Oral IL-23 Receptor Blocker Icotrokinra Significantly Improves Skin Clearance in Plaque Psoriasis: NEJM
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has reported that the oral peptide icotrokinra, a selective interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor blocker, achieved significantly greater skin clearance at 16 weeks compared with placebo in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This advancement marks a key step toward developing an oral biologic alternative for psoriasis management, offering a more convenient treatment option than injectable therapies. The authors note that ongoing research will be important to determine the long-term safety and durability of treatment response.
The trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of icotrokinra in a randomized, placebo-controlled setting, with participants receiving oral doses of the peptide over 16 weeks. The therapy works by selectively blocking the IL-23 receptor, a critical signaling pathway involved in psoriasis pathogenesis and chronic skin inflammation. Participants treated with icotrokinra demonstrated marked improvements in skin lesion clearance and overall disease severity scores, underscoring the clinical potential of targeting IL-23 with an oral approach. The safety profile was generally consistent with expectations, showing no new concerning signals during the study period.
These results position icotrokinra as a promising next-generation therapeutic option for patients seeking non-injectable alternatives for psoriasis treatment. By offering an oral route with biologic-like efficacy, this drug could simplify long-term disease management and improve patient adherence. Future studies will focus on sustained efficacy, relapse prevention, and safety over extended treatment durations, as well as its potential in other IL-23–driven inflammatory conditions.
Keywords: plaque psoriasis, icotrokinra, interleukin-23 receptor, IL-23 blockade, oral therapy, biologic alternative, psoriasis treatment, skin clearance, New England Journal of Medicine.
Reference :
Reich, K., Blauvelt, A., Griffiths, C. E. M., Lebwohl, M., Langley, R. G., Strober, B. E., et al. (2025). Oral IL-23 receptor blocker icotrokinra in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2504187
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