Key Takeaways

• On 2 December 2025, ADHD medication news is led by Queensland’s move to expand access via specialist GPs, effective 1 December, aiming to smooth treatment pathways.
• New Zealand allocates funds to generic ADHD medication to address ongoing supply challenges.
• Otsuka submits a new triple reuptake inhibitor for ADHD treatment, introducing potential new options.
• A genetic testing study launches, seeking to tailor ADHD medication responses for individuals.
• Queensland opens ADHD medication prescribing to specialist GPs, expanding patient access from 1 December.
• What to watch: Rollout of New Zealand’s generic ADHD funding and updates on Otsuka’s regulatory review.

Introduction

On 2 December 2025, Queensland’s move to allow specialist GPs to prescribe ADHD medication from 1 December marks a major shift in treatment access. The change aims to streamline support for neurodivergent individuals. Today’s ADHD medication news overview also highlights New Zealand’s investment in generic medications and ongoing focus on innovation and personalized care.

Top Story

Queensland Health has implemented a new policy allowing specialist general practitioners to prescribe ADHD medications, effective 1 December 2025. This change enables GPs who complete specialized training to initiate stimulant medications without requiring patients to first consult a psychiatrist.

The reform aims to address Queensland’s critical 12- to 18-month waiting lists for ADHD assessments and treatment. Health Minister Rebecca Johnson stated that more than 200 Queensland GPs have already completed the required certification program and can now begin prescribing.

This policy shift represents the most significant expansion of ADHD treatment access in Australia since New South Wales rolled out a similar program in 2023. Patient advocacy groups have welcomed the change, with ADHD Australia describing it as a crucial step toward dismantling systemic barriers to care.

Queensland’s policy includes mandatory continuing education requirements and a centralized monitoring system to ensure appropriate prescribing patterns. The state government expects the initiative to reduce specialist waitlists by approximately 40 percent within six months.

Also Today

New Zealand Expands Medication Subsidies

New Zealand’s Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) has announced expanded subsidies for second-line ADHD medications, set to take effect 15 January 2026. This decision removes special authority requirements for atomoxetine and guanfacine for adult patients who have not responded to first-line treatments.

The policy change follows years of advocacy from neurodivergent communities pointing out persistently inequitable access barriers. PHARMAC estimates that around 8,500 additional adults will benefit from improved medication access in the first year.

Health Minister David Chen emphasized that this expansion is part of a broader healthcare reform agenda with a focus on neurodevelopmental conditions. Chen said removing financial barriers to effective treatments acknowledges that neurodivergent New Zealanders deserve fair and equal healthcare options.

Otsuka Submits Novel ADHD Treatment for FDA Review

Otsuka has submitted a New Drug Application to the FDA for centanafadine, a novel non-stimulant ADHD medication with a unique mechanism of action. The submission follows successful Phase III trials showing efficacy comparable to stimulants, with potentially fewer cardiovascular side effects.

Otsuka reported that centanafadine acts on both dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, but with a different binding profile than existing medications. Clinical trials demonstrated significant symptom reduction with once-daily dosing and minimal impact on appetite and sleep.

If approved, centanafadine would represent the first new medication class for ADHD in more than a decade. Analysts expect a potential FDA decision by mid-2026, and Otsuka plans similar regulatory submissions in Europe and Canada in early 2026.

Research and Innovation

Genetic Testing Shows Promise for Medication Selection

A large-scale study published in JAMA Psychiatry indicates that pharmacogenetic testing may significantly improve ADHD treatment outcomes by matching patients to medications based on their genetic profiles. The research, involving 1,250 participants across 11 clinical sites, demonstrated a 38 percent improvement in treatment response when medication selection was guided by genetic factors.

Lead researcher Dr. Jennifer Martinez of Stanford University noted that the test analyzes variations in genes controlling medication metabolism and neurotransmitter function. Martinez explained that this approach could dramatically reduce the trial-and-error process that frustrates many patients and clinicians.

The study found particular benefit for patients who had previously failed multiple medication trials. Insurance coverage for such testing remains limited. However, researchers note that implementation costs could likely be offset by reduced healthcare spending resulting from fewer failed medication attempts.

What to Watch

• FDA Advisory Committee meeting on centanafadine (15 December 2025)
• Australian Medical Association national conference on ADHD treatment guidelines (8–9 January 2026)
• NICE (UK) updated ADHD clinical practice guideline publication (3 February 2026)
• World Congress on ADHD in Boston featuring major treatment research presentations (25–28 March 2026)

Conclusion

Queensland’s expansion of specialist GP prescribing marks a significant shift in ADHD medication access. The aim is clear: reduce long waits for diagnosis and treatment. Broader reforms across Australia and New Zealand reflect a trend toward enhanced affordability and availability, while advances in treatment and testing point to ongoing progress. Keep an eye on upcoming regulatory decisions, updated clinical guidelines, and new research presentations through early 2026. These developments may continue to shape ADHD medication news in important ways.