UCB has shared long-term data supporting the use of Bimzelx (bimekizumab) in moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Results from the phase 3 BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II trials and the BE HEARD EXT open-label extension study were presented at this year’s Conference of the European HS Foundation. 

After two years of Bimzelx treatment, 83.4% of patients remained flare-free, while 86.9% of those who achieved at least a 75% reduction from baseline in total abscess and inflammatory nodule count at week 48 maintained this response.

Improvements in disease severity were also observed, with 53.1% of patients having mild disease after two years compared to 0% at baseline, and patients reported that gradual improvements to no or mild symptom severity translated to improved health-related quality of life over two years.

Estimated to affect about 1% of the population in most studied countries, HS is an inflammatory skin disease that causes nodules, abscesses and pus-discharging draining tunnels. Many patients experience flare-ups of the disease as well as severe pain.

UCB’s Bimzelx is designed to selectively inhibit both IL-17A and IL-17F, two key cytokines driving inflammatory processes, and already holds approvals to treat HS, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis.

The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in November last year, following authorisations from the European Commission and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in this indication.

Fiona du Monceau, executive vice president, head of patient evidence, UCB, said: “Sustained flare control, maintenance of response and improvement across multiple measures of disease severity through two years show how [Bimzelx] can transform outcomes for people living with HS.”