Argo Biopharmaceutical recently announced that the first subject has been dosed in its phase 1 clinical trial evaluating BW-50218, in Australia. BW-50218 is a siRNA therapeutic agent targeting the transthyretin protein (TTR).

Dr. Dongxu Shu, Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer, Argo Biopharma, said, "We are pleased to have dosed the first subject in our phase 1 trial of BW-50218. We are excited to further our strong collaboration with Novartis, whose dedication to accelerating the development of therapies for patients with unmet medical needs aligns perfectly with our own mission. This important milestone underscores the strength of Argo Biopharma's expertise in discovery to clinical development and is the seventh molecule from Argo Biopharma's platform to progress into clinical testing."  

In connection with the molecule's advancement into the clinic, the company will receive a milestone payment that will further support ongoing research and development efforts across its hepatic and extra-hepatic siRNA portfolio.

BW-50218 is a siRNA therapeutic developed from Argo Biopharma's proprietary RADS platform, and is designed to enable potent, durable gene silencing with differentiated safety and delivery characteristics through hepatic delivery.

The phase 1 trial (NCT07401472) is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of subcutaneously administered BW-50218 in subjects. The trial will measure safety and biological activity markers to characterise BW-50218's pharmacologic profile and inform future development.