Bimekizumab
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Bimzelx
- Brand Names
- Bimzelx
- Route
- SUBCUTANEOUS
- Dosage Form
- INJECTION, SOLUTION
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Bimekizumab-bkzx, an interleukin-17 A and F antagonist, is a recombinant humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody. Bimekizumab-bkzx is produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, and has an approximate molecular weight of 150 kDa. BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless to pale brownish-yellow solution for subcutaneous use. Each BIMZELX 1 mL (160 mg/mL) prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector delivers 1 mL containing 160 mg bimekizumab-bkzx, glacial acetic acid (1.23 mg), glycine (16.5 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), sodium acetate (2.83 mg), and Water for Injection, USP at pH 5.1. Each BIMZELX 2 mL (160 mg/mL) prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector delivers 2 mL containing 320 mg bimekizumab-bkzx, glacial acetic acid (2.46 mg), glycine (33.0 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.8 mg), sodium acetate (5.65 mg), and Water for Injection, USP at pH 5.1.
What Is Bimekizumab Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE BIMZELX is a humanized interleukin-17A and F antagonist indicated for the treatment of: Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PSO) in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. ( 1.1 ) Adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) . ( 1.2 ) Adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis ( nr-axSpA ) with objective signs of inflammation. ( 1.3 ) Adults with active ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ). ( 1.4 ) Adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) . ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Plaque Psoriasis BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. 1.2 Psoriatic Arthritis BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis. 1.3 Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation. 1.4 Ankylosing Spondylitis BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. 1.5 Hidradenitis Suppurativa BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Prior to treatment: ( 2.1 ) Evaluate patients for tuberculosis infection. Test liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations as recommended by current immunization guidelines. Plaque Psoriasis Administer 320 mg by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16, then every 8 weeks thereafter. For patients weighing 120 kg or more, consider a dose of 320 mg every 4 weeks after Week 16. ( 2.2 ) Psoriatic Arthritis Administer 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. ( 2.3 ) For patients with coexisting moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, use the dosage and administration for plaque psoriasis. ( 2.2 ) Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Administer 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. ( 2.4 ) Ankylosing Spondylitis Administer 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. ( 2.5 ) Hidradenitis Suppurativa Administer 320 mg by subcutaneous injection at Week 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16, then every 4 weeks thereafter. ( 2.6 ) See full prescribing information for recommendations regarding missed doses, preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.7 , 2.8 , 2.9 ) 2.1 Recommended Evaluations and Immunization Prior to Treatment Initiation Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with BIMZELX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Test liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin prior to initiating treatment with BIMZELX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations as recommended by current immunization guidelines [see Warning and Precautions (5.6) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Plaque Psoriasis The recommended dosage is 320 mg by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16, then every 8 weeks thereafter . For patients weighing 120 kg or more, consider a dosage of 320 mg every 4 weeks after Week 16 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Psoriatic Arthritis The recommended dosage is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. For psoriatic arthritis patients with coexistent moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, use the dosing regimen for adult patients with plaque psoriasis [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . 2.4 Recommended Dosage for Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis The recommended dosage is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. 2.5 Recommended Dosage for Ankylosing Spondylitis The recommended dosage is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. 2.6 Recommended Dosage for Hidradenitis Suppurativa The recommended dosage is 320 mg by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, then every 4 weeks thereafter. 2.7 Missed Doses If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, resume dosing at the regularly scheduled interval. 2.8 Preparation Instructions Before injecting, remove the carton with BIMZELX from the refrigerator and allow BIMZELX to reach room...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been observed with BIMZELX and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Suicidal Ideation and Behavior [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Liver Biochemical Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Inflammatory Bowel Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions are: Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (incidence ≥ 1%): upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, injection site reactions, tinea infections, gastroenteritis, Herpes simplex infections, acne, folliculitis, other candida infections, and fatigue. ( 6.1 ) Psoriatic Arthritis (incidence ≥ 2%): upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, and urinary tract infection. ( 6.1 ) Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (incidence ≥ 2%): upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, cough, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, tonsilitis, transaminase increase, and urinary tract infection. ( 6.1 ) Ankylosing Spondylitis (incidence ≥ 2%): upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, injection site pain, rash and vulvovaginal mycotic infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact UCB, Inc. at 844-599-2273 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Plaque Psoriasis Clinical Trials In clinical trials, a total of 1,789 subjects with plaque psoriasis were treated with BIMZELX. Of these, 1,073 subjects were exposed to BIMZELX for at least one year. The safety of BIMZELX was evaluated in two placebo-controlled trials (Ps-1 and Ps-2), an active-controlled trial (Ps-3), and an open-label extension trial. Data from Trials Ps-1 and Ps-2 in 839 subjects (mean age 45 years, 72% male, 84% White) were pooled to evaluate the safety of BIMZELX in comparison to placebo up to 16 weeks after treatment initiation. A total of 670 subjects were treated during this initial period with BIMZELX 320 mg at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. Table 1 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred at a rate of 1% or greater and at a higher rate in the BIMZELX group than the placebo group. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of Subjects with Plaque Psoriasis in the BIMZELX Group and More Frequently than in the Placebo Group in Trials Ps-1 and Ps-2 BIMZELX N=670 n (%) Placebo N=169 n (%) URI Upper Respiratory Infections include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis, viral upper respiratory tract infection, tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis streptococcal, pharyngitis bacterial, peritonsillar abscess, viral rhinitis, and influenza 102 (15) 24 (14) Oral Candidiasis Oral Candidiasis includes oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, oral fungal infection, fungal pharyngitis, and oropharyngitis fungal 61 (9) 0 (0) Headache 22 (3) 0 (0) Injection Site Reactions Injection Site Reactions include injection site reaction, injection site erythema, injection site pain, injection site edema, injection site bruising, and injection site swelling 19 (3) 2 (1) Tinea Infections Tinea Infections include tinea pedis, fungal skin infection, tinea versicolor, tinea cruris, tinea infection, body tinea, and onychomycosis 18 (3) 1 (1) Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis includes Enterovirus infection, gastroenteritis, gastroenteritis bacterial, and gastroenteritis viral 12 (2) 0 (0) Herpes Simplex Infections Herpes Simplex Infections include herpes simplex and oral herpes 9 (1) 0 (0) Acne 8 (1) 0 (0) Folliculitis 8 (1) 0 (0) Other Candida Infections Other Candida Infections include vulvovaginal...
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP450 Substrates The formation of CYP450 enzymes can be altered by increased levels of certain cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, IFN) during chronic inflammation. Treatment with BIMZELX may modulate serum levels of some cytokines. Therefore, upon initiation or discontinuation of BIMZELX in patients who are receiving concomitant drugs which are CYP450 substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index, consider monitoring for effect (e.g., for warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., for cyclosporine) and consider dosage modification of the CYP450 substrate. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) data analyses indicated that the clearance of BIMZELX was not impacted by concomitant administration of cDMARDs including methotrexate, or by prior exposure to biologics.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to BIMZELX during pregnancy. For more information, healthcare providers or patients can contact the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) AutoImmune Diseases Study at 1-877-311-8972 or visit http://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-studies/. Risk Summary Available data from case reports on BIMZELX use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Transport of human IgG antibody across the placenta increases as pregnancy progresses and peaks during the third trimester; therefore, BIMZELX may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus (see Clinical Considerations ) . In an enhanced pre- and postnatal development study, no adverse developmental effects were observed in infants born to pregnant monkeys after subcutaneous administration of bimekizumab-bkzx during the period of organogenesis through parturition at doses up to 38 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data ) . All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions: Because bimekizumab-bkzx may interfere with immune response to infections, risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live vaccines to infants exposed to BIMZELX in utero. There are no data regarding infant serum levels of bimekizumab-bkzx at birth and the duration of persistence of bimekizumab-bkzx in infant serum after birth. Although a specific timeframe to delay live virus...
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless to pale brownish-yellow solution. Each prefilled autoinjector or prefilled syringe contains 1 mL or 2 mL of a 160 mg/mL solution. The autoinjectors and prefilled syringes are not made with natural rubber latex. BIMZELX is supplied as: BIMZELX autoinjector: NDC 50474-781-85: Carton of two 160 mg/mL single-dose autoinjectors. Each prefilled autoinjector is fixed with a 27 gauge ½ inch needle. NDC 50474-781-84: Carton of one 160 mg/mL single-dose autoinjector. The prefilled autoinjector is fixed with a 27 gauge ½ inch needle. NDC 50474-782-84: Carton of one 320 mg/2 mL (160 mg/mL) single-dose autoinjector fixed with a 27 gauge ½ inch needle. BIMZELX prefilled syringe: NDC 50474-780-79: Carton of two 160 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringes. Each prefilled syringe is fixed with a 27 gauge ½ inch needle with needle guard. NDC 50474-780-78: Carton of one 160 mg/mL single dose prefilled syringe. The prefilled syringe is fixed with a 27 gauge ½ inch needle with a needle guard. NDC 50474-783-78: Carton of one 320 mg/2 mL (160 mg/mL) single-dose prefilled syringe with a 27 gauge ½ inch needle. Storage and Handling Store cartons with BIMZELX refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Keep the product in the original carton to protect it from light until the time of use. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Do not use beyond expiration date. BIMZELX does not contain a preservative; discard any unused portion. When necessary, BIMZELX prefilled syringes or autoinjectors may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) in the original carton for a single period of up to 30 days. Once BIMZELX prefilled syringes or autoinjectors have been stored at room temperature, do not place back in refrigerator. Write the date removed from the refrigerator in the space provided on the carton and discard if not used within a 30-day...
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.