Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: NBIX) announced the presentation of expert consensus recommendations for screening, diagnosing and treating tardive dyskinesia in long-term care settings at the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association Annual Conference in Anaheim, California.

The recommendations were developed through a multidisciplinary panel and address treatment gaps for older adults in long-term care facilities who face elevated risk for tardive dyskinesia due to prolonged exposure to dopamine receptor blocking agents, advanced age and complex medical conditions.

The panel established guidelines including quarterly screening using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale for residents taking dopamine receptor blocking medications and treatment with vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors. Treatment selection factors identified include formulation flexibility for patients with swallowing difficulties, simplified administration and consideration of drug interactions.

Neurocrine also presented analysis from its KINECT-PRO study showing patient-reported improvements in tardive dyskinesia symptoms among adults aged 65 and older treated with INGREZZA (valbenazine) capsules. The post-hoc analysis demonstrated improvements in quality of life and reduced social and emotional burden at 24 weeks.

"The consensus recommendations provide structured guidance for clinicians caring for residents in these environments," said Sanjay Keswani, chief medical officer at Neurocrine Biosciences.

INGREZZA is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease. The company noted INGREZZA is the only approved VMAT2 inhibitor without cautious dosing recommendations for adults 65 and older and offers a therapeutic starting dose without required titration.

Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by uncontrolled, repetitive movements and is associated with certain mental health medications. The condition affects an estimated 800,000 adults in the United States.