I found this article in alt.support.attn-deficit. It is posted by a 
friend of mine, Allen Ridley.
Subject:	Taking  the Evil out of Ritalin!
From:	Allen Ridley 
Date:	Mon, 23 Dec 1996 15:45:15 -0500
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I only recently heard of research demonstrating that the L-isomer of MPH
has stimulant properties and the D-isomer has the positive effects on
ADD symptoms.
Hollander, E., et al. The ADHD Debate:   Stimulants or Alternative
Agents.   Primary Psychiatry, April 1996, pg 52-55.
Today I ran across an article on a company beginning work on isolating
the D-isomer. I am attaching it and hope that works. I just wonder if
the normies would be satisfied if the stimulant side effect of MPH is
removed? If not it would still be nice to see those appetite and sleep
problems some have with MPH removed!
Allen
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Today's News


       Celgene Corporation Submits First IND for Chiral Pharmaceutical
  Company Plans to Initiate Clinical Trials of Chirally Pure 
Methylphenidate (d-MPH) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
    WARREN, N.J., Dec. 18 -- Celgene Corporation today announced that it 
has submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND)application with the Food 
and Drug Administration to initiate Phase I/II clinical trials for a 
chirally pure version of d-methylphenidate hydrochloride for the 
treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 
children.  This drug is the single isomer version of d-methylphenidate 
hydrochloride which has been used for decades in the treatment of ADHD 
under the trade name Ritalin(R).  The IND is the first step in a broad 
strategy adopted by Celgene to develop chiral pharmaceuticals reduced 
dosage formulations that may afford improved safety and efficacy over 
the existing racemic formulations.
    Clinical trials for d-MPH are expected to begin shortly.  The 
trials, which are designed to assess pharmacokinetics, safety, efficacy 
and side-effect profiles of various single doses of d-MPH in children 
with ADHD will be conducted at leading medical centers in the United 
States and Canada.
In addition, an improved release formulation d-MPH is being developed 
for clinical evaluation.
    "This is an important milestone for Celgene, and a major step toward
realizing our strategic plan to develop improved versions of existing
medicines utilizing our core chiral technology," said John Jackson, 
Chairman and CEO of Celgene.  "Methylphenidate serves a very large 
market; successful development of d-MPH can lead to a significant 
medical and commercial opportunity."
    Approximately 3.5 million American children are estimated to suffer 
from ADHD, although only 50% are currently diagnosed.  About one million 
American children are estimated to be treated by d-methylphenidate in 
its current form as a racemic mixture.  Total U.S. sales of d-
methylphenidate are estimated to be $300 million in 1996 (IMS).
    "Chirally pure versions of approved racemic pharmaceuticals may 
afford numerous advantages, including reduced dosages, improved 
efficacy, and reduced side-effects," said Sol Barer, Ph.D., President 
and COO of Celgene.  "Removal of the unwanted form could improve the 
safety and efficacy profile of the product, and if so, would be a 
significant therapeutic advance," Dr. Barer said.
    Celgene Corporation, of Warren, N.J., uses proprietary expertise in 
small molecule chemistry to serve the pharmaceutical, agricultural and 
allied industries.
    CONTACT:   Bob Butler of Celgene Corporation, 908-271-4102
                   ===>Mark Probert<===
              email at MSProbert@aol.com
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