Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc announced the launch of a new sprinkle formulation of INGREZZA capsules, the #1 prescribed vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington’s disease.1 INGREZZA® SPRINKLE (valbenazine) capsules is now available through the same network of specialty and local affiliated pharmacies that distribute INGREZZA.
“Only INGREZZA offers a sprinkle formulation to ease administration for individuals living with tardive dyskinesia or Huntington’s disease chorea, who often have difficulty swallowing pills,” said Eiry W. Roberts, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Neurocrine Biosciences. “We wanted to provide this new option to patients and their caregivers who want the benefit of treatment with INGREZZA without the challenge of swallowing a capsule.”
INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE offer simple dosing that’s always one capsule, once daily with no complex dose adjustments to get to an effective dose.1 Only INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE offer a therapeutic dose from day one.1 INGREZZA SPRINKLE offers the same three simple and effective dosing options (40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg) as INGREZZA, which can be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on patient response and tolerability.
The INGREZZA SPRINKLE capsule is easy to open and the contents (granules) can be sprinkled on soft food, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding, for oral administration. Proper preparation and administration of INGREZZA SPRINKLE is described in the Instructions for Use.
“Most people living with chorea associated with Huntington’s disease will experience swallowing issues,” said Katie Jackson, President, Help 4 HD International. “The availability of a treatment for chorea that can be easily sprinkled onto food is very helpful in reducing the burden of taking a pill for these individuals and their caregivers, especially as the disease progresses.”
Taking pills can also be difficult for people living with TD.2 In a survey of patients with TD experiencing moderate-to-severe involuntary movement symptoms (n = 250), 37% reported that their movements impacted their ability to eat and drink.2*†
Neurocrine Biosciences received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of INGREZZA SPRINKLE on April 30 of this year. The approval was based on chemistry, manufacturing and controls information and data demonstrating the bioequivalence and tolerability of INGREZZA SPRINKLE compared with INGREZZA capsules.
The cost of INGREZZA SPRINKLE is equivalent to INGREZZA. The INBRACE® Support Program provided by Neurocrine Biosciences helps patients who are prescribed INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE by assisting with product support and prescription fulfillment. Patients with commercial insurance may be eligible for copay assistance, and patients with no prescription coverage who also lack the financial resources to pay for their medicine may be eligible for participation in the patient assistance program. Most patients pay $10 or less out-of-pocket for INGREZZA.
SOURCE: PRNewswire