Ingrezza Initiation Pk(TARDIV) (valbenazine tosylate)

Dopamine-Depleting Agents Oral Capsule, Dose Pack

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Valbenazine tosylate, a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, is a monoamine-depleting agent.

Valbenazine tosylate, a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, is a monoamine-depleting agent. Valbenazine is a valine ester prodrug of (+)-alpha-dihydrotetrabenazine ((+)-alpha-HTBZ) and an active metabolite of tetrabenazine. Of the 4 tetrabenazine metabolite isomers, (+)-alpha-HTBZ has the highest binding affinity and selectivity for VMAT2.

Although the exact mechanism of action of valbenazine in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea in patients with Huntington's disease has not been fully elucidated, the drug selectively and reversibly inhibits VMAT2, a transporter that regulates the uptake of monoamines (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine) from the cytoplasm to the synaptic vesicles for storage and release in the CNS. Monoamines not transported into synaptic vesicles are rapidly degraded by monoamine oxidase (MAO), resulting in depleted monoamine stores in nerve terminals.

Valbenazine and its (+)-alpha-HTBZ metabolite have no appreciable binding affinity for VMAT1 or for dopaminergic (including D2), serotonergic (including 5-HT2B), adrenergic, histaminergic, or muscarinic receptors.

Following oral administration of valbenazine, the drug undergoes ester hydrolysis to form the major active metabolite, (+)-alpha-HTBZ. Peak plasma concentrations of valbenazine and (+)-alpha-HTBZ occur in 30-60 minutes and 4-8 hours, respectively. The absolute oral bioavailability of valbenazine is approximately 49%.

Steady-state plasma concentrations of valbenazine are achieved within 1 week. Administration of the capsules with a high-fat meal decreases peak plasma concentrations and AUC of valbenazine by approximately 47 and 13%, respectively; peak plasma concentration and AUC of (+)-alpha-HTBZ are not substantially affected. Administration of the sprinkle formulation with a high-fat meal decreases peak plasma concentrations by approximately 15% and did not have an appreciable effect on AUC; peak plasma concentration and AUC of (+)-alpha-HTBZ are unaffected.

In addition to undergoing ester hydrolysis to the major active metabolite, valbenazine is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4/5 to other metabolites, including NBI-136110. The active metabolite of valbenazine is further metabolized in part by CYP2D6. The parent drug and NBI-136110 also inhibit VMAT2 but have approximately 40- to 65-fold lower binding affinity than (+)-alpha-HTBZ.

Valbenazine is highly bound (greater than 99%) to plasma proteins while its active metabolite is approximately 64% protein bound. In rats, valbenazine can bind to melanin-containing structures of the eye such as the uveal tract; the clinical relevance of this finding is not known. Following administration of a single radiolabeled dose of valbenazine, approximately 60 and 30% of the dose is recovered in urine and feces, respectively.

Less than 2% of the dose is excreted as unchanged valbenazine or its active metabolite. The half-lives of valbenazine and (+)-alpha-HTBZ are both 15-22 hours.

USES: Valbenazine is used to treat involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts (tardive dyskinesia). This medication is also used to decrease the involuntary movements (chorea) caused by Huntington's disease. Reducing involuntary movements will help you take part in more of your normal daily activities.

This medication is thought to work by decreasing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain that affect how your nerves and muscles work (monoamines such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine).

Generic name: valbenazine tosylate
Pronunciation: (val-BEN-a-zeen)
Drug class: Dopamine-Depleting Agents
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Ingrezza Initiation Pk(TARDIV):

  • Chorea Associated With Huntington's Disease
  • Tardive Dyskinesia

Dosing

Dosage of valbenazine tosylate is expressed in terms of valbenazine.

Drug interactions

Valbenazine is metabolized in part by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4/5; further biotransformation of the active metabolite is mediated in part by CYP2D6.

In vitro studies indicate that valbenazine and its active metabolite do not inhibit CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2E1, or 3A4/5, nor induce CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2B6, or 3A4/5 at clinically relevant concentrations.

Valbenazine and its active metabolite are unlikely to inhibit breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), organic anion transporters (OAT) 1 and OAT3, organic cation transporter (OCT) 2, or organic anion transport proteins (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3 at clinically relevant concentrations. Valbenazine inhibits intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Contraindications

*History of hypersensitivity to valbenazine or any of its components. Rash, urticaria, and angioedema have been reported.

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse reaction (>=5% and twice the rate of placebo) in clinical trials of valbenazine in patients with tardive dyskinesia was somnolence.

The most common adverse reactions (>=5% and twice the rate of placebo) in clinical trials of valbenazine in patients with chorea associated with Huntington's disease were somnolence/lethargy/sedation, urticaria, rash, and insomnia.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Chorea associated with huntington's disease
G10ICD10CMHuntington's disease
Tardive dyskinesia
G24.01ICD10CMDrug induced subacute dyskinesia

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data