Valbenazine Falls Short in Phase III Trial for Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Neurocrine Biosciences has announced disappointing results from its Phase III KINECT-DCP trial evaluating valbenazine, a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, for the treatment of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP). The study did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints in either paediatric or adult patients.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to assess whether valbenazine could reduce chorea, a type of involuntary movement commonly seen in DCP. Participants aged six to 70 years received either valbenazine or placebo over a 14-week double-blind period, followed by an optional open-label extension in which all patients were treated with valbenazine. The trial evaluated the drug’s safety, tolerability, and efficacy.

The failure is notable given the lack of approved treatments for dyskinetic cerebral palsy, a non-progressive neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture from early childhood. Neurocrine plans to present full trial data at a future scientific meeting.

23-12-2025