Takeda Pushes Pediatric Psoriasis Drug TAK-279 Forward With New Phase 3 Trial Update
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (TAK) announced an update on their ongoing clinical study.
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Takeda is running a phase 3 trial to test its drug zasocitinib in children and teens with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The study aims to see how well the drug clears skin, how safe it is over time, and how younger patients respond, which could support a key label expansion if results are positive.
The treatment being tested is oral zasocitinib, also known as TAK-279 or NDI-034858, compared with a placebo in the first phase. The goal is to offer a long-term pill option for pediatric psoriasis, a space still underserved despite strong biologic drugs from larger rivals.
The trial is interventional and randomized, with patients split into groups that receive either zasocitinib or placebo at first. It uses a double-blind design in part of the study so neither doctors nor participants know who gets the active drug, and then moves to open-label treatment to track longer term benefits and risks.
Key dates matter for investors watching the news flow from this asset. The trial was first submitted in November 2025, the latest update hit the registry in February 2026, and primary and final completion will likely fall several years out given the 4-year follow-up period.
This update shows Takeda is pushing TAK-279 deeper into dermatology, which can support the long-term growth story if pediatric data are strong. Investors will track safety closely versus JAK and TYK2 class peers, and rivals like AbbVie and Amgen, as positive readouts could lift sentiment on TAK while setbacks may raise concerns on future cash flows.
The study remains active and updated, and further details are available on the ClinicalTrials portal.
To learn more about TAK’s potential, visit the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company drug pipeline page.
