Parkinson Disease, Secondary

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Brain Foundation has launched a $10 million cross-disciplinary research initiative that transcends traditional research and philanthropy boundaries by bringing together nonprofit organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech investors, philanthropists, and researchers. The initiative will provide funding for research by top neuroscientists to investigate the role of neuroinflammation in a wide range of brain diseases, both neurologic and psychiatric, including conditions as disparate as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, long COVID-19, and autism. The research initiative is part of the American Brain Foundation's existing Cure One, Cure Many program, which promotes innovative, cross-cutting approaches to brain disease diagnosis and treatment. Continue Reading The American Brain Foundation has launched a $10 million cross-disciplinary research initiative, bringing together nonprofit organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech investors, philanthropists, and researchers. The initiative will provide research funding for top neuroscientists to investigate the role of neuroinflammation, a contributor to almost every known neurologic and psychiatric brain disease. There are over 600 known brain diseases, and neuroinflammation plays a role in nearly all of them—yet researchers still understand very little about how this common immune response contributes to the development of neurologic disorders. This large-scale, multi-phased initiative will support research to better understand how neuroinflammation acts as an underlying mechanism across nearly all brain diseases and affects people of all ages. Unprecedented Cross-Industry Collaboration The American Brain Foundation is spearheading an unprecedented cross-industry collaboration between scientists, pharmaceutical organizations, venture and private philanthropists, and patient advocacy and nonprofit organizations like the National MS Society, the Encephalitis Society, the NFL Players Association, and the WoodNext Foundation. "The NFLPA proudly joins hands with the American Brain Foundation in advancing this extraordinary $10 million neuroinflammation initiative," said Dr. Thom Mayer, medical director for the NFL Players Association. "We are proud to be part of this historic collaboration, uniting diverse stakeholders to tackle the impact of neuroinflammation on brain health. Together, we aim to improve diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and ultimately discover cures for these conditions." The American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation's key research partner, will have a central role in the vetting of applications and selecting awardees. Chairing the initiative is Dr. Stephen Hauser, American Brain Foundation board member and director of UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. "Bringing together partners from so many different fields is the fastest, most innovative way to drive forward innovative research and harness the potential of the immune system to treat, repair, and even cure some of the most devastating brain diseases and disorders," said Dr. Hauser. "The research funded by the initiative will impact diseases as widespread and different as Parkinson's, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's, brain trauma, autism, and others." This large-scale, coordinated effort to support research from a wide diversity of partners and donors demonstrates both the range of concern about the impact of neuroinflammation on brain health and its significance as an emerging public health issue. "In recent years there has been an increasing interest in neuroinflammation, the role it has to play in the brain, and whether it can be a catalyst in our understanding of so many other diseases and disorders that we know so little about," said Dr. Ava Easton, chief executive of the Encephalitis Society. "Taking a global and collaborative approach is both bold and forward-thinking. By coming together, investing in research, and improving our knowledge of neuroinflammation, we will improve diagnosis and prevention, discover new treatments, and, crucially, find cures." Why Neuroinflammation? Inflammation is the immune system's natural response to injury, illness, and infection. Neuroinflammation—an inflammatory immune response in the brain and spinal cord—plays a role in brain health at all stages of life, from fetal development to aging, and contributes to the formation of nearly every brain disease. Understanding both the protective and detrimental effects of neuroinflammation will allow doctors to more precisely target diseases as varied as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, stroke, Parkinson's disease, ALS, MS, encephalitis, and COVID-19-associated brain disease. Together, these diseases affect 60% of the U.S. population and at least 3 billion people worldwide, and they attack the essence of what makes us human: thought, speech, emotion, and movement. "We believe in the 'Cure One, Cure Many' ethos of the American Brain Foundation," said donors from a private family foundation that made a $2.2 million donation to the initiative. "This is why we felt it was important to make an investment in the innovative neuroinflammation initiative, which will shed light on a mechanism that is present in almost every brain disease and neurologic condition." Driving Research Advancements Across Multiple Brain Diseases The American Brain Foundation will make phase 1 grants from an initial pool of $5 million in 2025 as it raises an additional $5 million for phase 2 grants. Phase 2 will be an opportunity for the Foundation and its partners to fund new projects and to provide follow-up funding to the most promising Phase 1 projects to advance translation. "We are very pleased to support this novel initiative, which has the potential to uncover common mechanisms across many different brain diseases and disorders of the nervous system, including multiple sclerosis," said Dr. Bruce Bebo, executive vice president of research at the National MS Society. "This venture holds promise for identifying new pathways to stop destructive immune activity in millions of people living with these disorders." The American Brain Foundation will begin soliciting research proposals for the neuroinflammation initiative in spring 2024, and research will begin in 2025. To learn more about the neuroinflammation initiative and other currently funded research, visit AmericanBrainFoundation.org. About the American Brain Foundation The American Brain Foundation promotes and invests in research across the whole spectrum of brain diseases and disorders knowing that when we find a cure for one brain disease, we will find cures for many. Our holistic approach focuses on building bridges between different brain diseases to break new ground in both research and application. Media Contact Emily Christian [email protected] 612-928-6319 SOURCE American Brain Foundation

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) today announced data on the real-world comorbidities, polypharmacy, and treatment patterns of patients on newly prescribed benztropine who were also being treated with antipsychotic medications. This research will be presented at the 2022 American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Annual Conference being held October 19–22 both virtually and in Long Beach, CA. The new findings are from a retrospective 24-month observational study of claims between January 1, 2017, and March 30, 2020 (Poster #152; Characteristics, Polypharmacy, and Medication Adherence Among Patients Prescribed Benztropine with a History of Antipsychotic Use). Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication approved as an adjunct for treatment of all forms of parkinsonism, including drug-induced parkinsonism that causes movement problems similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, slow movement, and stiffness. Benztropine can also be used to control other antipsychotic-induced movement disorders, except for tardive dyskinesia (TD). The analysis found that the patient population, who received at least one new benztropine prescription during the study, often had multiple comorbidities, substantial polypharmacy, and mild, moderate, or severe anticholinergic burden associated with the medications patients were taking prior to initiation of benztropine. After starting benztropine, 38 percent of these patients were on this medication for longer than six months, exceeding recommendations for acute use. These results indicate that regular evaluation of anticholinergic use is clinically warranted, especially in patients who are taking multiple medications with anticholinergic properties and have an increased risk of adverse anticholinergic effects. "The use of benztropine may be appropriate for acute treatment of some antipsychotic-induced movement disorders, but not for tardive dyskinesia," said Eiry W. Roberts, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences. "In fact, antiparkinson agents like benztropine do not alleviate the symptoms of TD and may even aggravate them. These data help characterize the need for increased education regarding appropriate use of anticholinergic medications." Additional Presentations Include: Global Improvements and Psychiatric Stability in Adults with Tardive Dyskinesia: Post Hoc Analyses of Two Long-Term Valbenazine Studies (Poster #155) Long-Term Valbenazine Is Effective for Tardive Dyskinesia in Elderly Patients (≥65 Years) (Poster #164) The full abstracts being presented by Neurocrine Biosciences at the 2022 APNA Annual Conference can be accessed by registering for the meeting here. About Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, 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 (like antipsychotics) that help control dopamine receptors in the brain. Taking antipsychotics commonly prescribed to treat mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, and certain medications to treat upset stomach, nausea and vomiting 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 severe and are often persistent and irreversible. TD is estimated to affect approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. About INGREZZA® (valbenazine) Capsules INGREZZA, a selective vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor, is an FDA-approved product indicated for the treatment of adults with tardive dyskinesia, a condition associated with uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts. INGREZZA is thought to work by reducing the amount of dopamine released in a region of the brain that controls movement and motor function, helping to regulate nerve signaling in adults with tardive dyskinesia. VMAT2 is a protein in the brain that packages neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, for transport and release in presynaptic neurons. INGREZZA, developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, is novel in that it selectively inhibits VMAT2 with no appreciable binding affinity for VMAT1, dopaminergic (including D2), serotonergic, adrenergic, histaminergic, or muscarinic receptors. Additionally, INGREZZA can be taken for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia as one capsule, once-daily, together with most psychiatric medications such as antipsychotics or antidepressants. Important Information Approved Use INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled (tardive dyskinesia). It is not known if INGREZZA is safe and effective in children. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not take INGREZZA if you: are allergic to valbenazine, or any of the ingredients in INGREZZA. INGREZZA may cause serious side effects, including: Sleepiness (somnolence). Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how INGREZZA affects you. Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation). INGREZZA may cause a heart problem known as QT prolongation. Symptoms of QT prolongation may include: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat shortness of breath dizziness or fainting Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heartbeat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint. Abnormal movements (Parkinson-like). Symptoms include: shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving or walking, or keeping your balance. Before taking INGREZZA, 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. The most common side effect of INGREZZA is sleepiness (somnolence). Other side effects include changes in balance (balance problems, dizziness) or an increased risk of falls, headache, feelings of restlessness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. These are not all of the possible side effects of INGREZZA. 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 or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see accompanying INGREZZA full Product Information. About Neurocrine Biosciences Neurocrine Biosciences is a neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options. 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, Parkinson's disease, endometriosis,* and uterine fibroids,* as well as over a dozen mid- to late-stage clinical programs in multiple 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, Twitter, and Facebook. (*In collaboration with AbbVie). Neurocrine, the Neurocrine logo, and INGREZZA are registered trademarks of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical facts, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential benefits to be derived from INGREZZA and the value INGREZZA may bring to patients. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are: risks and uncertainties associated with the commercialization of INGREZZA; risks that clinical trial activities may not be predictive of real-world results or of results in subsequent clinical trials; risks that INGREZZA may be precluded from commercialization by the proprietary rights of third parties, or have unintended side effects or adverse reactions; risks and uncertainties relating to competitive products and technological changes that may limit demand for INGREZZA; risks associated with our dependence on third parties for development and manufacturing activities related to INGREZZA and our product candidates, and our ability to manage these third parties; risks that the FDA or other regulatory authorities may make adverse decisions regarding our products or product candidates; risks that our products, and/or our product candidates may be precluded from commercialization by the proprietary or regulatory rights of third parties, or have unintended side effects, adverse reactions or incidents of misuse; risks associated with potential generic entrants for our products; risks and uncertainties associated with the scale and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting global, national, and local economic and financial disruptions; and other risks described in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Neurocrine Biosciences disclaims any obligation to update the statements contained in this press release after the date hereof. ©2022 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Company Codes: NASDAQ-NMS:NBIX

Leading Neurology Faculty to Present Clinical Updates and Management Strategies for Key Neurological Conditions NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medscape Education will host the inaugural Neurology Exchange virtual conference from September 20 to September 22. The virtual event will feature dynamic faculty and peer networking opportunities as well as Continuing Medical Education (CME)/Continuing Education (CE)-certified education sessions on the latest developments in neurology. Chaired by Michael S. Okun, MD, Professor and Chair of Neurology, University of Florida Health and Director Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases in Gainesville, the conference will feature a keynote presentation from Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, on the former first family's experience with vascular parkinsonism. World-class faculty will lead educational sessions on topics such as multiple sclerosis, adult neuromuscular disorders, stroke care, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, migraine, and pediatric neuromuscular disorders. In addition to the educational and networking experiences, the MedscapeLIVE! virtual conference environment will feature oral abstract presentations, gamification, social media wall, and interactive attendee participation throughout the event. "We are excited to kick off the first year of the Medscape Neurology Exchange Conference," said Dr. Okun. "This virtual conference will be an amazing platform to connect with faculty and clinicians and to provide the most cutting- edge information on common neurological diseases. We have an incredible international faculty line up. Clinicians will be able to increase their knowledge through expert education and fun interaction. Our hope is that the Exchange will ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients." The Neurology Exchange will provide education relevant for community-based neurologists, primary care physicians, pediatricians, nurses, physician assistants, and all other clinicians involved in the care of patients with neurological disorders. A portion of registration fees will be donated on the attendees' behalf to the Child Neurology Foundation, which exemplifies research and advocacy in the Neurology community. For more information, visit the Neurology Exchange website HERE About Medscape Education Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free CME and CE courses for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. SOURCE Medscape Education