Antibody therapeutic developer argenx and Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. have reportedly announced a collaboration and license agreement that would enable the former to utilize Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology. Sources claim that argenx would be liable to use ENHANZE to generate subcutaneous product formulations for argenx’s current or future product candidates.
As per credible reports, the agreement would provide argenx with exclusive access to the ENHANZE® drug delivery technology for any drug targeting the human neonatal Fc receptor FcRn (inclusive of argenx’s efgartigimod), and up to two more targets.
Sources familiar with the knowledge of the matter claim that argenx will make an upfront payment of close to $30 million to Halozyme – a tentative $10 million per target for now. A payment of $160 million per selected target subjects would be due when argenx, in the future, would accomplish specified regulatory, development, and sales-based milestones. Halozyme will also be eligible to obtain mid-single digit royalties post the sales of commercialized products.
Keith Woods, Chief Operating Officer, argenx, was reportedly quoted stating that through this collaboration, argenx now has the potential to append optimal delivery capabilities to its profile of building best-of-its-kind antibodies against novel targets. Gaining exclusive access to ENHANZE® will also help the company strengthen its leadership position across the anti-FcRn sector, Woods added.
Dr. Helen Torley, President & CEO, Halozyme, was quoted stating that the firm is thrilled to work with argenx to build new delivery options for therapies that are being developed to improve the condition of the patients with severe autoimmune diseases. This collaboration between Halozyme & argenx is a demonstration of the value which ENHANZE® can bring forth, while the drug is still in the development phase where the advantages of subcutaneous administration can be considered much earlier by both the healthcare providers & patients.
