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TICKERS: ARGX

Analyst Says Buy Before Biotech Co.'s Clinical Trials
Research Report

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Argenx SE has "several upcoming catalysts," noted a Wedbush report.

Argenx SE's (ARGX:NASDAQ) drug for generalized myasthenia gravis, efgartigimod (Vyvgart), in subcutaneous form, "is coming soon to a clinic near you," reported Wedbush analyst Dr. David Nierengarten in a September 21, 2022 research note. The company just submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration a biologics license application (BLA) for the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of efgartigimod to complement the intravenous (IV) version already on the market.

Wedbush has an Outperform rating and a US$410 per share price target on Argenx, the stock of which is currently trading at about US$351.76 per share.

 

 

 

 

"We continue to believe that Argenx should be able to capitalize on its first mover advantage," Nierengarten added.

The Netherlands-based company's BLA package included positive data from the Phase 3 ADAPT-SC trial, which showed SC efgartigimod's "noninferiority" to IV Vyvgart, noted Nierengarten. On Day 29, SC efgartigimod 100 milligrams per kilogram (100 mg/kg) lowered total immunoglobulin G by 66.4% compared to 62.2% with 10 mg/kg of IV Vyvgart.

Additionally, SC efgartigimod showed equal or better efficacy than intravenous Vyvgart in the secondary endpoints of Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living scale score, 69.1% SC versus 69.1% IV, and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score, 65.5% SC vs. 51.9% IV.

"We would be buyers ahead of these data," recommended Nierengarten.

"An approval of SC efgartigimod would improve dosing convenience for both patients and physicians alike, further enhancing its competitive profile compared with Ultomiris (C5 inhibitor, IV), which requires less frequent dosing than IV Vyvgart," Nierengarten noted.

Other potential competitors are UCB's clinical-stage zilucoplan and rozanolixizumab, but, Nierengarten wrote, "we believe Vyvgart has the most competitive profile from a benefit-risk perspective based on cross-trial comparisons."

The analyst pointed out that the immunology solutions firm has several upcoming catalysts outside of its myasthenia gravis program. The include topline results from three clinical trials evaluating subcutaneous efgartigimod in different indications:

  • ADHERE, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, data due out in Q1/23
  • ADVANCE, primary immune thrombocytopenia, data expected in H2/23
  • ADDRESS, pemphigus vulgaris, and foliaceus, data anticipated in H2/23

"We would be buyers ahead of these data," recommended Nierengarten.

Wedbush has an Outperform rating and a US$410 per share price target on Argenx, the stock of which is currently trading at about US$351.76 per share.


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1) Doresa Banning wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.

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Disclosures For Wedbush Securities, arGEN-X N.V, September 21, 2022

Analyst Certification: We, David Nierengarten and Dennis Pak, certify that the views expressed in this report accurately reflect our personal opinions and that we have not and will not, directly or indirectly, receive compensation or other payments in connection with our specific recommendations or views contained in this report.

Company Specific Disclosures:
1. WS makes a market in the securities of arGEN-X N.V..
3. WS co-managed a public offering of securities for arGEN-X N.V. within the last 12 months.
4. WS has received compensation for investment banking services from arGEN-X N.V. within the last 12 months.
5. WS provided arGEN-X N.V. with investment banking services within the last 12 months.

Other Disclosures: The information herein is based on sources that we consider reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. The information contained herein is not a representation by this corporation, nor is any recommendation made herein based on any privileged information. This information is not intended to be nor should it be relied upon as a complete record or analysis: neither is it an offer nor a solicitation of an offer to sell or buy any security mentioned herein. This firm, Wedbush Securities, its officers, employees, and members of their families, or any one or more of them, and its discretionary and advisory accounts, may have a position in any security discussed herein or in related securities and may make, from time to time, purchases or sales thereof in the open market or otherwise. The information and expressions of opinion contained herein are subject to change without further notice.

The herein mentioned securities may be sold to or bought from customers on a principal basis by this firm. Additional information with respect to the information contained herein may be obtained upon request. Wedbush Securities does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. Thus, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report asonly a single factor in making their investment decision. 




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