Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel oncology and drug-delivery therapies, today announced that argenx has dosed the first subject in a phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of efgartigimod (ARGX-113), using Halozyme’s proprietary ENHANZE® drug delivery technology.
“Since the signing of our collaboration with argenx earlier this year, we have made strong progress and I am delighted that the first phase 1 trial has been initiated in such a short amount of time,” said Dr. Helen Torley, President and CEO of Halozyme. “We look forward to expanding our work with argenx to bring the potential benefits of subcutaneous administration to more patients suffering from severe autoimmune diseases through our ENHANZE® technology.”
Initiation of this study triggers a $5 million milestone payment to Halozyme during the current quarter under the global collaboration and license agreement between the two companies.