Bimekizumab for the treatment of psoriatic disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are common diseases with significant physical and emotional burden. Several biologics are FDA-approved to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, though some patients remain refractory to, or have lost response to, therapy and/or cannot tolerate the associated risks and side effects. Bimekizumab is a new biologic that inhibits both IL-17A and IL-17F. It is currently in phase III clinical trials. To date, phase II studies show promise in its ability to rapidly resolve symptoms while remaining safe and well-tolerated.

Areas covered: This review serves to summarize the literature regarding the use of bimekizumab for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Bimekizumab has undergone phase I and phase II clinical trials with results showing significant disease improvement or resolution, as well as safety and tolerability. Phase III studies are now actively enrolling.

Expert opinion: Bimekizumab is a burgeoning biologic offering significant promise through its unique bispecific targeting of both IL-17A and IL-17F. Clinical trials have shown the potential of rapid symptom improvement after treatment with bimekizumab, with some patients seeing improvement after only two weeks. To date, bimekizumab has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by patients, without any associated significant adverse events.

KEYWORDS:

• Bimekizumab
• biologic
• IL-17
• IL-17A
• IL-17F
• psoriasis
• psoriatic arthritis

Article Highlights

• There are many biologics available for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, though some patients remain refractory to therapy, have lost response to therapy, or cannot tolerate the risks and side effects of available therapies.

• There is a need for new biologics to meet the needs of patients who have not achieved disease improvement on the current standard of care or who cannot tolerate the current standard of care

• Bimekizumab uniquely inhibits IL-17A and IL-17F in an attempt to synergistically dampen the inflammatory cascade that exists in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

• Bimekizumab has shown great promise in phase I and II clinical trials for its rapid-onset efficacy, safety, and tolerability.

• Bimekizumab is currently in phase III clinical trials and will be an exciting new drug option in the arsenal for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis if it becomes FDA-approved.

• Bimekizumab has the potential to address the need for greater efficacy and patient satisfaction in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Declaration of interest

A Gottlieb has Consulting/Advisory Board/Speakers Bureau agreements with Janssen Inc, Celgene Corp, Bristol Myers Squibb Co, Beiersdorf, Inc, Abbvie, UCB, Novartis, Incyte, Lilly, Reddy Labs, Valeant, Dermira, Allergan, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. A Gottlieb also receives educational/research grants from Janssen, Incyte, UCB, Novartis and Lilly. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.