BIMZELX® Shows Promising Long-Term Efficacy for Plaque Psoriasis at EADV

Promising Long-Term Efficacy of BIMZELX® in Plaque Psoriasis

Recent findings presented at the EADV Congress demonstrate that BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx), a novel treatment developed by UCB, has shown significant long-term benefits for patients suffering from moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The data, emerging from open-label extension trials, indicate that nearly half (48.9%) of the patients who responded positively at week 16 maintained complete skin clearance over four years, emphasizing the potential of this targeted therapy in managing a chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide.

BIMZELX® operates by selectively inhibiting two crucial cytokines: interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interleukin 17F (IL-17F). These molecules play significant roles in the inflammatory pathways of psoriasis. The innovative dual inhibition mechanism sets BIMZELX® apart from other treatments, making it the first of its kind to target both IL-17A and IL-17F, which may contribute to its efficacy.

In conjunction with skin clearance, improvements in nail psoriasis were also noteworthy, with 81.8% of participants achieving complete resolution of nail matrix involvement and 82.7% for nail bed issues by the end of year three. These findings highlight the therapeutic impact of BIMZELX® not only on skin lesions but also on associated nail conditions, which often exacerbate the psychosocial burden of psoriasis.

Moreover, in patients with psoriasis who have a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the data showed a very low occurrence of symptoms related to PsA. Specifically, 98.1% of the study participants who had four or more risk factors for PsA maintained a Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) score of less than 47 over three years, indicating no significant symptoms indicative of PsA.

Richard B. Warren, a prominent Professor of Dermatology, expressed enthusiasm over the implications of these results, noting that achieving and sustaining complete skin clearance is a primary treatment goal that can profoundly improve the quality of life for patients. Richard further emphasized that the ability to control inflammation over the long term could potentially prevent disease progression to PsA, an often debilitating condition affecting joint health.

The robust data set presented by UCB reinforces their commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches. Donatello Crocetta, UCB’s Chief Medical Officer, remarked on how the findings validate BIMZELX®'s capacity to achieve durable responses in psoriasis even under rigorous measures of disease control, highlighting a strong trajectory for the drug’s role in chronic inflammatory disease management.

The findings from UCB on BIMZELX® will play a significant role in shaping treatment options available at the upcoming European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Paris, scheduled from September 17-20, 2025. This presentation will include 19 abstracts exploring BIMZELX®’s efficacy across various inflammatory conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriatic arthritis.

In conclusion, the long-term safety and efficacy data emerging from the trials offer clinicians and patients alike renewed hope for managing plaque psoriasis and emphasize the need for ongoing research and development for chronic inflammatory diseases. With an estimated 125 million people affected globally by psoriasis, the insights gained from the ongoing studies of BIMZELX® underscore the urgency to innovate and improve existing treatments, paving the way for more effective management strategies for this enduring condition.