hit counter

14 New ADHD Medications In the Pipeline (2015)

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a condition characterized by inability to concentrate and often comorbid hyperactive behaviors.  It is considered the most common psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents (affecting approximately 5%) and is fairly common among adults (affecting approximately 4%).  Individuals with ADHD may face serious difficulties completing projects, studying at school, holding a steady job, or even maintaining social relationships.

There are many potential causes of ADHD, some of which are likely endogenous such as: genetics and brain anatomy.  That said, there are also often exogenous factors such as: an unhealthy diet, improper sleep, poor parenting, lack of exercise, and brain injuries – that can often manifest ADHD symptoms.  Regardless of whether a person’s ADHD is primarily uncontrollable as a result of genetics or is caused by poor lifestyle choices – individuals will continue to seek out potent pharmacological treatments to manage symptoms.

Most pharmacological interventions such as mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are fast-acting, highly effective, and function by stimulating increases in dopamine (and norepinephrine) in the prefrontal cortex; this aids in focus and attenuates hyperactivity.  While many current-market drugs are effective for ADHD, many carry risks of dependence, rapid-onset of tolerance, and debilitating discontinuation symptoms.  For this reason, pharmaceutical companies are working to create safer, more effective medications.

New ADHD Medications In the Pipeline (2015)

Included below is a list of drugs in the pipeline for the treatment of ADHD.  Understand that many have novel mechanisms of action, while others are merely modifications or subtle tweaks of current-market medications.  Additionally, there are several new technologies that have been implemented to improve upon drug administration and/or to minimize likelihood of abuse.

  1. AR-08

  • Mechanism: Adrenergic receptor agonist
  • Company: Arbor Pharmaceuticals
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials

AR-08 is a drug under development by Arbor Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of ADHD among children and adolescents (between ages 6 and 17 years).  While its exact mechanism of action hasn’t been made publicly available, it is known that AR-08 functions as an adrenergic receptor agonist.  In other words, it stimulates specific receptors of norepinephrine, leading to increased psychomotor activation.

Stimulating the noradrenergic system is considered effective for the treatment of ADHD, and minimizes the abuse potential associated with psychostimulants that utilize amphetamines and/or methylphenidate as an active ingredient.  It is suspected that this drug will not significantly influence neurotransmission of dopamine, thereby minimizing likelihood of abuse or dependence.  Should AR-08 advance through clinical trials and attain FDA approval, it will serve as yet another nonstimulant treatment option for ADHD.

The drug was previously investigated for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, but the trial was terminated.  At this point, Arbor Pharmaceuticals has shifted most of their efforts towards getting the drug approved for individuals with ADHD.  Expect more information to surface about AR-08 if it advances to Phase III of clinical trials.

  • Source: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01876719
  1. ATS (Dexamfetamine Transdermal)

  • Mechanism: TAAR1 agonist / DRI
  • Company: Noven Pharmaceuticals
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials

ATS is a formulation of dexamfetamine intended for transdermal administration.  It is under development by Noven Pharmaceuticals based in Miami, Florida – and is currently in Phase II clinical trials.  This would provide those who respond well to dextroamphetamine (the dextrorotatory enantiomer of amphetamine) with another modality of administration.

Chances are that some individuals would prefer the novelty of a skin patch as opposed to popping a pill.  It is possible that a skin patch will minimize the likelihood of abuse due to the fact that it cannot be insufflated.  For this reason, doctors may prefer to prescribe ATS over tablet or pill-based formulations of dextroamphetamine.

The company already had a patch formulation of methylphenidate approved by the FDA called Daytrana.  The Daytrana patch is approved for usage in children between the ages of 6 and 17.  Since the company already has a patch-based ADHD medication on the market, it likely knows how to format the delivery of these patches to maximize safety and maintain efficacy.  It seems as if it’s just a matter of time before ATS (dexamfetamine patch) advances through clinical trials and gets FDA approval.

  • Source: http://www.noven.com/product-development.php
  1. Dasotraline (SEP-225289)

  • Mechanism: Triple reuptake inhibitor
  • Company: Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials

Sunovion Pharmaceuticals is investigating the efficacy of the drug Dasotraline (SEP-225289) for the treatment of adult ADHD.  The drug functions as a triple reuptake inhibitor, increasing extracellular levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.  Due to its ability to simultaneously increase three core monoamines, many suspected that the drug would be tested as a novel antidepressant.

However, it appears as though the drug has a significantly greater affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) than the serotonin transporter (SERT).  For this reason, researchers suspected that it would likely be better suited for the treatment of attentional deficits than depressive symptoms.   It is also suggested that the drug is a potent inhibitor of norepinephrine transporters (NET) and affects levels of norepinephrine to a greater extent than serotonin.

A 4-week trial documented significant reduction in ADHD symptoms when participants took Dasotraline compared to a placebo.  Various side effects associated with this drug included appetite reduction, dry mouth, insomnia, and nausea.  Although the drug is in Phase II clinical trials, preliminary evidence suggests that it is effective and well-tolerated – especially at lower doses.

Note: It remains unclear as to whether this drug will be clinically assessed for its efficacy as an antidepressant.

  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21680689
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25948101
  1. EB-1020

  • Mechanism: Triple reuptake inhibitor (NDSRI)
  • Company: Euthymics Biosciences
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials

EB-1020 is a novel drug in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of ADHD.  It is under development by Neurovance, a spinout from Euthymics Biosciences.  The drug is intended to function as a non-stimulant, acting as a triple reuptake inhibitor – preventing the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

This mechanism is much like many current-market antidepressants, as well as other antidepressants in development.  The company responsible for its development, Neurovance, was also the developer of the popular non-stimulant drug Strattera (Atomoxetine) which functions as an NRI (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor).  EB-1020 appears to inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine to the greatest extent, followed by dopamine, and elicits less of an effect on serotonin.

Specifically, it affects norepinephrine nearly 6-fold compared to dopamine, and approximately 14-fold compared to serotonin.  Dopamine is inhibited over double the extent of serotonin, meaning the drug could be classified as an NDSRI (norepinephrine-dopamine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor).  This differs significantly from triple reuptake inhibitors under development for depression which affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine at an approximate 1:2:6 ratio.

  • Source: http://euthymics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/White-Paper-EB1020-092612.pdf
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22298359
  1. Edivoxetine

  • Mechanism: NRI
  • Company: Eli Lilly
  • Status: Phase III clinical trials

Edivoxetine (LY-2216684) is a drug under development by Eli Lilly for the treatment of ADHD.  The drug had previously undergone clinical trials as an adjunct treatment for depression, showing significant promise in early phases, but ultimately failed to get FDA approval in 2012.  The drug functions primarily as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, increasing extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine.

It is known that individuals with ADHD often benefit from increasing norepinephrine – as evidenced by the efficacy of non-stimulant drug Strattera.  Edivoxetine would serve as another non-stimulant ADHD medication.  Some reported side effects associated with the drug include: headaches, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and insomnia – all of which are common with other norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

A trial published in 2014 compared Edivoxetine to a placebo over the course of 8-weeks among children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.  Results suggested that the drug significantly improved symptoms of ADHD compared to the placebo; findings were consistent with previous research suggesting benefit from Edivoxetine for the treatment of ADHD among pediatric patients.  Approval of this drug would provide individuals with another viable non-stimulant option for symptom management.

  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24840045
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22849510
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23607409
  1. Eltoprazine

  • Mechanism: 5-HT1A/1B partial agonist
  • Company: Amarantus Bioscience
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials

Eltoprazine is a drug that was originally developed by Solvay Pharmaceuticals as an antiaggressive agent.  It is classified as a phenylpiperazine drug and was intended to be used as a serenic agent, attenuating aggressive behaviors and impulses.  Solvay eventually merged with Abbott Pharmaceuticals, who then licensed out Eltoprazine to PsychoGenics, who continued to the game of hot potato, giving licensing rights to Amarantus Bioscience.

The drug functions primarily as a 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B partial agonist, but acts as a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist.  It is primarily under investigation for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia as a result of Parkinson’s disease, but is also in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of adult ADHD.  Thus far, the drug is considered safe, well-tolerated, and has been tested in nearly 700 humans.

Due to its mechanism of action as an antiaggressive agent, it could be suspected that Eltoprazine would be more effective for the treatment of hyperactivity than inattentiveness.  However, preliminary evidence suggests that it is significantly effective for the treatment of inattentiveness and hyperactivity when compared to a placebo.  This could be another promising non-stimulant intervention for ADHD, though it remains unclear as to how targeting serotonergic receptors improves attentiveness.

  • Source: http://www.amarantus.com/therapeutics-pipeline/therapeutics/eltoprazine
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1982626
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2091890
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21548716
  1. HLD-200 (Methylphenidate Modified Release)

  • Mechanism: DAT/NET reuptake inhibitor
  • Company: Highland Therapeutics / Ironshore Pharmaceuticals
  • Status: Phase III clinical trials

HLD-200 is a newly formulated version of methylphenidate under co-development by Highland Therapeutics and Ironshore Pharmaceuticals.  The drug uses Ironshore’s delivery platform dubbed “DELEXIS” technology, allowing it to be administered at nighttime rather than during the morning.  The idea behind taking the drug prior to sleep is to experience symptomatic control immediately upon waking, rather than taking a pill and waiting for it to “kick in.”

This drug would provide symptomatic relief throughout the entire day up until bedtime, in which another dose could be administered for the next day.  The DELEXIS technology has shown promise in early stages of clinical trials and Phase III results are expected in 2016.  Since the active ingredient is methylphenidate, the drug functions by inhibiting the reuptake of the dopamine transporters (DAT) and norepinephrine transporters (NET); thereby increasing extracellular levels of these neurotransmitters.

It is unclear as to whether this nighttime dosing will interfere with and/or disrupt sleep.  As more information surfaces, we will get a better understanding of whether the drug is released during sleep, how many hours it takes for the drug to “kick in,” and whether it is solely intended for pediatric and adolescent usage.  Assuming this “DELEXIS” technology doesn’t disrupt sleep, nighttime administration may have some advantages.

  • Source: http://www.highlandtherapeutics.com/products.html
  • Source: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02493777
  1. HLD-100 (Amphetamine Modified Release)

  • Mechanism: TAAR1 agonist / DRI
  • Company: Highland Therapeutics / Ironshore Pharmaceuticals
  • Status: Phase I clinical trials

Like HLD-200, the drug HLD-100 is a repackaged version of another drug that utilizes DELEXIS technology for nighttime administration.  Unlike HLD-200 which contains methylphenidate as an active ingredient, HLD-100 contains amphetamine.  It is meant to be administered prior to falling asleep so that individuals experience symptomatic relief immediately upon waking.

The company Highland Therapeutics believes that remembering to take a medication in the morning is stressful and often a hassle.  They believe that it is relatively easy to remember to take a pill prior to bed.  The idea is to provide individuals with ADHD symptom reduction from the moment they wake, until bedtime.

Due to the fact that HLD-100 is in early stage trials, it is unclear as to whether taking the drug prior to bed could disrupt sleep, particularly deep sleep.  Assuming HLD-200 is eventually approved by the FDA, it is likely that the company will make a bigger push to get HLD-100 through clinical trials.

  • Source: http://www.highlandtherapeutics.com/products.html
  1. Metadoxine ER

  • Mechanism: 5-HT2B selective agonist / GABA modulator
  • Company: Alcobra Pharma
  • Status: Phase III clinical trials

Metadoxine is a drug primarily used to treat alcohol intoxication, but has also demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of ADHD.  Alcobra Pharma is currently conducting a Phase III clinical trial to test the efficacy of Metadoxine ER (extended-release) for the treatment of adult ADHD.  The drug is unique to other ADHD medications in that it is comprised of an ion pair salt of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and L-Pyroglutamate.

The drug functions as a 5-HT2B selective agonist and has a high affinity for the GABA transporter, thereby preventing GABA degradation.  Its mechanism of action is novel in that it doesn’t significantly alter monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine).  It solely acts on the 5-HT2B receptor as an agonist, and modulates GABA.

In animal research, administration of Metadoxine resulted in enhancement of cognitive function.  The extended-release Metadoxine developed by Alcobra will combine immediate-release and slow release formulas within one pill.  Evidence from clinical trials suggest that Metadoxine is effective for the treatment of adult ADHD, and perhaps most effective for those with the inattentive ADHD subtype.

  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23933905
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25295645
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23290324
  1. NT-0102 (Methylphenidate ODT)

  • Mechanism: DAT/NET reuptake inhibitor
  • Company: Neos Therapeutics
  • Status: FDA approval (pending)

A company based in Grand Prairie, Texas known as Neos Therapeutics is revising the delivery of methylphenitate.  Their aim is to develop an extended release version of methylphenidate in the form of an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that uses RDIM (Rapidly Disintegrating Ionic Masking) technology.  An orally disintegrating tablet is thought to be advantageous over standard methylphenidate pills in that users will not need to worry about “swallowing” the pill with a liquid.

To get an entire dosage of methylphenidate XR, all that’s necessary is to place the NT-0102 tablet inside the mouth.  The tablet dissolves quickly, and the drug takes effect the same way as any other methylphenidate.  NT0102 has already advanced through clinical trials and has proven efficacy, safety, and tolerability comparable to other FDA approved methylphenidate-based drugs.

It should be suspected that users may prefer the novelty of using an orally disintegrating tablet rather than swallowing a pill.  However, if the cost of NT-0102 is high and there aren’t any distinct advantages associated with taking a disintegrating tablet other than the novelty of administration, it may not be widely utilized.  That said, the formulation of NT-0102 is pending FDA approval and will likely be available within the next year.

  • Source: http://www.neostx.com/product-pipeline/
  1. NT-0202 (Amphetamine ODT)

  • Mechanism: TAAR1 agonist / DRI
  • Company: Neos Therapeutics
  • Status: FDA approval (pending)

Neos Therapeutics has also developed an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that incorporates RDIM (Rapidly Disintegrating Ionic Masking) technology to deliver amphetamine as an active ingredient.  Users will be able to simply place the NT-0202 tablet in their mouth, wait for the drug to disintegrate, and ultimately take effect.  Clinical trials suggest that the plasma concentration profile of NT-0202 appears to be similar to current-market, orally swallowed amphetamine-based drugs.

Due to the fact that NT-0202 has already advanced through clinical trials and is pending FDA approval, it appears as though the RDIM technology is safe, effective, and well-tolerated.  Neos Therapeutics expects RDIM technology to revolutionize drug delivery, particularly for ADHD medications in which most necessitate swallowing of the pill.  Perhaps one potential advantage of NT-0202 compared to standard amphetamines is that users will be less likely to choke during oral administration due to the fast disintegration process.

It could also be speculated that a disintegrating tablet may eliminate the likelihood of insufflation, a popular modality of administration among those looking to abuse amphetamines.  Many users of amphetamine-based drugs resort to insufflation (e.g. snorting Adderall) due to the fact that it packs a more potent punch than oral administration.  That said, it remains unclear as to whether the disintegration is limited to oral ingestion or whether these tablets could be abused via intranasal disintegration.

Moreover, if amphetamines with RDIM technology are substantially more expensive than other similar drugs on the market, many users may not find the novelty of disintegration worth the extra costs.

  • Source: http://www.neostx.com/product-pipeline/
  1. ORADUR® Methylphenidate SR

  • Mechanism: DAT/NET reuptake inhibitor
  • Company: DURECT
  • Status: Phase I clinical trials

DURECT is a company that has devised a new technology called “ORADUR” which is able to convert short-acting oral capsule dosages into sustained release products.  ORADUR is unique in that it is able to facilitate adequate delivery of drugs while simultaneously eliminating the potential for abuse via non-medically approved modalities of administration (e.g. insufflation).  This technology has already been employed by Pfizer to remodel the drug Oxycodone into what is known as “Remoxy.”

DURECT has been working with Orient Pharma to create a sustained-release version of Methylphenidate with ORADUR technology.  This would provide a full day’s worth of methylphenidate without potential for misuse and abuse.  Psychiatrists and medical professionals alike may prefer prescribing drugs with ORADUR technology to prevent patients from crushing, extracting, and/or tampering with some of the most addictive drugs – particularly psychostimulants.

If a patient tried to insufflate or inject ORADUR-enhanced methylphenidate, they wouldn’t derive a significant “high” like they would with other methylphenidate-based drugs.   This would help ensure that those who are prescribed controlled-substances take them as directed.  Although ORADUR-enhanced methylphenidate is only in Phase I clinical trials, the technology has already proven efficacious with other drugs, meaning it is likely just a matter of time before ORADUR-enhanced methylphenidate is approved.

  • Source: http://www.durect.com/pdf/ORADUR_Brochure_July2010.pdf
  1. SPN-810 (Molindone HCl)

  • Mechanism: D2 receptor selective antagonist
  • Company: Supernus Pharmaceuticals
  • Status: Phase III clinical trials

Supernus Pharmaceuticals has taken the old, typical antipsychotic Molindone and repackaged it as chemical “SPN-810.”  It is being tested (in Phase III clinical trials) for the specific treatment of “impulsive aggression” associated with ADHD.  Therefore, this drug wouldn’t be used as a first-line treatment to manage the entire spectrum of ADHD symptoms, rather it would be used as an adjunct for those with a significant degree of impulsive aggression.

The drug is considered an “indole-derivative” and is most commonly used to treat psychotic symptoms and occasionally aggressive behavior associated with conduct disorders.  It is thought to function primarily as a selective D2 receptor antagonist to minimize aggression, hyperactivity, and psychotic symptoms.  It also has a moderate affinity for cholinergic and adrenergic receptors, with a low affinity for D1 receptors.

Perhaps the most appealing difference between Molindone and other antipsychotics is the fact that its usage is associated with weight loss (as opposed to significant weight gain).  Those with significant impulsive aggression stemming from ADHD may find Molindone useful – should it get approval.  However, the potential risks associated with using a typical antipsychotic (particularly over a long-term) solely to manage impulsive aggression may not justify the therapeutic benefit for most users.

  • Source: https://www.supernus.com/psychiatry-portfolio
  1. SPN-812

  • Mechanism: NRI
  • Company: Supernus Pharmaceuticals
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials

SPN-812 is a drug under development by Supernus Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of ADHD.  The developers have stated that SPN-812 contains an active ingredient that has been “thoroughly tested throughout Europe” as an antidepressant.  The drug functions as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), meaning it is considered a nonstimulant drug with minimal potential for abuse and dependence.

Developers of SPN-812 suspect that it will have a favorable side effect profile compared to other [currently available] nonstimulant ADHD medications.  Early stage clinical trials suggest that the drug is safe, well-tolerated, and clinically effective for the management of ADHD.  Phase II(a) clinical trials of SPN-812 demonstrated efficacy of symptom reduction among adults diagnosed with ADHD – compared to a placebo.

It should be mentioned that Supernus Pharmaceuticals is simultaneously testing the active ingredient of SPN-812 under the drug “SPN-809” for the treatment of depression.  Therefore it could be suspected that SPN-812 may attenuate ADHD symptoms, while simultaneously ameliorating depressive moods.  The drug may be particularly effective among those that respond well to norepinephrine increases.

  • Source: https://www.supernus.com/psychiatry-portfolio

New ADHD Medications in the Pipeline: A Discussion of Novelty

It is relatively difficult to determine which ADHD medications in the development pipeline have the most promise.  Most drugs in development are either: slightly tweaked versions of currently available drugs or have similar mechanisms of action to currently available medications.  Many drugs in the pipeline are merely reengineered versions of amphetamines and methylphenidate.

That said, some of these reformats are quite impressive, allowing for alternative modalities of administration or delivery.  For example, the drug ATS is a version of dextroamphetamine being manufactured as a transdermal patch – and is currently in Phase II clinical trials.  A transdermal patch may help minimize likelihood of misuse and abuse associated with amphetamines.

A version of methylphenidate sustained-release (SR) being developed by DURECT incorporates ORADUR technology which prevents potential for abuse.  The ORADUR technology renders the drug useless following acts of tampering such as crushing (for insufflation) or water extraction (for injection).  The company Neos Therapeutics has two drugs (one methylphenidate-based, the other amphetamine-based) in the form of orally disintegrating tablets pending FDA approval.

The orally disintegrating tablets are meant to be placed inside the mouth and do not necessitate swallowing.  This novel modality of administration may be effective for minimizing likelihood of abuse or misuse.  Finally, another technology called DELEXIS is enhancing methylphenidate and amphetamine based compounds so that they can be administered at night.

The DELEXIS technology allows the drugs to be taken at night (for the sake of convenience) so that users don’t need to worry about taking their medications in the morning.  In addition, users will experience ADHD symptom reduction immediately upon waking.  Some believe that this technology will be especially useful for children and adolescents – during which the morning ritual of taking a medication is often a hassle.

Other than repackaged versions of methylphenidate and amphetamine (with novel drug delivery systems), there are some drugs in the pipeline with novel mechanisms of action.  There are two triple reuptake inhibitors, namely: Dasotraline (SEP-225289) and EB-1020 – both of which are in Phase II clinical trials.  Dasotraline is thought to affect dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (in that order), whereas EB-1020 is thought to affect norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin (in that order).

It could be suspected that both of these triple reuptake inhibitors may have therapeutic potential as antidepressants, particularly among individuals with dopaminergic or noradrenergic depressive subtypes.  Various non-stimulant drugs in development include: AR-08, Edivoxetine, Eltoprazine, Metadoxine ER, SPN-810, and SPN-812.  Drugs that will act as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors include: SPN-812 and Edivoxetine.

Edivoxetine is already in Phase III clinical trials, and SPN-812 is in Phase II clinical trials – but has already been extensively evaluated in Europe.  In fact, the active ingredient in SPN-812 is thought to have robust antidepressant properties.  AR-08 affects the noradrenergic system, but instead of acting as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, it will function as a noradrenergic receptor agonist.

The serotonergic drug Eltoprazine acts as a partial agonist of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors, minimizing aggression and simultaneously improving attentiveness.  The drug Metadoxine offers another unique mechanism of action as a 5-HT2B agonist and GABA modulator for treating ADHD symptoms.  Finally, the drug Molindone HCl (SPN-810) is effective for specifically treating impulsive aggression, for which it has received “fast track designation” by the FDA.

It functions as a D2 receptor selective agonist, but may have deleterious long-term implications (e.g. tardive dyskinesia).  Due to the fact that antipsychotics cause brain volume loss and are dangerous psychiatric drugs, the approval of SPN-810 to combat impulsive aggression may have unfavorable consequences for long-term users.

Which new ADHD medications are you most excited about?

In my past, I’ve utilized several ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, etc.) primarily for the treatment of inattentiveness.  My psychiatrist has reassured me that these drugs are highly effective and safe over the long-term.  While the idea of abuse has never appealed to me, individuals with abuse and/or dependence issues may derive significant benefit from the newer technologies designed to minimize misuse.

I’m most excited about the dopaminergic-dominant triple reuptake inhibitor Dasotraline – especially since it may also improve depression.  I’m also fairly excited to learn what the active ingredient is within SPN-812, mostly due to the fact that it is reportedly effective for depression.  Furthermore, despite the fact that AR-08 is intended for usage among children and adolescents, its mechanism as an adrenergic agonist is appealing to me.

Assuming you’ve read this article or know of other new ADHD drugs in the pipeline, feel free to share which medication(s) you’re most excited about.  Discuss why the development of a certain drug (or drugs) is appealing to you.  Also feel free to mention which technology you consider most favorable for the engineering of new drugs: ORADUR, DELEXIS, and RDIM (ODT).

Related Posts:

MHD News (100% Free)

* indicates required

2 thoughts on “14 New ADHD Medications In the Pipeline (2015)”

  1. It’s been awhile since you have made this content. I just wanted to say this have me hope that since the removal of cylert from the market in 06 there may be options in the future that could work. Again I thank you for the effort put into this.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.