Shire has stopped development of Vyvanse as a treatment for depression after its attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder blockbuster failed in two late-stage trials.

The company has announced top-line results from two Phase III studies of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) versus placebo as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder in adults who inadequately responded to standard antidepressant monotherapy. Vyvanse did not meet the primary efficacy endpoint for either study so the programme has been pulled.

Chief executive Flemming Ornskov said the news is disappointing, but noted that Vyvanse, "an effective and leading treatment for ADHD," will be filed later this year in the USA for binge-eating disorders.