Placebo-Controlled Comparison of Two Different Brands of Modified-Release Oral Dosage Forms Regarding Safety and Efficacy in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Aged 6 - 14

Currently two different brands of modified-release formulations are providing 50% immediate release beads/pellets and 50% extended release beads/pellets, resulting in a rapid onset and dual peak concentrations of plasma methylphenidate. One is manufactured by Novartis, the other one by Medice (Germany).

The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that the Novartis product is superior to placebo and is clinically not inferior to the formulation manufactured by Medice.

Inclusion criteria

Patients who meet all of the following inclusion criteria will be eligible for enrollment in the study:

• Male and female patients aged 6-14.
• Patients having a diagnosis of ADHD of any type according to DSM-IV criteria, as established by history, psychiatric examination and a structured diagnostic interview (Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version)
• Patients, whose symptoms are adequately controlled by a stable and well-tolerated dose of a immediate release methylphenidate equivalent of 20mg for one month before screening.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions with symptoms requiring current pharmacological treatment (e.g. major depression, psychosis).
• Patients who are taking any concomitant medications likely to interfere with the study drug or confound efficacy or safety assessments, e.g.

• Tricyclic antidepressants, buproprion, clonidine, buspirone 2 weeks before randomization.
• Atomoxetine 2 weeks before randomization.
• Fluoxetine or antipsychotics 1 month before randomization.
• Pemoline and amphetamines 1 week before randomization.
• Patients with a known non-response to methylphenidate.

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.