Data presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting have put the spotlight on the arrival of target-selective oral therapies that are set to challenge injected biologics in terms of efficacy, while offering greater convenience and improving access to treatment.
Awaiting the potential U.S. FDA approval of a second product this year, Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. with partner Johnson & Johnson won the go-ahead for oral peptide Icotyde (icotrokinra), an IL-23 receptor antagonist, to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 and older who weigh at least 40 kg and who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. has synthesized new cyclic peptides acting as interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) antagonists potentially useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.
IL-23 receptor antagonist icotrokinra hit co-primary phase III endpoints in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, positioning the oral peptide at the forefront of a multibillion-dollar franchise for partners Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.
Sanofi SA has synthesized cyclic peptides acting as IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
