#USA #Nashville #Neurocrine Biosciences #INGREZZA #AUSTEDO XR

A Groundbreaking Analysis on Treatment Persistence of INGREZZA

Neurocrine Biosciences has made a significant stride in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD) by presenting new real-world evidence that highlights the effectiveness of its drug, INGREZZA® (valbenazine), compared to AUSTEDO XR (deutetrabenazine). The findings were showcased at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy's 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, revealing a clear advantage in treatment adherence for those using INGREZZA.

Understanding the Study

This comparative analysis stands as the first of its kind to assess treatment persistence through a retrospective review of insurance claims data from adult patients suffering from TD. The study examined patients who initiated treatment with either INGREZZA or AUSTEDO XR, with a keen focus on their continuity of care over a six-month follow-up period.

Data sourced from IQVIA's U.S. Longitudinal Access and Adjudication Data (LAAD) encompassed adult patients who began their treatment between March 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. In total, the analysis included 2,988 eligible patients, evenly split between those on INGREZZA and AUSTEDO XR, with baseline demographics and relevant characteristics being closely matched.

Key Findings

The results paint a compelling picture for INGREZZA:

• - Higher Treatment Continuation: A total of 55.6% of patients on INGREZZA remained on their initial therapy after six months, in contrast to 48.1% on AUSTEDO XR.
• - Lower Switching Rates: Patients on INGREZZA exhibited significantly lower rates of switching medications (7.7%) compared to those on AUSTEDO XR (11.2%).
• - Extended Time to Discontinuation: Notably, the median time to stop treatment or switch was greater than 180 days for those on INGREZZA, while it was only 129 days for AUSTEDO XR.

These findings suggest that not only does INGREZZA support longer treatment continuity, but it also serves to minimize unnecessary medication changes, which can often disrupt patient outcomes and overall health.

Implications for Patients

Dr. Sanjay Keswani, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine, remarked, "In psychiatric care, treatment discontinuation can lead to the resurgence of TD symptoms, further affecting the daily lives of patients. The real-world data that we are presenting demonstrates a much higher persistence profile for INGREZZA, which can inform better treatment strategies in clinical settings."

Dr. Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez, a participating psychiatrist, emphasized that claims-based analyses provide pivotal insights into treatment patterns, underscoring the importance of maintaining ongoing therapy to effectively manage TD symptoms. This study effectively showcases how real-world data can guide medical professionals toward more effective treatment options.

Concluding Thoughts

This new evidence enhances the existing clinical data on INGREZZA's effectiveness in managing tardive dyskinesia and reinforces its position as a first-line treatment option. The findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge that supports sustained treatment for TD, demonstrating the need for healthcare providers to consider INGREZZA when making therapeutic decisions for their patients.

In addition to these noteworthy findings, additional presentations at the meeting featured analyses showing improvements in emotional, social, and physical wellbeing associated with INGREZZA treatment.

In conclusion, as the medical community continues to navigate the complexities of tardive dyskinesia management, the insights provided through this head-to-head analysis will be invaluable in shaping future treatment protocols and enhancing patient care outcomes.