In vitro activity: Valbenazine, also known as NBI-98854 and MT-5199, is a potent and selective inhibitor of VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2). Valbenazine is a prodrug of the (+)-α isomer of tetrabenazine for tardive syndrome therapy. It is effective in regulating the levels of dopamine release during nerve communication, while at the same time having minimal impact on the other monoamines. Valbenazine is used to treat tardive dyskinesia in adults. Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements. The clinical trials that led to FDA approval of valbenzazine were 6 weeks in duration. An industry-sponsored study has studied the use of valbenzazine for up to 48 weeks, in which it was found to be safe and effective for maintaining short-term (6 week) improvements in tardive dyskinesia.

Kinase Assay: Valbenazine, also known as NBI-98854 and MT-5199, is a potent and selective inhibitor of VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2).