Full Press Release Details
argenx Announces Publication of Translational
Data of Efgartigimod in Autoimmune Skin Blistering Diseases
Breda, the Netherlands - argenx SE
(Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune
diseases, today announced the publication of novel translational data from the open-label Phase 2 study of efgartigimod for the treatment
of pemphigus that further support the potential role of FcRn blockade and potential of efgartigimod in autoimmune skin blistering disorders.
The translational data, "FcRn Antagonism Leads to a Decrease of Desmoglein-Specific B Cells: Secondary Analysis of a Phase 2
Study of Efgartigimod in Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus" were published in the journal Frontiers
The novel translational data, along with previously
published translational data in Cells, will also be presented in a symposium today at the Society for Investigative Dermatology
(SID) Annual Meeting at 7:30am PT. The complete results from the Phase 2 study of efgartigimod for the treatment of pemphigus were published
in the British Journal of Dermatology.
"The publication today highlights the value
of our collaborative research model with leading academic centers of excellence, revealing an exciting set of new translational data on
the pathophysiology of autoimmune skin blistering diseases and the therapeutic rationale of FcRn blockade in pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid,"
said Hans de Haard, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of argenx. "We believe the secondary analysis of our Phase 2 study shows the
potential role of FcRn blockade to extend beyond IgG antibody reduction to include an immunomodulatory effect on autoantigen-specific
B-cells, which may account for the durable responses observed in the study. We understand the serious unmet need of people living with
pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid and are committed to continuing this research on their behalf to bring forward an innovative new treatment
from Published Translational Data:
Efgartigimod is an antibody fragment designed
to reduce pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by binding to the neonatal Fc receptor and blocking the IgG recycling process.
Efgartigimod is being investigated in several autoimmune diseases known to be mediated by disease-causing IgG antibodies, including neuromuscular
disorders, blood disorders, and skin blistering diseases.
Pemphigus is a rare group of chronic blistering
autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes, and are characterized by painful blisters, erosions and acantholysis, or
disruption of keratinocyte adhesion. Blisters often break open, causing serious pain and increased risk of infection. Pemphigus vulgaris
and pemphigus foliaceous are the most common forms of pemphigus.
About Bullous Pemphigoid (BP)
BP is a severe, rare, chronic and recurrent autoimmune
disorder characterized by fluid-filled blisters, itching, and redness of the skin. It is the most common subepidermal autoimmune blistering
disease. In severe cases with widespread blistering, risk of infection can be life-threatening. Fear of infection and the unpredictable
nature of flare ups often has a significant impact on quality of life and psychological well-being.
argenx is a global immunology company committed
to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. Partnering with leading academic researchers through its Immunology
Innovation Program (IIP), argenx aims to translate immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines.
argenx developed and is commercializing the first-and-only approved neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker in the U.S. and Japan. The Company
is evaluating efgartigimod in multiple serious autoimmune diseases and advancing several earlier stage experimental medicines within its
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Forward-looking Statements
The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or
may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology, including the terms "believes," "hope," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects,"
"intends," "may," "will," or "should" and include statements argenx makes concerning the
potential for efgartigimod in treatment of autoimmune skin blistering disorders, the potential extension of the role of FcRn blockade
and argenx's ability to complete the research and development of an innovative treatment option for pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance. argenx's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking
statements as a result of various important factors. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks
can be found in argenx's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in argenx's most recent
annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC as well as subsequent filings and reports filed by argenx with the SEC. Given these
uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date of publication of this document. argenx undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the information
in this press release, including any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.