With schizophrenia drug results, Alkermes gets much-needed good news. But insurers could pose challenge

Alkermes (ALKS) said Thursday that schizophrenia patients treated with an experimental tablet called ALKS 3831 reported significantly less weight gain compared to the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic currently in use.

The ALKS 3831 results achieved the main goal of Alkermes’ Phase 3 clinical trial, clearing the way for the biopharma company to file for regulatory approval in the middle of next year.

Alkermes was very much in need of some good news to support its research pipeline, especially following the scientific drubbing of its depression drug ALKS 5461 by an FDA advisory panel earlier this month. Investor concerns about the pipeline and future growth have weighed heavily on Alkermes, dropping its stock price to a level not visited for more than two years.

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