Diseases characterised by a high degree of inflammation which is in reality the body’s attempt at self-protection; aimed at removing harmful pathogens, irritants, or even damaged cells and begin the healing process are called Inflammatory Diseases. Despite being a part of the immune system and more or less an immune response, it might in several cases prolong and extend up to months or years, or in other cases become extremely unbearable. Although there exist a number of drugs in the market which can curb this inflammation, there are also a variety of side-effects associated with them.
The new anti-inflammatory sheriff in town, ARGX-112, was developed using Belgian biotech Argenx’s SIMPLE discovery platform. The company’s platform is simply based on the active immunization of outbred Camelids with target antigen in order to deliver antibodies whose variable regions are virtually identical to those of human antibodies. These variable regions are then combined with the human constant domains of the antibody to finally generate full size, fully human therapeutic antibodies.
Two years ago, Ghent-based Argenx and Danish Leo Pharma came together to develop antibodies to counter inflammatory diseases in a deal totaling €105M.
According to which, the Ghent-based biotech will carry out preclinical R&D on ARGX-112 and once it hits the clinical
phase, Leo will take over.Under the terms of the deal, the Leo Pharma holds exclusive rights for global licensing.
