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SAN DIEGO , May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX ) today announced the launch of ConnectING with Carnie™, a multimedia awareness campaign in partnership with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Carnie Wilson . The campaign aims to support people struggling with the uncontrolled movements of tardive dyskinesia, an involuntary movement disorder associated with the use of antipsychotic medications, by sharing stories of courage and resilience in seeking diagnosis and treatment.
ConnectING with Carnie raises awareness of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and encourages individuals to stand up to stigma, speak openly about their symptoms without fear or embarrassment and seek diagnosis and treatment. Driven by her personal and family experiences with mental health challenges, Carnie is using her voice to empower those impacted by mental illness and TD to take action. Through the campaign, she's connecting with individuals and care partners who share their lived experiences with mental illness and TD. This includes discussions about INGREZZA ® (valbenazine) capsules for the treatment of TD in adults. 1 The ultimate aim is to encourage people living with TD to seek the help they deserve.
"Mental health is a topic close to my heart, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences to spread hope and positivity by sharing stories, connecting with individuals in the mental health community and encouraging those experiencing uncontrollable movements to speak with their healthcare provider about appropriate treatment," Carnie said. "I've seen the difference that seeking support and treatment can make, and I want people who may be struggling with tardive dyskinesia to know they do not need to suffer in silence."
Although Carnie does not have TD, she is committed to advocating for those with the condition. She has been inspired by conversations with mental health advocacy leaders regarding TD and its impact, in addition to individuals living with TD, their care partners and healthcare professionals who have shared experiences and success stories regarding treatment with INGREZZA. Videos featuring interviews of some of these conversations, along with resources for people living with TD, will be available on ConnectingWithCarnie.com .
"We are moved by Carnie's passion to be a guiding voice for people impacted by TD, recognizing that even mild uncontrolled movements can significantly impact everyday activities, personal well-being and interactions with others," said Eric Benevich , Chief Commercial Officer, Neurocrine Biosciences. "Our goal for ConnectING with Carnie is to reduce stigma, increase understanding and encourage individuals with involuntary movements to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options, such as INGREZZA."
For more information on TD, INGREZZA and this partnership, visit ConnectingWithCarnie.com .
About ConnectING with Carnie ™ ConnectING with Carnie™ is a multimedia awareness campaign in partnership with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Carnie Wilson . The campaign aims to raise awareness of tardive dyskinesia (TD), combat stigma, promote diagnosis and empower patients to self-advocate and explore treatment options, including INGREZZA ® (valbenazine) capsules, an FDA-approved TD treatment for adults. Carnie Wilson is an advocate for those living with mental health conditions and TD. Carnie Wilson is a paid spokesperson for INGREZZA/Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. She is not diagnosed with TD and does not take INGREZZA. To learn more about the campaign, visit ConnectingWithCarnie.com .
About Tardive Dyskinesia Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso and/or other body parts, which may be disruptive and negatively impact patients. The condition is associated with taking certain kinds of mental health medicines (antipsychotics) that help control dopamine receptors in the brain. Taking antipsychotics commonly prescribed to treat mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and other prescription medicines (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) used to treat gastrointestinal disorders are associated with TD. In patients with TD, these treatments are thought to result in irregular dopamine signaling in a region of the brain that controls movement. The symptoms of TD can be mild to severe and are often persistent and irreversible. TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the U.S.
About INGREZZA ® (valbenazine) Capsules and INGREZZA ® SPRINKLE (valbenazine) Capsules INGREZZA is a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia and the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease (HD). Only INGREZZA offers a therapeutic dose from day one with no required titration.
INGREZZA, developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, selectively inhibits VMAT2 with no appreciable binding affinity for VMAT1, dopaminergic (including D2), serotonergic, adrenergic, histaminergic or muscarinic receptors. While the specific way INGREZZA works to treat TD and HD chorea is not fully understood, INGREZZA is unique in that it selectively and specifically targets VMAT2 to inhibit the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps control movement. INGREZZA is believed to reduce extra dopamine signaling, which may lead to fewer uncontrollable movements.
INGREZZA is proven across the widest range of patients. It is always one capsule, once daily and can be taken together with most stable mental health regimens such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. Only INGREZZA offers the benefit of a sprinkle formulation, INGREZZA SPRINKLE, for those who experience dysphagia, have difficulty swallowing or prefer not to swallow a pill. INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE dosages approved for use are 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg capsules.
Important Information
INGREZZA ® (valbenazine) capsules or INGREZZA ® SPRINKLE (valbenazine) capsules are prescription medicines used to treat adults with:
It is not known if INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE is safe and effective in children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE can cause serious side effects in people with Huntington's disease, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal actions. Tell your healthcare provider before you start taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you have Huntington's disease and are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is especially important when INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE is started and when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become depressed, have unusual changes in mood or behavior, or have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Do not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you:
INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE can cause serious side effects, including:
Before taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you: have liver or heart problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Make sure you tell all of your healthcare providers that you are taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you: take digoxin or take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine. You should not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you are taking, or have stopped taking, a MAOI within the last 14 days.
The most common side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE in people with tardive dyskinesia are sleepiness and tiredness.
The most common side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE in people with chorea associated with Huntington's disease include sleepiness and tiredness, raised itchy red areas on your skin (hives), rash, and trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
These are not all of the possible side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosage Forms and Strengths: INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE are available in 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg capsules.
Please see full Prescribing Information , including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide .
About Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids,* as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com , and follow the company on LinkedIn , X and Facebook . (* in collaboration with AbbVie )
The NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES Logo, NEUROCRINE, YOU DESERVE BRAVE SCIENCE and INGREZZA are registered trademarks of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. ConnectING with Carnie is a trademark of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
1. INGREZZA capsules [package insert]. San Diego, CA : Neurocrine Biosciences; 2024.
SOURCE Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.