Report: pre-natal form of Ritalin® reduces hyperactivity in fetuses

Washington, D.C. – Results of a recent study conducted by researchers at Georgetown University suggest that the use of Pritalin, a version of the ADHD drug Ritalin specially formulated for second- and third-trimester fetuses, can significantly reduce symptoms of in-the-womb hyperactivity in unborn children.

"Our research shows that the daily use of Pritalin by an expectant mother can have dramatic results in calming the behavior of an unborn child who is fidgeting and fussing around and whatnot in the womb — a period during which the fetus should instead remain mostly docile as it focuses one hundred percent on its physical development," said Dr. John H. Ryan, lead researcher on the study.

Engineered and manufactured by Novartis, the same pharmaceutical company that developed the miracle breakthrough drug methylphenidate (known by the brand name Ritalin), Pritalin is designed to be ingested in pill form once daily by women who have been pregnant for more than three months and have fetuses that are constantly fidgeting around or displaying similar behavioral problems. The medication reaches the fetus through the mother's umbilical cord and causes a chemical reaction that corrects the dopamine imbalance assumed to be occurring in the fetus' still-developing brain.

"There are a large number of unborn children who, through no fault of their own, simply cannot sit still while they're in the womb," David Morris, public relations director for Novartis, said during a recent interview. "These fetuses are often disrupting their mothers during their day-to-day activity by acting out — usually through punching and kicking — and causing much discomfort for their mothers, who would prefer that their unborn children sit quietly and not cause such commotions. It is to help control the behavior of these future infants that Pritalin was designed."

Participating in the pre-natal study was Arlene Dault, a 35-year-old mother of two who is currently expecting a baby girl in late January.

"My little sunshine hasn't kicked in months, ever since I started taking Pritalin," said Dault, smiling as she rubbed her stomach with both hands. "I started taking the medication in November, but before that my future little black belt would be kicking and punching me all day long. Now I sometimes wonder if she's even still alive down there. That's how well the pills are working."

Morris said that marketing executives at Novartis are hoping that once Pritalin gains FDA approval, the revolutionary drug will open up a vast, untapped market for the pharmaceutical giant.

"Until now, one hundred percent of methylphenidate prescriptions have been written for children or adults — patients who, remember, are already out of the womb," said Morris. "With Pritalin, we will now be able to start treating patients before they are even born, making it that much more likely that they will use Ritalin after they are removed from the womb. That's building customer loyalty at a never before heard of age: before they are even born."

Morris confirmed that Novartis will be a willing and active participant in a future Georgetown University study aimed at discovering the short- and long-term effects of Pritalin on child development following birth. The study is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2012.