People with serious plaque psoriasis often have to opt between easy-to-take tablets that don’t work that well, or effective vaccines that come with the fear of needles.
This situation may end soon. New clinical trial data released by the National Library of Medicine (Clinical Trials) suggest that a drug under development can provide the clear skin that people expect from injections. The drug Zasocitinib is set to receive final FDA approval as the final stages of investigation are underway.
The FDA recently shared the results of a two-phase clinical trial conducted in 1,801 adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The test is performed on patients from 21 nations worldwide. The American Academy of Dermatology in Denver recently presented key findings, highlighting that around 70% of participants who used the tablet achieved clear or almost flawless skin within 16 weeks.
Plaque psoriasis causes skin cells to grow rapidly, forming scaly, thick, red patches with silvery scales. It generally causes itching and burning during flare-ups. The research compared the experimental drug to a placebo and to Apremilast, a widely used psoriasis treatment. The study also showed that about 30% of patients experienced significant skin improvement when treated with Zasocitinab rather than Apremilast. Researchers were surprised to see the result.
Many patients also noticed their skin beginning to clear in as early as four weeks under the clinical trial. The results were long-lasting, and 90% of the patients still maintained clear skin after the results were out.
The main objective in plaque psoriasis treatment is to achieve clear or almost clear skin, which can be achieved with shots. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases experts further added that the initial results show it is possible to prescribe a single daily dose, and patients can continue the dosage until they achieve clear or almost clear skin.
No unexpected side effects or safety concerns were discovered during the trials. The most common side effects reported were mild. These include:
- Upper respiratory infection
- Common cold
- Cough
About 6% of patients taking the experimental drug also experienced acne as a side effect. The phase-3 results suggested that TYK2 inhibition can provide several people with moderate to severe psoriasis the probability of clear or almost clear skin. The medicine is awaiting FDA approval at any time this year-end or early 2027.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.