Johnson & Johnson has received approval from the US FDA for icotrokinra, a first-of-its-kind pill that blocks the IL-23 receptor for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.[1][3] The drug was developed in collaboration between Johnson & Johnson and Protagonist and submitted for approval in July 2025.[1][3] Icotrokinra is taken once daily and in four phase 3 clinical trials (ICONIC-LEAD, ICONIC-TOTAL, ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 and 2) met all primary and secondary objectives, demonstrating significant skin clearance.[2][3] Compared to deucravacitinib, another psoriasis drug, icotrokinra showed better results in clearing the skin at weeks 16 and 24 of treatment.[5] The drug's safety profile was favorable, with a similar frequency of adverse effects to placebo.[2][3] This pill represents a new treatment option that could increase the use of systemic medications in patients with severe psoriasis.[5]