Psoriasis, a chronic, incurable skin condition, continues to pose significant challenges for patients seeking effective and lasting treatment options. Despite the availability of various therapies, there remains a pressing unmet need for faster, more sustained solutions. The recent approval of Bimzelx (bimekizumab), a novel treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, offers new hope for those battling the disease.
At a media session held Wednesday to mark its domestic approval, Professor Jeong Ki-hun from the Department of Dermatology at Kyung Hee University Medical Center highlighted the clinical value of Bimzelx. “Psoriasis is not just a skin condition but a chronic disease with a high likelihood of relapse,” Jeong explained. “Patients are looking for treatments that offer both rapid and lasting effects, and Bimzelx has shown significant promise in meeting this need.”
Bimzelx, developed by UCB, is the first dual inhibitor that targets both IL-17A and IL-17F, two key cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. According to Lee Ho-jin, immunology medical lead at UCB Korea, this dual inhibition approach allows for broader and more effective control over the inflammation that drives psoriasis. “IL-17A triggers the early stages of inflammation, while IL-17F plays a critical role in the later stages,” Lee explained.
Clinical trials for Bimzelx, conducted both domestically and internationally, have demonstrated its strong efficacy. Data from global trials show that by week 16, 81.3% of patients experienced a 90% improvement in psoriasis symptoms (PASI 90), with nearly 60% achieving complete resolution of symptoms (PASI 100). These results underscore the rapid and powerful effects of Bimzelx, which also maintain consistent long-term outcomes.
Beyond symptom relief, Bimzelx has also shown a positive impact on patients’ quality of life. In clinical studies, a significant proportion of patients treated with Bimzelx achieved a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0 or 1, indicating minimal impact on their daily lives. Lee emphasized that these results demonstrate that Bimzelx does more than alleviate psoriasis symptoms—it can meaningfully improve the overall quality of life for patients, including those with specialty site psoriasis.
In terms of safety, Bimzelx has shown a similar risk profile for fungal infections as other IL-17 inhibitors. No serious adverse events were reported, and the risk of fungal infections was deemed manageable. Additionally, Bimzelx offers enhanced convenience for patients. After an initial 12-week loading dose, it can be administered at eight-week intervals, reducing the treatment burden on both patients and healthcare providers.
During a Q&A session, participants discussed the drug’s reimbursement process and plans for expanding its indications. Shim Il, managing director at UCB Korea, confirmed that the company had already submitted its reimbursement application to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and expects approval by next year. “We are working diligently to ensure that patients can access this treatment as soon as possible,” Shim stated.
Bimzelx has already been approved in several European countries for treating not only psoriasis but also conditions like psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. In Korea, its approval for psoriasis marks just the beginning, with plans to seek approval for psoriatic arthritis by mid-2025.
Professor Jeong, who is also an insurance director at the Korean Society for Psoriasis, emphasized the importance of new treatment options for psoriasis, particularly for patients who are resistant to existing biologics or experience diminishing efficacy over time. “What psoriasis patients want most is fast, strong, and long-lasting treatment effects,” he said, noting that the new dual-inhibition approach of Bimzelx could be a game-changer, especially for those suffering from psoriasis in difficult-to-treat areas such as the hands, scalp, and genitals.
Jeong also pointed out the associated risks of psoriasis, including inflammatory complications like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis. These comorbidities underscore the need for integrated, long-term treatment strategies that are both effective and safe.
As Bimzelx begins its rollout in Korea, it represents a significant step forward in the treatment of psoriasis, offering patients a new option with the potential for rapid, sustained results and improved quality of life.
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