Karen Silence, PhD

Head Preclinical Product Development at Argenx

Speaker

As Nanobody expert and antibody innovator, I pioneered the Nanobody platform at the University of Brussels, leading to the founding of Ablynx and the approval of Caplacizumab—the first Nanobody for clinical use. As Head of Preclinical Product Development at argenx, I drive antibody programs from discovery to IND filing. I led the development of ARGX-117, engineering empasiprubart to selectively block classical and lectin complement pathway activation while preserving alternative pathway function. With ARGX-119, I helped advance a first-in-class agonist antibody targeting MuSK, aiming to improve neuromuscular function in severe disorders. My work is supported by multiple patents and publications, and I am passionate about building resilient teams and advancing innovative therapies for unmet medical needs.