UCB HS Summit: Uniting Patients and Experts for Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness and Treatment

Uniting for Change: The Landmark 2025 UCB HS Summit

On August 1-2, 2025, UCB hosted its highly anticipated Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Summit at its Atlanta campus. Building on the triumph of last year's event, this year's summit focused on amplifying the patient voice and addressing critical gaps in treatment and awareness surrounding this complex dermatological condition.

Over 100 attendees, including healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, patients, and their caregivers, congregated to share their stories and to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by HS, a disease that is often both underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed.

A Platform for Patient Stories

At the heart of the gathering were interactive discussions and workshops aimed at highlighting the experiences of HS patients. Sessions covered a range of topics from wellness and nutrition to effective advocacy for better care. The panel “From Spotlight to Story: The HS Experience Unscripted,” led by Brittany Blair, U.S. Head of Patient Strategy & Solutions for Immunology at UCB, featured inspiring stories from patients sharing their real-life experiences living with HS. This session drove home the message that every HS journey is unique, and empowerment through storytelling plays a vital role in fostering community and understanding.

A little more than half of HS patients treated with UCB's BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx), reported a significant reduction in their symptoms, underscoring the potential of this treatment to transform lives. Such encouraging outcomes were discussed thoroughly, especially regarding the urgency of timely diagnosis and the need for earlier intervention.

Expert Insights and Collaborative Discussions

The summit's opening panel featured leaders from UCB’s U.S. Immunology team, including Rhonda Peebles, Dr. Jeffrey Stark, Camille Lee, and Dr. Vivian Shi from the University of Washington. They explored the evolution of the HS landscape, sharing critical insights into advancements in treatment and care strategies. A special joint session between clinicians and patients encouraged productive dialogues about navigating healthcare systems, as well as collaborative approaches to support patients effectively.

The atmosphere was electric with engagement, evidenced by the active participation in discussions about new treatment options, challenges in healthcare accessibility, and the need for accepted standards of care.

Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa

HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and draining tracts, affecting around one percent of the population in many countries. The disease can significantly impair the quality of life, causing emotional and physical distress. Often mistaken for other conditions, HS requires heightened awareness in both the medical community and public arenas.

The medication BIMZELX stands out as a breakthrough in the treatment of moderate to severe HS by targeting inflammatory pathways with its dual action against IL-17A and IL-17F. It represents the first approved therapy designed specifically for HS, offering hope to many who suffer from this debilitating disease.