Argenx to acquire Forte Biosciences for $2.2 billion, adding anti-CD122 antibody FB102

Argenx announced it will buy Texas‑based Forte Biosciences in a transaction valued at roughly $2.2 billion. The offer of $77 per share represents an 86 % premium to Forte’s recent average price.

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Argenx’s immunology pipeline. Forte’s lead candidate, FB102, is an anti‑CD122 antibody that has demonstrated early proof‑of‑concept activity in vitiligo and celiac disease.

In a Phase 1b study, FB102 reduced disease severity in vitiligo patients compared with placebo, and a prior Phase 1b readout showed morphological and inflammatory improvements in celiac disease participants.

Both companies expect the deal to close in the third quarter, positioning Argenx to explore broader applications of FB102 across multiple autoimmune conditions.