BOSTON - If at all there has been anything wanting in the huge pharmaceutical industry that conjures up all kinds of drugs, it has been a drug that can combat unhealthy habits such as alcoholism and smoking. Make no mistake about it, there have been drugs that promised to curb the urge to binge on drinks, but none has managed to capture the imagination of doctors and patients alike.
This situation could now change as many drugs are coming onto the market, courtesy smart pharmaceutical companies. The fact that major research has been instrumental in bringing the problems associated with alcoholism cannot be ignored. The most promising medication to come out of this research is naltrexone, a drug that supposedly acts on the chemicals in the brain that induce a warm feeling after a heavy round of drinks. Another drug that has been languishing on the shelves is Antabuse, a drug that makes people sick if they consume excess alcohol. But apart from these two, there has been no movement in this segment.
The problem is that most doctors think of alcoholism as an emotional or behavioral problem and consequently treat it as such. Only anti-addiction specialists have the required knowledge that the drugs to treat alcoholism exist. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is trying to change this situation and has sponsored more than 50 clinical trials of anti-alcoholism drugs. Dr. Raye Litten, a treatment research leader at NIAAA said, "We want a menu of medications for alcoholism. If one doesn't work, they can try another one."
The market for these drugs is phenomenonal; the NIAAA says that almost 18 million Americans can be classified as alcoholics. However, these drugs have been unable to make significant inroads into this market. A drug called as Campral, which hit the markets in January had $6 million sales up to June. Campral costs $3.70 for six tablets a day. This drug helps alcoholics remain sober by reducing the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms.
Another drug called Vivitrex is in the process of seeking approval from the FDA. Alkermes Inc, the drug's maker is optimistic about its prospects, "Alcoholism is so undertreated right now that there's room for a number of very important drugs. I think it's the furthest thing from a zero-sum market I can imagine," said Richard Pops, Alkermes' chief executive officer. The company hopes to hear from federal authorities by the end of this month.
