Zasocitinib for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Zasocitinib is in clinical development for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis occurs when the skin produces new cells faster than normal. These build up on the skin causing thick, red and crusty patches. These patches, called plaques, can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The severity can vary, sometimes getting worse with age or fluctuating over time. It often runs in families and can be triggered by factors like skin injuries, alcohol, smoking, stress and hormonal changes. Current biological therapies (therapies which target parts of the immune system causing psoriasis) require injections and some other therapies are associated with serious side effects. There is therefore an unmet need for new, effective oral therapies for plaque psoriasis that offer the convenience of oral administration without compromising on efficacy or safety.