Summary of Argenx Update / Briefing on September 16, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Argenx (NasdaqGS: ARGX) - **Focus**: Development of argenx 119, a Musk agonist targeting neuromuscular junction diseases Key Points and Arguments Industry and Product Development - Argenx is spotlighting argenx 119, which is moving into a registrational study for Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS) after a GO decision in June 2025 [2][4] - The company aims to be involved in 50,000 patients across all medicines by 2030, with 10 labeled indications and 5 new late-stage studies [4] - Argenx 119 is part of a broader vision to bring transformational biology to patients, with a focus on foundational components of the immune system [5][6] Clinical Trials and Data - Argenx 119 is currently in phase 3 trials for CMS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) [5][8] - The company has a data-rich approach to developing treatments for CMS, utilizing digital sensors to gather real-world data from patients [10][68] - A phase 1B study enrolled 16 patients with CMS, showing a favorable safety profile and proof of biology, leading to plans for a registrational study [72][80] Mechanism of Action - Argenx 119 targets muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), which is crucial for the formation and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions [17][20] - The drug promotes MuSK activation, leading to clustering of acetylcholine receptors, which is essential for muscle contraction [17][20] - The mechanism is particularly relevant for patients with congenital myasthenic syndromes caused by mutations affecting neuromuscular junction proteins [21][22] Collaboration and Innovation - The development of argenx 119 involved collaboration with key opinion leaders and researchers, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in advancing drug development [6][19] - The Immunology Innovation Program (IIP) has been instrumental in sourcing novel biology and driving transformational outcomes [6][7] Patient Impact and Testimonials - The briefing included a patient testimonial highlighting the severe impact of CMS and the lack of effective treatments, underscoring the urgency of developing argenx 119 [63][66] - The company aims to empower patients and improve their quality of life through innovative treatments [68][81] Future Directions - Argenx is exploring additional indications for argenx 119 beyond CMS, including ALS, where there are currently no effective treatments available [58][59] - The company plans to continue leveraging data from ongoing studies to refine treatment approaches and enhance patient outcomes [70][80] Additional Important Content - The neuromuscular junction's biology and the role of various proteins, including Agrin, LRP4, and DOK7, were discussed, emphasizing the complexity of neuromuscular diseases [12][13][16] - The collaboration between academic researchers and Argenx has led to significant advancements in understanding neuromuscular junction biology and developing targeted therapies [44][46] This summary encapsulates the key points from the Argenx briefing, focusing on the company's strategic direction, product development, clinical trial outcomes, and the broader implications for patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases.

Core Insights - Multiple biotech companies are experiencing significant stock price increases, reaching new 52-week highs due to clinical advancements, regulatory milestones, and strategic funding initiatives [1] Company Summaries Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMLX) - On September 10, 2025, Amylyx reached a new 52-week high of $12.25, a substantial increase from its previous low of $2.47 [2] - The company announced a $175 million underwritten public offering of common stock, consisting of 17.5 million shares priced at $10.00 each, with an option for underwriters to purchase an additional 2.625 million shares [3] - Proceeds from the offering will support the commercial launch of avexitide, currently in Phase 3 trials, and fund ongoing research and development, general corporate purposes, and working capital [3] - Despite discontinuing the ORION program for AMX0035 due to disappointing results, Amylyx continues to advance other candidates, including AMX0035 for Wolfram syndrome and AMX0114 for ALS [4] Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMRX) - On September 10, 2025, Amneal's stock reached a new 52-week high of $9.97 during intraday trading, closing at $9.82, reflecting a slight decline of 0.71% from the previous close [4][5] - The stock's performance is supported by the approval of its risperidone extended-release injectable suspension, enhancing its central nervous system portfolio [5] - Amneal is awaiting FDA decisions on biosimilar candidates for denosumab, with potential regulatory approval expected later in 2025, which could significantly boost revenue [6] - The company is also expanding its specialty portfolio with the rollout of Brekiya and the adoption of CREXONT, alongside a collaboration with Metsera to develop GLP-1 therapies [6] argenx SE (ARGX) - On September 10, 2025, argenx reached a new 52-week high of $779.03, closing slightly lower at $762.89, reflecting a modest intraday decline of 0.54% [7] - The increase in share price follows positive topline results from the ADAPT-SERON trial for VYVGART in seronegative generalized myasthenia gravis, which met its primary endpoint [8] - The successful trial positions argenx to pursue FDA label expansion for VYVGART, potentially broadening its market reach and revenue [8][9] - Upcoming milestones include an R&D spotlight webinar on ARGX-119 and expected label expansion decisions for VYVGART-SC in Japan and Canada by year-end [10]

Financial Performance & Profitability - Total revenues for 2Q'25 reached $110.0 million, a 9% increase year-over-year[56] - Adjusted loss from operations improved by 37% year-over-year, from $(54.485) million in 2Q'24 to $(34.187) million in 2Q'25[10, 86] - The company is on track to achieve profitability in 4Q'25, referring to adjusted income from operations[10, 18] - Cash position remains strong at $832.3 million as of June 30, 2025[10] Key Products & Pipeline Updates - VYVGART/VYVGART Hytrulo sales grew 14% year-over-year, reaching $26.5 million in 2Q'25, driven by increased market penetration and extension of DoT[56, 59] - ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC) showed a 67% ORR in 2L SCLC across all doses and 79% ORR with 1.6 mg/kg (n=14)[42] - Bemarituzumab met the primary endpoint of overall survival in the global Ph3 FORTITUDE-101 study[10, 32] - KarXT's China NDA was accepted in January 2025, showing early and sustained reduction of positive and negative symptoms[26] Strategic Focus & Future Outlook - The company aims to unlock the blockbuster potential of VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo through execution excellence, targeting increased HCP coverage and supplemental insurance coverage[19, 20] - Multiple revenue inflections are expected through 2030, with an expected $2 billion revenue in 2028[18] - Zai Lab plans to initiate a global pivotal study of ZL-1310 in 2L ES-SCLC in 2H'25[15, 40]

Financial Performance - Product net sales for Q2 2025 reached $949 million, demonstrating a 97% growth compared to Q2 2024[13, 14, 15] - US product net sales in Q2 2025 were $802 million, a 97% increase from $407 million in Q2 2024[15] - Japan's product net sales grew significantly to $52 million in Q2 2025, a 138% increase compared to $20 million in Q2 2024[15] - Rest of World (RoW) product net sales increased to $83 million in Q2 2025, a 119% increase from $37 million in Q2 2024[15] - Total operating income for Q2 2025 was $967 million, compared to $489 million in Q2 2024[18] - The company ended Q2 2025 with $3.9 billion in cash, including $2.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $1.8 billion in current financial assets[19, 33] Strategic Goals and Pipeline - The company aims to reach 50,000 patients globally across 10 labeled indications by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 strategy[4, 8] - The company is advancing three new molecules into Phase 1 clinical trials[8] - The company has approximately 15,000 patients treated globally[8] - The company is focused on expanding the addressable market for MG (myasthenia gravis) to up to 60,000 patients by 2030[4, 25, 26]

Core Insights - argenx SE has reported significant progress in its product VYVGART, with over 2,500 patients currently receiving treatment globally, and aims to expand its market presence in myasthenia gravis (MG) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) [1][2] - The company is advancing its Vision 2030 strategy, targeting treatment for 50,000 patients globally and securing 10 labeled indications across its medicines by 2030 [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, argenx generated global product net sales of $949 million, reflecting a 97% year-over-year growth from Q2 2024 and a 19% increase from Q1 2025 [4][18] - Total operating income for the first half of 2025 was $1.775 billion, compared to $901 million in the same period of 2024 [17] - The company reported a profit of $245 million for Q2 2025, compared to a profit of $29 million in Q2 2024, and a profit of $414 million for the first half of 2025, compared to a loss of $33 million in the same period of 2024 [20] Product Development and Pipeline - VYVGART is approved for three indications: generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Japan, and CIDP in multiple regions including the U.S. and EU [4] - The company has six registrational and six proof-of-concept readouts expected by the end of 2026, with ongoing studies in various severe autoimmune diseases [6][12] - ARGX-119 is set to advance to a registrational study in congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) following positive proof-of-concept data [1][12] Strategic Initiatives - argenx is focused on expanding the global opportunity for VYVGART and has launched the VYVGART SC prefilled syringe, which is expected to drive demand from new patients and prescribers [2][4] - The company has entered a strategic collaboration with Unnatural Products to enhance its discovery capabilities in the oral peptide space, reinforcing its commitment to advancing its pipeline [15] Future Outlook - The company aims to continue its investment in the Immunology Innovation Program (IIP) to drive long-term sustainable pipeline growth, with four new pipeline candidates nominated [10] - Financial guidance for combined research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses remains unchanged at approximately $2.5 billion [22]

Financial Performance - Zai Lab Limited reported revenue of $106.49 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 22.2% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was -$0.45, an improvement from -$0.55 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $117.09 million by 9.06% [1] - The EPS exceeded the consensus estimate of -$0.50 by 10.00% [1] Key Metrics - Product revenue for ZEJULA was $49.53 million, surpassing the average estimate of $48.32 million from three analysts [4] - Product revenue for OPTUNE reached $11.36 million, exceeding the average estimate of $8.35 million [4] - Product revenue for VYVGART was $18.11 million, falling short of the average estimate of $31.75 million [4] - Product revenue for NUZYRA was $15.12 million, slightly above the average estimate of $14.39 million [4] - Product revenue for QINLOCK was $8.51 million, exceeding the average estimate of $8.21 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Zai Lab Limited have returned +4.8% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +11.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - argenx SE reported $790 million in global product net sales for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 99% increase year-over-year from $398 million in Q1 2024 [4][22] - The company is advancing its "Vision 2030" strategy, aiming to treat 50,000 patients across 10 labeled indications and to progress 10 Phase 2 and 10 Phase 3 studies [2][3] - The recent approval of the VYVGART-SC pre-filled syringe for self-injection in the U.S. and EU is expected to enhance patient access and treatment adoption [4][5] Financial Performance - Total operating income for Q1 2025 was $807 million, up from $413 million in Q1 2024 [15] - Total operating expenses increased to $668 million in Q1 2025 from $506 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to higher research and development costs [16][22] - The company reported a profit of $169 million for Q1 2025, compared to a loss of $62 million in the same period of 2024, resulting in a profit per share of $2.78 [19][22] Product Development and Pipeline - Efgartigimod is being evaluated in 15 severe autoimmune diseases, with ongoing studies in multiple therapeutic areas [6] - Empasiprubart is in registrational studies for multifocal motor neuropathy and CIDP, with proof-of-concept studies in delayed graft function and dermatomyositis [7] - ARGX-119 is being studied for congenital myasthenic syndromes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy [8] Regulatory and Market Expansion - The company received a positive opinion from the CHMP for VYVGART-SC in the EU, with further approvals expected in Japan and Canada by the end of 2025 [4][5] - The launch of the VYVGART-SC pre-filled syringe is anticipated to support growth in both generalized myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [4][5] - Ongoing studies aim to expand treatment options for broader patient populations, including seronegative, ocular, and pediatric myasthenia gravis [4][5] Future Outlook - argenx plans to execute 10 registrational and 10 proof-of-concept studies across its pipeline candidates, with key insights expected from various studies by the end of 2025 and into 2026 [2][29] - The company continues to invest in its Immunology Innovation Program, with four new pipeline candidates nominated for development [12][29] - Financial guidance for combined selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses remains unchanged at approximately $2.5 billion [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for 2024 grew 50% year-on-year, with a remarkable 66% growth in Q4 [9][16] - Loss from operations improved by 45% in Q4 and 23% for the full year [14][57] - Cash position at the end of the quarter was $879.7 million, supporting future growth [14][58] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VYVGART generated $93.6 million in sales for 2024, marking a successful launch [9][17] - ZEJULA and NUZYRA also contributed to revenue growth, with ZEJULA being the leading PARP inhibitor for ovarian cancer in China [27][31] - New product launches, including VYVGART Hytrulo, AUGTYRO, and XACDURO, are expected to drive future revenue [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - VYVGART's market penetration in China is currently under 10%, indicating significant growth potential [24] - Approximately 170,000 gMG patients in China present a large market opportunity for VYVGART [24] - The upcoming update to national gMG guidelines in mid-2025 is expected to enhance VYVGART's market position [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a five-year CAGR of 50% through 2028, with a target of reaching $2 billion in revenue by 2028 [8][14] - Focus on advancing a global pipeline with multiple product launches and regulatory submissions planned for 2025 [10][12] - Emphasis on optimizing cost structure while investing in key growth drivers [13][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving profitability by Q4 2025, supported by strong revenue growth and operational efficiency [14][59] - The company is positioned at a major value inflection point, with a commitment to innovation and execution excellence [14][32] - Anticipated strong performance across brands, particularly VYVGART, ZEJULA, and NUZYRA, in 2025 [31] Other Important Information - The company has made significant advancements in its global pipeline, including promising results for ZL-1310 in small cell lung cancer [34][35] - Regulatory discussions for accelerated approval of ZL-1310 are ongoing, with plans to initiate pivotal studies [38][74] - The company is actively exploring additional indications for its products to maximize patient benefit [12][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding 2025 revenue guidance and potential growth products - Management highlighted ZEJULA and NUZYRA as key growth drivers alongside VYVGART, with expectations for strong performance across all brands [63] Question: Growth trajectory for VYVGART in 2025 - Management expects stronger growth in the second half of 2025, driven by new patient starts and updates to treatment guidelines [70] Question: Regulatory strategy for DLL3 and pivotal study plans - Management confirmed plans to start a pivotal study this year, with confidence in achieving accelerated approval [74] Question: Observations on CIDP and KarXT's commercial potential - Management noted limited impact from CIDP in 2025 due to lack of NRDL listing, focusing on gMG instead [98] - Excitement about KarXT's potential in schizophrenia treatment, with plans for a dedicated sales force [100] Question: Strategy for povetacicept and key catalysts for 2025 - Management indicated participation in global trials for povetacicept, aiming for accelerated approval [121] - Key catalysts include data updates for DLL3 assets and regulatory submissions for bemarituzumab [126]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Product net sales for Q4 2024 were $737 million, with full-year sales reaching $2.2 billion, representing a 29% quarter-over-quarter growth and a 98% increase year-over-year [21][22] - Total operating income for Q4 was $761 million, and $2.3 billion for the full year [21] - Gross margin remained at 90%, with cost of sales at $73 million for Q4 and $227 million for the full year [23] - Operating profit for Q4 was $103 million, while the full year showed an operating loss of $22 million [25] - Cash balance at year-end was $3.4 billion, an increase of $200 million in 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VYVGART has significantly impacted the gMG treatment landscape, with strong early adoption in CIDP patients [10][31] - The company plans to advance 10 Phase III studies and 10 proof-of-concept studies across its pipeline in 2025 [12][18] - The launch of VYVGART Hytrulo in CIDP has seen approximately 1,000 patients on treatment, with 25% of prescribers being first-time users [42][44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Product revenue breakdown: $649 million in the U.S., $27 million in Japan, $49 million in the rest of the world, and $12 million supplied to Zai Lab in China [22] - The company is expanding its market access, now reimbursed in 13 countries in Europe, including 4 out of the 5 major markets [45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize growth opportunities through innovation and has set a long-term growth vision influenced by its ability to innovate and stay ahead of competition [19][51] - The introduction of the prefilled syringe for self-administration is expected to drive growth in 2025 [10][36] - The company is committed to addressing unmet needs in the MG community by expanding its label into seronegative and ocular MG [36][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming PDUFA date for the prefilled syringe and the potential for continued growth in both MG and CIDP [58][129] - The company anticipates that 2025 will be a year of significant growth, expanding commercial reach and advancing its late-stage pipeline [53] Other Important Information - The company has nominated 4 new molecules for Phase I development, indicating a robust innovation pipeline [16][17] - The recognition of a deferred tax benefit of $802 million contributed to a profit of $774 million in Q4 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the pent-up demand for the prefilled syringe (PFS)? - Management noted that there is no significant pent-up demand but expects the PFS to open up new prescriber bases and maintain consistent growth [58][60] Question: How should we think about pricing for the PFS? - Pricing will be discussed closer to the launch, with a focus on providing broad access and sustainability [61][62] Question: What is the expected growth cadence in MG for 2025? - Continued momentum is expected, with Q1 seasonality considered, but overall dynamics remain strong [70][72] Question: How will the expiration of VBAs affect access? - VBAs will need to be renegotiated, and access is expected to remain stable [75] Question: Are physicians assessing improvement in CIDP patients? - Physicians are generally using simple assessments rather than formal scales like INCAT to evaluate patient responses [77] Question: What is the significance of self-administration for VYVGART? - Self-administration has been beneficial in markets outside the U.S., and similar expectations are held for the U.S. market upon approval [84][86] Question: What are the plans for ARGX-213 and its development timeline? - The company is focused on generating Phase I data for ARGX-213, which is expected to provide insights into its potential [102] Question: What are the expectations for proof-of-concept data in CMS? - The company is looking for strong signals that the treatment can effectively address the condition in CMS patients [140]