Cephalon’s Sparlon shown to significantly improve ADHD symptoms

The drug Sparlon has been found to improve symptoms of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents and children, Cephalon said on Monday.

The double-blind nine-week long study looked at 248 children and adolescents with ADHD. Patients who were given Sparlon showed a significant improvement in their symptoms, compared to those given placebo. The individuals’ behaviour was rated by their teachers and physicians.

The study also found that Sparlon was tolerated well, and that adverse problems were not significant when compared to those on the placebo. Side effects included insomnia, a smaller appetite and a headache.

“In this study, children and adolescents treated with once-daily Sparlon showed improvement in ADHD symptoms, including inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, both at school and at home,” said Joseph Biederman, of Harvard Medical School and a lead investigator in the trial.

Sparlon is a form of modafinil, which was previously used in the sleep drug Provigil, used to aid sufferers of narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea.

Cephalon said that it hopes the drug will be available, following FDA approval, in early 2006.

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