Does Bimekizumab Raise the Bar of Success for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis? Perspectives from Dr. Ted Rosen

In episode 65 of Derms and Conditions, our host, James Q Del Rosso, DO, chats with Ted Rosen, MD, Professor of Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine and Chief of Dermatology Service at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, to discuss new developments in psoriasis treatment. They begin by discussing the current psoriasis treatment landscape and the perception that with effective biologics now on the market, there are no longer any unmet needs in psoriasis treatment. They reflect on the importance of having a variety of treatment options with differing mechanisms of action, which can address variability in patient response. They highlight the novel mechanism of action of bimekizumab, which provides dual inhibition of both IL-17A and IL-17F. The pair then discuss the relationship between IL-17s and candidiasis, noting that while there is a broad spectrum of risk, it is usually minimal and manageable, typically presenting as oral thrush rather than serious systemic infections. Dr Rosen discusses how he counsels his patients about the increased risk of candidiasis when on an IL-17A-F blocker and the importance of balancing risk with the potential benefits. They also delve into the data on bimekizumab, highlighting the favorable PASI 75 results seen at 4 weeks and how it compared to adalimumab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab in pivotal studies. Dr Rosen also discusses how the patient conversation can differ when counseling a patient on an IL-23 blocker compared to a drug with a simplified dosing regimen with an early onset of action. The pair concludes by discussing the dosing regimen for bimekizumab, noting that it’s possible to reduce injection frequency after the initial 16 weeks of treatment and still sustain the same level of efficacy. They also discuss evidence that may suggest adjustments to the bimekizumab dosing regimen may lower the risk of candidiasis. Tune in to this episode to learn more about bimekizumab and its impact on the psoriasis treatment landscape!