Scottish Medicines Consortium accepts Sotyktu™▼ (deucravacitinib) for NHS use in certain adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Scottish Medicines Consortium accepts Sotyktu™▼ (deucravacitinib) for NHS use in certain adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

• Deucravacitinib has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use in Scotland for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are eligible for systemic therapies[i]

• In Scotland, it is estimated that over 133,520 individuals suffer with psoriasis[ii]

(Uxbridge, Middlesex, 11th December 2023) – Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) today announced that the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted deucravacitinib, a once daily oral tablet, for use on the NHS in Scotland as an option for treating certain adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy.[i],[iii] Those eligible to receive this 
treatment option are patients whose condition has failed to respond to standard systemic therapies (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy), are intolerant to, or have a contraindication to these treatments.[i],[iii]

Commenting on the news, Dr Gabrielle Becher, Consultant Dermatologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, stated: “Psoriasis is a complex condition that can manifest differently from patient to patient and may affect both physical and mental health. The recommendation of a new therapy such as deucravacitinib means an alternative treatment option is now available to eligible patients on the NHS in Scotland. This milestone marks a commitment to helping to improve the quality of life for those eligible and an additional choice of therapy for physicians to prescribe.”

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the body, usually presenting as dry skin lesions, known as plaques, that can appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.[iv],[v] Alongside the symptoms, people often live with numerous comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.[vi]

Besides the physical implications, psoriasis is well known to affect a person’s mental well-being. According to a report published in 2020 by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Skin (APPGS), patients reported feelings of embarrassment, shame, anxiety and depression - with 93% of patients reporting an impact on their self-esteem.[vii] Consequently, many patients tend to conceal themselves leading to social isolation, also impacting potential opportunities to receive support from the healthcare system.[vii]

Laura Stevenson, Deputy Chief Executive at Psoriasis Association, commented: “Psoriasis can impact every aspect of a person’s life and is a daily reality for thousands of people across Scotland. The news that deucravacitinib will be available for eligible patients in Scotland will be welcomed by the psoriasis community, who now have an additional treatment option available. The Psoriasis Association is a national charity operating across the UK, that is dedicated to providing information, advice and support to all those whose lives are affected by psoriasis.” 

– ENDS -

[i] Deucravacitinib Summary of Product Characteristics.

[ii] Public Health Information for Scotland. Scottish Burden of Disease Summary. (2016) Available at https://www.scotpho.org.uk/media/1775/sbod2016-skindiseases.pdf. Last Accessed: December 2023.

[iii] Scottish Medicines Consortium. Deucravacitinib [SMC2581]. Available at: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/deucravacitinib-sotyktu-full-smc2581/. Last Accessed: December 2023.

[iv] About Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/. Last Accessed: December 2023.

[v] NHS England. Psoriasis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/symptoms/#:~:text=Main%20symptoms%20of%20psoriasis,the%20scales%20may%20look%20grey. Last Accessed: December 2023.

[vi] Michalek, I. M., Loring, B. & John, S. M. Global report on psoriasis. (2016). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization. Last Accessed: December 2023.

[vii] Blackstone, B. Patel & Bewley, A. Assessing and Improving Psychological Well-Being in Psoriasis: Considerations for the Clinician, Psoriasis Auckland, March 2022, Vol 12, Number 1, Pages 25-33. Last Accessed: December 2023.

Notes to editors

About Deucravacitinib

Deucravacitinib (pronounced doo-krav-a-sih-ti-nib) is a selective allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor. Bristol Myers Squibb scientists designed deucravacitinib to selectively target TYK2, thereby mediating signalling of interleukin (IL)-23 and Type 1 interferons (IFN), key cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated diseases. Deucravacitinib achieves a high degree of selectivity by binding to the regulatory domain of TYK2, resulting in allosteric inhibition of TYK2 and its downstream functions.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Pioneering Paths Forward in Immunology to Transform Patients’ Lives

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. For people living with immune-mediated diseases, the reality of enduring chronic symptoms and disease progression can take a toll on their physical, emotional and social well-being, making simple tasks and daily life a challenge. Driven by our deep understanding of the immune system that spans over 20 years of experience, and our passion to help patients, the company continues to pursue pathbreaking science with the goal of delivering meaningful solutions that address unmet needs in rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology and multiple sclerosis. We follow the science, aiming to tailor therapies to individual needs, improve outcomes and expand treatment options by working to identify mechanisms with the potential to achieve long-term remission in the future. By building partnerships with researchers, patients and caregivers to deliver innovative treatments, Bristol Myers Squibb strives to elevate patient care to new standards and deliver what matters most – the promise of living a better life.