Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:NBIX) has announced that the 50mg ONGENTYS® capsules are now available by prescription in the US. ONGENTYS is the first once-daily catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor to receive FDA approval in the US as an add-on levodopa/carbidopa treatment in Parkinson’s disease patients that experience “off” episodes.
ONGENTYS is available in the US
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting around one million Americans, and every year around 50,000 people are diagnosed with progressive, chronic, and debilitating Parkinson’s disease. Rebecca Gilbert, the American Parkinson Disease Association VP, and Chief Scientific Officer, stated that ONGENTYS is a treatment alternative that decreases “off” time, which is when symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are bothersome.
The treatment also enhances “on” time with dyskinesia issues during the day when the symptoms are better managed. She added that the approval is good news for Parkinson’s disease patients seeking more medication alternatives to help manage the difficult symptoms of the neurodegenerative disorder.
Neurocrine Biosciences Chief Medical officer Eiry Roberts said that the disease is a progressive and debilitating condition which results in people struggling to manage motor fluctuations. He added that the availability of ONGENTYS in the US offers hope to patients, and it underscores the company’s commitment to bringing novel therapies to patients with unmet medical needs.
Neurocrine Biosciences partners with Orchestra to launch mental health initiative
Also, the company has partnered with Me2/Orchestra and mental health advocacy groups to launch Monumental Moments. This is an online community platform and charitable initiative that seeks to foster the sprint of togetherness and offer support to people dealing with mental health issues in the community. The initiative also targets individuals who have experienced heightened stress and anxiety this year in the wake of the pandemic that caused social isolation and unrest.
Monumental Moments that coincided with Mental Illness Awareness Week offer people an opportunity to open up in personal success moments in managing the mental health situation during the time. The initiatives microsite, MonumnetalMoments.com, serves as a platform where people can learn and take part in the initiative.
