Health Canada approves Bimzelx (bimekizumab injection) for the treatment of adults with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).- UCB

Bimzelx is a monoclonal antibody belonging to a group of medicines called interleukin (IL) inhibitors. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind specifically to certain proteins in the body. This medicine works by reducing the activity of two proteins called IL-17A and IL-17F, which are present at increased levels in diseases such as PsA and axSpA. Bimzelx is also the first and only biologic that directly inhibits both IL-17A and IL-17F to be approved in Canada.

"We are delighted with the approval of Bimzelx in Canada for both psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, and its first marketing authorization for these new indications in North America," said Lionel Houle, Head of Immunology, UCB Canada. "This follows our first product approval in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Our sights are set on innovative scientific solutions that can raise the standard of care in the lives of patients. We are proud to bring this new treatment option to people living with these illnesses in Canada, and believe that Bimzelx has the potential to help many patients living with the painful and debilitating symptoms of both conditions."

Both Health Canada approvals are based on Phase III data which supports Bimzelx's role as an innovative treatment option for patients with PsA and axSpA, including non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS, also known as radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA)).

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic, painful, inflammatory disease involving the axial skeleton, which significantly impacts patients' mobility, function, and quality of life," said Dr. Proton Rahman, Distinguished Professor, Memorial University and Chief of Rheumatology, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services. "Primary results from the two Phase III studies, BE MOBILE 1 and 2, have convincingly demonstrated that bimekizumab, a novel monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin (IL)-17F in addition to IL-17A, results in rapid improvement in axial spondyloarthritis symptoms. Bimekizumab marks a significant breakthrough in the management of axial spondyloarthritis and provides hope and relief for many living with this debilitating disease."