Great Science: Orexin’s Applications in ADHD

Hear from Ishani Landry, Alkermes’ Vice President of Clinical Pharmacology and DMPK, as she shares why she is passionate about neuroscience and how her work supports our investigational orexin biology program.

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role at Alkermes.

In my role, I lead teams across Clinical Pharmacology, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), Bioanalytical Sciences and Phase 1 Clinical Operations. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is bringing together talented scientists from different disciplines to solve complex challenges and advance potential new treatments for patients with serious neurological and psychiatric disorders. What drew me to this field more than 25 years ago was a fascination with understanding how scientific discoveries can be transformed into medicines that make a real difference in people's lives. 

Outside of work, I am also a parent, which has deepened my appreciation for how health conditions can impact not only individuals, but those around them. This perspective keeps me grounded and is a daily reminder of why the work we do at Alkermes matters so much.

Q: What motivates you to work in this space and what are you currently most excited about?

I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference for people living with serious chronic disease. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on medicines across several therapeutic areas, but neuroscience has always resonated with me because of the profound impact these conditions can have on patients. Through drug development, we can see years of scientific effort translate into meaningful benefits for patients. It is rewarding to know that the work we do today has the potential to improve lives tomorrow.

What excites me most is that we are still uncovering new insights into the biology of the brain, and those discoveries are creating opportunities to develop more innovative therapies. At Alkermes, we are exploring areas of neuroscience to address unmet patient needs, and I am excited about the potential of orexin biology and how much more we can learn about attention, cognition, motivation and daily functioning.

Q: Can you share some information about your work at Alkermes specific to our Orexin development program?

I serve as the R&D Project Leader for ALKS 7290, an investigational orexin 2 receptor agonist in development for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I help shape the development strategy and partner with cross-functional teams spanning Discovery Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Development, Biostatistics, Regulatory Affairs and others. One of my central responsibilities is integrating insights across disciplines to guide critical development decisions, align teams around common corporate goals and generate evidence to support future development and regulatory milestones.

Working on orexin biology is an opportunity to help pioneer a novel area of neuroscience. It is rewarding to work alongside a talented team committed to advancing innovative therapies for patients with unmet needs.

Q: What interests you most about orexin biology?

What fascinates me about orexin biology is the growing evidence of its broad influence on brain function. While orexin was initially recognized for its role in regulating sleep and wakefulness, emerging research suggests it may also play an important role in attention, cognition, motivation and other functions that are central to daily life.

As a scientist, it is interesting to see how advances in basic biology can open entirely new therapeutic possibilities. Orexin biology is a rapidly evolving field, and I am thrilled to be part of that scientific journey and to help translate new insights into potential new medicines.

Q: What impact can ADHD have on daily functioning?

The impact of ADHD extends beyond attention. Individuals may experience symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, along with challenges in executive functioning, including planning, organization, time management, working memory and self-regulation. Emotional dysregulation can also be a significant part of the condition, affecting how people respond to stress, frustration and everyday demands. 

These difficulties can affect performance and relationships at school, work and home. ADHD can impact overall health and well-being, underscoring the importance of effective treatment approaches that help individuals reduce symptoms and function more successfully in their daily lives.

Q: What have you learned about ADHD in recent years that has surprised you?

What has surprised me most is the complexity and heterogeneity of the condition. When I first learned about ADHD, much of the focus was on inattention and hyperactivity. Today, we recognize that ADHD can also involve challenges with executive functioning, emotional regulation, motivation and cognitive performance.

I have also been struck by how common ADHD is, affecting millions of people, and how many individuals continue to experience its effects into adulthood. ADHD also frequently coexists with conditions such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, which can further complicate patients' lives and treatment journeys.

Listening to patients, families and clinicians has reinforced that ADHD is about much more than attention. Improving outcomes is not only about reducing symptoms. It's about helping people function more effectively, achieve their goals and live fuller, more satisfying lives.