Alkermes Begins Phase 1 Study Of ALKS 8700 For Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis

(RTTNews) - Alkermes plc (ALKS) Thursday said it has begun its phase 1 clinical trial of ALKS 8700, an investigational monomethyl fumarate molecule, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The double -blind study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of ALKS 8700 oral formulation compared with both placebo and active control groups in nearly 125 healthy volunteers. Following this initiation of Phase 1, Alkermes said it will file an Investigational New Drug application with the U.S.Food and Drug Administration or FDA and the issuance of a composition of matter patent for ALKS 8700 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in March 2014, which is expected to provide patent protection into 2033.