Bimekizumab for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis


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Interventions: Bimekizumab (UCB4940)
Therapeutic Areas: Rheumatology
Year: 2021

Bimekizumab is in clinical development for the treatment of adults with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). This condition affects patients predominantly in the spine and other areas of the body and is caused by inflammation. This inflammation can lead to back pain, fatigue and in serious cases, to severe disability as the bones of the spine fuse into a fixed position or joints become progressively damaged. It is characterised by an absence of radiographic sacroiliitis which is usually seen in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS is also known as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). A proportion of patients with nr-axSpA will progress to AS. Some patients with nr-axSpA do not respond well to current treatment options, resulting in a clear unmet medical need.
Bimekizumab is a drug administered by subcutaneous injection that neutralises the function of certain proteins that regulate immune responses, interleukin (IL)-17A and IL- 17F cytokines. Neutralizing both IL-17A and IL-17F prevents them from interacting with their receptors (targets), which reduces skin and joint inflammation as well as pathological bone formation. If licensed, bimekizumab will provide an additional targeted treatment option for adults with nr-axSpA.