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

Enhancing Lives: INGREZZA's Impact on Older Adults with Tardive Dyskinesia

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. recently announced promising new data regarding the use of INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules among older adults suffering from tardive dyskinesia (TD). The findings, presented at the 2025 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference, underscore the substantial improvements in health-related quality of life reported by patients aged 65 and older who continued treatment with INGREZZA.

Tardive dyskinesia is a challenging movement disorder characterized by involuntary, uncontrollable movements that can significantly disrupt daily life. The condition is often linked to the long-term use of certain psychiatric medications, particularly antipsychotics. Given that older adults are at a heightened risk for developing TD, the need for effective treatments is paramount. Research conducted by Neurocrine reveals that continued intake of INGREZZA not only addresses the motor symptoms of TD but also enhances overall well-being, functional abilities, and social interactions, which are critical factors for maintaining quality of life in this demographic.

Study Overview

The analysis involved a Phase 4 randomized withdrawal study encompassing a subset of 29 older adult patients. Initially, all participants were administered up to 80 mg of INGREZZA during the first eight weeks of treatment. Following this period, they were randomly assigned to either continue with the medication or switch to a placebo for another eight weeks. This design allowed researchers to assess the long-term effects of continued treatment versus withdrawal.

Findings indicated that individuals who continued taking INGREZZA reported marked improvements in health-related quality of life as measured by the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) tool and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). These scales provide critical insights into the patient's perceived mobility, self-care ability, and levels of discomfort or anxiety, offering a comprehensive assessment of how TD impacts daily functioning and emotional health.

Dr. Sanjay Keswani, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine, emphasizes the importance of these findings, stating, "Older adults face compounded risks with uncontrolled movements resulting from tardive dyskinesia. The evidence we present shows that INGREZZA offers a viable path to improving their quality of life significantly."

Supporting Evidence

This latest study contributes to a growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of INGREZZA. Previous investigations, including the KINECT-PRO™ study, have revealed similar outcomes, bolstering the claim that INGREZZA can lead to functional and quality of life improvements for patients with TD.

Moreover, a post-hoc analysis from two separate 48-week studies further confirmed the long-term safety profile of INGREZZA in the older population. This reinforces the drug's potential to yield significant enhancements in health outcomes beyond just managing TD itself.

Implications for Treatment

As the medical community gains a better understanding of tardive dyskinesia, the findings from Neurocrine serve as a beacon of hope for patients caught in the cycle of debilitating involuntary movements. With about 800,000 adults in the U.S. affected by TD, therapies that effectively manage symptoms while improving overall quality of life are crucial.

Neurocrine's commitment to addressing this pressing health issue is evident in its ongoing research and development efforts. With the FDA-approved INGREZZA capsules designed to selectively inhibit vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), the company provides an innovative approach to treating TD without the need for titration, ensuring patients receive therapeutic benefits from day one.

Conclusion

The advancements in understanding the impact of INGREZZA on older patients highlight an important shift in the management of tardive dyskinesia. As Neurocrine continues to conduct groundbreaking research, the potential for improved treatments offers a much-needed lifeline for individuals suffering from this challenging condition. Through consistent support and enhanced quality of life, patients are finding renewed hope in their journey with tardive dyskinesia.