Final answer:
Deucrava differs from other TYK2 inhibitors due to its dual functionality; it is both a protease inhibitor and a delivery system that releases pharmacologically active compounds. It utilizes a 1,2,4-trioxolane moiety that releases a toxic carbon radical and a potent Michael acceptor upon activation with Fe(II), providing a site-specific delivery mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in deucrava compared to other TYK2 inhibitors lies in its unique molecular structure, which allows it to serve as both a protease inhibitor and a delivery system for other pharmacologically active compounds. Based on the provided references, researchers extended the scope of cysteine protease inhibitors by introducing a 1,2,4-trioxolane moiety into the structure. These compounds, when in the presence of Fe(II), decompose to generate a toxic carbon radical and a Michael acceptor. In the specific example given, the released aldehyde showed potent inhibitory activity against FP-2, a protease from Plasmodium falciparum. It had an IC50 value of 16 nM, confirming the potential of the 1,2,4-trioxolane structure as a site-specific delivery system. This dual functionality is not common amongst typical TYK2 inhibitors and highlights deucrava's unique approach in targeting parasitic infections like malaria.