Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2022

Company Profile

General

We are a commercial-stage, global, fully-integrated biopharma company developing a deep pipeline of differentiated therapies for the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases. By combining our suite of antibody engineering technologies with the disease biology expertise of our research collaborators, we aim to translate immunology breakthroughs into a pipeline of novel antibody-based medicines through our discovery engine, the IIP. We have a particular focus on rare, autoimmune diseases that fit into our growing commercial franchises focused on neurology, hematology and rheumatology, dermatology and nephrology. Through the building and use of commercial franchises, we plan to leverage capabilities and an organizational footprint for subsequent potential launches across our broad immunology pipeline. On December 17, 2021, the FDA approved efgartigimod in the U.S., which is marketed as VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa-fcab), for the treatment of gMG in adult patients who are AChR-AB+. On January 20, 2022, MHLW approved VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa) for the treatment of adult patients with gMG who do not have sufficient response to steroids or non-steroidal ISTs. On August 11, 2022 the EU Commission granted marketing authorization for VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) as an add-on to standard therapy for the treatment of adult patients with gMG who are AChR-AB+ in all 27 EU Member States, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein (collectively, with the U.S. and Japan, the VYVGART Approved Countries). With these regulatory milestones, VYVGART is the first-and-only approved FcRn blocker in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

argenx was founded on April 25, 2008 and is registered with the trade register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24435214. Our registered office is at Laarderhoogtweg 25, 1101 EB Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Our commercial name is “argenx” and, since April 26, 2017, our corporate name is “argenx SE”.

Our ordinary shares are listed on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels in Belgium under ISIN NL0010832176 under the symbol “ARGX” since 2014 and our ADSs, each representing one ordinary share in argenx (or a right to receive such share), are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq) under the symbol “ARGX” since 2017.

argenx SE is the parent entity of the Group and the sole shareholder of:

  • argenx Benelux BV (prior to October 31, 2022 known as argenx IIP BV), a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap/société à responsabilité limitée) incorporated under the laws of Belgium, having its registered seat in Zwijnaarde, Belgium and its address at Industriepark-Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium, and
  • argenx BV, a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap/société à responsabilité limitée) incorporated under the laws of Belgium, having its registered seat in Zwijnaarde, Belgium and its address at Industriepark-Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium. argenx BV is the sole shareholder of:
    • argenx US, Inc., incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware, U.S., having its registered office in Wilmington, Delaware and its address at 33 Arch Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110;
    • argenx Japan KK., incorporated under the laws of Japan, having its registered office in Tokyo, Japan and its address at HULIC JP Akasaka Building 2-5-8, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan;
    • argenx Switzerland SA, incorporated under the laws of Switzerland, having its registered office in Geneva, Switzerland, and its address at Rue du Pré-de-la-Bichette 4, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland;
    • argenx France SAS, incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office in Paris, France, and its address at rue Camille Desmoulins 13, 92130 Issy Les Moulineaux, France;
    • argenx UK Ltd., incorporated under the laws of the UK, having its registered office in Gerrards Cross, UK, and its address at Spaces Gerrards Cross Chalfont Park, Building 1 Gerrargs Cross, SL9 0BG, UK;
    • argenx Netherlands Services BV, incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office in Laarderhoogtweg 25, 1101 EB Amsterdam, the Netherlands;
    • argenx Germany GmbH, incorporated under the laws of Germany, having its registered office in Munich, Germany, and its address at Konrad-Zuse-Platz 8, 81829 Munich, Germany;
    • argenx Canada, Inc., incorporated under the laws of Ontario, having its registered office in Ontario, Canada and its address at 9131 Keele Street Suite A4, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, L4K 0G7; and
    • argenx Italy S.r.l., incorporated under the laws of Italy, having its registered office in Milan, Italy and its address at Largo Francesco Richini 6, 20122 Milan, Italy.

The following chart provides an overview of the Group as of December 31, 2022 and as of the date of this Annual Report. Percentages refer to both the share of capital and voting rights.

argenx Corporate Legal Structure

argenx Corporate Legal Structure (graphic)

Overview

Our Pipeline

  • Efgartigimod (FcRn blocker): efgartigimod is a human IgG1 Fc fragment that is designed to target the neonatal FcRn and reduce immunoglobulin G (IgG). FcRn is foundational to the immune system and functions to recycle IgG, extending its serum half-life over other Igs that are not recycled by FcRn. IgGs that bind to FcRn are rescued from lysosomal degradation. By binding to FcRn, efgartigimod can reduce IgG recycling and increase IgG degradation. It has the potential to address a multitude of severe autoimmune diseases where pathogenic IgGs are believed to be mediators of disease. We are evaluating both IV efgartigimod (10 mg/kg) (VYVGART) and SC efgartigimod (1000 mg efgartigimod PH20). SC efgartigimod is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme, Inc.’s (Halozyme) ENHANZE® drug delivery technology. ENHANZE® facilitates the SC injection delivery of biologics that are typically administered via IV infusion.
    • gMG: In May 2020, we announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 ADAPT clinical trial of IV efgartigimod for the treatment of gMG. The topline results from the ADAPT clinical trial showed that efgartigimod was well-tolerated, demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in strength and quality of life measures, and provided the option of an individualized dosing schedule for gMG patients. The full Phase 3 ADAPT results were published in The Lancet Neurology in July 2021. Data from the ADAPT clinical trial and the subsequent open-label extension (ADAPT+) formed the basis for the regulatory approvals of VYVGART in the U.S., Japan and the EU.
    • In March 2022, we announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 ADAPT-SC study. SC efgartigimod achieved the primary endpoint of total IgG reduction from baseline at day 29, demonstrating statistical noninferiority to VYVGART IV formulation in gMG patients. Based on these results, we announced the acceptance of a BLA by the FDA with a PDUFA target action date that was recently extended by three months to June 20, 2023.
    • Registrational clinical trials are ongoing in five additional autoimmune indications:
      • ITP: The ADVANCE trial of VYVGART was initiated in the fourth quarter of 2019 and positive topline data of IV efgartigimod for primary ITP were announced on March 22, 2022. The ADVANCE-SC trial of SC efgartigimod started in the fourth quarter of 2020 and topline data are expected in the second half of 2023.
      • PV and PF: The ADDRESS trial of SC efgartigimod was initiated in 2020. The topline data of SC efgartigimod for PF and PV are expected in the second half of 2023.
      • CIDP: The ADHERE trial of SC efgartigimod was initiated at the end of 2019 and topline data are expected in the second quarter of 2023.
      • BP: The BALLAD trial of SC efgartigimod in BP was initiated in the second half of 2022. An interim analysis of the first 40 patients is expected in 2024.
      • Myositis: The ALKIVIA trial of SC efgartigimod initiated in the third quarter of 2022 for three subtypes of Myositis, including IMNM, ASyS and DM. Interim analysis of the first 30 patients of each subset is expected in 2024.
    • Clinical trials in four additional autoimmune indications through partnership agreements with Zai Lab and IQVIA started in 2022:
      • Zai Lab launched the Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials in two kidney indications, LN and MN.
      • IQVIA launched the Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials in Primary SjS and PC-POTS. Topline results from the PC-POTS trial are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 and from the Primary SjS trial in 2024.
  • ARGX-117 (C2 inhibitor): ARGX-117 is a novel complement inhibitor targeting C2, blocking function of both the classical and lectin pathways while leaving the alternative pathway intact. ARGX-117 has the potential to be a pipeline-in-a-product candidate with indications that fit within our commercial franchises.
    • Final Phase 1 data of ARGX-117 confirmed the interim data reported in July 2021 showing a favorable safety profile across single and multiple ascending doses (MADs) of both IV and SC formulations. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles demonstrated potential for infrequent dosing schedules.
    • Phase 2 ARDA proof-of-concept trial started at the end of 2021 in MMN and interim data are expected in mid-2023.
    • Phase 2 proof of concept clinical trial to start in DGF following kidney transplantation in the second half of 2023.
    • DM was announced as the third indication for ARGX-117.
  • ARGX-119 (MusK agonist): ARGX-119 is an agonist SIMPLE Antibody™ to the MuSK receptor with potential in multiple neuromuscular indications. Phase 1 dose-escalation clinical trial started in the first quarter of 2023 with a subsequent Phase 1b clinical trial planned to assess early signal detection in patients thereafter.
  • ARGX-118 (Galectin-10): ARGX-118 is an antibody against Galectin-10, the protein of Charcot-Leyden crystals which are implicated as a major contributor to airway inflammation and to the persistence of mucus plugs.
  • In addition to our wholly-owned pipeline, we have candidates that emerged from our IIP that we out-licensed to a partner for further development and for which we have milestone, royalty or profit-share agreements. These candidates include:
    • ARGX-112 (LP-0145), a SIMPLE Antibody inhibitor of interleukin-22 receptor (IL-22R) and out-licensed to LEO Pharma.
    • ARGX-114 (AGMB-101), a SIMPLE Antibody agonist to the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) receptor and out-licensed to AgomAb Therapeutics NV (AgomAb).
    • ARGX-115 (ABBV-151), a SIMPLE Antibody inhibitor of glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP)- transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and out-licensed to AbbVie S.A.R.L (AbbVie).
    • ARGX-116 (STT-5058), a SIMPLE Antibody inhibitor of ApoC3 and out-licensed to Staten Biotechnology B. V.
    • Cusatuzumab (Anti-CD70 Antibody): Cusatuzumab is an anti-CD70 monoclonal antibody. CD70, a tumor necrosis factor receptor ligand, and its receptor CD27 are expressed on leukemic stem cells and AML blasts but not on hematopoietic stem cells. OncoVerity, an asset-centric spin-off was created to focus on optimizing and advancing the development of cusatuzumab, a novel anti-CD70 antibody, in AML. OncoVerity is an entity of co-creation, combining the extensive translational biology insights from Dr. Clayton Smith, M.D. from the University of Colorado with the experience from argenx on the CD70/CD27 pathway.

Immunology Innovation Program

Our IIP is a core business strategy of co-creation and innovation. The IIP also serves as our discovery engine to identify novel targets and together, in collaboration with our scientific and academic partners, to build potential new pipeline candidates. Every current pipeline candidate from both our wholly-owned and partnered pipeline emerged from an IIP collaboration. As part of our long-term strategy, we continue to invest in the IIP.

For example:

  • Efgartigimod emerged from a collaboration with Professor Sally Ward and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern) that later became one of the blueprints for our IIP collaborations. Professor Ward’s research identified the crucial role that FcRn plays in maintaining and distributing IgGs throughout the body. Efgartigimod is a human IgG1 Fc fragment that is equipped with ABDEG mutations, which we in-licensed from UT Southwestern. These proprietary mutations modified efgartigimod to increase its affinity for FcRn while retaining the pH-dependent binding that is characteristic of FcRn interactions with its natural ligand, endogenous IgG.
  • ARGX-117 was built in collaboration with Broteio Pharma B.V. (Broteio) which was launched in 2017 with support from Professor Erik Hack and the University of Utrecht, to conduct research to demonstrate preclinical proof-of-concept of the mechanism of ARGX-117. Professor Hack has done renowned research in the role of inflammation in disease, specifically in the complement system, and has contributed research and expertise to the approval of two complement inhibitors. His understanding of the mild phenotype associated with a natural C2 deficiency and C2’s unique positioning at the junction of the classical and lectin pathways led to our interest in engineering ARGX-117, which is equipped with our proprietary NHANCE® mutations and LALA mutations.
  • ARGX-119 was built in collaboration with the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and New York University (NYU) with support from the teams led by Professor Verschuuren and Professor Steve Burden, respectively. Both groups have world-class expertise in unraveling the biological mechanism of neuromuscular disease and translating these insights from the lab to the patient.

Our Suite of Technologies

Through our IIP, we collaborate with scientific and academic partners to identify immunology breakthroughs and build potential pipeline candidates. This is done through co-creation. We bring to the collaboration our unique suite of antibody engineering technologies and experience in clinical development and our partners bring a wealth of disease and target biology expertise.

  • SIMPLE Antibody platform: Our proprietary SIMPLE Antibody platform, based on the powerful llama immune system, allows us to exploit novel and complex disease biology targets. The platform sources antibody variable regions (V-regions) from the immune system of outbred llamas, each of which has a different genetic background. The llama produces highly diverse panels of antibodies with a high human homology, or similarity, in their V-regions when immunized with targets of human disease. Our SIMPLE Antibody platform allows us to access and explore a broad target universe while potentially minimizing the long timelines associated with generating antibody candidates using traditional methods.
  • NHance, ABDEG, POTELLIGENT®, and dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHS) mutations focus on engineering the Fc region of antibodies in order to augment their intrinsic therapeutic properties. In addition, we obtained a non-exclusive research license and option from Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Chugai) for the SMART-Ig® and ACT-Ig® technologies. These technologies are designed to enable us to expand the therapeutic index of our product candidates, which is the ratio between toxic and therapeutic dose, by potentially modifying their half-life, tissue penetration, rate of disease target clearance and potency. In 2020, we also entered into a non-exclusive research agreement with the Clayton Foundation under which we may access the Clayton Foundation’s proprietary DHS mutations to extend the serum half-life of therapeutic antibodies.
  • Halozyme’s ENHANZE SC drug delivery technology: We have exclusive access to ENHANZE for the FcRn and C2 targets and four additional targets. The global collaboration and license agreement with Halozyme was announced in February 2019 and expanded in October 2020. The ENHANZE® technology has the potential to shorten drug administration time, reduce healthcare practitioner time and offer additional flexibility and convenience for patients.
  • In April 2021, we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Elektrofi, Inc. (Elektrofi) to explore Elektrofi’s high-concentration, low-volume delivery technology for efgartigimod, and up to one additional target.