Shire says nasal administration won't increase abuse of ADHD drug

PHILADELPHIA Administration of an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drug through the nose does not appear to increase the risk of people abusing it, according to data released by the drug’s manufacturer.

British drug maker Shire said when adults received Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) intranasally in the form of a solution, their rate and exposure to d-amphetamine, the drug’s active ingredient, was similar to when they took the drug in a capsule. The drug is currently approved only in capsule form.

“This research is important because the route of administration of a drug may affect the rate and extent of absorption, which in turn may affect the risk of abuse,” Shire VP global clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics Patrick Martin said in a statement. “However, in this study, absorption of Vyvanse through the nose did not result in a rapid rise in d-amphetamine levels.”