Psoriasis Treatment: New Pill May Rival Injections for Clear Skin

A new once-daily pill, zasocitinib, is showing promising results in clinical trials as a potential treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, offering a possible alternative to injections and less effective oral medications. The findings, presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Denver last month, suggest that zasocitinib may provide similar levels of skin clearance previously only achievable with injectable therapies.

Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by thick, scaly, raised red patches on the skin, causing itching and burning sensations during flare-ups. Currently, individuals with severe cases often face a choice between pills that offer limited relief or injections that are highly effective but require frequent administration.

The clinical trials, conducted by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and involving nearly 1,800 adults across 21 countries, demonstrated that approximately 70% of participants taking zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin within 16 weeks. This represents a significant improvement compared to other oral treatments like apremilast, where only about 30% of patients experienced similar results.

Researchers also noted the speed at which zasocitinib began to show effects, with many patients reporting visible skin improvements as early as four weeks into treatment. The positive results appeared to be lasting, with over 90% of patients who had clear skin at the nine-month mark maintaining those results after more than a year of daily use.

“Our goal in psoriasis treatment is clear or almost clear skin, and previously this has been achieved primarily with injectable therapies,”

lead researcher

The development of zasocitinib comes as the pharmaceutical industry seeks more advanced treatments for psoriasis, moving beyond traditional topical medications. The pill targets skin cell growth, addressing the core issue in plaque psoriasis.

In a related development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Icotyde (icotrokinra) on March 18, 2026, another once-daily oral treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Icotyde is designed to rival existing injectable treatments like Tremfya and Skyrizi, offering patients an alternative delivery method.

Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Icotyde, estimates that around 8 million people in the U.S. Suffer from plaque psoriasis, with approximately 75% of those individuals not progressing to injectable treatments due to concerns such as fear of needles. The company believes Icotyde’s oral formulation will appeal to this patient population.

“To be able to to be able to have something that is relatively simple, that offers that level of clearance, trusted safety profile, and in a simple pill, we think is going to be revolutionary,”

Jennifer Taubert, chairman of J&J Innovative Medicine

While both zasocitinib and Icotyde represent significant advancements in psoriasis treatment, it’s important to note that zasocitinib is still in the final stages of study and has not yet been approved by the FDA. Icotyde, however, is now available as a treatment option.

The potential arrival of these oral medications could significantly alter the treatment landscape for plaque psoriasis, providing patients with more convenient and effective options to manage their condition. Further research and FDA approval will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of zasocitinib on psoriasis care.