Takeda has announced new Phase 3 data showing that its investigational therapy zasocitinib (TAK-279) achieved consistent skin clearance across difficult-to-treat areas in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

 

Results from the LATITUDE PsO 3001 and 3002 studies demonstrated that zasocitinib delivered strong responses in high-impact areas of psoriasis, including the scalp, nails, palms and soles, compared with placebo and active comparator apremilast.

 

At week 16, approximately 75% of patients with scalp psoriasis treated with zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin. Around 70% of patients with palmoplantar psoriasis — affecting the hands and feet — achieved similar levels of clearance.

 

The treatment also produced statistically significant improvements in nail psoriasis severity compared with placebo, with responses sustained through week 24.

 

"Psoriasis is a complex, heterogeneous disease that can present differently across patients and over time, particularly in high-impact sites that are often difficult to treat,” said Chinwe Ukomadu, senior vice president and head, Gastrointestinal & Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda. 

 

“TYK2 plays a key role in regulating core disease-driving immune pathways, including the IL-23/IL-17 axis and type I interferon, which contribute to variability in disease presentation and treatment response. Our Phase 3 results reinforce the potential of our next-generation TYK2 inhibitor to deliver rapid, durable and consistent skin clearance in a convenient once-daily pill.”

 

"Despite advances in psoriasis care, many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms, especially in highly visible or sensitive areas like the scalp — impacting about half of patients with psoriasis — which can disproportionately affect daily life,” said Leon Kircik, principal investigator for the LATITUDE PsO studies and presenting author. 

 

"These findings show that zasocitinib delivered consistently clear skin across the hardest-to-treat areas, including the scalp, nails, palms and soles, reinforcing its potential to become a leading oral treatment option for patients seeking meaningful, whole-body skin clearance.”