NLS Pharma reveals data on different kind of ADHD treatment
pharmafile | May 31, 2017 | News story | Research and Development | NLS Pharma, mazindol
Most treatments for ADHD are stimulants, while the two most common treatments Adderall and Ritalin contain amphetamines. Due to the way the drugs work, the two drugs have a risk of being abused and extended use can lead to dependence. This is why NLS Pharma’s data on its repurposing of an old drug to treat ADHD is particularly interesting – it’s a non-stimulant and it’s showing positive results.
There is no doubt that the two previously mentioned drugs and the broad class of stimulants have their uses in ADHD treatment, especially as they are more effective than non-stimulants, but there is space for other drugs in the area – particularly ones that are not likely to be abused.
Mazindol, the generic drug NLS are developing for use in ADHD, has been around since its development in the 1960’s. It was originally used a weight loss pills but, for reasons unrelated to safety concerns, the drug was pulled from the US market.
NLS has revealed that when used in patients with ADHD, its Phase 2 study found that more than half of patients who received the drug displayed a reduction of over 50% of ADHD symptoms, compared to 15.8% of patients taking placebo treatment. The trial found that the drug began to take effect on the first week of treatment, which is favourable when compared with other non-stimulant treatments that can take six weeks or more to show effects.
Alex Zwyer, CEO of NLS Pharma, said of the release of data: “This is exciting information that expands the knowledge of the mechanism of action for potentially more effective and safer treatments for ADHD compared to existing standard of care.”
The safer form of action will be the major draw for the drug, given that two thirds of children in the US diagnosed with ADHD are receiving treatment and eligible for the drugs from a young age. Parents and doctors may be swayed towards trying a non-stimulant form of treatment if it is seen as being a safer alternative to standard treatments.
The trial found that mazindol raised levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two targets of ADHD treatment that can work to improve attention. It was also found to play a role in releasing orexin, which regulates the body’s sleep and wake cycle. For those with ADHD, sleeping at night due to over activity of the brain can cause difficulties sleeping and then trouble concentrating the next day.
This potentially opens up the drug for further uses beyond ADHD and points towards the form of action that is benefitting those living with ADHD.
Ben Hargreaves
