Valbenazine, a reversible inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2), is currently the only FDA-approved agent specifically indicated for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD), according to a recent systematic review. Furthermore, valbenazine is about 15 times more likely to result in a response than in a discontinuation due to an adverse event. In an effort to describe the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of valbenazine for the treatment of TD, researchers found:

• The percentage of responders in the Phase III acute study, as defined by ≥50% reduction from baseline in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale dyskinesia score, was 40.0% for valbenazine 80 mg/d vs 8.7% for placebo.
• The percentage of responders in the Phase III acute study, as defined by ≥50% reduction from baseline in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale dyskinesia score, was 40.0% for valbenazine 80 mg/d vs 8.7% for placebo.
• Discontinuation rates because of an adverse event were 2.9% for valbenazine-treated patients vs 1.6% for placebo-treated patients.