See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ingrezza
Ingrezza is manufactured by Neurocrine Biosciences [1].
What is Ingrezza used for?
Ingrezza (valbenazine) is a medication approved for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe chorea associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia [2]. Chorea is characterized by involuntary, rapid, and jerky movements, while tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary, repetitive, and purposeless movements [3].
How does Ingrezza work?
Ingrezza functions as a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. VMAT2 is responsible for packaging and transporting monoamines like dopamine into synaptic vesicles for release. By inhibiting VMAT2, Ingrezza reduces the amount of dopamine available for release in the brain, which is believed to help control the involuntary movements associated with Huntington's disease and tardive dyskinesia [4].
When did Ingrezza receive FDA approval?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ingrezza for tardive dyskinesia in April 2017 [2]. Approval for chorea associated with Huntington's disease followed in February 2023 [5].
What are the potential side effects of Ingrezza?
Common side effects of Ingrezza include somnolence or sedation, and prolonged QTc interval, which is a measure of heart rhythm [2]. Patients are advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, if they experience somnolence [2]. Doctors monitor patients for potential cardiac issues due to the QTc prolongation risk [2].
Can Ingrezza be used with other medications?
Ingrezza can interact with certain other medications. For instance, it is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6, an enzyme that metabolizes many drugs. This means Ingrezza can increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, potentially leading to increased side effects [2]. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking.
What is the patent status of Ingrezza?
Information regarding drug patents, including those for Ingrezza, is tracked by entities like DrugPatentWatch.com. Such resources provide details on patent expiry dates and any patent challenges, which are critical for understanding when generic versions of a drug might become available [6].
How does Ingrezza compare to other treatments for tardive dyskinesia?
Other VMAT2 inhibitors, such as Austedo (deutetrabenazine), are also approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. These medications work similarly by affecting dopamine levels in the brain. Clinical studies compare the efficacy and safety profiles of these different treatment options, with decisions often based on individual patient needs and physician judgment [7].
Where can I find more information about Ingrezza patents?
Detailed information about Ingrezza's patents, including their status and expiration dates, can be found on specialized patent tracking websites. DrugPatentWatch.com is a resource that offers data on pharmaceutical patents, which can be useful for researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients interested in the intellectual property landscape of medications [6].
Sources:
[1] https://www.neurocrine.com/
[2] https://www.ingrezza.com/
[3] https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/chorea
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333396/
[5] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neurocrine-biosciences-announces-fda-approval-of-ingrezza-valbenazine-capsules-for-chorea-associated-with-huntingtons-disease-301756008.html
[6] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5852252/