Regulated Information – Inside Information – UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed the Company that they were unable to complete review of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for bimekizumab for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis by the Prescription Drug User Fee Action (PDUFA) date of October 15, 2021.
The Agency has determined that on-site inspections of the European manufacturing facilities for bimekizumab are required before the FDA can approve the application. The FDA indicated that they were unable to conduct the inspections during the current review cycle due to COVID-19 related restrictions on travel. Therefore, the FDA is deferring action on the application until the inspections can be completed. In the letter, the Agency cited only travel restrictions and its inability to complete facility inspections as the reason for the deferral. The BLA for bimekizumab remains under review.
Under FDA guidance relating to pre-approval inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency may defer action on a pending application when a facility inspection is planned but cannot be completed by the PDUFA goal date due to COVID-related travel restrictions, provided that no deficiencies have been identified and the application otherwise satisfies the requirements for approval.1
“We are currently in contact with the FDA to schedule the inspections of our manufacturing facilities as soon as possible,” said Prof. Dr. Iris Loew Friedrich, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Development UCB. “We have provided the Agency with the manufacturing schedules through the first quarter of 2022, and we are eager to assist the FDA to allow its assessment of bimekizumab to be finalized. We are committed to bringing bimekizumab to patients in the U.S. with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis as soon as possible.”
In August 2021, bimekizumab received marketing authorization in countries of the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) and Great Britain, for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.2,3 Bimekizumab is not approved by any other regulatory authority outside the EU/EEA and Great Britain. Regulatory reviews are underway in Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Japan.
UCB’s financial guidance for 2021 and 2025 remains unchanged.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory disease with primary involvement of the skin.4 This skin condition affects men and women of all ages and ethnicities.4 Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary but may include red patches of skin covered with silvery scales; dry, cracked skin that may bleed; and thickened, pitted or ridged nails.5 Psoriasis also has a considerable psychological and quality-of-life impact, potentially affecting work, recreation, relationships, sexual functioning, family and social life.6
Unmet needs remain in the treatment of psoriasis. A population-based survey identified that approximately one in three psoriasis patients reported that their primary goals of therapy, including keeping symptoms under control, reducing itching and decreasing flaking, were not met with their current treatment.7
About bimekizumab
Bimekizumab is an investigational humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively and directly inhibits both interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interleukin 17F (IL-17F), two key cytokines driving inflammatory processes.8 Selective inhibition of IL-17F in addition to IL-17A has been shown to suppress inflammation to a greater extent than IL-17A inhibition alone.8,9
About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With approximately 8,400 people in nearly 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €5.3 billion in 2020.
For further information, contact UCB:
Corporate Communications Laurent Schots, Media Relations, UCB T +32.2.559.92.64 laurent.schots@ucb.com
Immunology Communications US Nicole Herga Immunology Communications U.S. T +1.404.226.7591 nicole.herga@ucb.com |
Investor Relations Antje Witte, Investor Relations, UCB T +32.2.559.94.14 antje.witte@ucb.com |
Brand Communications Eimear O’Brien, Brand Communications, UCB T +32.2.559.92.71 eimear.obrien@ucb.com
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