Richwood Pharmaceutical Company

Richwood Pharmaceutical Company was a specialty pharmaceutical firm based in Florence, Kentucky, primarily focused on treatments for central nervous system disorders. The company is most notable for the development and commercialization of Adderall, a multi-salt amphetamine product used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Richwood acquired the rights to a weight-loss drug called Obetrol, reformulated it, and successfully navigated the regulatory process to market it for ADHD. In 1997, the company was acquired by Shire Pharmaceuticals for $186 million in stock. This pivotal acquisition transformed Shire into a leader in the ADHD market and established the foundation for its subsequent growth in the neuroscience sector.