Alkermes to Present Psychiatry and Orexin Portfolio Data at ASCP Annual Meeting

Alkermes to Present Breakthrough Psychiatry and Orexin Research at ASCP 2026

Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS), a global leader in neuroscience and psychiatry, will present new clinical and real-world data on its psychiatry and orexin portfolios at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) Annual Meeting in Miami from May 26-29, 2026. The presentations will highlight advancements in treating complex neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

The company’s poster presentations will feature data on its approved medications LYBALVI® (olanzapine and samidorphan) and ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil), as well as its investigational orexin 2 receptor agonists, including alixorexton (formerly ALKS 2680), ALKS 4510, and ALKS 7290. These compounds represent Alkermes’ commitment to expanding treatment options for patients with unmet medical needs in both psychiatric and neurological disorders.

“Alkermes brings decades of experience advancing innovative medicines in neuroscience and psychiatry, underpinned by deep scientific expertise,” said Craig Hopkinson, M.D. (MBChB), Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Research & Development at Alkermes. “Our poster presentations at ASCP reflect our continued commitment to advancing both the understanding of and treatment options for complex psychiatric and neurological conditions. In particular, we are proud to share new research from our orexin portfolio as we work to deepen our understanding of orexin biology across a range of neuropsychiatric indications.”

Key Highlights from Alkermes’ ASCP Presentations

Alkermes’ presentations will cover three major areas of focus:

  • Orexin biology research: Findings from the ASPIRE survey study evaluating cognitive impairment and fatigue’s impact on work productivity and quality of life in narcolepsy type 1, type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia patients.
  • Orexin 2 receptor agonists: First presentation of data supporting the therapeutic potential of Alkermes’ orexin 2 receptor agonist portfolio for treating sleep-wake disturbances, fatigue, and cognitive deficits across neuropsychiatric diseases.
  • Real-world evidence: Retrospective claims analysis comparing LYBALVI’s persistence and adherence with other oral second-generation antipsychotic medications in schizophrenia patients.

These presentations underscore Alkermes’ dual focus on expanding treatment options for psychiatric disorders while pioneering new approaches to understanding and treating sleep-wake regulation disorders through orexin biology research.

Detailed Poster Presentation Schedule

The presentations will take place across two days, with sessions dedicated to both established therapies and emerging research:

From Instagram — related to Alkermes Poster, David Plante

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (11:45 am – 1:30 pm ET)

  • Poster #W52: “Orexin 2 Receptor Agonists as a Potential Therapeutic Approach to the Treatment of Sleep-Wake Disturbance, Fatigue, and Cognitive Deficit in Neuropsychiatric Disease” presented by David Plante, M.D., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Poster #W79: “Real-World Experience and Impact of Fatigue in Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia From the ASPIRE Survey Study” presented by Michael Doane, Ph.D., Alkermes
  • Poster #W82: “Real-World Persistence on Olanzapine/Samidorphan Versus Other Oral Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Patients With Schizophrenia” presented by Andrew Cutler, M.D., SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • Poster #W90: “Olanzapine and Samidorphan in Adults With Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder: Updated Review of Clinical Data” presented by James McGrory, Ph.D., Alkermes
  • Poster #W93: “Real-World Impact of Olanzapine and Samidorphan on Rates of Relapse Among Young Adults With Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder” presented by Hemangi Panchmatia, Alkermes

Thursday, May 28, 2026 (11:30 am – 1:15 pm ET)

  • Poster #T59: “Effects of Alixorexton on Patient-Reported Disease Severity, Cognitive Functioning, and Fatigue in Patients With Narcolepsy Type 1: Results From the Phase 2 Vibrance-1 Study” presented by Emmanuel Mignot, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Poster #T60: “Safety and Efficacy Results From the Phase 2 Vibrance-1 Study of the Orexin 2 Receptor Agonist Alixorexton in Patients With Narcolepsy Type 1” presented by David Plante, M.D., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Poster #T80: “Real-World Experience and Impact of Cognitive Impairment in Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia From the ASPIRE Survey Study” presented by Michael Doane, Ph.D., Alkermes
  • Poster #T92: “Inpatient Initiation of the Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Aripiprazole Lauroxil for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Schizophrenia” presented by Peter Weiden, M.D., Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
  • Poster #T93: “Safety and Efficacy of Aripiprazole Lauroxil in an Outpatient Setting After Initiation During Hospitalization for an Acute Exacerbation of Schizophrenia” presented by Daniel Kim, Ph.D., Alkermes
  • Poster #T97: “Real-World Comparison of Olanzapine/Samidorphan Vs Olanzapine: An Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Acute Care Events Among Patients With Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder” presented by Hemangi Panchmatia, Alkermes

All abstracts will be available on the ASCP meeting website prior to the conference.

Understanding Alkermes’ Key Therapies and Research Programs

Alkermes’ presentations at ASCP 2026 will provide important insights into both established treatments and promising new approaches:

LYBALVI® (olanzapine and samidorphan)

LYBALVI is an FDA-approved once-daily oral atypical antipsychotic medication for adults with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. The drug combines olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, with samidorphan, an opioid antagonist, in a single bilayer tablet. Available in fixed dosage strengths (10 mg samidorphan with 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg olanzapine), LYBALVI offers a unique approach to managing psychiatric symptoms while addressing metabolic concerns associated with traditional antipsychotics.

LYBALVI® (olanzapine and samidorphan)
Bipolar

Key safety information includes:

  • A boxed warning about increased mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • Contraindications for patients using opioids or undergoing acute opioid withdrawal
  • Potential for severe opioid withdrawal if administered to opioid-dependent patients
  • Monitoring requirements for metabolic changes, tardive dyskinesia, and other serious adverse effects

Alkermes’ real-world data presentations will examine LYBALVI’s persistence and adherence compared to other oral second-generation antipsychotics, as well as its impact on relapse rates among young adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil)

ARISTADA is an injectable atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Available in four dose strengths (441 mg, 662 mg, or 882 mg monthly; 882 mg every six weeks; and 1064 mg every two months), ARISTADA converts to aripiprazole once administered. The drug’s extended-release formulation provides consistent medication levels, potentially improving treatment adherence.

ASCP Annual Meeting–Practical—Personalized—Innovative.

Alkermes’ presentations will include data on ARISTADA INITIO®, which facilitates the initiation of ARISTADA therapy when used in combination with oral aripiprazole. The company will present real-world evidence on ARISTADA’s effectiveness in treating acute exacerbations of schizophrenia, both in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Alixorexton and Orexin Biology Research

Alixorexton represents Alkermes’ most advanced orexin 2 receptor agonist in development. The compound has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy type 1, reflecting its potential to address unmet medical needs in sleep-wake regulation disorders.

Orexin (also known as hypocretin) is a neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamus that plays a crucial role in regulating wakefulness. Research presented at ASCP will explore how targeting the orexin system may provide therapeutic benefits for:

  • Narcolepsy type 1 and type 2
  • Idiopathic hypersomnia
  • Other neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by sleep-wake disturbances, fatigue, and cognitive deficits

Phase 2 data from the Vibrance-1 study will be presented, demonstrating alixorexton’s effects on patient-reported disease severity, cognitive functioning, and fatigue in narcolepsy type 1 patients. The company will also share safety and efficacy results from this study, marking a significant milestone in the development of orexin-based therapies.

Why This Research Matters for Patients and Providers

The data presentations at ASCP 2026 hold significant implications for both patients and healthcare providers:

Why This Research Matters for Patients and Providers
Alkermes ASCP meeting
  • For patients: New treatment options with improved safety profiles and better adherence potential could transform the management of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sleep-wake regulation disorders. The orexin research may offer novel approaches for conditions that currently lack effective treatments.
  • For providers: Real-world evidence on LYBALVI and ARISTADA can inform clinical decision-making, while the orexin data may expand treatment paradigms for neuropsychiatric conditions. The presentations provide opportunities to learn about emerging therapies that could enter clinical practice in the coming years.
  • For researchers: Insights into orexin biology could advance our fundamental understanding of sleep-wake regulation and its role in various neuropsychiatric conditions, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.

Alkermes’ comprehensive approach—spanning established therapies and innovative research—demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing the full spectrum of unmet needs in neuroscience and psychiatry.

Next Steps and How to Access the Data

Interested parties can follow these steps to access Alkermes’ presentations and stay updated on the company’s research:

  1. Attend ASCP 2026: The annual meeting in Miami provides the best opportunity to view the presentations in person and engage with Alkermes’ researchers.
  2. Review abstracts: All presentation abstracts will be available on the ASCP meeting website prior to the conference.
  3. Monitor Alkermes communications: The company will provide updates through its official website, investor relations channels, and media contacts.
  4. Consult regulatory filings: For information on approved products like LYBALVI and ARISTADA, review the FDA product labeling and clinical trial registries.

Alkermes’ next major checkpoint will be the presentation of detailed results from its ongoing phase 3 Brilliance Studies for alixorexton, with interim data potentially available later in 2026. The company will continue to provide updates through its investor relations channels and media contacts.

Key Takeaways

  • Alkermes will present 12 posters at ASCP 2026 covering both established therapies (LYBALVI, ARISTADA) and emerging research (orexin agonists like alixorexton)
  • Presentations will include real-world evidence on treatment persistence, adherence, and relapse prevention in psychiatric disorders
  • Orexin biology research may offer new therapeutic approaches for narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, and other neuropsychiatric conditions
  • Alixorexton has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for narcolepsy type 1, reflecting its potential impact
  • All abstracts will be available on the ASCP meeting website prior to the conference
  • Interested parties can follow Alkermes’ investor relations channels for updates on clinical trial progress and regulatory milestones

As the field of neuroscience and psychiatry continues to evolve, Alkermes’ research presentations at ASCP 2026 highlight the company’s pivotal role in advancing treatment options for patients with complex and often debilitating conditions.

Have questions about Alkermes’ research or the ASCP presentations? Share your thoughts in the comments below or contact our news desk at [email protected].

For more on neuroscience research and psychiatric treatments, explore our Neuroscience and Mental Health categories.

Next update: Alkermes will provide detailed results from its phase 3 Brilliance Studies for alixorexton later in 2026. Follow our coverage for continued updates on this promising therapy.


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