Argenx says Vyvgart sales rose 54% in third quarter

Oct 22 (Reuters) - Belgian-Dutch pharmaceutical firm argenx said on Thursday that global sales of its leading autoimmune drug Vyvgart rose 54% in the third quarter, as it reached more patients.

Sales of Vyvgart, a prescription drug used to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness, were $1.7 billion in the third quarter, up from $1.13 billion a year ago.

• Operating profit was $486 million, below analysts' average estimate of $565.82 million, according to I/B/E/S data

• Argenx completed its $2.2 billion acquisition of Forte Biosciences in August, adding an experimental drug that has shown early promise in vitiligo and celiac disease to its portfolio

• Its quarterly operating margin declined to 28.2% due to acquisition-related costs

• Combined research and development, selling, general and administrative costs are now expected to be around $4 billion in 2026, including those related to the Forte deal

(Reporting by Lucie Barbier in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)