A new once-daily tablet for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis has been given the green light by the UK's medicines regulator, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The drug, icotrokinra hydrochloride, will be sold under the brand name Icotyde.
The licence covers adults and young people aged 12 and over who weigh at least 40 kg and who are suitable for systemic therapy. Plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that produces red, scaly patches which can be itchy or painful, and it can appear on the scalp, genitals, hands, feet and nails as well as elsewhere on the body.
Key points
- Who it is for — adults and adolescents from 12 years old weighing at least 40 kg.
- How it is taken — a 200mg tablet once a day.
- Evidence base — four Phase 3 trials covering 2,500 people, including 72 adolescents.
- How it works — it blocks the IL-23 receptor, which plays a part in inflammation.
The decision was backed by results from four Phase 3 clinical trials involving 2,500 people with the condition, among them 72 adolescents aged between 12 and under 18 who weighed at least 40 kg. At week 16, each of the studies showed the medicine worked better than placebo in the groups tested.
The treatment acts by attaching to the IL-23 receptor and blocking it. IL-23 is involved in the body's inflammatory and immune responses and can add to the long-term inflammation seen in immune-mediated conditions such as psoriasis. The authorisation was granted on 23 October 2026 to Janssen-Cilag Limited.
Julian Beach, Executive Director, Operations at the MHRA, said: “Today’s authorisation provides another treatment option for patients living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.” He added that the safety of the medicine would be watched closely and urged patients and health professionals to report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme. Patients are advised to take the drug exactly as prescribed and to ask their doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure.
What it means in practice
This is a licensing decision, not a change to services on the ground. Whether the tablet becomes available on the NHS will depend on a separate assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, so patients should not expect a prescription straight away. The practical steps are to keep existing treatment going and to raise any questions at a routine appointment.
- Appointments — ask your dermatologist or GP whether the new option is suitable for you or your child.
- Cost — private prescriptions may be possible before any NHS funding decision.
- Side effects — report any suspected reaction through the Yellow Card scheme.
