Connective Tissue Diseases

引言 在全球范围内，肥胖已成为一场严重的公共卫生危机。根据世界卫生组织（WHO）的数据，全球有超过6亿成年人被认定为肥胖，这一数字在过去几十年里持续增长。肥胖不仅影响外观和自尊，还与多种慢性疾病密切相关，包括心血管疾病、糖尿病以及骨关节炎（osteoarthritis）。关节炎作为肥胖的常见并发症，导致了许多人的生活质量显著下降。关节的疼痛和僵硬使患者难以进行日常活动，限制了他们的独立性和社交生活。 最新的临床试验显示，司美格鲁肽（semaglutide），不仅可以帮助减轻体重，还能够显著缓解与肥胖相关的膝关节炎疼痛，提升患者的日常活动能力。这项研究在11个国家进行，标志着抗肥胖药物在治疗关节炎方面的重要进展，并为许多患者带来了新的希望。（10月30日 N Engl J Med “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis”） 骨关节炎是一种退行性关节疾病，通常表现为关节疼痛、肿胀和活动受限。膝关节是最常受影响的部位，尤其是在肥胖患者中。肥胖带来的过度机械压力和慢性炎症反应使得关节的软骨磨损加剧，从而导致疼痛和功能受限。根据研究，肥胖患者面临着更高的关节炎风险，约有30%的肥胖者在其一生中会发展为骨关节炎，而这一比例在肥胖程度较高的患者中更为显著。 不仅如此，关节炎的疼痛和活动受限还会对患者的心理健康产生负面影响。许多患者因无法参与社交活动而感到孤独和抑郁，甚至影响到他们的工作和生活质量。这种心理负担常常会加重身体症状，使得患者陷入一种无法自拔的恶性循环：关节炎导致活动减少，活动减少又加重了肥胖，从而进一步加剧了关节炎的症状。 此外，骨关节炎的管理通常需要长期的药物治疗和生活方式干预，这对许多患者来说是一个沉重的经济负担。根据统计，骨关节炎的治疗费用在每年数千美元到数万美元不等，这使得很多患者难以承受。为了改善这种状况，寻找有效的治疗方案显得尤为重要。 该研究涵盖了约400名参与者，分布在五大洲。参与者被随机分配接受每周一次的司美格鲁肽注射或安慰剂注射，所有参与者还接受了健康饮食和运动的辅导。试验开始时，参与者的体重指数（BMI）均在肥胖范围内，疼痛评分在100分的量表上平均为71分，说明其疼痛水平较高，步行等基本活动均感到不适。 经过68周的治疗，司美格鲁肽组的参与者体重平均减少了15%，而安慰剂组仅减少了5%。在疼痛评分方面，司美格鲁肽组的平均降幅为42分，显著高于安慰剂组的28分。此外，司美格鲁肽组的参与者在日常生活功能方面的改善也更为显著，特别是在爬楼梯、行走及其他身体活动上，表现出更好的能力。 司美格鲁肽的疗效可能源于多个机制： 减轻体重：体重的减少直接降低了膝关节的负担，从而减轻疼痛。 抗炎作用：司美格鲁肽作为一种GLP-1受体激动剂（GLP-1 receptor agonist），不仅能够调节血糖，还具有抗炎特性，可能通过抑制炎症因子的释放来减轻关节炎症状。 促进运动：疼痛的缓解使患者能够更积极地参与身体活动，这种积极的生活方式有助于维持体重和改善整体健康。 尽管司美格鲁肽在短期内显示出了良好的疗效，但其长期使用的安全性和有效性仍需进一步研究。Bliddal医生提到：“患者是否需要长期依赖司美格鲁肽来管理疼痛？”因为一旦停止用药，体重可能会反弹，且药物费用较高，可能会对患者的经济状况造成负担。 因此，专家建议，虽然抗肥胖药物能在一定程度上改善关节炎症状，但患者应结合生活方式的改变，以实现最佳效果。如： 健康饮食：采用低卡路里、高纤维的饮食，减少糖分和脂肪的摄入，有助于减轻体重和改善整体健康。 规律运动：低冲击的运动（如游泳、骑自行车）可以增强肌肉力量，改善关节功能，减少疼痛。 心理支持：参与小组治疗或心理辅导，可以帮助患者应对因疾病带来的情绪困扰。 该研究具有重要的临床意义。首先，司美格鲁肽的有效性为那些因肥胖而导致膝关节疼痛的患者提供了一种新的治疗选择，这可能会改变传统上对骨关节炎治疗的认知。其次，研究结果强调了肥胖和关节炎之间的复杂关系，揭示了体重管理在骨关节炎治疗中的重要性。通过有效减重，患者不仅能减轻关节压力，还能改善生活质量。此外，这项研究可能推动医疗机构重新评估抗肥胖药物的适应症，拓宽其在慢性病管理中的应用范围。 司美格鲁肽的研究为肥胖与关节炎之间的关系提供了新的认识，也为临床治疗提供了新的希望。这项研究不仅显示了抗肥胖药物在减轻关节炎疼痛方面的潜力，还强调了结合生活方式干预的重要性。未来的研究或将进一步探讨药物的长期效果及其与生活方式改变的最佳结合策略，以帮助更多患者改善生活质量。 参考文献 Bliddal H, Bays H, Czernichow S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(17):1573-1583. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2403664 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03512-0 责编|探索君 排版|探索君 转载请注明来源于【生物探索】 End 往期精选 围观 一文读透细胞死亡(Cell Death) | 24年Cell重磅综述（长文收藏版） 热文 Cell | 是什么决定了细胞的大小？ 热文 Nature | 2024年值得关注的七项技术 热文 Nature | 自身免疫性疾病能被治愈吗？科学家们终于看到了希望 热文 CRISPR技术进化史 | 24年Cell 综述

Celltrion USA has expanded access to ZYMFENTRA ® (infliximab-dyyb), the first and only FDA-approved subcutaneous (SC) infliximab, to a significant share of the U.S. market The availability of ZYMFENTRA will support greater patient access and choice while helping to drive greater affordability to patients and health care systems JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Celltrion USA announced today that, through continued partnership with key PBMs and health plans, the company has expanded access to ZYMFENTRA ® (infliximab-dyyb), the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved subcutaneous infliximab. With these partnerships Celltrion has now secured comprehensive access across the US health care system. ZYMFENTRA has attained access to a significant share of the U.S. market, providing an increase in availability to patients and prescribers. This achievement reflects unmet needs of patients, providers and payers, as well as Celltrion USA's ability to deliver on our strong heritage of supply, manufacturing and commitment to biologics. "Our extensive engagement with PBMs and health plans from the outset have led to the comprehensive expanded access for ZYMFENTRA in a short time frame," said Thomas Nusbickel, Celltrion USA Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). "This achievement underscores ZYMFENTRA's unique and innovative therapeutic advantages, and we look forward to expanding our outreach to deliver its treatment benefits to as many patients in the U.S. as possible." ZYMFENTRA was approved by the FDA in October 2023 through the Biologics License Application (BLA) under the 351 (a) pathway of the Public Health Service Act (a "stand-alone" BLA). ZYMFENTRA is the first FDA-approved subcutaneous infliximab for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. About Celltrion USA Celltrion USA is Celltrion's U.S. subsidiary established in 2018. Headquartered in New Jersey, Celltrion USA is committed to expanding access to innovative biologics to improve care for U.S. patients. Celltrion currently has five biosimilars approved by the U.S. FDA: INFLECTRA® (infliximab-dyyb), TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs), HERZUMA® (trastuzumab-pkrb), VEGZELMA® (bevacizumab-adcd), and YUFLYMA®(adalimumab-aaty) as well as a novel biologic ZYMFENTRA®. Celltrion USA will continue to leverage Celltrion's unique heritage in biotechnology, supply chain excellence, and best-in-class sales capabilities to improve access to high-quality biopharmaceuticals for U.S. patients. For more information, please visit: . About ZYMFENTRA® (infliximab-dyyb) [1] ZYMFENTRA is a prescription medicine used as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by adults for the maintenance treatment of: moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis following treatment with an infliximab product given by intravenous infusion (IV), moderately to severely active Crohn's disease following treatment with an infliximab product given by intravenous infusion (IV). ZYMFENTRA blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein that can be overproduced in response to certain diseases and cause the immune system to attack normal, healthy parts of the body. ZYMFENTRA® (infliximab-dyyb) was approved by the FDA through the Biologics License Application (BLA) under the 351 (a) pathway of the Public Health Service Act (a "stand-alone" BLA). ZYMFENTRA is considered a new biologic with a first-approved subcutaneous administration form and thus will be under patent protection for its dosage form by 2037 and for its route of administration by 2040. Indication and Important Safety Information ZYMFENTRA is a prescription medicine indicated in adults for maintenance treatment of: Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease following treatment with an infliximab product administered intravenously. Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis following treatment with an infliximab product administered intravenously. It is not known if ZYMFENTRA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. What is the most important information I should know about ZYMFENTRA? SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with ZYMFENTRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent TB before and during treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be considered in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. The risks and benefits of treatment with ZYMFENTRA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ZYMFENTRA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Risk of infection may be higher in patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with comorbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressant therapy. In clinical trials, other serious infections observed in patients treated with infliximab included arthritis bacterial, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. MALIGNANCIES Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children, adolescents, and young adults treated with TNF blockers, including infliximab products. Approximately half of these cases were lymphomas, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The other cases represented a variety of malignancies, including rare malignancies that are usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents. The malignancies occurred after a median of 30 months after the first dose of therapy. Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including infliximab products. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and most were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. Carefully assess the risks and benefits of treatment with ZYMFENTRA, especially in these patient types. In clinical trials of all TNF blockers, more cases of malignancies were observed compared with controls and the expected rate in the general population. In clinical trials of some TNF blockers, including infliximab products, more cases of other malignancies were observed compared with controls. As the potential role of TNF blocker therapy in the development of malignancies is not known, caution should be exercised when considering treatment of patients with a current or a past history of malignancy. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocker therapy, including infliximab products. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. CONTRAINDICATIONS ZYMFENTRA is contraindicated in patients with a previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to infliximab-dyyb, other infliximab products, any of the inactive ingredients of ZYMFENTRA or any murine proteins (severe hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis, hypotension, and serum sickness). HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION TNF blockers, including infliximab products, have been associated with reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. Some cases were fatal. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating ZYMFENTRA. For patients who test positive, consult a physician with expertise in the treatment of hepatitis B. Exercise caution when prescribing ZYMFENTRA for patients identified as carriers of HBV, and monitor closely for active HBV infection during and following termination of therapy with ZYMFENTRA. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA in patients who develop HBV reactivation and initiate antiviral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment. Exercise caution when considering resumption of ZYMFENTRA, and monitor patients closely. HEPATOTOXICITY Hepatobiliary disorders, including acute liver failure, jaundice abnormal hepatic function, hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, hyperbilirubinemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver, have been reported in patients receiving infliximab products post-marketing. Some cases were fatal or required liver transplant. Aminotransferase elevations were not noted prior to discovery of liver injury in many cases. Patients with symptoms or signs of liver dysfunction should be evaluated for evidence of liver injury. If jaundice and/or marked liver enzyme elevations (eg, ≥5 times the upper limit of normal) develop, ZYMFENTRA should be discontinued, and a thorough investigation of the abnormality should be undertaken. CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Some cases had a fatal outcome. In several exploratory trials of other TNF blockers in the treatment of CHF, there were greater proportions of TNF-blocker-treated patients who had CHF exacerbations requiring hospitalization or increased mortality. ZYMFENTRA has not been studied in patients with a history of CHF and ZYMFENTRA should be used with caution in patients with CHF. HEMATOLOGIC REACTION Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia (some fatal) have been reported. The causal relationship to infliximab-product therapy remains unclear. Exercise caution in patients who have ongoing or a history of significant hematologic abnormalities. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms of blood dyscrasias or infection. Consider discontinuation of ZYMFENTRA in patients who develop significant hematologic abnormalities. HYPERSENSITIVITY AND OTHER ADMINISTRATION REACTIONS In post-marketing experience, serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, hypotension, and serum sickness) have been reported following administration of infliximab products. If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue ZYMFENTRA. INJECTION SITE REACTIONS In clinical studies, localized injection-site reactions were reported following administration of ZYMFENTRA. If a clinically significant injection-site reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue ZYMFENTRA. NEUROLOGIC REACTIONS Agents that inhibit TNF have been associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestation of systemic vasculitis, seizure, and new onset or exacerbation of CNS demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Exercise caution when considering ZYMFENTRA in patients with these disorders and consider discontinuation if these disorders develop. RISK OF INFECTION WITH CONCURRENT ADMINISTRATION OF OTHER BIOLOGICS PRODUCTS Serious infections and neutropenia have been reported with concurrent use of ZYMFENTRA with other immunosuppressive biological products. The concurrent use of ZYMFENTRA with other immunosuppressive biological products used to treat UC and CD may increase the risk of infection and is not recommended. RISK OF ADDITIVE IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS FROM PRIOR BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS Consider the half-life and mode of action of prior biological products to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating ZYMFENTRA. AUTOIMMUNITY Treatment with TNF blockers may result in the formation of autoantibodies and in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA treatment if symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome develop. VACCINATIONS AND USE OF LIVE VACCINES/THERAPEUTIC INFECTIOUS AGENTS Prior to initiating ZYMFENTRA, update vaccinations in accordance with current vaccination guidelines. Live vaccines or therapeutic infectious agents should not be given with ZYMFENTRA due to the possibility of clinical infections, including disseminated infections. At least a 6-month waiting period following birth is recommended before the administration of any live vaccine to infants exposed in utero to ZYMFENTRA. ADVERSE REACTIONS In clinical trials with ZYMFENTRA, the most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of ZYMFENTRA -treated patients included site reactions, COVID-19, anemia, arthralgia, infection site reaction, increased alanine aminotransferase and abdominal pain for UC, and COVID-19, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, injection site reaction, diarrhea, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, arthralgia, increased alanine aminotransferase, hypertension, urinary tract infection, neutropenia, dizziness and leukopenia for CD. Please click for Full U.S. Prescribing Information. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information. For further information please contact: Celltrion Global PR Team [email protected] SOURCE Celltrion USA WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

$573 million in third quarter global net product sales CIDP global expansion on track, with decisions on approval under review in Japan, Europe, China, and Canada Management to host conference call today at 1:30 PM CET (8:30 AM ET) Regulated information - Inside information October 31, 2024 7:00AM CET Amsterdam, the Netherlands – argenx SE (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases, today announced its third quarter 2024 financial results and provided a business update. “We delivered significant patient impact with VYVGART over the quarter, expanding our gMG footprint and delivering innovation to CIDP patients three months into launch,” said Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of argenx. “We continued to advance our goal of reaching more gMG patients earlier in their treatment journey, supported by VYVGART’s strong safety and efficacy profile, and real-world data showing the ability to meaningfully reduce steroid use. Expanding upon our leadership in gMG, we are now paving the future in CIDP. The strength of our data, combined with execution across the team to reach key stakeholders, contributed to the initial success of our CIDP launch, with more than 300 patients on therapy at the end of the third quarter. There remains significant opportunity ahead as we work towards achieving our Vision 2030, with innovation implemented across our pipeline to deliver transformative outcomes to more patients.” Advancing ‘Vision 2030’ in Third Quarter 2024 Vision 2030 is the next phase in argenx’s long-term commitment to transform the treatment of autoimmune diseases by strengthening its leadership in FcRn biology, investing in its continuous pipeline of differentiated antibody candidates, and scaling in a disciplined way to ensure innovation remains core to the argenx mission. As a part of this vision, argenx plans to reach at least 50,000 patients globally, advance the pipeline to achieve 10 labeled indications, and bring five new molecules into Phase 3 by 2030. Reaching 50,000 Patients Globally by 2030 VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) is a first-in-class antibody fragment targeting FcRn and is now approved for both intravenous use and subcutaneous injection (SC) (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) in three indications, including generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) globally, primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Japan (IV only), and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in the U.S. (SC only). Generated global net product revenues (inclusive of both VYVGART and VYVGART SC) of $573 million in the third quarter of 2024Multiple VYVGART regulatory submissions completed or underway for gMG, including: Swissmedic approved VYVGART for the treatment of gMG in SwitzerlandRegulatory decisions on approval expected in Australia and Saudi Arabia in 2024, and South Korea in 2025 Multiple VYVGART SC regulatory submissions under review or planned for CIDP, including: Regulatory submissions completed in Japan, Europe, and China with decisions on approval expected in 2025Regulatory submission to be completed in Canada by end of 2024 VYVGART now reimbursed in 11 countries in Europe, with new agreements in place in France, Luxembourg, and BelgiumFDA review of VYVGART SC pre-filled syringe (PFS) for gMG and CIDP ongoing with Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of April 10, 2025 Advancing Pipeline to Achieve 10 Labeled Indications by 2030 argenx continues to demonstrate breadth and depth within its immunology pipeline, advancing multiple pipeline-in-a-product candidates. argenx is solidifying its leadership in FcRn biology, with efgartigimod currently in development in 15 indications. argenx is also advancing its first-in-class C2 inhibitor, empasiprubart, which is being evaluated in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), delayed graft function (DGF), dermatomyositis (DM), and CIDP. In addition, argenx is evaluating ARGX-119, a muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) agonist in both congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Registrational studies ongoing of efgartigimod in thyroid eye disease (TED)Registrational studies ongoing to support label-expansion into broader MG, including ADAPT SERON in seronegative gMG and ADAPT OCULUS in ocular MGRegistrational study in primary Sjögren’s disease (SjD) on track to start by end of 2024Confirmatory study of efgartigimod in primary ITP to start by end of 2024 to enable registration in U.S.Topline data from seamless Phase 2/3 ALKIVIA study evaluating efgartigimod across three myositis subsets (immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), and DM) expected by end of 2024Update on BALLAD study development plan evaluating efgartigimod in bullous pemphigoid (BP) expected by end of 2024Decision made to discontinue development of efgartigimod in membranous nephropathy (MN); proof-of concept study ongoing with efgartigimod in lupus nephritis (LN)Proof-of-concept study ongoing with efgartigimod in antibody mediated rejection (AMR), with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to start by end of 2024Registrational study of empasiprubart in MMN to start by end of 2024Additional proof-of-concept studies of empasiprubart ongoing, including VARVARA study in DGF and EMPACIFIC study in DMRegistrational study of empasiprubart in CIDP to start in 2025Ongoing Phase 1b/2a studies of ARGX-119 to assess early signal in patients with CMS and ALS Investing in Immunology Innovation Program to Support Five New Molecules in Phase 3 by 2030 argenx continues to invest in its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP) to drive long-term sustainable pipeline growth. Through the IIP, four new pipeline candidates have been nominated, including: ARGX-213, targeting FcRn and further solidifying argenx’s leadership in this new class of medicine; ARGX-121, a first-in-class molecule targeting IgA; ARGX-109, targeting IL-6, which plays an important role in inflammation, and ARGX-220, a first-in-class sweeping antibody for which the target has not yet been disclosed. Phase 1 studies of ARGX-213 and ARGX-121 expected to start in second half of 2025Investigational new drug (IND) applications for ARGX-220 and ARGX-109 on track to be filed by end of 2025 THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS argenx SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30(in thousands of $ except for shares and EPS) 2024 2023 2024 2023Product net sales $ 572,997 $ 329,097 $ 1,448,915 $ 816,432 Collaboration revenue 239 692 2,905 3,047 Other operating income 15,642 10,050 38,999 31,275 Total operating income $ 588,878 $ 339,839 $ 1,490,819 $ 850,754 Cost of sales $ (59,072) $ (35,999) $ (154,633) $ (78,358)Research and development expenses (235,940) (191,755) (686,195) (553,119)Selling, general and administrative expenses (277,698) (191,930) (769,392) (503,079)Loss from investment in a joint venture (1,981) (743) (5,294) (2,623)Total operating expenses $ (574,691) $ (420,427) $ (1,615,514) $ (1,137,179) Operating profit/(loss) $ 14,187 $ (80,588) $ (124,695) $ (286,425) Financial income $ 40,586 $ 30,049 $ 118,414 $ 67,078 Financial expense (676) (231) (1,760) (626)Exchange gains/(losses) 33,927 (32,509) 6,712 (23,345) Profit/(loss) for the period before taxes $ 88,024 $ (83,279) $ (1,329) $ (243,318)Income tax (expense)/benefit $ 3,386 $ 10,637 $ 60,208 $ 47,437 Profit/(loss) for the period $ 91,410 $ (72,642) $ 58,879 $ (195,881)Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to: Owners of the parent $ 91,410 $ (72,642) $ 58,879 $ (195,881)Weighted average number of shares outstanding 60,087,498 58,128,233 59,633,179 56,512,254 Basic profit/(loss) per share (in $) 1.52 (1.25) 0.99 (3.47)Diluted profit/(loss) per share (in $) 1.39 (1.25) 0.91 (3.47)Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets compared to year-end 2023 and 2022 $ 194,523 $ 993,035 Cash and cash equivalents and current financial assets at the end of the period $ 3,374,367 $ 3,185,583 DETAILS OF THE FINANCIAL RESULTS Total operating income for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $589 million and $1,491 million, respectively, compared to $340 million and $851 million for the same periods in 2023, and mainly consists of: Product net sales of VYVGART for the three months ended and nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $573 million and $1,449 million, compared to $329 million and $816 million for the same periods in 2023.Other operating income for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $16 million and $39 million, respectively, compared to $10 million, and $31 million for the same periods in 2023. The other operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily relates to research and development tax incentives and payroll tax rebates. Total operating expenses for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $575 million and $1,616 million, respectively, compared to $420 million and $1,137 million for the same periods in 2023, and mainly consists of: Cost of sales for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $59 million and $155 million, respectively, compared to $36 million and $78 million for the same periods in 2023. The cost of sales was recognized with respect to the sale of VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo.Research and development expenses for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $236 million and $686 million, respectively, compared to $192 million and $553 million for the same periods in 2023. The research and development expenses mainly relate to external research and development expenses and personnel expenses incurred in the clinical development of efgartigimod in various indications and the expansion of other clinical and preclinical pipeline candidates.Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $278 million and $769 million, respectively, compared to $192 million and $503 million for the same periods in 2023. The selling, general and administrative expenses mainly relate to professional and marketing fees linked to global commercialization of VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo, and personnel expenses. Financial income for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $41 million and $118 million, respectively, compared to $30 million and $67 million for the same periods in 2023. The increase in financial income is mainly due to an increase in interest income on current financial assets and cash and cash equivalents. Exchange gains for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $34 million and $7 million respectively, respectively, compared to $(33) million and $(23) million of exchange losses for the same periods in 2023. Exchange gains/losses are mainly attributable to unrealized exchange rate gains or losses on the cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets position in Euro. Income tax for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $3 million and $60 million of tax benefit, respectively, compared to $11 million and $47 million of tax benefit for the same periods in 2023. Tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 consists of $29 million of income tax expense and $89 million of deferred tax income, compared to $24 million of income tax expense and $71 million of deferred tax income for the comparable prior period. Net income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024, was $91 million and $59 million, respectively, compared to a net loss of $(73) million and $(196) million over the prior year periods. On a per weighted average share basis, the earnings per share was $0.99 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and a net loss per share of $(3.47) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets totaled $3.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2023. The increases in cash and cash equivalents and current financial assets over the period was from financing activities due to the exercise of stock options which is offset by net cash flows used in operating and investing activities. FINANCIAL GUIDANCE With the increase in cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets in the quarter and year-to-date, the previously issued cash guidance no longer applies. The financial guidance on the combined selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses remains unchanged at approximately $2 billion. EXPECTED 2024 FINANCIAL CALENDAR February 27, 2025: Full-year 2024 financial results and 4Q 2024 business update CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS The third quarter 2024 financial results and business update will be discussed during a conference call and webcast presentation today at 1:30 pm CET/8:30 am ET. A webcast of the live call and replay may be accessed on the Investors section of the argenx website at argenx.com/investors. Dial-in numbers: Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the live call. Belgium 32 800 50 201France 33 800 943355Netherlands 31 20 795 1090United Kingdom 44 800 358 0970United States 1 888 415 4250Japan 81 3 4578 9081Switzerland 41 43 210 11 32 About argenx argenx is a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. Partnering with leading academic researchers through its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP), argenx aims to translate immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. argenx developed and is commercializing the first approved neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker in the U.S., Japan, Israel, the EU, the UK, China and Canada. The Company is evaluating efgartigimod in multiple serious autoimmune diseases and advancing several earlier stage experimental medicines within its therapeutic franchises. For more information, visit www.argenx.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. For further information, please contact: Media: Ben Petokbpetok@argenx.com Investors:Alexandra Roy (US)aroy@argenx.com Lynn Elton (EU)lelton@argenx.com Forward-looking Statements The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “aim,” “achieve,” “advance,” “bring,” “complete,” “expect,” “initiate,” “plan,” “reach,” “start,” “support,” “to be,” or “will,” and include statements argenx makes regarding its goal to reach more gMG patients in an early-line setting; its growth opportunity; its Vision 2030 plan, including (1) transforming the treatment of autoimmune diseases by strengthening its leadership in FcRn biology, (2) investing in its continuous pipeline of differentiated antibody candidates, (3) scaling in a disciplined way to ensure innovation, and (4) reaching 50,000 patients globally with an argenx medicine, 10 labeled indications across all approved assets, and five new molecules in Phase 3 development; the advancement of anticipated clinical development, data readouts and regulatory milestones and plans, including (1) the anticipated timing of additional VYVGART regulatory decisions on approval for gMG in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, (2) the anticipated timing of VYVGART SC regulatory submissions for CIDP, including decisions on approval in China, Japan, and Europe and an anticipated regulatory submission filing in Canada, (3) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a registrational study for efgartigimod in primary SjD, (4) the anticipated timing of a confirmatory study of efgartigimod in primary ITP, (5) the anticipated timing of topline data from Phase 2/3 ALKIVIA study evaluating efgartigimod across three myositis subsets, (6) the anticipated timing of an update on the BALLAD study development plan evaluating efgartigimod in BP, (7) the anticipated timing of proof-of-concept study data for efgartigimod in LN, (8) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a study on efgartimod in SSc, (9) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a registrational study of empasiprubart for MMN, (9) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a registrational study of empasiprubart in CIDP, (10) the anticipated timing of the initiation of Phase 1 studies of ARGX-213 and ARGX-121, (11) the anticipated timing of the filing of investigational new drug applications for ARGX-220 and ARGX-109; the advancement of empasiprubart; its 2024 selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses; the anticipated timing of releases of future financial results and business updates; and its goal of translating immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. argenx’s actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the results of argenx's clinical trials; expectations regarding the inherent uncertainties associated with the development of novel drug therapies; preclinical and clinical trial and product development activities and regulatory approval requirements in products and product candidates; the acceptance of argenx's products and product candidates by patients as safe, effective and cost-effective; the impact of governmental laws and regulations on our business; disruptions caused on our reliance of third parties suppliers, service provides and manufacturing; inflation and deflation and the corresponding fluctuations in interest rates; and regional instability and conflicts. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in argenx’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in argenx’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC as well as subsequent filings and reports filed by argenx with the SEC. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. argenx undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the information in this press release, including any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.