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

Neurocrine Biosciences Unveils KINECT-PRO Study Results

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBIX) has revealed new findings from its groundbreaking KINECT-PRO study, which highlights the impact of INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules on improving the functionality and overall quality of life for patients diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia (TD). This Phase 4 open-label study stands out as the first and only research to specifically measure patient-reported outcomes related to the treatment of TD through the use of a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor.

Key Findings from KINECT-PRO

The KINECT-PRO study enrolled 59 participants who received once-daily doses of INGREZZA—40 mg, 60 mg, or 80 mg—for a duration of up to 24 weeks. Out of these, 52 patients completed the study, exhibiting significant improvements in their physical, social, and emotional well-being as early as Week 4 of the treatment. Notably, these enhancements were sustained throughout the 24-week period, underscoring the efficacy of the treatment.

The researchers utilized several clinically validated scales to assess patient outcomes. This included the Tardive Dyskinesia Impact Scale (TDIS), which is the first validated tool specifically designed for measuring TD's effects on a patient’s life. The results were presented at the 2025 Psych Congress Elevate in Las Vegas, marking a significant step in TD treatment evaluation.

Improvements Across Severity Levels

Dr. Eiry W. Roberts, representing Neurocrine Biosciences, noted that the study revealed robust and clinically meaningful improvements across various dimensions of patients' lives, regardless of the severity of their condition. Even participants with milder forms of TD reported profound benefits from INGREZZA, suggesting that the treatment holds potential in managing symptoms effectively for all patients. With both socio-emotional and daily functioning facets showing measurable enhancement, the findings indicate INGREZZA’s significant role in alleviating the burdens imposed by TD.

Robust Data Supporting Efficacy

In detail, the analysis demonstrated that changes in functional outcomes were evident soon after initiating treatment. The reported mean changes from baseline at the Week 24 mark exhibited a drop in TDIS scores by 8.0, indicating improvement in the overall impact of TD. Furthermore, secondary evaluations from the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) also reflected thriving results, with patients experiencing enhanced quality of family life and social interactions.

Moreover, the study explored the clinician-reported changes in TD severity using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), which further corroborated the self-reported improvements seen by patients.

Safety and Tolerability of INGREZZA

From a safety perspective, the study confirmed that INGREZZA aligns with previously known profiles regarding its side effects, with no new concerns emerging during the research period. Participants were closely monitored, ensuring that any adverse reactions were promptly addressed, thus contributing to the overall positive safety profile of the medication.

The Importance of Patient-Centric Measures

This study not only emphasizes the efficacy of INGREZZA but also highlights the importance of patient-reported outcomes in evaluating therapeutic success. As TD presents a unique range of symptoms that can drastically affect an individual’s daily life, capturing patient experiences becomes critical in understanding the full impact of treatments such as INGREZZA. By developing and validating measurement scales like TDIS, Neurocrine exemplifies its commitment to placing patient health and well-being at the forefront of its research initiatives.

Conclusion

The KINECT-PRO study reflects a significant advancement in the management of tardive dyskinesia, offering hope and tangible benefits to patients worldwide. With the ongoing exploration of INGREZZA, Neurocrine Biosciences continues to pursue innovative solutions to address this challenging neurological condition, offering patients not just treatments, but improvements in their quality of life. As research evolves, so too does the promise of more empowering therapeutic options for those grappling with tardaive dyskinesia.

For further inquiries and detailed information regarding the results, Neurocrine encourages healthcare professionals to consult the complete findings presented at the recent Psych Congress Elevate event.