CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Takeda announced new Phase 3 data showing that zasocitinib achieved high rates of skin clearance across difficult-to-treat areas, including the scalp, nails, palms and soles, in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
The findings from the pivotal LATITUDE PsO 3001 and 3002 studies were presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Innovation Academy.
Zasocitinib, also known as TAK-279, is a next-generation, highly selective oral tyrosine kinase 2, or TYK2, inhibitor administered once daily.
At week 16, 77% and 74% of patients with scalp psoriasis who received zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin, compared with 7% and 13% of patients receiving placebo and 42% and 30% of those receiving apremilast.
Among patients with palmoplantar psoriasis affecting the hands or feet, 71% and 69% of those treated with zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin at week 16. That compared with 22% and 10% for placebo and 44% and 43% for apremilast.
Zasocitinib also produced statistically significant improvements in the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index compared with placebo at week 16. Responses across the evaluated areas were sustained through week 24 in both studies.
The findings build on previously reported results from the randomized, multicenter, double-blind studies, in which about 70% of patients receiving zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin at week 16.
Patients treated with zasocitinib also experienced a significantly higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 response rate as early as week four, with responses continuing to increase through week 24.
“Psoriasis is a complex, heterogeneous disease that can present differently across patients and over time, particularly in high-impact sites that are often difficult to treat,” said Chinwe Ukomadu, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head, Gastrointestinal & Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda. “TYK2 plays a key role in regulating core disease-driving immune pathways, including the IL-23/IL-17 axis and type I interferon, which contribute to variability in disease presentation and treatment response. Our Phase 3 results reinforce the potential of our next-generation TYK2 inhibitor to deliver rapid, durable and consistent skin clearance in a convenient once-daily pill.”
The most common adverse events through week 24 were upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and acne. Takeda said no new safety signals were identified.
“Despite advances in psoriasis care, many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms, especially in highly visible or sensitive areas like the scalp — impacting about half of patients with psoriasis — which can disproportionately affect daily life,” said Leon Kircik, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Skin Sciences and Physicians Skin Care in Louisville, Kentucky, Principal Investigator for the LATITUDE PsO studies and presenting author. “These findings show that zasocitinib delivered consistently clear skin across the hardest-to-treat areas, including the scalp, nails, palms and soles, reinforcing its potential to become a leading oral treatment option for patients seeking meaningful, whole-body skin clearance.”
