argenx Acquires Forte Biosciences for $2.2 Billion to Expand Autoimmune Drug Portfolio
argenx has agreed to acquire Forte Biosciences in a deal valued at approximately $2.2 billion, offering $77 per share in an all-cash tender offer expected to close by the third quarter of this year. The acquisition adds FB102, an anti-CD122 antibody being developed for autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo and celiac disease. FB102 is designed to target pathogenic T cells and natural killer cells while preserving regulatory T-cell activity, potentially offering a more targeted approach than broad immune suppression. Early Phase 1b results showed improvements in vitiligo and positive findings in celiac disease; a larger Phase 2 trial for the latter condition is ongoing with data expected by year-end. The deal aligns with argenx's Vision 2030 strategy to become a leading immunology innovator. The company plans to use upcoming clinical results from FB102 to guide its broader development and commercialization approach, expanding across multiple immune pathways.
Topics: autoimmune diseases biotech acquisition pharmaceutical