JNJ-2113: A Breakthrough in Psoriasis Treatment and What It Means for the Future of Precision Biotech at Apextra Labs

Revolutionizing Psoriasis Treatment with Targeted Oral Therapies

At Apextra Labs, we're passionate about accelerating next-generation therapies through cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and translational insight. One recent innovation capturing our attention is JNJ-2113—a first-in-class oral peptide that’s redefining how we think about chronic inflammatory skin diseases like plaque psoriasis.

This investigational therapy, developed by Johnson & Johnson in collaboration with Protagonist Therapeutics, marks a promising shift toward oral precision therapies—a space Apextra Labs is actively shaping through our biotech partnerships and immunology focus.

What is JNJ-2113?

JNJ-2113 (also known as JNJ-77242113) is the first and only investigational oral peptide that specifically targets the IL-23 receptor—a crucial component in the immune signaling cascade that drives moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Unlike conventional biologics, which often require injections, JNJ-2113 offers patients the potential of an oral, targeted alternative. This peptide binds directly to the IL-23 receptor, disrupting the activation of Th17 cells and ultimately decreasing inflammatory signaling like IL-17, a known driver of psoriatic symptoms.

For patients, this could mean fewer flares, reduced skin lesions, and improved quality of life—without the burden of injectables or the risks of broad immunosuppressants.

A Closer Look at Psoriasis and the IL-23 Pathway

Psoriasis affects over 8 million people in the U.S., with plaque psoriasis being the most prevalent form. It’s an autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply too rapidly, creating itchy, scaly, inflamed patches.

Current treatments include:

• Topicals (e.g., corticosteroids)

• Phototherapy

• Systemic medications

• Biologics targeting TNF, IL-17, or IL-23

JNJ-2113 introduces a highly specific, non-invasive alternative by interrupting a key immune pathway—IL-23/Th17 axis—pivotal to disease progression.

Clinical Data: A Year of Sustained Success

Presented at the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting, the FRONTIER 2 study (Phase 2b) demonstrated that JNJ-2113 maintained skin clearance through 52 weeks, with no new safety signals.

Key highlights:

• PASI 75/90/100 responses sustained through one year

• 78.6% skin clearance at 16 weeks, 76.2% at 52 weeks (100 mg BID group)

• Well-tolerated across all dose groups with common AEs limited to mild infections

• Serious adverse events occurred in only 4% of patients, none treatment-related

Dr. Laura Ferris (University of Pittsburgh) emphasized the impact:

“JNJ-2113 could meet a long-standing need for an effective, long-term, and convenient oral treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.”

What This Means for Biotech Innovation—and Apextra Labs

At Apextra Labs, we see therapies like JNJ-2113 as a harbinger of what’s next in precision immunology. Our core work—focused on translating novel science into viable therapies—parallels the strategy behind JNJ-2113: targeted, mechanism-driven interventions that work smarter, not harder.

We're actively exploring similar platforms and working with biotech innovators to:

• Accelerate oral therapeutic peptide discovery

• Advance immune pathway modulation

• Develop biomarker-driven treatment algorithms for chronic inflammatory diseases

Whether it’s through our collaborative translational research efforts or data-driven biotech consulting, Apextra Labs is at the forefront of making tomorrow’s therapies a reality.

On the Horizon: What’s Next for JNJ-2113?

JNJ-2113 is now progressing through the pivotal ICONIC Phase 3 trials, including:

• ICONIC-LEADe and ICONIC-TOTAL (psoriasis efficacy)

• ICONIC-ADVANCE 1 & 2 (comparing with deucravacitinib and placebo)

• ANTHEM-UC (ulcerative colitis)

These trials further evaluate the peptide’s role across IL-23-driven diseases, including dermatologic, gastroenterologic, and rheumatologic applications—areas where Apextra Labs is uniquely positioned to support clinical development and translational strategy.

Final Thoughts

As the biotech landscape rapidly evolves, JNJ-2113 exemplifies the future of immune-targeted therapies: precise, effective, and patient-friendly. At Apextra Labs, we're proud to support and accelerate innovations like this by providing the scientific, regulatory, and strategic expertise that transforms potential into progress.

Whether you're a startup navigating clinical pathways or a pharma leader exploring peptide therapeutics, Apextra Labs is your strategic partner in translational success.