ADHD Skin Patch Gets Approved

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first skin patch treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, giving the go-ahead Thursday for Daytrana from Noven Pharmaceuticals (NOVN Quote) and Shire (SHPGY Quote).

The skin patch contains methylphenidate, the same ingredient found in Ritalin, another ADHD drug made by Novartis (NVS Quote) and by several generic-drug companies. Daytrana was approved for children age 6 to 12.

Shire has designs on becoming the dominant player in ADHD drugs. The company already makes and sells Adderall and Adderall XR, which can be prescribed for adults, teenagers and children. Additionally, Shire is working with New River Pharmaceuticals (NRPH Quote) of Radford, Va., on an ADHD drug that's being reviewed by the FDA as a treatment for children 6 to 12 years old. ...