FAQ: What Is Minimal Disease Activity in PsA and How Does Deucravacitinib Perform at 52 Weeks?

In this FAQ video, Christy Vath, PA-C of Seattle Rheumatology Associates, breaks down the concept of minimal disease activity (MDA) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and explores how deucravacitinib performs in achieving this important treatment target at 52 weeks. With the evolution of targeted biologic therapies since the late 1990s, treatment goals in PsA have shifted toward objective, measurable outcomes like MDA—an established composite endpoint requiring patients to meet 5 of 7 clinical criteria, including low joint counts, reduced skin involvement, improved patient-reported outcomes, and minimal enthesitis. This educational discussion reviews the development and validation of MDA as a treat-to-target strategy in PsA, highlighting its clinical significance in improving disease control and patient quality of life. Christy also dives into the mechanism of action of deucravacitinib, a selective TYK2 inhibitor that targets key inflammatory pathways such as IL-23 and type 1 interferon, central to PsA pathogenesis. Data from the POETYK PsA-1 and PsA-2 phase 3 trials are discussed, showing that deucravacitinib demonstrated superior MDA response rates compared to placebo at week 16, with continued improvement through week 24 and sustained responses at week 52, reaching nearly 34%.Watch now to better understand MDA in PsA, the role of TYK2 inhibition, and how evolving therapies are helping clinicians achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes for patients. For more rheumatology content, visit the RhAPP Content Rheum or the RhAPP ACE app.