$737 million in fourth quarter and $2.2 billion
in full year global product net sales
Received positive CHMP recommendation for VYVGART
pre-filled syringe for gMG, enabling launch in the EU; FDA PDUFA
(gMG and CIDP) on track for April 10
10 Phase 3 and 10 Phase 2 studies across pipeline
ongoing in 2025, positioning for next wave of growth
Recognized one-time tax benefit of $725 million
related to previously unrecognized deferred tax assets
Management to host conference call today at 2:30
PM CET (8:30 AM ET)
February 27, 2025 7:00 AM 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 reported
financial results for the full year 2024 and provided a fourth
quarter business update.
"In 2024, we significantly expanded our global
patient reach with VYVGART, surpassing 10,000 patients across three
indications,” said Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of
argenx. “We are extremely proud of the initial launch efforts of
VYVGART Hytrulo in CIDP, where the strength of our data has driven
early positive feedback from both patients and physicians. This
execution has contributed to our position of financial strength as
we expect to become a profitable company in 2025. We are now more
committed than ever to advancing our mission of transforming the
autoimmune treatment landscape by investing in innovation, and
leading with our science. Momentum across our business is off to a
strong start this year as we continue to execute on our Vision
2030. We are focused on maximizing commercial opportunities in gMG
and CIDP, including advancing the pre-filled syringe in multiple
regions, expanding our label in MG, and deepening relationships
within the CIDP community to explore VYVGART Hytrulo’s long-term
potential. With an expansive pipeline, we are also excited to drive
forward 10 Phase 3 and 10 Phase 2 studies in 2025 across
efgartigimod, empasiprubart, and ARGX-119, to unlock significant
opportunities in high unmet need areas.”
Advancing Vision 2030
argenx has established its commercial and
clinical strategic priorities to advance “Vision 2030”. Through
this vision, argenx aims to treat 50,000 patients globally with its
medicines, secure 10 labeled indications across all approved
medicines, and advance five pipeline candidates into Phase 3
development by 2030.
Expand the global VYVGART opportunity
and launch VYVGART SC as a pre-filled syringe
VYVGART® (IV: efgartigimod alfa-fcab and SC:
efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is a first-in-class FcRn
blocker approved in three indications, including generalized
myasthenia gravis (gMG) globally, primary immune thrombocytopenia
(ITP) in Japan, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyneuropathy (CIDP) in the U.S., Japan, and China. argenx plans
to drive commercial growth by expanding into new regions;
innovating on the patient experience by advancing its pre-filled
syringe (PFS) in multiple markets for CIDP and gMG in 2025 and
autoinjector in 2027; and reaching broader MG populations with
ongoing studies in seronegative, ocular, and pediatric MG.
- Generated global
product net sales (inclusive of both VYVGART and VYVGART SC) of
$737 million in fourth quarter and $2.2 billion in full year of
2024
- Multiple VYVGART
regulatory submissions completed for gMG, including:
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
approved VYVGART (IV) for gMG in South Korea through Handok
Inc.
- Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA)
approved VYVGART (IV and SC) for gMG in Australia
- Four key
regulatory decisions on approval for PFS on track for 2025:
- Received
positive CHMP recommendation for approval of PFS for gMG, enabling
launch in the EU
- FDA review
ongoing of PFS for gMG and CIDP with Prescription Drug User Fee Act
(PDUFA) target action date of April 10, 2025
- PFS decision on
approval for CIDP in the EU expected in first half of 2025
- PFS decision on
approval for gMG and CIDP expected in Japan and Canada in second
half of 2025
- Evidence
generation through Phase 4 and label-enabling studies in MG, CIDP
and ITP:
- Topline results
expected in second half of 2025 for seronegative gMG (ADAPT-SERON)
and first half of 2026 for ocular and pediatric MG (ADAPT-OCULUS,
JR)
- Phase 4 switch
study ongoing in CIDP to inform treatment decisions when switching
patients on IVIg to VYVGART SC
- ADVANCE-NEXT
topline results expected in second half of 2026 to support FDA
submission of VYVGART IV for primary ITP
Execute 10 registrational and 10
proof-of-concept studies across efgartigimod, empasiprubart and
ARGX-119 to advance the next wave of launches
argenx continues to demonstrate breadth and
depth within its immunology pipeline, advancing multiple
first-in-class product candidates with potential across high-need
indications. argenx is solidifying its leadership in FcRn biology
with efgartigimod, complement inhibition with empasiprubart and in
the role of MuSK at the neuromuscular junction with ARGX-119.
Efgartigimod Development
Efgartigimod is being evaluated in 15 severe
autoimmune diseases (including MG, CIDP, and ITP), exploring the
significance of FcRn biology across neurology and rheumatology
indications, as well as new therapeutic areas.
- Registrational
ALKIVIA study ongoing evaluating three myositis subsets
(immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), anti-synthetase
syndrome (ASyS), and dermatomyositis (DM)); topline results
expected in second half of 2026
- Two
registrational UplighTED studies ongoing in thyroid eye disease
(TED); topline results expected in second half of 2026
- Registrational
UNITY study ongoing in primary Sjögren’s disease; topline results
expected in 2027
- Proof-of-concept
studies ongoing in lupus nephritis (LN), systemic sclerosis (SSc)
and antibody mediated rejection (AMR); topline results expected in
LN in fourth quarter of 2025, SSc in second half of 2026, and AMR
in 2027
- Next nominated
indications include autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) and one that is
undisclosed
Empasiprubart Development
Empasiprubart is currently being evaluated in
four diseases, including registrational studies in multifocal motor
neuropathy (MMN) and CIDP and proof-of-concept studies in delayed
graft function (DGF) and DM.
- Registrational
EMPASSION study ongoing in MMN evaluating empasiprubart
head-to-head versus IVIg; topline results expected in second half
of 2026
- Registrational
EMVIGORATE study in CIDP evaluating empasiprubart head-to-head
versus IVIg expected to start in first half of 2025
- Proof-of-concept
studies ongoing in DGF and DM; topline results expected for DGF in
second half of 2025 and for DM in first half of 2026
ARGX-119 Development
ARGX-119 is being evaluated in congenital
myasthenic syndromes (CMS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
- Phase 1b
proof-of-concept study ongoing in CMS; topline results expected in
second half of 2025
- Phase 2a proof-of-concept study
ongoing in ALS; topline results expected in first half of 2026
- SMA proof-of-concept study on track
to start in 2025
Advance four new pipeline molecules and
generate sustainable value through continued investment in
Immunology Innovation Program
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 results expected for
ARGX-109 in second half of 2025 and for ARGX-213 and ARGX-121 in
first half of 2026
Don deBethizy to retire as non-executive
director, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, and Vice Chair of
the Company’s Board of Directors, effective May 27,
2025.
Mr. deBethizy has served as a non-executive
director since 2015. He will be succeeded by Ana Cespedes as Chair
of the Remuneration Committee and Tony Rosenberg as Vice Chair of
the Board of Directors.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to
Don for his significant contributions during his tenure with
argenx. He has been a true champion of our culture, guiding us
through several key milestones on our growth journey, while
supporting our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to
innovation.” commented Mr. Van Hauwermeiren.
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024
FINANCIAL RESULTS
argenx SE
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
|
December 31 |
|
December 31 |
(in thousands of $ except for shares and EPS) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
Product net sales |
|
$ |
736,968 |
|
$ |
374,351 |
|
$ |
2,185,883 |
|
$ |
1,190,783 |
Collaboration revenue |
|
|
1,443 |
|
|
32,486 |
|
|
4,348 |
|
|
35,533 |
Other operating income |
|
|
22,809 |
|
|
11,003 |
|
|
61,808 |
|
|
42,278 |
Total operating
income |
|
|
761,220 |
|
|
417,840 |
|
|
2,252,039 |
|
|
1,268,594 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales |
|
$ |
(72,656) |
|
$ |
(39,477) |
|
$ |
(227,289) |
|
$ |
(117,835) |
Research and development
expenses |
|
|
(297,228) |
|
|
(306,373) |
|
|
(983,423) |
|
|
(859,492) |
Selling, general and
administrative expenses |
|
|
(285,945) |
|
|
(208,826) |
|
|
(1,055,337) |
|
|
(711,905) |
Loss from investment in a
joint venture |
|
|
(2,350) |
|
|
(1,788) |
|
|
(7,644) |
|
|
(4,411) |
Total operating
expenses |
|
|
(658,179) |
|
|
(556,464) |
|
|
(2,273,693) |
|
|
(1,693,643) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
profit/(loss) |
|
$ |
103,041 |
|
$ |
(138,624) |
|
$ |
(21,654) |
|
$ |
(425,049) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial income |
|
$ |
39,095 |
|
$ |
40,308 |
|
$ |
157,509 |
|
$ |
107,386 |
Financial expense |
|
|
(704) |
|
|
(280) |
|
|
(2,464) |
|
|
(906) |
Exchange (losses)/gains |
|
|
(54,923) |
|
|
37,418 |
|
|
(48,211) |
|
|
14,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit/(loss) for the
period before taxes |
|
$ |
86,509 |
|
$ |
(61,178) |
|
$ |
85,180 |
|
$ |
(304,496) |
Income tax
benefit/(expense) |
|
$ |
687,652 |
|
$ |
(37,994) |
|
$ |
747,860 |
|
$ |
9,443 |
Profit/(loss) for the
period |
|
$ |
774,161 |
|
$ |
(99,172) |
|
$ |
833,040 |
|
$ |
(295,053) |
Profit/(loss) for the
period attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent |
|
$ |
774,161 |
|
$ |
(99,172) |
|
$ |
833,040 |
|
$ |
(295,053) |
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding used for basic profit/loss per share |
|
|
60,517,968 |
|
|
59,118,827 |
|
|
59,855,585 |
|
|
57,169,253 |
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding used for diluted profit/loss per share |
|
|
65,661,428 |
|
|
59,118,827 |
|
|
65,177,815 |
|
|
57,169,253 |
Basic profit/(loss) per share
(in $) |
|
$ |
12.79 |
|
$ |
(1.68) |
|
$ |
13.92 |
|
$ |
(5.16) |
Diluted profit/(loss) per
share (in $) |
|
$ |
11.79 |
|
$ |
(1.68) |
|
$ |
12.78 |
|
$ |
(5.16) |
DETAILS OF THE FINANCIAL
RESULTS
Total operating income for the
three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $761
million and $2,252 million, respectively, compared to $418 million
and $1,269 million for the same periods in 2023, and mainly
consists of:
- Product
net sales of VYVGART and VYVGART SC for the three and
twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $737 million and
$2,186 million, respectively, compared to $374 million and $1,191
million for the same periods in 2023.
- Collaboration
revenue for the three and twelve months ended
December 31, 2024 was $1 million and $4 million, respectively,
compared to $32 million and $36 million for the same periods in
2023. Collaboration revenue for 2024 mainly relates to our
collaboration with Zai Lab in China.
- Other
operating income for the three and twelve months ended
December 31, 2024 was $23 million and $62 million,
respectively, compared to $11 million, and $42 million for the same
periods in 2023. The other operating income primarily relates to
research and development tax incentives and payroll tax
rebates.
Total operating expenses for
the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $658
million and $2,274 million, respectively, compared to $556 million
and $1,694 million for the same periods in 2023, and mainly
consists of:
- Cost of
sales for the three and twelve months ended
December 31, 2024 was $73 million and $227 million,
respectively, compared to $39 million and $118 million for the same
periods in 2023. The cost of sales was recognized with respect to
the sale of VYVGART and VYVGART SC.
- Research
and development expenses for the three and twelve months
ended December 31, 2024 were $297 million and $983 million,
respectively, compared to $306 million and $859 million for the
same periods in 2023. The expenses mainly relate to:
- the clinical
development and expansion of efgartigimod in 15 severe autoimmune
diseases including MG, CIDP and ITP
- the ramp-up of
studies for our development of empasiprubart into MMN, DGF, DM and
CIDP
- the investments
for ARGX-119 in proof-of-concept studies ongoing in ALS and
CMS
- other discovery
and preclinical pipeline candidates
- Selling,
general and administrative expenses for the three and
twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $286 million and
$1,055 million, respectively, compared to $209 million and $712
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 the VYVGART franchise,
and personnel expenses.
Financial income for the three
and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $39 million and
$158 million, respectively, compared to $40 million and $107
million for the same periods in 2023.
Exchange losses for the three
and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $55 million and
$48 million respectively, compared to exchange gains of $37 million
and $14 million for the same periods in 2023. Exchange gains or
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 benefit
The Company recorded a deferred tax benefit of
$802 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 of which
$725 million relates to a one-time non-recurring recognition of
previously unrecognized deferred tax assets existing as of December
31, 2023. This recognition results from the Company’s
determination, in the fourth quarter of 2024, that it was probable
that future taxable profits will be available for use of
unrecognized deferred tax assets.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
|
December 31 |
|
December 31 |
(in millions of $) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
Current tax (expense)/benefit |
|
$ |
(25) |
|
|
12 |
|
|
(54) |
|
|
(12) |
Deferred tax
benefit/(expense) |
|
|
713 |
|
|
(50) |
|
|
802 |
|
|
21 |
Income tax
benefit/(expense) |
|
$ |
688 |
|
|
(38) |
|
|
748 |
|
|
9 |
Profit for the period of the
three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $774
million and $833 million, respectively, compared to a loss of $99
million and $295 million over the prior periods. On a per weighted
average share basis, the basic profit per share was $13.92 for the
year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a basic loss per
share of $5.16 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
Based on its current operating plans, argenx
expects its combined research and development and selling, general
and administrative expenses in 2025 to be approximately $2.5
billion.
EXPECTED 2025 FINANCIAL
CALENDAR
- May 8, 2025: Q1
2025 financial results and business update
- May 27, 2025:
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in Amsterdam, the
Netherlands
- July 31, 2025:
Half Year and Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Business
Update
- October 30,
2025: Q3 2025 financial results and business update
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The full year 2024 financial results and
business update will be discussed during a conference call and
webcast presentation today at 2:30 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 1 800
715 9871 Japan
81 3 4578
9081Switzerland
41 43 210 11 32
This press release contains inside
information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market
Abuse Regulation (Regulation 596/2014).
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 and is
evaluating its broad potential in multiple serious autoimmune
diseases while 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
“advance,” “aim,” “believe,” “continue,” “drive,” “expand,”
“expect,” “plan,” “position,” “start,” and “strive” and include
statements argenx makes regarding its expected profitability in
2025; its mission to transform the autoimmune treatment landscape
by investing in innovation and its goal to lead in science; its
focus on maximizing commercial opportunities in gMG and CIDP,
including by advancing PFS in multiple regions, expanding its label
in gMG and deepening relationships within the CIDP community; its
plan to unlock significant opportunities in high unmet need areas;
its long-term commitments, including its Vision 2030 goals of
treating 50,000 patients globally with its medicines, securing 10
labeled indications across all approved medicines, and advancing
five pipeline candidates into Phase 3 development by 2030; its
plans to drive commercial growth by expanding VYVGART into new
regions, advance its PFS in multiple markets for CIDP and MG in
2025 and autoinjector in 2027, and reach broader MG populations
with ongoing studies in seronegative, ocular, and pediatric MG; the
advancement of anticipated clinical development, data readouts and
regulatory milestones and plans, including: (1) four key regulatory
decisions on approval for PFS expected in 2025; (2) PFS decision on
approval for gMG and CIDP expected in Japan and Canada in second
half of 2025 and for CIDP expected in the EU in first half of 2025;
and (3) ongoing evidence generation through Phase 4 and
label-enabling studies in MG, CIDP and ITP, including topline
results for seronegative gMG expected in second half of 2025 and
those for ocular and pediatric MG expected in first half of 2026,
ongoing Phase 4 switch study in CIDP, and ongoing ADVANCE-NEXT
confirmatory study of VYVGART IV in primary ITP with topline
results expected in second half of 2026; its plans to execute 10
registrational and 10 proof-of-concept studies across efgartigimod,
empasiprubart and ARGX-119 in 2025 to advance the next wave of
launches; its plans to develop efgartigimod, including: (1) the
ongoing registrational ALKIVIA study evaluating IMNM, ASyS, and DM,
with topline results expected in second half of 2026; (2) two
ongoing registrational UplighTED studies in TED, with topline
results expected in second half of 2026; (3) Registrational UNITY
study in primary Sjögren’s disease, with topline results expected
in 2027; (4) ongoing proof-of-concept studies in LN, SSc, and AMR,
with topline results expected in fourth quarter of 2025, second
half of 2026, and 2027, respectively; and (5) the next nominated
indications of AIE and one undisclosed disease to enter clinical
studies; its plans to develop empasiprubart, including: (1)
registrational EMPASSION study in MMN, with topline results
expected in second half of 2026; (2) registrational EMVIGORATE
study in CIDP, expected to start in first half of 2025; and (3)
proof-of-concept studies in DGF and DM, with topline results
expected in second half of 2025 and first half of 2026,
respectively; its plans to develop ARGX-119, including: (1)
proof-of-concept study in CMS, with topline results expected in
second half of 2025; (2) Phase 2a proof-of-concept study in ALS,
with topline results expected in first half of 2026; and (3) SMA
proof-of-concept study, expected to start in 2025; the expected
start and timeline of Phase 1 studies of ARGX-109 in second half of
2025 and ARGX-213 and ARGX-121 in first half of 2026; the expected
change from Mr. deBethizy to Ms. Cespedes as the Chair of the
Remuneration Committee; the potential of its continued investment
in its IIP to drive long-term sustainable pipeline growth; its
future financial and operating performance, including its
anticipated research and development, selling, general and
administrative expenses for 2025; 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 but
not limited to, 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; the acceptance of its products and product candidates
by its patients as safe, effective and cost-effective; the impact
of governmental laws and regulations on its business; its reliance
on third-party suppliers, service providers and manufacturers;
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.
argenx (NASDAQ:ARGX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2025 to Mar 2025
argenx (NASDAQ:ARGX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Mar 2025