Naltrexone: More than a prayer

With the exception of oral naltrexone, prayer is just about the only treatment for alcoholism. The problem with the drug is that alcoholics tend to be non-compliant patients, and thus don't take the mu-opiod antagonist every day. To get around that problem, Alkermes Inc. and DrugAbuse Sciences Inc. are developing similar long-acting injectable formulations. Both contend that the market is large enough for two.

DrugAbuse appears to be slightly ahead in development, having reported Phase III data earlier this month in 315 patients who received monthly injections. At three, six and 12 months, patients who received Naltrexone Depot had significantly more drink-free days (10%, 20% and 73%, respectively) than placebo patients (p=0.0001 at 12 months)(see BioCentury, May 5). ...