Neurovance Reports Positive Phase 2 Results For Non-Stimulant ADHD Drug

Neuroscience-focused clinical stage company Neurovance reported positive results from the Phase IIA pilot study of its non-stimulant drug for ADHD, EB-1020 SR, in adult male patients with all ADHD subtypes.

EB-1020 SR is a norepinephrine and dopamine preferring triple reuptake inhibitor. The pilot study assessed EB-1020 SR as a novel non-stimulant treatment option for the adult form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Trial data revealed that the drug showed a statistically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in patients. The investigational treatment also appears to be well tolerated at pre-determined doses. According to the company, EB-1020 SR could be the first among non-stimulants to challenge stimulant treatments for broad use in ADHD if trial results could be replicated in bigger trials.

ADHD is a serious medical condition implicated in higher rates of car crashes, incarceration, unemployment, and unwanted pregnancies. The impulsivity linked with ADHD is associated with psychiatric disorders including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and substance use. The market for adult ADHD prescription in the U.S. is estimated to be larger than that for children, according to the latest data from IMS Health.

Anthony A. McKinney, President and CEO of Neurovance, said that the company’s lead drug candidate has the potential to be just as effective as traditionally used stimulants for the disease. “This is important because stimulants are the most effective medications used to treat ADHD today, yet they carry a risk of abuse and diversion. Evidence in validated animal models suggests that EB-1020 SR carries less risk of reward. We are now moving ahead with a human abuse liability study to evaluate whether EB-1020 demonstrates less risk of abuse or diversion than the standard dose of d-amphetamine in known stimulant users, and expect results by the fourth quarter of this year.”

The company presented the results of the trials at the Society of Biological Psychiatry’s 69th Annual Scientific Meeting in New York.