Alkermes, Inc. recently announced a new proprietary LinkeRx(TM) technology platform that will allow the company to create injectable extended-release versions of antipsychotics and other central nervous system (CNS) therapies.

The company’s lead candidate that leverages this platform, ALKS 9070, is a once-monthly, injectable, extended-release version of aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia. Aripiprazole is commercially available under the name Abilify.
 
Alkermes’ LinkeRx technology uses proprietary linker-tail chemistry to create new molecules derived from known agents. The resulting New Molecular Entities are designed to have improved clinical utility, manufacturing, and ease-of-use compared to other long-acting medications. The LinkeRx technology can be used for a wide range of therapeutic molecules for the treatment of schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy, where there is a strong clinical and patient need for long-acting medication options to improve treatment outcomes.
 
Based on preclinical results, ALKS 9070 is expected to enter the clinic in the second half of 2010. A number of patent applications have been submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office to protect the LinkeRx technology and ALKS 9070.
 
Alkermes is a leader in developing long-acting medications and has an established portfolio of CNS products, including Risperdal Consta, Vivitrol, ALKS 33, and ALKS 36. Alkermes focuses on therapies for widespread, chronic diseases, including CNS disorders such as addiction, pain, and mental health disorders, where the company believes there is a strong opportunity for long-acting medications to offer significant new treatment options for patients.