Johnson & Johnson announced promising results from its Phase 3 clinical trials for icotrokinra (JNJ-2113), an investigational oral peptide for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). In the ICONIC-LEAD study, nearly half of patients treated with once-daily icotrokinra achieved completely clear skin at Week 24, demonstrating significant skin clearance and a favorable safety profile. The drug also showed superiority over placebo, with 65% of patients reaching clear or almost clear skin and 50% achieving a PASI 90 response at Week 16. These results, along with positive outcomes from the ICONIC-ADVANCE studies, pave the way for a head-to-head Phase 3 study comparing icotrokinra with the injectable biologic ustekinumab.

The Phase 3 ICONIC-ADVANCE studies met their co-primary endpoints, showing that icotrokinra was superior to deucravacitinib in moderate-to-severe PsO. These results position icotrokinra as a potential first-line systemic therapy for PsO, offering an oral alternative to injectable treatments. The ongoing ICONIC-ASCEND study will be the first to directly compare the oral pill to an injectable biologic. With robust data supporting icotrokinra’s efficacy and safety, Johnson & Johnson aims to shift treatment expectations for PsO and offer a new option for patients seeking effective and convenient care.

Reference: Johnson & Johnson. Icotrokinra results show potential to set a new standard of treatment in plaque psoriasis. PR Newswire. Published March 08, 2025. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icotrokinra-results-show-potential-to-set-a-new-standard-of-treatment-in-plaque-psoriasis-302396171.html