How Sotyktu Targets Psoriasis
Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) is an oral tablet approved by the FDA in 2022 for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It works by inhibiting tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), a protein inside immune cells that activates inflammatory pathways driving psoriasis.[1]
TYK2 is part of the Janus kinase (JAK) family, which relays signals from cytokines like IL-12, IL-23, and type I interferons. These cytokines trigger T-cell activation and keratinocyte proliferation, causing psoriatic plaques. Unlike JAK1/2/3 inhibitors (e.g., Rinvoq or Olumiant), Sotyktu binds allosterically to TYK2's pseudokinase domain, stabilizing an inactive form and blocking signaling selectively without broadly suppressing other JAKs.[1][2]
This selectivity reduces inflammation while preserving immune functions like antiviral responses, potentially lowering infection risks seen with pan-JAK inhibitors.[2]
How Long Until It Works and What to Expect
Patients often see initial skin clearing within 4 weeks, with peak efficacy (PASI 75 response in 50-60% of users) by 16 weeks in trials like POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2.[1][3] Continuous use maintains results; stopping may lead to relapse within months.
Common Side Effects Patients Report
Upper respiratory infections (20%), acne (7%), and folliculitis occur most often. Serious risks include infections, malignancies, and major cardiovascular events, with black box warnings for these in JAK-class drugs. Monitoring includes baseline TB tests and lipid checks.[1][3]
How Sotyktu Compares to Other Psoriasis Drugs
| Drug | Mechanism | Dosing | Key Trial PASI 75 at 16 Weeks | Common Issues |
|------|-----------|--------|-------------------------------|--------------|
| Sotyktu | Selective TYK2 inhibitor (oral) | 6 mg daily | 53-59% | Acne, infections |
| Otezla (apremilast) | PDE4 inhibitor (oral) | 30 mg twice daily | 30% | GI upset, weight loss |
| Skyrizi (risankizumab) | IL-23 inhibitor (injection) | 150 mg at weeks 0/4, then every 12 weeks | 74-80% | Injection reactions |
| Tremfya (guselkumab) | IL-23 inhibitor (injection) | 100 mg at weeks 0/4/8, then every 8 weeks | 73-84% | Upper respiratory infections[3][4] |
Sotyktu offers oral convenience over injectables but lower peak efficacy than IL-23 blockers.
Who Makes Sotyktu and Patent Timeline
Bristol Myers Squibb manufactures Sotyktu. Key U.S. patents (e.g., composition of matter) expire around 2033-2037, with no generics approved yet.[5] For full patent details, see DrugPatentWatch.com.
Sources:
[1] Sotyktu Prescribing Information, Bristol Myers Squibb, 2023. https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pisotyktu.pdf
[2] Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, "Deucravacitinib for psoriasis," 2022. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41573-022-00552-0
[3] New England Journal of Medicine, POETYK PSO trials, 2022. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2113613
[4] FDA Approval Summary, Sotyktu, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2022/217821s000lbl.pdf
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com, Sotyktu patents. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/SOTYKTU