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Welcome to arGentis Up one folder

arGentis Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a diversified specialty biopharmaceutical company seeking to license and commercialize therapies with demonstrated proof of concept for chronic diseases. Our pipeline consists of mid- and late-stage platform technologies in both autoimmunity and ophthalmology. Commercializing technology from research institutions' laboratories provides arGentis with:

  • A continuous pipeline of products based on world-class research.
  • Therapies that have human and efficacy data which reduces clinical and regulatory risk.
  • Lowered development cost given due to completed basic research, preclinical and clinical development work.
  • Streamlined time to market or more expeditious out-licensing opportunities given the previous clinical data.
  • Repositioning tested compounds will reduce formulation development time and simplify development of CMC data.
  • Access to thought leaders within chosen therapeutic classes.

arGentis is developing ARG201, a treatment for systemic scleroderma (SSc), an autoimmune disease leading to widespread collagen build up on the skin and internal organs, leading to pulmonary hypertension, kidney and gastrointestinal track failure, pulmonary fibrosis and death. SSc is an orphan disease with approximately 100,000 patients each in the U.S. and Europe. The mechanism of action of ARG201 is to induce immune tolerance, whereby the body ceases attacking type I collagen, a primary autoantigen in SSc. ARG201 has completed a 168-patient Phase II clinical trial with very promising results. There are currently no approved therapies for the underlying cause of SSc. Median survival from diagnosis is approximately 11 years. ARG201 has been granted orphan drug status in the US. We have applied for orphan status with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). After having consulted with the FDA, we will begin a Phase III program in early 2009.

We have also licensed the intellectual property to three therapies treating separate populations of patients having dry eye syndrome (DES), a condition that affects at least 20 million Americans and over 100 million people in the developed world. DES can be a serious condition, which, if left untreated, can damage ocular structures. arGentis intends to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application(s) in 2008 for both DES treatments.

In the news RSS Feed

arGentis files patent application

Memphis Business Journal: Memphis-based arGentis Pharmaceuticals LLC has filed a patent application for a scientific process that will define systemic sclerosis patients that can most benefit from the company's autoimmune therapy.

arGentis Files Patent on Nucleic Acid Sequences Predictive of Patient Responses to ARG201

Results from patient DNA samples from a 168-patient, double-blind Phase II trial indicate that 30% of systemic sclerosis patients have a specific nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

Phase II Results for ARG201 Published

The article reviews the results of the 168-patient, twelve center trial in which patients were administered a precise dose of highly purified type 1 collagen or placebo for 12 months with follow up at 15 months.

arGentis licenses third DES treatment

The company will target the 40 to 60 million dry eye sufferers in the U.S. and over 100 million people worldwide with the three treatments.

Innova invests in arGentis project

Commercial Appeal: Memphis-based drug startup arGentis™ Pharmaceuticals LLC is the first company to receive funding from Innova Inc., a new venture capital fund targeting small science and technology firms.

Innova Memphis announces investment

Innova Memphis Inc. announces its investment in arGentis™ Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company based in Memphis.