Evaluating zasocitinib as an oral therapy for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a significant physical and psychosocial burden. Although biologic therapies targeting IL-17 and IL-23 are highly effective, their cost, injection burden, and variable response highlight the need for convenient oral alternatives. TYK2, a key mediator of the IL-23/IL-17 axis, represents a promising therapeutic target. Our objective is to evaluate the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role of zasocitinib in plaque psoriasis.

AREAS COVERED: This review evaluates preclinical and clinical studies of zasocitinib, focusing on early-phase trials and comparisons with existing therapies. Zasocitinib is a highly selective oral TYK2 inhibitor that modulates IL-12, IL-23, and interferon signaling. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate, with no major safety signals or laboratory abnormalities.

EXPERT OPINION: Psoriasis varies widely, but management is generally guided by disease severity and treatment response. Although better treatment options are still needed, especially for mild disease, new drugs like zasocitinib may have a role but will likely face competition from highly effective, established therapies.