argenx has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Forte Biosciences in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately US$2.2 billion. 

Under the agreement, argenx will acquire all outstanding shares of Forte Biosciences for US$77 per share.

The acquisition adds Forte Biosciences' lead candidate, FB102, to argenx's immunology pipeline. FB102 is a first-in-class anti-CD122 antibody that has shown clinical proof of concept in vitiligo and coeliac disease and has the potential to treat a range of autoimmune disorders.

The deal supports argenx's long-term strategy of expanding its portfolio through innovative therapies with strong scientific and clinical potential. The company aims to strengthen its position in immunology by advancing medicines that address diseases with significant unmet medical needs.

FB102 recently demonstrated positive Phase 1b results in patients with vitiligo, showing statistically significant treatment benefits. Earlier Phase 1b data in coeliac disease also produced positive results, while Phase 2 data in coeliac disease are expected during the second half of the year. These clinical outcomes played an important role in argenx's decision to acquire Forte Biosciences following its earlier strategic investment in the company.

In addition to vitiligo and coeliac disease, FB102 is being explored for the treatment of alopecia areata and several other autoimmune conditions. The programme is considered to have broad potential across multiple immune-mediated diseases.

FB102 will complement argenx's existing portfolio of antibody-based therapies, including efgartigimod, empasiprubart, adimanebart and ARGX-121, along with several earlier-stage programmes. The addition of FB102 broadens the company's research focus by targeting pathogenic T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activity, further expanding its approach to treating autoimmune diseases.

 

Source: argenx.com

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