Tina Bhutani-Jacques, MD, MAS, FAAD

Panelists discuss how deucravacitinib and apremilast act through distinct immune pathways that shape their efficacy, safety, and therapeutic roles.

Breaking Down the Mechanisms of Action of Oral Psoriasis Therapies

Panelists discuss how the unique mechanisms of deucravacitinib and apremilast influence efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Deucravacitinib, a selective TYK2 inhibitor, modulates key cytokine pathways involved in inflammation, while apremilast acts as a PDE4 inhibitor to downregulate proinflammatory mediators. Both pathways target immune dysregulation but through distinct intracellular signaling routes.

Panelists discuss how understanding these mechanisms allows clinicians to better match therapy to patient phenotype and comorbidities. Deucravacitinib’s targeted action on TYK2 offers potential for higher efficacy and sustained response, while apremilast’s broader immunomodulatory approach provides flexibility for patients needing milder interventions.

Panelists discuss how mechanistic differentiation underpins clinical positioning: deucravacitinib may suit patients needing stronger disease control, whereas apremilast remains a well-tolerated, low-monitoring option. Together, they broaden the range of oral strategies in psoriasis management.

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Panelists discuss how oral psoriasis therapies enhance flexibility and patient-centered treatment options across varying disease severities.

The Role of Oral Therapies in Plaque Psoriasis Treatment

Panelists discuss how oral therapies have become an increasingly important part of the psoriasis treatment landscape, particularly for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. They note that while biologics remain a gold standard for efficacy, oral options provide flexibility and appeal for patients who prefer noninjectable alternatives. The discussion emphasizes how treatment selection should reflect both disease severity and patient lifestyle factors.

Panelists discuss how oral agents such as deucravacitinib and apremilast can bridge the gap between topicals and biologics, addressing barriers such as cost, convenience, and fear of needles. They highlight that clinicians now have a wider spectrum of choices that allow for stepwise treatment strategies. This expanding range supports shared decision-making and personalization of care.

Panelists discuss how patient preference and adherence play central roles in therapeutic success. They agree that patient education on expectations and dosing can increase satisfaction and long-term outcomes, reinforcing the value of oral therapies as viable first- or second-line treatments in appropriately selected patients.

Tina Bhutani-Jacques, MD, MAS, FAAD

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