From Newcomer to Cornerstone: The Rise of Deucravacitinib 

In this episode of Topical Conversations, Dr Shahriari and Dr Bunick examine the long-term safety and efficacy data for deucravacitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Once a novel oral agent, deucravacitinib is now supported by 5-year data that position it as a durable, patient-friendly alternative to injectable therapies. 

An Oral Option That Holds Its Ground 

Deucravacitinib has shown sustained efficacy over time, with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response rates nearing 70% at 1 year and remaining above 65% at year 5. PASI 90 scores also held steady or improved modestly over time. More than 50% of patients achieved “clear” or “almost clear” skin by physician global assessment, making deucravacitinib a meaningful option for patients seeking long-term skin clearance with oral therapy. 

Safety in Focus: Addressing the JAK Association 

Drs Shahriari and Bunick clarify the distinction between TYK2 inhibition and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition. Deucravacitinib targets the TYK2 pseudokinase domain selectively, avoiding signal transduction through JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3. This specificity contributes to its favorable safety profile. Over 5000 patient-years of exposure yielded low incidence rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and malignancy. 

Understanding the Data: Durability and Rigor 

The 5-year data are based on modified nonresponder imputation, a conservative analytical method that accounts for dropouts and strengthens the robustness of results. The consistent performance across both safety and efficacy endpoints provides long-term validation for clinicians hesitant to adopt oral therapies without durability data. 

The Science of Selectivity: Why TYK2 Matters 

Dr Bunick explains the mechanistic rationale for TYK2 inhibition in psoriasis. By blocking TYK2, deucravacitinib disrupts IL-12, IL-23, and type I interferon signaling—key upstream mediators in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis. Genetic studies showing anti-inflammatory effects in individuals with TYK2 inactivation lend further biologic support to this therapeutic strategy. 

Real-World Practice Considerations 

The conversation closes with discussion of herpes zoster vaccination, particularly for patients aged ≥50 years initiating therapy. 

Key Takeaways 

• Deucravacitinib provides sustained PASI 75 and PASI 90 responses, with >50% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin at 5 years
• Long-term safety data demonstrate low rates of MACEs, VTE, and malignancy
• Deucravacitinib selectively inhibits TYK2, minimizing off-target effects seen with broader JAK inhibitors
• Use of modified nonresponder imputation supports data durability and clinical reliability
• Herpes zoster vaccination is recommended in patients aged ≥50 years prior to therapy initiation