Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab for Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: An Expert Consensus Panel Report

Abstract

Background: While there are numerous effective therapies for psoriasis, there remains an unmet need as some patients still suffer from inadequate response with available medications. Bimekizumab is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that inhibits both interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F and was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The aim of this study was for a panel of experts in psoriasis management to review the available data on bimekizumab and create consensus statements on its use in clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted for English-language original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses discussing the safety and efficacy of bimekizumab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. A panel of nine dermatology physician assistants and one dermatology nurse practitioner with significant expertise in the management of psoriasis convened virtually on December 16, 2023, to review the studies and create recommendations for their peers on the use of bimekizumab. A modified Delphi process was implemented to reach a consensus on these statements and the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy was used to assign each one a strength of recommendation. Results: The literature search resulted in 92 articles that met search criteria. After a thorough screening of these studies for relevance to the discussion questions, 20 articles remained and were distributed to each panelist prior to the meeting. The panel unanimously voted to adopt 10 consensus recommendations and assigned all 10 statements a strength of recommendation of “A.” Conclusion: Bimekizumab has a very high efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It also has a favorable safety profile that is consistent with that of other biologics, except for an increased risk of oral candidiasis.