Takeda presented encouraging results from the Phase 2b trial (NCT05153148) at the November 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) convergence in San Diego.
The Phase 2b study evaluated TYK279 which is an investigational allosteric (changes when binding) tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor to treat patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Characteristics of the disorder are chronic red skin rashes and pitted, thick fingernails, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
As reported in drugs.com, TYK2 is an important signal-transducing enzyme that transfers signals through an organism, specifically in cells. TKI enzymes assist in the management of cells such as cell signaling, growth, and the frequency of cell division.
TYK2 plays an important role in immune responses and shows potential as a treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
About the study
The study reached the primary endpoint in the twelfth week (53.3%) with a significant number of patients who received TAK-279 reporting a response of ACR 20.
TAK-279’s tolerability and safety profile during the study mirrored that of the Phase 2b psoriatic study. The Phase 2b ACR20 results were minimal (35.2%) in comparison to (29.2% in the placebo arm.
The principal investigator of the study, Dr. Alan Kivitz, said that the positive results from treatment of only twelve weeks during the Phase 2b trial are very encouraging.
Further, patients who were treated with TAK-279 15 mg as well as 30mg were rated at ACR 70 (14.7%) versus patients on the placebo rated at 5.6%.
Treatment-emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)
The most common TEAEs after treatment with TAK-279 versus placebo were inflammation of the nose and pharynx (nasopharyngitis), infections of the upper respiratory tract, rash, and headache.
Both groups reported TEAEs as infrequent and occurring at similar rates.
About Takeda
Takeda is primarily focused on inflammation in gastrointestinal areas, as well as rare diseases, oncology, and neuroscience.
The President of Takeda’s R&D, Andy Plump, reports that the company is planning a Phase 3 trial of TAK-279 for psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis to name just a few. It is estimated that about ten million individuals are affected worldwide.
