UCB secures PBS listing in inflammatory arthritis

Pharma News: Starting from October 1st, 2024, UCB’s IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor will be reimbursed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Bimzelx (bimekizumab) made headlines earlier this year when it became the first IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for active PsA and axSpA. The approval also includes non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), commonly referred to as radiographic axSpA.

Rheumatologist Professor Stephen Hall from Cabrini Medical Centre, who played a key role in the Bimzelx clinical trials, expressed his enthusiasm for its broader use.

“Having been involved in the bimekizumab clinical trial program, I am looking forward to the opportunity to prescribe bimekizumab in the real world for this expanded group of patients,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of treatment access for patients living with PsA and axSpA, noting, “Adults living with PsA and axSpA often experience a range of severe symptoms affecting their quality of life, including swollen and stiff joints, chronic pain, and irreversible structural damage.

“Having affordable access to alternative treatment options is key in managing their condition. The PBS reimbursement of Bimzelx potentially provides a valuable new treatment option for patients.”

Seth D. Ginsberg, president of the Global Healthy Living Foundation and CreakyJoints Australia, echoed the significance of this PBS listing.

“We are thrilled to see Bimzelx listed on the PBS for the treatment of severe psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis,” he stated.

A review published in January 2024 assessed Bimzelx’s performance against other available psoriasis and PsA treatments.

“The results demonstrated the favourable relative efficacy and safety of bimekizumab 160 mg Q4W vs all approved treatments for PsA. Bimekizumab ranked high in terms of efficacy on joint, skin and minimal disease activity (MDA) outcomes in both b/tsDMARD-naïve and TNFi-experienced patient populations, and showed comparable safety to other treatments,” the authors noted.

Ginsberg underscored the challenges faced by patients managing these conditions, adding, “Timely and equitable access to new treatment options is crucial for patients managing these debilitating conditions. Psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis not only cause chronic pain and mobility issues but also significantly impact the quality of life.

“At CreakyJoints Australia, we understand the daily struggles faced by these patients, and we are committed to advocating for their needs.”

Ginsberg concluded by praising the inclusion of Bimzelx on the PBS, calling it “a significant step forward in addressing the unmet needs of this community and offering hope for a better future.”

Yesterday, UCB also announced the start of BE BOLD, a head-to-head Phase 3b study, comparing Bimzelx with AbbVie’s Skyrizi (risankizumab), an IL-23 inhibitor, in the treatment of adults with active PsA. BE BOLD is the first head-to-head study in PsA evaluating the superiority of an IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor to an IL-23 inhibitor. 

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