Richard F. Pops

Stories

Alkermes unveils ADHD data for orexin drug, expanding the class beyond sleep disorders

As of September 2026: Leading Alkermes' orexin platform expansion

Alkermes presented its orexin agonist as an ADHD treatment on September 21, the first time the new drug class has moved into a mainstream psychiatric market. The company calls the program a potential 'company changer.'

Updated Sep 21

Alkermes enters sleep medicine market through Avadel acquisition

Money Moves

As of May 2026: Leading combined company's sleep medicine expansion

Alkermes, a neuroscience-focused pharmaceutical company, completed its $2.37 billion acquisition of Avadel Pharmaceuticals on February 12, 2026, gaining immediate entry into the sleep medicine market. The deal adds LUMRYZ, the only once-nightly narcolepsy treatment, to Alkermes' portfolio alongside an emerging pipeline of orexin-based therapies.

Updated May 27

Notable Quotes

'We support exploration of the broader therapeutic potential of the class across a range of psychiatric and neurological conditions.' — Sept. 8, 2026, as reported by Fierce Biotech

from Alkermes unveils ADHD data for orexin drug, expanding the class beyond sleep disorders · Updated Sep 21

"This acquisition accelerates Alkermes' entry into the sleep medicine market and enhances our ability to unlock the full potential of our late-stage development pipeline focused on central disorders of hypersomnolence." — Statement on acquisition completion

from Alkermes enters sleep medicine market through Avadel acquisition · Updated May 27