Bimekizumab

This innovative psoriasis treatment promises substantially fewer side effects, along with modest gains in efficacy.

About bimekizumab

1. Humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody developed by UCB
2. First biologic agent to enter Phase 3 studies that simultaneously targets both IL-17A and IL-17F
3. Undergoing review by the FDA and EMA as of September 2020 to treat moderate to severe, chronic plaque psoriasis based on data from three Phase 3 trials showing superiority to placebo, ustekinumab (Stelara) and adalimumab (Humira)

About the psoriasis market

1. Currently very crowded, with both biologic and non-biologic treatment options
   
2. Biologic classes for psoriasis with the largest market share: TNF-α inhibitors (typically first-line treatment; Humira, Embrel), IL-12/IL-23 (Stelara), IL-17 (Cosentyx, Taltz) and IL-23 (Tremfya, Skyrizi)
3. Current mainstay: methotexate (non-biologic)
   
4. Future market share likely to grow due to increasing evidence for IL-23 and IL-17 efficacy and physician familiarity with these drugs

Why is it a drug to watch?

While bimekizumab is a late-class entrant providing incremental improvement over existing treatment options, it is expected to have best-in-class efficacy and fewer serious side effects.

Its dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F differentiates its MOA from other biologics, and clinical trials results are promising. It also has the potential to benefit the ~30% of patients with concomitant psoriatic arthritis.

“It is highly likely to get approval. It is probably going to prove to be one of the fastest biologics we have and one of the most effective, but also it seems to be particularly effective for joint disease.”