Genetic factors affecting methylphenidate treatment in ADHD

Carboxylesterase 1 Genetic Variation and Methylphenidate in ADHD

PHASE4 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT03781752

This study is testing how genetic differences in kids with ADHD affect how well they respond to the medication methylphenidate and whether they experience side effects from it.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (other)
Locations4 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03781752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how genetic variations in the CES1 gene influence the effectiveness and side effects of methylphenidate (MPH) in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. By analyzing the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MPH, the research aims to identify why some patients respond poorly to the medication while others experience significant adverse effects. The study will involve youth aged 6-17 years diagnosed with ADHD, who will receive a single dose of MPH to assess their response based on their genetic makeup. This could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for ADHD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 6-17 years with a primary diagnosis of ADHD.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have ADHD as a primary diagnosis or those who are pregnant or smokers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for children with ADHD by tailoring medication based on genetic profiles.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored genetic influences on ADHD treatments, but this specific approach focusing on CES1 genetic variation and MPH is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Youth ages 6-17 years with ADHD as a primary diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants that do not have ADHD as a primary diagnosis
* Participants that do not want, require, or are not healthy enough for a single dose trial of MPH for ADHD per the clinical judgment of the treating and study clinicians
* Participants that are smokers or, are pregnant

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida and 3 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: ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, PK Study, PD Study, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Methylphenidate, MPH

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.