#USA #San Diego #Neurocrine Biosciences #INGREZZA #Tardive Dyskinesia

Neurocrine Biosciences Unveils New Insights on Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment

Introduction

In a groundbreaking presentation at the 2025 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Conference, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) announced pivotal findings from a Phase 4 randomized withdrawal study demonstrating the notable improvements in quality of life for patients suffering from tardive dyskinesia (TD) following treatment with INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules. This comprehensive study addresses the functional and health-related quality of life metrics crucial for patients who frequently experience debilitating symptoms.

Study Overview

The recent analysis draws on data from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 127 patients diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia. Initially, these participants were administered up to 80 mg of INGREZZA for an eight-week period. They were subsequently randomized to either continue their treatment or switch to a placebo for another eight weeks. In effect, the study design enabled the researchers to ascertain the sustained benefits provided by INGREZZA versus a non-active treatment.

According to Dr. Eiry W. Roberts, Chief Medical Officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, this research underscores the compelling evidence that INGREZZA can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by TD. Patients reported reductions in anxiety and improvements in their capability to engage in self-care, work, and social outings, all substantial components of daily life that TD can severely disrupt.

Findings on Health-Related Quality of Life

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was comprehensively evaluated via the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale, comprising five critical health status dimensions. The results revealed significant enhancements across all assessed HRQoL dimensions, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Specifically, patients demonstrated an impressive improvement in mobility with a recorded change from baseline of -0.27, and continued assessment at Week 16 showed even greater mobility gains.

Functional Impairment Insights

Parallel to the HRQoL evaluations, the study utilized the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) to weigh the functional impairments experienced by patients in occupational and social environments. The findings marked distinct appreciable improvements with reductions indicating better functioning not just in occupational tasks but also in social and family dynamics. Patients receiving continued INGREZZA treatment during the follow-up phase experienced compelling reductions in composite SDS total score, clearly exemplifying the medication's role in enhancing their overall functionality.

Additional Research Findings

The ISPOR conference presentation also highlighted various other essential research analyses, including:

• - Real-World Dosing Patterns: Examining the usage of VMAT2 inhibitors among TD patients within a nationwide claims database.
• - Disparities in Diagnosis: Investigating inconsistencies encountered within the Medicare population regarding TD recognition and treatment.
• - Antipsychotic Prescribing Trends: Delving into trends associated with antipsychotic medication prescribing among the same demographic group.

These investigations contribute to establishing a firmer foundation for understanding the intricacies surrounding TD and its management in diverse patient populations.

Tardive Dyskinesia: A Closer Look

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious movement disorder that typically presents as uncontrolled and repetitive movements affecting various parts of the body, including the facial region. The initiation of TD is often seen in patients who have been prescribed antipsychotic medications for healthcare issues like schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. With over 800,000 adults in the U.S. affected by TD, addressing this condition is of paramount importance to both healthcare providers and patients alike.

Conclusion

The findings presented by Neurocrine Biosciences contribute significantly to the existing body of evidence supporting INGREZZA's efficacy in improving numerous aspects of life for TD patients. As these results pave the way for enhanced clinical conversations and patient management strategies, they also ignite hope for those enduring the daily impacts of this chronic and often stigmatized disorder. Neurocrine's ongoing commitment to addressing the complex needs of neurologically impacted patients underscores their pivotal role in the advancement of medical therapeutics. This clinical insight aligns with the company's mission of easing suffering among those challenging unmet medical needs.