Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. announced new data from two pivotal Phase 3 studies demonstrating that zasocitinib (TAK-279) achieved consistent and high rates of skin clearance across hard-to-treat, high-impact sites in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Innovation Academy, the secondary endpoint data showed statistically significant improvements in the scalp, nails, palms, and soles compared with placebo and an active comparator.

The LATITUDE PsO 3001 and 3002 studies evaluated patients with specific baseline conditions, including nail psoriasis or at least moderate scalp or palmoplantar psoriasis. Results indicated that approximately 75% of patients with scalp psoriasis treated with zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin at week 16. Additionally, about 70% of patients with palmoplantar disease treated with zasocitinib achieved clear or almost clear skin at the same time point. Patients experienced rapid improvements starting as early as week four, with positive responses continuing to build up to week 24.

Efficacy Across High-Impact Sites

The studies revealed that zasocitinib delivered numerically higher response rates in difficult-to-treat areas compared to both placebo and apremilast. The drug demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) versus placebo. Responses were sustained through week 24 in both studies.

Safety and Next Steps

The most common adverse events through week 24 were upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and acne, with no new safety signals identified. The safety profile remained consistent with previous data. Takeda plans to submit a New Drug Application for plaque psoriasis with the United States Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities beginning this fiscal year. Zasocitinib is also being evaluated in Phase 3 studies for psoriatic arthritis and Phase 2 studies for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Takeda and the Indonesian Government announced a collaboration to strengthen Indonesia’s plasma ecosystem and support more equitable access to lifesaving plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs). The Ministry of Health (MoH) granted Takeda a plasma fractionation license, enabling the company to collect and fractionate plasma as part of a multi-phased initiative. This collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing Indonesia’s health resilience and biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

The initiative focuses on the sustainable collection of high-quality plasma and manufacturing of PDMPs at scale. It aims to position Indonesia as a regional hub for plasma science, advanced plasma collection, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The project is the first of its kind in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Investment and Pilot Program

As part of the initial phase, Takeda will invest up to 30 million U.S. dollars in a two-year pilot program to establish plasma donation centers in Indonesia. These centers will leverage Takeda’s global plasma donation expertise and adhere to stringent international quality and regulatory standards. The initiative is expected to create new employment opportunities, including highly skilled positions for healthcare professionals and laboratory technicians.

Strategic Objectives

The collaboration builds on a decades-long relationship between Takeda and Indonesia. It is designed to support the reliable supply of plasma and PDMPs for patients domestically while contributing to a more resilient global plasma ecosystem. By sharing best practices in plasma collection and processing, the initiative aims to enhance patient care in Indonesia and across the region.

Future Plans

Takeda will assess the feasibility and regulatory requirements for building a state-of-the-art plasma-derived therapy manufacturing facility in Indonesia. The first plasma donation center is expected to open in 2027 and will be part of Takeda’s BioLife plasma center network. Until a local facility is established, plasma collected in Indonesia will be fractionated within Takeda’s existing global manufacturing network, with a commitment to prioritizing Indonesia’s domestic needs.