Bimzelx (Bimekizumab-Bkzx) for Spondylitis

Overview
Bimzelx is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults. Individuals eligible for this treatment must have these active conditions with objective signs of inflammation. Bimzelx is also known by its drug name, bimekizumab-bkzx.

Bimzelx belongs to a class of drugs known as interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F antagonists. It works by blocking these specific proteins, which are involved in inflammation. By reducing inflammation, Bimzelx helps manage the symptoms of spondylitis and spondyloarthritis, such as joint pain and stiffness.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Bimzelx is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. For both non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, the recommended dosing schedule is four weeks. Bimzelx should be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Bimzelx include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis (fungal infection in the mouth), headache, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, myalgia (muscle pain), transaminase increase (elevated liver enzymes), and urinary tract infections.

Rare but serious side effects may include suicidal ideation and behavior, serious infections, tuberculosis (TB), liver enzyme abnormalities, and new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Bimzelx (Bimekizumab-Bkzx) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FDA Approves Bimekizumab for Psoriatic Arthritis, Nonradiographic AxSpA, Ankylosing Spondylitis — AJMC