Envudeucitinib, a Potent, Next-Generation, Allosteric Inhibitor of TYK2: A Narrative Review

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-4-2026

Publication Title

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb)

Keywords

Autoimmune disease; ESK-001; Envudeucitinib; Next-generation oral; Psoriasis; TYK2

Abstract

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) impacting more than 40 million people globally and characterized by skin plaques, elevated systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines, and psychosocial burden. Many patients remain undertreated. Available topical and oral treatments are typically less effective than biologic therapies and have safety considerations that may limit long-term use. Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), a Janus kinase (JAK) enzyme, is a validated target in psoriasis and is also being investigated for other IMIDs. TYK2 mediates signaling of interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-17, central proinflammatory cytokines whose dysregulation contributes to chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis, and IL-12 and type I interferons (IFNs). Therefore, selective inhibition of TYK2 offers more targeted immunomodulation vs. broader immunosuppression associated with JAK 1/2/3 inhibition. Envudeucitinib (formerly ESK-001) is a next-generation, oral, allosteric TYK2 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Envudeucitinib selectively binds to the unique regulatory domain (JAK homology 2 [JH2]) of TYK2 to induce a conformational change that prevents ATP from binding the catalytic domain (JAK homology 1 [JH1]), thereby inactivating TYK2. This approach avoids adverse events associated with classic JAK inhibition. In preclinical and phase 1 studies, oral administration of envudeucitinib twice daily achieved maximal (90% inhibitory concentration [IC(90)]) TYK2 inhibition over 24 h, highlighting a level of sustained target engagement that distinguishes envudeucitinib from other oral immunomodulators. Envudeucitinib decreased type I IFN gene signatures in whole blood and pSTAT1 in T cells. These findings were corroborated in a phase 2 study in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis; envudeucitinib showed maximal TYK2 inhibition at higher doses (40-80 mg daily), patients demonstrated significant and increasing efficacy responses through week 52, and the safety profile was favorable. The efficacy and safety of envudeucitinib are being further evaluated in the ongoing phase 3 ONWARD studies. Psoriasis, an inflammatory disease that develops when the immune system is overactive in the skin, impacts more than 40 million people globally. Patients with psoriasis have red, scaly, itchy skin plaques and high levels of inflammatory molecules in the blood. Many patients do not receive adequate treatment, highlighting the need for more effective and safer oral therapies. We describe how a new potential oral medicine for psoriasis, envudeucitinib, works. Envudeucitinib targets the tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) protein that is involved in the inflammation process associated with psoriasis. When taken twice daily, envudeucitinib achieved strong and sustained inhibition of TYK2 for a full 24 h, which is a distinguishing feature of this therapy. Selective reduction of TYK2 activity, while avoiding effects on other related proteins, may allow for more targeted adjustment of inflammatory signaling associated with psoriasis and may translate to clinical benefit. In early studies, envudeucitinib taken orally twice daily markedly reduced TYK2 activity and the levels of other inflammatory molecules over a 24-h period. These findings were confirmed in a phase 2 study in patients with psoriasis, where envudeucitinib again reduced TYK2 activity. Patients with psoriasis taking envudeucitinib had significant improvements in their skin after 12 weeks of treatment, and these improvements were sustained or continued to improve through 52 weeks of treatment without notable side effects. In summary, envudeucitinib is a new potential oral medication for psoriasis that reduces inflammation with an acceptable safety profile.

PubMed ID

41934538

ePublication

ePub ahead of print

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