#USA #Chicago #Neurocrine #INGREZZA #Tardive Dyskinesia

Neurocrine Biosciences Reports Positive Long-Term Data for INGREZZA

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. recently presented significant data from their KINECT® 4 study, which highlights promising outcomes for patients suffering from tardive dyskinesia (TD). These results were showcased at the 2025 Psychiatry Update Conference in Chicago, breaking new ground in the understanding and treatment of this movement disorder.

Study Overview

The KINECT 4 study was a long-term, open-label trial involving 163 participants diagnosed with moderate to severe TD, stemming from psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or mood disorders. Over a 48-week treatment period with INGREZZA® (valbenazine), participants demonstrated notable improvements in their symptoms.

Key Findings

According to the reported data, an impressive 59.2% of participants achieved remission, with no significant variance between doses. Specifically, 58.6% of those on the 40 mg dose and 59.5% on the 80 mg dose reached the defined remission threshold, showing the drug's efficacy at both levels. The average Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score, which measures TD severity, dropped significantly, illustrating the positive impact of INGREZZA.

The results reveal that participants' baseline AIMS scores of 12.4 and 15.1 (for the 40 mg and 80 mg groups, respectively) decreased drastically to 2.1 and 2.5 at the study’s conclusion, underscoring the drug's effectiveness. Furthermore, remission rates were consistently high across different psychiatric backgrounds, highlighting INGREZZA's adaptability in various patient profiles.

Drug Administration and Tolerability

Participants received their daily doses of INGREZZA and tolerated treatment well. After four weeks, adverse events emerged, primarily urinary tract infections (8.5%) and headaches (5.2%). These issues were manageable and did not significantly disrupt the overall positive patient progress reported throughout the study.

Importance of the Study

Dr. Eiry W. Roberts, the Chief Medical Officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of these findings, stating that they confirm INGREZZA as an effective long-term treatment for tardive dyskinesia. The impact of TD on individuals can be severe, often negatively affecting their quality of life. Therefore, the introduction of a reliable treatment option that provides remission is a crucial advancement in mental health care.

Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a complex and often debilitating movement disorder triggered by long-term use of antipsychotic medications. Characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal movements, patients may find their everyday activities significantly hindered, making effective treatment essential.

Insights on INGREZZA

INGREZZA functions as a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, which modulates dopamine release, helping to alleviate uncontrollable movements associated with TD. Approved by the FDA, it is unique not just for its effectiveness but also for the ease of administration, requiring no titration and allowing for immediate therapeutic dosing.

In conclusion, the findings from Neurocrine's KINECT 4 study are significant in the landscape of TD treatment. By successfully demonstrating remission in the majority of participants, the study reinforces INGREZZA's role as a leading treatment option for patients battling this challenging condition. As research continues, the hope is to further fine-tune treatment strategies while improving patient outcomes and quality of life.