Shire announces results of Vyvanse Phase 2 signal finding study for Major Depressive Disorder

Shire plcOct 29 2010

Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced results from a Phase 2 signal finding study of Vyvanse(R) [lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (or SPD489)] in patients who have had residual symptoms of depression following treatment with LEXAPRO(R) (escitlopram) for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Based on these findings, Shire intends to advance discussions with regulators to explore the development of program parameters for additional studies of Vyvanse as adjunctive therapy to primary anti-depressant treatments in patients with MDD.

Vyvanse is a prescription medicine currently approved in the US for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Efficacy was based on two controlled trials in children aged six to 12 and two controlled trials in adults. Vyvanse should be used as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Vyvanse in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Vyvanse may harm others, and is against the law. Vyvanse is a stimulant medication. Misuse of stimulants may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events.

In this investigational 14-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study>

The primary study endpoint was the mean change in the total MADRS score after 6 weeks of blinded treatment in the non-remitter subset>

Vyvanse demonstrated improvement compared to placebo on the mean total MADRS of -2.3 [90% CI -4.5 to -0.1] after 6 weeks of treatment in the primary analysis of non-remitting subjects>

"Only about 30 to 33 percent of patients will achieve full symptom remission with the first step standard antidepressant treatment," said Madhukar H. Trivedi, Professor of Psychiatry at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. "Therefore, almost two-thirds of patients starting an antidepressant will need a second or third step treatment to achieve symptom relief. We are encouraged by the signal findings we've seen in this Phase 2 study and look forward to further evaluating Vyvanse for adjunctive treatment of patients with inadequate response to treatment in MDD."