Scottish Medicines Consortium accepts Sotyktu(deucravacitinib) for NHS use in certain adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
December 11, 2023 – Pharmaceutical – Bristol Myers Squibb, Scottish Medicines Consortium, 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 - In Scotland, it is estimated that over 133,520 individuals suffer with psoriasis
11 December 2023 — Uxbridge, Middlesex — 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. 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.
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.
Alongside the symptoms, people often live with numerous comorbidities such as cardiovascular
disease and metabolic syndrome.
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. Consequently, many patients tend to conceal themselves
leading to social isolation, also impacting potential opportunities to receive support from the
healthcare system.
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.”
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 path-breaking 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.
