A.I has led to the creation of Zasocitinib, a breakthrough for psoriasis

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis affect millions of people around the world, causing chronic inflammatory symptoms that considerably impair quality of life. Faced with these challenges, medical research is making great strides forward, notably with the arrival of zasocitinib (or TAK-279). This innovative treatment stands out for its unique mechanism of action and the central role played by artificial intelligence (AI) in its development. Let’s take a closer look at how zasocitinib could redefine dermatology care.

What is Zasocitinib?

Zasocitinib is an oral allosteric inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2(TYK2), an enzyme involved in the inflammatory mechanisms associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Unlike conventional JAK inhibitors, which act on several targets, zasocitinib stands out for its exceptional selectivity: its affinity for TYK2 is 1.7 million times greater than that for JAK1. This specificity considerably reduces side effects, a recurring challenge with conventional treatments.

How has Artificial Intelligence transformed its development?

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of zasocitinib illustrates a major advance in the design of next-generation drugs. By harnessing the power of AI, researchers have redefined traditional methods of drug discovery, making the process not only faster but also more accurate.

How AI is redefining pharmaceutical research

AI has played a key role in the initial phase of research, enabling the rapid exploration of vast libraries of chemical compounds. This capability has made it possible to identify molecules with optimal compatibility with the allosteric site of tyrosine kinase 2(TYK2), a fundamental target in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Unlike conventional approaches, which rely on lengthy and costly trials, the AI has optimised the selection of candidates by simultaneously assessing their efficacy, stability and safety.

In addition to identifying compounds, the integration of artificial intelligence tools has made it possible to model precisely the interactions between zasocitinib and its enzymatic target. This approach has significantly enhanced the drug’s specificity, reducing the risk of off-target effects often associated with other JAK family inhibitors. The result is a treatment that is not only effective but also has an excellent safety profile.

This innovative approach, driven by the collaboration between Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Nimbus Therapeutics and Schrödinger, marks a break with traditional paradigms. By integrating powerful algorithms and advanced molecular simulations, the team has considerably reduced the time and costs required to develop a revolutionary drug.

Safer molecules thanks to technological innovation

According to Dr Graham Heap, AI offers “unprecedented efficiency in the design and screening of molecules”, paving the way for a new era in the development of targeted therapies. Zasocitinib embodies this technological revolution, demonstrating how AI can turn ideas into real solutions for complex and debilitating diseases.

Hope for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, two chronic inflammatory diseases, present major challenges for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Their management requires treatments capable of modulating the immune system without compromising patient safety. It is precisely in this context that zasocitinib is emerging as a therapeutic breakthrough.

Zasocitinib ‘s innovative approach is based on its ability to specifically target tyrosine kinase 2(TYK2), a key regulator of the inflammatory responses involved in these diseases. Thanks to its unique mechanism of action, the drug interrupts the pathogenic signals associated with psoriasis without interfering with other enzymatic pathways, such as JAK proteins, which are often implicated in undesirable side effects.

Long-lasting efficacy against inflammation

What’s more, zasocitinib ‘s pharmacodynamics give it lasting efficacy throughout the day. Studies show that this treatment maintains a stable inhibition of TYK2 signalling, thereby reducing inflammatory activity to a clinically significant level. This results in optimal control of psoriasis symptoms, a reduction in skin lesions, and improved mobility in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Improved quality of life for patients

With its robust safety profile demonstrated in clinical trials, zasocitinib offers real hope, not only for reducing symptoms, but also for transforming the overall management of these diseases. This breakthrough could mark a turning point for thousands of patients around the world, offering them the chance to regain a better quality of life thanks to a therapy that is targeted, effective and safe.

Zasocitinib clinical trials

Phase 2 trials have confirmed the potential of zasocitinib. Here are the key points of the studies conducted:

• Doses tested: 2, 5, 15 and 30 mg.
• Study duration: 12 weeks.
• Results: Significant efficacy on the symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, with no change in biological parameters (liver enzymes, creatine kinase).
• Safety: No major side-effects identified, a considerable advantage over competing treatments.

Phase 3 trials are currently underway to validate these results and pave the way for market launch.

Zasocitinib is much more than just a treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It symbolises a technological revolution in medicine, showing how artificial intelligence can transform pharmaceutical development. With promising clinical trials underway, this drug represents tangible hope for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

By monitoring the progress of clinical trials, we could soon see zasocitinib become a reference in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Sources

1. Gooderham M, Bunick C, Kircik L, et al. Zasocitinib (TAK-279) displays high TYK2 inhibition and no inhibition of JAK 1/3 versus licensed inhibitors. Presented at: the European Society for Dermatological Research Meeting; September 4-7, 2024; Lisbon, Portugal.
2. Armstrong AW, Gooderham M, Lynde C, et al. Tyrosine kinase 2 inhibition with zasocitinib (TAK-279) in psoriasis: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. Published online August 21, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.2701