AbbVie and argenx to develop immuno-oncology therapy

ARGX-115 targets the protein glycoprotein A repetitions predominant, which is pivotal in controlling the production of transforming growth factor beta. In 2016, AbbieVie and argenx agreed that the former would allocate $60m for the right to license and develop ARGX-115 products, and the latter would be entitled to milestone payments no more than $625m and royalties on potential sales, plus the right to co-promote ARGX-115 products in Switzerland and the EU if it chooses to. Now AbbieVie has announced the companies intend to make good on that deal, and start to develop and commercialise ARGX-115 based products, making them front runners of next generation immuno-oncology drugs. However, ARGX-115 is still in the pre-clinical development stage, so the journey to market is a long way off.

CEO of argenx, Tim Van Hauwermeiren, said: “We are very excited by AbbVie’s decision to exercise its option to license and develop ARGX-115, given its compelling track record in oncology.”

Vice President, Oncology Early Discovery and Development, AbbVie, Tom Hudson, said: “Immuno-oncology is one of AbbVie’s key focus areas in our mission to discover and develop medicines that drive transformational improvements in cancer treatment. Our collaboration with argenx over the past two years has been productive, and we look forward to continue working together to fuel scientific progress for patients.”