Johnson & Johnson gained FDA approval for icotyde, a new oral drug for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, showing strong efficacy and safety in trials.

Johnson & Johnson has received FDA approval for icotyde, a first-in-class oral IL-23 receptor peptide, for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Based on Phase 3 trials involving 2,500 patients, the drug showed 70% achieved near-clear skin and 55% reached 90% improvement in psoriasis severity by Week 16, with safety profiles comparable to placebo through 52 weeks. The approval, announced March 18, 2026, offers a new oral treatment option, though pricing and availability details remain undisclosed. Despite the milestone, Johnson & Johnson’s stock declined, reflecting broader sector downturns and cautious market sentiment following recent FDA approvals.