Posted on 09-Nov-2026
Brussels (Belgium), November 9, 2026 – 07:00 (CEST) – UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced Week 24 data for bimekizumab-bkzx from BE BOLD, building on the study's previously reported Week 16 results, which demonstrated statistically significant superiority in ACR50 joint outcomes versus risankizumab at Week 16 in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).1 Numerically greater rates of ACR50 were sustained through Week 24.1 The full Week 24 findings are being presented at the 2026 ACR Convergence in Orlando, Florida, USA, November 6–11.1 Data reported in this press release are based on the dataset included in the ACR abstract.1
“ACR50 is the new standard in PsA, reflecting considerable joint improvements and is known to be associated with clinically meaningful reductions in disease activity and subsequent improvements in quality of life,” said Joseph F. Merola, MD MMSc, Rheumatologist, Dermatologist, President of the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Multicenter Advancement Network, Co-President of the Group for Research in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis and President of the Rheumatologic Dermatology Society. “In the BE BOLD head-to-head trial, bimekizumab demonstrated rapid and greater ACR50 responses that were sustained to six months, in addition to delivering high rates of complete skin clearance, both of which are especially important for those living with psoriatic arthritis.”
Overall safety treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were comparable between treatments in BE BOLD, with the exception of increased rates of mild to moderate localized Candida infections in the bimekizumab-bkzx arm.1 BE BOLD was not powered to compare safety.1
“Head-to-head trials designed to mirror clinical practice are the gold standard for comparative clinical research. The BE BOLD results help redefine treatment expectations for people living with psoriatic arthritis, reinforcing our belief that patients and clinicians can aim higher when setting treatment goals,” said Donatello Crocetta, Chief Medical Officer, UCB. “This data is part of UCB’s wider evidence portfolio at ACR, showing treatment with bimekizumab enables rapid and sustained clinically meaningful improvements in this chronic inflammatory disease.”
The full Week 24 results from BE BOLD will be presented at ACR in an oral presentation at 10:15 ET on Tuesday 10 November. The data from BE BOLD form part of UCB’s broader presence at the 2026 ACR Convergence, where a total of 18 abstracts will be presented across the UCB immunology portfolio assets in PsA, axial spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
BE BOLD Week 24 results
* Exploratory endpoint: nominally significant1
† All results are assessed with non-responder imputation (NRI): All visits following discontinuation due to adverse events or lack of efficacy were treated as non-response. Results are reported from the bimekizumab-bkzx Total group (BKZ Total), which includes those receiving bimekizumab-bkzx (n=277) 160 mg every four weeks (Q4W) in those with no or mild psoriasis (n=248), and those receiving bimekizumab-bkzx 320 mg every four weeks to Week 16 and then every eight weeks thereafter (Q4W/Q8W) in those with moderate or severe psoriasis (n=29).1 Those in the risankizumab group (n=276) received risankizumab 150 mg at baseline, Week 4, and Week 16 regardless of whether the recipient had no or mild psoriasis (n=245), or moderate or severe psoriasis (n=31)1
‡ In a subgroup of people also living with psoriasis affecting at least 3% of body surface area at baseline.1 In this subgroup: BKZ Total, n=176 [bimekizumab-bkzx 160 mg Q4W n=147; bimekizumab-bkzx 320mg Q4W/Q8W n=29]; risankizumab group, n=176.1 At baseline, 10.5% in the bimekizumab-bkzx group and 11.2% in the risankizumab group had moderate-to-severe psoriasis, in addition to PsA.1
Notes to Editors
About psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a serious, highly heterogeneous, chronic, systemic inflammatory condition affecting both the joints and skin with a prevalence of 0.02 percent to 0.25 percent of the population.12 Of people living with psoriasis, approximately 30 percent progress to also develop psoriatic arthritis.13 It manifests as joint pain and stiffness, skin plaques, swollen toes and fingers (dactylitis) and inflammation of the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into the bone (enthesitis).14 The burden on those living with PsA extends beyond physical discomfort to reduced quality of life, with comorbidities including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression.15 In PsA, uncontrolled active disease can lead to long-term structural damage.16
About the BE BOLD trial
BE BOLD is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, risankizumab-controlled, parallel-group Phase 3b study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab-bkzx in adult study participants (n=553) with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).1,10 The study includes adults with active PsA who are naïve to biologic treatments or who had previous exposure to one tumor necrosis factor-inhibitor (TNFi) with an inadequate or intolerant response.10
The primary endpoint in BE BOLD is ACR50 at Week 16.10 The study has a double-blinded methodology until Week 24.17 In the study, participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either bimekizumab-bkzx or risankizumab.10
For details about BE BOLD: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06624228.
About BIMZELX®(bimekizumab) in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA)
The approved indications for bimekizumab in the European Union are:2
The label information may differ in other countries where approved. Please check local Prescribing Information.
BIMZELX®(bimekizumab) EU/EEA* Important Safety Information
The most frequently reported adverse reactions with bimekizumab were upper respiratory tract infections (14.5%, 14.6%, 16.3%, 8.8% in plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and hidradenitis suppurativa, respectively) and oral candidiasis (7.3%, 2.3%, 3.7%, 5.6% in PSO, PsA, axSpA and HS, respectively). Common adverse reactions (≥1/100 to <1/10) were oral candidiasis, tinea infections, ear infections, herpes simplex infections, oropharyngeal candidiasis, gastroenteritis, folliculitis, vulvovaginal mycotic infection (including vulvovaginal candidiasis), headache, rash, dermatitis and eczema, acne, injection site reactions (injection site erythema, reaction, edema, pain, swelling, hematoma), fatigue. Elderly may be more likely to experience certain adverse reactions such as oral candidiasis, dermatitis and eczema when using bimekizumab.
Bimekizumab is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients and in patients with clinically important active infections (e.g. active tuberculosis).
Bimekizumab may increase the risk of infections. Treatment with bimekizumab must not be initiated in patients with any clinically important active infection. Patients treated with bimekizumab should be instructed 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, treatment should be discontinued until the infection resolves. Prior to initiating treatment with bimekizumab, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis (TB) infection. Bimekizumab should not be given in patients with active TB. Patients receiving bimekizumab should be monitored for signs and symptoms of active TB.
Cases of new or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease have been reported with bimekizumab. Bimekizumab is not recommended in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. If a patient develops signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease or experiences an exacerbation of pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease, bimekizumab should be discontinued and appropriate medical management should be initiated.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions have been observed with IL-17 inhibitors. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, administration of bimekizumab should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.
Live vaccines should not be given in patients treated with bimekizumab.
Please consult the Summary of Product Characteristics in relation to other side effects, full safety and prescribing information.
European SmPC date of revision: May 2026. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bimzelx-epar-product-information_en.pdf
*EU/EEA means European Union/European Economic Area.
Last accessed: November 2026.
About BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx) in the U.S.
BIMZELX is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that is designed to selectively inhibit both interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interleukin 17F (IL-17F), two key cytokines driving inflammatory processes. Elevated levels of IL-17A and IL-17F are found in lesional psoriatic skin, and lesional skin in HS.3
The approved indications for BIMZELX in the U.S. are:3
BIMZELX U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx) may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior (SI/B). A causal association between treatment with BIMZELX and increased risk of SI/B has not been definitively established. Prescribers should weigh the potential risks and benefits before using BIMZELX in patients with a history of severe depression or SI/B. Advise monitoring for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal ideation, or other mood changes. If such changes occur, instruct to promptly seek medical attention, refer to a mental health professional as appropriate, and re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment.
Infections
BIMZELX may increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Do not initiate treatment with BIMZELX in patients with any clinically important active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. In patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection, consider the risks and benefits prior to prescribing BIMZELX. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of clinically important infection occur. If a patient develops such an infection or is not responding to standard therapy, monitor the patient closely and do not administer BIMZELX until the infection resolves.
Tuberculosis
Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with BIMZELX. Avoid the use of BIMZELX in patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering BIMZELX. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of BIMZELX in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment.
Liver Biochemical Abnormalities
Elevated serum transaminases were reported in clinical trials with BIMZELX. Test liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin at baseline, periodically during treatment with BIMZELX, and according to routine patient management. If treatment-related increases in liver enzymes occur and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt BIMZELX until a diagnosis of liver injury is excluded. Permanently discontinue use of BIMZELX in patients with causally associated combined elevations of transaminases and bilirubin. Avoid use of BIMZELX in patients with acute liver disease or cirrhosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors, including BIMZELX. Avoid use of BIMZELX in patients with active IBD. During BIMZELX treatment, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IBD and discontinue treatment if new onset or worsening of signs and symptoms occurs.
Immunizations
Prior to initiating therapy with BIMZELX, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid the use of live vaccines in patients treated with BIMZELX.
Most Common Adverse Reactions
Most common (≥1%) adverse reactions in plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, injection site reactions, tinea infections, gastroenteritis, herpes simplex infections, acne, folliculitis, other candida infections, and fatigue.
Most common (≥2%) adverse reactions in psoriatic arthritis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.
Most common (≥2%) adverse reactions in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, cough, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, tonsillitis, transaminase increase, and urinary tract infections.
Most common (≥2%) adverse reactions in ankylosing spondylitis include upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, headache, diarrhea, injection site pain, rash, and vulvovaginal mycotic infection.
Please see Important Safety Information below and full U.S. Prescribing Information at https://www.ucb-usa.com/bimzelx-prescribing-information.pdf.
For further information, contact UCB:
Investor Relations
Yvonne Naughton
T +44.175.344.7521
yvonne.naughton@ucb.com
Sahar Yazdian
T +32.2.559.91.37
email sahar.yazdian@ucb.com
Corporate Communications
Laurent Schots
T +32.2.559.92.64
email laurent.schots@ucb.com
Brand Communications
Amy Cheshire
T +44.7786.743.577
email amy.cheshire@ucb.com
About UCB
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company inspired by the needs of people living with severe diseases and driven by science to make a meaningful difference in their lives. We combine our understanding of disease biology, scientific innovation and patient insights to develop differentiated medicines and solutions, with a focus on neurology, immunology and other areas of unmet medical need. Founded in Belgium in 1928, UCB has more than 10,000 employees in approximately 40 countries and generated revenue of €7.7 billion in 2025. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).
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References