Alkermes expands RMP-7 brain tumor clinical trials.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 1996--Alkermes, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKS) today announced the initiation of a multi-center Phase II clinical trial of RMP-7(Tm) and the chemotherapeutic agent carboplatin administered intra-arterially in patients with recurrent, malignant brain tumors. The Phase II study is being initiated following the successful completion of a first Phase I/II (safety) clinical trial and the dose escalation phase of a second Phase I/II clinical trial in brain tumor patients. The Phase II clinical trial will be conducted at eight medical centers in the United States.

RMP-7 is a proprietary compound developed by Alkermes to increase the delivery of drugs to the brain by transiently increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Intra-arterial administration of RMP-7 and carboplatin is a neurosurgical procedure in which the drugs are administered through a small catheter positioned in the major blood vessel supplying the brain tumor. Intra-arterial therapy provides a second, alternative means of administering RMP-7 and chemotherapy in addition to more conventional intravenous administration.

RMP-7 is also being tested when administered intravenously, in three multi-center Phase II clinical trials with carboplatin. These studies commenced in 1995 and patient accrual in all three trials is expected to be completed in the first half of 1996.

"We are now conducting multi-center Phase II clinical trials of RMP-7 and carboplatin administered by both the intravenous and intra-arterial routes," said Richard F. Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes. "Over 18 medical centers in the U.S. and over 20 centers in Europe will be involved in RMP-7 clinical trials in brain tumor. By conducting such a broad clinical program, we believe that we increase the probability of demonstrating RMP-7's utility in improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in brain tumors."

RMP-7 is being developed by Alkermes for Alkermes Clinical Partners, L.P., a limited partnership which raised $46 million in 1992 to develop RMPs(Tm). Alkermes has the option to purchase the partnership's technology.

Alkermes is a leader in the development of products based on sophisticated drug delivery technologies. Alkermes' focus is on two of the most valuable drug delivery opportunities: (1) controlled, sustained release of injectable drugs lasting several days to several weeks; and (2) the delivery of drugs into the brain past the blood-brain barrier. In addition to its Cambridge, Massachusetts headquarters, Alkermes operates a manufacturing facility in Ohio and a medical affairs office in Cambridge, England.

CONTACT: Richard F. Pops

Chief Executive Officer

Alkermes, Inc.

[phone]

or

Press Relations:

Thomas A. Pearson

Pearson Communications

[phone]

or

Investor Relations:

Reagan Codner

Burns McClellan

[phone]