Investing in Biopharma Innovation: Addressing Unmet Needs in Chronic Rheumatic Diseases

The biopharma sector stands at a pivotal juncture, where innovation in targeted therapies and patient-centric care strategies are converging to redefine treatment paradigms for chronic rheumatic diseases. With over 54 million Americans affected by rheumatic conditions, the market demands solutions that address not only disease control but also the holistic needs of patients—particularly Gen Z and Millennial demographics, who prioritize personalized care, digital engagement, and shared decision-making. UCB's BIMZELX (bimekizumab) exemplifies this shift, offering a compelling case study in how biopharma can align scientific rigor with patient-centric innovation to unlock long-term value.

BIMZELX: A Dual-Target IL-17 Inhibitor Redefining Rheumatic Care

BIMZELX, UCB's IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, has emerged as a transformative therapy for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Recent three-year data from EULAR 2025 underscore its sustained efficacy: 59.5% of biologic DMARD-naïve PsA patients and 59.1% of those with inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IR) achieved elimination of swollen joints, with 50% reaching minimal disease activity (MDA) BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1]. For axSpA, 60.4% of non-radiographic (nr-axSpA) and 60.1% of radiographic (r-axSpA) patients maintained ASAS40 responses, while 61.8% and 59.9% achieved low disease activity (ASDAS LDA), respectively BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1]. These results, coupled with a favorable safety profile and no new safety signals observed, position BIMZELX as a durable treatment option in a market where 26% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients report dissatisfaction with current therapies Public Awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing^[3].

Regulatory momentum further strengthens its investment case. Approved in Japan for PsA in December 2023, BIMZELX's U.S. FDA applications for PsA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and nr-axSpA were accepted in February 2024, with approvals anticipated by year-end 2024 BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1]. This regulatory progress, combined with UCB's decade-long growth strategy, highlights the drug's potential to capture significant market share in a $20 billion PsA and axSpA space.

Patient-Centric Innovation: Bridging Gaps in Fatigue, Pain, and Shared Decision-Making

Chronic rheumatic diseases are not just about joint inflammation—they are complex conditions that profoundly impact patients' quality of life. Surveys reveal persistent unmet needs: 60% of axial spondylitis (AS) and nr-axSpA patients cite fatigue as inadequately addressed, while 80% across PsA, AS, and RA prioritize pain management as a key treatment goal BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1]. For Gen Z and Millennial patients, shared decision-making is equally critical: 56% of axSpA and 67% of PsA patients in these demographics feel empowered to collaborate with healthcare providers BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1].

These insights underscore a growing demand for therapies that not only suppress inflammation but also improve functional outcomes and patient-reported metrics. BIMZELX's long-term data—showing sustained improvements in pain, fatigue, and physical function over three years BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1]—directly addresses these gaps. Moreover, its success aligns with the rise of digital health tools, which younger patients increasingly adopt. A 2022 study found that 91% of Gen Z patients (ages 17–24) activated patient portals like MyChart, compared to just 30% of Baby Boomers The Disparities in Patient Portal Use Among Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases^[4]. This digital engagement enables real-time monitoring, personalized care plans, and stronger patient-provider communication—key drivers of treatment adherence and satisfaction.

Gen Z and Millennial Priorities: A New Era for Biopharma

The intersection of patient advocacy and digital innovation is reshaping biopharma's value proposition. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become vital for patient communities, with 75% of sickle cell disease conversations occurring among those under 30 Public Awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing^[3]. For rheumatic diseases, these platforms amplify awareness of unmet needs, such as the lack of empathy from healthcare providers and insufficient education about comorbidities Public Awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing^[3].

Investors must recognize that Gen Z and Millennials prioritize transparency, flexibility, and empowerment in healthcare. For example, remote monitoring tools in axSpA have improved patient autonomy while reducing unnecessary clinic visits BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1]. Similarly, the Spondylitis Association of America's (SAA) research funding has advanced understanding of disease endotypes and early diagnosis, yet broader awareness campaigns remain critical The Disparities in Patient Portal Use Among Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases^[4]. Biopharma companies that integrate these priorities—through digital engagement, patient-centric trial designs, and advocacy partnerships—will outperform peers in an increasingly competitive market.

Addressing Treatment Gaps and Advocacy Challenges

Despite progress, significant gaps persist. In RA, public awareness remains low, with many patients unaware of serious comorbidities like cardiovascular disease Public Awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing^[3]. For axSpA, disparities in care access are exacerbated by rural and minority populations' lower adoption of digital health tools The Disparities in Patient Portal Use Among Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases^[4]. These challenges highlight the need for biopharma to invest not only in drug development but also in infrastructure that bridges equity gaps.

BIMZELX's development model offers a blueprint. By leveraging real-world data to demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety, UCB has built a robust evidence base to support payer negotiations and patient trust. Meanwhile, patient advocacy groups are pushing for policies that expand access to biologics and incentivize innovation in under-researched conditions like nr-axSpA.

Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in the Future of Rheumatology

The convergence of targeted drug development and patient-centric care represents a golden opportunity for biopharma investors. UCB's BIMZELX exemplifies how addressing unmet needs—through dual IL-17 inhibition, sustained efficacy, and alignment with Gen Z and Millennial priorities—can drive both clinical and commercial success. As the global rheumatology workforce increasingly comprises Millennials, who value long-term patient relationships and work-life balance BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) three-year data at EULAR 2025^[1], companies that prioritize digital engagement and advocacy will dominate the next decade.

For investors, the message is clear: the future of biopharma lies in therapies that not only cure but also empower.