Takeda has released phase 3 data from two large pivotal studies showing that its oral drug zasocitinib leads to high rates of skin clearance across the body, including in hard-to-treat sites.
Zasocitinib is a next-generation, highly-selective, potent oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor taken as a once-daily pill. It inhibits IL-23 and other key disease-driving immune pathways for at least 24 hours. Its selectivity for TYK2 is more than a million times greater than for other JAK enzymes, meaning it has the potential to avoid impacting JAK1, 2, and 3 signaling.
In two phase 3 trials, the drug led to a statistically-significant improvement in Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) and high rates of skin clearance in other high-impact sites, including the scalp, palms, and soles, compared to a placebo. At week 16, 75% patients with scalp psoriasis and 70% of patients with palmoplantar disease achieved clear or almost clear skin. In both studies, patients maintained skin clearance through week 24.