For years, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) patients have faced inconsistent results from existing therapies. Many have cycled through antibiotics or immunosuppressants with little long-term relief. In more advanced cases, surgery—often referred to as “deroofing”—has been considered one of the more definitive treatments. Clearly, HS patients deserve better options.
Fortunately, things are changing. With new HS treatment options emerging—most notably the recent FDA approval of Bimzelx (bimekizumab)—HS research is rapidly evolving. As awareness grows, investment rises, and clinical trials expand, patients are seeing real progress in available therapies.
Read on for a summary of the most significant HS research developments from October through December 2024.
Bimzelx Approved for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: What the Data Shows
Bimzelx (bimekizumab) received FDA approval in November 2024 as a new treatment option for HS, marking a significant milestone in expanding biologic therapies. It is the first and only biologic to selectively inhibit both IL-17A and IL-17F—two cytokines known to drive chronic inflammation and lesion formation in HS.
The approval is based on two large Phase 3 trials, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, which evaluated Bimzelx’s efficacy in reducing abscesses and inflammatory nodules in moderate-to-severe HS patients.
Clinical Trial Results
Long-term HS research studies indicate that patients who continued Bimzelx treatment not only maintained but improved their symptom reduction between 48 and 96 weeks. The response rates were:
- 80–85% of patients achieved a 50% reduction in symptoms (HiSCR50).
- 64–74% of patients achieved a 75% reduction (HiSCR75).
- 42–57% of patients achieved a 90% reduction (HiSCR90).
- 30–44% of patients achieved complete clearance (HiSCR100).
Bimzelx demonstrated higher response rates compared to adalimumab (Humira) and secukinumab (Cosentyx). For example, a National Institute of Health (NIH) study reported that 76% of Humira patients reached HiSCR50 by Week 52, but a lower percentage achieved the higher response thresholds. While direct trial comparisons should be approached cautiously, this data suggests that Bimzelx may be a more effective alternative for some HS patients.
Bimzelx and Humira both modulate immune pathways to reduce HS symptoms but target different inflammatory mechanisms. Because these drugs function differently, patients who do not respond well to one treatment may respond better to another, highlighting the importance of multiple biologic options for HS.
Izokibep: A Different Approach to HS Treatment
Another emerging HS treatment is Izokibep, which is currently in clinical trials. While its HiSCR75 response rate of 33% appears lower than Bimzelx’s reported data, Izokibep offers unique molecular advantages:
- Ultra-small molecular size allows for deeper penetration into inflamed tissues.
- High selectivity for IL-17A means it targets HS inflammation differently than Bimzelx.
Although Bimzelx currently shows higher efficacy rates, Izokibep’s molecular structure and unique selectivity may benefit specific patient groups—particularly those who do not respond well to other IL-17 inhibitors.
HS Market Growth: What It Means for Patients
A market projection by DelveInsight estimates that the HS treatment market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% over the next decade. For context:
With a 12.4% growth rate, the HS treatment market is expanding rapidly, signaling:
- Greater awareness and earlier diagnosis, leading to faster intervention.
- Increased pharmaceutical investment in HS research and drug development.
- More clinical trials and future breakthroughs in treatment.
For HS patients, this represents a turning point—an opportunity to explore new therapies, join clinical trials, and see tangible progress in care.
A market projection by DelveInsight estimates that the HS treatment market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% over the next decade. For context:
With a 12.4% growth rate, the HS treatment market is expanding rapidly, signaling:
- Greater awareness and earlier diagnosis, leading to faster intervention.
- Increased pharmaceutical investment in HS research and drug development.
- More clinical trials and future breakthroughs in treatment.
For HS patients, this represents a turning point—an opportunity to explore new therapies, join clinical trials, and see tangible progress in care.
The Role of Clinical Trials in HS Advancements
If you or someone you know has HS and is struggling with current treatments, participating in an HS clinical trial could be an opportunity to access new therapies before they are widely available.
Benefits of Clinical Trials for HS Patients
✔ Potential access to the latest investigational biologics
✔ A chance to contribute to future HS drug approvals
✔ Specialized care and monitoring from top dermatologists and researchers
If you are interested in exploring new HS treatment options through clinical trials, our site is currently enrolling HS patients. To learn more, visit our HS trial page here.
A new chapter for HS
For years, HS was under-researched and often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment choices. Now, momentum is shifting:
- Increased awareness is leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
- New therapies like Bimzelx and Izokibep are expanding patient choices.
- Ongoing clinical trials continue to drive pharmaceutical investment and breakthroughs.
This is arguably the most hopeful era for HS patients. By staying informed, advocating for better treatments, and considering participation in research, we can help usher in the next chapter of HS care.
For additional perspective, here’s a video of Dr. Chris Sayed, the Director of the HS Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, discussing the recent approval of Bimzelx and the future of HS treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance.
