments that address the unmet needs of those affected by narcolepsy.

Dr. Craig Hopkinson, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Research & Development at Alkermes, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of ALKS 2680. He highlighted the company’s expertise in neuroscience and their strong medicinal chemistry capabilities, which have been instrumental in the development of this novel treatment option for narcolepsy. Dr. Hopkinson emphasized Alkermes’ commitment to improving the lives of patients and their excitement about presenting the data at the World Sleep Congress.

ALKS 2680 is an oral, selective orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) agonist designed to address the underlying pathology of narcolepsy. By activating the OX2R, ALKS 2680 aims to regulate the sleep/wake cycle, thereby improving wakefulness duration and providing cataplexy control. The drug is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 study involving healthy volunteers and individuals living with narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Alkermes plc is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with a global presence. Their focus lies in developing innovative medicines in the fields of neuroscience and oncology. With a portfolio of proprietary commercial products and a robust pipeline of product candidates, Alkermes is dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients worldwide.

The World Sleep Congress provides an ideal platform for Alkermes to showcase their pioneering research and commitment to advancing the field of sleep medicine. By presenting their initial clinical data for ALKS 2680, the company aims to generate excitement and anticipation for this potential new treatment option for narcolepsy.

As the congress approaches, the medical community eagerly awaits the unveiling of Alkermes’ data, which has the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for narcolepsy. With their expertise and dedication, Alkermes is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of patients living with this debilitating condition.