Valbenazine for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia

Valbenazine (NBI-98854, Ingrezza) is a highly selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor that modulates dopamine release during nerve communication. The pharmacological target VMAT2 may play an important role in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD), an iatrogenic condition associated with the administration of antipsychotic medication for long periods and characterized by rapid, repetitive, stereotypic, involuntary movements of the face and extremities. There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for the treatment of TD. Results of clinical trials have shown a distinctive improvement in TD symptoms during valbenazine administration and a new drug application submitted to the FDA in August 2016 is undergoing priority review with a decision expected in April 2017.