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argenx SE

Quarterly Report Dec 8, 2023

6221_ir_2023-12-08-165429_c2c2cc2a-8588-46c2-b9d1-0fa085c61a53.pdf

Quarterly Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MANAGEMENT REPORT

1.
MAIN EVENTS IN THE SIX MONTHS OF 2023
2
2.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
3
3.
RISK FACTORS
4
4.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
4
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 6
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS
OF PROFIT OR LOSS
8
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND
LOSS
9
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 10
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 11
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12

MANAGEMENT REPORT

1. MAIN EVENTS IN THE SIX MOTHS OF 2023

FIRST QUARTER OF 2023

See refer to our Q1 2023 press release

SECOND QUARTER OF 2023 AND RECENT BUSINESS UPDATE

"We are thrilled to see the momentum continue across all aspects of our business, with a catalyst-rich first half of the year. For another quarter we saw consistent revenue growth with VYVGART, delivering on our promise to bring transformative change to the treatment of gMG and reaching more patients through global approvals and the launch of our SC offering. Now with the positive ADHERE data, we have strengthened our conviction in the potential of VYVGART for CIDP patients but also more broadly across IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases, motivating us to explore the full extent of the opportunity. Our ambition level is high and we are positioning argenx for long-term growth with VYVGART, empasiprubart, and our pipeline of immunology solutions. It is time to raise the bar for patients on what a treatment can offer and we are more inspired than ever in our pursuit to do so," said Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of argenx.

SECOND QUARTER 2023 AND RECENT BUSINESS UPDATE

VYVGART Expansion

VYVGART is a first-in-class antibody fragment targeting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and is now approved globally in six countries or regions (U.S., Japan, EU, UK, Israel, China) for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). VYVGART Hytrulo was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 20, 2023, and is the first subcutaneous (SC) injectable for gMG. argenx is planning for multi-dimensional expansion to reach more patients with VYVGART through additional global regulatory approvals.

  • Generated global net VYVGART revenues of \$269 million in second quarter of 2023
  • Launched VYVGART Hytrulo in U.S. and shipped first vials in July
  • Launched VYGART in Italy in July following successful completion of reimbursement negotiations
  • VYVGART approval decision in Canada expected in third quarter of 2023
  • Approval decisions of SC efgartigimod expected in Europe in fourth quarter of 2023, Japan by first quarter of 2024, and China by end of 2024
  • Marketing authorization application (MAA) filed in Japan for VYVGART for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP); approval decision expected in first half of 2024
  • Entered into VYVGART commercial and distribution agreement with Handok in South Korea

Efgartigimod Research and Development

argenx is solidifying its leadership in immunology innovation by expanding the scope of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases in development and further demonstrating the potential of FcRn blockade in ongoing clinical trials. By the end of 2023, efgartigimod is expected to be approved, in regulatory review or in development in 13 severe autoimmune diseases.

  • Announced positive topline results from ADHERE of VYVGART Hytrulo for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
    • o Primary endpoint met (p=0.000039); VYVGART Hytrulo demonstrated 61% reduction (HR: 0.39 95% CI: 0.25; 0.61) in risk of relapse versus placebo
  • o 67% of patients in open-label Stage A demonstrated evidence of clinical improvement (ECI), indicating IgG autoantibodies play significant role in underlying biology of CIDP
  • o Safety and tolerability profile consistent with confirmed safety profile of VYVGART
  • o 91% (226/249) of eligible patients continued to ADHERE+ open-label extension study
  • Topline data from ADDRESS (pemphigus) and ADVANCE-SC (primary immune thrombocytopenia) studies expected in fourth quarter of 2023
  • GO/NO GO decisions expected from BALLAD (bullous pemphigoid) in first quarter of 2024 and ALKIVIA (myositis) in second half of 2024
  • Topline data from ALPHA (post-COVID postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PC-POTS)) expected in first quarter of 2024 and RHO (Sjogren's syndrome) in second half of 2024
  • Studies ongoing in membranous nephropathy (MN) and lupus nephritis (LN) through Zai Lab collaboration
  • Registrational study in thyroid eye disease (TED) and proof-of-concept studies in ANCA-associated vasculitis (ANCA) and antibody mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant to start in fourth quarter of 2023

Pipeline Progress

argenx is advancing a robust portfolio of innovative clinical programs, including empasiprubart (C2 inhibitor) and ARGX-119 (muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) agonist). Both programs have the potential to be first-in-class opportunities for multiple severe indications.

  • Initiated second dose cohort in Phase 2 ARDA study of empasiprubart in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
    • o Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended study continuation based on favorable safety profile observed in first dose cohort
    • o Early efficacy signals support proof-of-concept in MMN
    • o Second cohort to evaluate next dose of empasiprubart based on efficacy signals observed in first cohort
    • o Topline results from both first and second cohorts expected in 2024
  • Phase 2 studies of empasiprubart in delayed graft function (DGF) on track to start by end of year and dermatomyositis in first quarter of 2024
  • Phase 1 study of ARGX-119 ongoing in healthy volunteers; subsequent Phase 1b trial to assess early signal detection in patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Immunology Innovation Program

argenx continues to invest in its discovery engine, the Immunology Innovation Program, to foster a robust innovation ecosystem and drive early-stage pipeline growth. argenx expects to nominate one new pipeline candidate in 2023.

2. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total operating income year-to-date in 2023 was \$510.9 million, compared to \$116.7 million for the same period in 2022, and mainly consists of:

  • Product net sales of VYVGART for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was \$487.3 million, compared to \$96.0 million for the same period in 2022.
  • Other operating income year-to-date in 2023 was \$21.2 million, compared to \$18.1 million for the same period in 2022. The other operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily relates to research and development tax incentives and payroll tax rebates.

Total operating expenses year-to-date in 2023 was \$716.8 million, compared to \$513.9 million for the same period in 2022, and mainly consists of:

  • Cost of sales year-to-date in 2023 was \$42.4 million, compared to \$6.4 million for the same period in 2022. The cost of sales was recognized with respect to the sale of VYVGART.
  • Research and development expenses increased by \$82.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, to \$361.4 million, compared to \$278.9 million for the same period in 2022. The research and development expenses mainly relate to external research and development expenses and personnel expenses incurred in the clinical development of efgartigimod in various indications and the expansion of other clinical and preclinical pipeline candidates.
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses year-to-date in 2023 was \$311.1 million, compared to \$228.7 million for the same period in 2022. The selling, general and administrative expenses mainly relate to professional and marketing fees linked to commercialization of VYVGART in the U.S., EU and Japan, and personnel expenses.

Financial income year-to-date in 2023 was \$37.0 million, compared to \$5.7 million for the same period in 2022. The increase in financial income is mainly due to an increase in interest income on current financial assets and cash and cash equivalents attributable to higher interest rates.

Exchange gains/losses year-to-date in 2023 was \$9.2 million of exchange gains, compared to \$53.4 million of exchange losses for the same period in 2022. Exchange gains/losses are mainly attributable to unrealized exchange rate gains or losses on the cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets position in Euro.

Income tax year-to-date in 2023 was \$36.8 million of tax benefit, compared to \$11.1 million of tax benefit for the same period in 2022.

Net loss for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, was \$123.2 million, compared to \$435.9 million over the prior year period. On a per weighted average share basis, the net loss was \$2.21 and \$8.16 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets totalled \$2.0 billion as of June 30, 2023, compared to \$2.2 billion as of December 31, 2022. Cash and cash equivalents and current financial assets decreased primarily as a result of net cash flows used in operating activities. The cash position as of June 30, 2023, excludes the \$1.3 billion in estimated gross proceeds from the global equity offering, which closed on July 24, 2023.

3. RISK FACTORS

We refer to the description of risk factors in the 2022 annual report, pp. 108-155 as supplemented by the description of risk factors in our annual report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, pp. 1-36. In summary, the principal risks and uncertainties faced by us relate to: our financial position and need for additional capital, commercialization of our products and product candidates, including new indications, government regulations, development and clinical testing of our products and product candidates, dependence on third parties, business and industry, intellectual property, our organization and operations.

We also refer to the description of our financial risk management given in the 2022 annual report, pp. F48-F51, which remains valid.

4. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes," "hope," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," "will," or "should" and include statements argenx makes regarding its plans for its global commercial expansion of VYVGART to reach more patients; continued investment in its Immunology Innovation Program to foster a robust innovation ecosystem and drive early-stage pipeline growth; the therapeutic potential of its product candidates; the intended results of its strategy and its collaboration partners', including ongoing studies through its collaboration with Zai Lab; advancement of, and anticipated clinical development, data readouts and regulatory milestones and plans, including the (1) expected topline data from registrational ADDRESS and ADVANCE-SC studies in 2023, (2) expected GO/NO GO decisions from its BALLAD and ALKIVIA trials in 2024, (3) expected topline data from its ALPHA and RHO trials in 2024, (4) timeline of registrational and proof-of-concept studies in ANCA-associated vasculitis and antibody mediated rejection in kidney transplant, (5) potential of empasiprubart and ARGX-119 to be first-in-class opportunities for multiple serious indications and timeline of studies and results thereof and (6) planned nomination of a new product development candidate in 2023; the timing and outcome of regulatory filings and regulatory approvals, including the anticipated regulatory approvals of VYVGART in Canada and Japan and approvals of SC efgartigimod in Europe, Japan and China, and the number of autoimmune diseases for which efgartigimod is expected to be approved, in regulatory review or in development by end of 2023; and 2023 business and financial outlook and related plans, including the anticipated release of updated cash burn expectations and the timeline of future releases of financial results and business updates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. argenx's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including inflation and deflation and the corresponding fluctuations in interest rate; regional instability and conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, argenx's expectations regarding the inherent uncertainties associated with competitive developments, preclinical and clinical trial and product development activities and regulatory approval requirements; argenx's reliance on collaborations with third parties; estimating the commercial potential of argenx's product candidates; argenx's ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for its technologies and drugs; argenx's limited operating history; and argenx's ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization of its product candidates. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in argenx's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in argenx's most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC as well as subsequent filings and reports filed by argenx with the SEC. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. argenx undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the information in this press release, including any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law

STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge, the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of argenx SE as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2023, prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union, gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and total comprehensive income of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation as a whole, and that the management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a decription of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Tim van Hauwermeiren, CEO

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARGENX SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) Note 2023 2022
ASSETS
Non‑current assets
Property, plant and equipment \$
14,676
\$ 16,234
Intangible assets 189,857 174,901
Deferred tax asset 138,767 79,222
Other non-current assets 4 39,232 40,894
Research and development incentive receivables 59,976 47,488
Investment in joint venture 12,443 1,323
Prepaid expenses 5 47,327
Total non‑current assets \$
502,277
\$ 360,064
Current assets
Inventories 6 \$
201,112
\$ 228,353
Prepaid expenses 138,825 76,022
Trade and other receivables 7 353,232 275,697
Research and development incentive receivables 1,377 1,578
Financial assets 8, 18 886,401 1,391,808
Cash and cash equivalents 9, 18 1,110,567 800,740
Total current assets \$
2,691,514
\$ 2,774,197
TOTAL ASSETS \$
3,193,791
\$ 3,134,261
As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) Note 2023 2022
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 10
Share capital \$ 6,698 \$ 6,640
Share premium 4,374,291 4,309,880
Translation Differences 130,042 129,280
Accumulated losses (2,233,029) (2,109,791)
Other reserves 580,049 477,691
Total equity \$ 2,858,051 \$ 2,813,699
Non-current liabilities
Provisions for employee benefits \$ 1,011 \$ 870
Lease liabilities 8,044 9,009
Deferred tax liabilities 8,894 8,406
Total non-current liabilities \$ 17,949 \$ 18,285
Current liabilities
Lease liabilities \$ 3,198 \$ 3,417
Trade and other payables 12 309,985 295,679
Tax liabilities 4,608 3,181
Total current liabilities \$ 317,791 \$ 302,277
Total liabilities \$ 335,740 \$ 320,562
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES \$ 3,193,791 \$ 3,134,261

ARGENX SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands of \$ except for shares and EPS) Note 2023 2022
Product net sales 13,14 \$ 487,335 \$ 95,996
Collaboration revenue 2,355 2,610
Other operating income 21,225 18,057
Total operating income 510,915 116,663
Cost of sales (42,359) (6,382)
Research and development expenses 15 (361,364) (278,887)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 16 (311,149) (228,664)
Loss from investment in joint venture (1,880)
Total operating expenses (716,752) (513,933)
Operating loss \$ (205,837) \$ (397,270)
Financial income 37,029 5,733
Financial expense (395) (2,131)
Exchange gains/(losses) 9,164 (53,382)
Loss for the period before taxes \$ (160,039) \$ (447,050)
Income tax benefit 17 \$ 36,800 \$ 11,114
Loss for the period \$ (123,239) \$ (435,936)
Loss for the period attributable to:
Owners of the parent (123,239) (435,936)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 55,690,873 53,449,915
Basic and diluted loss per share (in \$) (2.21) (8.16)

ARGENX SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND LOSS

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands of \$ except for shares)
Loss for the period
Note 2023 2022
\$ (123,239) \$ (435,936)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of tax
Currency translation differences, arisen from translating foreign
activities
762 (2,993)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax
Fair value gain/(loss) on investments in equity instruments
designated as at FVTOCI
18 (1,688) (16,006)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income tax \$ (926) \$ (18,999)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to: \$ (124,165) \$ (454,935)
Owners of the parent (124,165) (454,935)

ARGENX SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands of \$) Note 2023 2022
Operating loss \$ (205,837) \$ (397,270)
Adjustments for non-cash items
Amortization of intangible assets 43 389
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 2,661 2,671
Provisions for employee benefits 138 137
Expense recognized in respect of share-based payments 11 102,083 76,634
Fair value gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (4,256)
Loss from investment in joint venture 1,880
\$ (99,032) \$ (321,695)
Movements in current assets/liabilities
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (68,057) (71,152)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories 6 27,240 (26,636)
(Increase)/decrease in other current assets (62,500) (25,119)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables (616) (33,251)
Movements in non-current assets/liabilities
(Increase)/decrease in non‑current prepaid expenses (47,327)
(Increase)/decrease in other non‑current assets (11,603) (7,244)
Cash flows used in operating activities \$ (261,894) \$ (485,097)
Interest paid (78) (505)
Income taxes paid (23,465) (8,911)
Net cash flows used in operating activities \$ (285,436) \$ (494,513)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (479) (183)
(Increase)/decrease in current financial assets 8 (234,244)
Purchase of current financial investments (1) (267,196)
Sale of current financial investments (1) 780,331
Interest received 27,361 2,082
Investment in joint venture (13,000)
Net cash flows (used in) / from investing activities \$ 527,017 \$ (232,345)
Principal elements of lease payments (2,182) (2,224)
Proceeds from issue of new shares, gross amount 10 760,954
Issue costs paid (843)
Exchange gain from currency conversion on proceeds from issue of new shares 10 410
Payment on employee withholding taxes related to restricted stock unit awards (604)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 10 65,074 49,979
Net cash flows from financing activities \$ 62,288 \$ 808,276
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents \$ 303,868 \$ 81,418
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period \$ 800,740 \$ 1,334,676
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash & cash equivalents \$ 5,960 \$ (48,806)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period \$ 1,110,567 \$ 1,367,288

(1) Due to the change in the maturity of the current financial assets during current year, the presentation has been changed from net basis to gross basis

ARGENX SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Attributable to Owners of the Parent
(in thousands of \$) Share
Capital
Share
Premium
Accumulated
Losses
Translation
Difference
Share-based
payment and
income tax
deduction on
share-based
payments
Other
comprehensive
income
Total
Equity
Attributable
to Owners
of the
Parent
Total
Equity
Balance year ended
December 31, 2021
\$ 6,233 \$ 3,462,775 \$ (1,400,197) \$
131,684
\$
373,019
\$
(39,290)
\$ 2,534,224 \$ 2,534,224
Loss for the period \$ \$ \$
(435,936)
\$ \$ \$ \$
(435,936)
\$
(435,936)
Other comprehensive income
/ (loss)
(2,993) (16,006) (18,999) (18,999)
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for the period (435,936) (2,993) (16,006) (454,935) (454,935)
Income tax benefit from
excess tax deductions related
to share-based payments 3,957 3,957 3,957
Share-based payment 76,935 76,935 76,935
Issue of share capital 294 760,659 760,953 760,953
Transaction costs for equity
issue
(781) (781) (781)
Exercise of stock options 76 49,842 49,919 49,919
Balance period ended June
30, 2022
\$ 6,603 \$ 4,272,495 \$ (1,836,133) \$ 128,691 \$ 453,911 \$
(55,296)
\$ 2,970,271 \$ 2,970,271
Balance year ended
December 31, 2022
\$ 6,640 \$ 4,309,880 \$ (2,109,791) \$
129,280
\$
535,247
\$
(57,557)
\$ 2,813,699 \$ 2,813,699
Total loss of the period
Other comprehensive income
\$ \$ \$
(123,239)
\$ \$ \$ \$
(123,239)
\$
(123,239)
/ (loss)
Total comprehensive
762 (1,688) (926) (926)
income/(loss) for the period (123,239) 762 (1,688) (124,165) (124,165)
Income tax benefit from
excess tax deductions related
to share-based payments 1,396 1,396 1,396
Share-based payment 102,651 102,651 102,651
Exercise of stock options 58 65,016 65,074 65,074
Ordinary shares withheld for
payment of employees'
withholding tax liability (604) (604) (604)
Balance period ended June
30, 2023
\$ 6,698 \$ 4,374,291 \$ (2,233,029) \$ 130,042 \$
639,294
\$
(59,245)
\$ 2,858,051 \$ 2,858,051

Please refer to note 10 for more information on the share capital.

ARGENX SE

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General information about the company

argenx SE is a Dutch European public company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. The Company (COC 24435214) has its official seat in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and its registered office is at Laarderhoogteweg 25, 1101 EB Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

argenx SE is a publicly traded company with ordinary shares listed on Euronext Brussels under the symbol "ARGX" since July 2014 and with American Depositary Shares listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "ARGX" since May 2017.

2. Basis of preparation

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2023 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as issued by the IASB and as adopted by the European Union. The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

All amounts herein are presented in thousands of \$, unless otherwise indicated, rounded to the nearest \$ '000.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") on July 25, 2023.

3. Significant accounting policies

There were no significant changes in accounting policies, critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty applied by us in these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements compared to those used in the annual consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022.

4. Other non-current assets

As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Non-current restricted cash \$ 1,762 \$ 1,736
Non-current financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss 21,715 21,715
Non-current financial assets held at fair value through OCI 15,756 17,443
Total other non-current assets \$ 39,232 \$ 40,894

Please also refer to note 18 for more information on the financial instruments.

5. Non-current prepaid expense

Non-current prepaid expense is related to prepaid inventory. Please also refer to note 6 for more information on inventory.

6. Inventories

As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Raw materials and consumables \$
113,128
\$ 126,046
Inventories in process 58,806 65,016
Finished goods 29,178 37,291
Total inventories \$
201,112
\$ 228,353

The cost of inventories, which is recognized as an expense and included in the "cost of sales" on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of profit or loss, amounted to \$42.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (compared to \$6.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022).

As a result of the detection of a latent defect in the second quarter of 2023 in drug substance batches produced in 2022 at one of the facilities awaiting approval, the Company has decreased inventory with an amount of \$47.3 million. The discovered latent defect comprises an error in the concentration of an excipient in the final formulation, which disqualifies the material for commercial use and causes the Company to write-down its value. The Company has obtained the commitment from the supplier to replace the drug substance from these batches in the coming years, which is reflected in the recognition of a non-current prepaid expense amounting to \$47.3 million.

Included in inventory are products which could be used either for commercial activities, or for in-house preclinical and clinical programs, non-reimbursed pre-approval programs and clinical programs carried out by Zai Lab.

7. Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are composed of receivables which are detailed below:

As of
June 30, December 31,
2023 2022
304,229 241,228
29,557 12,918
19,446 21,551
\$
353,232
\$
275,697

The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables approximate their respective fair values. On June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the company did not have any provision for expected credit losses.

8. Current financial assets

These current financial assets relate to term accounts with an initial maturity longer than 3 months but less than 12 months and money market funds which do not qualify as cash equivalents.

As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Money market funds \$
113,215
\$ 46,162
Term accounts 773,186 1,345,646
Total Current Financial Assets \$
886,401
\$ 1,391,808

Please also refer to note 18 for more information on the financial instruments.

9. Cash and cash equivalents

As of
June 30,
December 31,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Money market funds \$ 845,573 \$ 669,147
Term accounts 210,000 54,116
Cash and bank balances 54,994 77,477
Total cash and cash equivalents \$ 1,110,567 \$ 800,740

On June 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents amounted to \$1,110.6 million, compared to \$800.7 million on December 31, 2022 and included money market funds that are readily convertible to cash and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, term accounts with an initial maturity not exceeding 3 months and cash and bank balances held at various financial institutions.

Please also refer to note 18 for more information on the financial instruments.

10. Shareholders' capital

On June 30, 2023, the Company's share capital was represented by 55,955,544 shares. All shares were issued, fully paid up and of the same class. The table below summarizes our capital increases, as a result of the exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs under the argenx Employee Stock Option Plan, for the period ended June 30, 2023.

Number of shares outstanding on December 31, 2022 55,395,856
Exercise of stock options 533,478
Vesting of RSUs 26,210
Number of shares outstanding on June 30, 2023 55,955,544

11. Share based payments

The Company has an equity incentive plan for the employees, key consultants, board members, senior managers and key outside advisors ("key persons") of the Company and its subsidiaries. In accordance with the term of the plan, as approved by shareholders, employees may be granted stock options and/or restricted stock units.

11.1 Stock options

On April 3, 2023, the Company granted a total of 61,056 stock options to certain of its employees and consultants. Below is an overview of the parameters used in relation to the new grant during 2023:

Stock options granted in Apr-23
Number of options granted 61,056
Fair value of options (in USD) (*) \$ 158.21 -
196.18
Share price (in USD) (*) \$ 361.64 -
401.21
Exercise price (in USD) (*) \$ 370.34
Expected volatility % 41.00 -
42.18
Expected option life (in years) 4.0 -
6.5
Risk‑free interest rate % 2.96 -
3.14
Expected dividends

(*) amounts have been converted to US dollar at the closing rate of grant date

The stock options are granted to key persons of the Company and its subsidiaries. The stock options may be granted to purchase ordinary shares at an exercise price. The stock options have been granted free of charge. Each employee's stock option converts into one ordinary share of the Company upon exercise. The stock options carry neither rights to dividends nor voting rights. Stock options may be exercised at any time from the date of vesting to the date of their expiry. The stock options granted vest, in principle, as follows:

  • 1/3rd of the total stock options granted on the first anniversary of the granting of the stock options; and
  • 1/36th of the total grant on the first day of each month following the first anniversary of the date of grant of the stock options.

Upon leave of the employee, consultant or director, stock options must be exercised before the later of (i) 90 days after the last working day at argenx, or (ii) March 31 of the 4th year following the date of grant of those stock options, and in any case no later than the expiration date of the option.

The total share-based payment expense related to stock options recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income or loss totaled \$72.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to \$60.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

11.2 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

The RSUs are granted to key persons of the Company and its subsidiaries. The RSUs have been granted free of charge. Each employee's RSUs converts into one ordinary share of the Company upon vesting. The RSUs carry neither rights to dividends nor voting rights. RSUs once converted into ordinary shares, may be sold at any time from the date of vesting, have no expiry date and may be held by the participant without limitation. The fair value of RSUs is based on the closing sale price of our common stock on the day prior to the date of issuance. RSUs vest over a period of 4 years with 1/4th of the total grant vesting at each anniversary of the date of grant.

The total share-based payment expense related to RSUs recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim statements of profit or loss totaled \$30.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to \$16.2 million for six months ended June 30, 2022.

12. Trade and other payables

As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Trade payables \$ 195,268 \$ 188,721
Short term employee benefits 70,217 84,337
Gross-to-net accruals 39,153 19,478
Other 5,347 3,142
Total trade and other payables \$ 309,985 \$ 295,679

The carrying amounts of trade and other payables approximate their respective fair values.

Trade payables correspond primarily to clinical and manufacturing activities and include accrued expenses related to these activities.

Short term employee benefits include payables and accruals for salaries and bonuses to be paid to the employees of the Company.

The movement in gross-to-net accruals as of June 30, 2023 and as of June 30, 2022 was as follows:

Distribution
Rebates and fees, product
charge backs returns and Total
(in thousands of \$) other
Balance at January 01, 2022 \$ \$ \$
Current estimate related to the sales made in current year 10,078 3,270 13,348
(Credits or payments related to sales made during the year) (5,592) (2,312) (7,904)
Balance at June 30, 2022 \$ 4,485 \$ 958 \$ 5,443
Balance at January 01, 2023 \$ 15,399 \$ 4,079 \$ 19,478
Current estimate related to the sales made in current year 56,801 11,339 68,140
Adjustments for prior year sales 632 (883) (251)
(Credits or payments related to sales made during the year) (29,711) (7,474) (37,185)
(Credits or payments related to sales made during the prior year) (8,260) (2,769) (11,029)
Balance at June 30, 2023 \$ 34,861 \$ 4,292 \$ 39,153

13. Product net sales

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the product gross sales was fully related to sales of VYVGART and amounts to \$555.7 million and the gross to net adjustment for six months ended June 30, 2023 was \$68.4 million, resulting in \$487.3 million of product net sales for six months ended June 30, 2023.

For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the product gross sales was fully related to sales of VYVGART and amounts to \$109.4 million and the gross to net adjustment for six months ended June 30, 2022 was \$13.4 million, resulting in \$96.0 million of product net sales for six months ended June 30, 2022.

Refer to note 14 for the breakdown of product net sales by regions for six month ended June 30, 2023.

14. Segment reporting

The following table summarizes our product net sales by territory of sales based on the country of the entity that recognizes product net sales:

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands of \$) 2023
Product net sales \$ \$
United States 440,853 94,349
Japan 23,645 1,514
EMEA 22,836 133
Total \$
487,335
\$ 95,996

We sell our products through a limited number of distributors and wholesalers. Four U.S. customers represent approximately 88% of our product net sales in the U.S. during six months ended June 30, 2023 (compared to 92% for the same period in 2022). The non-current assets of the Company, with the exception of the deferred tax assets, are geographically located as shown in the table below:

As of
June 30, December 31,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Belgium \$ 359,122 \$ 275,620
United States 1,893 2,325
Japan 2,332 2,763
Germany 149 130
France 7 4
Italy 7
Total \$ 363,510 \$ 280,841

15. Research and development expenses

(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Personnel expense \$ 99,482 \$ 79,497
External research and development expenses 233,868 185,453
Materials and consumables 2,044 1,407
Depreciation and amortization 3,498 1,842
Other expenses 22,472 10,688
Total research and development expenses \$ 361,364 \$ 278,887

16. Selling, general and administrative expenses

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands of \$) 2023 2022
Personnel expense \$ 134,862 \$ 115,397
Professional and marketing fees 133,232 78,018
Supervisory board 3,978 4,107
Depreciation and amortization 1,083 1,217
IT expenses 5,496 8,075
Other expenses 32,499 21,849
Total selling, general and administrative expenses \$ 311,149 \$ 228,664

17. Income tax benefit

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of \$36.8 million (compared to \$11.1 million for the same period in 2022) in relation to a pretax loss of \$160.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (compared to \$447.1 million for the same period in 2022). The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022 was primarily impacted by the following items: (i) the mix of income generated among the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, (ii) certain deferred tax assets not recognized due to the history of losses and forecasted losses, and (iii) a \$44.1 million deferred tax impact of intra-group inventory transfers (compared to \$13.2 million for the same period in 2022).

18. Financial instruments and financial risk management

The Company carried the following assets at fair value on June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively:

At June 30, 2023
(in thousands of \$) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Non-current financial assets \$ 15,756 \$ \$ 21,715
Current financial assets 113,215
Cash equivalents 845,573
Assets carried at fair value \$ 974,543 \$ \$ 21,715
At December 31, 2022
(in thousands of \$) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Non-current financial assets \$ 17,443 \$ \$ 21,715

Current financial assets 46,162 — — Cash equivalents 669,147 — — Assets carried at fair value \$ 732,752 \$ \$ 21,715

Non-current financial assets – Level 3

In March 2019, the Company entered into a license agreement with AgomAb Therapeutics NV for the use of HGF-mimetic SIMPLE Antibodies™, developed under the Company's Immunology Innovative Program. In exchange for granting this license, the Company received a profit share in AgomAb Therapeutics NV.

In March 2021, AgomAb Therapeutics NV secured \$74 million in Series B financing by issuing 286,705 of Preferred B Shares. The Company used the post-money valuation of Series B financing round and the number of outstanding shares in determining the fair value of the profit-sharing instrument, which results in a change in fair value of \$11.2 million non-current assets being recorded through profit or loss. Since AgomAb Therapeutics NV is a private company, the valuation of the profit share is based on level 3 assumptions.

In June 2022, AgomAb Therapeutics NV secured €38.4 million as a result of the extension of Series B. The Company used the post-money valuation of this Series B financing round and the number of outstanding shares in determining the fair value of the profit-sharing instrument, which results in a change in fair value of non-current financial assets of \$4.3 million recorded through profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Non-current financial assets – Level 1

As part of the license agreement for the development and commercialization for efgartigimod in Greater China, the Company obtained, amongst others, 568,182 newly issued Zai Lab shares calculated at a price of \$132 per share. The fair value of the equity instrument at period-end is determined by reference to the closing price of such securities at each reporting date (classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy), resulting in a change in fair value. The Company made the irrevocable election to recognize subsequent changes in fair value through OCI.

19. Related party transaction

The company has a joint venture agreement with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth resulting in a separate legal entity, OncoVerity, Inc. During the first six months of 2023, the Company contributed \$13 million towards the joint venture to fund its operations.

20. Contractual obligations and commitments

The Company's manufacturing commitments with Lonza, its drug substance manufacturing contractor, relate to the ongoing execution of the biologic license application (BLA) services for efgartigimod and its manufacturing activities related to the commercialization or potential future commercialization. In December 2018, the Company signed its first commercial supply agreement with Lonza related to the reservation of commercial drug substance supply capacity for efgartigimod. In the

aggregate, as of June 30, 2023, the Company has outstanding commitments for efgartigimod under the first commercial supply agreement of \$379.2 million.

During 2022, the Company signed an agreement with Fujifilm, for activities relating to the large-scale manufacturing of efgartigimod drug substance. In the aggregate, as of June 30, 2023, the Company has outstanding commitments for efgartigimod under the commercial supply agreement of \$2.3 million.

21. Events after the balance sheet date

On July 17, 2023, the Company offered 2,244,899 of its ordinary shares through a global offering which consisted of 1,580,981 ADSs in the U.S. at a price of \$490.0 per ADS, before underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses; and 663,918 ordinary shares in the European Economic Area at a price of €436.37 per share, before underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. On July 19, 2023, the underwriters of the offering exercised their over-allotment option to purchase 336,734 additional ADSs in full. As a result, the Company received \$1.27 billion in gross proceeds from this offering.

The Company generated its first commercial sale of Vyvgart Hytrulo in the United States during July 2023, which trigged a milestone payment of \$18 million by the Company towards Halozyme Inc.

No other events have occurred after the balance sheet date that could have a material impact on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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