Argenx has agreed to acquire Forte Biosciences in a deal valued at approximately $2.2 billion, a move that strengthens the Dutch-based biotechnology firm’s pipeline of treatments targeting autoimmune diseases.
The acquisition sent Forte Biosciences shares surging, with the stock climbing roughly 39% following the announcement as investors welcomed the substantial premium offered by argenx.
Forte Biosciences is a clinical-stage company focused on developing therapies for immune-mediated conditions. Its lead asset, an antibody candidate targeting a key immune pathway, has drawn attention for its potential across a range of autoimmune disorders.
For argenx, the transaction builds on the company’s established reputation in immunology, an area where it has developed treatments for rare autoimmune diseases. The deal is expected to expand its portfolio of experimental therapies and reinforce its long-term research strategy.
“This move marks a significant step in broadening our capacity to address serious autoimmune conditions,” argenx said in describing the rationale behind the purchase.
The agreement reflects a broader trend of larger biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies acquiring smaller, clinical-stage firms to secure promising drug candidates. Similar transactions have accelerated across the sector, including recent moves such as Servier’s $2.5 billion purchase of Day One Biopharmaceuticals to expand its oncology offerings.
Autoimmune diseases, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, represent one of the fastest-growing areas of pharmaceutical investment. Demand for novel therapies has intensified as patient populations expand and existing treatments leave significant unmet needs.
The sharp rise in Forte Biosciences’ share price underscores investor confidence in the valuation and the strategic fit between the two companies. Such acquisition premiums are common when a larger buyer moves to secure a differentiated pipeline asset.
The transaction is anticipated to close subject to customary regulatory approvals and Forte shareholder consent. Both companies are expected to provide further details on integration plans and the future development timeline for Forte’s candidates in the coming months.