Jeff Stark, MD: Enhancing Flexibility and Personalized Treatment with 320 mg Bimekizumab Dosage

Jeff Stark, MD, a rheumatologist and head of Medical Immunology at UCB, met with Dermatology Times to discuss the recent approval and administration of a new 320 mg dosage of bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx). The pre-filled syringe and pre-filled autoinjector are an upgrade over the previous 1 mL options.

“UCB is very excited about the opportunity to bring this new dosing option for Bimzelx to the clinical and to the patient communities,” Stark said.

Emphasizing Safety, Convenience, and Research

Bimekizumab is used to treat various inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and psoriatic arthritis. Stark highlighted the significance of offering both 160 mg and 320 mg options, providing patients and healthcare providers with more flexibility. The new dosage was approved in October 2024, following a bioequivalence study that compared the 320 mg device with the existing 160 mg version. Although the research did not assess efficacy, it demonstrated similar drug exposure and safety profiles between the two doses in healthy volunteers.

Creating Personalized Treatment Options

Bimekizumab is currently approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and HS. However, this new administration option is particularly important for patients with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and HS, as these conditions may require a 320 mg dose. With this approval, patients who need the higher dose can now receive it in a single injection instead of two smaller doses, enhancing convenience and patient experience. Stark emphasized that the choice between the two dosing options provides more tailored treatment, catering to individual patient needs and preferences.

“We understand that different patients have different preferences and so for us, the exciting nature of this is really all about flexibility and choice,” Stark noted.

What’s Next for Bimzelx?

Looking ahead, Stark shared that UCB is continuing its research efforts for bimekizumab, including ongoing real-world evidence generation analyses in Europe and the US, as well as pediatric trials. UCB also plans to explore bimekizumab’s potential in other inflammatory diseases beyond its 5 currently approved indications, especially those related to IL-17A and F cytokines.

"We're thinking very broadly about all of the potential places where Bimzelx may potentially be useful...other disease states where the mitigation of IL-17 mediated inflammation may be beneficial as well,” Stark concluded.