Results from two Phase III studies of nalmefene for alcohol dependence showed that some alcoholics really can quit any time they want. Nalmefene is a small-molecule opioid receptor antagonist that reduces an alcohol-dependent person's desire to drink. A unique feature of the drug in that therapeutic category is that abstinence from alcohol is not necessary for treatment success. Nalmefene is being developed by Biotie Therapies Corp., of Turku, Finland, and is licensed to H. Lundbeck A/S, of Copenhagen, Denmark.