AAD 2026: 52-Week Icotrokinra Data Show High Rates of Skin Clearance and Consistent Safety in Plaque Psoriasis

New long-term data presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting highlighted the efficacy of icotrokinra (Icotyde) in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, with results extending through 52 weeks.

In an interview with Dermatology Times, Liza O’Dowd, MD, vice president of immunodermatology and respiratory disease areas lead at Johnson & Johnson, co-developer of the drug, noted that findings showing that the therapy “was able to achieve total skin clearance in about 50% of patients.”

Additional data from the LEAD study included adolescent patients, where outcomes were similar or higher. “At week 52, about 60% of kids had totally clear skin,” O’Dowd told Dermatology Times. She noted that these findings contribute to a growing evidence base supporting the drug’s efficacy across populations.

Safety Profile Remains Stable Over Time

Alongside efficacy, safety findings remained consistent over the 1-year study period, O’Dowd said, noting there were no new safety findings through week 52.

During placebo-controlled portions of the trials, adverse event rates were comparable between treatment and placebo groups. “Our rates of adverse events were within 1.1% of placebo,” she said, describing the therapy as “really quite well tolerated for patients.”

She also highlighted a distinction in tuberculosis screening guidance. “We have a ‘consider testing’ for tuberculosis if you have certain risk factors as opposed to mandated testing,” O’Dowd said, noting that this differs from some therapies in the space.

Addressing Treatment Burden and Patient Preference

O’Dowd framed the data within the broader clinical burden of psoriasis, emphasizing both physical and psychosocial impacts. “It’s a terrible disease and we underestimate how terrible it is for patients,” she said, acknowledging the impact of disfiguring lesions, itch, pain, and social burden.

She noted that treatment decisions are also influenced by patient preferences, particularly regarding route of administration. “A lot of patients do not wish to take an injectable if they have a choice of an oral,” O’Dowd said. Icotrokinra is administered as a once-daily oral therapy, which may align with these preferences while delivering what she described as “a really high bar of efficacy.”

Potential Role in Treatment Approach

Based on feedback from clinicians and investigators, O’Dowd suggested the therapy may have a role earlier in the treatment paradigm. “What we’re hearing… is that they really see this as an opportunity… to be a first line systemic,” she said in the interview.

She added that the goal is to provide an option that combines efficacy, safety, and convenience, stating that the therapy offers “that really great efficacy with a really great safety profile” in an oral formulation.

“I think it's also really important to just bring it back to our patients again, because this is really why we make drugs like this. We really want to offer something that is going to make a difference for all the patients suffering from moderate to severe disease,” O’Dowd said. “We've been in this space for a really long time, and we're really, really quite proud of the fact that we've been able to bring increasing levels of innovation to the treatment of psoriasis.”

Reference

1. ICOTYDE™ (icotrokinra) one-year results confirm lasting skin clearance and favorable safety profile in once‑daily pill for plaque psoriasis. News release. Johnson & Johnson. March 28, 2026. Accessed March 29, 2026. https://www.investor.jnj.com/investor-news/news-details/2026/ICOTYDE-icotrokinra-one-year-results-confirm-lasting-skin-clearance-and-favorable-safety-profile-in-oncedaily-pill-for-plaque-psoriasis/default.aspx