Johnson & Johnson’s Icotrokinra Surpasses Bristol Myers’ Sotyktu in Psoriasis Study

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced that its investigational drug, Icotrokinra, has outperformed Bristol Myers Squibb’s Deucravacitinib in a late-stage study aimed at treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The results reveal superior skin clearance at both weeks 16 and 24, marking a significant advancement in treatment options for this chronic condition that affects approximately eight million people in the United States.

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by an overproduction of skin cells, leading to inflamed and scaly patches that can cause discomfort. J&J’s clinical trials indicated that Icotrokinra not only achieved higher rates of skin clearance but also maintained a favorable safety profile. At week 52, the drug demonstrated sustained skin clearance among both adults and adolescents, with adverse event rates comparable to those of a placebo and notably lower than those associated with Deucravacitinib.

Study Findings and Future Prospects

The head-to-head trial showed that Icotrokinra provided significantly improved response rates as early as week 16, with further enhancements evident by week 24. Linda Stein Gold, a lead investigator in the study, emphasized the potential of this targeted oral peptide treatment, stating, “These head-to-head data clearly demonstrate superior complete skin clearance rates for Icotrokinra compared to Deucravacitinib.”

In light of these findings, Johnson & Johnson has initiated another late-stage study to compare Icotrokinra with its injectable biologic, Ustekinumab, in treating psoriasis. This ongoing research aims to further establish the effectiveness of Icotrokinra in the competitive landscape of psoriasis treatments.

Following the announcement, sentiment around J&J’s stock on Stocktwits shifted from ‘bearish’ to ‘neutral’, with trading volumes remaining steady. The stock has shown a robust performance, increasing by 22% this year and approximately 6% over the past 12 months. On March 5, JPMorgan raised its price target for J&J shares to $195 from $185, while maintaining a ‘Neutral’ rating.

Industry Impact and Collaboration

Icotrokinra is the result of a collaboration between Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. and Janssen Biotech, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, established in 2017. This partnership underscores the growing focus on innovative treatments for chronic conditions like psoriasis, which significantly impact patients’ quality of life.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, the competitive landscape for psoriasis treatments is expected to intensify. The promising results from the Icotrokinra study highlight the potential for new therapies that not only improve patient outcomes but also reshape market dynamics.

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