Alkermes CMO Buys 5,000 Shares at Record Low, Betting on Breakthrough Therapy Boom

Insider Activity at Alkermes: What the Latest Deal Signals

Alkermes PLC’s most recent filing shows Chief Medical Officer and EVP of R&D, Craig C. Hopkinson, exercising a 10 b‑year‑plan option to buy 5,000 ordinary shares at $19.34 on 8 January 2026. The transaction, valued at $96,700, was executed at a price only 0.01 % above the closing level of $29.36. While the purchase amount is modest relative to the company’s $4.75 billion market cap, the fact that it was made under a Rule 10b‑5 plan indicates a pre‑set schedule rather than a reaction to recent news. Still, the timing—just days after a surge in social‑media buzz (≈11 %) and a slight negative sentiment score of –10—suggests that insiders may be positioning for a short‑term upside as the company’s Breakthrough Therapy designation for alixorexton drives interest.

What This Means for Investors

Historically, Hopkinson’s trading pattern has been a mix of buys and sells with a net loss of shares. Since mid‑October 2025 he has sold roughly 48 % of the shares he owns, while buying about 30 % during the same period. The most recent sale on 3 December 2025 of 3,748 shares at $30.00 (average price) and a corresponding buy of the same number at $19.34 illustrates a swing that could reflect market‑timing or plan‑driven discipline. For shareholders, the pattern signals that the CMO is not shying away from divesting when the price is high, but also not fully liquidating when it falls. The 10‑b‑plan buy today may be viewed as a “buy the dip” bet, implying confidence in the company’s near‑term catalyst—namely the FDA’s accelerated pathway for alixorexton and the broader pipeline potential for CNS disorders.

Profile of Craig C. Hopkinson

Hopkinson, the EVP of R&D and Chief Medical Officer, has been an active insider for over a year. His most frequent transaction type is ordinary‑share purchase via 10b‑5 plans, with the largest single purchase of 5,000 shares in November 2025. He has also exercised employee stock options, selling 5,000 rights in November 2025 and 3,748 in December 2025. His net holdings, currently 61,740 shares, represent approximately 1.3 % of the outstanding shares—an ownership level that provides both influence and exposure. The pattern of alternating sales at high prices with purchases at lower levels indicates a pragmatic approach: capitalizing on market peaks while maintaining a long‑term stake that aligns with his role in driving product development.

Looking Ahead

Alkermes is navigating a pivotal moment. The Breakthrough Therapy designation for alixorexton could accelerate its launch and revenue streams, potentially increasing the stock’s upside. Insiders’ activity—especially the recent 10 b‑plan buy—suggests that key executives are positioning themselves for that upside while maintaining a disciplined, plan‑based approach. For investors, the combination of a rising market (5.45 % annual gain, 4.78 % weekly) and insider confidence offers a cautiously optimistic outlook. However, the sector remains volatile, and the company’s focus on CNS therapeutics carries inherent development risk. As the FDA review progresses and clinical milestones are met, watch for further insider trades that could signal shifts in confidence or strategy.