Neurocrine Biosciences Reports INGREZZA's Superior VMAT2 Target Occupancy Over AUSTEDO XR

Neurocrine Biosciences Presents Groundbreaking VMAT2 Target Occupancy Findings

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. unveils compelling data from a recent study at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology’s 64th Annual Meeting, showcasing the superior VMAT2 target occupancy of its drug INGREZZA® (valbenazine) compared to AUSTEDO XR (deutetrabenazine). The study reveals that INGREZZA achieves approximately 76.5% VMAT2 occupancy at therapeutic doses, nearly double the 38.3% occupancy observed with AUSTEDO XR. This significant difference in VMAT2 engagement highlights the potential of INGREZZA as a more effective treatment for hyperkinetic movement disorders, including tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's disease chorea.

The research employs advanced positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess VMAT2 target occupancy. Eight participants received single doses of either 40 mg or 80 mg of INGREZZA, or 24 mg or 48 mg of AUSTEDO XR. The findings suggest a direct correlation between higher VMAT2 occupancy and the demonstrated clinical efficacy of INGREZZA across various trials. Dr. Sanjay Keswani, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences, emphasizes that these results reinforce the pharmacological distinctions between VMAT2 inhibitors, marking INGREZZA as a potent option for achieving sustained therapeutic outcomes in patients suffering from these debilitating disorders.

The implications of this study extend beyond academic interest; they may inform future treatment strategies for managing movement disorders. By mitigating excessive dopamine transmission—often linked to involuntary movements—INGREZZA presents a promising alternative for individuals battling the challenges of tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's disease chorea. As Neurocrine Biosciences continues to explore the clinical applications of its findings, the company positions itself as a leader in the development of innovative therapies for complex neurological conditions.

In related news, Neurocrine Biosciences remains committed to advancing its research and development initiatives, aiming to expand its portfolio of treatments for various neuropsychiatric disorders. The promising results from this study are likely to attract interest from healthcare professionals and researchers, paving the way for further investigations into the efficacy of VMAT2 inhibitors in clinical practice.