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A Review of the Delivery Technologies used in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Stimulant Medications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2025

Andrew J Cutler
Affiliation:
1SUNY Upstate Medical University, Lakewood Ranch, FL
Jacob Hanaie
Affiliation:
2Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital & Community Mental Health Center and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Abstract

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Introduction

Multiple pharmaceutical technologies have been developed over the years and applied in the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment space. While the base drugs are either the same or similar, these technologies lead to differences in the medications’ properties – including mechanism of release, timing of active drug release, and pharmacokinetic profiles. The technology differences also bring up clinical considerations applicable to patients, including delayed- or extended-release properties so that once daily dosing can be achieved.

This review seeks to make side-by-side comparisons of the technical features of the different technologies used in ADHD medications, not an efficacy comparison. The publication will focus on stimulant medications that use methylphenidate or amphetamine formulations. Gaining an understanding of the technologies’ properties and their implications will help clinicians to make more informed decisions when developing their patients’ treatment plans to fit their individual needs, and potentially improve adherence.

Methods

Sources including published literature, company websites, filed patents, and prescribing information were reviewed to extract data on the technology used for different ADHD medications. The comparison of the technology in ADHD medications included the drug delivery system, mechanism of drug release, and technology components such as use of resins, beads, complexes, coating or layers. Special considerations that come from these properties were elucidated and framed into a broader clinical context.

Results

Although the medications evaluated were all stimulants containing methylphenidate or amphetamine as the active ingredient, they vary significantly in the technology used to deliver medication to patients. Differences in the technologies used to deliver the stimulants are significant and provide the platform to meet individual patient needs. This side-by-side comparison, describing the specific features and benefits of each technology, will better inform prescribers, leading to better treatment of patients’ ADHD.

Conclusions

Clarifying the technologies available among ADHD pharmacotherapies and discussing their implications on patient care may help healthcare professionals better understand the treatment landscape and assist them in clinical decision-making for appropriate ADHD treatment. Knowledge of the mechanism of the technology could improve patients’ medication adherence. Additionally, understanding the applications of the technology could also benefit research and clinical programs.

Funding

Tris Pharma

Type
Abstracts
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press