Skin Clearance and Psoriasis Improvements from Bimekizumab, With Ron Vender, MD

In the final portion of his HCPLive interview, Ronald Vender, MD, focused on how clinicians should interpret the relationship between objective skin clearance and patient-reported quality of life, emphasizing that the connection is not always as straightforward as it may seem.

Vender noted while dermatologists often expect that clear skin will automatically translate into a low Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, such a correlation is not guaranteed. The DLQI is designed to capture specific aspects of how psoriasis impacts daily life. Factors such as pain in joints, treatment burden, or other symptoms may impact quality of life independently of visible plaque clearance. Similarly, relief of skin pain, pruritus, and scaling, while very important, does not always perfectly align with improvements in patient-reported well-being.

Vender noted the BE RADIANT data help to clarify this connection. Over 3 years, individuals treated with bimekizumab not only attained high rates of complete skin clearance but also maintained persistently low DLQI scores. For Vender, this concurrent durability of clinical and patient-reported outcomes helps to reinforce the notion effective biologic use can meaningfully impact how patients live with psoriasis.

Zooming out to the long-term data, Vender highlighted the reassurance provided by sustained efficacy over 3 years. As a dermatologist prescribing biologics, he said the durability of both skin clearance and quality-of-life improvements allows him to counsel patients with a greater level of confidence about long-term expectations. He also noted the medication’s low dropout rate across endpoints, describing persistence of benefit as not undermined by high discontinuation.

Regarding treatment sequencing, Vender acknowledged that secukinumab remains highly effective for many patients. However, those who switched to bimekizumab demonstrated further improvements, suggesting incremental gains in patients’ levels of symptom control and quality of life may be attainable in certain cases.

Looking ahead, Vender expressed interest in longer-term follow-up beyond 3 years and real-world evidence comparisons to reinforce trial findings. Ultimately, Vender concluded patient-reported outcomes continue to be essential in evaluating medication success, as durable symptom relief and improved daily functioning are central goals in care for psoriasis.

The quotes used in this video summary were edited for clarity.

Vender has reported support from AbbVie, Alumis, Amgen, Arcutis, Bausch, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celltrion, JAMP, Janssen, Leo, Lilly, Meiji, Novartis, Organon, Orka, Sandoz, Sun, Takeda, and UCB.

References

1. Augustin M, Feldman SR, Warren RB, et al. Three-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes From Bimekizumab for Plaque Psoriasis: The BE RADIANT Randomized Clinical Trial With Open-Label Extension. JAMA Dermatol. Published online February 18, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.6055.

2. Smith T. BE RADIANT Trial: Bimekizumab Effective for Psoriasis After 3 Years of Use. HCPLive. February 19, 2026. Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/be-radiant-trial-bimekizumab-effective-psoriasis-after-3-years-use.