Alkermes in agreement with Johnson & Johnson unit to sell naltrexone in Russia

Alkermes Inc. Monday said it entered into an exclusive agreement with a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson to commercialize its naltrexone extended-release injectable suspension drug in Russia and other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States.Vivitrol is used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence.Under the terms of the agreement, Cilag GmbH International, a unit of Johnson & Johnson, plans to make an upfront payment of $5 million to Alkermes. It also will pay up to an additional $34 million upon the meeting of certain milestones, including regulatory approval, certain agreed-upon events, and sales levels for Vivitrol.Cilag has primary responsibility for filing the new drug application in Russia and the other territories. Alkermes will be responsible for manufacturing the drug, in return for manufacturing revenue and the sales royalty.