About 74 percent of people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis achieved complete or near-complete skin clearance in a phase 3 trial of icotrokinra, a once-daily oral medication. Icotrokinra targets the interleukin (IL)-23 receptor to reduce inflammation, similar to biologics such as guselkumab (Tremfya), risankizumab (Skyrizi), and tildrakizumab-asmn (Ilumya). However, unlike biologics that require injections, icotrokinra is taken as a pill.

By week 16 of the late-stage trial, nearly two-thirds (64.7 percent) of participants had clear or almost clear skin, according to the Investigator’s Global Assessment. In comparison, only 8.3 percent of participants on placebo (inactive treatment) saw similar improvement. Additionally, nearly half (49.6 percent) of those taking icotrokinra achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90, a score that represents 90 percent clearance, versus 4.4 percent of the placebo group.

By week 24, results improved further, with 74.1 percent experiencing clear or nearly clear skin and 64.9 percent reaching PASI 90. The treatment was well tolerated, with no increased risk of side effects compared with placebo.

A Needle-Free Alternative to Injectables

Biologics that target interleukin pathways, such as IL-23, have proved effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. One potential drawback is that they must be injected. For individuals who find needles off-putting or can’t use injectable therapies, icotrokinra may provide a promising oral alternative. If approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), icotrokinra could expand effective psoriasis treatment options.

Learn more about injectable psoriasis medications and how to decide which may be best for you.

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