The ADHD Challenge: Understanding Its Impact

ADHD is a chronic condition that affects approximately 15.5 million adults in the United States alone. It is characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can severely hinder daily functioning across social and professional domains. As Dr. Gregory Mattingly, president of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders, notes, "ADHD substantially impairs social, academic, and occupational functioning, thereby decreasing quality of life and increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality."

A New Hope in ADHD Treatment: Solriamfetol

The Phase 3 FOCUS trial evaluated solriamfetol, originally designed to treat excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea. This medication functions differently from conventional stimulants: it acts as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI) and influences specific receptor systems in the brain, potentially reducing ADHD symptoms more effectively without the adverse effects associated with traditional treatments.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Solriamfetol?

Excitingly, the FOCUS trial not only highlighted symptom reduction but also showed improved overall ADHD severity ratings. However, while the 300 mg dose had some benefits, it didn't reach statistical significance, suggesting that the 150 mg dose may be the sweet spot.

A Promising Future for ADHD Treatments

While other non-stimulant options such as Supernus' Qelbree (viloxazine) have shown potential, solriamfetol's unique mechanism and promising clinical results could offer an alternative with fewer side effects. As Dr. Herriot Tabuteau, CEO of Axsome Therapeutics, states, "ADHD is a serious, heterogeneous, and prevalent condition. We are eager to develop solriamfetol as a differentiated treatment for the millions living with this disorder."