Ingrezza is a medication used to treat adults with tardive dyskinesia (TD) [1]. It is also indicated for adults with chorea associated with Huntington's disease [1].
What is Tardive Dyskinesia and Chorea?
Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive, and purposeless movements, often affecting the face, tongue, or limbs [2]. Chorea, also a movement disorder, involves sudden, jerky, and uncontrollable movements [3].
How Does Ingrezza Work?
Ingrezza contains the active ingredient valbenazine [1]. It works by selectively inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) [1][4]. VMAT2 is involved in the transport and storage of monoamines, and its inhibition is believed to reduce involuntary movements associated with TD and chorea [4].
When Did Ingrezza Become Available?
Ingrezza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2017 for tardive dyskinesia [5]. Its indication for chorea associated with Huntington's disease was approved in August 2023 [1].
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Ingrezza?
Common side effects of Ingrezza include sleepiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision [1]. More serious side effects can occur, and patients should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider [1].
Can Ingrezza Be Used for Other Conditions?
While Ingrezza is approved for tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease, research and clinical trials may explore its efficacy in other neurological conditions. Information regarding off-label use or investigational uses should be obtained from medical professionals or clinical trial databases.
How Does Ingrezza Pricing Work?
The cost of Ingrezza can vary. Pharmaceutical companies often provide patient assistance programs to help eligible individuals access their medications. For specific pricing information and assistance programs, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer's website or a healthcare provider [6].
What Are the Patents for Ingrezza?
Drug patent information for Ingrezza can be found through resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [7]. These patents protect the drug from generic competition for a specific period.
Who Manufactures Ingrezza?
Ingrezza is manufactured by Neurocrine Biosciences [1].
What Are the Alternatives to Ingrezza?
For tardive dyskinesia, other VMAT2 inhibitors such as Austedo (deutetrabenazine) are available [8]. For chorea, treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause. Consulting with a neurologist or movement disorder specialist is recommended to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan [2][3].
Clinical Data Supporting Ingrezza
Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Ingrezza in reducing the severity of involuntary movements in patients with tardive dyskinesia [5]. Further clinical data supports its use in chorea associated with Huntington's disease [1].
Sources:
[1] https://www.ingrezza.com/
[2] https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tardive-dyskinesia
[3] https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/huntingtons-disease
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26931751/
[5] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-approval-package-ingrezza-valbenazine-capsules
[6] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[7] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[8] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/blog/austedo-vs-ingrezza-differences-and-similarities-in-treating-tardive-dyskinesia