SMC approves bimekizumab for hidradenitis suppurativa treatment

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved bimekizumab for adults with active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) who have not responded to conventional systemic therapies. This approval makes Scotland the first country in the UK to offer bimekizumab for HS patients. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 0.77% of the UK population. […]

HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 0.77% of the UK population. Symptoms include painful nodules, abscesses, and pus-discharging fistulas, commonly located in the armpits, groin, and buttocks. The disease has a profound impact on quality of life, causing severe pain and flare-ups.

“This is a significant development for HS patients in Scotland,” said Dr Areti Makrygeorgou, Associate Specialist Dermatologist in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. “Bimekizumab provides a much-needed treatment option for individuals struggling with this life-ruining and difficult-to-treat condition, which has very few licensed treatments.”

The approval is based on findings from phase 3 BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II studies. Data show bimekizumab achieved statistically significant improvements over placebo in disease activity at Week 16, with responses sustained to Week 48. Patients experienced enhanced quality of life and lower pain scores, alongside sustained clinical improvements.

Nadege Feeser, Head of Immunology UCB UK & Ireland, commented: “HS impacts both the physical and psychological life of people living with it, and we are delighted that today’s approval provides eligible patients in Scotland with a new treatment option for the condition.”

With its favourable safety profile and consistent results, bimekizumab offers hope to those managing the challenges of HS. The SMC approval marks a pivotal moment in improving outcomes for HS patients.