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A first-of-its-kind head-to-head trial found that zasocitinib, an investigational oral TYK2 inhibitor, was 2.5 times more effective than deucravacitinib at achieving completely clear skin in plaque psoriasis patients. At 16 weeks, 36.5% of zasocitinib-treated patients hit the highest efficacy bar (PASI 100) vs. just 13.9% on deucravacitinib. Experts say these results could reshape how psoriasis is treated.
In the first-ever head-to-head trial of two oral TYK2 inhibitors for plaque psoriasis, zasocitinib decisively outperformed deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) across every major efficacy measure. Presented at the EADV 2026 Congress, the LATITUDE Atlas study showed that at 16 weeks, 36.5% of patients on zasocitinib achieved PASI 100 — meaning completely clear skin — compared to just 13.9% on deucravacitinib. Patients on zasocitinib also reported greater improvements in quality of life and itch scores, with responses appearing as early as week 4.
Zasocitinib's edge likely comes down to biology: it has over 1 million-fold greater selectivity for TYK2 vs. other JAK proteins and maintains inhibition for a full 24 hours, compared to deucravacitinib's ~4.8-hour effect window. Safety profiles were broadly similar, with mostly mild-to-moderate side effects and low discontinuation rates. Zasocitinib is currently under FDA and EMA review.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Oral therapies for psoriasis have historically lagged behind injectable biologics in efficacy — but zasocitinib is closing that gap. If approved, it could offer patients a highly effective, once-daily pill as a genuine alternative to injections, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for millions living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
