The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency authorized icotrokinra hydrochloride, marketed as Icotyde, on October 23. The approval covers moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and adolescents aged 12 or older who weigh at least 40 kilograms and are candidates for systemic treatment.

The medicine is a 200-milligram tablet taken once a day. It selectively binds to and blocks the interleukin-23 receptor, part of an inflammatory pathway associated with immune-mediated conditions. Plaque psoriasis can produce scaly, itchy or painful skin patches and can also affect the nails.

MHRA says the authorization was supported by four Phase 3 studies involving 2,500 participants, including 72 adolescents. Each study showed efficacy at week 16 compared with placebo in the populations examined. The release does not provide a direct comparison with every other available systemic treatment.

Authorization permits the medicine’s use under its approved conditions; individual prescribing decisions remain with patients and clinicians. The regulator says it will continue monitoring safety and asks healthcare professionals and patients to report suspected adverse effects through the Yellow Card system.