Beyond the Bench: Partnering with argenx to Transform Autoimmune Research
About this Event
Beyond the Bench: Partnering with argenx to Transform Autoimmune Research
📅 Monday, 31 August 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 AHMS 1059B, Level 1, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Adelaide University
🍱 Lunch included
About this event
What does it look like when a global biotech partners with a local academic researcher — and what could it mean for your own research?
Join us for this exclusive lunch & learn seminar, hosted by the Research & Innovation, Adelaide University and Adelaide Drug Discovery Incubator (ADDI), where we welcome argenx — a global leader in antibody engineering and autoimmune drug development — to share how their Immunology Innovation Program (IIP) is turning academic science into life-changing therapies.
About argenx
argenx is on a mission to transform the lives of 50,000 patients by 2030. Their science centres on the immune system and how a deeper understanding of its components can be harnessed to treat autoimmune diseases — conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammation, damage and dysfunction. Through precision antibody engineering, argenx develops molecules that interrupt these damaging processes and reduce disease symptoms. Central to their approach is collaboration with leading academic researchers through the Immunology Innovation Program.
Program
Jordi Vandewalle (argenx) — Introduction to argenx and the Immunology Innovation Program
Jordi is a scientist in the Discovery department at argenx, which he joined in January 2023. With a background in Biochemical Engineering and over seven years of prior experience at Ablynx, he brings deep expertise in llama-derived single-domain antibodies. At argenx, he leads a team of motivated early-stage antibody discovery researchers driving the next generation of immunology innovations.
Professor Allison Cowin (Adelaide University) — Case Study: Co-development of an antibody therapy for dermatological conditions
Professor Cowin is Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the Future Industries Institute, University of Adelaide. With over $22 million in competitive funding and continuous NHMRC support since 2004, her research on wound and tissue repair is internationally recognised — most recently through inclusion in the NHMRC's "10 of the Best" publications in 2025. She will share first-hand how her collaboration with argenx through the IIP shaped her research program and what she learned along the way.
Who should attend?
This event is ideal for immunologists, biomedical researchers, and anyone working on projects with potential relevance to autoimmune disease — whether you are at the early stages of your research or looking for translational pathways for an established program.
Spaces are limited — register now to secure your spot and your lunch.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
AUD 0.00
