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Despite Praise, Alcoholism Drug Meets Resistance

Despite a litany of similar testimonials about its effectiveness, a drug called Vivitrol that reduces the craving for alcohol has largely been a commercial flop. The reasons are varied. Many alcohol treatment programs resist using drugs; some doctors contend Vivitrol doesn't work for most patients; and it's expensive -- $800 a month, writes Todd Wallack.

There are about 8 million alcoholics in the U.S., according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, but only a few thousand are using Vivitrol nearly three years after it went on the market. Manufacturer Alkermes recently predicted it would generate no more than $24 million in sales for this fiscal year.

A major challenge facing Alkermes is that alcohol treatment programs historically have relied more on counseling and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. AA doesn't have an official opinion on Vivitrol or other drugs. Alkermes says it recommends Vivitrol to supplement -- not replace -- counseling. But it also acknowledges it must change long-held ideas about treating alcoholism. "When you develop a new market, it takes time," says Jim Frates, the company's CFO.

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