Supernus Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SUPN) has secured FDA approval for important updates to the labeling of Qelbree® (viloxazine extended-release capsules), their non-stimulant treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The enhanced label now includes crucial pharmacodynamic data and guidance for breastfeeding women, marking a significant advancement in ADHD treatment options.
Enhanced Mechanism of Action Understanding
The updated label incorporates new pharmacodynamic data in Section 12.2, highlighting Qelbree's multimodal mechanism of action. The medication works through dual pathways, functioning as a serotonin 5-HT2C partial agonist while also inhibiting norepinephrine transporters. This detailed mechanistic insight provides healthcare providers with a better understanding of how the drug achieves its therapeutic effects.
Pioneering Lactation Safety Data
In a groundbreaking development, Qelbree® has become the first ADHD medication to fulfill the FDA's post-marketing requirements established in their 2019 guidance on Clinical Lactation Studies. This achievement provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based information to make informed decisions when treating breastfeeding mothers with ADHD.
Market Performance and Clinical Impact
The medication has shown strong market acceptance, with Supernus reporting a 68% increase in Qelbree® net sales during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Net sales reached $62.4 million in the third quarter and $166.9 million in the first nine months of 2024, indicating growing adoption among healthcare providers and patients.
Geographic Expansion
The medication's reach continues to expand internationally. Knight Therapeutics has recently submitted a New Drug Submission (NDS) for Qelbree® to Health Canada, potentially opening access to the Canadian market. This expansion could provide Canadian healthcare providers with a new non-stimulant option for ADHD treatment.
Patient Education Initiatives
As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about ADHD treatment options, Supernus has collaborated with actress and author Busy Philipps to educate the public about ADHD in women. This initiative is particularly significant as ADHD often presents differently in women compared to men, potentially leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
