Bimzelx
(bimekizumab-bkzx)Dosage & Administration
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Bimzelx Prescribing Information
Plaque Psoriasis
BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Psoriatic Arthritis
BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis.
Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
BIMZELX is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
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)] .
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)] .
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)] .
Recommended Dosage for Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
The recommended dosage is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks.
Recommended Dosage for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended dosage is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks.
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.
Missed Doses
If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, resume dosing at the regularly scheduled interval.
Preparation Instructions
- Before injecting, remove the carton with BIMZELX from the refrigerator and allow BIMZELX to reach room temperature (30 to 45 minutes) without removing the prefilled syringes or autoinjectors from the carton to protect from light.
- Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. BIMZELX injection is clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless to pale brownish- yellow. Do not use if the solution contains visible particles, is discolored or cloudy.
Administration Instructions
- BIMZELX is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients may self-inject after training in subcutaneous injection technique. Provide proper training to patients and/or caregivers on the subcutaneous injection technique of BIMZELX according to the "Instructions for Use" [see Instructions for Use].
- If two separate 160 mg injections are used to achieve the recommended dose, administer each injection subcutaneously at a different anatomic location (such as thighs, abdomen or back of upper arm). Discard the syringes or autoinjectors after use. Do not reuse.
- Do not inject BIMZELX within 2 inches (5 cm) of the navel or into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, scaly, or affected by psoriasis. Administration of BIMZELX in the upper, outer arm may only be performed by a healthcare professional or caregiver. Rotate the injection site with each injection.
- Injection (1 mL): 160 mg/mL clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless to pale brownish-yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose prefilled autoinjector.
- Injection (2 mL): 320 mg/2 mL (160 mg/mL) clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless to pale brownish-yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose prefilled autoinjector.
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 immunizations in infants exposed in utero is unknown, a minimum of 4 months after birth may be considered because of the half-life of the product.
Data
Animal Data:An enhanced pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity study was conducted in cynomolgus monkeys. Pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered subcutaneous doses of bimekizumab-bkzx of 20 or 50 mg/kg/week from gestation day 20 to parturition and the cynomolgus monkeys (mother and infants) were monitored for 6 months after delivery. No maternal toxicity was noted in this study. There were no treatment-related effects on growth and development, malformations, developmental immunotoxicology or neurobehavioral development. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for both maternal and developmental toxicity was identified as 50 mg/kg/week (38 times the MRHD, based on mg/kg comparison of 1.33 mg/kg/week administered as a 320 mg dose to a 60 kg individual once every 4 weeks).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of bimekizumab-bkzx in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Endogenous IgG and monoclonal antibodies are transferred in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed infant to bimekizumab-bkzx are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for BIMZELX and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from BIMZELX or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of BIMZELX in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Of the 1,789 subjects with plaque psoriasis that were exposed to BIMZELX, a total of 153 subjects were 65 years of age or older, and 18 subjects were 75 years of age or older. Although no differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years of age or older and younger adult subjects, clinical trials in PSO did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects .
Of the 1,197 subjects with PsA that were exposed to BIMZELX, a total of 148 were 65 years of age and older. Although no differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years of age or older and younger adult subjects, clinical trials in PsA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects .
Of the 244 subjects with nr-axSpA that were exposed to BIMZELX, a total of 6 were 65 years of age and older. Although no differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years of age or older and younger adult subjects, the clinical trial in nr-axSpA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects .
Of the 330 subjects with AS that were exposed to BIMZELX, a total of 11 were 65 years of age and older. Although no differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years of age or older and younger adult subjects, the clinical trial in AS did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects .
Of the 995 subjects with hidradenitis suppurativa that were exposed to BIMZELX, a total of 18 were 65 years of age and older. Although no differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years of age or older and younger adult subjects, clinical trials in HS did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult subjects .
None.
Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
An increased incidence of new onset or worsening suicidal ideation and behavior was observed in subjects treated with BIMZELX. A causal association between treatment with BIMZELX and increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior has not been definitively established.
Suicidal ideation and behavior were prospectively monitored using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) in clinical trials. The C-SSRS is an interview-based instrument used to monitor for the presence and severity of suicidal ideation (ranging from "none" to "active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent") and behaviors (rating the injury and potential lethality of self-injury, if present).
Plaque Psoriasis
During the two 16-week, placebo-controlled periods of Trials Ps-1 and Ps-2, higher rates of suicidal ideation as assessed by C-SSRS were reported in BIMZELX-treated subjects than in subjects receiving placebo. Pooled analysis of C-SSRS data indicated that 12/670 (1.8%) BIMZELX-treated subjects and 1/169 (0.6%) subjects receiving placebo reported passive suicidal ideation with an estimated relative risk of 3.0 (95% confidence interval: 0.39, 22.74). Subjects without a prior history of SI/B treated with BIMZELX also reported a higher rate of new onset suicidal ideation on the C-SSRS than subjects receiving placebo (1.3% vs 0.6%). During the open-label extension trial, one completed suicide was reported in a BIMZELX-treated subject [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Psoriatic Arthritis
Pooled analysis of C-SSRS data from the two 16-week, placebo-controlled periods of Trials PsA-1 and PsA-2 indicated that 2/698 (0.3%) BIMZELX-treated subjects and 3/413 (0.7%) subjects receiving placebo reported passive suicidal ideation with an estimated relative risk of 0.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.05, 2.29) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .
Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
Analysis of C-SSRS data from a 16-week, placebo-controlled period of Trial nr-axSpA-1 indicated that no subjects, being treated either with BIMZELX or placebo, reported suicidal ideation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Analysis of C-SSRS data from a 16-week, placebo-controlled period of Trial AS-1 indicated that no subjects, being treated either with BIMZELX or placebo, reported suicidal ideation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
During the two 16-week, placebo-controlled periods of Trials HS-1 and HS-2, higher rates of suicidal ideation as assessed by C-SSRS were reported in BIMZELX-treated subjects than in subjects receiving placebo. Based on a pooled analysis of the first 16 weeks of the placebo controlled clinical trials, 16/861 subjects in the BIMZELX group (1.9 %) reported suicidal ideation on the C-SSRS compared to 1/146 subjects in the placebo group (0.7%) with an estimated relative risk of 2.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.36, 20.12). Subjects without a prior history of SI/B treated with BIMZELX also reported a higher rate of new-onset suicidal ideation on the C-SSRS than subjects treated with placebo (0.9% vs. 0%). [see Adverse Reactions 6.1].
Consider the potential risks and benefits before prescribing BIMZELX to patients with a history of severe depression or suicidal ideation or behavior. Advise patients, their caregivers, and families to monitor for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal ideation, or other mood changes. If such changes occur, instruct patients to promptly seek medical attention or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 [see Patient Counseling Information (17)] . Refer BIMZELX-treated patients with new or worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation and/or behavior to a mental health professional, as appropriate. Re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with BIMZELX if such events occur.
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 of clinically important infection occur. If a patient develops such an infection or is not responding to standard therapy, monitor the patient closely and discontinue 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 treated with BIMZELX for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment.
Liver Biochemical Abnormalities
Treatment with BIMZELX was associated with increased incidence of liver enzyme elevations compared to treatment with placebo in randomized clinical trials. Liver serum transaminase elevations > 3 times the upper limit of normal were reported in subjects treated with BIMZELX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Elevated liver serum transaminases resolved after discontinuation of 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 BIMZELX in patients with causally associated combined elevations of transaminases and bilirubin. Patients with acute liver disease or cirrhosis may be at increased risk for severe hepatic injury; avoid use of BIMZELX in these patients.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported in patients treated with IL-17 inhibitors, including BIMZELX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 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. Limited data are available regarding coadministration of BIMZELX with non-live vaccines [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] .