Takeda’s TAK-279 meets primary endpoint in Phase 2b trial for psoriatic arthritis

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company announced positive results from its Phase 2b clinical trial for TAK-279, an investigational oral TYK2 inhibitor for treating psoriatic arthritis. Meeting its primary endpoint, the study confirmed that TAK-279 improved symptoms significantly better than a placebo at 12 weeks. This news supports TAK-279’s potential as a robust oral treatment for psoriatic arthritis patients, fueling optimism for Takeda’s upcoming Phase 3 studies.

TAK-279: A Highly Selective Oral Option for Psoriatic Arthritis

The study focused on the effectiveness of TAK-279, an oral allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor with next-generation selectivity. It was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose Phase 2b trial that showed a higher proportion of patients treated with TAK-279 achieved at least a 20% improvement in signs and symptoms (ACR20) at week 12 compared to those treated with a placebo. This indicates TAK-279’s potential to fulfill an unmet need in psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Takeda’s TAK-279 shows promise in Phase 2b trial for psoriatic arthritis. Photo courtesy of Lombroso/Wikimedia Commons.

Safety and Tolerability Align with Previous TAK-279 Trials

Takeda emphasized that the safety and tolerability profile of TAK-279 in the Phase 2b psoriatic arthritis trial was consistent with previous clinical trials involving TAK-279. Andy Plump, President of R&D at Takeda, mentioned that the high selectivity of TAK-279 could offer significant TYK2 inhibition while potentially avoiding the toxicities commonly seen with JAK inhibitors.

Addressing Global Psoriatic Arthritis Burden

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic immune-mediated disease affecting approximately 10 million people globally. It often leads to joint pain, swelling, and can result in irreversible joint damage. These Phase 2b results spotlight the prospective value of TAK-279 in improving clinical outcomes for those suffering from psoriatic arthritis, including alleviating physical disability and associated mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Next Steps: Phase 3 Trials and Beyond

Following these promising Phase 2b results, Takeda plans to initiate Phase 3 studies of TAK-279 in psoriatic arthritis. Further studies are also planned for other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including plaque psoriasis and Crohn’s disease, expanding the potential application of TAK-279.

TAK-279’s Comprehensive Clinical Profile

With approximately 1.3 million-fold greater selectivity for TYK2 compared to JAK1, TAK-279 has the potential to be a significant treatment option in multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Past Phase 1 studies have demonstrated TAK-279’s good tolerability profile and once-daily solid oral dosing convenience.

In summary, Takeda’s TAK-279 is showing substantial promise in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and its development is keenly anticipated by both healthcare professionals and patients alike. With plans to share detailed results at an upcoming medical meeting, Takeda is clearly committed to leading the way in psoriatic arthritis research and treatment.