UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This approval marks Bimzelx as the first and only FDA-approved treatment designed to selectively inhibit both interleukin 17F (IL-17F) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A). The approval signifies a new option for patients grappling with this debilitating condition.
Clinical Trial Data
The FDA's decision was supported by data from two Phase 3 clinical trials, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, which assessed the efficacy and safety of Bimzelx in adults with moderate-to-severe HS. The trials demonstrated that a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with Bimzelx achieved a 50 percent or greater improvement in HS signs and symptoms at Week 16, as measured by HiSCR50, the primary endpoint in both trials. Furthermore, Bimzelx treatment led to clinically meaningful improvements in HiSCR75, a key secondary endpoint, compared to placebo at Week 16. These clinical responses were sustained through Week 48. The safety profile of Bimzelx in these trials was consistent with previous studies across other indications, with no new safety signals identified. Detailed results from the BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II trials have been published in The Lancet.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Unmet Need
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurring, painful, and potentially debilitating inflammatory skin disease characterized by nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging fistulas, typically occurring in the armpits, groin, and buttocks. Patients with HS experience flare-ups and severe pain, significantly impacting their quality of life. The condition affects approximately one percent of the population in most studied countries, highlighting the substantial unmet clinical need for effective treatments.
Bimekizumab-bkzx: A Novel Approach
Bimekizumab-bkzx is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17AF cytokines, blocking their interaction with the IL-17RA/IL-17RC receptor complex. This dual inhibition mechanism offers a novel approach to treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
UCB's Commitment
"We are thrilled that with this milestone BIMZELX is now FDA-approved for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic and painful disease affecting approximately one in 100 people," said Emmanuel Caeymaex, Executive Vice President, Head of Patient Impact and Chief Commercial Officer, UCB. "This is the fifth patient population who may benefit from BIMZELX in the U.S., representing a significant step forward in our mission to alleviate the global burden of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases."
Previous Approvals
This FDA approval for hidradenitis suppurativa 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.
