Takeda’s zasocitinib has shown strong rates of skin clearance, as well as other benefits, in new study results regarding adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO).
The LATITUDE phase 3 studies of zasocitinib demonstrated its superiority over placebo on both co-primary endpoints at week 16. A significant response rate was seen as early as week 4, and continued to increase through to week 24. Additionally, the studies met all ranked secondary endpoints compared to both placebo and treatment with apremilast.
The safety and tolerability profiles of zasocitinib were found to be comparable with prior studies, and no new safety signals were identified.
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease caused by skin cells multiplying too quickly. PsO is the most common form of psoriasis, and is characterised by patches of itchy, scaly and painful skin. Areas of the body where psoriatic plaques commonly form include the scalp, face, arms and elbows, legs, knees, torso, genitals, nails and in skin folds.
As well as causing physical discomfort and pain, PsO can cause embarrassment, anxiety and social isolation. Around 64 million people live with psoriasis worldwide, and about 80-90% of those have PsO.
Zasocitinib is an orally administered tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor that maintains 24-hour inhibition of interleukin-23 and other established disease-driving immune pathways. Takeda is currently studying the safety and efficacy of zasocitinib compared with deucravacitinib in plaque psoriasis, and in phase 3 studies in psoriatic arthritis. Additional studies are also ongoing in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and vitiligo, and being initiated in hidradenitis suppurativa.
Christophe Weber, president and CEO of Takeda, said: “People living with psoriasis continue to seek safe, effective and fast-acting oral therapies. These landmark results support zasocitinib’s promise to become a leading oral treatment option that can deliver clear skin for patients with PsO.”