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Ponesimod

Phase 3

Moderate-to-severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis | Small molecule | Dermatology |Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.|Last Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Target and mechanism

Molecular targetS1PR1
Target classAgonist
ModalitySmall molecule

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

UNCONTROLLED
Total Trials1
Total Enrollment300

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Clinical trial landscape

Ponesimod · 2 trials · 2 indications

Phase 3 2
NCT07686081Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Ponesimod (VSP-128) in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative Colitis (UC)
RECRUITING150 Analytics
NCT07362017Open Label Study to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of Ponesimod in Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Plaque PsoriasisModerate-to-severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
RECRUITING300 Analytics
PHASE3RECRUITING
Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Ponesimod (VSP-128) in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)Unlock trial analytics
PHASE3RECRUITING
Open Label Study to Investigate the Safety and Efficacy of Ponesimod in Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Moderate-to-severe Chronic Plaque PsoriasisUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Clinical Remission at Week 16
Week 16

Proportion of participants achieving clinical remission at Week 16.

Safety and tolerability of ponesimod as measured by reporting of adverse events (AEs)
Through study completion, approximately 1 year

Safety will be assessed based on frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events and serious adverse events, and frequency of clinically notable abnormal vital signs, blood chemistry, hematology, urology, and ECGs

Secondary Endpoints

Clinical Response at Week 16
Week 16
Change From Baseline in Mayo Score at Week 16
Baseline to Week 16.
Endoscopic Improvement at Week 16
Week 16
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingQUADRUPLE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
Ponesimod (VSP-128)EXPERIMENTAL -
PlaceboPLACEBO_COMPARATOR -
PonesimodEXPERIMENTALPonesimod

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
PonesimodDRUGPonesimod administered orally once daily. Participants are randomized 2:1 to Ponesimod or placebo during a 16-week double-blind period. A 14-day titration is followed by a stable dose daily from Day 15 through end of treatment. Participants may enter a 36-week open-label extension receiving Ponesimod.
PlaceboDRUGMatching placebo administered orally once daily during a 16-week double-blind period (2:1 randomization). A mock 14-day titration is used to maintain blinding. Participants may enter a 36-week open-label extension receiving Ponesimod.
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range18 Years to 75 Years
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites2

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female subjects aged 18-75 years * Able to provide written informed consent * Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis for ≥90 days prior to screening * Three-component Mayo score of 5-9 with endoscopy subscore ≥2 and rectal bleeding subscore ≥1 * History of inadequate respons...

Countries:United States
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Recent Changes (Last 90 Days)

LOWAug 18, 2026NCT07686081Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING → RECRUITING
LOWAug 18, 2026NCT07686081Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING → RECRUITING
LOWJul 7, 2026NCT07686081NEW_TRIAL: changed
LOWJul 7, 2026NCT07686081NEW_TRIAL: changed

Frequently asked questions about Ponesimod

What is Ponesimod used for?

Ponesimod is an investigational small molecule being developed for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for both indications. The drug is not yet approved by the FDA and remains in clinical development.

What does Ponesimod target?

Ponesimod targets the S1PR1 receptor, acting as an agonist. This mechanism is being studied for its potential effects in treating moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. The drug is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for these conditions.

Who makes Ponesimod?

Ponesimod is being developed by Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company traded under the ticker VNDA. The drug is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis.

What phase is Ponesimod in?

Ponesimod is in Phase 3 clinical development. It is being studied in two separate Phase 3 trials: one for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and another for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Both trials are currently recruiting participants.

What clinical trials is Ponesimod in?

Ponesimod is being evaluated in two Phase 3 trials. NCT07362017 is an open-label study in moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis with 300 participants. NCT07686081 is a study in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis with 150 participants. Both trials are recruiting in the United States.

Is Ponesimod the same as VSP-128?

Yes, Ponesimod is also known as VSP-128. This alternative name appears in the clinical trial for ulcerative colitis, NCT07686081, which evaluates the efficacy and safety of Ponesimod (VSP-128) in patients with moderately to severely active disease.