This is a video synopsis of a discussion involving Mark Lebwohl, MD, Dean for Clinical Therapeutics and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Manhattan, New York, and Saakshi Khattri, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, rheumatologist, and internist at the same institution.

The panelists discuss the delayed introduction of bimekizumab in their region due to COVID-related disruptions, which inadvertently provided an opportunity to gather extensive safety and efficacy data from other countries where the drug had been available for two years. Dr. Khattri highlights the unprecedented three-year efficacy data available due to these delays, emphasizing that bimekizumab's open-label extension trial demonstrated remarkable durability, with 80% of patients maintaining PASI 100 responses.

Despite concerns outlined in the drug's prescribing information (ISI), including liver enzyme elevations and suicidal ideation, both panelists express minimal observed side effects in their patients. Dr. Lebwohl notes that while injection site reactions have been reported, they have not been a significant deterrent for patients due to the drug's efficacy. Strategies such as pre-treatment with topical steroids have helped mitigate these reactions, allowing patients to continue treatment uninterrupted.

The discussion underscores the high patient satisfaction and retention rates with bimekizumab, despite potential side effects. Dr. Khattri emphasizes the drug's effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and quality of life, particularly in reducing psoriasis severity and associated comorbidities such as depression. The panelists agree that bimekizumab represents a significant advancement in psoriasis treatment, offering patients a durable and effective therapeutic option with minimal side effects.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by Dermatology Times® editorial staff.