Protagonist Therapeutics Reports Promising Results for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Protagonist Therapeutics, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, has announced positive results from the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study of icotrokinra. This investigational oral peptide targets the IL-23 receptor in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The study showed that all three tested doses achieved a primary endpoint of clinical response at Week 12.

The highest dose of icotrokinra resulted in a clinical response rate of 63.5% and a remission rate of 30.2% at Week 12, significantly outperforming placebo. These benefits extended through Week 28, with icotrokinra demonstrating a favorable safety profile, comparable to placebo in terms of adverse events.

The results highlight icotrokinra's potential to significantly impact treatment paradigms for ulcerative colitis, following its success in plaque psoriasis. Further advanced clinical studies are anticipated, alongside presentations at future medical congresses.