UCB’s Bimzelx Shows Superior ACR50 Response Over Skyrizi in Phase III PsA
UCB’s Bimzelx outperformed AbbVie’s Skyrizi in a Phase III PsA study, achieving a significantly higher ACR50 response rate at week 16. Jefferies analysts remain sceptical this result will boost Bimzelx uptake beyond its current €2.2bn 2025 sales or materially dent Skyrizi’s market position.
1. Phase III Trial Results
In the NCT06624228 head-to-head study, Bimzelx demonstrated superiority over Skyrizi in reducing joint disease activity in psoriatic arthritis, with a significantly higher proportion of patients meeting ACR50 criteria at week 16. The trial enrolled both biologic-naïve patients and those with inadequate response to a single TNF inhibitor, confirming the primary endpoint.
2. Safety Profile and Upcoming Data
Bimzelx was generally well tolerated with no new safety signals reported. UCB plans to release full BE BOLD study results, including secondary endpoints on skin clearance and broader disease measures, in the first half of 2026.
3. Commercial Impact and Analyst Outlook
Despite Bimzelx’s €2.2bn in 2025 sales and forecasts of $7.45bn by 2031, Jefferies analysts doubt significant market share gains given existing preferential use in PsA patients. Skyrizi’s position as a blockbuster immunology therapy may remain resilient despite this head-to-head setback.