The stimulant era in ADHD (1955-1996)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) launched for ADHD in 1955; mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) followed in 1996. Stimulants remain the first-line ADHD standard despite abuse potential, side effects and recurring supply shortages.
Stimulants dominate ADHD treatment, with millions of prescriptions and periodic shortages.
A non-stimulant class with comparable efficacy has been a long-sought goal in ADHD — most attempts have struggled to match stimulant potency.
Orexin agonists offer a mechanistically distinct, non-stimulant path. That is the core reason Alkermes sees ADHD as its biggest expansion target.
