Johnson & Johnson received FDA approval for Icotyde, an oral peptide drug for psoriasis that targets the IL-23 pathway. The medication represents the first oral treatment to block IL-23, the same target as popular injectable medicines including Skyrizi and Tremfya. J&J has projected the drug could achieve more than $5 billion in annual sales.
Icotyde offers a potential alternative to current IL-23 inhibitors that require injection, potentially improving patient convenience and compliance. The drug targets the same biological pathway as existing treatments but delivers the therapy in pill form rather than through subcutaneous injections.