A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, 3-parallel-group Comparison Trial to Investigate the Effect of Nalmefene on Alcohol Consumption Reduction in Patients With Alcohol Dependence (Phase 3 Trial)

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, 3-parallel-group Comparison Trial to Investigate the Effect of Nalmefene on Alcohol Consumption Reduction in Patients With Alcohol Dependence (Phase 3 Trial)

The efficacy, safety, and dose-response of nalmefene hydrochloride at 10 mg and 20 mg in patients with alcohol dependence will be evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-parallel-group comparative trial. The superiority of nalmefene hydrochloride at 20 mg to placebo will be verified in terms of reduction of alcohol consumption.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Japanese males and females aged 20 or above who have signed the informed consent form
• The patient has alcohol dependence, diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and confirmed by Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview (M. I. N. I.)
• The patient has a drinking risk level of High or above (> 60 g for men and > 40 g for women) both at the Screening Visit and at the Randomization Visit .

Exclusion Criteria:

• The patient with a current diagnosis or history of substance use disorders (except for alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine), according to DSM-IV-TR and confirmed by M. I. N. I.
• The patient has reported current use of, or has tested positive for, drugs of abuse (opiates, methadone, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates) at the screening test