J&J and Protagonist report promising phase 3 results for icotrokinra in plaque psoriasis

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Protagonist Therapeutics recently revealed encouraging top-line results from their phase 3 study on icotrokinra (JNJ-2113), a targeted oral peptide, for treating plaque psoriasis. The ICONIC-LEAD trial focused on patients aged 12 and above with moderate-to-severe forms of this immune-mediated skin condition.

The research met both its co-primary endpoints. At week 16, 64.7% of patients treated with icotrokinra achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of zero or one, indicating clear or almost clear skin. Additionally, 49.6% of these patients showed at least a 90% improvement on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90). In contrast, only 8.3% and 4.4% of patients on placebo achieved the same levels, respectively.

The response rates improved further by week 24. At this point, 74.1% of participants receiving icotrokinra attained an IGA score of zero or one, while 64.9% reached PASI 90.

Additionally, the phase 3 ICONIC-TOTAL trial produced promising top-line results. In this study, icotrokinra met its primary endpoint of achieving IGA scores of zero or one at the 16-week mark compared to the placebo group.

Plaque psoriasis affects over 125 million individuals globally. This condition causes an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in inflamed, scaly plaques that can be itchy or painful. These plaques can appear on various parts of the body, such as the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Icotrokinra works by selectively blocking the IL-23 receptor, which is crucial in the activation of pathogenic T-cells involved in plaque psoriasis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Liza O’Dowd, vice president of immuno-dermatology disease area lead at J&J Innovative Medicine, highlighted the potential benefits of icotrokinra. She noted that many people living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis are eligible for advanced therapies but still do not receive them. O’Dowd believes icotrokinra could provide a once-daily oral treatment that addresses the needs and preferences of those suffering from this condition.

Icotrokinra was discovered and is being developed under a license and collaboration agreement between Protagonist and J&J. According to the terms of this agreement, J&J has exclusive global rights to further develop the compound in mid-stage clinical trials and beyond. They also hold the rights to commercialize any compounds derived from this research across a wide range of indications.

The results from these trials bring hope to the millions affected by plaque psoriasis, indicating that icotrokinra could become a significant advancement in the treatment of this challenging condition.