Psoriasis Treatment Research Update: July to September 2024 Pt.2
Written By: Adam Best
Reviewed by: Ramin Eshtiagi, MD.
Written By: Adam Best
Published October 3, 2024
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Written By: Adam Best
Part 2:
Read Part 1 Here
If you’re wondering about the latest treatment research for psoriasis, you’re in the right place. In this second part of our report we go over new clinical trial news for psoriasis. The first page is devoted to approved or almost approved drugs, of which there are a few.
JNJ-2113: A potential targeted oral medicine.
Protagonist Therapeutics has released new data on JNJ-2113, a first-of-its-kind oral peptide that targets the IL-23 receptor, which is involved in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and ulcerative colitis.
This report, published in Scientific Reports, provides a detailed account of JNJ-2113’s preclinical and early-phase clinical data. The drug showed strong efficacy in both animal models and a Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers, demonstrating selective inhibition of IL-23 signaling, with minimal side effects and no significant impact on IL-12 signaling, which is seen in some similar treatments.
JNJ-2113 is currently undergoing five Phase 3 studies for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis as part of the ICONIC program, with key outcomes expected within the next 3 to 9 months.
The drug’s potential to offer a more targeted, oral alternative to existing injectable treatments could significantly improve patient options for managing autoimmune diseases.
Alumis starts Phase III for ESK-001.
In a press release from Alumis Inc, they announced the start of Phase III trials for ESK-001, an oral TYK2 inhibiting drug. ESK-001 had a good safety profile, and in an extension of their Phase II trials more 90% of patients reached 75% improvement of psoriasis symptoms at the highest dose. This is unheard of.
If the drug is found to be safe, which so far seems promising this could be a complete game changer for psoriasis. There has never been an oral therapy for psoriasis that works this well.
Phase IIa trial recruitment complete for AX-158.
Patient recruitment is complete in Phase IIa trials of a first-in-class drug for autoimmune diseases. Artax Biopharma is developing a Nck modulator called AX-158. If the drug shows to be effective and safe, this novel approach could potentially control symptoms without compromising the immune system.
Most biologics in this field work by suppressing the immune system, and as a result some of the more common side-effects include infections.
Phase III studies for Cosentyx biosimilar approved.
Celltrion has received the green light for a Phase III study for a Cosentyx biosimilar. The study will recruit participants with plaque psoriasis and aims to show similar efficacy and safety as Cosentyx. Biosimilars decrease costs to patients and increase competition in the pharma market, and that’s good news for patients.
Lilly to Test Zepbound in Psoriasis to Follow Up on Weight-Loss Success.
Eli Lilly & Co will be starting clinical trials this fall to test if their diabetes drug Zepbound can be combined with one of their psoriasis medications, Taltz, to increase effectiveness.
Zepbound has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it’s suspected that together it could have greater symptom management for psoriasis patients.
Positive Phase II results for TYK2 Inhibitor
A positive Phase IIb trial may lead to the development of yet another oral therapy for psoriasis.
Published August 24th, 2024, the results evaluate Zasocitinib in 259 patients across the US and Canada. One line reads, “18%, 44%, 68%, and 67% of patients receiving oral zasocitinib, 2 mg; zasocitinib, 5 mg; zasocitinib, 15 mg; and zasocitinib, 30 mg, respectively, achieved a 75% or greater improvement”.
The safety of the drug looked good as well. With very similar numbers of side-effects reported between those using the study drug and those taking the placebo. Only two serious events occurred but were determined to not be because of the drug.
AI was used to select the molecule for Zasocitinib specifically to act as a selective inhibitor of Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2), and it looks like they chose a good one. Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, in an interview with Dermatology Times said he believes the exceptional selectivity of the drug could translate to efficacy and safety like we’ve never seen before.
That’s all for developments from the third quarter of 2024. This is a great moment for people who have psoriasis, not only because costs could go down, new drugs are preforming well, and oral options are entering treatment; but also because the clinical research field has proven once again that there are treatments beyond what we know right now. It’s extremely exciting.
Further Reading
Join a Clinical Trial for Psoriasis in Barrie
We are recruiting patients for psoriasis clinical trials. If your psoriasis has resisted normal treatment you may be eligible to participate in a study of a potential new treatment. You could find a treatment that works for you and you could help develop better options for others who have psoriasis.
SimcoDerm is a full service, comprehensive dermatology clinic located in Barrie. We provide our services to all the patients in Simcoe County and beyond.
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