Deucravacitinib is an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2). TYK2 is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family. Deucravacitinib binds to the regulatory domain of TYK2, stabilizing an inhibitory interaction between the regulatory and the catalytic domains of the enzyme. This results in allosteric inhibition of receptor-mediated activation of TYK2 and its downstream activation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) as shown in cell-based assays. JAK kinases, including TYK2, function as pairs of homo- or heterodimers in the JAK-STAT pathways. TYK2 pairs with JAK1 to mediate multiple cytokine pathways and also pairs with JAK2 to transmit signals as shown in cell-based assays. The precise mechanism linking inhibition of TYK2 enzyme to therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis is not currently known.

SOTYKTU is a tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

The recommended dosage of SOTYKTU is 6 mg taken orally once daily, with or without food. Do not crush, cut, or chew the tablets.

Most common adverse reactions (≥ 1%) are upper respiratory infections, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, herpes simplex, mouth ulcers, folliculitis, and acne.

Known hypersensitivity to deucravacitinib or any of the excipients in SOTYKTU.

• Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema have been reported. Discontinue if a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
• Infections: SOTYKTU may increase the risk of infection. Avoid use in patients with active or serious infection. If a serious infection develops, discontinue SOTYKTU until the infection resolves.
• Tuberculosis: Evaluate for TB prior to initiating treatment with SOTYKTU.
• Malignancy: Malignancies including lymphomas were observed in clinical trials with SOTYKTU.
• Rhabdomyolysis and elevated CPK.
• Laboratory Abnormalities: Periodically evaluate serum triglycerides. Evaluate liver enzymes at baseline and thereafter in patients with known or suspected liver disease.
• Immunizations: Avoid use with live vaccines.
• Potential Risks Related to JAK Inhibition: It is not known whether TYK2 inhibition may be associated with the observed or potential adverse reactions of JAK inhibition. Higher rates of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, majoradverse cardiovascular events, overall thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were observed in patients treated with a JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. SOTYKTU is not approved for use in RA.