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Psoriasis Drug Candidate Showed Sustained Skin Clearance

Patients saw significant skin improvement 24 weeks after their final dose of the investigational drug ORKA-001.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Diseases — General

Isometric editorial illustration showing simplified geometric skin layers and a minimalist molecule, representing long-term psoriasis clinical trial results.
Oruka Therapeutics reported that patients in its EVERLAST-A trial maintained significant skin clearance 24 weeks after their final dose of ORKA-001. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Oruka Therapeutics recently released Week 28 data from its EVERLAST-A trial, showing durable skin clearance in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Patients maintained high levels of clinical improvement months after receiving their final dose at Week 4.

Why it matters

This development is notable because the investigational therapy provided sustained results long after active treatment concluded, suggesting a potential shift toward less frequent dosing regimens for patients.

In a randomized trial of 84 patients, researchers measured skin clearance using PASI and IGA scores. Results at Week 28 showed 71.4% of patients reached total skin clearance (PASI 100) and 84.1% achieved clear or almost clear skin (IGA 0/1) despite no dosing occurring after Week 4.

The players

Oruka Therapeutics

A biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, Calif., focused on developing novel treatments for dermatological conditions.

The details

The drug ORKA-001 was administered at a 600 mg dose at Week 0 and Week 4, with placebo-crossover participants receiving the same dose at Week 16 and Week 20. The study observed a relatively low incidence of side effects, including an 8% rate of upper respiratory tract infections between weeks 16 and 28. More serious adverse events, specifically one tibial fracture and one case of prostate adenocarcinoma, were also recorded during the study period.

Timeline

  1. Initial patient dosing began at Week 0.

  2. The second dose was administered at Week 4.

  3. Placebo crossover to active treatment began at Week 16.

  4. Data reporting for the trial occurred at Week 28.

  5. The full 52-week data readout is expected in December 2026.

Health Landscape

The study marks a shift in psoriasis treatment toward evaluating therapies that prioritize long-acting biological activity. This approach sits within the broader evolution of dermatology, where researchers are increasingly focused on achieving durable remission rather than daily maintenance.

These findings highlight a developing approach to treatment that may eventually reduce the frequency of clinical visits for skin clearance maintenance. If you are managing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, it is worth discussing the current status of emerging, long-acting therapies with your dermatologist.

The takeaway

The study indicates that targeted therapy may offer prolonged symptom relief even after treatment ends. Patients should continue to monitor their skin conditions and discuss new treatment trial developments with their specialized physician.

What happens next

Full 52-week data for the EVERLAST-A trial is expected in December 2026, while 16-week data for the separate EVERLAST-B study is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Further reading

Learn more about new breakthroughs in autoimmune skin conditions in our Diseases — General section.

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Do you trust pharmaceutical results from early-stage clinical trials as a basis for treatment?