Neurocrine’s movement disorder treatment fails late-stage trial

Dec 22 (Reuters) – Neurocrine Biosciences said on Monday its drug failed to meet the main goal in a late-stage clinical trial in patients with a type of disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to control muscles.

Shares of the San Diego, California-based company fell about 1% in extended trading.

Neurocrine was testing the drug, valbenazine, in patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, the second most common form of the condition, which is marked by uncontrolled, involuntary movements.

Other types of cerebral palsy are typically defined by muscle stiffness or poor coordination, leading to difficulties with movement, posture and daily activities.

In the 14-week study, patients who took the drug did not show significant improvement in chorea, a type of involuntary movement, when compared to a placebo.

“These results are disappointing, as there are no approved treatments for people living with dyskinetic cerebral palsy,” said Sanjay Keswani, chief medical officer at Neurocrine.

The company said it will report the full study results at an upcoming scientific meeting.

Valbenazine, marketed as Ingrezza, is approved in the U.S. for tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder causing involuntary movements, and for chorea associated with Huntington’s disease.

(Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)