Neurocrine Biosciences Unveils New Research on INGREZZA's Impact on Chorea in Huntington's Disease

New Findings on INGREZZA and Chorea Reduction

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. has made a significant announcement regarding its drug INGREZZA® (valbenazine), presenting new data from the KINECT®-HD study. This groundbreaking research reveals that INGREZZA effectively reduces chorea—an involuntary movement disorder associated with Huntington's disease—across multiple body regions. These findings were presented at the Neuroscience Advanced Practice Provider Symposium, a reputable platform dedicated to the nexus between neuroscience and nursing practices.

Overview of the KINECT®-HD Study

The KINECT-HD study, which is a Phase 3 randomized clinical trial, evaluated the efficacy and safety of INGREZZA in adult patients with Huntington’s disease. The study enrolled 128 individuals who were showing symptoms of motor-manifest Huntington's disease. Patients were assigned either to receive INGREZZA at varying doses or a placebo. The primary endpoint of this study was the Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) score, calculated using the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS®), which assesses chorea manifestations across seven distinct body regions: the face, buccal-oral-lingual areas, trunk, and both upper and lower extremities.

Significant Outcomes

The data highlights a remarkable success; those treated with INGREZZA experienced a meaningful reduction in their chorea severity compared to those on the placebo. Specifically, statistical analysis showed that participants taking INGREZZA exhibited significant chorea improvements in both upper and lower extremities, which were most severely affected at baseline. A noteworthy observation was that more patients demonstrated a clinically significant improvement, defined as a shift in TMC scores from 2 or higher at screening to 1 or lower during the maintenance phase.

Dr. Eiry W. Roberts, Chief Medical Officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, emphasized the essential nature of these findings. She stated, "The results underscore the continued effectiveness of INGREZZA in alleviating involuntary movements, significantly improving the day-to-day lives of those battling Huntington’s disease."

Chorea and Its Impact

Chorea is a hallmark of Huntington's disease, characterized by unpredictable and irregular movements, which may significantly impair mobility, coordination, and overall functionality. This degenerative neurological disorder affects around 41,000 adults in the U.S., with an additional 200,000 individuals at risk of inheriting the condition. Such statistics showcase the need for effective treatments like INGREZZA, which directly address the debilitating symptoms associated with the disease.

Conclusion

The findings from the KINECT-HD study not only bolster the existing knowledge regarding INGREZZA's role in chorea management but also signify hope for many affected individuals. As Neurocrine Biosciences continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the emphasis on patient care and enhancement of quality of life remains at the forefront of their mission.

To delve deeper into the research, the complete study results have been published in The Lancet Neurology, further exploring the implications of INGREZZA's capabilities in treating Huntington's disease. This presents an exciting advancement in neuroscience, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and development in combating complex neurological disorders.