Argenx has achieved its third preclinical milestone from its collaboration with LEO Pharma, following the approval of the clinical trial application (CTA) filing for ARGX-112.

“This milestone showcases the productivity of our collaboration with LEO Pharma, marking the final step before ARGX-112 may enter clinical development. It triggers the third of three success-based preclinical milestone payments under this collaboration. We are convinced of the potential of ARGX-112 to address unmet needs in inflammatory skin diseases and are excited to see the program approved for clinical development,” commented Tim Van Hauwermeiren, chief executive officer at argenx.

In May 2015, argenx entered into a research collaboration and exclusive license option agreement with LEO Pharma to develop and commercialize ARGX-112, a novel antibody discovered by argenx using its SIMPLE Antibody(TM) technology. During the collaboration term, argenx successfully concluded all ARGX-112 research and development activities required for the first filing by LEO Pharma of a CTA. 

As part of the agreement, argenx has granted LEO Pharma an exclusive option to obtain a worldwide, exclusive license to the ARGX-112 program, to develop and commercialize licensed products for inflammatory skin disorders. In addition to the upfront and preclinical milestone payments, argenx may receive further regulatory and clinical milestone payments up to approximately €100mm as well as royalties on net sales of any product.