Extending ProLease

Positive Phase III data for Alkermes Inc.'s Nutropin Depot, a long-acting formulation of Genentech Inc.'s human growth hormone, provides proof of principle for ALKS's ProLease technology. But it doesn't mean that ALKS can now provide a cookie-cutter approach to creating sustained-release versions of other proteins.

"Every protein is a separate story," said CEO Richard Pops. "They aren't simply cassettes that can be plugged into the delivery system - stabilization and formulation issues differ from protein to protein." Nevertheless, Pops believes that "the first commercial success of ProLease will reflect on potential future products and partnerships."...