Alkermes Completes $2.1 Billion Acquisition of Avadel Pharmaceuticals

Alkermes has completed its acquisition of Avadel Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company. The acquisition adds Avadel’s FDA-approved product, Lumryz, to Alkermes’ commercial portfolio, and provides Alkermes with a commercial organization experienced in this disease state. This strategic move accelerates Alkermes’ entry into the sleep medicine market and enhances its ability to unlock the full potential of its late-stage development pipeline focused on central disorders of hypersomnolence.

“With the close of this acquisition, Alkermes achieved an important milestone in the continued advancement of our strategy, accelerating our entry into the commercial sleep medicine market at a pivotal moment as we work to initiate the planned phase 3 program for alixorexton in narcolepsy this quarter. Avadel’s commercial and R&D portfolio, established commercial infrastructure, and talented team strengthen our organization and expand our capabilities in this important therapeutic area. Supported by our strong balance sheet, this all‑cash acquisition is expected to enhance our revenue growth profile and underscores our ongoing commitment to creating long‑term value for shareholders,” said Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes.

The transaction is expected to be accretive in 2026 and represents a compelling financial and strategic opportunity, leveraging Alkermes’ existing commercial expertise and operational infrastructure and adding new capabilities in rare disease. Avadel is a recognized innovator in the sleep medicine space, committed to addressing significant unmet needs for patients.

To finance the acquisition, Alkermes will use approximately $775 million of cash from its balance sheet and borrowed a total of $1.525 billion in term loans that are due in 2031. The company expects to pay down the debt quickly with cash flows from the business.