Richard F. Pops

Stories

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

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

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