Novel Pharmacological Treatments for Pediatric ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research on new medications for ADHD in children and adolescents is ongoing, with some studies looking at how existing medications work and others exploring newer options. While the development process for pediatric medications is complex, research suggests that new treatments like viloxazine extended-release capsules are emerging. However, much of the research on truly novel pharmacological agents with direct clinical trial results and their specific promise is limited or still in early stages.

Key findings

• Viloxazine extended-release capsules are being explored as a newer treatment option for ADHD in children and adolescents.
• The drug development process for medications designed for children has specific regulations and guidance, as exemplified by the review of atomoxetine.
• Computational models are being used to understand how existing ADHD medications like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate work in virtual patient populations.
• A pilot study is underway to compare different behavioral interventions, including sleep strategies, for preschool children at risk of ADHD, though this focuses on non-pharmacological approaches.

Studies cited (3)

1. Drug development process for a product with a primary pediatric indication — Allen AJ, Michelson D (2002, The Journal of clinical psychiatry, review)

   This article reviews the drug development process in the United States, focusing on practical issues and new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and guidance for developing a drug with a primary pediatric indication. Atomoxetine, a novel treatment for attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is used to illustrate how the modern drug development process works and to highlight changes in the development of ADHD treatments since the introduction of the stimulants over 50 years ago. In addition to dealing with unique regulatory requirements and guidance, developing a drug

2. Viloxazine extended-release capsules as an emerging treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents — Maletic V, Mattingly GW, Earnest J (2024, Expert review of neurotherapeutics, other)

   DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2327533

3. In silico clinical trial evaluating lisdexamfetamine's and methylphenidate's mechanism of action computational models in an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder virtual patients' population — Gutiérrez-Casares JR, Quintero J, Segú-Vergés C (2023, Frontiers in psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.939650 PMCID: PMC10273406