v3.25.4
Business Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Basis of Consolidation
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Neurocrine Biosciences as well as our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for such goods or services. Revenue is recognized using a five-step model: (i) identify contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenues when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation.
Product Revenue
We sell INGREZZA® (valbenazine) exclusively in the U.S. through a limited specialty network. Our customers include select specialty pharmacy providers, wholesale distributors, and specialty distributors. In addition, we sell CRENESSITY® (crinecerfont) in the U.S. through a single specialty pharmacy provider. Net product sales of INGREZZA were $2.51 billion for 2025, $2.31 billion for 2024, and $1.84 billion for 2023 and accounted for a significant portion of our total net product sales during each of these years. Net product sales of CRENESSITY were $301.2 million for 2025.
Product revenue is recorded net of reserves for variable consideration, including discounts and allowances offered within contracts with our customers, payors, and other third parties. These reserves, classified as reductions of accounts receivable or liabilities, are based on estimates and include the following categories:
Product discounts represent estimated obligations for trade term discounts and other incentives offered to our customers. We accrue for product discounts based on actual historical discounts, including the timing of customer payments.
Distributor and other fees represent fees for inventory management, data, and distribution services and are generally recorded as a reduction of revenue or expensed as selling, general, and administrative to the extent we can demonstrate a separable benefit and fair value for these services.
Government rebates represent estimated obligations to government agencies under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and Medicare Part D and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized. We accrue for government rebates based on estimated claims for the current quarter, estimated claims for prior quarters for which an invoice has not been received, and claims for prior quarters for which an invoice has been received but not paid.
Chargebacks represent estimated obligations to our customers for differences between list and contract prices. We accrue for chargebacks as a reduction of revenue based on estimated contractual discounts on product inventory levels on-hand in our distribution channel.
Payor and pharmacy rebates represent estimated obligations to payors and pharmacies for contract discounts on product sales and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized. We accrue for payor and pharmacy rebates based on actual historical rebates, contractual rebate percentages, sales made through the payor channel, and purchases made by pharmacies.
Copay assistance represents financial assistance to qualified patients with prescription drug copay requirements. We accrue for copay assistance as a reduction of revenue based on estimated claims and the cost per claim we expect to receive in connection with inventory that exists in the distribution channel at period end.
Product returns represent estimated obligations for return rights offered to our customers due to shipment errors and damaged product and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized. We accrue for product returns based on actual historical returns, benchmarking data, and industry experience.
Collaboration Revenues
We have entered into collaboration and license agreements under which we out-license certain rights to our product candidates to third parties. For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, and under which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we recognize revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). Each quarterly period, sales-based royalties are recorded based on estimated quarterly net sales of the associated collaboration products. Differences between actual results and estimated amounts are adjusted for in the period in which they become known, which typically follows the quarterly period in which the estimate was made. To date, actual royalties received have not differed materially from our estimates.
Cash Equivalents
Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash without penalty and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded net of customer allowances for prompt payment discounts, chargebacks, and any allowance for credit losses. Our estimate for the allowance for credit losses, which has not been significant to date, is determined based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of our customers, and individual customer circumstances.
Our exposure to credit losses may increase if our customers are adversely affected by changes in healthcare laws, coverage and reimbursement, economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions, or other customer-specific factors.
Debt Securities
Debt Securities
Debt securities consist of investments in certificates of deposit, corporate debt securities, and securities of government-sponsored entities. We classify debt securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale debt securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. We exclude accrued interest from both the fair value and amortized cost basis of debt securities. A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become 90 days delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for a debt security placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against interest income.
Interest income includes amortization (accretion) of purchase premiums (discounts). Premiums (discounts) on debt securities are amortized (accreted) using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses on sales of debt securities are recorded on the trade date in investment income and other, net, and determined using the specific identification method.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses
For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through earnings. For available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, we
evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, we consider the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes in interest rates, and any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss, as applicable.
Accrued interest receivables on available-for-sale debt securities were $20.5 million and $14.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. We do not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. For the purposes of identifying and measuring an impairment, accrued interest is excluded from both the fair value and amortized cost basis of the debt security. Uncollectible accrued interest receivables associated with an impaired debt security are reversed against interest income upon identification of the impairment. No accrued interest receivables were written off during 2025, 2024, or 2023.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, investments in available-for-sale debt securities, and accounts receivable.
To minimize the risks related to cash and cash equivalents and investments in available-for-sale debt securities, we have established guidelines related to credit ratings and maturities intended to safeguard principal balances and maintain liquidity. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, which defines allowable investments, specifies credit quality standards, and limits the credit exposure of any single issuer.
To minimize the risks related to accounts receivable, which are typically unsecured, we monitor the financial performance and creditworthiness of our customers so that we can properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profiles.
Equity Investments
Equity Investments
We account for certain equity investments subject to the equity method of accounting, or through which we have the ability to exercise significant influence (but not control) over the operating and financial policies of an investee, under the fair value option. In assessing whether we exercise significant influence, we consider the nature and magnitude of such an investment, the voting and protective rights we hold, any participation in the governance of the investee and other relevant factors, such as the presence of a collaborative or other business relationship. Such investments in publicly traded companies are currently classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and carried at fair value, with any changes in the fair value of such investments recognized in earnings.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We record cash equivalents, debt securities available-for-sale, and equity security investments at fair value based on a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
Investments in debt securities available-for-sale are classified as Level 2 and carried at fair value. We estimate the fair value of debt securities available-for-sale by utilizing third-party pricing services. These pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. Such inputs include market pricing based on real-time trade data for similar instruments, issuer credit spreads, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes and other observable inputs. We validate valuations obtained from third-party pricing services by understanding the models used, obtaining market values from other pricing sources and analyzing data in certain instances.
We deem transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy to have occurred at the end of the reporting period during which the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurred.
Inventory
Inventory
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost of inventory using the standard-cost method, which approximates actual cost based on the first-in, first-out method. We perform an assessment of the recoverability of our inventory on a quarterly basis and write down any excess and obsolete inventory to its net realizable value in the period in which the impairment is first identified. When future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is expected to be realized, based on management’s judgment, we capitalize pre-launch inventory costs prior to regulatory approval.
Prior to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of CRENESSITY in December 2024, all costs related to its manufacturing were expensed as research and development (R&D) in the period incurred. As a result, our physical inventory as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 included active pharmaceutical product with no cost basis. Costs related to the manufacturing of bulk drug product, finished bottling, and other labeling activities that occurred post-FDA approval are included in the inventory value as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Leases
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at contract inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When determining the lease term, we include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that such options will be exercised.
As none of our operating leases provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined using a secured borrowing rate for the same currency and term as the associated lease.
The lease payments used to determine our ROU assets may include prepaid or accrued lease payments and any lease incentives received and are recognized in ROU assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Our lease agreements may include both lease and non-lease components, which we account for as a single lease component when the payments are fixed. Variable payments included in lease agreements are expensed as incurred.
Our operating leases are reflected in ROU assets, noncurrent operating lease liabilities, and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Impairment of ROU Assets
Impairment of ROU Assets
ROU assets are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. ROU assets are tested for impairment individually or as part of an asset group if the cash flows related to the ROU asset are not independent from the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An asset group is the unit of accounting for long-lived assets to be held and used, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities.
Corporate ROU assets that are actively being marketed for sublease in connection with excess leased capacity are tested for impairment individually when the cash flows related to the ROU asset are determined to be independent from the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Corporate ROU assets are otherwise tested for impairment on a consolidated level with consideration given to all cash flows of the company as corporate functions do not generate cash flows and are funded by revenue-producing activities at lower levels of the entity.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Equipment is depreciated over an average estimated useful life of 3 to 7 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Depreciation expense was $26.0 million for 2025, $23.5 million for 2024, and $17.8 million for 2023.
Share Repurchases
Share Repurchases
Shares repurchased pursuant to our share repurchase program are immediately retired upon purchase. Repurchased common stock is reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity by reducing our common stock for the par value of the shares repurchased and reducing our capital surplus for the excess of the repurchase price over the par value. The excess over the par value of the shares repurchased is recorded as a reduction to retained earnings to the extent available, with any remainder recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of third-party manufacturing, transportation, freight, and indirect overhead costs for the manufacture and distribution of INGREZZA and CRENESSITY drug product sold, royalties on net product sales of CRENESSITY, amortization of intangible assets, manufacturing costs in connection with our supply of valbenazine drug product under our collaboration with Tanabe Pharma Corporation (TPC) (formerly Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation), and adjustments for excess and obsolete inventory to the extent management determines that the cost cannot be recovered based on estimates about future demand.
A portion of the costs associated with the manufacture of CRENESSITY sold to date was expensed as R&D prior to the FDA’s approval of CRENESSITY and is therefore excluded from cost of sales during this period.
Research and Development
Research and Development
R&D expenses primarily consist of preclinical and clinical trial costs, payroll and benefits costs, including stock-based compensation associated with employees involved in R&D activities, certain costs associated with our collaborative arrangements, and certain facility-based expenses (such as rent expense) and other overhead allocations. All such costs are expensed as R&D when incurred.
Collaborations and Other Arrangements and Asset Acquisitions
Collaborations and Other Arrangements
We enter into collaborative agreements with third parties to develop and commercialize drug candidates. Collaborative activities may include joint R&D and commercialization of new products. We generally receive certain licensing rights under these arrangements. These collaborations often require upfront payments and may include additional milestone, R&D cost sharing, royalty, or profit share payments, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the assets in development and commercialization. Upfront payments associated with collaborative arrangements are generally expensed as in-process research and development (IPR&D) when incurred. Milestone payments that are contingent upon the achievement of specified development, regulatory, or commercial events are recognized when the applicable contingency is resolved and the consideration is paid or becomes payable. Milestone payments that are paid or payable prior to regulatory approval are expensed as R&D, and milestone payments that are paid or payable subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of revenues over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Royalties are expensed as cost of revenues when incurred.
Asset Acquisitions
We account for acquisitions of assets (or groups of assets) that do not meet the definition of a business using the cost accumulation method, whereby the cost of the acquisition, including certain transaction costs, is allocated to the assets (or group of assets) acquired on the basis of their relative fair value(s) on the measurement date. No goodwill is recognized in an asset acquisition. Intangible assets acquired in an asset acquisition for use in R&D activities which have no alternative future use are expensed as IPR&D on the acquisition date. Amounts paid to acquire such assets are classified as operating cash outflows on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Future costs to develop these assets are expensed as R&D when incurred.
Advertising
Advertising
Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general, and administrative on the consolidated statements of income. Advertising expenses were $226.8 million for 2025, $191.0 million for 2024, and $159.9 million for 2023.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
We grant stock options to purchase our common stock to eligible employees and directors and also grant certain employees restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance-based restricted stock units (PRSUs). Additionally, we allow employees to participate in an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP).
We estimate the fair value of stock options and shares to be issued under the ESPP using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the date of grant. RSUs are valued based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of equity instruments expected to vest is recognized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three to four years; however, certain provisions in our equity compensation plans provide for shorter vesting periods under certain circumstances. The fair value of shares to be issued under the ESPP is recognized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the purchase period, which is generally six months. PRSUs vest upon the achievement of certain predefined company-specific performance-based criteria. Expense related to PRSUs is generally recognized ratably over the expected performance period once the predefined performance-based criteria for vesting becomes probable.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Our income tax provision is computed under the asset and liability method. Significant estimates are required in determining our income tax provision. Some of these estimates are based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts (temporary differences) at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets, including net operating losses and tax credits, will not be realized. We periodically reassess the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets based on various factors including our historical earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, and forecasts of future operating results and utilization of net operating losses and tax credits prior to their expiration. Significant judgment is required in making this assessment and, to the extent that a reversal of any portion of our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets is deemed appropriate, a tax benefit will be recognized against our income tax provision in the period of such reversal.
Our income tax provision is also affected by intercompany transfer pricing arrangements, including the allocation of income related to intellectual property held by foreign affiliates. These arrangements are intended to reflect arm’s-length pricing and require management judgment in their application.
We have elected to account for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) as a current period tax expense in the period incurred in accordance with its accounting policy under ASC 740.
We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the position. An adverse resolution of one or more of these uncertain tax positions in any period could have a material impact on the results of operations for that period.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the treasury stock and if-converted methods and reflect the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period, excluding those whose effect would be anti-dilutive. PRSUs for which the performance condition has not been achieved are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires public entities, on an annual basis, to provide disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation, as well as disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and should be applied on a prospective basis. We adopted ASU 2023-09 on January 1, 2025. Our adoption of ASU 2023-09 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements (since the requirements of this ASU are disclosure-specific) and will not affect our quarterly income tax disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement–Reporting Comprehensive Income–Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires public entities to disclose specified information about certain costs and expenses on an interim and annual basis. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that adoption of ASU 2024-03 will have on our financial statement disclosures.
Segment Reporting and Disaggregation of Relevant Expense Captions
Neurocrine Biosciences operates as a single global business segment dedicated to the research and development, commercialization, and sale of pharmaceuticals primarily in the U.S. for the treatment of under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine, and immunological disorders. The accounting policies of the segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
The determination of a single business segment is consistent with the consolidated financial information regularly reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer as chief operating decision maker (CODM) in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources on a consolidated basis.
The CODM assesses performance for the segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net income that also is reported on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as consolidated net income. The CODM uses net income to monitor budget and forecast versus actual results in assessing segment performance and to evaluate income generated from segment assets in deciding how to allocate resources. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total consolidated assets.