SPRING HOUSE, PA — In a remarkable breakthrough for the healthcare industry, Johnson & Johnson’s investigational targeted oral peptide, JNJ-2113, has displayed positive results in a Phase 2b study for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study highlights JNJ-2113’s ability to reach both the primary and secondary endpoints, including critical reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, underpinned by significant enhancements in patient-reported outcomes.
Plaque psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects approximately 8 million Americans. Characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin, PsO can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and is associated with comorbidities such as depression and cardiovascular disease.
The FRONTIER 1 clinical trial, aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of JNJ-2113, observed that patients receiving the highest dose achieved a PASI 75 response rate of 79% at week 16. Furthermore, patients in this high-dose group garnered PASI 100 and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) responses of 40.5% and 45.2%, correspondingly.
One of the standout findings of the study was the clear improvement in disease-related symptoms and quality of life for patients treated with JNJ-2113, compared to those on a placebo. Notably, patients reported marked reductions in symptom severity, with a higher proportion achieving a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0 or 1, pointing to no detrimental impact on quality of life.
The safety profile of JNJ-2113 maintained a similar line to the placebo with the most common adverse events being seasonal illnesses. Importantly, no discernible relationship was reported between the dose of JNJ-2113 and the occurrence of adverse events.
A first-of-its-kind, JNJ-2113 is designed to obstruct the IL-23 receptor, a key player in the inflammatory response in plaque psoriasis and other IL-23-mediated diseases. As part of the Phase 3 ICONIC clinical development program for psoriasis, studies are underway to gauge JNJ-2113’s safety and efficacy against a placebo and other potential treatments.
Further amplifying JNJ-2113’s potential is the ongoing Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC trial, which aims to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, a further IL-23-mediated disease.
JNJ-2113 is demonstrating its potential as a viable and effective oral treatment for patients living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and other IL-23-mediated diseases, thereby holding the promise to significantly enhance both clinical and quality of life outcomes.
In a related development, Johnson & Johnson shared positive results from the Phase 3 VIVACITY study of nipocalimab, another investigational targeted oral peptide, in adults with generalized myasthenia. Highlighting the versatility of this class of treatment, nipocalimab’s promising outcomes in the fight against moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
On the accolade front, the 2023 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research was bestowed upon the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in recognition of its significant contributions to biomedical research.
No stranger to innovation and progress, Johnson & Johnson continues to harness scientific advancements to revolutionize patient outcomes and improve the global healthcare landscape.
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