Shire's Search for Tranquility

Executives of Shire Pharmaceuticals (SHPGY Quote) say 2006 will be an active year, the keys to which will be its new product pipeline and the regulatory uncertainty surrounding drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The company's revenue guidance for 2006, with growth forecast in the "low double-digit range," is based on several assumptions, including the absence of generic competition for its best-selling product, Adderall XR for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and a 5% prescription growth rate in the U.S.

"Any launch of a generic version of Adderall XR during 2006 would have a material impact on the company's performance and would materially impact the revenue growth guidance," Shire said. The drug is prescribed for children, teens and adults. ...