ARG098

ARG098 is a mouse/human chimeric monoclonal IgM antibody developed by Argenes, Inc. for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It specifically targets the human Fas molecule (CD95/APO-1), a cell surface receptor that plays a critical role in the death receptor pathway of apoptosis. In patients with RA, the synovial tissue becomes hyperplastic due to an imbalance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death. ARG098 acts as a Fas agonist, binding to and cross-linking Fas receptors on RA synoviocytes and infiltrating lymphocytes within the synovium to trigger apoptosis. By inducing cell death in these specific populations, the drug aims to suppress synovial hyperplasia and prevent the subsequent secretion of inflammatory mediators and proteases that lead to cartilage and bone destruction. A Phase I clinical trial was initiated in 2007 in Belgium to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ARG098 when administered via intra-articular injection into the knee joint.

Other names

anti-Fas monoclonal antibodychimeric anti-Fas IgM antibodyanti-human Fas/APO-1/CD95 chimeric monoclonal IgM antibody