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Zasocitinib Outperformed Deucravacitinib in Psoriasis Trial

The Phase 3 LATITUDE Atlas trial found superior skin clearance rates for patients using the oral drug zasocitinib.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Asthma

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A Phase 3 clinical trial presented at the EADV Congress found that zasocitinib achieved a 36.5% complete skin clearance rate in plaque psoriasis patients, significantly outperforming deucravacitinib. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Data presented at the EADV Congress in Vienna showed that 36.5% of patients treated with zasocitinib achieved complete skin clearance at week 16. This result significantly outperformed the 13.9% rate seen in patients using deucravacitinib for plaque psoriasis.

Why it matters

The study suggests zasocitinib offers enhanced potency due to its million-fold selectivity for TYK2 and a 24-hour blockade of IL-23. These characteristics are designed to provide more durable symptom relief while minimizing potential metabolic or hematologic side effects.

In a head-to-head Phase 3 trial, zasocitinib demonstrated a 36.5% PASI 100 rate at week 16, compared to 13.9% for deucravacitinib. Researchers attributed this to zasocitinib's million-fold TYK2 selectivity and a 24-hour IL-23 blockade.

The players

US Food and Drug Administration

This federal agency is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs.

European Medicines Agency

This European Union agency is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision, and safety monitoring of medicines developed for use in the EU.

The details

Clinicians administer both medications as oral treatments for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The LATITUDE program noted that the most common adverse events included acne, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Timeline

  1. September 2026: Results were presented at the EADV Congress in Vienna.

  2. Week 8: Higher clearance rates with zasocitinib emerged during the study.

  3. Week 16: Researchers assessed the primary PASI 100 endpoint.

  4. Week 24: Responders maintained skin clearance in the study parameters.

  5. Week 52: Long-term maintenance of skin clearance was observed in 93% of responders.

The Big Picture

This study serves as a key milestone within the LATITUDE clinical trial program as it evaluates next-generation TYK2 inhibitors. The findings illustrate a shift toward higher-selectivity oral agents that aim to replace legacy therapies for chronic autoimmune conditions.

Patients with plaque psoriasis may eventually have access to a more potent oral treatment that provides longer-lasting skin clearance than current options. While side effects like acne and respiratory issues remain, the medication is designed to reduce the risk of systemic metabolic impacts.

The takeaway

The study demonstrates how increased TYK2 selectivity can lead to significantly better clinical outcomes in autoimmune skin treatment. Patients should consult their dermatologists regarding current treatment options and stay informed about potential new therapies under regulatory review.

Further reading

For more information on the management of chronic inflammatory diseases, visit the Asthma section.

More information

Read the detailed findings in the Takeda official clinical trial news release.

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