Argo Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for a Phase II clinical trial of BW-40202, an investigational siRNA therapy targeting complement factor B (CFB) for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and other complement-mediated diseases. The study is expected to commence in January 2026.
The clinical-stage small interfering RNA therapeutics company announced the regulatory milestone on September 15, 2025, marking a significant advancement in developing targeted therapies for complement-mediated diseases. BW-40202 is also being evaluated in a Phase I study as a potential treatment for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), with Phase I/IIa IND approval obtained from the NMPA in June 2025.
Novel Mechanism Targets Complement System
BW-40202 is an siRNA therapeutic that targets CFB mRNA in the liver, utilizing an RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to suppress CFB expression. This approach reduces serum CFB protein levels and inhibits complement alternative pathway (CAP) activity, offering a precise targeting strategy for complement-mediated diseases.
"The IND approval for BW-40202 is an important milestone in our mission to redefine treatment for patients with PNH," said Dr. Dongxu Shu, co-founder and CEO of Argo Biopharma. "This achievement underscores our innovative approach in targeting the complement system and moves us one step closer to delivering a potential new, targeted therapy to patients who need more treatment options."
Promising Preclinical Results
In preclinical studies, BW-40202 demonstrated excellent purity and stability, with significant and durable suppression of serum CFB protein and effective inhibition of CAP activity. The therapy showed excellent pharmacological activity, significantly reducing serum CFB protein levels and effectively inhibiting CAP activity, with long-lasting effects and a favorable safety profile.
Addressing Critical Medical Need
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria is a blood disorder characterized by complement-mediated red blood cell destruction (hemolysis), blood clot formation, and impaired bone marrow function. Globally, approximately 10 to 20 individuals per million are living with PNH. Patients may experience severe anemia, blood clots, hemoglobinuria, chronic kidney disease, and pulmonary hypertension.
Thrombosis remains the most life-threatening complication in PNH, responsible for 40% to 67% of PNH-related deaths, significantly reducing both quality of life and life expectancy. siRNA therapies offer precise targeting, longer-lasting efficacy, reduced dosing frequency, and improved safety and convenience, representing a promising new approach with the potential to deliver more effective, durable, safer, and more manageable treatment options.
Company Pipeline
Argo Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing next-generation RNAi therapeutics to provide better treatment options for patients worldwide. The company has established a robust and diverse pipeline of RNAi molecule candidates targeting cardiovascular diseases, viral infections, metabolic conditions, and specialty/rare diseases. Currently, Argo Biopharma has six RNAi candidates in clinical development.
