Takeda Rises After AI-Developed Psoriasis Pill Trial Success

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co.rose the most in seven months on Friday after the drugmaker said its oral psoriasis drug zasocitinib proved safe and effective in late-stage trials, marking a milestone in its effort to treat the incurable skin condition.

The stock rose as much as 4.3% in early Tokyo trading, the biggest intraday gain since May 13.

More than half of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis saw their condition almost completely disappear and about 30% saw it fully disappear after 16 weeks of treatment compared with a placebo or the existing therapy apremilast, the company said Thursday.

Takeda plans to ...