SOTYKTU (deucravacitinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or treatment using ultraviolet or UV light (phototherapy). It is not known if SOTYKTU is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
ABOUT MODERATE TO SEVERE PLAQUE PSORIASIS
A SYSTEMIC DISEASE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is a common, chronic autoimmune disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches. The patches most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.
While moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is visible on the outside of the body, it begins on the inside. That’s because it’s a systemic disease of the immune system, the collection of organs, cells, and proteins that help protect the body from threats. A systemic disease affects the entire body. In psoriasis, it begins in the immune system.
HOW PLAQUES FORM
Normally, immune cells talk to each other via chemical signals. In the case of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, these signals go out of control and speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. The rapid turnover of cells results in scales and red patches on the skin.
SYMPTOMS OF MODERATE TO SEVERE PLAQUE PSORIASIS
The symptoms of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can look different for each person, and plaques can form virtually anywhere on the body.
Symptoms may include:
Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
Small scaling spots
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
Itching, burning, skin tightness, or soreness
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING MODERATE TO SEVERE PLAQUE PSORIASIS
Your primary care doctor may be able to recognize and diagnose plaque psoriasis; however, a dermatologist who specializes in skin diseases may be a beneficial supporter to add to your care team.
There are many treatments on the market for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In most cases, your treatment choice will depend on the severity of your moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and how responsive you may have been to previous treatments.
Common treatments include:
Creams for the skin – over-the-counter or prescription treatments
UVB (light) therapy – involves exposing the skin to specialized ultraviolet light under medical supervision
Biologic injections – protein-based drugs derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory given by intravenous (IV shot), infusion (a slow drip of medicine into the vein) or injection under the skin
Oral therapies – typically, systemic therapies that are taken orally and target specific molecules in the immune system and work throughout the body
SOTYKTU (deucravacitinib) WORKS DIFFERENTLY*
SOTYKTU is the only pill that specifically targets TYK2, to help block from passing on too many signals.