Takeda’s experimental TYK2 inhibitor zasocitinib outperforms Bristol Myers’ Sotyktu in psoriasis trial

Takeda announced that its experimental TYK2 inhibitor zasocitinib showed statistical superiority over Bristol Myers Squibb’s approved psoriasis drug Sotyktu in a head‑to‑head study.

The 16‑week trial reported that more than one‑third of patients receiving zasocitinib achieved complete clearance of skin lesions, more than double the rate seen with Sotyktu.

Takeda, which acquired the drug from Nimbus Therapeutics for $4 billion, said the results support its belief in the drug’s advantage and could give it a commercial edge, following earlier positive data against Amgen’s Otezla.

The therapy enters a crowded psoriasis market that already includes several oral options, including a new pill from Johnson & Johnson, intensifying competition.