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Evaluating a medication for preschool children with ADHD

A Phase 4, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy and Safety of SPN-812 in Preschool-Age Children (4 to 5 Years Old) With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

PHASE4 · Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · NCT04781140

This study is testing a new medication for preschool children with ADHD to see if it helps them manage their symptoms better than a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment286 (estimated)
Ages48 Months to 69 Months
SexAll
SponsorSupernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (industry)
Locations47 sites (Saraland, Alabama and 46 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04781140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the efficacy and safety of SPN-812, an extended-release capsule of viloxazine, in preschool-age children aged 4 to 5 years diagnosed with ADHD. It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving two groups receiving either the medication or a placebo over a 6-week treatment period. Participants will be screened for eligibility for up to 4 weeks prior to treatment, with a total study duration of up to 10 weeks. The study aims to provide insights into the medication's effectiveness in this young population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy children aged 4 to 5 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age criteria or do not have a diagnosis of ADHD will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for preschool children suffering from ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in treating ADHD in older children, but this specific approach in preschoolers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Is male or female 4 years 0 months of age to less than or equal to 5 years 9 months of age at Visit 1 (Screening) and considered medically healthy.
2. Subject's parent(s) or legal guardian(s)/representative(s) is (are) willing and able to provide written informed consent before completing any study related procedures.
3. Has a primary diagnosis of ADHD according to DSM-IV-TR criteria and confirmed with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL).
4. Has an ADHD-RS-IV-P Total Score of ≥ 28 (males) or ≥ 24 (females) at Visit 1 (Screening) and at Visit 2 (Baseline).
5. Has a CGI-S score of ≥ 4 (moderate or worse) at Visit 1 (Screening) and at Visit 2 (Baseline).
6. Has undergone an adequate course of non-pharmacologic treatment or is having symptoms severe enough to warrant pharmacologic treatment without prior non-pharmacologic treatment.
7. Is participating in a structured group activity (e.g., preschool, kindergarten, sports, Sunday school, summer camp or childcare program) at least 2 days a week during study so as to assess symptoms and impairment in a setting outside the home.
8. Has not initiated any behavioral intervention/therapy within 30 days of Visit 1 (Screening) and does not plan to initiate any new or discontinue any ongoing behavioral intervention/therapy during the study (e.g., subject is eligible if behavioral intervention/therapy is initiated 30 or more days prior to Visit 1 \[Screening\] and continues with a similar duration/frequency throughout their study).
9. Subjects who are on ADHD medication at Visit 1 (Screening), but whose ADHD symptoms are not well controlled on current ADHD medication (e.g., meets Inclusion Criterion #4), meet all other inclusion/exclusion criteria, and discontinues ADHD medication at least 7 days prior to the day of Visit 2 (Baseline) are eligible to participate.
10. Has no current condition in the opinion of the Investigator that could confound efficacy assessments, safety assessments or increase participant risk.
11. Has lived with the same parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or has lived under a shared living arrangement (e.g., joint legal custody) for greater than or equal to 6 months prior to Visit 1 (Screening).
12. Has a body weight ≥5th percentile for age and sex at Visit 1 (Screening) and Visit 2 (Baseline).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has a diagnosis at Screening (per K-SADS-PL) of another psychiatric disorder that is considered to be the primary diagnosis rather than ADHD or has a comorbid psychiatric disorder secondary to ADHD that, in the opinion of the investigator (after consulting medical monitor), will likely interfere with study treatment adherence and/or impact study results.
2. Has a current diagnosis of a major neurological disorder. The eligibility of those who have seizures, a history of seizure-like events (e.g., syncope, myoclonus, severe muscle spasms), a family history of seizure disorder (immediate family, i.e., sibling, parent), and/or febrile seizures will be assessed on a case-by-case basis after consulting the medical monitor.
3. History of Bipolar Disorder diagnosed in a first degree relative.
4. Has global development delay or intellectual disability by medical history.
5. Has a current diagnosis of a significant (per Investigator's evaluation and/or judgement) systemic disease.
6. Has body mass index \> 95th percentile for the subject's age and sex at Visit 1 (Screening) or Visit 2 (Baseline).
7. Has a mean resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure\* that are both \>95th percentile for age sex, and height and has a mean resting pulse rate\* that is \>95th percentile for age and sex (males: \>117 bpm; females: \>122 bpm) at Visit 1 (Screening) or Visit 2 (Baseline). \* Note: The mean of three measurements while seated.
8. Has a clinically significant electrocardiogram finding(s) at Visit 1 (Screening).
9. Is currently taking SPN-812 for ADHD, has previously taken SPN-812 for ADHD, but discontinued due to a lack of efficacy or adverse reactions, or has history of allergic reaction, hypersensitivity or intolerance to viloxazine.
10. Has an allergy to or cannot swallow pudding and applesauce and cannot swallow intact capsule whole.
11. Has any food allergy, intolerance, restriction or special diet that, in the opinion of the Investigator, could contraindicate the subject's participation in the study.
12. Has received any investigational drug within the longer of 30 days or 5 half-lives prior to Visit 2 (e.g., first dose of study medication).
13. Has a positive urine drug test at Visit 1 (Screening). A positive test for amphetamines is allowed for subjects receiving a stimulant ADHD medication at Screening. The subject will be required to discontinue the stimulant for the duration of the study, beginning at least 7 days prior to Visit 2 (Baseline).
14. Is using of prohibited concomitant medications including known CYP1A2 substrates (e.g., theophylline, melatonin) during the Screening Period or (anticipated) for the duration of the study.
15. Any reason that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would prevent the subject from participating in the study.
16. Has suicidal ideation ("Yes" indicated on C-SSRS question 4 or 5) or suicidal behavior ("Yes" indicated on C-SSRS for any suicidal behavior) within 6 months prior to or the day of Visit 1 (Screening) or has attempted suicide ("Yes" indicated on C-SSRS for lifetime).

Where this trial is running

Saraland, Alabama and 46 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.