Belgium based UCB (EBR: UCB) is fulfilling its commitment to enhance attention to innovative products and local partnerships in the Chinese market by signing an agreement with Zhejiang based BioRay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for the commercial promotion of its Bimzelx (bimekizumab) in China. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. This partnership follows UCB’s recent divestment of its mature neurology and allergy business in China to CBC Group and Mubadala Investment Company, as reported by Fineline Info & Tech.
Bimzelx: A Targeted Antibody for Psoriasis and Related Conditions
Bimzelx is an interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and IL-17F targeted antibody that was first approved in the United States in October of last year for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. It is the world’s fourth IL-17-targeted drug. Since then, Bimzelx has earned approval in the U.S. for three additional indications: adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with objective signs of inflammation, and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Bimzelx’s Registration and Approval in China
Bimzelx is also registered in China, having received approval to treat adult patients with active AS who have responded inadequately or are intolerant to conventional therapy in July this year. This registration and approval mark a significant step in expanding access to this innovative treatment for patients in China.-Fineline Info & Tech
