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Neurocrine Biosciences Presents Real-World Data on Therapeutic Dose Attainment and Dosing Trends of VMAT2 Inhibitors in Patients With Tardive Dyskinesia
All Patients Treated with INGREZZA® (valbenazine) Capsules Reached a Therapeutic Dose from Day One, While Only Approximately Half of Patients Treated with Deutetrabenazine Were Able to Reach a Therapeutic Dose Within Six Months
Findings Presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 2025 Annual Meeting
SAN DIEGO, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) today announced the presentation of new data from a real-world study showing that all patients with tardive dyskinesia achieved a therapeutic dose with INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules upon initiation of treatment. This retrospective cohort study will be presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 2025 Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas.
(PRNewsfoto/Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.)
"These findings provide critical insights into the real-world use of VMAT2 inhibitors in treating tardive dyskinesia," said Eiry W. Roberts, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Neurocrine Biosciences. "Significant differences were observed between INGREZZA and deutetrabenazine in reaching therapeutic doses. The data showed INGREZZA provides a therapeutic dose from day one, without the need for titration, potentially reducing the clinician and patient burden associated with sub-therapeutic dosing."
The retrospective cohort study used data from IQVIA's longitudinal prescription and professional fee claims U.S. databases (2022-2024). The study included 3,527 patients who began treatment with INGREZZA, 2,166 patients who began treatment with deutetrabenazine twice daily (BID) and 326 who began treatment with deutetrabenazine extended release (XR). Patients were assessed over a six-month baseline period and a six-month follow-up period.
Throughout the six-month follow-up period, patients experienced dose changes according to their treatment needs in the course of real-world clinical practice. Therapeutic dosing threshold was defined as the lowest dose showing clinical efficacy per controlled clinical trial data (deutetrabenazine 24 mg/day and INGREZZA 40 mg/day). Results showed:
All patients treated with INGREZZA at 40 mg, 60 mg or 80 mg reached a therapeutic dose upon initiation of treatment, while significantly fewer deutetrabenazine-treated patients were able to reach a therapeutic dose within six months.
Only 47.5% of patients on deutetrabenazine BID and 54.3% of patients on deutetrabenazine XR were able to reach a therapeutic dose within six months, with an average attainment time of three to four weeks (P<0.001).
Of those who reached a therapeutic dose, nearly 10% of deutetrabenazine-treated patients stayed on drug but were unable to maintain a therapeutic dose (BID: 8.5%; XR: 9.6%).
Dose changes were assessed in patients who persisted on treatment for the full six-month follow-up period without switching agents or having a gap in treatment >45 days (INGREZZA: n=1,856; deutetrabenazine BID: n=1,007; deutetrabenazine XR: n=126). Results showed:
Fewer patients taking INGREZZA experienced a dose change when compared with those taking deutetrabenazine.
Significantly more deutetrabenazine-treated patients had a change in dose after the first month of treatment compared with INGREZZA (INGREZZA: 33.7%; BID: 48.1%; XR: 54.0%; P<0.001).
Additional poster presentation at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 2025 Annual Meeting includes:
Improvements in Functional Domains, Socio-emotional Domains, and Activities of Daily Living Following Valbenazine Treatment in 315 Patients With Tardive Dyskinesia: Real-world Data From a Chart Extraction and Clinician Survey (Poster #G6)
About Tardive Dyskinesia Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso and/or other body parts, which may be disruptive and negatively impact patients. The condition is associated with taking certain kinds of mental health medicines (antipsychotics) that help control dopamine receptors in the brain. Taking antipsychotics commonly prescribed to treat mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and other prescription medicines (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) used to treat gastrointestinal disorders are associated with TD. In patients with TD, these treatments are thought to result in irregular dopamine signaling in a region of the brain that controls movement. The symptoms of TD can be severe and are often persistent and irreversible. TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the U.S.
About INGREZZA® (valbenazine) Capsules and INGREZZA® SPRINKLE (valbenazine) Capsules INGREZZA is a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia and the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD). Only INGREZZA offers a therapeutic dose from day one with no required titration.
INGREZZA, developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, selectively inhibits VMAT2 with no appreciable binding affinity for VMAT1, dopaminergic (including D2), serotonergic, adrenergic, histaminergic or muscarinic receptors. While the specific way INGREZZA works to treat TD and HD chorea is not fully understood, INGREZZA is unique in that it selectively and specifically targets VMAT2 to inhibit the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps control movement. INGREZZA is believed to reduce extra dopamine signaling, which may lead to fewer uncontrollable movements.
INGREZZA is proven across the widest range of patients. It is always one capsule, once daily and can be taken together with most stable mental health regimens such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. Only INGREZZA offers the benefit of a sprinkle formulation, INGREZZA SPRINKLE, for those who experience dysphagia, have difficulty swallowing or prefer not to swallow a pill. INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE dosages approved for use are 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg capsules.
Important Information Approved Uses INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules or INGREZZA® SPRINKLE (valbenazine) capsules are prescription medicines used to treat adults with:
movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled (tardive dyskinesia).
involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington's disease. INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE do not cure the cause of involuntary movements, and do not treat other symptoms of Huntington's disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions.
It is not known if INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE is safe and effective in children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE can cause serious side effects in people with Huntington's disease, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal actions. Tell your healthcare provider before you start taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you have Huntington's disease and are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is especially important when INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE is started and when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become depressed, have unusual changes in mood or behavior, or have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Do not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you:
are allergic to valbenazine, or any of the ingredients in INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE.
INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE can cause serious side effects, including:
Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions, including an allergic reaction that causes sudden swelling called angioedema can happen after taking the first dose or after many doses of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and angioedema include: trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat, or other areas of your skin, trouble with swallowing, or rash, including raised, itchy red areas on your skin (hives). Swelling in the throat can be life-threatening and can lead to death. Stop taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE and go to the nearest emergency room right away if you develop these signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and angioedema.
Sleepiness and tiredness that could cause slow reaction times (somnolence and sedation). Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE affects you. Drinking alcohol and taking other medicines may also cause sleepiness during treatment with INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE.
Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation). INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE may cause a heart rhythm problem known as QT prolongation. You have a higher chance of getting QT prolongation if you also take certain other medicines during treatment with INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of QT prolongation, including: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations), shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, or fainting or feeling like you are going to faint.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a serious condition that can lead to death. Call a healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms and they do not have another obvious cause: high fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking, irregular pulse or blood pressure, increased sweating, or very fast or uneven heartbeat.
Parkinson-like symptoms. Symptoms include: body stiffness, drooling, trouble moving or walking, trouble keeping your balance, shaking (tremors), or falls.
Before taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you: have liver or heart problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Make sure you tell all of your healthcare providers that you are taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you: take digoxin or take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine. You should not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you are taking, or have stopped taking, a MAOI within the last 14 days.
The most common side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE in people with tardive dyskinesiaare sleepiness and tiredness.
The most common side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE in people with chorea associated with Huntington's disease include sleepiness and tiredness, raised itchy red areas on your skin (hives), rash, and trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
These are not all of the possible side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosage Forms and Strengths: INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE are available in 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg capsules.
About Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit LinkedIn, X and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)
The NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES Logo, NEUROCRINE, YOU DESERVE BRAVE SCIENCE and INGREZZA are registered trademarks of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical facts, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential benefits to be derived from INGREZZA and the value INGREZZA may bring to patients. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: risks and uncertainties associated with Neurocrine Biosciences' business and finances in general, as well as risks and uncertainties associated with the commercialization of INGREZZA; whether INGREZZA receives adequate reimbursement from third-party payors; risks and uncertainties relating to competitive products and technological changes that may limit demand for INGREZZA; risks associated with the Company's dependence on third parties for development and manufacturing activities related to INGREZZA, and the ability of the Company to manage these third parties; risks that additional regulatory submissions for INGREZZA or other product candidates may not occur or be submitted in a timely manner; risks that the FDA or other regulatory authorities may make adverse decisions regarding INGREZZA; risks that post-approval INGREZZA commitments or requirements may be delayed; risks that INGREZZA may be precluded from commercialization by the proprietary or regulatory rights of third parties, or have unintended side effects, adverse reactions or incidents of misuse; and other risks described in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Neurocrine Biosciences disclaims any obligation to update the statements contained in this press release after the date hereof other than required by law.
