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J&J Bets Big on Oral Psoriasis Drug to Revive Immunology Unit

Johnson & Johnson is positioning its newly approved psoriasis medication Icotyde as a potential blockbuster to offset declining sales from its aging immunology franchise. The once-daily oral treatment received FDA clearance in March for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is the first and only oral treatment targeting the IL-23 receptor pathway. The company logged approximately 1,500 prescriptions within 30 days of launch. J&J aims to use Icotyde alongside its injectable Tremfya to replace revenue from Stelara, which generated nearly $11 billion annually at peak but lost exclusivity last year. Stelara sales are projected at $3.6 billion this year with further declines anticipated. The company is also studying Icotyde for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. J&J estimates roughly 8 million U.S. patients currently rely on topical treatments before advancing to systemic therapies, positioning Icotyde as an accessible intermediate option.