MECHANISM OF ACTION

VYVGART competes with IgG antibodies, including pathogenic AChR autoantibodies, in binding to and blocking FcRn1,2

AChR=acetylcholine receptor; FcRn=neonatal Fc receptor; IgG=immunoglobulin G.

Discover more about how VYVGART binds to and blocks FcRn––a unique approach in the treatment of anti-AChR antibody positive gMG1,3

Watch the video

AChR=acetylcholine receptor; FcRn=neonatal Fc receptor; gMG=generalized myasthenia gravis.

AChR autoantibodies exert a direct pathogenic effect in gMG4-8

AChR autoantibodies disrupt neurotransmission in 3 ways:

Pathogenic affect image 1

1. Binding to AChR and creating a functional blockade

Pathogenic affect image 2

2. Cross-linking of AChR, leading to internalization and degradation

Pathogenic affect image 3

3. Activating the autoantibody dependent complement system

AChR=acetylcholine receptor; C1=complement component 1; gMG=generalized myasthenia gravis; NMJ=neuromuscular junction. 

FcRn plays a key role in gMG by perpetuating IgG antibodies4-9

FcRn binds IgG antibodies, preventing them from being destroyed in the lysosome. In doing so, FcRn helps maintain high levels of circulating IgG antibodies, including AChR autoantibodies.

Through this process, FcRn perpetuates the ability of AChR autoantibodies to attack structures such as AChR and damage the NMJ.

FcRn plays a key role in gMG by perpetuating IgG antibodies4-9

FcRn binds IgG antibodies, preventing them from being destroyed in the lysosome. In doing so, FcRn helps maintain high levels of circulating IgG antibodies, including AChR autoantibodies.

Through this process, FcRn perpetuates the ability of AChR autoantibodies to attack structures such as AChR and damage the NMJ.

AChR=acetylcholine receptor; FcRn=neonatal Fc receptor; gMG=generalized myasthenia gravis; IgG=immunoglobulin G; NMJ=neuromuscular junction.

Elements of mechanism of action

VYVGART

IgG

AChR autoantibody

FcRn

VYVGART targets FcRn, a unique approach in the treatment of anti-AChR antibody positive gMG1,3

AChR=acetylcholine receptor; FcRn=neonatal Fc receptor; gMG=generalized myasthenia gravis; IgG=immunoglobulin G; NMJ=neuromuscular junction. 

How does VYVGART Hytrulo work?1,12

VYVGART Hytrulo is a coformulation of efgartigimod alfa (the same active ingredient in VYVGART) and hyaluronidase. Efgartigimod alfa is a human IgG1 antibody fragment that binds to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), resulting in the reduction of circulating IgG.

Hyaluronidase increases permeability of the subcutaneous tissue by depolymerizing hyaluronan. This effect is transient, and permeability of the subcutaneous tissue is restored within 24 to 48 hours.

Fc=fragment, crystallized; IgG=immunoglobulin G.

Subcutaneous administration with VYVGART Hytrulo

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS

VYVGART HYTRULO is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to efgartigimod alfa products, to hyaluronidase, or to any of the excipients of VYVGART HYTRULO. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
 Infection

VYVGART HYTRULO may increase the risk of infection. The most common infections observed in Study 1 in patients with gMG were urinary tract infection (10% of efgartigimod alfa-fcab-treated patients vs 5% of placebo-treated patients) and respiratory tract infections (33% of efgartigimod alfa-fcab-treated patients vs 29% of placebo-treated patients). Patients on efgartigimod alfa-fcab vs placebo had below normal levels for white blood cell counts (12% vs 5%, respectively), lymphocyte counts (28% vs 19%, respectively), and neutrophil counts (13% vs 6%, respectively). The majority of infections and hematologic abnormalities were mild to moderate in severity. Delay VYVGART HYTRULO administration in patients with an active infection until the infection has resolved; monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infections. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding VYVGART HYTRULO until the infection has resolved.

Immunization

Immunization with vaccines during VYVGART HYTRULO treatment has not been studied; the safety with live or live-attenuated vaccines and the response to immunization with any vaccine are unknown. Because VYVGART HYTRULO causes a reduction in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during VYVGART HYTRULO treatment. Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization guidelines before initiation of a new treatment cycle with VYVGART HYTRULO.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

In clinical trials, hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and dyspnea were observed in patients treated with VYVGART HYTRULO or intravenous efgartigimod alfa-fcab. Urticaria was also observed in patients treated with VYVGART HYTRULO. Hypersensitivity reactions were mild or moderate, occurred within 1 hour to 3 weeks of administration, and did not lead to treatment discontinuation in gMG. Anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope have been reported in postmarketing experience with intravenous efgartigimod alfa-fcab. Anaphylaxis and hypotension occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation and in some cases to permanent treatment discontinuation. Healthcare professionals should monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions for at least 30 minutes after administration. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the healthcare professional should institute appropriate measures if needed or the patient should seek medical attention.

Infusion-Related Reactions

Infusion-related reactions have been reported with intravenous efgartigimod alfa-fcab in postmarketing experience. The most frequent symptoms and signs were hypertension, chills, shivering, and thoracic, abdominal, and back pain. Infusion-related reactions occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation. If a severe infusion-related reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy. Consider the risks and benefits of readministering VYVGART HYTRULO following a severe infusion-related reaction. If a mild to moderate infusion-related reaction occurs, patients may be rechallenged with close clinical observation, slower infusion rates, and pre-medications.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Patients with gMG: In Study 1, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions in efgartigimod alfa-fcab-treated patients were respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. In Study 2, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions in VYVGART HYTRULO-treated patients were injection site reactions and headache. Injection site reactions occurred in 38% of VYVGART HYTRULO-treated patients, including injection site rash, erythema, pruritus, bruising, pain, and urticaria. In Study 2 and its open-label extension in patients with gMG, all injection site reactions were mild to moderate in severity and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. The majority occurred within 24 hours after administration and resolved spontaneously. Most injection site reactions occurred during the first treatment cycle, and the incidence decreased with each subsequent cycle.

Patients with CIDP: In Study 3 stage B, the overall safety profile observed in patients with CIDP treated with VYVGART HYTRULO was consistent with the known safety profile of VYVGART HYTRULO and of efgartigimod alfa-fcab administered intravenously. In Study 3, injection site reactions occurred in 15% of patients treated with VYVGART HYTRULO compared to 6% of patients who received placebo. The most common of these injection site reactions were injection site bruising and injection site erythema. All injection site reactions were mild to moderate in severity. Most injection site reactions occurred during the first 3 months of treatment.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy

As VYVGART HYTRULO is expected to reduce maternal IgG antibody levels, reduction in passive protection to the newborn is anticipated. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to VYVGART HYTRULO in utero.

Lactation

There is no information regarding the presence of efgartigimod alfa or hyaluronidase, from administration of VYVGART HYTRULO, in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VYVGART HYTRULO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VYVGART HYTRULO or from the underlying maternal condition.

INDICATION

VYVGART® HYTRULO (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

VYVGART® HYTRULO (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Please see the full Prescribing Information.

You may report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration by visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to argenx US, Inc, at 1-833-argx411 (1-833-274-9411).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

VYVGART is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to efgartigimod alfa products or to any of the excipients of VYVGART. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Infection

VYVGART may increase the risk of infection. The most common infections observed in Study 1 were urinary tract infection (10% for VYVGART vs 5% for placebo) and respiratory tract infections (33% for VYVGART vs 29% for placebo). Patients on VYVGART vs placebo had below normal levels for white blood cell counts (12% vs 5%, respectively), lymphocyte counts (28% vs 19%, respectively), and neutrophil counts (13% vs 6%, respectively). The majority of infections and hematologic abnormalities were mild to moderate in severity. Delay VYVGART administration in patients with an active infection until the infection has resolved; monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infections. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding VYVGART until the infection has resolved.

Immunization

Immunization with vaccines during VYVGART treatment has not been studied; the safety with live or live-attenuated vaccines and the response to immunization with any vaccine are unknown. Because VYVGART causes a reduction in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during VYVGART treatment. Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization guidelines before initiation of a new treatment cycle with VYVGART.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

In clinical trials, hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and dyspnea were observed in VYVGART-treated patients. Hypersensitivity reactions were mild or moderate, occurred within 1 hour to 3 weeks of administration, and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. Anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope have been reported in postmarketing experience with VYVGART. Anaphylaxis and hypotension occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation and in some cases to permanent treatment discontinuation. Monitor patients during administration and for 1 hour thereafter for clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the healthcare professional should institute appropriate measures if needed or the patient should seek medical attention.

Infusion-Related Reactions

Infusion-related reactions have been reported with VYVGART in postmarketing experience. The most frequent symptoms and signs were hypertension, chills, shivering, and thoracic, abdominal, and back pain. Infusion-related reactions occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation. If a severe infusion-related reaction occurs during administration, discontinue VYVGART infusion and initiate appropriate therapy. Consider the risks and benefits of readministering VYVGART following a severe infusion-related reaction. If a mild to moderate infusion-related reaction occurs, patients may be rechallenged with close clinical observation, slower infusion rates, and pre-medications.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In Study 1, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions with VYVGART were respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy

As VYVGART is expected to reduce maternal IgG antibody levels, reduction in passive protection to the newborn is anticipated. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to VYVGART in utero.

Lactation

There is no information regarding the presence of efgartigimod alfa-fcab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VYVGART and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VYVGART or from the underlying maternal condition.

INDICATION

VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

Please see the full Prescribing Information.

You may report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration by visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to argenx US, Inc, at 1-833-argx411 (1-833-274-9411).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION—CONTRAINDICATIONS

VYVGART HYTRULO is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to efgartigimod alfa products, to hyaluronidase, or to any of the excipients of VYVGART HYTRULO. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
 Infection

VYVGART HYTRULO may increase the risk of infection. The most common infections observed in Study 1 in patients with gMG were urinary tract infection (10% of efgartigimod alfa-fcab-treated patients vs 5% of placebo-treated patients) and respiratory tract infections (33% of efgartigimod alfa-fcab-treated patients vs 29% of placebo-treated patients). Patients on efgartigimod alfa-fcab vs placebo had below normal levels for white blood cell counts (12% vs 5%, respectively), lymphocyte counts (28% vs 19%, respectively), and neutrophil counts (13% vs 6%, respectively). The majority of infections and hematologic abnormalities were mild to moderate in severity. Delay VYVGART HYTRULO administration in patients with an active infection until the infection has resolved; monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infections. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding VYVGART HYTRULO until the infection has resolved.

Immunization

Immunization with vaccines during VYVGART HYTRULO treatment has not been studied; the safety with live or live-attenuated vaccines and the response to immunization with any vaccine are unknown. Because VYVGART HYTRULO causes a reduction in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during VYVGART HYTRULO treatment. Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization guidelines before initiation of a new treatment cycle with VYVGART HYTRULO.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

In clinical trials, hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and dyspnea were observed in patients treated with VYVGART HYTRULO or intravenous efgartigimod alfa-fcab. Urticaria was also observed in patients treated with VYVGART HYTRULO. Hypersensitivity reactions were mild or moderate, occurred within 1 hour to 3 weeks of administration, and did not lead to treatment discontinuation in gMG. Anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope have been reported in postmarketing experience with intravenous efgartigimod alfa-fcab. Anaphylaxis and hypotension occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation and in some cases to permanent treatment discontinuation. Healthcare professionals should monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions for at least 30 minutes after administration. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the healthcare professional should institute appropriate measures if needed or the patient should seek medical attention.

Infusion-Related Reactions

Infusion-related reactions have been reported with intravenous efgartigimod alfa-fcab in postmarketing experience. The most frequent symptoms and signs were hypertension, chills, shivering, and thoracic, abdominal, and back pain. Infusion-related reactions occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation. If a severe infusion-related reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy. Consider the risks and benefits of readministering VYVGART HYTRULO following a severe infusion-related reaction. If a mild to moderate infusion-related reaction occurs, patients may be rechallenged with close clinical observation, slower infusion rates, and pre-medications.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Patients with gMG: In Study 1, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions in efgartigimod alfa-fcab-treated patients were respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. In Study 2, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions in VYVGART HYTRULO-treated patients were injection site reactions and headache. Injection site reactions occurred in 38% of VYVGART HYTRULO-treated patients, including injection site rash, erythema, pruritus, bruising, pain, and urticaria. In Study 2 and its open-label extension in patients with gMG, all injection site reactions were mild to moderate in severity and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. The majority occurred within 24 hours after administration and resolved spontaneously. Most injection site reactions occurred during the first treatment cycle, and the incidence decreased with each subsequent cycle.

Patients with CIDP: In Study 3 stage B, the overall safety profile observed in patients with CIDP treated with VYVGART HYTRULO was consistent with the known safety profile of VYVGART HYTRULO and of efgartigimod alfa-fcab administered intravenously. In Study 3, injection site reactions occurred in 15% of patients treated with VYVGART HYTRULO compared to 6% of patients who received placebo. The most common of these injection site reactions were injection site bruising and injection site erythema. All injection site reactions were mild to moderate in severity. Most injection site reactions occurred during the first 3 months of treatment.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy

As VYVGART HYTRULO is expected to reduce maternal IgG antibody levels, reduction in passive protection to the newborn is anticipated. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to VYVGART HYTRULO in utero.

Lactation

There is no information regarding the presence of efgartigimod alfa or hyaluronidase, from administration of VYVGART HYTRULO, in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VYVGART HYTRULO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VYVGART HYTRULO or from the underlying maternal condition.

INDICATION

VYVGART® HYTRULO (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

VYVGART® HYTRULO (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Please see the full Prescribing Information.

You may report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration by visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to argenx US, Inc, at 1-833-argx411 (1-833-274-9411).

INDICATION

VYVGART® HYTRULO (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

VYVGART® HYTRULO (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION—CONTRAINDICATIONS

VYVGART is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to efgartigimod alfa products or to any of the excipients of VYVGART. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Infection

VYVGART may increase the risk of infection. The most common infections observed in Study 1 were urinary tract infection (10% for VYVGART vs 5% for placebo) and respiratory tract infections (33% for VYVGART vs 29% for placebo). Patients on VYVGART vs placebo had below normal levels for white blood cell counts (12% vs 5%, respectively), lymphocyte counts (28% vs 19%, respectively), and neutrophil counts (13% vs 6%, respectively). The majority of infections and hematologic abnormalities were mild to moderate in severity. Delay VYVGART administration in patients with an active infection until the infection has resolved; monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infections. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding VYVGART until the infection has resolved.

Immunization

Immunization with vaccines during VYVGART treatment has not been studied; the safety with live or live-attenuated vaccines and the response to immunization with any vaccine are unknown. Because VYVGART causes a reduction in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during VYVGART treatment. Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization guidelines before initiation of a new treatment cycle with VYVGART.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

In clinical trials, hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and dyspnea were observed in VYVGART-treated patients. Hypersensitivity reactions were mild or moderate, occurred within 1 hour to 3 weeks of administration, and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. Anaphylaxis and hypotension leading to syncope have been reported in postmarketing experience with VYVGART. Anaphylaxis and hypotension occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation and in some cases to permanent treatment discontinuation. Monitor patients during administration and for 1 hour thereafter for clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the healthcare professional should institute appropriate measures if needed or the patient should seek medical attention.

Infusion-Related Reactions

Infusion-related reactions have been reported with VYVGART in postmarketing experience. The most frequent symptoms and signs were hypertension, chills, shivering, and thoracic, abdominal, and back pain. Infusion-related reactions occurred during or within an hour of administration and led to infusion discontinuation. If a severe infusion-related reaction occurs during administration, discontinue VYVGART infusion and initiate appropriate therapy. Consider the risks and benefits of readministering VYVGART following a severe infusion-related reaction. If a mild to moderate infusion-related reaction occurs, patients may be rechallenged with close clinical observation, slower infusion rates, and pre-medications.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In Study 1, the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions with VYVGART were respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy

As VYVGART is expected to reduce maternal IgG antibody levels, reduction in passive protection to the newborn is anticipated. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to VYVGART in utero.

Lactation

There is no information regarding the presence of efgartigimod alfa-fcab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VYVGART and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VYVGART or from the underlying maternal condition.

INDICATION

VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

Please see the full Prescribing Information.

You may report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration by visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to argenx US, Inc, at 1-833-argx411 (1-833-274-9411).

INDICATION

VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.

References: 1. VYVGART. Prescribing information. argenx US Inc; 2024. 2. Howard JF Jr et al. Lancet Neurol. 2021;20(7):526-536. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00159-9 3. Wolfe GI et al. J Neurol Sci. 2021;430:118074. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2021.118074 4. Roopenian DC, Akilesh S. Nat Rev Immunol. 2007;7(9):715-725. doi:10.1038/nri2155 5. Ward ES, Ober RJ. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2018;39(10):892-904. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2018.07.007 6. Gilhus NE et al. Nat Rev Neurol. 2016;12(5):259-268. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.44 7. Huijbers MG et al. J Intern Med. 2014;275(1):12-26. doi:10.1111/joim.12163 8. Mantegazza R et al. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011;7:151-160. doi:10.2147/NDT.S8915 9. Ulrichts P et al. J Clin Invest. 2018;128(10):4372-4386. doi:10.1172/JCI97911 10. Koneczny I, Herbst R. Cells. 2019;8(7):671. doi:10.3390/cells8070671 11. Howard JF Jr et al. Neurology. 2019;92(23):e2661-e2673. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000007600 12. VYVGART Hytrulo. Prescribing information. argenx US Inc; 2024.