Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx)

What is Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) for?

In the USA, Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is indicated as a treatment for adult patients with plaque psoriasis, who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy ^[2].

In addition to this indication, Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is also approved in the EU to treat:

• Psoriatic arthritis in adults who do not have a sufficient response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or for whom they are counterindicated.
• Axial spondyloarthritis in adults who do not respond sufficiently to conventional treatments ^[3].

Bizelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is available as an injection (160 mg/mL) in a single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose prefilled autoinjector ^[1].

How does Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) work?

Bimzelx contains bimekizumab, a type of lab-made protein called a monoclonal antibody. It attaches to specific messengers in the body called interleukins IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17AF. These messengers are part of the body’s defense system and can cause inflammation when they are in high amounts.

Some diseases, like plaque psoriasis and certain forms of arthritis, happen because these interleukins create too much inflammation. Bimekizumab blocks these messengers, preventing them from causing inflammation, which helps to reduce the symptoms of these diseases ^[1].

Where has Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) been approved?

Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is currently approved by the FDA in the USA and by the EMA in Europe ^[2,3].

References:

1. Highlights of prescribing information, UCB USA, Accessed 13 November 2023.
2. BIMZELX[®] Approved by the U.S. FDA for the Treatment of Adults with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis. UCB, 18 October 2023.
3. Bimzelx | European Medicines Agency. European Medicines Agency, Accessed 13 November 2023.