The US FDA Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted not to recommend FDA approval of Sparlon (modafinil) Tablets [C-IV], Cephalon Inc.'s investigational medication for the treatment of attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. The committee voted unanimously that Sparlon is effective for its intended use but recommended that the company collect additional data to support the safety of the drug in children and adolescents with ADHD.

"We are obviously disappointed with the recommendation of the advisory committee. We will continue our discussions with the FDA to determine the next steps in the review of this drug application," said Dr. Paul Blake, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Medical and Regulatory Operations.

The advisory committee's recommendation will be considered by the FDA in its review of the Supplemental New Drug Application that Cephalon submitted for Sparlon, a proprietary dosage form of modafinil, in December 2004. The FDA is not bound by the committee's recommendation, but takes its advice into consideration when reviewing investigational drugs seeking approval. Cephalon received an approvable letter from the FDA with respect to Sparlon in October 2005, the company release stated.