Evolving Treatment Options in Plaque Psoriasis: Implications of Emerging TYK2 Inhibitors for Managed Care

This activity was originally presented at the 2026 PBMI Annual Drug Benefit Conference.

Program Description

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic, systemic immune-mediated inflammatory condition that results in profound clinical, psychosocial, and economic burden for affected patients. While management traditionally centers on topical therapies, many patients experience treatment failure or require escalation due to disease severity, significant body surface area involvement, or the presence of systemic comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis. This session focuses on gaps in the transition from topical to systemic therapy, specifically focusing on the evolving role of oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitors in plaque psoriasis. These selective small molecules modulate core inflammatory pathways, with a differentiated safety and efficacy profile compared with Janus kinase inhibitors as well as different administration considerations compared with injectable biologics.

Speakers will review safety and efficacy data for approved and emerging TYK2 inhibitors while sharing insights into how these oral options address treatment sequencing gaps in patient-centered care. Additionally, the faculty will utilize real-world patient scenarios to illustrate evidence-based escalation strategies while navigating complex managed care decision points such as prior authorization and step therapy requirements to optimize formulary strategies and support timely access to treatment for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: September 30, 2026
Expiration date: September 30, 2027
Learner level: Intermediate, Foundational
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Describe the disease burden, clinical presentation, and underlying pathophysiology of plaque psoriasis, including the role of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) in the inflammatory cascade
• Compare emerging TYK2 inhibitors with other systemic therapies for plaque psoriasis based on mechanisms of action and available clinical data
• Apply evidence-based criteria to inform appropriate transition from topical to systemic therapy
• Identify managed care strategies that support appropriate access to new and emerging therapies for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-310-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through September 30, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Aderonke Adeboye, PharmD, BCPS

Casey Koch, PharmD, MBA

The staff of Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

AI Disclosure

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may have been used to support the development of this continuing education activity, such as for data organization or slide design. All AI-assisted content was reviewed and verified by qualified staff, faculty, or planners before release to ensure accuracy, balance, and freedom from commercial bias. Where applicable, specific details regarding the AI tool, its purpose, and the review process are disclosed within the activity materials. The accredited provider retains full responsibility for the activity’s content, accuracy, balance, and independence.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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