Neurocrine Biosciences' INGREZZA® Exhibits Superior VMAT2 Engagement at Recent Conference

Neurocrine Biosciences Highlights Superior VMAT2 Target Engagement of INGREZZA® at Recent Conference

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. presents compelling findings on its drug INGREZZA® (valbenazine) during the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology’s 64th Annual Meeting. The study reveals that INGREZZA achieves nearly double the VMAT2 target occupancy compared to its competitor AUSTEDO XR (deutetrabenazine). Specifically, the data shows that INGREZZA demonstrates approximately 76.5% VMAT2 occupancy at therapeutic doses, while AUSTEDO XR registers only 38.3%. These measurements are critical as VMAT2 occupancy is a key indicator of drug efficacy in treating hyperkinetic movement disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease.

The research utilizes positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to evaluate VMAT2 occupancy following the administration of single doses of INGREZZA (40 mg or 80 mg) and AUSTEDO XR (24 mg or 48 mg) in a cohort of eight participants. The results suggest a significant correlation between the higher VMAT2 occupancy of INGREZZA and its established clinical efficacy across various trials for both tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's chorea. This finding is particularly relevant in understanding the pharmacological properties of VMAT2 inhibitors, as it highlights INGREZZA’s advantage in mitigating excessive dopamine transmission that contributes to involuntary movements.

Dr. Sanjay Keswani, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences, emphasizes that these findings not only showcase the enhanced potency of INGREZZA in VMAT2 engagement but also reinforce its potential to achieve sustained clinical outcomes. The implications of this head-to-head analysis extend to treatment strategies for managing hyperkinetic movement disorders, potentially guiding clinical practices and enhancing patient care. As clinicians seek effective solutions for these challenging conditions, the pharmacological differences highlighted may play a pivotal role in therapeutic decision-making.

In addition to the study results, Neurocrine Biosciences continues to position itself as a leader in the field of movement disorder treatments. The company’s commitment to research and development in this area underscores its dedication to improving patient outcomes. As interest grows in effective therapies for tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's disease, the recent findings stand as a testament to Neurocrine's innovative approach and potential for advancing treatment options within the neuropharmacological landscape.

Overall, the discussion around INGREZZA's VMAT2 occupancy represents a critical development in the ongoing efforts to enhance therapeutic interventions for individuals suffering from hyperkinetic disorders, allowing for a deeper understanding of the dynamics that influence treatment efficacy.