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[Image omitted] - (http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/alkermes-beefs-pipeline-putting-new-twist-blockbusters/2013-07-17)
Richard Pops--Courtesy of Alkermes
Alkermes built its reputation around drug delivery and formulation technology, contributing its know-how to develop new-and-improved therapeutics. Now it wants to use that knowledge to whip up a new slate of next-gen therapeutics that can outperform some blockbuster drugs on the market for chronic diseases.
That's the theme Alkermes ($ALKS) CEO Richard Pops is striking during today's R&D day presentation, which includes the news that the biotech company is doubling its pipeline with three new, early-stage therapies. Alkermes is also launching its midstage study of an antipsychotic --ALKS 3831--a broad-spectrum therapy combining a new opioid modulator, ALKS 33, and Zyprexa , shooting for a new-and-improved approach to schizophrenia without the threat of sudden weight gain.
The beefed-up pipeline reflects Alkermes' focus on drugs "where we know pharmacology can be improved," Pops tells FierceBiotech.
The three new drugs about to enter the clinic are: