New Study Findings on Tardive Dyskinesia Remission with INGREZZA
At the 2025 Psychiatry Update Conference in Chicago, Neurocrine Biosciences unveiled new data from their long-term, open-label KINECT 4 study. This study focused on the effectiveness of INGREZZA (valbenazine) capsules in treating tardive dyskinesia (TD), a debilitating condition characterized by involuntary movements, in patients with various underlying psychiatric disorders.
Majority of Patients Reached Remission
The study revealed that the majority of participants, regardless of their underlying psychiatric conditions, reached a defined threshold for TD remission when treated with INGREZZA. This is a significant finding, as TD often persists despite the discontinuation of the initial causative medication.
Long-Term Effectiveness of INGREZZA
The KINECT 4 study, which spanned over three years, demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of INGREZZA in managing TD symptoms. The data showed that 44% of patients with schizophrenia, 41% of those with bipolar I disorder, and 49% of those with major depressive disorder achieved TD remission.
Improvement in Quality of Life
The study also reported a substantial improvement in the quality of life (QoL) for the patients who achieved TD remission. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was used to assess TD symptoms, and the Clinical Global Impression-Global Improvement (CGI-I) scale was used to evaluate overall improvement in QoL.
Real-World Impact
These findings have significant real-world implications for the millions of people living with TD. The condition can significantly impact daily functioning and social interactions, leading to reduced productivity and overall well-being. With the majority of patients reaching TD remission, the potential for improved outcomes and enhanced QoL is substantial.
Global Significance
Beyond individual patients, these findings have the potential to impact the global mental health landscape. TD is a common complication of long-term use of antipsychotic medications, which are prescribed to millions of people worldwide. The availability of an effective treatment for TD could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with managing the condition.
Effect on Individuals
For individuals living with TD, these findings offer hope for a potential solution to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. The long-term data from the KINECT 4 study suggest that INGREZZA could provide a viable treatment option for managing TD, regardless of the underlying psychiatric disorder.
Effect on the World
On a global scale, these findings could lead to a significant reduction in the burden of TD on healthcare systems and society as a whole. The potential cost savings from managing TD could be substantial, as the condition can lead to increased healthcare utilization and decreased productivity.
Conclusion
The new data from the KINECT 4 study presented at the 2025 Psychiatry Update Conference demonstrate the effectiveness of INGREZZA in achieving TD remission for a majority of patients, regardless of their underlying psychiatric disorder. The long-term data from this study offer hope for individuals living with TD and could lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare systems and society as a whole. These findings represent an important step forward in the management of TD and have the potential to significantly improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
- Majority of patients with various psychiatric disorders reached TD remission with INGREZZA
- Long-term effectiveness of INGREZZA in managing TD symptoms
- Significant improvement in quality of life for patients who achieved TD remission
- Real-world implications for millions of people living with TD
- Potential for substantial cost savings for healthcare systems and society
