Spherix Global Insights Finds Icotyde Poised to More Than Double Share as New Oral Therapy May Delay Biologic Use

Exton, PA, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research from Spherix Global Insights indicates that Johnson & Johnson's Icotyde (icotrokinra) is gaining ground in the U.S. plaque psoriasis market, expanding the role of oral advanced therapies and potentially delaying  biologic use, while  drawing patients from both Otezla (apremilast) and various biologics. Findings across three independent studies reveal growing physician confidence in Icotyde, increasing use across treatment lines, efficacy expectations becoming an increasingly important prescribing driver, alongside expectations for continued share gains. Meanwhile, AbbVie's Skyrizi (risankizumab) retains its market-leading position, and UCB's Bimzelx (bimekizumab) is projected to gain additional share.

The expanding opportunity for oral treatment is evident in Spherix's Special Topix™: Oral Opportunity in PsO (US) 2026 research. Among 102 dermatologists surveyed, approximately 76% identified patients with moderate psoriasis as ideal Icotyde candidates, while 75% identified patients with severe disease. By comparison, just 41% and 14%, respectively, identified these patients as ideal candidates for Otezla (apremilast). These findings suggest that dermatologists increasingly view Icotyde as an option for patients who might otherwise progress to biologic therapy, potentially expanding the role of oral therapies.

That opportunity is beginning to translate into prescribing. Spherix's September Launch Dynamix™: Icotyde in Plaque Psoriasis (US), Deep Dive Wave 2 found that nearly six in ten dermatologists had prescribed Icotyde approximately five months after launch. While the proportion of prescribers remained stable, average patient initiations increased from 1.7 in June to 3.0 in September.

Importantly, efficacy expectations are increasingly influencing treatment decisions. Among dermatologists initiating Icotyde as a first-line advanced systemic, 33% cited expected efficacy as a reason for prescribing, up from 15% in June. However, growing utilization is accompanied by access challenges, with prior authorization requirements among recently treated Icotyde patients increasing from 77% to 89%.

The broader competitive implications are reflected in Spherix's RealTime Dynamix™: Plaque Psoriasis (US) Q3 2026 research. Dermatologists project that oral advanced systemics will increase from 12.3% to 16.2% of prescription-treated adult patients over the next six months, while biologics maintain approximately 41% share. Among patients receiving advanced systemic therapies, Icotyde's share is projected to more than double from 3.8% to 8.8%, alongside anticipated declines for established competitors.

As competition intensifies, efficacy differentiation, patient selection, and access requirements will be important in determining how projected growth translates into sustained prescribing.

The findings draw on three independent U.S. studies conducted in 2026. Special Topix™ Oral Opportunity in Plaque Psoriasis surveyed 102 dermatologists in May and June; RealTime Dynamix™ Plaque Psoriasis surveyed 101 dermatologists in July and August; and Launch Dynamix™ Icotyde in Plaque Psoriasis surveyed 74 dermatologists in September, supplemented by eight qualitative interviews. Future share estimates reflect physician projections rather than observed market outcomes.

About Launch Dynamix™

Launch Dynamix™ is an independent service providing monthly benchmarking of newly launched products for the first eighteen months of commercial availability, augmented by a quarterly deep dive into promotional activity, barriers to uptake, and patient types gravitating to the launch brand.

About RealTime Dynamix™

RealTime Dynamix™ is an independent service providing strategic guidance through quarterly or semiannual reports, which include market trending and a fresh infusion of event-driven and variable content with each wave. The reports provide an unbiased view of the competitive landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, fueled by robust HCP primary research and our in-house team of experts. 

About Special Topix™  

Special Topix™ is an independent service that includes access to a report or series of reports based on current events or topics of interest in specialty markets covered by Spherix. 

About Spherix Global Insights:

Spherix Global Insights is a leading independent provider of market intelligence and advisory services for specialty pharmaceutical and biotech markets. By combining physician, patient, and payer perspectives into a single integrated view, Spherix helps brand teams, market access stakeholders, and investors understand how a specialty market actually behaves, not how any one stakeholder describes it. The firm operates ten dedicated therapeutic franchises – Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Nephrology, Neuroscience, Obesity, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Respiratory and Rheumatology – alongside a fully dedicated Market Access team. Each franchise is led by hyper-focused analysts and researchers who track these specialty areas full-time, drawing on independently curated communities of vetted practicing specialists, KOLs, patients recruited through treating physicians and advocacy partners, and medical and pharmacy directors at commercial and government payers. Spherix delivers quarterly trending, launch tracking, chart audits, KOL synthesis, patient experience research, and payer and market access intelligence that support confident, strategic decision-making across the pharma lifecycle. Trusted by 19 of the top 20 pharmaceutical and biotech organizations, Spherix has been a go-to resource for more than a decade for leading brands, market access stakeholders, industry media outlets, financial analysts, professional organizations, and patient advocacy groups seeking an unbiased, holistic view of specialty markets.

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NOTICE: All company, brand, or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and opinions expressed within are based on Spherix Global Insights’ analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release.

Andy StankusSpherix Global Insights484-879-4284andy.stankus@spherixglobalinights.com