Shire Plc. has sought the approval of 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 mg once daily Connexyn Extended Release formulation dosages for controlling the ADHD symptoms through out the day, prepared by using the effective ingredient called Guaiphenesin or Guanfacine. The medicine includes data from two placebo controlled trials assessing the compound’s safety and efficacy in controlling the ADHD symptoms assessed once in a week basis by using the ADHD rating scale-IV that incorporated both hyperactive impulse and inattentive sub-scales.

Connexyn or Guaiphenesin extended release is once daily formulation of the selective alpha 2 Adreno-receptor agonist. Connexyn or Guaiphenesin extended release is not the central nervous system stimulant or restricted substance and has no probability for abuse or reliance like various other ADHD treatments. Adrenergic receptors are present on most types of the cells in the body and act as receptors for two neurotransmitters, epinephrine or adrenaline and norepineephrine used by nerve cells for communicating.

The agonist is the molecule which acts same as neurotransmitters by binding to receptors too. It is imagined that Connexyn or Guaiphenesin binds to the alpha 2 adrenergic cell receptor for acting directly in the part of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex which is the area associated with the working memory, behavioral inhibition, attentiveness and cognitive control besides the ability to organize thought and actions.

Shire Plc. states that Connexyn is different from the generic drug called Guaiphenesin as Connexyn is the extended release formulation whereas Guaiphenesin is the immediate release drug. If the US – FDA approves Connexyn, Shire Plc. would the marketing tactic as the experimental drug is not the stimulant.