The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx) for adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). In two late-stage clinical trials, researchers found that around half of participants with moderate to severe HS who were treated with the drug achieved at least a 50 percent reduction in HS symptoms after four months. In comparison, around 30 percent of people who took a placebo (inactive treatment) saw similar results. Some participants who took bimekizumab-bkzx reportedly saw a 75 percent improvement to their symptoms. Notably, the drug’s benefits lasted through 48 weeks.

Bimekizumab-bkzx is a biologic drug that blocks interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F, key drivers of inflammation in HS. Common side effects include certain infections, fatigue, and injection site reactions.

New Hope for Moderate to Severe HS

First approved in 2023 for treating moderate to severe psoriasis, bimekizumab-bkzx represents a new type of therapy for HS. This is because it targets both IL-17A and IL-17F cytokines, which play critical roles in HS. It works differently from other biologics approved to treat HS, like secukinumab (Cosentyx), which targets only IL-17A, and adalimumab (Humira), which is a TNF inhibitor.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for HS, and the effectiveness of any treatment depends on many factors. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in bimekizumab-bkzx or if you have concerns about your current treatment. Together, you can discuss how different treatments fit into your overall care plan, weigh the benefits and potential side effects, and explore the possibility of changing your treatment.

Learn more about treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Find Your Team

On myHSteam, the social network for people living with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HS.

What treatments have worked for you? What advice would you share with someone exploring new HS therapies? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.