Neurocrine Guidelines Aim to Expand INGREZZA Use in Long-Term Care

Event summary

  • Neurocrine Biosciences published expert consensus recommendations for tardive dyskinesia (TD) screening, diagnosis, and treatment in long-term care settings.
  • A post-hoc analysis of the KINECT-PRO study showed clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported TD impact among adults aged 65+ treated with INGREZZA (valbenazine).
  • The Delphi panel highlighted the need for structured TD care in long-term care due to increased risk factors like polypharmacy and cognitive impairment.
  • The recommendations emphasize the use of VMAT2 inhibitors like INGREZZA, considering factors like formulation flexibility and potential drug interactions.

The big picture

The initiative addresses a significant unmet need in long-term care, where TD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to complex patient profiles and limited specialized expertise. By providing structured guidance and supporting data, Neurocrine aims to expand the use of INGREZZA, a $1.5 billion franchise, within a high-risk population. This move underscores the growing focus on specialized care pathways and value-based healthcare models within the biopharmaceutical industry.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The speed at which long-term care facilities adopt these recommendations will determine the extent of INGREZZA's market penetration in this vulnerable population.
Reimbursement
Payor coverage for TD screening and treatment in long-term care settings will be crucial for driving utilization of INGREZZA and other VMAT2 inhibitors.
Competitive Landscape
The emergence of alternative TD treatments or diagnostic tools could challenge Neurocrine's dominance in this niche market.