UCB secures dermatology indication with first dual IL-17A/F inhibitor

UCB’s IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor has been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

This approval of Bimzelx (bimekizumab) adds to the growing momentum behind the drug, following its earlier regulatory green light and PBS listing for severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Dermatologists across the country have welcomed the news, recognising the pressing need for more treatment options in HS, a chronic and debilitating condition that has long lacked targeted therapies.

“Having a deep interest in the science and development of bimekizumab in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa, I am looking forward to the opportunity to offer bimekizumab as another treatment option for my patients,” said Associate Professor John Frew, dermatologist and Director of Research at The Skin Hospital, and lead author of the recently published Australasian hidradenitis suppurativa management guidelines.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Diana Rubel, dermatologist at Woden Dermatology and co-author of the guidelines, added “I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact hidradenitis suppurativa can have on patients’ lives. This listing represents a step forward in our ability to manage this challenging condition in the future.”

Until recently, AbbVie’s off-patent Humira was the sole biologic therapy approved for HS in Australia. That changed in 2024, when Novartis’ Cosentyx (secukinumab) secured PBS listing in June. Now, Bimzelx joins the fray, with its dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F offering a potential therapeutic edge.

While some in the field have described Bimzelx’s clinical data as incrementally better than Cosentyx, the therapy comes with an increased risk of oral candidiasis.

“Our ambition at UCB is to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases. Bimekizumab represents a significant step forward in our mission to raise the standard of care and alleviate the burden of this lesser-known, painful, and debilitating condition. We are pleased to bring this new treatment option to healthcare professionals and people living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” said Selina Clifford, General Manager at UCB Australia.

HS is a chronic, systemic, and often painful skin disease, marked by recurring boil-like nodules that can rupture into open wounds, leading to irreversible scarring. For patients, the condition severely impacts quality of life – physically, psychologically, and socially.

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