Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can be very painful and difficult to manage. Inflammation of the sweat glands around hair follicles is where the inflammation occurs (eg, armpits, groin, and buttocks). Trapping and removing excess inflammatory substances made by immune cells in these areas is one place where biologic treatments can be very effective. Adalimumab (Humira and its many biosimilars) lowers the inflammatory substance TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and has been a very effective treatment for HS. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) lowers the inflammatory substance IL-17a (interleukin-17) and is also an approved biologic therapy for this condition.
Health Canada has now approved bimekizumab (Bimzelx) as another biologic treatment option for adults with moderate to severe HS who have not responded well to conventional systemic therapies, such as antibiotics (eg, doxycycline) or steroids (eg, prednisone). Bimzelx lowers the level of IL-17a and IL-17f.
For HS, Bimzelx is given as an injection at a dose of 320 mg every 2 weeks for the first 16 weeks, followed by every 4 weeks thereafter. This can be administered as one 320 mg injection or two 160 mg injections, using either a prefilled syringe or an autoinjector.
This new indication for Bimzelx adds to its existing approvals for use in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Charlton Health is excited to offer another important option for patients living with HS.
Joyce Ayad is a pharmacist at Charlton Health, who believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.