UCB Receives U.S. FDA Approval for BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx) as the First IL-17A and IL-17F Inhibitor for Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Rhea-AI Summary

UCB has received FDA approval for BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx) to treat adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This marks the fifth indication for BIMZELX in the U.S. and makes it the first IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor approved for HS treatment. The approval is based on two Phase 3 studies, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, which demonstrated improved disease signs and symptoms versus placebo at Week 16, sustained through Week 48. HS is a chronic, painful inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 1 in 100 people. The drug previously received FDA approvals for psoriatic arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

Positive

• First and only approved IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor for HS treatment
• Demonstrated superior efficacy vs placebo in Phase 3 trials
• Sustained clinical responses up to 48 weeks
• Expands market reach with fifth FDA-approved indication
• Safety profile consistent with previous trials

Negative

• None.

• Approval is supported by data from the two Phase 3 studies, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, in which BIMZELX^® (bimekizumab-bkzx) improved the signs and symptoms of disease vs. placebo at Week 16, which were sustained to Week 48
• Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, painful, and potentially debilitating inflammatory skin disease
• The milestone marks the fifth indication for BIMZELX in the U.S., underscoring UCB's commitment to raising standards of care across a range of IL-17 mediated diseases 

ATLANTA, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Regulated Information – Inside Information – UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BIMZELX^® (bimekizumab-bkzx) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).¹ BIMZELX is the first and only approved medicine designed to selectively inhibit interleukin 17F (IL-17F) in addition to interleukin 17A (IL-17A).¹

"The approval of BIMZELX in moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa is welcome given the substantial unmet clinical needs and limited number of treatment options available today," said investigator and lead author of the studies, Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Professor of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. "In the Phase 3 clinical studies, patients treated with bimekizumab-bkzx achieved deep and sustained clinical responses up to 48 weeks." 

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurring, painful, and potentially debilitating inflammatory skin disease.^2-3 The main symptoms are nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging fistulas, i.e., channels leading out of the skin, typically in the armpits, groin, and buttocks.^2-3 People with HS experience flare-ups of the disease as well as severe pain, which can have a major impact on quality of life.^2-3

"We are working toward a world where people with hidradenitis suppurativa live without stigma, feel widely understood, and are treated effectively. Today's approval of bimekizumab-bkzx is an exciting time for the hidradenitis suppurativa community, offering a new possibility for the treatment of people in the U.S. living with moderate-to-severe disease," said Brindley Brooks, Founder and Executive Director, HS Connect, U.S.

The approval is supported by data from two Phase 3 studies, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of BIMZELX in the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe HS.⁴ Results showed that a higher proportion of patients treated with BIMZELX vs. placebo 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.⁴ BIMZELX treatment also resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in the key ranked secondary endpoint, HiSCR75, vs. placebo at Week 16.⁴ Clinical responses were sustained to Week 48.⁴ The safety profile of BIMZELX was consistent with safety data seen in previous trials across indications with no new safety signals.⁴ Detailed results from BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II have been published in The Lancet.⁴

"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. 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," said Emmanuel Caeymaex, Executive Vice President, Head of Patient Impact and Chief Commercial Officer, UCB. "This progress underscores our commitment to addressing unmet needs in hidradenitis suppurativa and other immunological conditions, delivering innovative medicines, and raising standards of care."

This FDA approval of BIMZELX for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa follows its recent approvals for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis, adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation, and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.¹ BIMZELX was first approved in the U.S. in October 2023, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.¹

Additional information about BIMZELX, including the full prescribing information, is available at UCB-USA.com/Innovation/Products/BIMZELX. For additional medical information, patient assistance or any other information, please call UCBCares^® at 1-844-599-CARE (2273) or visit askucbcares.com. UCB's goal is to enable affordable access to our medicines for all people who need them, in a way which is sustainable for patients, society and UCB. Full affordability information can be found at UCB-USA.com/Affordability and www.BIMZELX.com.

Notes to Editors:

About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful, and potentially debilitating inflammatory skin disease that is associated with systemic manifestations.^2-3 The main symptoms are nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging draining tunnels (or sinus tracts leading out of the skin) that typically occur in the armpits, groin, and buttocks.^2-3 People with HS experience flare-ups of the disease as well as severe pain, which can have a major impact on quality of life.^2-3 HS develops in early adulthood and affects approximately one percent of the population in most studied countries.^2-3

About BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II
BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter, Phase 3 studies designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BIMZELX in adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).⁴ The two studies had a combined enrollment of 1,014 participants with a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe HS.⁴ The primary endpoint in both studies was HiSCR50 at Week 16.⁴ Secondary endpoints included HiSCR75 and HS-specific skin pain response at Week 16.^1,4 HiSCR50 and HiSCR75 are defined as at least either a 50 or 75 percent reduction from baseline in the total abscess and inflammatory nodule count, with no increase from baseline in abscess or draining tunnel count.⁴ Detailed results from these studies are published in The Lancet.⁴

About BIMZELX^® (bimekizumab-bkzx) in the U.S. 
BIMZELX 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.¹ 

The approved indications for BIMZELX in the U.S. are:¹

• Plaque psoriasis: BIMZELX is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy
• Psoriatic arthritis: BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis
• Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation
• Ankylosing spondylitis: BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis
• Hidradenitis suppurativa: BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa

Please see Important Safety Information below and full U.S. Prescribing Information at http://www.ucb-usa.com/Innovation/Products/BIMZELX. 

BIMZELX U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Suicidal Ideation and Behavior 
BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx) may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior (SI/B). A causal association between treatment with BIMZELX and increased risk of SI/B has not been definitively established. Prescribers should weigh the potential risks and benefits before using BIMZELX in patients with a history of severe depression or SI/B. Advise monitoring for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal ideation, or other mood changes. If such changes occur, instruct to promptly seek medical attention, refer to a mental health professional as appropriate, and re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment.

Infections
BIMZELX may increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Do not initiate treatment with BIMZELX in patients with any clinically important active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. In patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection, consider the risks and benefits prior to prescribing BIMZELX. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of clinically important infection occur. If a patient develops such an infection or is not responding to standard therapy, monitor the patient closely and do not administer BIMZELX until the infection resolves.

Tuberculosis
Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with BIMZELX. Avoid the use of BIMZELX in patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering BIMZELX. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of BIMZELX in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment.

Liver Biochemical Abnormalities
Elevated serum transaminases were reported in clinical trials with BIMZELX. Test liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin at baseline, periodically during treatment with BIMZELX and according to routine patient management. If treatment-related increases in liver enzymes occur and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt BIMZELX until a diagnosis of liver injury is excluded. Permanently discontinue use of BIMZELX in patients with causally associated combined elevations of transaminases and bilirubin. Avoid use of BIMZELX in patients with acute liver disease or cirrhosis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease 
Cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors, including BIMZELX. Avoid use of BIMZELX in patients with active IBD. During BIMZELX treatment, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IBD and discontinue treatment if new onset or worsening of signs and symptoms occurs. 

Immunizations
Prior to initiating therapy with BIMZELX, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid the use of live vaccines in patients treated with BIMZELX. 

Most Common Adverse Reactions
Most common (≥ 1%) adverse reactions in plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, injection site reactions, tinea infections, gastroenteritis, Herpes Simplex infections, acne, folliculitis, other candida infections, and fatigue.

Most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions in psoriatic arthritis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.

Most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, cough, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, tonsillitis, transaminase increase, and urinary tract infections.

Most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions in ankylosing spondylitis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, injection site pain, rash, and vulvovaginal mycotic infection.

For further information, contact UCB:
Investor Relations
Antje Witte
T +32.2.559.94.14
email antje.witte@ucb.com 

Brand Communications
Nicole Herga
T +1.773.960.5349
email nicole.herga@ucb.com

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With approximately 9,000 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €5.3 billion in 2023. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCBUSA.

Forward looking statements
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Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on any of such forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labelling in any market, or at any particular time, nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be or will continue to be commercially successful in the future.

UCB is providing this information, including forward-looking statements, only as of the date of this press release. UCB expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report or reflect any change in its forward-looking statements with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless such statement is required pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.

Additionally, information contained in this document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

References

1. BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx) U.S. Prescribing Information.
   https://www.ucb-usa.com/Innovation/Products/BIMZELX.
   Accessed: November 2024.
2. Jemec GB. Clinical practice: hidradenitis suppurativa. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(2):158-64.
3. Sabat R, Jemec GBE, Matusiak L, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6(1):18.
4. Kimball AB, Jemec GBE, Sayed CJ, et al. Efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II): two 48 week, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, multicentre phase 3 trials. Lancet. 2024;403(10443):2504-19.

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FAQ

What is the new FDA approval for BIMZELX (UCBJY) in 2024?

The FDA approved BIMZELX for treating adults with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa, making it the first IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor approved for this condition.

How effective was BIMZELX in the Phase 3 trials for hidradenitis suppurativa?

In the BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II trials, BIMZELX showed improved signs and symptoms vs placebo at Week 16, with responses sustained through Week 48, as measured by HiSCR50 and HiSCR75.

What are all the current FDA-approved indications for BIMZELX (UCBJY)?

BIMZELX is now approved for five indications: hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriatic arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.