Dong-A ST announced on the 27th that it presented poster findings from a preclinical study demonstrating the potential for developing a topical formulation of icotrokinra, a psoriasis drug, at AAPS PharmSci 360 2026, held in New Orleans from the 25th to the 28th.
AAPS PharmSci 360 is an international scientific conference organized by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS). It brings together pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals, academics, government representatives and researchers from around the world to share the latest research findings and technology trends in drug development.
At the conference, Kim Hae-sun, principal researcher on Dong-A ST’s drug delivery system (DDS) team, presented a poster detailing formulation research aimed at developing icotrokinra for direct application to the skin.
Icotrokinra is the world’s first oral macrocyclic peptide antagonist of the interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor. It selectively binds to the receptor to block inflammatory signaling. An oral treatment containing icotrokinra as its active ingredient received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2026.
Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a signaling protein that regulates immune cell activity and is involved in the development of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis. Cytokines are proteins that transmit signals between immune cells, and some promote inflammatory responses.
To develop a topical formulation that delivers icotrokinra directly to the skin, Dong-A ST evaluated its penetration into and retention within skin tissue in laboratory tests. The company also assessed its anti-inflammatory effects using an animal model of skin inflammation.
The results showed that the researchers identified a topical formulation capable of delivering icotrokinra through the skin, based on in vitro skin penetration and retention assessments. In an animal model of induced skin inflammation, the formulation also alleviated inflammation and suppressed the gene expression of IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22, inflammatory cytokines associated with psoriasis.
The study is significant because it evaluated the feasibility of delivering icotrokinra, previously developed as an oral drug, through the skin and assessed its anti-inflammatory effects at the preclinical stage, identifying its potential for development as a topical treatment.
A Dong-A ST representative said, “Over the past decade, Dong-A ST has built up its drug delivery technology and research and development capabilities through formulation research involving patches, transdermal drug delivery and topical products. We will continue pursuing new formulations for a range of drugs, drawing on our accumulated technology and experience.”