Deucravacitinib
JAK inhibitors
JAK inhibitors
An oral, selective TYK2 inhibitor for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; it binds the kinase's regulatory domain rather than its ATP site.
Quick facts
- Group
- JAK inhibitors
- Target
- Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), regulatory pseudokinase (JH2) domain
- Used for
- Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
- Key effects
- Runny nose · Mouth sores · Acne and folliculitis
- Monitor
- Latent tuberculosis test before starting
- ATC
- L04AF07
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
The figure shows the human TYK2 pseudokinase (JH2) domain with the deucravacitinib molecule bound (the crystal ligand is recorded without its deuterium atoms).
Deucravacitinib is a selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), a member of the JAK family. TYK2 carries the signals of IL-23, IL-12 and type I interferons; blocking it lowers the IL-23–Th17 drive behind psoriasis. It binds the regulatory pseudokinase domain of TYK2, not the shared ATP site, which keeps it selective for TYK2.
- Drug binds the regulatory (JH2) domain of TYK2
- TYK2 is locked in an inactive form
- IL-23, IL-12 and interferon signals are damped
- Psoriasis plaques and joint inflammation improve
Indications
- Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis Psoriasis →
- Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis →
Adverse effects
Common
- Runny nose, congestion, sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Acne and folliculitis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to deucravacitinib
- Active serious infection, including active tuberculosis
Key interactions
- Live vaccines
- Avoided during treatment; age-appropriate vaccines are given before starting.
- Other medicines that suppress the immune system
- Added infection risk.
What is monitored
- Latent tuberculosis test before starting
- Laboratory tests ordered by the team
- Signs of infection
Administration and safety
- Tablets are swallowed whole, not split, crushed or chewed.
- Taken with or without food.
- Vaccines are brought up to date before starting.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Human data are limited; pregnancy and breastfeeding are discussed with the treating team.
Nursing care
- Confirm the tuberculosis test and ask about hepatitis, zoster and liver disease.
- Teach to report dark urine, unexplained muscle pain or weakness, or extreme tiredness.
- Teach to report yellow skin or eyes, fever, chills or warm, painful skin.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Oral tablet, with or without food, swallowed whole
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which kinase does deucravacitinib block?
Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2).
Where on TYK2 does deucravacitinib bind?
The regulatory pseudokinase (JH2) domain, not the ATP site, which makes it selective.
Which cytokine pathway blocked by deucravacitinib is central to psoriasis?
The IL-23 pathway (TYK2 also carries IL-12 and type I interferon signals).
Connections
← Back to the class: JAK inhibitors
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Deucravacitinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); RCSB PDB - 6NZP: CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF TYROSINE KINASE 2 JH2 (PSEUDO KINASE DOMAIN) COMPLEXED WITH COMPOUND-11 AKA 6-CYCLOPROPANEAMIDO-4-{[2-METHOXY-3-(1-METHYL-1H-1,2,4-TRI AZOL-3-YL)PHENYL]AMINO}-N-(?H?)METHYLPYRIDAZINE-3-CARBOXAMIDE (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2019); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.