The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved UCB’s Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This approval marks a significant advancement in the treatment landscape for HS, a chronic and debilitating inflammatory skin disease. Bimzelx stands out as the first and only approved medicine designed to selectively inhibit both interleukin 17F (IL-17F) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A).
Clinical Efficacy
The FDA's decision is backed by data from two Phase 3 studies, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of Bimzelx in adults with moderate-to-severe HS. The trials demonstrated that patients treated with bimekizumab-bkzx achieved deep and sustained clinical responses up to 48 weeks. According to Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Professor of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, the approval addresses the substantial unmet clinical needs and limited treatment options currently available for HS.
Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurring, painful, and potentially debilitating inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately one in 100 people. The condition is characterized by nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging fistulas, typically occurring in areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks. Patients with HS experience frequent flare-ups and severe pain, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Mechanism of Action
Bimzelx's novel mechanism of action, selectively inhibiting both IL-17F and IL-17A, sets it apart from other treatments. This dual inhibition targets key cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of HS, potentially leading to more effective and sustained clinical responses.
UCB's Commitment
Emmanuel Caeymaex, Executive Vice President, Head of Patient Impact and Chief Commercial Officer at UCB, stated that this approval underscores their commitment to addressing unmet needs in hidradenitis suppurativa and other immunological conditions, delivering innovative medicines, and raising standards of care.
Expanding Indications
This FDA approval for HS follows Bimzelx's recent approvals for treating adults with active psoriatic arthritis, active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation, and active ankylosing spondylitis. Bimzelx was initially approved in the U.S. in October 2023 for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
