argenx announces the acquisition of clinical-stage Forte Biosciences

The acquisition supports argenx's strategy of investing in promising new treatments that could improve care for patients with diseases that have seen little medical innovation for many years.

FB102, Forte Biosciences' lead drug candidate, will strengthen argenx's immunology pipeline. The treatment has shown early positive results in vitiligo and celiac disease and could also be used to treat several other autoimmune diseases.

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Forte Biosciences recently reported positive Phase 1b results for FB102 in vitiligo, showing meaningful treatment benefits. The company also shared positive early results in celiac disease last year with Phase 2 results expected later this year.

These positive clinical results encouraged argenx to move from investing in Forte to acquiring the company. Beyond vitiligo and celiac disease, FB102 could also be used to treat alopecia areata, and other autoimmune diseases, making it a promising treatment with broad potential.

“Our Vision 2030 strategy is well-defined and on track, and our discovery, development and commercialization engines are delivering real value for patients,” said Karen Massey, Chief Executive Officer of argenx. “The acquisition of Forte Biosciences builds on the strength of that foundation and advances our ambition to be the leading immunology innovator of the future.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in advancing FB102 through clinical development, and firmly believe that argenx is the ideal strategic partner to unlock the full potential of this novel anti-CD122 antibody across a broad range of autoimmune diseases,” said Paul A. Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board of Forte Biosciences.

About argenx

Founded in 2008, by Tim Van Hauwermeiren, argenx is a global biotechnology company focused on developing antibody-based medicines for severe autoimmune diseases. The company has launched the first approved FcRn blocker, and continues to advance new treatments for several autoimmune conditions.

About Forte Biosciences, Inc.

Founded by Paul A. Wagner, Forte Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing FB102, an antibody treatment designed to target autoimmune and related diseases.

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