Article developed and sponsored by UCB UK & Ireland – Prescribing Information and Adverse Event reporting procedure can be found at the bottom of this article
For thousands of people across Ireland, living with chronic inflammatory conditions has meant years of pain, uncertainty, and limited treatment options. For clinicians, it has meant the challenge of managing complex diseases with therapies that often fall short of delivering lasting relief.
In four conditions that collectively impact around 200,000 people in Ireland,1,2,3,4,5 Bimzelx® (bimekizumab) represents an alternative treatment option. The Health Service Executive (HSE) announced the reimbursement of bimekizumab for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in December 2025,6,7 following earlier reimbursement for plaque psoriasis (PsO) in June 2023,8 and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in April 2024.9
Bimekizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody, is the first and only dual inhibitor of IL-17A and IL-17F, two pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a critical role in driving inflammation in several immune-mediated diseases. By targeting both, bimekizumab delivers deeper and more sustained suppression of inflammation than IL-17A inhibition alone.10
Innovation is critical for these conditions as they are not just skin or joint problems; they are systemic, lifelong diseases that impact both physical health and mental well-being.
The reimbursement decision is backed by robust evidence from nine Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that evaluated safety and efficacy across all four conditions. Results consistently demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life vs patients taking placebo.
UCB’s commitment to patients and clinicians
This latest milestone reflects UCB’s commitment to innovation and partnership, ensuring that those living with severe chronic and immune diseases can have timely access to therapies that can truly make a difference.
UCB remains dedicated to supporting Irish patients and healthcare professionals through education, partnerships, and transparent collaboration, such as our ongoing partnerships with Arthritis Ireland and the Irish Skin Foundation. Initiatives such as nurse training programs, educational podcasts and resources, and patient support services underscore UCB’s long-term vision for improving care standards in Ireland.
For more information, visit https://www.ucbpharma.co.uk/
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
HS is one of the most debilitating and under-recognized skin diseases,11,4 marked by painful nodules, abscesses, and draining tunnels.12,13 It affects around over 1.4% of the Irish population, which equates to almost 75,000 people,4,5 yet many suffer in silence due to stigma and delayed diagnosis.
Bimekizumab is the first biologic to undergo formal reimbursement assessment for HS, offering hope where there was little before.
Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
AxSpA is a painful inflammatory arthritis14 that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints,15 severely impacting mobility and quality of life.16 Axial spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term, and includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAS).14 In Ireland, up to 33,000 people live with a form of axSpA, giving it a prevalence of around 0.6% of the population,3,5 many developing symptoms as early as in their teens.16
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
PsA affects around 30% of psoriasis patients, equating to approximately 32,000 people in Ireland,5 causing joint pain, stiffness, and progressive disability.2 Left untreated, it can lead to loss of mobility and independence.
Plaque Psoriasis (PsO)
Psoriasis has a prevalence close to 2% of the Irish population, equating to almost 107,000 people,5,17 causing red, scaly plaques that can be painful and itchy.18 Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, equating to approximately 90% of cases.17 But the impact goes beyond the skin, as PsO is linked to several other comorbidities such as cardiovascular risk, and if left untreated, can lead to psoriatic arthritis.17
BE SURE, BE VIVID, and BE READY
Adverse Events Reporting
▼ This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. For medical information, to report an adverse event or product complaint please contact UCBCares on Freephone:
From Ireland: 1800 930075
From UK: 0800 279 3177
Or email
Or via the website: https://www.ucbcares.co.uk
You may also report adverse events in Ireland at www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue and in the UK via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
Prescribing Information
(Please consult the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) before prescribing)
Bimzelx® ▼ (bimekizumab)
Active Ingredient: bimekizumab – solution for injection in pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen: 160 mg of bimekizumab in 1 mL of solution (160 mg/mL).
Indications: Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy. Alone or in combination with methotrexate, for active psoriatic arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response or intolerant to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who have responded inadequately or are intolerant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Adults with active ankylosing spondylitis who have responded inadequately or are intolerant to conventional therapy. Active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) in adults with an inadequate response to conventional systemic HS therapy.
Dosage and Administration: Should be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Bimzelx is indicated. Recommended dose: Plaque Psoriasis: 320 mg (given as two subcutaneous injections of 160 mg each) at week 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and every 8 weeks thereafter. Psoriatic arthritis: 160 mg (given as 1 subcutaneous injection of 160 mg) every 4 weeks. For psoriatic arthritis patients with coexistent moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, the recommended dose is the same as for plaque psoriasis. After 16 weeks, regular assessment of efficacy is recommended and if a sufficient clinical response in joints cannot be maintained, a switch to 160 mg every 4 weeks can be considered. Axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA and AS): 160 mg (given as 1 subcutaneous injection) every 4 weeks. For patients with plaque psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis with coexistent moderate to severe psoriasis) and a body weight ≥ 120 kg who did not achieve complete skin clearance at week 16, 320 mg every 4 weeks after week 16 may further improve treatment response. Consider discontinuing if no improvement by 16 weeks of treatment. Hidradenitis suppurativa: 320 mg (given as 2 subcutaneous injections of 160mg each) every 2 weeks up to Week 16 and every 4 weeks thereafter. Renal or hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment needed. Elderly: No dose adjustment needed.
Administer by subcutaneous injection to thigh, abdomen or upper arm. Rotate injection sites and do not inject into psoriatic plaques or skin that is tender, bruised, erythematous or indurated. Do not shake pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen. Patients may be trained to self-inject.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to bimekizumab or any excipient; Clinically important active infections (e.g. active tuberculosis).
Warnings and Precautions: Record name and batch number of administered product. Infection: Bimekizumab may increase the risk of infections e.g. upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis. Caution when considering use in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection. Must not be initiated if any clinically important active infection until infection resolves or is adequately treated. Advise patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of an infection occur. If a patient develops an infection, the patient should be carefully monitored. If the infection becomes serious or is not responding to standard therapy do not administer bimekizumab until infection resolves. TB: Evaluate for TB infection prior to initiating bimekizumab – do not give if active TB. While on bimekizumab, monitor for signs and symptoms of active TB. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to bimekizumab initiation if past history of latent or active TB in whom adequate treatment course cannot be confirmed. Inflammatory bowel disease: Bimekizumab is not recommended in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Cases of new or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease have been reported. If inflammatory bowel disease signs/symptoms develop or patient experiences exacerbation of pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease, discontinue bimekizumab and initiate medical management. Hypersensitivity: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions have been observed with IL-17 inhibitors. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue immediately and treat. Vaccinations: Complete all age appropriate immunisations prior to bimekizumab initiation. Do not give live vaccines to bimekizumab patients. Patients may receive inactivated or non-live vaccinations.
Interactions: A clinically relevant effect on CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index in which the dose is individually adjusted e.g. warfarin, cannot be excluded. Therapeutic monitoring should be considered.
Fertility, pregnancy and lactation: Women of child-bearing potential should use an effective method of contraception during treatment and for at least 17 weeks after treatment. Avoid use of bimekizumab during pregnancy. It is unknown whether bimekizumab is excreted in human milk, hence a risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from Bimzelx therapy. No data available on human fertility. Driving and use of machines: No or negligible influence on ability to drive and use machines. Adverse Effects: Refer to SmPC for full information. Very Common (≥ 1/10): upper respiratory tract infection; Common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10): oral candidiasis, tinea infections, ear infections, herpes simplex infections, oropharyngeal candidiasis, gastroenteritis, folliculitis; headache, rash, dermatitis and eczema, acne, injection site reactions, fatigue, Vulvovaginal mycotic infection (including vulvovaginal candidiasis); Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100): mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis (including oesophageal candidiasis), conjunctivitis, neutropenia, inflammatory bowel disease. Storage precautions: Store in a refrigerator (2ºC – 8ºC), do not freeze. Keep in outer carton to protect from light. Bimzelx can be kept at up to 25ºC for a single period of maximum 25 days with protection from light. Product should be discarded after this period or by the expiry date, whichever occurs first.
Legal Category: POM
Marketing Authorisation Numbers: EU/1/21/1575/002 (2 x 1 Pre-filled Syringes), EU/1/21/1575/006 (2 x 1 Pre-filled Pens)
Marketing Authorisation Holder: UCB Pharma S.A., Allée de la Recherche 60, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium.
Further information is available from: UCB (Pharma) Ireland Ltd, United Drug House, Magna Drive, Magna Business Park, City West Road, Dublin 24, Ireland. Tel: 1800-930075 Email: UCBCares.IE@ucb.com ;
Date of Revision: January 2025 (IE-BK-2500010)
Bimzelx is a registered trademark.
References:
Citrine Health. Psoriasis. Available at: https://citrinehealthcare.com/your-skin/psoriasis/ Last accessed: February 2026.
National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriatic Arthritis. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/#overview Last accessed: February 2026.
Arthritis Ireland. Back in Action. Available at: https://www.arthritisireland.ie/backinaction Last accessed: February 2026.
Irish Skin Foundation. What you need to know about hidradenitis suppurativa. Available at: https://irishskin.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ISF-HS-Booklet-22.11.2022.pdf Last accessed: February 2026.
Worldometer. Ireland population. Available at: https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ireland-population/ Last accessed: February 2026.
HSE. Bimekizumab (Bimzelx®). Available at: https://www.sspcrs.ie/portal/rdt/pub/application/show/100025 Last accessed: February 2026.
HSE. Bimekizumab (Bimzelx®). Available at: https://www.sspcrs.ie/portal/rdt/pub/application/show/100024 Last accessed: February 2026.
NCPE. Bimekizumab (Bimzelx®). Available at: https://www.ncpe.ie/bimekizumab-bimzelx-hta-id-21052/ Last accessed: February 2026.
NCPE. Bimekizumab (Bimzelx®). Available at: https://www.ncpe.ie/bimekizumab-bimzelx-for-psoriatic-arthritis-hta-id-23075/ Last accessed: February 2026.
EMC. Bimekizumab SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12833/smpc/print Last accessed: February 2026.
UCB UK. Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Available at: https://www.ucbpharma.co.uk/Disease-Areas/Hidradenitis-Suppurativa Last accessed: February 2026.
British Association of Dermatologists. Hidradenitis suppurativa. Available at: https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hidradenitis-suppurativa Last accessed: February 2026.
Sabat R, Jemec GBE, Matusiak L, et al. Hidradenitis suppurativa. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6(1):18.
NASS. What is axial SpA. Available at: https://nass.co.uk/about-as/what-is-axialspa/ Last accessed: February 2026.
Atul A. Deodhar, MD. Understanding Spondyloarthritis: A Primer for Managed Care. Am J Manag Care. 2019;25:-S0.
UCB UK. Axial Spondyloarthritis. Available at: https://www.ucbpharma.co.uk/Disease-Areas/Axial-spondyloarthritis Last accessed: February 2026.
Irish Skin Foundation. What you need to know about psoriasis. Available at: https://irishskin.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ISF-Psoriasis-Booklet-22.11.2022.pdf Last accessed: February 2026.
UCB UK. Psoriasis. Available at: https://www.ucbpharma.co.uk/Disease-Areas/Psoriasis Last accessed: February 2026.
IE-BK-2600017 | February 2026
This is an advertorial feature on behalf of UCB.