Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (NYSE:TAK) on Friday revealed encouraging secondary data from two pivotal Phase 3 trials evaluating zasocitinib, its next-generation oral treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Innovation Academy, the data highlight the drug’s ability to clear skin in high-impact, difficult-to-treat areas compared to a placebo and an active comparator.
The findings build upon topline results from the LATITUDE PsO 3001 and 3002 studies.
Approximately 70% of adult patients treated with the selective TYK2 inhibitor achieved clear or nearly clear skin within 16 weeks.
Patients experienced rapid improvements starting as early as week four, with positive responses continuing to build up to week 24.
Targeting Psoriasis In High-Impact Areas
The trials specifically measured efficacy across challenging body sites, including the scalp, nails, palms, and soles.
For scalp psoriasis, up to 77% of patients receiving zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin at week 16. This significantly outperformed the placebo cohorts and the active comparator, apremilast, which saw lower success rates.
Patients with palmoplantar psoriasis experienced similar positive outcomes, with roughly 70% achieving successful skin clearance.
The drug also produced statistically significant improvements for individuals suffering from nail psoriasis. Across all recorded high-impact areas, patient responses were successfully sustained through the 24-week mark.
Safety Outcomes And Upcoming FDA Submission
Throughout the 24 weeks of evaluation, the safety profile of zasocitinib remained consistent with previous data.
Takeda plans to begin filing a New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other global regulatory bodies during the current fiscal year.
Beyond plaque psoriasis, the company is evaluating the therapeutic candidate in Phase 3 studies for psoriatic arthritis and Phase 2 trials for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa.
TAK Price Action: Takeda Pharmaceutical shares were up 2.06% at $17.07 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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