• First Phase 3b study in psoriatic arthritis to evaluate the superiority of an IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor to an IL-23 inhibitor 
• This first head-to-head study in psoriatic arthritis to use ACR50 at Week 16 as a primary endpoint
• Study underscores UCB’s belief in BIMZELX with top-line results expected in 2026
   

Atlanta, September 30, 2024 – 07:00 (EST) – UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced the start of BE BOLD, a head-to-head Phase 3b study, comparing BIMZELX^® (bimekizumab-bkzx), an interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, with SKYRIZI^® (risankizumab), an IL-23 inhibitor, in the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). BE BOLD is the first head-to-head study in PsA evaluating the superiority of an IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor to an IL-23 inhibitor.

“The conduct of head-to-head, evidence-based, clinical studies in psoriatic arthritis is important since they add to the existing scientific evidence available to healthcare professionals and patients and can help to make informed treatment decisions,” said Philip J. Mease, MD, Director of Rheumatology Research at the Providence Swedish Medical Center and Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA, U.S. “This is the first Phase 3b head-to-head study in psoriatic arthritis to utilize the primary endpoint of ACR50 at Week 16. This robust assessment is set to provide a meaningful comparison of bimekizumab vs. risankizumab on inflamed joints, one of the areas of most concern for many people living with psoriatic arthritis. We look forward to the results and the implications for future clinical practice.”   

“In moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, UCB has conducted three head-to-head Phase 3/3b studies with bimekizumab versus commonly used biologics, and results from these studies showed that bimekizumab was superior to secukinumab, ustekinumab, and adalimumab,” said Fiona du Monceau, Executive Vice President, Head of Patient Evidence, UCB. “BE BOLD represents the fourth head-to-head study in the bimekizumab clinical trial program, the first to be conducted in psoriatic arthritis, and the first versus an IL-23 inhibitor. This study underscores our confidence in the potential of bimekizumab for people living with psoriatic disease. We look forward to communicating the top-line results in 2026.” 

BE BOLD is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, risankizumab-controlled, parallel-group study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BIMZELX in adult study participants (n=~550) with active psoriatic arthritis. The study population will include adults with active psoriatic arthritis who are biologic treatment naïve or who had previous exposure to one tumor necrosis factor-inhibitor (TNFi) with an inadequate or intolerant response. The primary endpoint will assess American College of Rheumatology 50 (ACR50, i.e., 50 percent or greater improvement in the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis) at Week 16. Key ranked secondary endpoints include minimal disease activity at Week 16, and the composite endpoint, ACR50 and PASI100 (complete skin clearance) at Week 16. 

SKYRIZI^® is a registered trademark of AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd.

Notes to editors:

About Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a serious, highly heterogeneous, chronic, systemic inflammatory condition affecting both the joints and skin, with a prevalence of 0.02 percent to 0.25 percent of the population and 6 percent to 41 percent of patients with psoriasis.¹ Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, skin plaques, swollen toes and fingers (dactylitis), inflammation of the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into the bone (enthesitis), and inflammatory axial involvement.²

About BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx)
Bimekizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that is designed to selectively inhibit both interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interleukin 17F (IL-17F), two key cytokines driving inflammatory processes.³ Elevated levels of IL-17A and IL-17F are found in lesional psoriatic skin.³

In the U.S., BIMZELX is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, adults with active psoriatic arthritis, adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation, and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.³

Please see Important Safety Information below and full U.S. prescribing information at UCB-USA.com/Innovation/Products/BIMZELX and http://www.BIMZELX.com.

BIMZELX U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION³

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
BIMZELX^® (bimekizumab-bkzx) may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior (SI/B). A causal association between treatment with BIMZELX and increased risk of SI/B has not been established. Prescribers should weigh the potential risks and benefits before using BIMZELX in patients with a history of severe depression or SI/B. Advise monitoring for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal ideation, or other mood changes. If such changes occur, advise to promptly seek medical attention, refer to a mental health professional as appropriate, and re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment.

Infections
BIMZELX may increase the risk of infections. Do not initiate treatment with BIMZELX in patients with any clinically important active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. In patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection, consider the risks and benefits prior to prescribing BIMZELX. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of clinically important infection occur. If a patient develops such an infection or is not responding to standard therapy, monitor the patient closely and do not administer BIMZELX until the infection resolves.

Tuberculosis
Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with BIMZELX. Avoid the use of BIMZELX in patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering BIMZELX. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of BIMZELX in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment.

Liver Biochemical Abnormalities
Elevated serum transaminases were reported in clinical trials with BIMZELX. Test liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin at baseline, periodically during treatment with BIMZELX, and according to routine patient management. If treatment-related increases in liver enzymes occur and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt BIMZELX until a diagnosis of liver injury is excluded. Permanently discontinue use of BIMZELX in patients with causally associated combined elevations of transaminases and bilirubin. Avoid use of BIMZELX in patients with acute liver disease or cirrhosis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors, including BIMZELX. Avoid use of BIMZELX in patients with active IBD. During BIMZELX treatment, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IBD and discontinue treatment if new onset or worsening of signs and symptoms occurs. 

Immunizations
Prior to initiating therapy with BIMZELX, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid the use of live vaccines in patients treated with BIMZELX.

MOST COMMON ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common (≥ 1%) adverse reactions in plaque psoriasis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, injection site reactions, tinea infections, gastroenteritis, Herpes Simplex infections, acne, folliculitis, other candida infections, and fatigue.

Most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions in psoriatic arthritis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.

Most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, cough, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, tonsillitis, transaminase increase, and urinary tract infections.

Most common (≥ 2%) adverse reactions in ankylosing spondylitis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, injection site pain, rash, and vulvovaginal mycotic infections.

For further information, contact UCB:

Investor Relations
Antje Witte
T +32.2.559.94.14
email antje.witte@ucb.com

Corporate Communications
Laurent Schots
T +32.2.559.92.64
email laurent.schots@ucb.com

Brand Communications
Nicole Herga
T +1.773.960.5349
email nicole.herga@ucb.com

About UCB 
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With approximately 9,000 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €5.3 billion in 2023. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCBUSA.

Forward looking statements 
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Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on any of such forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labelling in any market, or at any particular time, nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be or will continue to be commercially successful in the future.

UCB is providing this information, including forward-looking statements, only as of the date of this press release. UCB expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report or reflect any change in its forward-looking statements with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless such statement is required pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. 

Additionally, information contained in this document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

References

1. Ogdie A, Weiss P. The epidemiology of psoriatic arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2015;41:545-68. 
2. Mease PJ, Armstrong AW. Managing patients with psoriatic disease: the diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis. Drugs. 2014;74:423–41.
3. BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx) U.S. Prescribing Information. https://www.ucb-usa.com/Innovation/Products/BIMZELX. Accessed September 2024.