#6-05E. Targeted Oral IL-23 Peptide Blockade: Phase 2 Trial of Icotrokinra in Ulcerative Colitis (NEJM, 2026)

While monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin-23 are effective for ulcerative colitis, parenteral administration remains a major burden for patients. In this phase 2b trial, once-daily oral icotrokinra—a targeted peptide blocking the interleukin-23 receptor—achieved significantly higher 12-week clinical response rates than placebo across all tested doses. However, the study's phase 2b scale and duration preclude detecting rare adverse events or confirming long-term efficacy. These findings highlight targeted oral peptides as a promising, needle-free alternative to parenteral biologics in managing active ulcerative colitis.

Citation: Abreu MT, Siegmund B, Surace L, et al. Phase 2 Trial of Icotrokinra for Patients with Ulcerative Colitis. N Engl J Med. 2026.

DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2604435

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