Alkermes combo passes first Phase III schizophrenia test

Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) said samidorphan/olanzapine (ALKS 3831) met the primary endpoint in the Phase III ENLIGHTEN-1 trial to treat schizophrenia. Compared with placebo, the therapy significantly reduced Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores (p<0.001).

The therapy combines samidorphan, a mu opioid receptor (MOR; OPRM1) antagonist, with olanzapine, an antipsychotic monoaminergic receptor agonist. Alkermes said it is designed to have "favorable weight and metabolic properties" while maintaining the efficacy of the generic olanzapine...