Empasiprubart (formerly ARGX-117) is designed to be a humanized sweeping antibody that binds specifically to C2 in a pH- and Ca2+- dependent manner. C2 is a protein in the complement cascade which, when activated, leads to cell destruction. Binding of Empasiprubart is intended to inhibit the function of C2 and downstream complement activation.
By blocking complement activity, Empasiprubart has the potential to reduce tissue inflammation and the adaptive immune response. Through this proposed mechanism, Empasiprubart could represent a broad pipeline opportunity across severe autoimmune indications.
Empasiprubart is a novel, humanized, IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds C2, thereby blocking downstream activation of both the classical and lectin complement pathways, while leaving the alternative pathway intact. Empasiprubart binds to C2 in a pH- and calcium-dependent manner and is engineered for increased affinity to FcRn to achieve a prolonged half-life.
(1) Empasiprubart binds C2 in circulation before being internalized into the cell
(2) C2 is released in the endosome
(3) Empasiprubart binds to FcRn
(4) Unbound C2 is degraded in the lysosome
(5) Empasiprubart escapes lysosomal degradation and is recycled back into circulation
(1) Empasiprubart binds C2 in circulation before being internalized into the cell
(2) C2 is released in the endosome
(3) Empasiprubart binds to FcRn
(4) Unbound C2 is degraded in the lysosome
(5) Empasiprubart escapes lysosomal degradation and is recycled back into circulation
