Johnson & Johnson Showcases Positive Trial Data For Key Autoimmune Therapies

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) highlighted encouraging clinical advancements on Saturday across two major immunology programs, presenting positive Phase 3 data for ICOTYDE in psoriatic arthritis and new patient experience insights for nipocalimab in Sjögren’s disease at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2026.

ICOTYDE Achieves Primary Endpoint In Phase 3 Psoriatic Arthritis Study

In the Phase 3 ICONIC-PsA 1 study involving biologic-naïve adults with active psoriatic arthritis, oral peptide ICOTYDE (icotrokinra)—the first and only targeted therapy to selectively block the IL-23 receptor—met its primary endpoint at Week 16.

Approximately 58% of patients receiving a 200 mg dose reached an American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response, compared to 41% on placebo. Patients also attained higher ACR50 (29% versus 16%) and ACR70 (13% versus 5%) response rates.

Among participants with qualifying baseline skin involvement, 57% receiving ICOTYDE achieved clear or almost clear skin versus 14% on placebo, while 37% achieved a PASI 90 score compared to 6% in the control arm.

Clinical gains increased through Week 24, with ACR20 reaching 69%, ACR50 hitting 40%, and clear skin rates rising to 64%. Across 24 weeks, safety results aligned with the drug’s established safety profile, showing no new safety signals.

Nipocalimab Delivers Tangible Benefits In Sjögren’s Disease

Johnson & Johnson also shared Phase 2 DAHLIAS findings for nipocalimab in Sjögren’s disease, an autoantibody-driven illness impacting approximately four million individuals globally.

The data highlighted that mouth dryness represented the most critical symptom improvement for patients, with 96% citing it as their primary complaint. These outcomes build on prior Phase 2 data demonstrating enhanced saliva production.

Patients linked symptom improvements to tangible everyday gains, including enhanced physical functioning and fewer disruptions to work and family life, while 73.5% reported overall satisfaction with the treatment.

Following Phase 2 results showing substantial reductions in disease severity, the company launched the Phase 3 DAFFODIL trial.

JNJ Price Action: Johnson & Johnson shares were up 0.42% at $277.38 at the time of publication on Monday. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $282.01, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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