Breda, the Netherlands / Ghent, Belgium
Topline data readout from Phase 3 ADAPT trial of efgartigimod in generalized myasthenia gravis on track for mid-2020 and Biologics License Application filing by end of yearEnrollment paused in ongoing trials under Janssen and LEO Pharma collaborationsARGX-117 being evaluated in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in collaboration with UZ GentManagement to host conference call today at 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am ET)
“We are very excited to be approaching our first pivotal Phase 3 data readout with topline data from the ADAPT trial still on track for mid-year. This is an important milestone as it will precipitate our transition from a late-stage development company towards an integrated commercial organization. We have been investing in the expansion of our commercial infrastructure and are preparing for a 2021 launch of efgartigimod in gMG in the U.S., if approved,” stated Tim Van Hauwermeiren, CEO of argenx.
“Over the last several months, the COVID-19 global pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge, and as we face uncertainty in the coming months, we are grateful to have strong fundamentals across our business and the ability to fund our deep antibody pipeline. I am most grateful, however, for the continued support of our employees who have demonstrated exceptional focus and an unwavering dedication to our mission of developing therapies for the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases and cancer. This commitment is underscored by our decision to evaluate the potential of ARGX-117 to attenuate complement activation in severe respiratory illness associated with COVID-19 while obtaining key metrics of our drug candidate in this first-in-human trial.”
FIRST QUARTER 2020 AND RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
argenx commitment to its people, patients and business
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, argenx remains focused on executing on its “argenx 2021” vision to become a fully integrated, global immunology company. In order to minimize impact on employees, patients and their communities, physicians and ongoing business priorities, argenx has implemented measures across its organization and in the operation of its globally run clinical trials.
A work-from-home mandate continues for all employees in the U.S., Belgium and Japan, excluding those providing essential services such as laboratory staff; additionally, all work-related global and domestic travel are suspended.In order to enable patients in its clinical trials to receive study drug with continuity, argenx is implementing telehealth, remote monitoring activities and more flexible dosing schedules in its protocols where possible. argenx conducts clinical trials globally, including in areas impacted by COVID-19 in North America, Europe and Japan. Enrollment is expected to be delayed in ongoing trials conducted by argenx, but the extent of the full impact is not quantifiable until the trajectory of the pandemic is better understood. The Company will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all ongoing clinical trials and will implement changes as necessary.
Efgartigimod trials remain open with additional registrational trials expected to launch this year
Efgartigimod is currently being evaluated in four targeted indications where IgG autoantibodies are directly pathogenic. A fifth indication is expected to be announced this year.
Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)Topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 ADAPT clinical trial expected by mid-2020All patients have completed primary 26-week trial; patients continue to be dosed in the ADAPT+ one-year, open-label extension study If ADAPT data are positive, a Biologics License Application (BLA) submission is expected to be filed by end of 2020, with commercial launch planned in the U.S. in 2021 Plans remain on track to engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 on potential bridging strategy for subcutaneous (SC) ENHANZE®-efgartigimodWell-established alliance with Lonza supports robust and flexible manufacturing capabilities and supply chain remains on track to be commercial-ready by end of 2020 Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)Phase 3 ADVANCE trial ongoing and expected to enroll approximately 150 primary ITP patients dosed with 10mg/kg IV efgartigimod Confirmatory trial of IV efgartigimod expected to initiate in the first half of 2020ADVANCE SC trial expected to initiate in the second half of 2020 evaluating 10mg/kg IV efgartigimod for induction of platelet response and 2mL fixed dose of SC efgartigimod for maintenancePemphigus Vulgaris (PV)Phase 3 registrational trial expected to start in second half of 2020Detailed proof-of-concept data from adaptive Phase 2 trial presented at Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Virtual Annual Meeting; presentation currently available on SID and argenx websites.Presentation includes updated data from 31 evaluable patients treated with 10mg/kg or 25mg/kg of IV efgartigimod (data as of cutoff date of March 25, 2020)90% (28/31) achieved rapid disease control; median time to disease control for monotherapy and combination therapy is 15 and 22 daysComplete clinical remission observed in 70% (7/10) of patients receiving optimized dosing regimen determined to be efgartigimod dosed at least every two weeks in combination with oral prednisone (0.25-0.5mg/kg)73% (11/15) of patients receiving 25mg/kg efgartigimod achieved end of consolidation, including patients who preferred to taper steroid dose11 patients currently still on studyTolerability profile shown to be favorable and consistent with data from previous efgartigimod studiesChronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)Phase 2 ADHERE trial ongoing with SC ENHANZE®-efgartigimod
Janssen and LEO Pharma have paused enrollment of clinical trials of cusatuzumab and LP0145 (ARGX-112)
Enrollment is paused in two ongoing clinical trials initiated under the global cusatuzumab collaboration and licensing agreement with Cilag GmbH International, an affiliate of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Trials that have paused enrollment under the collaboration include:
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