First Transdermal Medication For Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children

Philadelphia, PA - Shire plc announced the availability of DAYTRANA (methylphenidate transdermal system), the first and only transdermal medication approved to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The ADHD patch DAYTRANA, a once daily transdermal formulation of methylphenidate, is now available in retail pharmacies in 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg dosage strengths and is offered in trade packages of 10 patches for titration and 30 patches for ongoing therapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DAYTRANA on April 6, 2006.

"The availability of DAYTRANA, the first and only patch for ADHD, provides physicians and parents with a new, practical way to individualize treatment," said Matthew Emmens, Shire Chief Executive Officer. "DAYTRANA is a welcome new therapy for patients and Shire is pleased to offer this latest addition to our portfolio, reinforcing Shire as the market leader in ADHD."

ADHD affects approximately 7.8 percent of all school-age children, or about 4.4 million children in the U.S. ADHD is considered the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children and adolescents. ADHD is a neurological brain disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable age and maturity. If untreated, ADHD can acutely affect a child's life, leading to problems with family members, friends, sports, after-school activities and academics.

SOURCE: DAYTRANA