Neurocrine’s VMAT2 Inhibitor Valbenazine Fails in Phase 3 Trial for Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Neurocrine Biosciences' Phase 3 KINECT-DCP study of valbenazine, a selective VMAT2 inhibitor, did not meet primary or key secondary endpoints for improving chorea in pediatric and adult patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP). 12
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved participants aged 6-70 years receiving valbenazine or placebo for 14 weeks; it was the largest such study in DCP. 12
No therapies are currently approved for dystonia or choreoathetosis in cerebral palsy, which affects posture and movement; DCP accounts for about 15% of CP cases. 12
Neurocrine CMO Sanjay Keswani expressed disappointment due to the unmet need but gratitude to participants; full results will be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting. 12
Valbenazine is FDA-approved for tardive dyskinesia (2017) and Huntington's disease chorea (2023); Neurocrine is developing next-generation VMAT2 inhibitors like NBI-1065890 for Phase 2 in 2026. 12
Sources:
1. https://www.pharmatutor.org/content/december-2025/neurocrine-dyskinetic-cerebral-palsy-medicine-fails-in-clinical-trial
2. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/neurocrine-valbenazine/