Eddie Martucci’s Post

With the US facing an ongoing Adderall shortage and a rise in ADHD diagnoses, could digital therapeutics (DTx) be the answer? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration recently released a joint statement on the stimulant shortage and acknowledged the potential role DTx could play. In June 2020, the FDA approved marketing for the first game-based, prescription-only DTx device for ADHD, EndeavorRx by Akili. In June 2023, Akili released an over-the-counter version for adults with ADHD which was shown to improve clinical trial participants’ ability to focus by 85%. “I would never suggest that somebody should go off their medication and play this game. If your sole source of treatment for ADHD is something your pharmacist cannot give you, then why wouldn’t you try this?” – Scott Kollins, clinical psychologist and CMO, Akili. Read more on WIRED: https://loom.ly/QW8meAM #digitalhealth #digitaltherapeutics #adhd

WELCOME TO ADHD AWARENESS MONTH! 🧡 And what an excellent start to it. 😡 "A national patient safety alert from the Department of Health and Social Care said the shortages were down to a combination of manufacturing issues and increased global demand, and could last until the end of the year.". https://lnkd.in/dBXyyNG6 Call me cynical, but I'm curious as to whether this is also down to the fact that a generic variant of Vyvanse(US)/ Elvanse(UK) has been given the go ahead by the FDA. See: "London, 31 August 2023 – Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma), the multinational pharmaceutical company, announces it has received FDA approval for and launched its generic version of Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, and 70mg capsules in the US." https://lnkd.in/djueJ3En Create a shortage and the price of the drug goes up due to demand. Makes you wonder who is getting the back handers at the cost of the patients' health and wellbeing? Thus causing further strain on the NHS, waiting times and on those who are awaiting diagnosis. ADHD has a high suicide rate, and this certainly does not help matters when the waiting list for diagnosis was long enough to then have to wait longer for titration. Those in power would know in advance that a controlled drug that thousands of people rely on is due to have restrictions. Yet again, those who have a neurodiverse condition are left to fight and justify their existence in order to get the treatment they deserve, let alone need. It takes months, sometimes years for each patient to work out exactly what works for them if medication is the path they choose. It is not a choice that's taken lightly. But for those who do choose it, it can be a lifeline. My fear is that those with zero understanding of the condition will have the audacity to shout the "addict" trope, when we shout "too loudly" for our basic rights. #ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #Neurodiversity #Change #Leadership #ADHDinWomen

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ONYDA™ XR (clonidine hydrochloride), a once-a-day extended-release oral suspension with nighttime dosing, for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy to approved central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications in pediatric patients six years and older. ONYDA XR is the first non-stimulant ADHD medication in Tris’ portfolio, the first-and-only liquid non-stimulant ADHD medication approved in the United States and the only approved non-stimulant ADHD medication with nighttime dosing. https://lnkd.in/edNsMtHY

📣 We announced this morning that EndeavorRxⓇ, the world’s first and only prescription video game treatment, has been authorized by the FDA for a label expansion that includes pediatric patients with ADHD aged 13-17. This increased age range likely more than doubles the number of pediatric patients with ADHD who are now eligible for EndeavorRx, a critically important option given the ongoing treatment shortage. EndeavorRx continues to be available by prescription for pediatric patients while we work with the FDA on the over-the-counter model for adults. “This latest FDA authorization marks another significant milestone for Akili and the Endeavor products, and more importantly it provides access to adolescents, who have been disproportionately impacted by the ongoing mental health crisis." - Scott Kollins, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Akili. You can see the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eWkdCht9 #ADHD #InnovationInHealthcare #DigitalTherapeutics #TechForGood #MentalHealth #EndeavorRx #EndeavorOTC #DTx #fdaapproval

In this article we explored the reasons behind the ADHD medications shortage, the impact on patients and activity in this space. Multiple factors have impacted on current supplies with 2 factors standing out as common to a number of shortages, manufacturing issues and increased demand. We discuss these issues and more here 👇 Jonathan Silcock The Conversation UK University of Bradford https://lnkd.in/eTTxU4EV

There are many risk factors associated with ADHD… How well does medication mitigate these risk factors? Find out on our latest blog! https://lnkd.in/e7tKpFSZ #adhdmedication #adhdawareness

It’s #DiabetesWeek! We would like to raise awareness, backed by science, and highlight scientific articles from TIMESPAN members. A recent study in renowned journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice examined the effects of ADHD and ADHD treatment on glycemic management in type 1 diabetes. Conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, researchers found that mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher in T1D individuals with ADHD compared to those without ADHD. The rates of suboptimal HbA1c levels, hospitalization, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoglycemia were all substantially higher in T1D individuals with ADHD than those without ADHD. No difference was found in mean HbA1c between those who received ADHD treatment and those who did not. The authors concluded that identifying and addressing ADHD symptoms in T1D can improve glycemic management, and help prevent acute diabetes-related complications. Read the full publication here: https://lnkd.in/d_yTfh3b TIMESPAN members involved: Yanli Zhang-James Stephen Faraone, Ph.D.

🚨 Nationwide ADHD Drug Shortage 🚨 Families across the country are facing a critical ADHD medication shortage, leaving them scrambling for alternatives and facing skyrocketing costs. 🛑 The shortage has forced families into a daunting search for alternatives. Many are left with no choice but to opt for expensive brand-name drugs, intensifying the financial burden on households. 👉 Why the shortage? Finger-pointing between manufacturers and the DEA. Increased production limits, federal controls, and record-high prescription rates are all contributing factors. ⚖️ Regulatory constraints are hindering a quick resolution. Read more about this ongoing problem at: https://ow.ly/92RS50Qo2jO

🌱🧠 A recent Sydney Morning Herald article titled "ADHD Scripts and Diagnoses More Than Double in Five Years," published on October 16, 2023, highlights the significant increase in ADHD diagnoses and medication prescriptions in Australia (source: https://lnkd.in/gmZjKNYM). The article reports: "There were 3.2 million prescriptions for ADHD medication issued to 414,000 Australian patients in 2022, according to a health department briefing published under freedom of information laws. This is a significant increase from 2018 when 1.4 million prescriptions were given to 186,000 people." "Government spending through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme also almost tripled in five years. Last year, $152 million was spent subsidizing the five ADHD medicines listed on the scheme: dexamfetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, guanfacine, and lisdexamfetamine. That was up from $59 million in 2018." This article emphasises the significance of taking a more comprehensive approach to addressing ADHD, particularly in children and adults. While medications like methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin) have been beneficial for many, enhancing concentration, short-term memory, and emotional regulation, it's essential to explore alternative approaches for individuals who cannot tolerate this medication or prefer natural alternatives with established safety profiles. 🌿 It appears that there may be potential for cannabis products in managing conditions like ADHD for both adults and children. The research suggests that cannabis, when used correctly, might provide an alternative or complementary approach to address ADHD symptoms. The Canadian Paediatric Society's recent release on "Medical Cannabis for Children: Evidence and Recommendations," published on October 19, 2023, indicates that there's demonstrated benefit for cannabis use in adults with ADHD. The report also recommends the need for clinical trials to evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of cannabis products for managing paediatric ADHD (source: https://lnkd.in/eMz79bVt). The conversation around ADHD and its management is evolving. We believe that adults and children deserve a personalised and holistic approach to their health, including the option for plant medicine where appropriate. Your thoughts on the ADHD medication surge and the potential for cannabis as an alternative treatment are welcome in the comments. 🗣️ #ADHD #AlternativeTreatments #VizMedicinal #Healthcare

SHPA welcomes the release of the final government report into assessment and support services for people with ADHD. The report's 15 recommendations include three supported by written submission and evidence provided by SHPA representatives Natalie Tasker FANZCAP and Jerry Yik FANZCAP. As the only pharmacy organisation to contribute to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry, SHPA now calls on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations, including broadening PBS criteria for ADHD medicines access; ensuring patients receive timely assessment and support services through expanding scope of practice for healthcare professionals; and expediting the development of uniform prescribing rules to ensure consistency between states and territories. Ms Tasker says: 'It is often challenging for patients and families to navigate the use of stimulant therapy which is made unnecessarily complex by different jurisdictional requirements [...]' ‘As pharmacists, we have long advocated for national consistency in prescribing rules so we can spend more time doing clinically meaningful work and less time dealing with paperwork. It is pleasing to see this issue addressed as one of the 15 recommendations.’ ‘We are hopeful the federal Government will adopt this, and all of the recommendations within the report, so pharmacists can continue the vital role they play in medicines safety, treatment success and ensuring ADHD patients are well informed of their care.’ Read more in our full article → https://lnkd.in/ge-r2eT3