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A new oral psoriasis treatment is proving it has staying power. One-year data from the phase III ICONIC-ADVANCE trials show that icotrokinra (Icotyde), an IL-23 receptor-blocking pill, maintained high rates of skin clearance and itch relief in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis — with no new safety concerns. Its efficacy rivals injectable biologics, making it a potentially compelling option for patients who prefer pills over shots.
A new oral psoriasis treatment is proving it has staying power. One-year data from the phase III ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 and 2 trials show that icotrokinra (Icotyde, Johnson & Johnson) — a once-daily oral peptide that blocks the IL-23 receptor — delivered durable skin clearance and symptom relief in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, with no new safety signals emerging through 52 weeks. The FDA approved the drug in March 2026 for adults and children aged 12 and older.
Pooled results from 1,505 participants showed that icotrokinra's efficacy held steady across all treatment groups through the one-year mark, with scalp clearance rates described as comparable to injectable IL-23 biologics — and higher than other oral therapies. Experts called the findings clinically meaningful, though they noted that head-to-head trials against injectable IL-23 inhibitors and longer-term extension studies are still needed.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: For the millions of psoriasis patients who prefer not to use injections, icotrokinra could offer a convenient once-daily oral option with biologic-level efficacy — a combination that has long been elusive in dermatology.
