# Icotrokinra

A peptide taken as a once-daily tablet. It blocks the IL-23 receptor, the pathway that some injected psoriasis biologics target.

Also called: Icotyde, JNJ-2113
Source page: https://peplogue.com/peptides/icotrokinra/
Updated: 2026-10-22. Not medical advice.

## How it works

- Where it acts: It blocks IL-23 receptors on immune cells.
- What it changes: It turns down the immune signalling that drives psoriasis plaques.
- What people notice: Clearer skin over weeks to months in trials, with side effects close to placebo.

## What the evidence shows

- **Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis**: Proven. In the two head-to-head ICONIC-ADVANCE trials, about 70% of people reached clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks.
- **Ulcerative colitis**: Supported. In a phase 2b trial, about 64% responded against 27% on placebo. Phase 3 trials are running in ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease.

## Side effects and risks

- common: Side-effect rates in the trials were within about one percentage point of placebo.
- unknown: It is new. Rare or long-term effects of blocking IL-23 this way will show only with wider use.

Who should avoid it: Ask the prescriber about infections and vaccines, as with other drugs that act on IL-23.

## How it is taken

One 200 mg tablet a day on waking, with water, at least 30 minutes before food. For adults, and children from age 12 who weigh at least 40 kg.

## Legal status

- United States: undefined. Icotyde, approved March 2026.
- European Union: undefined. Icotyde, authorized September 2026.
- Spain: undefined. Icotyde 200 mg tablets are authorised in Spain (CIMA), prescription only, but listed as not yet marketed. SNS funding not verified.
- Germany: undefined. Icotyde was EU-authorised on 21 Sep 2026, so it is authorised in Germany. German launch date and GKV status not confirmed.
- France: undefined. Icotyde: EMA backed it in Jul 2026; EU-authorised, so authorised in France. French launch, price and reimbursement not verified.
- Italy: undefined. Icotyde EU-authorised 18 Sep 2026, so authorised in Italy. We found no AIFA class, price or launch yet, so it is probably not on sale.
- Netherlands: undefined. Icotyde (plaque psoriasis) was EU-authorised on 18 Sep 2026. Dutch launch, stock and reimbursement are not yet confirmed.
- United Kingdom: undefined
- Canada: undefined
- Australia: undefined

## Questions people ask

**What is icotrokinra approved for?**

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, sold as Icotyde. FDA approved it in March 2026 and the EU authorized it in September 2026, for adults and children from age 12 who weigh at least 40 kg.

**How well does icotrokinra work for psoriasis?**

In the two head-to-head ICONIC-ADVANCE trials, about 70% of people reached clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks.

**Is icotrokinra a pill or an injection?**

A pill. It is a peptide taken as one tablet a day on waking, with water, at least 30 minutes before food.

**What are the side effects of icotrokinra?**

Side-effect rates in the trials were within about one percentage point of placebo. It is new, so rare or long-term effects will show only with wider use; ask the prescriber about infections and vaccines.

**Does icotrokinra work for ulcerative colitis?**

In a phase 2b trial, about 64% responded against 27% on placebo. Phase 3 trials are running in ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease.

## Sources

- Johnson & Johnson: FDA approval of Icotyde (18 Mar 2026): https://jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/fda-approval-of-icotyde-icotrokinra-ushers-in-new-era-for-first-line-systemic-treatment-of-plaque-psoriasis-with-a-targeted-oral-peptide
- EMA: Icotyde product page: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/icotyde