Johnson & Johnson Reports Positive Psoriasis Drug Results

Oral treatment ICOTYDE shows sustained skin clearance in Phase 3 trials.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:00am

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray-style image showing the intricate internal structure of a human skin cell, with a faint blue-green glow emanating from within, conceptually representing the scientific advancements behind a new psoriasis drug.Cutting-edge imaging technology sheds light on the cellular mechanisms behind a promising new psoriasis treatment.Spring House Today

Johnson & Johnson announced that its oral psoriasis treatment ICOTYDE (icotrokinra) achieved sustained skin clearance rates through 52 weeks in Phase 3 clinical trials, with results presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. The data come from the ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 and 2 and ICONIC-LEAD studies, which evaluated the drug in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Why it matters

The positive results for ICOTYDE provide new hope for patients living with the chronic, immune-mediated condition of plaque psoriasis, which affects an estimated 8 million people in the United States and more than 125 million worldwide. The treatment's ability to deliver sustained skin clearance over one year is an important milestone.

The details

In the ADVANCE trials, the proportion of patients achieving complete skin clearance increased between Week 24 and Week 52, rising from 41 percent to 49 percent in one study and from 33 percent to 48 percent in the other. Patients who switched from placebo to ICOTYDE at Week 16 reached similar clearance rates by Week 52. No new safety signals were identified through 52 weeks, and the adverse event profile remained consistent with earlier trial periods. In the ICONIC-LEAD study, nearly 60 percent of adolescent patients treated with ICOTYDE achieved completely clear skin at Week 52.

  • The Phase 3 clinical trial results were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in April 2026.
  • The ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 and 2 studies evaluated ICOTYDE over 52 weeks.
  • The ICONIC-LEAD study looked at ICOTYDE in adolescent patients over 52 weeks.

The players

Johnson & Johnson

A multinational pharmaceutical and consumer goods company that developed the oral psoriasis treatment ICOTYDE.

ICOTYDE (icotrokinra)

An oral therapy designed to block the IL-23 receptor, a component of the inflammatory pathway associated with plaque psoriasis.

Linda Stein Gold

A clinical investigator in the ICONIC-ADVANCE studies who said the results show continued treatment effects over one year.

Jennifer Soung

An investigator in the ICONIC-LEAD study who said the treatment expands options for younger patients.

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What they’re saying

“The results from one-year studies show encouraging outcomes for patients as they navigate this chronic condition.”

— Linda Stein Gold, Clinical Investigator, ICONIC-ADVANCE Studies

“For the first time, patients 12 and older have access to a novel therapy capable of delivering sustained skin clearance.”

— Jennifer Soung, Investigator, ICONIC-LEAD Study

What’s next

Additional studies are underway to assess ICOTYDE in psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

The takeaway

The positive results for Johnson & Johnson's ICOTYDE treatment provide a promising new option for the millions of people living with the chronic condition of plaque psoriasis, offering sustained skin clearance and an expanded treatment choice, especially for younger patients.