Johnson & Johnson: oral icotrokinra reaches 58% ACR20 in Phase 3 psoriatic arthritis trial
In the Phase 3 ICONIC-PsA 1 trial of 552 adults, the oral peptide icotrokinra (Icotyde) 200 mg beat placebo at week 16: ACR20 in 58% versus 41%.
Johnson & Johnson has presented positive Phase 3 results for the oral peptide icotrokinra (developed as Icotyde) in psoriatic arthritis, according to ad-hoc-news.de. The data from the ICONIC-PsA 1 trial were shown in a late-breaking presentation at ACR Convergence 2026. ad-hoc-news.de
ad-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.deOpen source ↗ The study enrolled 552 adults with active psoriatic arthritis who had not previously received biologic therapy.
At a dose of 200 mg, Icotyde met the primary endpoint: at week 16, 58% of patients achieved an ACR20 response, versus 41% in the placebo group.
Joint response: ACR20, ACR50, ACR70
Higher response rates than in the control arm were also seen on stricter criteria at week 16. ACR50 was reached by 29% on Icotyde versus 16% on placebo, and ACR70 by 13% versus 5%.
Response rates continued to rise through week 24, when ACR20 stood at 69%, ACR50 at 40% and ACR70 at 18%. No new safety signals were reported up to week 24. ad-hoc-news.de
ad-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.deOpen source ↗
Skin symptoms and regulatory status
In patients with evaluable skin involvement, an IGA score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin) was recorded in 57% of participants versus 14% on placebo (nominal p<0.001). PASI 90 was reached by 37% versus 6% (nominal p<0.001). By week 24, the share with IGA 0 or 1 rose to 64%, and PASI 90 was documented in 56%.
Icotyde is described as the first orally administered peptide that selectively blocks the interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor. It is being developed by Johnson & Johnson together with Protagonist Therapeutics.
The product is not yet approved for psoriatic arthritis. In the US it is already approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and in children aged 12 and older weighing at least 40 kg. ad-hoc-news.de
ad-hoc-news.dead-hoc-news.deOpen source ↗
David Lee of Johnson & Johnson noted that psoriasis and joint inflammation are closely linked, as about 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis over time.
