Deucravacitinib for treating active psoriatic arthritis

Deucravacitinib is in clinical development for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA is a long-term disabling condition causing stiff, inflamed, or painful joints (especially the small joints of hands and feet). The severity of symptoms tends to fluctuate. Characteristic symptoms include one or more swollen toes or fingers, perhaps with damaged nails, and joint pain that eases with exercise. PsA is caused when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, called an inflammatory response or autoimmune reaction. Most cases of PsA involve inflammation of the skin as well as the joints, with red or dark flaky skin patches. PsA is a progressive form of arthritis that can lead to bone damage if not treated successfully. Damage to the eyes, stomach, lungs, kidneys, or liver is rare but can be permanent. PsA is a varied disease in which existing treatments do not work for everyone.