Sustainability Statement
General Information
Sustainability Statement Introduction
At argenx, we are on a mission to transform the lives of patients by translating immunology breakthroughs into novel antibody-based medicines. Our mission aims to promote a responsible approach to bringing medicines to patients.
In 2024, we upheld our commitment to transparency and accountability as required by the European Union’s Non-Financial Reporting Directive (the NFRD), as implemented into Dutch legislation, which requires us to publish a non-financial statement as part of our management report, which statement should include, to the extent necessary for a proper understanding of our development, results, position, and the impact of our activities, disclosures on (i) our business model; (ii) our policies (if applicable), including the due diligence procedures applied, as well as the results of this policy, with regard to: (a) environmental, social and employee matters; (b) respect for human rights; and (c) the fight against corruption and bribery. In addition, we are required to describe the main risks related to the matters referred to in (i) through (iii) above arising from our operations, including, where relevant and proportionate, our business relationships, products or services that are likely to have negative impacts on those matters and how we manage those risks. We are also required to disclose the non-financial performance indicators that are of importance to our specific business activities.
In addition, the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) entered into force in January 2023. Being a Directive, all EU Member States and EEA countries are required to implement the CSRD into domestic law, with the deadline for such implementation being 6 July 2024. Several EU member states, including Belgium, have transposed and implemented the CSRD into domestic law. The Netherlands has not done so yet. In 2024, draft legislation was proposed in the Netherlands and on 13 January 2025, the legislative proposal to implement the CSRD was submitted to the Second Chamber of Dutch Parliament for parliamentary proceedings. Being a company governed under Dutch law, the Dutch domestic law implementing the CSRD will apply to us.
In anticipation of implementation into Dutch domestic law with expected applicability in respect of annual reports starting financial year 2024, companies in scope of CSRD have been urged by the financial markets supervisory authority in the Netherlands to prepare and be ready for CSRD compliant reporting for their annual report 2024.
In expectation of the CSRD being applicable to our Annual Report, and, in line with market practice in relation to annual reports for 2024 in the Netherlands and Belgium, we have prepared our sustainability statement based on the general principles of the CSRD for the first time and integrated such sustainability statement into our Annual Report.
This chapter of our annual report is our CSRD Sustainability Statement and is prepared in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), reflecting our dedication to comprehensive and accurate sustainability reporting. Additionally, we reference the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards.
This statement addresses the concerns and interests of various affected stakeholders including patients, healthcare communities, employees, investors, and business partners. This statement is guided by the material topics identified in our double materiality assessment. Going forward, we will enhance the measurement and reporting of these topics, further embedding them into our performance framework.
Evolving Sustainability Reporting: Embracing CSRD and ESRS
This year marks the first time we are reporting to CSRD. Like many of our industry peers, we are navigating this substantial new regulatory landscape with the aim of delivering meaningful activities and comprehensive reporting on ESG topics. We anticipate that our reporting on these topics will evolve significantly in the coming years, as we consider our reporting due diligence and double materiality assessment (DMA) an ongoing process. As we build and refine our processes and policies, we will delve deeper into areas where we can make the most impact, and we expect industry best practices to emerge over time. The CSRD and the ESRS guide sustainability reporting practices at argenx and determine what we must disclose. The CSRD largely supersedes the details of previous years’ ESG reporting, if disclosures are related to ESG reporting topics, however, where appropriate, we have integrated industry-specific SASB metrics, as included in our previous ESG reporting, where relevant for material topics.
We also want to provide transparency on how we allocate our ESG reporting resources. We are mindful of our limited resources and the need to prioritize where we focus our ESG efforts. We focus our efforts on areas that we believe have the greatest impact on our mission, including innovation, and improving patient outcomes. Our primary focus remains on ESG topics that are closely aligned with our mission to improve patient outcomes. We aspire that regulatory reporting requirements on ESG topics do not divert our attention or that of our stakeholders from our mission.
Content
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Disclosure Requirements |
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Section |
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ESRS 2 |
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BP-1 |
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General basis for preparation of sustainability statement |
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General Basis for Preparation (BP-1) |
BP-2 |
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Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances |
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Disclosures in Relation to Specific Circumstances (BP-2) |
GOV-1 |
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The role of administrative, management and supervisory bodies |
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ESG Governance and Oversight (GOV-1) |
GOV-2 |
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Information provided to and sustainability matters addressed by the undertaking’s administrative, management and supervisory bodies |
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Management of Material Risks, Impacts and Opportunities by Administrative, Management and Supervisory Bodies (GOV-1, GOV-2) |
GOV-3 |
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Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes |
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Integration of Sustainability-Related Performance in Incentive Schemes (GOV-3) |
GOV-4 |
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Statement on due diligence |
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Due Diligence (GOV-4) |
GOV-5 |
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Risk management and internal controls over sustainability reporting |
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Risk Management and Internal Controls Over Sustainability Reporting (GOV-5) |
SBM-1 |
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Strategy, business model and value chain |
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Sustainability and Our Business Model (SBM-1) |
SBM-2 |
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Interests and views of stakeholders |
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Stakeholder Engagement (SBM-2) |
SBM-3 |
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Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model |
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Double Materiality Assessment Result (ESRS 2 SBM-3) |
IRO-1 |
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Description of process to identify and assess material impacts, risks, and opportunities |
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Our Double Materiality Assessment (IRO-1, IRO-2) |
IRO-2 |
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Disclosure requirements in ESRS covered by the undertaking’s sustainability statement |
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Our Double Materiality Assessment (IRO-1, IRO-2) |
Incorporation by reference |
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SBM-1-40 a (i) |
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Products and services |
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1.1.2 Our Medicines |
GOV-1-20 (c) |
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Board of director’s skills and expertise |
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3.2.4 Non-Executive Directors |
EU Taxonomy |
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Denominator for calculation of turnover |
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Note 17 Product net sales and Note 15 Collaboration revenue |
EU Taxonomy |
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Denominator for CapEx calculation |
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Note 4 Property, plant and equipment and Note 5 Intangible Assets |
EU Taxonomy |
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Denominator for OpEx calculation |
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Note 18 Research and Development Expenses |
E1-6 53 |
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GHG Intensity based on net revenue |
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6.1.2 Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss |
S1 |
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Employee Data |
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Note 20 Personnel Expenses |
S1-16 97 (b) |
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Remuneration |
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Note 20 Personnel Expenses |
S4-1 |
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Coverage, pricing, and reimbursement |
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1.7.4 Coverage, pricing and reimbursement and 1.7.5 Government Pricing and Reimbursement Programs for Marketed Drugs in the U.S. |
ESRS E1 – Climate Change |
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ESRS 2, GOV-3 |
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Integration of sustainability-related performance in incentive schemes |
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Sustainability-Related Performance in Incentive Schemes |
E1-1 |
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Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation |
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Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation (E1-1, E1-2, E1-3, E1-4) |
ESRS 2 SBM-3 |
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Material Impacts, Risks and Opportunities and Their Interaction with Strategy and Business Model |
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Environmental Topics (ESRS 2 SBM-3); |
ESRS 2, IRO-1 |
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Description of the processes to identify and assess material impacts, risks, and opportunities |
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Climate Risk Assessment (ESRS 2 IRO-1, ESRS 2 SBM-3) |
E1-2 |
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Policies related to climate change mitigation and adaptation |
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Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation (E1-1, E1-2, E1-3, E1-4); Transition Risks Screening (E1-2) |
E1-3 |
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Actions and resources in relation to climate change policies |
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Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation (E1-1, E1-2, E1-3, E1-4) |
E1-4 |
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Targets related to climate change mitigation and adaptation |
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Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation (E1-1, E1-2, E1-3, E1-4) |
E1-5 |
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Energy consumption and mix |
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Energy Consumption and Mix (E1-5) |
E1-6 |
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Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG emissions |
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Gross Scopes 1, 2, 3 and Total GHG Emissions (GHG Intensity Based on Net Revenue) (E1-6) |
E5 – Circular Economy |
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ESRS 2 SBM-3 |
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Material impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model |
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Waste Impacts (ESRS 2 SBM-3) |
E5-1 |
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Policies related to resource use and circular economy |
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Waste Management (E5-1, E5-2, E5-3) |
E5-2 |
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Actions and resources related to resource use and circular economy |
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Waste Management (E5-1, E5-2, E5-3) |
E5-3 |
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Targets related to resource use and circular economy |
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Waste Management (E5-1, E5-2, E5-3) |
E5-5 |
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Resource outflows |
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Resource outflows (E5-5) |
S1 – Own Workforce |
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ESRS 2 SBM-2 |
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Interests and views of stakeholders |
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Employee Engagement (ESRS 2 SBM-2, S1-2) |
ESRS 2 SBM-3 |
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Material impacts, risk and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business models (unless described in the cross-cutting section) |
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Introduction to Workforce at argenx (ESRS 2 SBM-3) |
S1-1 |
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Policies relating to own workforce |
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Talent Strategy, Management, and Development (S1-1, S1-3, S1-4, S1-5, S1-13, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Human Rights (S1-1); Anti-Discrimination (S1-1, S1-17); Inclusion (S1-1) |
S1-2 |
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Processes for engaging with workers about impacts |
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Employee Engagement (ESRS 2 SBM-2, S1-2) |
S1-3 |
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Processes to remediate impacts & channels to raise concerns |
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Talent Strategy, Management, and Development (S1-1, S1-3, S1-4, S1-5, S1-13, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
S1-4 |
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Taking action on material negative impacts, advancing positive impacts, and approaches to mitigating material risks and pursuing material opportunities relating to own workforce |
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Talent Strategy, Management, and Development (S1-1, S1-3, S1-4, S1-5, S1-13, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
S1-5 |
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Targets |
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Talent Strategy, Management, and Development (S1-1, S1-3, S1-4, S1-5, S1-13, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
S1-6 |
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Characteristics of employees |
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Characteristics of the Undertaking’s Employees (S1-6) |
S1-7 |
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Characteristics of non-employees in the workforce |
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Characteristics of non-employees in the workforce (S1-7) |
S1-9 |
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Diversity metrics |
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Our Employee Data |
S1-13 |
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Training and skills development metrics |
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Training and Skills Development Metrics (S1-13); Talent Development (S1-13) |
S1-14 |
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Health and safety metrics |
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Other Considerations 2. Employee Health and Safety |
S1-17 |
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Incidents, complaints and severe human rights impacts |
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Anti-Discrimination (S1-1, S1-17) |
S4 – Consumers and End-Users |
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ESRS 2 SBM-3 |
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Materials, impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model |
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Introduction to Patients at argenx (ESRS 2 SBM-3) |
S4-1 |
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Policies |
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Patient Health & Safety (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Human Rights (S4-1, MDR-P); Access to Quality Information & Responsible Marketing (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Access to Medicines (S4-1, S4-3, S4-5, MDR-P); Data Privacy (S4-1, S4-3, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
S4-2 |
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Processes for engaging with consumers about impact |
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Patient Health & Safety (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Patient Engagement; Remediation Processes and Consumer Feedback Channels (S4-2, S4-3, MDR-A); Access to Quality Information & Responsible Marketing (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Patient Advocacy (S4-2, MDR-A) |
S4-3 |
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Processes to remediate negative impacts/channels to raise concerns |
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Patient Health & Safety (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Remediation Processes and Consumer Feedback Channels (S4-2, S4-3, MDR-A); Access to Medicines (S4-1, S4-3, S4-5, MDR-P); Data Privacy (S4-1, S4-3, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
S4-4 |
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Taking action on material IROs |
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Patient Health & Safety (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Access to Quality Information & Responsible Marketing (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
S4-5 |
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Targets |
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Patient Health & Safety (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Access to Quality Information & Responsible Marketing (S4-1, S4-2, S4-3, S4-4, S4-5, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Access to Medicines (S4-1, S4-3, S4-5, MDR-P) |
G1 – Business Conduct |
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SBM-3 |
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Materials, impacts, risks and opportunities and their interaction with strategy and business model |
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Corporate Culture (ESRS 2 SBM-3, G1-1) |
G1-1 |
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Business conduct policies and corporate culture |
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Corporate Culture (ESRS 2 SBM-3, G1-1); Code of Conduct and Business Ethics (G1-1, G1-3, MDR-P); Global Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy (G1-1, G1-3, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T) |
G1-2 |
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Management of relationships with suppliers |
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Supply Chain Management (G1-2, MDR-A) |
G1-3 |
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Prevention and detection of corruption and bribery |
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Code of Conduct and Business Ethics (G1-1, G1-3, MDR-P); Global Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy (G1-1, G1-3, MDR-P, MDR-A, MDR-T); Whistleblower Protections (G1-3, MDR-A) |
G1-4 |
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Incidents of corruption of bribery |
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Incidents of corruption and bribery (G1-4) |
G1-6 |
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Payment practices |
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Payment practices (G1-6, MDR-P, MDR-A) |
General Basis for Preparation (BP-1)
This statement outlines our ESG principles, and the methodologies employed to measure our progress, ensuring transparency and accountability in our operations. This report demonstrates our ongoing efforts to positively impact patients, our employees, and communities.
Basis of Sustainability Statement
In preparing our 2024 Sustainability Statement, we have ensured that the scope of consolidation aligns with that of our financial statements.
Value Chain Coverage
Our sustainability statement offers a deep dive into how we innovate and bring our medicines to patients. In 2024, we conducted a double materiality assessment, which is a cornerstone of CSRD-aligned reporting and required by the ESRS regulation. Our double materiality assessment encompassed a comprehensive review of our actual and potential impacts, risks, and opportunities across the entirety of our operations and value chain. This included both upstream activities (e.g., suppliers, raw material sourcing, and production) and downstream activities (e.g., distribution, use of products, and product end-of-life management).
By incorporating these dimensions, we have a holistic understanding of our value chain’s sustainability impacts, risks, and opportunities (as those terms are defined under the ESRS glossary). Where possible, we have provided data from both upstream and downstream activities in our sustainability disclosures. This includes environmental value chain data for the GHG emissions inventory and waste figures reported.
We acknowledge that sustainability progress is dependent on various external factors, including supplier engagement, regulatory developments, and industry-wide collaboration. Achieving our sustainability goals requires continuous engagement with value chain partners, and their commitment to transparency and data sharing is critical to improving the quality of our disclosures.
Omission of Information
In the preparation of this statement, we have not exercised the option to omit specific pieces of information that pertain to intellectual property, knowledge, know-how, or the results of innovation.
Scope and Boundaries
The reporting period and entities included in this report are consistent with the scope of our financial statements. The 2024 Sustainability Statement for argenx has been prepared in alignment with the ESRS. The data published in this report covers the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Methodology
The data collection process for our 2024 Sustainability Statement has been designed to ensure compliance with ESRS. The process involves several key steps to maintain the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of the reported data. Additionally, to comply with legal requirements, we engaged our statutory auditor, Deloitte Accountants B.V., to provide limited assurance as outlined in the independent assurance report.
We also use the industry-specific frameworks where applicable, specifically SASB’s Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals standard. This alignment enables us to provide stakeholders with comparable and meaningful insights into our sustainability performance, demonstrating our commitment to accountability.
Future iterations of our Sustainability Statement may undergo methodological refinements as the applicable legal and regulatory framework, such as the CSRD omnibus package, as well as regulatory guidance, industry standards, and best practices evolve.
Estimation Techniques and Data Limitations
In preparing the 2024 Sustainability Statement, several assumptions and estimation techniques were employed to provide representative data. Given the complexity and scope of sustainability data, certain data points were based on estimates or assumptions due to the unavailability of precise information. This includes instances where third-party data is not yet available. For example, Scope 3 GHG emissions calculations rely on supplier-provided data, industry averages, and extrapolated estimates where direct reporting is not possible.
We recognize that methodologies for calculating sustainability data, including carbon accounting and climate risk scenario analysis, are continually evolving. As such, future reports may include refined methodologies or adjustments to previously reported figures. Where such updates occur, we will disclose changes in methodology and their impact on reported metrics.
Digitalization and Data Collection Enhancements
Additionally, our implementation of a digital data management tool in 2024 has significantly enhanced the data collection and validation process. This tool allows for the efficient aggregation and analysis of data, reducing the reliance on manual data entry and minimizing the potential for errors.
However, despite these advancements, our ability to obtain high-quality data remains dependent on supplier transparency, industry data availability, and regulatory developments. Where data limitations exist, we apply reasonable estimations, and these are clearly documented within the report.
Disclosures in relation to specific circumstances (BP-2)
Time Horizons
The time horizons applied are the same as those defined by the ESRS for reporting purposes:
- Short-term: The period covered by the undertaking’s financial statements, typically one year.
- Medium-term: From the end of the short-term period up to five years.
- Long-term: More than five years.
Value Chain Estimations
We have instituted a system to estimate and monitor value chain data. Our identified metrics encompass critical areas such as energy usage, GHG emissions, and waste data. The preparation basis for these metrics involves utilizing industry average data and supplier surveys to estimate upstream and downstream impacts accurately.
We have instituted a system to estimate and monitor value chain data. Our identified metrics encompass critical areas such as energy usage, GHG emissions, and waste data. The preparation basis for these metrics involves utilizing industry average data and supplier surveys to estimate upstream and downstream impacts accurately.
Sources of Estimation and Outcome Uncertainty
In our reporting, we have identified areas where there exists a degree of uncertainty, primarily attributed to external factors. These areas include greenhouse gas (GHG) and waste management data due to the availability of environmental data.
Despite these challenges, we have made informed assumptions and judgments, assuming stable market conditions and consistent consumer demand, and utilizing the best-available environmental data to craft a report that reflects our standing and strategy. Where significant measurement uncertainties exist, these are disclosed alongside our metrics.
We recognize that the forward-looking information presented in this report is subject to uncertainty. This is primarily due to the dynamic nature of market conditions and environmental factors that influence our business operations. Despite this, we remain committed to adapting and evolving to meet these challenges head-on.
Policy Availability
argenx policies referenced throughout this statement are available on our internal document-sharing platform. Policies that apply to external stakeholders are also available on the argenx website.
Changes in Preparation or Presentation of Sustainability Information & Reporting Errors in Prior Periods
Given this is our first year of preparing a Sustainability Statement under the CSRD framework, there are no changes in preparation or presentation of sustainability information from prior years.
As our sustainability reporting matures, we cannot exclude that future refinements may lead to restatements of previously reported data. These restatements may occur due to improved methodologies, updated emissions factors, changes in organizational boundaries, or the correction of prior reporting errors. Any such restatements, if deemed material, may be disclosed in future reports, along with explanations of the reasons for the revisions as appropriate.