EADV 2026: HS Assessment and Follow-Up for NPs and PAs

For nurse practitioners and physician associates caring for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), EADV 2026 offered an opportunity to connect emerging evidence with everyday assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up. New bimekizumab analyses provide context for these discussions, while established guidance helps translate them into clinical considerations.^1,2

What the EADV data showed

According to UCB, post hoc analyses of the BE HEARD program found that 47.4% of patients with the shortest duration since diagnosis (<2.38 years) achieved IHS4-100 at three years, compared with 33.3% with the longest duration (≥10.74 years). IHS4-100 represents a 100% improvement in the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System.¹

Complete draining tunnel resolution at three years was reported in 67.3% of biologic-naïve patients and 47.7% of biologic-experienced patients. These observed-case, exploratory analyses included selected participants continuing treatment in an open-label extension. They do not establish that earlier treatment causes better outcomes or prevents irreversible damage.¹

Assess inflammation and structural disease

The European S2k treatment guideline distinguishes inflammatory activity from predominantly non-inflammatory disease. IHS4 helps classify inflammatory severity, while Hurley staging of affected sites informs surgical decisions. The guideline describes medical treatment to reduce inflammation and surgery to address irreversible tissue damage as complementary components of care.²

For NP and PA workflows, this framework suggests documenting lesion activity and structural involvement separately. A follow-up visit can address whether inflammatory lesions are improving and whether persistent tissue changes warrant procedural evaluation. Improvement in an inflammatory endpoint should not automatically be interpreted as resolution of every component of disease.²

Build safety into treatment discussions

Bimekizumab-bkzx is approved in the United States for adults with moderate to severe HS. Its prescribing information calls for tuberculosis evaluation, baseline liver testing, and completion of age-appropriate vaccinations before treatment. Liver testing continues periodically during therapy.³

Counseling should address infection symptoms, candidiasis, new or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, and mood changes. The label advises avoiding use in active inflammatory bowel disease and avoiding live vaccines during treatment. Risks and benefits require careful consideration in patients with a history of severe depression or suicidal ideation or behavior.³

A practical follow-up focus

The clinical application is a structured conversation: What inflammatory activity remains? What structural disease persists? Is medical therapy meeting the patient’s needs, and is procedural care appropriate? The EADV findings can inform that conversation, with treatment selection grounded in the broader evidence, individual assessment, and current prescribing information.^2,3

References

1. UCB. UCB announces new data at EADV 2026 supporting earlier use of BIMZELX® (bimekizumab) for treating hidradenitis suppurativa. September 30, 2026. https://www.ucb.com/newsroom/press-releases/article/ucb-announces-new-data-at-eadv-2026-supporting-earlier-use-of-bimzelxr-bimekizumab-for-treating-hidradenitis-suppurativa
2. Zouboulis CC, Bechara FG, Benhadou F, et al. European S2k guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa part 2: treatment. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025;39(5):899-941. doi:10.1111/jdv.20472.
3. BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx). US prescribing information. DailyMed. Accessed October 6, 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=26b88358-871f-4c80-9d80-b2fb16477f81