ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX) FY 2023 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the description of our business that appears in Part I, Item 1. “Business” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under Part I, Item 1. “Business—Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. These statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report, particularly in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” Except as required by law, we do not undertake any responsibility to update any of these factors or to announce publicly any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this or any document, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Our Business
We are an integrated clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering, developing, and commercializing next-generation immuno- and cellular therapies that bolster the natural immune system to drive and sustain an immune response. Using our proprietary platforms that amplify both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, our teams of clinical, scientific, and manufacturing experts, advance novel therapies and vaccines aimed at defeating urologic and other cancers, as well as infectious diseases. Although such designations may not lead to a faster development process or regulatory review and may not increase the likelihood that a product candidate will receive approval, N-803 (Anktiva), our lead biologic commercial product candidate, has received Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations and is currently under review by the FDA for treatment in combination with BCG of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with CIS with or without Ta or T1 disease and has a new user fee goal date (PDUFA date) of April 23, 2024.
Our platforms and their associated product candidates are designed to attack cancer and infectious pathogens by activating both the innate immune system, including—NK cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, as well as—the adaptive immune system comprising—B and T cells,—in an orchestrated manner. The goal of this potentially best-in-class approach is to generate immunogenic cell death thereby eliminating rogue cells from the body whether they are cancerous or virally-infected. Our ultimate goal is to overcome the limitations of current treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors, and/or reduce the need for standard high-dose chemotherapy in cancer by employing this coordinated approach to establish “immunological memory” that confers long-term benefit for the patient.
Our proprietary platforms for the development of biologic product candidates include: (i) antibody-cytokine fusion proteins, (ii) DNA, RNA, and recombinant protein vaccines, and (iii) cell therapies. These platforms have generated 9 novel therapeutic agents for which clinical trials are either underway or planned in solid and liquid tumors. Specifically, our clinical focus includes bladder, lung, and colorectal cancers and GBM, which are among the most frequent and lethal cancer types, and where there are high failure rates for existing standards of care or no available effective treatment.
Our lead biologic commercial product candidate Anktiva is an IL-15 superagonist antibody-cytokine fusion protein. In May 2022, we announced the submission of a BLA to the FDA for Anktiva in combination with BCG for the treatment of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with CIS with or without Ta or T1 disease. On May 9, 2023, the FDA delivered a CRL to us regarding the BLA filed in May 2022, indicating that the FDA had determined that it could not approve the original BLA submission in its initial form, and the FDA made recommendations to address the issues raised. The deficiencies in the CRL related to the FDA’s pre-license inspection of the company’s third-party CMOs, among other items. Satisfactory resolution of the observations noted at the pre-license inspection would be required before the BLA could be approved. At the time, the FDA further provided recommendations specific to additional CMC issues and assays to be resolved. The CRL did not request new preclinical studies or Phase III clinical trials to evaluate safety or efficacy. The FDA requested that the company provide updated duration of response data for the efficacy population as identified by the FDA in the company’s resubmission, as well as a safety update.
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On October 23, 2023, we announced that we had completed the resubmission of the BLA addressing the issues in the CRL. As part of our resubmission, we provided an update of the duration of response regarding the responders identified by the FDA in the efficacy population for BCG unresponsive subjects with high-risk CIS disease. On October 26, 2023, we announced that the FDA had accepted our BLA resubmission for review and considered it as a complete response to the CRL. The FDA has set a new user fee goal date (PDUFA date) of April 23, 2024. While we believe the BLA resubmission addresses the issues identified in the CRL, there is no guarantee that the FDA will ultimately agree that such issues have been successfully addressed and resolved. It is unclear when the FDA will approve our BLA, if at all.
Further late-stage efforts for Anktiva are in development within the broader bladder cancer space, including BCG-naïve NMIBC. In addition, data from multiple clinical trials suggests N-803 has potential to enhance the activity of therapeutic mAbs, including checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab/Keytruda), across a wide range of tumor types. We believe there is potential for N-803 to become a therapeutic foundation across all phases of treatment, including in adjunctive therapy, to amplify, reactivate or extend the efficacy of standard of care. In addition to N-803, we have active clinical programs evaluating therapeutic candidates from our DNA and RNA vaccine technology platforms and our NK cell-based therapy platforms in oncology and infectious disease indications.
On December 29, 2023, we entered into the RIPA with Infinity and Oberland. Pursuant to the RIPA, Oberland acquired certain Revenue Interests from us for a gross purchase price of $200.0 million paid on closing, less certain transaction expenses. In addition, Oberland may purchase additional Revenue Interests from us in exchange for the $100.0 million Second Payment upon satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the RIPA, including following the receipt of approval by the FDA of the company’s BLA for N-803 in combination with BCG for the treatment of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with CIS with or without Ta or T1 disease on or before June 30, 2024. Under the RIPA, Oberland has the right to receive quarterly payments from us based on, among other things, a certain percentage of our worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, during such quarter.
Also, on December 29, 2023 and in connection with the RIPA, we entered into an SPOA with Oberland pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of approximately $10.0 million of our common stock at $4.1103 per share in a private placement. Oberland also has an option to purchase up to an additional $10.0 million of our common stock, at a price per share to be determined by reference to the 30-day trailing volume weighted-average price of our common stock calculated from the date of exercise.
The Merger
On December 21, 2020, NantKwest and NantCell entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which NantKwest and NantCell agreed to combine their businesses. The Merger Agreement provided that a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company would merge with and into NantCell, with NantCell surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company.
On March 9, 2021, we completed the Merger pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the Effective Time), each share of NantCell common stock, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the Merger Agreement, was converted automatically using the Exchange Ratio into newly issued shares of Company Common Stock, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares. At the Effective Time, each share of the company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, remained an issued and outstanding share of the combined company. At the Effective Time, each outstanding option, RSU or warrant to purchase NantCell common stock was converted using the Exchange Ratio into an option, RSU or warrant, respectively, on the same terms and conditions immediately prior to the Effective Time, to purchase shares of Company Common Stock.
Immediately following the Effective Time, the former stockholders of NantCell held approximately 71.5% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock and the stockholders of NantKwest as of immediately prior to the Merger held approximately 28.5% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock. As a result of the Merger and immediately following the Effective Time, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, our Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, and his affiliates beneficially owned, in the aggregate, approximately 81.8% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock. Following the consummation of the Merger, the symbol for shares of the company’s common stock was changed to “IBRX.”
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During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded $13.0 million of costs in connection with the Merger consisting of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees.
Accounting Treatment of the Merger
The Merger represents a business combination pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 805-50, Mergers (ASC 805-50), which was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control as Dr. Soon‑Shiong and his affiliates were the controlling stockholders of both the company and NantCell for all of the periods presented in this report. As a result, all of the assets and liabilities of NantCell were combined with ours at their historical carrying amounts on the closing date of the Merger. We recast our prior period financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 to reflect the conveyance of NantCell’s common shares as if the Merger had occurred as of the earliest date of the consolidated financial statements presented in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a public health and economic challenge around the world. Through the date of this Annual Report, we have not seen a material adverse impact to our business from the pandemic. However, given the continuously evolving nature of the pandemic, we cannot at this time predict the specific extent, duration, or full impact that this pandemic may have on our financial condition and results of operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials. More specifically, the pandemic may result in prolonged impacts that we cannot predict at this time and we expect that such uncertainties will continue to exist for the foreseeable future.
We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our business, including our clinical trials, manufacturing facilities and capabilities, and ability to access necessary resources. For a discussion of the risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to our results of operations and financial condition, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
Operating Results
From inception through the date of this Annual Report, we have generated minimal revenue from non-exclusive license agreements related to our cell lines, the sale of our bioreactors and related consumables, and grant programs. We have no clinical products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from therapeutic and vaccine product candidates that are under development. We have incurred net losses in each year since our inception and, as of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $3.0 billion. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, net losses attributable to ImmunityBio common stockholders were $583.2 million, $416.6 million, and $346.8 million, respectively. Substantially all of our net losses resulted principally from costs incurred in connection with our ongoing clinical trials and operations, our research and development programs, and from selling, general and administrative costs associated with our operations, including stock-based compensation expense.
As of December 31, 2023, we had 628 employees. Personnel of related companies who provide corporate, general and administrative, certain research and development, and other support services under our shared services agreement with NantWorks are not included in this number. See Note 11, Related-Party Agreements, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information. In anticipation of the commercialization of select drug candidates, we expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future, which may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year. See “—Future Funding Requirements” below for a discussion of our anticipated expenditures and sources of capital we expect to access to fund these expenditures.
Collaboration Agreements
We anticipate that strategic collaborations will continue to be an integral part of our operations, providing opportunities to leverage our partners’ expertise and capabilities to gain access to new technologies and further expand the potential of our technologies and product candidates across relevant platforms. We believe we are well positioned to become a leader in immunotherapy due to our broad and vertically-integrated platforms and through complementary strategic partnerships.
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We believe that our innovative approach to orchestrate and combine therapies for optimal immune system response will become a therapeutic foundation across multiple indications. Additionally, we believe that data from multiple clinical trials indicates N-803 has broad potential to enhance the activity of therapeutic mAbs, including checkpoint inhibitors, across a wide range of tumor types. We may also enter into supply arrangements for various investigational agents to be used in our clinical trials. See Note 6, Collaboration and License Agreements and Acquisition, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding our collaboration and license agreements.
Agreements with Related Parties
Our Executive Chairman, Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer and principal stockholder, founded and has a controlling interest in NantWorks, which is a collection of companies in the healthcare and technology space. We have entered into arrangements with NantWorks, and certain affiliates of NantWorks. Affiliates of NantWorks are also affiliates of the company due to the common control by and/or common ownership interest of our Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer.
Related-Party Debt
The following discussion of the company’s related-party promissory notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the notes, copies of which are incorporated by reference in Part IV, Item 15. “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules” of this Annual Report.
Related-Party Convertible Promissory Notes
On September 11, 2023, the company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Nant Capital, NantMobile and NCSC (collectively, the “related-party purchasers”), which are entities affiliated with Dr. Soon-Shiong, pursuant to which the related-party purchasers exchanged outstanding fixed-rate promissory notes held by such related-party purchasers, representing approximately $270.0 million in aggregate principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest, in exchange for an aggregate of 209,291,936 shares of common stock at an exchange price of $1.29 per share. As a result of the exchange, the company is forever released and discharged from all its obligations and liabilities under these notes.
On September 11, 2023, the company executed a $200.0 million convertible promissory note with Nant Capital. The note bears interest at Term SOFR plus 8.0% per annum. The accrued interest shall be payable monthly commencing on September 30, 2023. The outstanding principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interest are due on the earlier of (i) September 11, 2026 or (ii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an “event of default” (as defined in the note). We may prepay the outstanding principal amount, together with any accrued interest, at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty upon five (5) days’ written notice to the noteholder. The noteholder has the sole option to convert all (but not less than all) of the outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest into shares of the company’s common stock at a conversion price of $1.9350 per share. We received net proceeds of approximately $199.0 million from this financing, net of a $1.0 million origination fee paid to the noteholder. On December 29, 2023 in connection with the RIPA, the company and Nant Capital entered into a letter amendment whereby this promissory note became subordinated to the RIPA payment obligations.
Related-Party Convertible Note at Fair Value
On March 31, 2023, the company executed a $30.0 million promissory note with Nant Capital. This note bears interest at Term SOFR plus 8.0% per annum. The outstanding principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interest are due on the earlier of December 31, 2023 or upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default (as defined in the note). The interest on this note is paid on a quarterly basis beginning on June 30, 2023. The company may prepay the outstanding principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interest of the promissory note, at any time, in whole or in part, without penalty. Upon receipt of a written notice of prepayment from the company, the noteholder has the right, at its option, to convert the outstanding principal amount to be prepaid and the accrued and unpaid interest thereon (as specified in the notice of prepayment) into shares of the company’s common stock at a price of $2.28 per share. Additionally, the whole promissory note and any accrued interest may be converted into shares of the company’s common stock at a conversion price of $2.28 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment from time to time for any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification or other similar event), at the option of the noteholder.
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The company received net proceeds of approximately $29.9 million from this financing, net of a $0.1 million origination fee paid to the noteholder, which we used, together with other available funds, to progress our pre-commercialization efforts and clinical development programs, to fund other research and development activities, for capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
On September 11, 2023, the company and Nant Capital entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which the maturity date of this promissory note was extended from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024. On December 29, 2023 in connection with the RIPA, the company and Nant Capital entered into a letter amendment pursuant to which the maturity date of this promissory note was extended to December 31, 2025, and the note became subordinated to the RIPA payment obligations.
This note was accounted for under the ASC 825-10-15-4 FVO election until it was amended on December 29, 2023. Under the FVO election, the note was initially measured at its issuance date estimated fair value and subsequently remeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at each reporting period date. With each such remeasurement, the note was adjusted to fair value, with the change in fair value recorded in other expense, net, on the consolidated statement of operations.
Related-Party Nonconvertible Notes
On June 13, 2023, the company executed a $30.0 million promissory note with Nant Capital. The company was able to request up to three (3) advances of $10.0 million each pursuant to the note. The principal amount of each advance bears interest at Term SOFR plus 8.0% per annum. The accrued interest on any advance is payable quarterly on the last business day of June, September and December. The outstanding principal amount and any accrued and unpaid interest on advances were due on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2023 or (ii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default (as defined in the note). We may prepay the outstanding principal amount, together with any accrued interest, on any then-outstanding advances, at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, and without the prior consent of the noteholder, upon five (5) days written notice to the noteholder.
The company received net proceeds of approximately $29.9 million from this financing, net of a $0.1 million origination fee paid to Nant Capital, which we used, together with other available funds, to progress our regulatory approval efforts, pre-commercialization activities and clinical development programs, to fund other research and development activities, for capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
On September 11, 2023, the company and Nant Capital entered into a series of letter agreements pursuant to which the maturity date of related-party nonconvertible promissory notes totaling $505.0 million in principal were extended from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024.
On December 29, 2023 in connection with the RIPA, the company and Nant Capital entered into an amended and restated promissory note pursuant to which the existing $30.0 million promissory note, along with other existing related-party nonconvertible promissory notes, was amended to be included in the Tranche 2 principal amount of the amended $505.0 million December 2023 promissory note. The Tranche 2 of the promissory note has a principal amount of $380.0 million, a maturity date of December 31, 2025, and an interest rate of Term SOFR plus 7.5% per annum. Based on the terms of the amended and restated promissory note, the noteholder, at its sole discretion, may convert all of the $380.0 million principal amount into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $8.2690 per share. The new note became subordinated to the RIPA payment obligations.
See Note 10, Related-Party Debt, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding our related-party debt.
Immuno-Oncology Clinic, Inc.
We have entered into multiple agreements with the Clinic to conduct clinical trials related to certain of our product candidates. The Clinic is a related party as it is owned by an officer of the company and NantWorks manages the administrative operations of the Clinic.
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In 2021, we completed a review of alternative structures that could support our more complex clinical trial requirements and made a decision to explore a potential transition of clinical trials at the Clinic to a new structure (including contracting with a new, non-affiliated professional corporation) to be determined and agreed upon by all parties. While we have not yet finalized the potential transition, we continue discussions with potential partners around such alternative structures. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded $2.2 million, $2.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in research and development expense, on the consolidated statements of operations related to clinical trial and transition services provided by the Clinic.
Related-Party Leases
605 Doug St, LLC
In June 2023, we exercised the option to extend the lease agreement with 605 Doug St, LLC, an entity owned by our Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, for one additional three-year term through July 2026.
23 Alaska, LLC
Effective August 31, 2023, we executed a lease termination agreement with 23 Alaska, LLC, an entity owned by our Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer.
Duley Road, LLC
Effective October 3, 2023, we exercised the first option to extend the lease agreement with Duley Road, a related party that is indirectly controlled by our Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, for one additional five-year term through October 31, 2029.
See Note 11, Related-Party Agreements, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding our related-party agreements.
Components of our Results of Operations
Revenue
From inception through the date of this Annual Report, we have generated minimal revenue from non-exclusive license agreements related to our cell lines, the sale of our bioreactors and related consumables, and grant programs. We have no clinical products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from therapeutic and vaccine product candidates that are under development. If we fail to complete the development of our product candidates in a timely manner or fail to obtain regulatory approval for them, we may never be able to generate substantial future revenue.
Operating Expenses
We generally classify our operating expenses into research and development, and selling, general and administrative expenses. Personnel costs, including salaries, benefits, bonuses, and stock-based compensation expense comprise a significant component of our research and development, and selling, general and administrative expense categories. We allocate expenses associated with our facilities and information technology costs between these two categories, primarily based on the nature of each cost.
Research and Development
Research and development expense consists of expenses incurred while performing research and development activities to discover and develop our technology and product candidates. This includes conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, manufacturing development efforts and activities related to regulatory submissions for product candidates. We recognize research and development expenses as they are incurred.
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Our research and development expenses primarily consist of:
•clinical trial and regulatory-related costs;
•expenses incurred under agreements with investigative sites and consultants that conduct our clinical trials;
•expenses incurred under collaborative agreements;
•manufacturing and testing costs and related supplies and materials;
•employee-related expenses, including salaries, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation; and
•facility expenses dedicated to research and development.
The company classifies its research and development expenses as either external or internal. The company’s external research and development expenses support its various preclinical and clinical programs. The company’s internal research and development expenses include payroll and benefits expenses, facilities and equipment expense, and other indirect research and development expenses incurred in support of its research and development activities. The company’s external and internal resources are not directly tied to any one research or drug discovery program and are typically deployed across multiple programs and are not allocated to specific product candidates or development programs.
We expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly for the foreseeable future as we continue to invest in research and development activities related to developing our product candidates and conducting our ongoing and planned clinical trials.
The process of conducting clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval is costly and time consuming. The successful development of product candidates is highly uncertain. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the nature, timing or costs required to complete the remaining development of any product candidates. This is due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development of product candidates.
The costs of clinical trials may vary significantly over the life of a project owing to, but not limited to, the following:
•per patient trial costs;
•the number of sites included in the clinical trials;
•the countries in which the clinical trials are conducted;
•the length of time required to enroll eligible patients;
•the number of patients that participate in the clinical trials;
•the number of doses that patients receive;
•the cost of comparative agents used in clinical trials;
•the drop-out or discontinuation rates of patients;
•potential additional safety monitoring or other studies requested by regulatory agencies;
•the duration of patient follow-up; and
•the safety profile and efficacy of the product candidate.
We have only one product candidate, Anktiva in combination with BCG for the treatment of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with CIS with or without Ta or T1 disease, for which we submitted a BLA to the FDA in May 2022. On May 9, 2023, the FDA delivered a CRL to us regarding the BLA filed in May 2022, indicating that the FDA had determined that it could not approve the original BLA submission in its initial form, and the FDA made recommendations to address the issues raised. On October 23, 2023, we announced that we had completed the resubmission of the BLA addressing the issues in the CRL. On October 26, 2023, we announced that the FDA had accepted our BLA resubmission for review and considered it as a
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complete response to the CRL. The FDA has set a new user fee goal date (PDUFA date) of April 23, 2024. There can be no assurance that our product candidate will be approved for commercial sale by the FDA in the near term, if ever. We do not expect any of our other product candidates to be commercially available for the foreseeable future, if ever.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and personnel-related costs, including employee benefits and any stock-based compensation, for employees performing functions other than research and development. This includes personnel in executive, finance, human resources, information technology, legal, and administrative support functions. Other selling, general and administrative expenses include facility-related costs not otherwise allocated to research and development expense, professional fees for auditing, tax and legal services, advertising costs, expenses associated with strategic business transactions and business development efforts, obtaining and maintaining patents, consulting costs, royalties and licensing costs, and costs of our information systems.
We expect that our selling, general and administrative expense will increase for the foreseeable future as we expand operations, build out information systems and increase our headcount to support continued research activities and the development of our clinical programs. We have incurred and expect that we will continue to incur in the future, additional costs associated with operating as a public company, including costs to comply with stock exchange listing and SEC requirements, future funding efforts, corporate governance, internal controls, investor relations, disclosure and similar requirements applicable to public companies. Additionally, if and when we believe that a regulatory approval of a product candidate appears likely, we expect to incur significant increases in our selling, general and administrative expense relating to the sales and marketing of the approved product candidate.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net consists primarily of interest and investment income, interest expense (including amortization of debt discounts), unrealized gains and losses from investments in equity securities and equity-method investments, changes in fair value of warrants, derivative liabilities, and a convertible note, realized gains and losses on debt and equity securities, and gains and losses on foreign currency transactions.
Income Taxes
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax, as well as income tax in Italy, South Korea, California and other states. From inception through December 31, 2023, we have not been required to pay U.S. federal and state income taxes because of current and accumulated NOLs.
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Discussion of Consolidated Results of Operations
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 622 | $ | 240 | $ | 382 | 159 | % | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
| Research and development (including amounts with related parties) | 232,366 | 248,149 | (15,783) | (6) | % | ||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative (including amounts with related parties) | 129,620 | 102,708 | 26,912 | 26 | % | ||||||||||
| Impairment of intangible assets | 886 | 681 | 205 | 30 | % | ||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 362,872 | 351,538 | 11,334 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (362,250) | (351,298) | (10,952) | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Other expense, net: | |||||||||||||||
| Interest and investment income (loss), net | 1,131 | (3,090) | 4,221 | (137) | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense (including amounts with related parties) | (129,198) | (63,515) | (65,683) | 103 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss on equity method investment | (7,549) | (12,107) | 4,558 | (38) | % | ||||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | (47,600) | 13,460 | (61,060) | (454) | % | ||||||||||
| Change in fair value of convertible note | (36,203) | — | (36,203) | — | % | ||||||||||
| Other expense, net (including amounts with related parties) | (2,223) | (736) | (1,487) | 202 | % | ||||||||||
| Total other expense, net | (221,642) | (65,988) | (155,654) | 236 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes and noncontrolling interests | (583,892) | (417,286) | (166,606) | 40 | % | ||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 40 | (34) | 74 | (218) | % | ||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (583,852) | $ | (417,320) | $ | (166,532) | 40 | % |
Revenue
Revenue increased $0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by higher grant revenue received in 2023.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense decreased $15.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The following table summarizes our research and development expenses during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, together with the changes in those items (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | |||||||||
| External research and development expenses | $ | 68,212 | $ | 63,113 | $ | 5,099 | |||||
| Internal research and development expenses: | |||||||||||
| Personnel-related costs | 89,085 | 96,357 | (7,272) | ||||||||
| Equipment, depreciation, and facility costs | 51,810 | 53,920 | (2,110) | ||||||||
| Other research and development costs | 23,259 | 34,759 | (11,500) | ||||||||
| Total internal research and development expenses | 164,154 | 185,036 | (20,882) | ||||||||
| Total research and development expenses | $ | 232,366 | $ | 248,149 | $ | (15,783) |
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Research and development expense decreased $15.8 million primarily attributable to the following:
•A $5.1 million increase in external research and development expenses that was primarily due to higher qualification and testing costs, pre-licensing inspection costs, and outside consulting fees relating to regulatory and compliance services for the resubmission of the BLA, partially offset by a decrease in clinical trial costs and initial BLA submission fees;
•A $7.3 million decrease in personnel-related costs that was primarily due to the write off of accrued discretionary bonuses for 2022 not paid and a reduction in headcount, partially offset by an increase in stock-based compensation costs associated with new retention awards granted to existing employees;
•A $2.1 million decrease in equipment, depreciation, and facility costs that was primarily due to a reduction in activities related to facility expansion that occurred in the prior year, which resulted in lower expenditures for equipment qualification and certification, as well as lower expenses for sanitary services, partially offset by higher equipment maintenance costs; and
•An $11.5 million decrease in other research and development costs, primarily attributable to reductions in laboratory and test supplies and material supplies used for internal manufacturing, and no impairment costs from long-lived assets in the current year compared to the prior year, as well as an increase in collaboration costs allocated to a joint venture. Additionally, the write down of right-of-use assets from a lease used for R&D contributed to an additional decrease in other R&D expenses. The reduction in costs were partially offset by higher R&D activities and increased costs related to R&D licenses.
We expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly for the foreseeable future as we continue to invest in research and development activities related to developing our product candidates and conducting our ongoing and planned clinical trials.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $26.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The rise in expenses was primarily due to a $28.9 million increase in legal expenses, which was driven by higher defense costs and general legal services, as well as fewer legal insurance reimbursements received compared to the prior year. Additionally, there was a $1.1 million increase in personnel-related costs resulting from higher stock-based compensation expenses and travel costs, a $0.6 million increase in IT and security license fees, and a $0.2 million increase in marketing costs for pre-commercialization activities. These increases were partially offset by a $2.7 million reduction in consulting services from ERP implementations and professional fees from accounting and tax services, and a $1.2 million reduction in insurance expenses and other operating costs.
Impairment of Intangible Assets
Impairment of intangible assets increased $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, due to an impairment charge of $0.9 million related to indefinite-lived intangible assets associated with the Tarmogen platform as the research and development program was limited in the current year. The $0.7 million write off of the organized workforce with definite lives during 2022 was as a result of the workforce reduction at the Dunkirk Facility.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net increased $155.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, due to a $65.7 million increase in interest expense driven by higher related-party borrowings, an increase in the Term SOFR rate, and higher amortization of related-party notes discounts. Additionally, there was a total increase in expense of $97.3 million driven by the change in the fair value of warrant liabilities and the change in the fair value of a related-party convertible note, and a $1.5 million increase in expense due to higher issuance costs associated with our registered direct offerings, and an increase in other expenses. These changes were partially offset by a $4.6 million lower loss on equity method investments and a $4.2 million increase in investment income.
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Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 to 2021
See Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations” of our Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023 for a discussion of the company’s results of operations during the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
Since our inception, we have funded our operations primarily through proceeds from the issuance of related-party promissory notes and sales of our common stock under the ATM and our shelf registration statement, and through registered direct offerings.
On December 29, 2023, we entered into the RIPA to support the commercialization of Anktiva for the treatment of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with CIS with or without Ta or T1 disease, the further development of our other product platforms, and to provide for other working capital needs.
Cash and Marketable Securities on Hand
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $267.4 million compared to $108.0 million as of December 31, 2022. We have typically invested our cash in a variety of financial instruments and classified these investments as available-for-sale. However, after our entry into the RIPA we can no longer invest our excess funds in corporate or European bonds. Certain of our investments are subject to credit, liquidity, market, and interest-rate risks. The general condition of the financial markets and the economy may increase those risks and may affect the value and liquidity of investments and restrict our ability to access the capital markets.
Proceeds from the ATM
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we received net proceeds of approximately $16.1 million from the issuance of 5,605,323 shares under the ATM. We used the net proceeds from this offering, together with other available funds, to progress our regulatory approval efforts, pre-commercialization activities and clinical development programs, to fund other research and development activities, for capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2023, we had $208.8 million available for future stock issuances under the ATM.
Shelf Registration Statement
During February 2023, we filed a $750.0 million shelf registration statement with the SEC on Form S-3 for the offering and sale of equity and equity-linked securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, subscription rights, purchase contracts, and units. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold shares of our common stock and warrants valued at $184.4 million under the shelf. As of December 31, 2023, we had $565.6 million available for use under the shelf. This available shelf is in addition to the ATM.
Proceeds from Registered Direct Offerings
On February 15, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 14,072,615 shares of our common stock, as well as warrants (the February 2023 Warrants) that allow such investors to purchase an additional 14,072,615 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.2636 per share, for a purchase price of $3.5530 per share and accompanying warrant. This transaction generated net proceeds of approximately $47.0 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering costs. Pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement dated July 25, 2023, the company and the investors agreed to reduce the exercise price of the outstanding February 2023 Warrants from $4.2636 per share to $3.2946 per share and extend the expiration date of the warrants until July 24, 2026.
On July 20, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 14,569,296 shares of our common stock, as well as warrants that allow such investors to purchase an additional 14,569,296 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.2946 per share, for a purchase price of $2.7455 per share and accompanying warrant. This transaction generated net proceeds of approximately $37.5 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering costs.
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We used the net proceeds from these registered direct offerings, together with other available funds, to progress our regulatory approval efforts, pre-commercialization activities and clinical development programs, to fund other research and development activities, for capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.
Related-Party Promissory Notes
On September 11, 2023, the company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Nant Capital, NantMobile and NCSC pursuant to which the noteholders exchanged promissory notes totaling approximately $270.0 million in aggregate principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest for an aggregate of 209,291,936 shares of common stock at an exchange price of $1.29 per share. As a result of the exchange, the company was forever released and discharged from all its obligations and liabilities under the notes.
On September 11, 2023, the company and Nant Capital entered into a series of letter agreements pursuant to which the maturity date of the related-party nonconvertible notes described above totaling $505.0 million in principal was extended from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024. In addition, the company entered into a $200.0 million September 2023 promissory note with Nant Capital.
On December 29, 2023 in connection with the RIPA, the company and Nant Capital entered into an amended and restated promissory note and a letter amendment for the following outstanding promissory notes. Pursuant to the terms of the amended and restated promissory note, the amended $505.0 million December 2023 promissory note is comprised of a Tranche 1 principal amount of $125.0 million, which was previously the $125.0 million August 2022 promissory note before amendment, and a Tranche 2 with principal amount of $380.0 million, which is made up of the previous $300.0 million December 2021 promissory note, $50.0 million December 2022 promissory note, and $30.0 million June 2023 promissory note. In addition, the amendment allows Nant Capital, in its sole discretion, to convert all the Tranche 2 principal amount of $380.0 million of the amended promissory note into shares of the company’s common stock. The conversion price was determined subsequently at $8.2690 per share based on the agreement. The maturity date of the amended promissory note is December 31, 2025. Pursuant to the terms of the letter amendment, the maturity date of the $30.0 million March 2023 promissory note was extended from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025. Also, in connection with the RIPA transaction, all outstanding related-party promissory notes became subordinated to the RIPA payment obligations. After the amendment, the interest rates for the Tranche 1 principal amount and Tranche 2 principal amount of the $505.0 million December 2023 promissory note were Term SOFR plus 8.0% and Term SOFR plus 7.5%, respectively.
See Note 10, Related-Party Debt, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding our related-party debt.
Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement
On December 29, 2023, we entered into the RIPA with Infinity and Oberland. Pursuant to the RIPA, Oberland acquired certain Revenue Interests from us for a gross purchase price of $200.0 million paid on closing, less certain transaction expenses. In addition, Oberland may purchase additional Revenue Interests from us in exchange for the $100.0 million Second Payment upon satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the RIPA, including following the receipt of approval by the FDA of the company’s BLA for N-803 in combination with BCG for the treatment of patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with CIS with or without Ta or T1 disease on or before June 30, 2024. Under the RIPA, Oberland has the right to receive quarterly payments from us based on, among other things, a certain percentage of our worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, during such quarter.
Also, on December 29, 2023 and in connection with the RIPA, we entered into an SPOA with Oberland pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of approximately $10.0 million of our common stock at $4.1103 per share in a private placement. Oberland also has an option to purchase up to an additional $10.0 million of our common stock, at a price per share to be determined by reference to the 30-day trailing volume weighted-average price of our common stock calculated from the date of exercise.
For more information, see Note 9, Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
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Uses of Liquidity
In addition to the cash used to fund our operating activities discussed in “—Future Funding Requirements” below, we will require cash to settle the following obligations:
•As of December 31, 2023, our indebtedness payable at maturity totaled $735.0 million (excluding unamortized related-party notes discounts), held by entities affiliated with Dr. Soon-Shiong. In connection with the RIPA, all of our related-party promissory notes are now general unsecured obligations of the company that are subordinated in right of payment to indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities under the RIPA, the Revenue Interests issued pursuant to such agreement, and refinancing of the foregoing. In addition, the terms of promissory notes totaling $535.0 million were amended and restated to extend the maturity date by one year to December 31, 2025. The remaining $200.0 million promissory note and any accrued and unpaid interest are due on the earlier of (i) September 11, 2026 or (ii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default (as defined in the note).
◦Pursuant to the terms of the amended and restated promissory note, the amended $505.0 million December 2023 promissory note is comprised of the Tranche 1 principal amount of $125.0 million and the Tranche 2 principal amount of $380.0 million. All Tranche 2 principal amount of $380.0 million and any accrued and unpaid interest can be converted into shares of the company’s stock at $8.2690 per share at the option of the noteholder. The interest rates for the Tranche 1 principal amount and Tranche 2 principal amount of the $505.0 million December 2023 promissory note were Term SOFR plus 8.0% per annum and Term SOFR plus 7.5% per annum, respectively.
◦The $200.0 million convertible promissory note bears interest at Term SOFR plus 8.0% per annum. The noteholder has the sole option to convert all of the outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest into shares of the company’s common stock at a conversion price of $1.9350 per share.
◦The $30.0 million convertible promissory note bears interest at Term SOFR plus 8.0% per annum. The noteholder has the sole option to convert all of the outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest into shares of the company’s common stock at a conversion price of $2.28 per share.
There can be no assurance that the company can refinance these promissory notes or what terms will be available in the market at the time of refinancing. Furthermore, if prevailing interest rates or other factors at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, then the interest expense relating to the refinanced indebtedness would increase. These risks could materially adversely affect the company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
•On December 29, 2023, we entered into the RIPA with Infinity and Oberland. Oberland has the right to receive quarterly Revenue Interest Payments from us based on, among other things, our worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, which will be tiered payments initially ranging from 3.00% to 7.00% (or after funding of the Second Payment, 4.50% to 10.00%), subject to increase or decrease, following December 31, 2029 (the Test Date) depending on whether our aggregate payments made to Oberland as of the Test Date have met or exceeded the Cumulative Purchaser Payments. In addition, if our aggregate payments made as of the Test Date to Oberland do not equal or exceed the amount of the Cumulative Purchaser Payments as of such date, then we are obligated to make a one-time True-Up Payment to Oberland in an amount equal to 100% of the Cumulative Purchaser Payments as of the Test Date, less the aggregate amount of our previous payments to Oberland as of the Test Date. See Note 9, Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding the RIPA.
•In connection with our 2017 acquisition of Altor, we issued CVRs under which we agreed to pay the prior stockholders of Altor approximately $304.0 million of contingent consideration upon calendar-year worldwide net sales of N-803 exceeding $1.0 billion prior to December 31, 2026, with amounts payable in cash or shares of our common stock or a combination thereof. As of December 31, 2023, Dr. Soon-Shiong and his related party hold approximately $139.8 million of net sales CVRs and they have both irrevocably agreed to receive shares of the company’s common stock in satisfaction of their CVRs. We may be required to pay the other prior Altor stockholders up to $164.2 million for their net sales CVRs should they choose to have their CVRs paid in cash instead of common stock. We may need to seek additional sources of capital to satisfy the CVR obligations if they are achieved.
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•In connection with our acquisition of VivaBioCell, we are obligated to pay the former owners approximately $2.2 million of contingent consideration upon the achievement of a regulatory milestone relating to the GMP-in-a-Box technology.
Discussion of Consolidated Cash Flows
The following discussion of ImmunityBio’s cash flows is based on the consolidated statements of cash flows in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is not meant to be an all‑inclusive discussion of the changes in its cash flows for the years presented below.
The following table sets forth our primary sources and uses of cash for the years indicated (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Cash provided by (used in): | |||||||
| Operating activities | $ | (366,757) | $ | (337,509) | |||
| Investing activities | (30,470) | 27,297 | |||||
| Financing activities | 558,341 | 233,613 | |||||
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (292) | 284 | |||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 160,822 | $ | (76,315) |
Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in operating activities of $366.8 million consisted of a net loss of $583.9 million, partially offset by $213.1 million in adjustments for non-cash items and $3.9 million of cash provided by net working capital. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $49.2 million in stock-based compensation expense, $47.6 million in change in fair value of warrant liabilities, $42.4 million in amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of discounts, $36.2 million in change in fair value of convertible notes, $18.5 million in depreciation and amortization expense, $9.2 million in non-cash interest primarily related to related-party promissory notes, $6.1 million in non-cash lease expense related to operating lease right‑of‑use assets, $2.0 million of transaction costs allocable to warrant liabilities, $1.6 million in unrealized losses on equity securities driven by a decrease in the value of our investments, $0.9 million in loss on impairment of intangible assets, partially offset by $0.5 million in other items, and a decrease of $0.1 million in amortization of premiums, net of discounts on marketable debt securities. The changes in net working capital consisted primarily of an increase of $6.7 million in accrued expenses, a decrease of $5.9 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and a decrease of $1.9 million in other assets, partially offset by a decrease of $6.5 million in accounts payable, a decrease of $3.0 million in operating lease liabilities, and a decrease of $1.1 million in due to related parties.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in operating activities of $337.5 million consisted of a net loss of $417.3 million and $8.0 million of cash used in net working capital, partially offset by $87.8 million in adjustments for non-cash items. The changes in net working capital consisted primarily of an increase of $16.6 million in prepaid and other current assets, and decreases of $4.3 million in operating lease liabilities and $1.2 million with related parties, partially offset by an increase of $8.0 million in accounts payable, an increase of $4.1 million in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and a decrease of $2.0 million in investment and other assets. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $40.2 million in stock-based compensation expense, $18.3 million in depreciation and amortization expense, $16.3 million in amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of discounts, $11.7 million in non-cash interest primarily related to related-party promissory notes, $5.9 million in non‑cash lease expense related to operating lease right-of-use assets, $4.2 million in unrealized losses on equity securities driven by a decrease in the value of our investments, $1.3 million in loss on impairment of fixed assets, $1.3 million in amortization of premiums, net of discounts, on marketable debt securities, $1.1 million in transaction costs allocable to a warrant liability, a non-cash $0.7 million loss on the impairment of intangible assets, and $0.3 million in other non-cash items, reduced by a $13.5 million change in fair value of a warrant liability.
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We have historically experienced negative cash flows from operating activities, with such negative cash flows likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $30.5 million, which included cash outflows of $30.6 million in purchases of property, plant and equipment (including construction in progress and the completion of a warehouse facility), and $10.4 million in purchases of marketable debt securities, partially offset by cash inflows of $10.5 million from maturities and sales of marketable debt and equity securities. Our investments in property, plant and equipment are primarily related to acquisitions of equipment that will be used for the manufacturing of our product candidates and expenditures related to the build out of our manufacturing facilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by investing activities was $27.3 million, which included cash inflows of $162.0 million from maturities and sales of marketable debt and equity securities, partially offset by $78.2 million of purchases of property, plant and equipment (including construction in progress and depreciable property acquired in the Dunkirk acquisition), $34.3 million of purchases of marketable debt securities, $21.2 million for purchase of intangible assets (related to the Dunkirk acquisition), and a $1.0 million investment in a joint venture. Our investments in property, plant and equipment are primarily related to acquisitions of equipment that will be used for the manufacturing of our product candidates and expenditures related to the build out of our manufacturing facilities.
We expect to accelerate our capital spending as we scale our cGMP manufacturing capabilities, which will require significant capital for the foreseeable future.
Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $558.3 million, which consisted of $258.7 million in net proceeds from issuances of related-party promissory notes, $192.8 million in net proceeds from payments received pursuant to the RIPA, $84.4 million in net proceeds from registered direct offerings, $16.1 million in net proceeds from the ATM offering, $9.5 million in net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with the RIPA, and $0.3 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by $3.4 million used for payment of payroll tax withholding in connection with the net share settlement of vested RSUs, and $0.1 million used for principal payments of finance leases.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $233.6 million, which consisted of $174.1 million in net proceeds from issuances of related-party promissory notes, $47.3 million in net proceeds from a registered direct offering, and $13.1 million in net proceeds from the ATM offering, partially offset by $0.6 million related to net share settlement of vested RSUs for payment of payroll tax withholding and a $0.3 million used in other financing activities.
We will need to raise additional capital to fund our future cash needs.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 to 2021
See Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations” of our Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023 for a discussion of the company’s consolidated cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
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Future Funding Requirements
From inception through the date of this Annual Report we have generated minimal revenue, we have no clinical products approved for commercial sale, and we have not generated any revenue from therapeutic and vaccine product candidates that are under development. We do not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until we obtain regulatory approval of and commercialize any of our product candidates, and we do not know when, or if, this will occur. In addition, we expect our operating expenses to significantly increase in connection with our ongoing development activities, particularly as we continue the research, development and clinical trials of, and seek regulatory approval for, our product candidates. We have also incurred and expect that we will continue to incur in the future additional costs associated with operating as a public company as well as costs related to future fundraising efforts. In addition, subject to obtaining regulatory approval of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses for product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. We anticipate that we will need substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations.
We expect that our operating expenses will increase substantially if and as we:
•continue research and development, including preclinical and clinical development of our existing product candidates;
•potentially seek regulatory approval for our product candidates;
•seek to discover and develop additional product candidates;
•establish a commercialization infrastructure and scale up our manufacturing and distribution capabilities to commercialize any of our product candidates for which we may obtain regulatory approval;
•seek to comply with regulatory standards and laws;
•maintain, leverage and expand our intellectual property portfolio;
•hire clinical, manufacturing, scientific and other personnel to support our product candidates’ development and future commercialization efforts;
•add operational, financial and management information systems and personnel; and
•incur additional legal, accounting and other expenses in operating as a public company.
As a result of continuing anticipated operating cash outflows, we believe that substantial doubt exists regarding our ability to continue as a going concern without additional funding or financial support. However, we believe our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments in marketable securities, together with capital to be raised through equity offerings (including but not limited to the offering, issuance and sale by us of our common stock that may be issued and sold under the ATM, of which we had $208.8 million available for future issuance as of December 31, 2023, and a February 2023 shelf registration statement, of which we had $565.6 million available for future offerings as of December 31, 2023), and our potential ability to borrow from affiliated entities, will be sufficient to fund our operations through at least the next 12 months following the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements based primarily upon our Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer’s intent and ability to support our operations with additional funds, including loans from affiliated entities, as required, which we believe alleviates such doubt. We may also seek to sell additional equity, through one or more follow-on public offerings, or in separate financings, or obtain a credit facility, issue other debt in compliance with the terms of the RIPA, or engage in strategic partnership transactions. However, we may not be able to secure such external financing in a timely manner or on favorable terms, if at all. Without additional funds, we may choose to delay or reduce our operating or investment expenditures. Further, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of our product candidates, we may need additional funds to meet our needs sooner than planned.
We will need to obtain additional financing to fund our future operations, including completing the development and commercialization of our product candidates. Changing circumstances may cause us to increase our spending significantly faster than we currently anticipate and we may need to raise additional funds sooner than we presently anticipate. Moreover, research and development and our operating costs and fixed expenses such as rent and other contractual commitments, including those for our research collaborations, are substantial and are expected to increase in the future.
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Our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
•progress, timing, number, scope and costs of researching and developing our product candidates and our ongoing, planned and potential clinical trials;
•time and cost of regulatory approvals;
•our ability to successfully commercialize any product candidates, if approved and the costs of such commercialization activities;
•revenue from product candidates that we may commercialize, if any, including the selling prices for such potential products and the availability of adequate third-party coverage and reimbursement for patients;
•interest and principal payments on our related-party promissory notes, and payment of Revenue Interests, the Second Payment and Test Date payments due under the RIPA;
•cost of building, staffing and validating our own manufacturing facilities in the U.S., including having a product candidate successfully manufactured consistent with FDA and EMA regulations;
•terms, timing and costs of our current and any potential future collaborations, business or product acquisitions, CVRs, milestones, royalties, licensing or other arrangements that we have established or may establish;
•time and cost necessary to respond to technological, regulatory, political and market developments; and
•costs of filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights.
Unless and until we can generate a sufficient amount of revenues, we may finance future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, license agreements, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and marketing or distribution arrangements. However, we may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements when needed on favorable terms, or at all, including but not limited to the offering, issuance and sale by us of our common stock that may be issued and sold under the ATM.
To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities (including warrants), convertible debt or under the ATM, our shelf registration statement, or other offerings, or if any of our current debt is converted into equity or if our existing warrants are exercised, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a stockholder. The incurrence of additional indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, limitations on our ability to acquire or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships and alliances and licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms unfavorable to us. We have no committed source of additional capital and if we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, we may be required to delay or reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more of our research or development programs or our commercialization efforts. Our current license and collaboration agreements may also be terminated if we are unable to meet the payment obligations under those agreements. As a result, we may seek to access the public or private capital markets whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time.
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Contractual Obligations
We have material cash requirements to pay related-party affiliates and third parties under various contractual obligations discussed below:
•We are obligated to make payments to several related-party affiliates under written agreements and other informal arrangements. We are also obligated to pay interest and to repay principal under our related-party promissory notes. For information regarding our financing obligations, see Note 10, Related-Party Debt, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
•We are obligated to make payments to Oberland associated with our revenue interest liability, which do not have a fixed repayment schedule. Oberland’s right to receive payments under the RIPA shall terminate when Oberland has received maximum payments (including any True-Up Payment) equal to 195.0% of the then Cumulative Purchaser Payments unless the RIPA is terminated prior to such date.
Under the terms of the agreement, prior to the Test Date, every $100.0 million of worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, of less than or equal to $600.0 million in a calendar year would result in a tiered Revenue Interest Payment of approximately $7.0 million or 7.0% (or $10.0 million or 10.0% after funding of the Second Payment). Worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, for a calendar year exceeding $600.0 million would result in a tiered Revenue Interest Payment of approximately $3.0 million or 3.0% (or $4.5 million or 4.5% after funding of the Second Payment) for every $100.0 million of worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, above the threshold.
In the future, cumulative worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, levels up to the Test Date will determine whether or not we are required to make a True-Up Payment and implement modified payment rates. The amount of the obligation and timing of payment is likely to change. See Note 9, Revenue Interest Purchase Agreement, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding the RIPA.
•We are obligated to make payments under our operating leases, which primarily consist of facility leases. See Note 8, Lease Arrangements, and Note 11, Related-Party Agreements, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appear in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for information regarding our lease obligations.
•In connection with the acquisitions of Altor and VivaBioCell, we are obligated to pay contingent consideration upon the achievement of certain milestones. See Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies—Contingent Consideration Related to Business Combinations, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for information regarding our contingent consideration obligations.
•We have contractual obligations to make payments to related-party affiliates and third parties under unconditional purchase arrangements. See Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies—Unconditional Purchase Obligations, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for information on these unconditional purchase obligations.
•We have certain contractual commitments that are expected to be paid in fiscal year 2024, depending on the progress of build outs, completion of services, and the realization of milestones associated with third-party agreements. This amounts totals $60.8 million and is primarily related to capital expenditures, open purchase orders as of December 31, 2023 for the acquisition of goods and services in the ordinary course of business, and near-term upfront milestone payments to third parties.
•In addition, we have contractual commitments that are expected to be paid in fiscal year 2025 and beyond based on the achievement of various development, regulatory and commercial milestones for agreements with third parties. These payments may not be realized or may be modified and are contingent upon the occurrence of various future events, substantially all of which have a high degree of uncertainty of occurring. As of December 31, 2023, the maximum amount that may be payable related to these commitments is $769.3 million.
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•In connection with our leasehold interest in the Dunkirk Facility, we committed to spend an aggregate of $1.52 billion on operational expenses during the initial 10-year term, and an additional $1.50 billion on operational expenses if we elect to renew the lease for the additional 10-year term. These amounts are not included in the discussion above. See Note 6, Collaboration and License Agreements and Acquisition, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information on these obligations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the valuation of equity-based awards, deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances, revenue interest liability, preclinical and clinical trial accruals, impairment assessments, CVR measurement and assessments, the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, useful lives of long-lived assets, loss contingencies, fair value calculation of warrants and convertible promissory notes, fair value measurements, asset acquisition, and the assessment of our ability to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other market-specific and relevant assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates are assessed each period and updated to reflect current information, such as the economic considerations related to the impact that any ongoing pandemic could have on our significant accounting estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements that appear in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report, we believe the following accounting policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments and estimates we use in preparing our consolidated financial statements:
Revenue Recognition
We have primarily generated revenues from non-exclusive license agreements related to our cell lines, the sale of our bioreactors and related consumables and grant programs. The nonexclusive license agreements with a limited number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies grant them the right to use our cell lines and intellectual property for non-clinical use. These agreements generally include upfront fees and annual research license fees for such use, as well as commercial license fees for sales of the licensee products developed or manufactured using our intellectual property and cell lines. We have generated revenues from product sales of our proprietary GMP-in-a-Box bioreactors and related consumables, primarily to related parties. Additionally, we also generated revenues from grant programs.
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation based on relative standalone selling price and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied.
Under our license agreements with customers, we typically promise to provide a license to use certain cell lines and related patents, the related know-how, and future research and development data that affect the license. We have concluded that these promises represent one performance obligation due to the highly interrelated nature of the promises. We provide the cell lines and know-how immediately upon entering into the contracts. Research and development data are provided throughout the term of the contract when and if available.
The license agreements may include non-refundable upfront payments, event-based milestone payments, sales-based royalty payments, or some combination of these. The event-based milestone payments represent variable consideration and we use the most likely amount method to estimate this variable consideration. Given the high degree of uncertainly around the achievement of these milestones, we do not recognize revenue from these milestone payments until the uncertainty associated
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with these payments is resolved. We currently estimate variable consideration related to milestone payments to be zero and, as such, no revenue has been recognized for milestone payments. We recognize revenue from sales-based royalty payments when or as sales occur. On a quarterly basis, we re-evaluate our estimate of milestone variable consideration to determine whether any amount should be included in the transaction price and recorded in revenue prospectively.
We also have sold our proprietary GMP-in-a-Box bioreactors and related consumables to affiliated companies. The arrangements typically include delivery of bioreactors, consumables, and providing installation service and perpetual software licenses for using the equipment. We recognize revenue when customers obtain control and can benefit from the promised goods or services, generally upon installation of the bioreactors, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Upfront payments and fees are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt and recognized as revenue when we satisfy our performance obligations under these arrangements.
Grant revenue is typically paid for reimbursable costs incurred over the duration of the associated research project or clinical trial and is recognized either when expenses reimbursable under the grants have been incurred and payments under the grants become contractually due or when cash is received, depending on the certainty of payment and other factors specific to each grant.
Revenue Interest Liability
On December 29, 2023, we entered into the RIPA with Infinity and Oberland. Pursuant to the RIPA, Oberland acquired certain Revenue Interests from us for a gross purchase price of $200.0 million paid on closing. In addition, Oberland may purchase additional Revenue Interests from us in exchange for the $100.0 million Second Payment upon satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the RIPA. Under the RIPA, Oberland has the right to receive quarterly payments from us based on, among other things, a certain percentage of our worldwide net sales, excluding those in China, during such quarter. The RIPA is considered a sale of future revenues and is accounted for as a liability net of a debt discount comprised of deferred issuance costs, the fair value of a freestanding option agreement related to the SPOA, and the fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation on the consolidated balance sheet. The company imputes interest expense associated with this liability using the effective interest rate method. The effective interest rate is calculated based on the rate that would enable the debt to be repaid in full over the anticipated life of the arrangement. Interest expense is recognized over the estimated term on the consolidated statement of operations. The interest rate on this liability may vary during the term of the agreement depending on a number of factors, including the level of actual and forecasted net sales. The company evaluates the interest rate quarterly based on actual and forecasted net sales utilizing the prospective method. A significant increase or decrease in actual or forecasted net sales will materially impact the revenue interest liability, interest expense, and the time period for repayment.
Derivative Liabilities
Embedded derivatives that are required to be bifurcated from the underlying debt instrument that do not meet the derivative scope exception and equity classification criteria are accounted for and valued as separate financial instruments. The terms of an embedded derivative related to a contingent exercisable prepayment feature of a convertible note have been evaluated and deemed to require bifurcation. This embedded derivative will be initially measured at fair value and will be remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the derivative is settled.
In addition, the RIPA contains certain features that meet the definition of being an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation as a separate compound financial instrument apart from the RIPA. The derivative liability is initially measured at fair value upon issuance and is subject to remeasurement at each reporting period with changes in fair value recognized in other expense, net, on the consolidated statement of operations.
Preclinical and Clinical Trial Accruals
As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate expenses resulting from obligations under contracts with vendors, clinical research organizations and consultants. The financial terms of these contracts vary and may result in payment flows that do not match the periods over which materials or services are provided under such contracts.
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We estimate clinical trial and research agreement-related expenses based on the services performed, pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations and other vendors that conduct clinical trials and research on our behalf. In accruing clinical and research-related fees, we estimate the time period over which services will be performed and activity expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from the estimate, we will adjust the accrual accordingly. Payments made under these arrangements in advance of the receipt of the related services are recorded as prepaid expenses until the services are rendered.
Research and Development Costs
Major components of research and development costs include cash compensation and other personnel-related expenses, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expense on research and development property and equipment and intangible assets, costs of preclinical studies, clinical trials costs, including CROs and related clinical manufacturing, including third-party CMOs, costs of drug development, costs of materials and supplies, facilities cost, overhead costs, regulatory and compliance costs, and fees paid to consultants and other entities that conduct certain research and development activities on our behalf. Costs incurred in research and development are expensed as incurred.
The company classifies its research and development expenses as either external or internal. The company’s external research and development expenses support its various preclinical and clinical programs. The company’s internal research and development expenses include payroll and benefits expenses, facilities and equipment expense, and other indirect research and development expenses incurred in support of its research and development activities. The company’s external and internal resources are not directly tied to any one research or drug discovery program and are typically deployed across multiple programs and are not allocated to specific product candidates or development programs.
Included in research and development costs are clinical trial and research expenses based on the services performed pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations and other vendors that conduct clinical trials and research on our behalf. We record accruals for estimated costs under these contracts. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, we analyze the progress of the preclinical studies or clinical trials, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received, contracted costs and purchase orders. Significant judgments and estimates are made in determining the accrued balances at the end of any reporting period based on the facts and circumstances known at that time. Although we do not expect the estimates to be materially different from the amounts actually incurred, if the estimates of the status and timing of services performed differ from the actual status and timing of services performed, we may report amounts that are too high or too low in any particular period. Actual results could differ from our estimates. We adjust the accruals in the period when actual costs become known.
Contingencies
We record accruals for loss contingencies to the extent that we conclude it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the related loss can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for the best estimate of a loss within a range; however, if no estimate in the range is better than any other, then we accrue the minimum amount in the range. If we determine that a material loss is reasonably possible, we disclose the possible loss or range of loss, or that the amount of loss cannot be estimated at this time. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that could cause a change in the potential amount of the liability recorded or the range of potential losses disclosed. Moreover, we record gain contingencies only when they are realizable and the amount is known. Additionally, we record our rights to insurance recoveries, limited to the extent of incurred or probable losses, as a receivable when such recoveries have been agreed to with our third-party insurers and when receipt is deemed probable. This includes instances when our third-party insurers have agreed to pay, on our behalf, certain legal defense costs and settlement amounts directly to applicable law firms and a settlement fund.
Warrants
The company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in FASB ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480) and FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are
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indexed to the company’s own stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.
For warrants that meet all criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital, on the consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficit at the time of issuance. For warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and on each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss in other expense, net, on the consolidated statement of operations. The fair value of the warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Fair Value Option Election
The company accounted for a convertible note issued on March 31, 2023 under the FVO election of ASC 825 until it was amended and restated on December 29, 2023. Prior to its extinguishment on December 29, 2023, the convertible note was a debt host financial instrument containing embedded features wherein the entire financial instrument was initially measured at its issuance-date estimated fair value and then subsequently remeasured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at each reporting period date.
Changes in the estimated fair value of this convertible note were recorded in other expense, net, on the consolidated statement of operations, except that changes in estimated fair value caused by changes in the instrument-specific credit risk were recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income. In accordance with ASC 470-50, when the convertible note was extinguished on December 29, 2023, the cumulative amount previously recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income resulting from changes in the instrument-specific credit risk were reclassified and reported in current earnings on the consolidated statement of operations.
Debt Modification and Extinguishment
The company evaluates amendments to its debt instruments in accordance with ASC 470-50. This evaluation includes comparing (1) if applicable, the net present value of future cash flows of the amended debt to that of the original debt and (2) the change in fair value of an embedded conversion feature to that of the carrying amount of the debt immediately prior to amendment to determine, in each case, if a change greater than 10% occurred. In instances where the net present value of future cash flows or the fair value of an embedded conversion feature, if any, changed more than 10%, the company applies extinguishment accounting. In instances where the net present value of future cash flows and the fair value of an embedded conversion feature, if any, changed less than 10%, the company accounts for the amendment to the debt as a debt modification. Gains and losses on debt amendments that are considered extinguishments are recognized in current earnings or in additional paid-in capital if the transactions are with entities under common control. Debt amendments that are considered debt modifications are accounted for prospectively through yield adjustments, based on the revised terms. The increase in fair value of the embedded conversion feature from the debt modification was accounted for as an increase in debt discount with a corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital. Legal fees and other costs incurred with third parties that are directly related to debt modifications are expensed as incurred. Amounts paid by the company to the lenders, are reflected as additional debt discount and amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over remaining term of modified debt using the effective interest rate method.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (ASC 718). We estimate fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the use of subjective assumptions, including, but not limited to, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and the expected term of the stock options. We measure the fair value of an equity-classified award at the grant date and recognize the stock-based compensation expense over the period of vesting on the straight-line basis for our outstanding share awards that do not contain a performance condition. For awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, we assess the probability of the individual milestones under the award being achieved and stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the service period using the graded vesting method once management believes the performance criteria is probable of being met. For awards with service or performance conditions, we recognize the effect of forfeitures in compensation cost in the period that the award was forfeited.
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Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805-50. These standards require that the total cost of acquisition be allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price is dependent upon certain valuations and other studies. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
Contingent consideration incurred in connection with a business combination are recorded at their fair values on the acquisition date and re-measured at their fair values each subsequent reporting period until the related contingencies are resolved. The resulting changes in fair values are recorded as research and development expense, on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values reflect changes to our assumptions regarding probabilities of successful achievement of related milestones, the timing in which the milestones are expected to be achieved, and the discount rate used to estimate the fair value of the obligation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” that appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report for more information regarding recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements that are of significance, or potential significance, to us.