A yearlong phase 3 clinical trial found that nearly two-thirds of people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who took the oral drug Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) saw lasting improvement in joint symptoms that continued for 52 weeks.

The drug is already approved in the United States for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the drug for PsA, it could offer another pill option instead of injectable treatments like biologics.

What Is Sotyktu?

Sotyktu is a once-daily oral medication that helps calm inflammation in conditions linked to the immune system. It belongs to a newer class of drugs called tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the TYK2 protein, which helps control how the immune system sends signals. By calming immune signals that drive inflammation, Sotyktu may help ease joint pain and improve skin symptoms.

Inside the Psoriatic Arthritis Study

The new results come from a global phase 3 clinical trial that enrolled 670 adults with active PsA who had not taken biologic treatments before.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Sotyktu or a placebo (inactive treatment) for the first 16 weeks. After week 16, everyone in the study received Sotyktu and was followed through one year.

Key findings at 52 weeks included:

• Around 63 percent of people who took Sotyktu continuously achieved an ACR20 response, meaning at least a 20 percent improvement in joint pain, swelling, and function.
• People who switched from placebo to Sotyktu at week 16 saw similar results, with 60.8 percent reaching ACR20 by one year.
• Improvements were also seen in higher response levels (ACR50 and ACR70), skin symptoms, fatigue, and physical function.
• Scans showed joint damage slowed down, which is an important goal in PsA treatment.

Researchers also reported improvements in hard-to-treat PsA symptoms such as enthesitis (pain and swelling where tendons or ligaments attach to bone) and dactylitis (swollen fingers or toes).

Side Effects and Safety

Overall, most people tolerated Sotyktu well over one year of treatment.

The most commonly reported side effects included:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Herpes simplex (cold sores)
• Mouth ulcers
• Acne or folliculitis
• Increases in muscle enzymes seen on blood tests

Serious side effects were uncommon in the trial, and no new safety concerns emerged over time. According to the drug’s prescribing information, rare but serious side effects may include:

• Serious infections, including pneumonia or COVID-19
• Tuberculosis
• Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or throat
• Certain cancers, including lymphoma
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle injury) with high muscle enzyme levels
• Liver problems or significant changes in blood tests
• Possible heart-related events or blood clots (based on safety signals seen with related drugs)

Why This Matters for People With PsA

PsA can be hard to treat, especially for people who want effective symptom control without injections or infusions. These results suggest that Sotyktu could become a new oral treatment option that addresses both joint and skin symptoms while also helping prevent long-term joint damage.

Sotyktu is currently under review by the FDA for treating PsA and could be approved in March, 2026. If approved, it could sit alongside biologics and other advanced therapies, offering another choice for people whose symptoms are not well controlled or who prefer an oral medication.

If you’re living with PsA and aren’t finding relief from your current treatment, talk with your healthcare provider. Together, you can come up with a plan that meets your treatment goals.

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On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriatic disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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