A once-daily pill could soon reshape how moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis is treated, offering patients clearer skin without the need for injections, according to new late-stage clinical trial results.

The drug, zasocitinib (TAK-279), was the focus of two large phase 3 studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting in Denver. Researchers say the treatment delivered rapid and sustained improvements, outperforming both placebo and an existing oral therapy.

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, causes inflamed, scaly patches on the skin and can significantly affect quality of life. While treatments have advanced in recent years, many patients still struggle to find options that are both effective and convenient.

Zasocitinib belongs to a newer class of medications known as TYK2 inhibitors, which work by targeting specific immune pathways involved in the disease. Unlike some current treatments that require injections, this therapy is taken orally once a day.

The trials, led by Dr. Melinda Gooderham of the SKiN Centre for Dermatology in Canada, followed more than 1,800 patients across two studies lasting up to 60 weeks. Participants received either zasocitinib, a placebo, or apremilast—a commonly used oral psoriasis medication.

By the 16-week mark, results were already turning heads. Around 70% of patients taking zasocitinib achieved clear or nearly clear skin, compared to just over 10% in the placebo group. The drug also significantly outperformed apremilast, which showed much lower response rates.

Importantly, the benefits didn’t just appear quickly—they lasted. Patients continued to see improvements through at least 24 weeks, with many achieving deeper levels of skin clearance. In some cases, results were visible as early as four weeks into treatment.

Researchers also noted that a substantial portion of patients reached near-complete or complete skin clearance, a benchmark that remains difficult to achieve with many existing therapies.

In terms of safety, the drug’s profile was consistent with earlier studies. The most commonly reported side effects included mild conditions such as upper respiratory infections, nasal inflammation, and acne.

Experts say the findings highlight the growing potential of targeted oral therapies in dermatology.

According to researchers involved in the study, highly selective TYK2 inhibition could offer patients a powerful new option—combining the convenience of a pill with the kind of results typically associated with more intensive treatments.

The study was funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the developer of zasocitinib, and further regulatory review will determine when—or if—the drug becomes widely available.

For patients living with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, however, the results point to a promising future: one where clearer skin may be achievable with a simple daily tablet.