Sotyktu (Deucravacitinib)

Bristol Myers Squib’s Sotyktu (Deucravacitinib) has recently been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use on the NHS in England as a treatment option for certain adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

In June 2023, NICE published its decision to recommend the medicine, Sotyktu (also known by its generic name deucravacitinib), as a treatment option for adults with psoriasis in England and Wales.

Sotyktu is a completely new treatment option for people with psoriasis (also referred to as “first-in-class”) in that it targets a different chemical pathway from other existing treatments. It is referred to as a small molecule (injectable biologics are large molecules), tyrosine kinase 2 (or TYK2) inhibitor.

The NICE guidance states that Sotyktu, which is taken as a once-daily oral tablet, is recommended as a treatment option for people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis if:.

• The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is 10 or more and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is more than 10.

• and if the condition has not responded to other systemic treatments, including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy, or these options are contraindicated or not tolerated.

This recommendation from NICE follows receipt of marketing authorisation in Great Britain on 10th May 2023 for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Whilst many people are comfortable using injections, there are a number who would prefer oral administration (e.g. swallow a tablet) of their psoriasis treatment and Sotyktu makes this possible.  The impact of drugs on the immune system (and their lasting effects on the immune system) is of greater concern to people since the COVID-19 pandemic and some may feel more comfortable with a medication taken more regularly to maintain response rather than the longer-lasting but less-frequently dosed injectable biologics.

Professor Chris Griffiths, Emeritus Professor, University of Manchester expressed his hope that access to a greater variety of treatments, such as deucravacitinib, will now enable eligible patients to have more choice, with therapies that may suit their daily needs and lifestyle.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has not yet issued a decision on Sotyktu but is currently in the process of reviewing it.

Please note that Deucravacitinib is only available on prescription from a dermatologist. Look out for our new information sheet which is currently in production and will be available soon.