RESULTS from the Phase III ICONIC-LEAD trial reveal that JNJ-2113 (icotrokinra,
Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey, USA), an oral peptide targeting the IL-23 receptor, demonstrated improvements in skin clearance among patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The trial assessed adults and adolescents aged 12 and older, with participants receiving the treatment once daily.
At Week 16, 64.7% of patients achieved clear or nearly clear skin (IGA 0/1), while 49.6% attained a 90% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90). For comparison, placebo recipients achieved IGA 0/1 and PASI 90 rates of 8.3% and 4.4%, respectively. Efficacy further improved at week 24, with IGA 0/1 increasing to 74.1% and PASI 90 reaching 64.9%.
Safety findings indicated comparable rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) between the active drug (49.3%) and placebo groups (49.1%). These results align with earlier Phase 2 studies and suggest a favorable safety profile.
The ICONIC-TOTAL trial, which also evaluated icotrokinra, reported similar efficacy outcomes. Ongoing Phase III studies, including ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 and 2, aim to compare icotrokinra to existing treatments and expand safety data. Results will be submitted to health authorities and presented at future medical congresses.
These findings contribute to the growing exploration of oral therapies for psoriasis, addressing a need for treatments that combine efficacy with patient convenience.
Reference: Johnson & Johnson Services Inc. Icotrokinra delivered an industry-leading combination of significant skin clearance with demonstrated tolerability in a once daily pill in phase 3 topline results. November 2024. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/icotrokinra-delivered-an-industry-leading-combination-of-significant-skin-clearance-with-demonstrated-tolerability-in-a-once-daily-pill-in-phase-3-topline-results. Last accessed: November 21, 2024.
