Promising Results from Phase II Trial of Oral Interleukin Inhibitor for Psoriasis Treatment – Medriva

Plaque psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that results in thick, patchy, red skin, affects millions of people worldwide. The search for more effective, targeted treatments is ongoing. Recently, a prospective phase II trial for an oral interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor, JNJ-77242113, has shown promising results for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients.

The study revealed response rates as high as 79% at 16 weeks for JNJ-77242113, significantly higher than the placebo response rate of 9%. The drug achieved response rates of 37% to 79% across five dose levels, and there was no evidence of a dose-related increase in adverse events.

Adverse events included COVID-19 and nasopharyngitis, with the most common occurrences being COVID-19, nasopharyngitis, and diarrhea. However, the incidence of serious adverse events across all dose groups was low, at 1%.

The study suggested that the drugs effectiveness could be influenced by body weight and required to be taken on an empty stomach. More extensive trials are needed to confirm these results and determine the optimal dosage for different body weights and health conditions.

The study also indicated a significant increase in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 rates across the five doses of JNJ-77242113 versus placebo. Similar response patterns were seen for PASI 90 and PASI 100, which measure the severity of psoriasis symptoms.

Patients on JNJ-77242113 showed improvements in disease-related symptoms and quality of life outcomes. This is particularly important as psoriasis can significantly impact a persons quality of life, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress.

Following the positive results from the Phase 2b trial, Janssen has initiated the pivotal Phase 3 ICONIC clinical development program for JNJ-2113 in adult and adolescent patients. This next phase will provide more extensive data and confirm the safety and efficacy of this promising new treatment.

Compared to injectable biologics, the oral IL-23 inhibitor JNJ-77242113 showed a similar PASI 90 response rate of 60% at 16 weeks. This suggests that oral therapies could provide a viable alternative to injectables, offering greater flexibility and convenience for patients.

The positive results from the Phase II trial of JNJ-77242113 demonstrate significant progress in psoriasis treatment. The development of oral therapies like JNJ-77242113 and deucravacitinib, which has shown effectiveness and safety in real-world clinical practice in Japan, suggest a promising future for psoriasis treatment, marked by greater flexibility, convenience, and effectiveness.

While larger trials are needed to confirm these findings, the current studies provide hope for people living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, a condition that until now has had limited treatment options.

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Promising Results from Phase II Trial of Oral Interleukin Inhibitor for Psoriasis Treatment - Medriva