Bimekizumab for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis

Bimekizumab is in clinical development for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is a persistent, long lasting chronic inflammatory disease causing red, flaky and itchy patches of skin commonly appearing on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune cells which usually fight infection attack the body’s own tissues instead, in this case, the skin. Treatment is determined by the type and severity of psoriasis, and the area of skin affected, and may include a combination of topical, phototherapy and systemic (oral or injected) therapies.
Bimekizumab is a humanised monoclonal IgG1 antibody which works by selectively neutralising two important proteins (interleukin (IL)-17A and 17F). These proteins promote inflammation and stimulate other chemicals which drive inflammation, and result in multiple tissue damage including the skin. Neutralizing both IL-17F and IL-17A reduces skin and joint inflammation. Early studies have shown that bimekizumab administered by subcutaneous injection has the potential to rapidly resolve symptoms while remaining safe and well-tolerated. If licensed, bimekizumab will offer an additional systemic therapy option for patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.