d-ATS Shows Broad ADHD Efficacy in Pediatric Subgroups
Key Clinical Summary
- In a post hoc analysis, the dextroamphetamine transdermal system (d-ATS) showed efficacy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment across all investigated pediatric subgroups.
- Least-squares mean improvements in ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score of at least 8 points versus placebo were observed in each subgroup during double-blind treatment.
- At week 5 of dose-optimization, ADHD-RS-IV total score improvements exceeded 50% from baseline regardless of age, sex, ADHD type, baseline severity, or optimized dose.
A poster presented at the 2026 Psych Congress Elevate reported that the dextroamphetamine transdermal system (d-ATS) was broadly effective for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.
Study Findings
The analysis included patients aged 6 to 17 years who received d-ATS 5 mg/9 hr with weekly evaluation for dose increases. After each patient reached an optimal dose, that dose was maintained through the open-label dose-optimization period and the double-blind treatment period at weeks 6 and 7.
The dose-optimization period included 110 patients, and 106 were randomized into the double-blind treatment period. Subgroup efficacy was assessed using the difference between d-ATS and placebo in least-squares mean ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score, analyzed through a mixed-model repeated-measures approach. Subgroups were stratified by age, sex, predominant ADHD type (combined, inattentive), baseline ADHD severity, and optimal dose (10, 15, or 20 mg/9 hr).
In the double-blind treatment period, least-squares mean improvements in ADHD-RS-IV total score of at least 8 points versus placebo were observed in every subgroup. At week 5 of dose optimization, children had a 65% improvement from baseline, while adolescents had a 69% improvement. Males and females improved by 66% and 67%, respectively. Patients with combined-type ADHD improved by 65%, and those with inattentive-type ADHD improved by 67%.
Patients with baseline ADHD-RS-IV scores of 0 to 36 improved by 67%, while those with scores of 37 to 54 improved by 66%. Improvements were also observed across optimized d-ATS doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/9 hr, with reductions of 68%, 63%, and 69%, respectively.
Clinical Implications
These findings suggest that d-ATS may provide consistent ADHD symptom improvement across clinically relevant pediatric subgroups. For clinicians treating children and adolescents with ADHD, the subgroup data may be useful when considering whether response varied by age, sex, ADHD presentation, baseline severity, or optimized dose.
This poster was sponsored by Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Reference
Culter A and Mahar A. d-Amphetamine transdermal system in treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD: ADHD-RS-IV score analysis from a pivotal trial. Poster presented at Psych Congress Elevate: June 3-6, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada.
