The next wave in immunodermatology: Key deals, therapies and innovations reshaping the treatment landscape
A recent wave of strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions has been driving innovation in the treatment of immune-mediated skin diseases. These deals are not just about expanding portfolios–they represent a deliberate strategy to capture growing market opportunities in conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other immunodermatological disorders. There has also been a renewed focus on oral therapies, challenging the dominance of biologics as companies explore more convenient and accessible treatment alternatives to meet evolving patient needs. In parallel, the industry’s increasing emphasis on targeting shared immune pathways to treat multiple diseases signals a shift towards more holistic treatment strategies, with the potential to unlock cross-indication efficiencies. Key presentations at the ongoing European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2024 Congress are set to spotlight these latest advancements in the field, amid shifting dynamics in the immunodermatology treatment landscape.
Key deals shaping the future of immunodermatology
- Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Acquisitions of Yellow Jersey Therapeutics and Proteologix: J&J continues to strengthen its leadership in the immunodermatology space with the acquisitions of Yellow Jersey and Proteologix. Through these acquisitions, J&J has added multiple bispecific antibodies to its portfolio for atopic dermatitis, including NM26 (IL-4Rα and IL-31), PX128 (IL-13 and TLSP) and PX130 (IL-13 and IL-22).
- License and Collaboration Agreement with Protagonist Therapeutics: In parallel, J&J is rapidly advancing the development of a novel oral IL-23R peptide antagonist, currently in Phase 3 trials for psoriasis, through a licensing agreement with Protagonist.
- Eli Lilly’s Acquisition of DICE Therapeutics: Lilly is also betting on the resurgence of oral therapies in immunodermatology through its acquisition of DICE therapeutics, which adds DICE’s pioneering oral IL-17 inhibitor platform to Lilly’s portfolio, including DC-806 and DC-853.
- Takeda’s Acquisition of Nimbus Therapeutics: Takeda’s acquisition of Nimbus Therapeutics is a critical move to expand the company’s footprint in immunology and dermatology, and importantly adds the oral TYK2 inhibitor zasocitinib (formerly TAK-279) to the company’s portfolio. Takeda is poised to offer treatment that provides greater specificity in modulating immune responses relative to conventional therapies (e.g., JAK inhibitors) that elicit more broad immunosuppressive effects.
Resurging interest for oral therapies in a biologics-dominated landscape
The rise of biologics in immunodermatology was ushered in by the blockbuster success of Humira, which transformed the treatment landscape for psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases. Following the lead of Humira, biologics like Stelara, Cosentyx, Taltz, Tremfya, Skyrizi and others emerged, offering targeted therapies that have significantly improved patient outcomes over the past decade. However, in recent years, oral therapies have regained momentum in the immunology space, presenting a compelling alternative to biologics by addressing key HCP and patient concerns around convenience and accessibility. The ease of administration for oral drugs offers a more patient-friendly point of entry to advanced treatments for immunodermatological disorders. Emerging data from clinical trials also suggests the efficacy of next-generation oral therapies currently in development could rival that of biologics. This shift towards oral therapies represents a strategic opportunity for companies looking to differentiate themselves in the crowded immunology and dermatology spaces, particularly as biosimilars begin to enter global markets and pricing pressures on biologics intensify.
Targeting shared immune pathways to treat multiple diseases
A growing understanding of shared immune pathways across various chronic diseases is accelerating the development of therapies targeted towards multiple diseases or complex disease states. The IL-17 and IL-23 pathways, central to diseases like psoriasis, rheumatic conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, have become key therapeutic targets. Likewise, TYK2 has emerged as a crucial target for addressing a range of immune-mediated diseases beyond psoriasis. Anticipated trial data from key players in the coming year, including J&J’s JNJ-2113 and Eli Lilly’s DC-806, could significantly expand the clinical applicability and commercial viability of these treatments, offering more comprehensive solutions for managing complex inflammatory conditions.
Looking ahead: EADV 2024 and beyond
EADV 2024 will serve as a key platform for updates and discussions on the latest advancements in immunodermatology, with data presentations slated for a number of innovative treatments currently in development. J&J is expected to highlight its 1-year Phase 2 results for JNJ-2113 in psoriasis, with the first Phase 3 data readouts anticipated in the months to follow. As the first oral IL-23 inhibitor poised to enter the market, JNJ-2113 could significantly shift the competitive landscape by offering an alternative to biologics in the treatment of psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases. This advancement could place pressure on other players in the space and reshape treatment paradigms in the years ahead.
