Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ |
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021
OR
☐ |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-38942
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware |
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32-0595345 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
10628 Science Center Drive, Suite 250 San Diego, California |
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92121 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (858) 900-2660
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
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Trading Symbol(s) |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
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ARCT |
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The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
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☒ |
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Accelerated filer |
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☐ |
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Non-accelerated filer |
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☐ |
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Smaller reporting company |
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☐ |
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Emerging growth company |
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☐ |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of August 5, 2021, the registrant had 26,327,077 shares of voting common stock outstanding.
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
PART I. |
1 |
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Item 1. |
1 |
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 |
1 |
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2 |
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3 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 |
5 |
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6 |
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Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
19 |
Item 3. |
28 |
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Item 4. |
28 |
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PART II. |
29 |
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Item 1. |
29 |
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Item 1A. |
29 |
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Item 2. |
30 |
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Item 3. |
30 |
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Item 4. |
30 |
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Item 5. |
30 |
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Item 6. |
31 |
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34 |
i
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or this quarterly report, including the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the documents incorporated by reference herein may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth below under Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this quarterly report. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These statements, which represent our current expectations or beliefs concerning various future events, may contain words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other words indicating future results, though not all forward-looking statements necessarily contain these identifying words. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the following:
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• |
the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of, and our expected ability to undertake certain activities and accomplish certain goals with respect to, our research and development activities, preclinical studies and clinical trials; |
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• |
our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, and any related restrictions, limitations, and/or warnings in the label of an approved product candidate; |
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• |
our ability to obtain and deploy funding for our operations; |
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• |
our ability to continue as a going concern; |
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• |
our plans to research, develop and commercialize our product candidates; |
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• |
our strategic alliance partners’ election to pursue development and commercialization of any programs or product candidates that are subject to our collaboration and license agreements with such partners; |
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• |
our ability to attract collaborators with relevant development, regulatory and commercialization expertise; |
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• |
future activities to be undertaken by our strategic alliance partners, collaborators, joint ventures and other third parties; |
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• |
our ability to avoid, settle or be victorious at costly litigation with shareholders, former executives or others, should these situations arise; |
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• |
our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates; |
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• |
the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates, and our ability to serve those markets; |
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• |
our ability to successfully commercialize, and our expectations regarding future therapeutic and commercial potential with respect to, our product candidates; |
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• |
the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates; |
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• |
our ability to develop sales and marketing capabilities, whether alone or with potential future collaborators; |
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• |
regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; |
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• |
our ability to attract and retain experienced and seasoned scientific and management professionals; |
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• |
our ability to identify and consummate arrangements with strategic partners or foreign governments to defray the costs of clinical trials for our product candidates; |
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• |
our ability to establish, maintain and scale-up manufacturing operations, including those of our contract manufacturers; |
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• |
the performance of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers; |
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• |
the success of competing therapies that are or may become available; and |
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• |
the accuracy of our estimates regarding future expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and need for additional financing. |
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those projected. These statements are only current predictions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, historic results of scientific research, preclinical and clinical trials do not guarantee that future research or trials will suggest the same conclusions, nor that historic results referred to herein will be interpreted the same in light of additional research, preclinical and clinical trial results. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in our other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Readers are cautioned
ii
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.
iii
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par value information)
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June 30, 2021 |
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December 31, 2020 |
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|
|
(unaudited) |
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Assets |
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|
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Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
433,574 |
|
|
$ |
462,895 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
2,163 |
|
|
|
2,125 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
2,301 |
|
|
|
2,769 |
|
Total current assets |
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438,038 |
|
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|
467,789 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
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3,407 |
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|
3,378 |
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Operating lease right-of-use asset, net |
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6,341 |
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5,182 |
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Equity-method investment |
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920 |
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|
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— |
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Non-current restricted cash |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
107 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
448,813 |
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$ |
476,456 |
|
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Accounts payable |
|
$ |
10,084 |
|
|
$ |
10,774 |
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
42,614 |
|
|
|
20,639 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
18,071 |
|
|
|
18,108 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
70,769 |
|
|
|
49,521 |
|
Deferred revenue, net of current portion |
|
|
9,850 |
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|
|
12,512 |
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Long-term debt, net of current portion |
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|
56,309 |
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13,845 |
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Operating lease liability, net of current portion |
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|
5,359 |
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4,025 |
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Other long-term liabilities |
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|
878 |
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|
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— |
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Total liabilities |
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$ |
143,165 |
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$ |
79,903 |
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Stockholders’ equity |
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
Common stock: $0.001 par value; 60,000 shares authorized; 26,327 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and 26,192 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 |
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26 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
560,365 |
|
|
|
540,343 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(254,743 |
) |
|
|
(143,816 |
) |
Total stockholders’ equity |
|
|
305,648 |
|
|
|
396,553 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
|
$ |
448,813 |
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|
$ |
476,456 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(unaudited)
(in thousands except per share data)
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Three Months Ended |
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Six Months Ended |
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||||||||||
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June 30, |
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June 30, |
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2021 |
|
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2020 |
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2021 |
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2020 |
|
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||||
Collaboration revenue |
|
$ |
2,001 |
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$ |
2,322 |
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$ |
4,128 |
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$ |
4,968 |
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|
Operating expenses: |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Research and development, net |
|
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45,679 |
|
|
|
7,944 |
|
|
|
95,729 |
|
|
|
15,861 |
|
|
General and administrative |
|
|
10,042 |
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|
4,420 |
|
|
|
19,785 |
|
|
|
8,611 |
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|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
55,721 |
|
|
|
12,364 |
|
|
|
115,514 |
|
|
|
24,472 |
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(53,720 |
) |
|
|
(10,042 |
) |
|
|
(111,386 |
) |
|
|
(19,504 |
) |
|
(Loss) gain from equity-method investment |
|
|
(328 |
) |
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
920 |
|
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
(Loss) gain from foreign currency |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
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|
417 |
|
|
|
— |
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Finance expense, net |
|
|
(520 |
) |
|
|
(121 |
) |
|
|
(878 |
) |
|
|
(273 |
) |
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Net loss |
|
$ |
(54,581 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,263 |
) |
|
$ |
(110,927 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,040 |
) |
|
Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
|
$ |
(2.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.55 |
) |
|
$ |
(4.22 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.20 |
) |
|
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
|
|
26,323 |
|
|
|
18,794 |
|
|
|
26,284 |
|
|
|
16,657 |
|
|
Comprehensive loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(54,581 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,263 |
) |
|
$ |
(110,927 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,040 |
) |
|
Comprehensive loss |
|
$ |
(54,581 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,263 |
) |
|
$ |
(110,927 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,040 |
) |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
in thousands
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 |
|
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|
|
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Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
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Total |
|
||
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Stockholders’ |
|
||||||||
|
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Shares |
|
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Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Equity |
|
|||||
BALANCE – March 31, 2021 |
|
|
26,319 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
552,743 |
|
|
$ |
(200,162 |
) |
|
$ |
352,607 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(54,581 |
) |
|
|
(54,581 |
) |
Share-based compensation expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,540 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
7,540 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
82 |
|
BALANCE – June 30, 2021 |
|
|
26,327 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
560,365 |
|
|
$ |
(254,743 |
) |
|
$ |
305,648 |
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
||
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Stockholders’ |
|
||||||||
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Equity |
|
|||||
BALANCE – March 31, 2020 |
|
|
15,157 |
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
98,412 |
|
|
$ |
(81,445 |
) |
|
$ |
16,982 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(10,263 |
) |
|
|
(10,263 |
) |
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs |
|
|
4,735 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
75,300 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
75,305 |
|
Issuance of common stock to Ultragenyx on option exercise |
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
9,599 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options |
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
698 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
698 |
|
Share-based compensation expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,101 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,101 |
|
BALANCE – June 30, 2020 |
|
|
20,610 |
|
|
$ |
21 |
|
|
$ |
185,110 |
|
|
$ |
(91,708 |
) |
|
$ |
93,423 |
|
3
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 |
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|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
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Total |
|
||
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Stockholders’ |
|
||||||||
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Equity |
|
|||||
BALANCE – December 31, 2020 |
|
|
26,192 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
540,343 |
|
|
$ |
(143,816 |
) |
|
$ |
396,553 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(110,927 |
) |
|
|
(110,927 |
) |
Issuance of common stock related to acquired in-process research and development |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Share-based compensation expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
14,527 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
14,527 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
495 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
495 |
|
BALANCE – June 30, 2021 |
|
|
26,327 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
560,365 |
|
|
$ |
(254,743 |
) |
|
$ |
305,648 |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
||
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Stockholders’ |
|
||||||||
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Deficit |
|
|
Equity |
|
|||||
BALANCE – December 31, 2019 |
|
|
15,138 |
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
97,445 |
|
|
$ |
(71,668 |
) |
|
$ |
25,792 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(20,040 |
) |
|
|
(20,040 |
) |
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs |
|
|
4,735 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
75,300 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
75,305 |
|
Issuance of common stock to Ultragenyx on option exercise |
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
9,599 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options |
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
816 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
816 |
|
Share-based compensation expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,950 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,950 |
|
BALANCE – June 30, 2020 |
|
|
20,610 |
|
|
$ |
21 |
|
|
$ |
185,110 |
|
|
$ |
(91,708 |
) |
|
$ |
93,423 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
in thousands
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(110,927 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,040 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
594 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
Share-based compensation expense |
|
|
14,527 |
|
|
|
1,950 |
|
Acquired in-process research and development expense |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
(Gain) loss from equity-method investment |
|
|
(920 |
) |
|
|
263 |
|
Foreign currency transaction gain |
|
|
(417 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Other non-cash expenses |
|
|
1,583 |
|
|
|
654 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(650 |
) |
Prepaid expense and other assets |
|
|
468 |
|
|
|
(2,302 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
(791 |
) |
|
|
(1,442 |
) |
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
17,727 |
|
|
|
3,619 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
(2,699 |
) |
|
|
(2,798 |
) |
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(75,893 |
) |
|
|
(20,352 |
) |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of property and equipment |
|
|
(522 |
) |
|
|
(611 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(522 |
) |
|
|
(611 |
) |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from debt |
|
|
46,599 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
75,305 |
|
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock to Ultragenyx on option exercise |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
9,600 |
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
495 |
|
|
|
816 |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
47,094 |
|
|
|
85,721 |
|
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH |
|
|
(29,321 |
) |
|
|
64,758 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period |
|
|
463,002 |
|
|
|
71,460 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period |
|
$ |
433,681 |
|
|
$ |
136,218 |
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|||||
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
173 |
|
|
$ |
180 |
|
Non-cash investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for lease liabilities |
|
$ |
1,828 |
|
|
$ |
674 |
|
Acquisition of in-process research and development through issuance of common stock |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Purchase of property and equipment in accounts payable |
|
$ |
101 |
|
|
$ |
44 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) is a global clinical-stage messenger RNA medicines company focused on development of infectious disease vaccines and significant opportunities within liver and respiratory rare diseases. The Company became a clinical stage company during 2020 when it announced that its Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for ornithine transcarbamylase (“OTC”) deficiency was deemed allowed to proceed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), and its Clinical Trial Application (“CTA”) candidate LUNAR-COV19 was approved to proceed by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries and are unaudited. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management’s opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
Interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results anticipated for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
These condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions regarding the valuation of debt instruments, the equity-method investment, share-based compensation expense, accruals for liabilities, income taxes, revenue and deferred revenue, leases, and other matters that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Joint Ventures, Equity Method Investments and Variable Interest Entities
Investments for which the Company exercises significant influence but does not have control are accounted for under the equity method. Equity method investment activity is related to a 49% joint venture with Axcelead, Inc. (see the following paragraph for further details) and a 12% ownership in Vallon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (see “Note 10, Related Party Transactions” for further details). The Company’s share of the investees results is presented as either income or loss from equity method investees in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
In April 2021, Arcturus and Axcelead, Inc., a company existing under the laws of Japan (“Axcelead”), formed a joint venture entity, named Arcalis, Inc. (“JV Entity”), which operates as a corporation under the laws of Japan. Axcelead is an integrated drug discovery solutions provider to the pharmaceutical industry in Japan, having succeeded to a portion of the drug discovery research department of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited on July 1, 2017. The goal of the joint venture entity is to be a contract development and manufacturing organization focused on mRNA manufacturing that would provide manufacturing services to the Company and also to third parties. The joint venture includes a shareholders agreement setting forth initial funding of the JV Entity and rights of the shareholders, including certain approval rights of Arcturus. As part of the joint venture, the Company entered into a License and Technology Transfer Agreement with the JV Entity, pursuant to which Arcturus grants to JV Entity a nonexclusive license to certain intellectual property for use at the JV Entity’s facilities, and obligates Arcturus to conduct certain technology transfer activities.
The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where it has been determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of those entities’ operations. Management believes that power is shared between Arcturus and Axcelead, as unrelated parties. The consent of each of the parties is substantive and is required to make the decisions about the JV Entity’s significant activities. Management does not believe that Arcturus has the power to direct the activities of the JV Entity that most significantly impact the JV Entity’s economic performance. Therefore, the Company concluded it is not required to consolidate the JV Entity under the VIE model.
6
The equity method of accounting is applicable for the JV Entity as the Company does not own more than 50% of voting power, but has influence over the operation and financial policies of the investee. The Company will account for its investment in the JV Entity using the equity method of accounting as specified in ASC 323, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Under ASC 323, equity method investments are recorded initially at cost. The Company’s initial investment in the JV Entity totaled $9.2 million. However, Arcalis paid the Company back the initial investment of $9.2 million as an upfront fee/consideration for the License and Technology Transfer Agreement. In substance, there was no cash consideration paid by the Company for its 49% equity interest in the JV Entity. After this initial measurement, an equity method investment is adjusted at each reporting period to recognize the investor’s share of the earnings, losses and/or changes in capital of the investee after the date of acquisition. Losses are only recognized to the extent the value of the investment is greater than zero.
Liquidity
The Company has incurred significant operating losses since its inception. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $254.7 million and $143.8 million, respectively.
The Company’s activities since inception have consisted principally of research and development activities, general and administrative activities, and raising capital. The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including failing to secure additional funding before the Company achieves sustainable revenues and profit from operations. From the Company’s inception through June 30, 2021, the Company has funded its operations principally with the sale of capital stock, revenues earned through collaboration agreements, and proceeds from long-term debt. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company elected to borrow and the Economic Development Board of the Republic of Singapore (the “EDB”) agreed to make a term loan of S$62.1 million (approximately USD$46.6 million) to support the manufacture of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate. Additionally, through underwritten public offerings during fiscal year 2020, the Company raised net proceeds of $423.8 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses.
Management believes that it has sufficient working capital on hand to fund operations through at least the next twelve months from the date these condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in securing additional funding, that the Company’s projections of its future working capital needs will prove accurate, or that any additional funding would be sufficient to continue operations in future years.
Segment Information
Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company and its chief operating decision-maker view the Company’s operations and manage its business in one operating segment, which is the research and development of medical applications for the Company’s nucleic acid-focused technology.
Revenue Recognition
The Company determines revenue recognition for arrangements within the scope of Topic 606 by performing the following five steps: (i) identify the contract; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when, or as, the company satisfies a performance obligation.
The terms of the Company’s collaborative research and development agreements include license fees, upfront payments, milestone payments, and reimbursement for research and development activities, option exercise fees, and royalties on sales of commercialized products. Arrangements that include upfront payments are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt or when due and may require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs obligations under these arrangements. The event-based milestone payments represent variable consideration, and the Company uses the most likely amount method to estimate this variable consideration because the Company will either receive the milestone payment or will not, which makes the potential milestone payment a binary event. The most likely amount method requires the Company to determine the likelihood of earning the milestone payment. Given the high degree of uncertainty around achievement of these milestones, the Company determines the milestone amounts to be fully constrained and does not recognize revenue until the uncertainty associated with these payments is resolved. The Company will recognize revenue from sales-based royalty payments when or as the sales occur. The Company will re-evaluate the transaction price in each reporting period as uncertain events are resolved and other changes in circumstances occur.
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the collaborative partner and is the unit of account in Topic 606. 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.
See “Note 2, Collaboration Revenue” for specific details surrounding the Company’s collaboration arrangements.
7
Leases
See “Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies” for specific details surrounding the Company’s leases.
Research and Development, Net
All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, costs associated with preclinical studies and clinical trials (including amounts paid to clinical research organizations and other professional services), in process research and development expenses and license agreement expenses, net of any grants and prelaunch inventory. Payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are capitalized until the goods or services are received.
The Company records accruals for estimated research and development costs, comprising payments for work performed by third party contractors, laboratories, participating clinical trial sites, and others. Some of these contractors bill monthly based on actual services performed, while others bill periodically based upon achieving certain contractual milestones. For the latter, the Company accrues the expenses as goods or services are used or rendered. Clinical trial site costs related to patient enrollment are accrued as patients enter and progress through the trial.
Pre-Launch Inventory
Prior to obtaining initial regulatory approval for an investigational product candidate, the Company expenses costs relating to production of inventory as research and development expense in its condensed consolidated statements of operations, in the period incurred. When the Company believes regulatory approval and subsequent commercialization of an investigational product candidate is probable, and the Company also expects future economic benefit from the sales of the investigational product candidate to be realized, it will then capitalize the costs of production as inventory.
Statement of Cash Flows
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheet to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows:
(in thousands) |
|
June 30, 2021 |
|
|
June 30, 2020 |
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
433,574 |
|
|
$ |
136,111 |
|
Non-current restricted cash |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows |
|
$ |
433,681 |
|
|
$ |
136,218 |
|
Net Loss per Share
Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method. Dilutive shares of common stock are comprised of stock options.
No dividends were declared or paid during the reported periods.
Note 2. Collaboration Revenue
The Company has entered into license agreements and collaborative research and development arrangements with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive license fees, upfront payments, milestone payments if and when certain research and development milestones or technology transfer milestones are achieved, royalties on approved product sales and reimbursement for research and development activities. The Company’s costs of performing these services are included within research and development expenses. The Company’s milestone payments are typically defined by achievement of certain preclinical, clinical, and commercial success criteria. Preclinical milestones may include in vivo proof of concept in disease animal models, lead candidate identification, and completion of IND-enabling toxicology studies. Clinical milestones may, for example, include successful enrollment of the first patient in or completion of Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials, and commercial milestones are often tiered based on net or aggregate sale amounts. The Company cannot guarantee the achievement of these milestones due to risks associated with preclinical and clinical activities required for development of nucleic acid medicine-based therapeutics.
8
The following table presents changes during the six months ended June 30, 2021 in the balances of contract assets, including receivables from collaborative partners, and contract liabilities, including deferred revenue, as compared to what was disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report.
(in thousands) |
|
Contract Assets |
|
|
BALANCE - December 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
2,125 |
|
Additions for revenue recognized from billings |
|
|
1,429 |
|
Deductions for cash collections |
|
|
(1,391 |
) |
BALANCE – June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
2,163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Contract Liabilities |
|
|
BALANCE - December 31, 2020 |
|
$ |
30,620 |
|
Additions for advanced billings |
|
|
1,429 |
|
Deductions for promised services provided in current period |
|
|
(4,128 |
) |
BALANCE – June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
27,921 |
|
The following table summarizes the Company’s collaboration revenues for the periods indicated (in thousands).
|
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||||
Collaboration Partner – Janssen |
|
$ |
769 |
|
|
$ |
693 |
|
|
$ |
1,593 |
|
|
$ |
1,590 |
|
Collaboration Partner – Ultragenyx |
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
913 |
|
|
|
1,850 |
|
|
|
1,824 |
|
Collaboration Partner – CureVac |
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
540 |
|
Collaboration Partner – Other |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
485 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
Total collaboration revenue |
|
$ |
2,001 |
|
|
$ |
2,322 |
|
|
$ |
4,128 |
|
|
$ |
4,968 |
|
The following paragraphs provide information regarding the nature and purpose of the Company’s most significant collaboration arrangements.
Collaboration Partner – Janssen
In October 2017, the Company entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Janssen (the “2017 Agreement”) to collaborate on developing candidates for treating HBV with RNA therapeutics. The 2017 Agreement allocated discovery, development, funding obligations, and ownership of related intellectual property among the Company and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Janssen”). The Company received an upfront payment of $7.7 million and may receive preclinical, development and sales milestone payments of up to $56.5 million, as well as royalty payments on any future licensed product sales. The next potential milestone to be achieved relates to demonstrating in vivo efficacy and safety. Janssen began reimbursing the Company for research costs during the first quarter of 2019 upon the completion of the first of three research periods. Janssen will pay royalties as a low to mid-single digit percentage of net sales of licensed products, subject to reduction on a country-by-country and licensed-product-by-licensed-product basis and subject to certain events, such as expiration of program patents. In addition, the 2017 Agreement includes an exclusivity period.
In evaluating the 2017 Agreement in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, the Company concluded that the contract counterparty, Janssen, is a customer. The Company identified the following promised goods/services as of the inception of the 2017 Agreement: (i) research services, (ii) license to use Arcturus technology and (iii) participation in a joint research committee. The Company concluded that the promised goods/services are incapable of being distinct and consequently do not have any value on a standalone basis. Accordingly, they are determined to represent a single performance obligation. The Company concluded that Janssen’s options to select additional collaboration targets and to license rights to selected targets are not priced at a discount and therefore do not represent performance obligations for which the transaction price would be allocated.
9
As of June 30, 2021, the remaining transaction price consisting of upfront consideration received and budgeted reimbursable out-of-pocket costs, is expected to be recognized using an input method over the remaining research period of 15 months. None of the development and commercialization milestones were included in the transaction price as they are outside the control of the Company and contingent upon success in future clinical trials and the collaborator’s efforts. Any consideration related to sales-based royalties will be recognized when the related sales occur, provided that the reported sales are reliably measurable, and the Company has no remaining promised goods/services, as such sales were determined to relate predominantly to the license granted to Janssen and therefore have also been excluded from the transaction price.
Total deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for Janssen was $5.8 million and $5.9 million, respectively.
Collaboration Partner – Ultragenyx
In October 2015 the Company entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Ultragenyx (the “Ultragenyx Agreement”), whereby Arcturus granted to Ultragenyx a co-exclusive license to certain Arcturus technology, which is in effect only during the reserve target exclusivity term as discussed in the following paragraphs. This collaboration agreement was amended in 2017, 2018 and during the second quarter of 2019. During the initial phase of the collaboration, the Company will design and optimize therapeutics for certain rare disease targets. Ultragenyx has the option under the Ultragenyx Agreement to add additional rare disease targets during the collaborative development period. Additionally, during the collaborative development period, the Company will participate with Ultragenyx in a joint steering committee. The Ultragenyx Agreement also includes an initial exclusivity period with an option to extend such period.
As part of the Ultragenyx Agreement and related amendments, Ultragenyx has paid $27.9 million in upfront fees, exclusivity extension fees and additional consideration. Ultragenyx also reimburses the Company for all internal and external development costs incurred. Pursuant to the Ultragenyx Agreement, Ultragenyx is required to make additional payments upon exercise of the Ultragenyx expansion option or exclusivity extension (if any) and if Ultragenyx achieves certain, clinical, regulatory and sales milestones, then the Company is eligible to receive royalty payments. For each development target for which Ultragenyx exercises its option, Ultragenyx will pay the Company a one-time option exercise fee that increases based upon the number of development targets selected by Ultragenyx and ranges from $0.5 million to $1.5 million. During the fourth quarter of 2020, Ultragenyx exercised its option to move forward with Preclinical Candidate Designation for its development target, Glycogen Storage Disease III, and paid an option fee to the Company of $0.5 million.
The current potential development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments for the existing development targets as of June 30, 2021 are $138.0 million. Ultragenyx will pay royalties as a single-digit percentage of net sales on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis during the applicable royalty term. As of June 30, 2021, Ultragenyx has not yet reached the clinical phase of the contract.
On June 18, 2019, Arcturus and Ultragenyx amended the collaboration agreement for a third time (“Amendment 3”). As part of Amendment 3, the total number of targets was increased from 10 to 12, and reserve targets will be exclusively reserved for Ultragenyx with no fees for four years after execution of the amendment. An equity component was also added as part of Amendment 3 wherein Ultragenyx purchased 2.4 million shares of common stock at a premium price. Along with the equity purchase, Ultragenyx received an option to purchase 0.6 million additional shares of common stock at $16.0 per share. In May 2020, the option was exercised.
The consideration received from Ultragenyx as a result of Amendment 3 was equal to $30.0 million and was comprised of a $24.0 million common stock purchase and a $6.0 million upfront payment. Specifically for Amendment 3, management determined the transaction price to be $14.4 million. See further discussion below regarding determining the transaction price. Management determined the fair value of the premium received by using the opening stock price subsequent to execution of Amendment 3 and applying a lack of marketability discount, as the shares received by Ultragenyx were initially restricted for up to two years. These restrictions have since expired.
In evaluating the Ultragenyx Agreement in accordance with ASC Topic 606, the Company concluded that the contract counterparty, Ultragenyx, is a customer. The Company has identified the following promised goods/services as part of the initial agreement and subsequent amendments: (i) research services, (ii) license to use Arcturus technology, (iii) exclusivity and (iv) participation in a joint steering committee. The Company concluded that the promised goods/services are incapable of being distinct and consequently do not have any value on a standalone basis. Accordingly, they are determined to represent a single performance obligation. The Company concluded that Ultragenyx’s options to extend exclusivity and select additional collaboration targets and to license rights to selected targets are not priced at a discount and therefore do not represent performance obligations for which the transaction price would be allocated.
As of June 30, 2021, the transaction price included the upfront consideration received, option payments, exclusivity extension payments and additional consideration received pursuant to Amendment 3. The Company recognizes the reimbursement of labor and expenses as costs are incurred and none of the development and commercialization milestones were included in the transaction price, as all milestone amounts were fully constrained. As part of its evaluation of the constraint, the Company considered numerous factors, including that the consideration is outside the control of the Company and contingent upon success in future clinical trials, approval from the FDA and the collaborator’s efforts. Any consideration related to sales-based royalties will be recognized when the related sales occur as they are constrained, provided that the reported sales are reliably measurable and the Company has no remaining promised goods/services, as such sales were determined to relate predominantly to the license granted to Ultragenyx and therefore have also been excluded from the transaction price.
10
Amendment 3 was deemed a contract modification and accounted for as part of the original Ultragenyx Agreement. The transaction price is recognized to revenue on a straight-line basis using an input method over the 4-year reserve target exclusivity period. The reserve target exclusivity period represents the timing over which promised goods/services will be provided. Total deferred revenue at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 from Ultragenyx was $7.4 million and $9.2 million, respectively.
Collaboration Partner - CureVac
In January 2018, the Company entered into a Development and Option Agreement (the “Development and Option Agreement”) with CureVac AG (“CureVac”). Under the terms of the Development and Option Agreement, the parties agreed to conduct joint preclinical development programs once CureVac makes a payment to pull down a target on the basis of which CureVac is granted options for taking a license on pre-agreed license terms to develop and commercialize certain products incorporating the Company’s patents and know-how related to LUNAR delivery technology (the “Arcturus Delivery Technology”), and CureVac patents and know-how related to mRNA technology.
Prior to expiration of the initial term of eight years (which was subsequently amended, as discussed below), the Development and Option Agreement also includes an option to extend the term on an annual basis for up to three years, subject to payment by CureVac to Arcturus of a non-refundable annual extension fee. The Development and Option Agreement includes potential milestone payments from CureVac to the Company for selected targets. The current potential milestone payments for the remaining targets as of June 30, 2021 are $14.0 million for rare disease targets and $23.0 million for non-rare disease targets. CureVac will pay royalties as a percentage of net sales on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis during the applicable royalty term in the low single-digit range. As of June 30, 2021, CureVac has not yet reached the clinical phase of the contract. Pursuant to a May 2018 amendment to the Development and Option Agreement (and as amended and restated on September 28, 2018), the Company increased the number of targets available to CureVac under the Development and Option Agreement and agreed upon the license forms to be executed upon selection of the targets by CureVac.
On July 26, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment (“CureVac Amendment”) to its Development and Option Agreement with CureVac (as amended, the “Development and Option Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company and CureVac agreed to shorten the time period during which CureVac may select potential targets to be licensed from the Company from eight years to four years, and to reduce the overall number of maximum targets that may be reserved and licensed. In connection with the July 2019 CureVac Amendment, the Company and CureVac also entered into a Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) terminating the January 1, 2018 Co-Development Agreement between the Company and CureVac.
In evaluating the CureVac Development and Option Agreement and Co-Development Agreement in accordance with ASC Topic 606, the Company concluded that the contract counterparty, CureVac, is a customer. The Company has identified the following promised goods/services as part of the initial agreement with CureVac and subsequent amendments: (i) research services, (ii) license to use Arcturus technology, (iii) exclusivity and (iv) participation in a joint steering committee. The Company concluded that the promised goods/services are incapable of being distinct and consequently do not have any value on a standalone basis. Accordingly, they are determined to represent a single performance obligation. The Company concluded that CureVac’s options to extend the research term and options to select additional collaboration targets and to license rights to selected targets are not priced at a discount and therefore do not represent performance obligations for which the transaction price would be allocated.
As of June 30, 2021, the transaction price included the upfront consideration received. The Company recognizes the reimbursement of labor and expenses as costs are incurred and none of the development and commercialization milestones were included in the transaction price, as all milestone amounts were fully constrained. As part of its evaluation of the constraint, the Company considered numerous factors, including that receipt of the milestones is outside the control of the Company and contingent upon success in future clinical trials and the collaborator’s efforts. Any consideration related to sales-based royalties will be recognized when the related sales occur as they are constrained, provided that the reported sales are reliably measurable and the Company has no remaining promised goods/services, as such sales were determined to relate predominantly to the license granted to CureVac and therefore have also been excluded from the transaction price. As of June 30, 2021, no adjustments were made to the transaction price.
The upfront consideration of $5.0 million was recorded as deferred revenue in the Company’s balance sheet upon receipt and is currently being recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis using an input method over the remaining 25 month contractual term as of June 30, 2021. Total deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for CureVac was $1.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
Other Agreements
Other Collaboration Revenue
The remaining revenue from smaller collaboration agreements and material transaction agreements primarily relates to the agreement with Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”). Total deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for Takeda was $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The current agreement was entered into on March 18, 2019 and is expected to be completed during fiscal year 2021.
11
Israeli Ministry of Health
On August 17, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with the Israeli Ministry of Health (“MOH”) to supply the Company’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate to Israel (the “Israel Supply Agreement”) subject to certain conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. In October 2020, and in association with the Israel Supply Agreement, the Company received a non-refundable payment of $12.5 million from the MOH which is included in deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021. This payment of $12.5 million is associated with a specified clinical trial milestone and serves as an initial reserve payment for a specified number of doses of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate pursuant to the Israel Supply Agreement. As a result of the making of this payment, the MOH became bound to purchase an initial quantity of 500,000 reserved vaccine doses, as set forth in and subject to the terms and conditions of the Israel Supply Agreement.
Note 3. Fair Value Measurements
The Company establishes the fair value of its assets and liabilities using the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists and are therefore determined using estimates and assumptions developed by the Company, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
The carrying value of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate their respective fair values due to their relative short maturities. The carrying amounts of long-term debt for the amount drawn on the Company’s debt facility approximates fair value as the interest rate is variable and reflects current market rates.
As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of cash equivalents and money market funds, which were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of these financial instruments was measured based on quoted prices.
Note 4. Balance Sheet Details
Property and equipment, net balances as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following:
(in thousands) |
|
June 30, 2021 |
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
||
Research equipment |
|
$ |
6,162 |
|
|
$ |
5,539 |
|
Computers and software |
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
284 |
|
Office equipment and furniture |
|
|
574 |
|
|
|
574 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
Total |
|
|
7,064 |
|
|
|
6,441 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
(3,657 |
) |
|
|
(3,063 |
) |
Property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
3,407 |
|
|
$ |
3,378 |
|
Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
12
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(in thousands) |
|
June 30, 2021 |
|
|
December 31, 2020 |
|
||
Accrued compensation |
|
$ |
5,524 |
|
|
$ |
2,097 |
|
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Liability (Note 9) |
|
|
5,036 |
|
|
|
6,585 |
|
Singapore Economic Development Board liability |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,761 |
|
Vinbiocare deposit |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Current portion of operating lease liability |
|
|
1,430 |
|
|
|
1,630 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,250 |
|
Clinical accruals |
|
|
7,717 |
|
|
|
4,067 |
|
Other accrued research and development expenses |
|
|
7,907 |
|
|
|
3,249 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
42,614 |
|
|
$ |
20,639 |
|
Note 5. Debt
Manufacturing Supply Agreement
On November 7, 2020, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc., entered into a Manufacturing Support Agreement (the “Support Agreement”) with the Economic Development Board of the Republic of Singapore (the “EDB”). Pursuant to the Support Agreement, the EDB agreed to make a term loan of S$62.1 million to the Company, subject to the satisfaction of customary deliveries, to support the manufacture of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidates (the “Singapore Loan”). In June 2021, the EDB agreed to amend the Singapore Loan. The amendment includes certain loan covenants requiring (i) unused funds as of March 31, 2022 to be subsequently returned within thirty days, subject to any further agreed upon extension of the reconciliation date, (ii) the Company to provide a quarterly reconciliation report within forty-five days of each financial quarter end, (iii) an external audit of expenses paid through June 30, 2021 to be completed by September 30, 2021, and a projection of expenditures through March 31, 2022 followed by an audited statement of actual expenditures through March 31, 2022 by June 30, 2022, (iv) the Company to deliver 10 grams of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate suitable for use in a phase 3 trial in two shipments with a partial shipment by June 30, 2022 and a remaining shipment by September 30, 2022, (v) the Company to provide EDB with a right of first refusal on GMP manufacturing slots of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate up to an agreed-upon maximum amount, (vi) and the obligation to repay the Singapore Loan will be secured by an interest in the raw materials and manufacturing equipment purchased by the Company with the funds from the Singapore Loan in form and substance satisfactory to the EDB in its sole discretion. The Company elected to borrow the full amount available under the Support Agreement of S$62.1 million ($46.6 million) on January 29, 2021.
The Singapore Loan accrues interest at a rate of 4.5% per annum calculated on a daily basis. Subject to certain exceptions, the Singapore Loan is intended to be a limited recourse loan that will be repaid solely through a royalty payment of 10% of net sales proceeds of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate, up to the amount of the outstanding principal and interest under the Singapore Loan. However, all unpaid principal and interest under the Singapore Loan will be due and payable five years after draw date, if net sales of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine exceed a certain minimum threshold during this five year period or the Company obtains clearance to sell the vaccine in specified jurisdictions. Unpaid principal and interest under the Singapore Loan will also become due and payable upon an event of default under the Support Agreement. The first vaccine sales, including the amount of net sales, shall be reported to EDB within 10 days of delivery and quarterly reports of aggregate vaccine sales, including net sales proceeds shall be provided within 30 days after quarter end.
The Singapore Loan is forgivable if the Company has not obtained regulatory approval by the final repayment date and net sales of LUNAR-COV19 are less than $100 million. If, any portion of the Singapore Loan is required to be forgiven pursuant to the terms of the Support Agreement, the EDB has the right to take ownership of certain raw materials and equipment that were purchased by the Company with proceeds of the Singapore Loan (the “Specified Assets”). The Company entered into a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) for the benefit of the EDB to provide that repayment of the Singapore Loan and related obligations are secured by a lien on the Specified Assets.
In connection with the entry into the Support Agreement, the Company entered into a consent agreement with Western Alliance Bank (the “Bank”) and an amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2018, between Western Alliance Bank and the Company (the “Loan”), to exclude the Specified Assets from Western Alliance Bank’s lien on certain assets of the Company.
The Singapore Loan was initially recorded as long-term debt at $46.6 million, the amount of cash proceeds at the time the Company received the funding. As of June 30, 2021, the debt balance was adjusted to reflect the current exchange rate resulting in a debt balance of $46.2 million and a net foreign currency transaction gain of $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded interest expense and a corresponding liability of $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Singapore Loan and related commitments.
Long-term debt with Western Alliance Bank
13
On October 12, 2018, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. entered into the Loan with the Bank, whereby it received $10.0 million.
The Loan is collateralized by all of the assets of Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc., excluding intellectual property, which is subject to a negative pledge. The Loan contains customary conditions of borrowing, events of default and covenants, including covenants that restrict Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.’s ability to dispose of assets, merge with or acquire other entities, incur indebtedness and make distributions to holders of its capital stock. In addition, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. is required to maintain at least 100% of its consolidated, unrestricted cash, or $15.0 million, whichever is lower, with the Bank.
On October 30, 2019, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. and the Bank entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Loan (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”).
Pursuant to the amendment, the Bank agreed to make a term loan to Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. on October 30, 2019, in the amount of $15.0 million (the “Term Loan”). The resulting net increase in the indebtedness of Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. was $5.0 million. The Term Loan bears interest at a floating rate ranging from 1.25% to 2.75% above the prime rate. The amendment further provides that the Term Loan has a maturity date of October 30, 2023. Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. will make monthly payments of interest only until October 1, 2021.
Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. paid a loan origination fee of $54,000 which was recorded as a debt discount along with the remaining loan origination fee from the Loan and is being accreted over the term of the Term Loan. In addition, Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. is required to pay a fee of $525,000 upon certain change of control events.
The Term Loan may be prepaid in full at any time, subject to a prepayment fee ranging from 0.50% to 2.00% of the prepaid principal amount depending upon the date of the prepayment.
Upon maturity or prepayment (as previously discussed), Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. will be required to pay a 2% fee as a result of the FDA’s approval to proceed with the Company’s LUNAR-OTC program based on its IND submission. Such fee is accreted to the long-term debt balance using the effective interest method over the term of the Loan Agreement.
Should an event of default occur, including the occurrence of a material adverse effect, the Company could be liable for immediate repayment of all obligations under the Loan Agreement. As of June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Agreement.
Principal payments, including the final payment due at repayment, on the long-term debt are as follows as of June 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
|
$ |
1,250,000 |
|
2022 |
|
|
7,500,000 |
|
2023 |
|
|
6,550,000 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
15,300,000 |
|
The Company recognized interest expense related to its long-term debt of $0.7 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $1.3 million and $0.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Note 6. Stockholders’ Equity
Alexion Pharmaceuticals License Agreement
On February 17, 2021, the Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Alexion”) pursuant to which Alexion granted to the Company an exclusive, worldwide license to exploit certain specified Alexion patent applications. In accordance with the terms of the license agreement, and in exchange for the license, the Company issued 74,713 shares of its common stock to Alexion on February 19, 2021 valued at approximately $5.0 million. The number of shares issued under the agreement was calculated by dividing (i) five million dollars ($5.0 million) by (ii) the volume-weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market for the thirty (30) trading days immediately preceding the Effective Date (rounded to the nearest whole share). The Company recorded the transaction as an asset purchase as management concluded that all of the value received was related to a single identifiable asset. Further, the Company concluded that there was no alternative future use for the asset and recorded a charge at the closing of the transaction for the full $5.0 million value assigned to the shares issued in connection with the license agreement. This non-cash charge was recorded as acquired in-process research and development expense in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
14
Net Loss per Share
Dilutive securities that were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 as they were anti-dilutive totaled 1,011,031 and 1,242,987, respectively, and 1,505,244 and 903,949 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.
For the three and six months ended 2020, the calculation of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding excludes 311,333 unvested restricted shares of common stock. There were no unvested restricted shares for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Note 7. Share-Based Compensation Expense
In June 2020, the stockholders of the Company approved an increase to the number of shares authorized for use in making awards under the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”) by 2,400,000 shares to 5,000,000. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2021, a total of 665,535 shares remain available for future issuance under the 2019 Plan, subject to the terms of the 2019 Plan.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In June 2020, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2020 Plan”) which provides for 600,000 shares of Company common stock reserved for future issuance. The first accumulation period under the 2020 Plan commenced on August 17, 2020.
Under the 2020 Plan, eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount annually, subject to a maximum of $25,000 per year. The discounted purchase price is equal to the lower of 85% of (i) the market value per share of the common stock on the first day of the accumulation period or (ii) the market value per share of common stock on the purchase date. Share-based compensation expense recognized under the 2020 Plan was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.
Stock Options
Share-based compensation expense included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was:
|
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
||||
Research and development |
|
$ |
3,582 |
|
|
|
$ |
396 |
|
|
|
$ |
6,828 |
|
|
|
$ |
662 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
3,958 |
|
|
|
|
705 |
|
|
|
|
7,699 |
|
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
7,540 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,101 |
|
|
|
$ |
14,527 |
|
|
|
$ |
1,950 |
|
Note 8. Income Taxes
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states. The Company computes its quarterly income tax provision by using a forecasted annual effective tax rate and adjusts for any discrete items arising during the quarter. The primary difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate relates to the valuation allowances on the Company’s net operating losses.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded no income tax expense. No tax benefit was provided for losses incurred in United States because those losses are offset by a full valuation allowance.
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
On March 4, 2020, the Company was awarded a grant (“Grant 1”) from the Singapore EDB to support the co-development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine with the Duke-NUS Medical School. The Grant provides for up to S$14.0 million (approximately US$10.0 million using the exchange rate at the time the grant contract was entered into) in grants to support the development of the vaccine. On June 29, 2021 the EDB agreed to amend Grant 1 to update certain delivery and milestone timelines. The Grant has been paid in full by the EDB as a result of the achievement of certain milestones related to the progress of the development of the vaccine, as set forth in the award agreement. The funds received have been recognized as contra research and development expense. The Company is liable for certain expenses during the program and is also subject to certain conditions including the completion of an external audit within 183 days of the conclusion of the claim period on February 20, 2021, or August 22, 2021, and delivery of 10
15
grams of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate suitable for use in a phase 3 variant trial in two shipments with a partial shipment by June 30, 2022 and a remaining shipment by September 30, 2022. Additionally, the Company is required to pay an agreed upon royalty rate to Duke-NUS on future net sales of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate developed with Duke-NUS in markets or jurisdictions outside of Singapore. No contra research and development expense was recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and $3.8 million was recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $1.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of contra expense for Grant 1. At June 30, 2021, no amount remained in accrued expenses.
On October 2, 2020, the Company was awarded another grant (“Grant 2”) from the Singapore EDB to support the further development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. On June 29, 2021 the EDB agreed to amend Grant 2 to update certain delivery and milestone timelines. The grant provides for up to S$9.3 million (approximately US$6.7 million) to support the development of the vaccine candidate for costs incurred in Singapore subject to certain conditions including (i) completing an external audit within 183 days from March 31, 2021, or September 30, 2021, (ii) delivering 10 grams of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate suitable for use in a phase 3 variant trial in two shipments with a partial shipment by June 30, 2022 and a remaining shipment by September 30, 2022 and (iii) creating an entity in Singapore which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2020, and (iv) initiating a clinical trial for a variant COVID-19 vaccine by March 31, 2022. The grant will be paid in two installments upon the achievement of certain milestones related to the progress of the development of the vaccine candidate. The Company received the first installment of $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The funds received are recognized as contra research and development expense as costs are incurred. As of June 30, 2021, the Company recognized the remaining amount of the first installment as contra expense for Grant 2.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Agreement
On August 1, 2019, the Company amended its Development Program Letter Agreement, dated May 16, 2017 and as amended July 13, 2018, with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (“CFF”). Pursuant to the amendment, (i) CFF increased the amount it will award to advance LUNAR-CF to $15.0 million from approximately $3.2 million, (ii) the Company will provide $5.0 million in matching funds for remaining budgeted costs and (iii) the related disbursement schedule from CFF to Arcturus was modified such that (a) $4.0 million was disbursed upon execution of the CFF Amendment, (b) $2.0 million will be disbursed within 30 days of the first day of each of January, April, July and October 2020 upon Arcturus invoicing CFF to meet project goals, and (c) the last payment of $3.0 million less the prior award previously paid out, equaling approximately $2.3 million, will be disbursed upon Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. invoicing CFF to meet good manufacturing practices and opening an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application. The funds received from CFF will be recognized as contra research and development expense in proportion to the percentage covered by CFF of the overall budget. For the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized contra expense of $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized contra expense of $1.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, $5.0 million remained in accrued expenses.
Leases
In October 2017, the Company entered into a non-cancellable operating lease agreement for office space adjacent to its previously occupied headquarters. The commencement of the lease began in March 2018 and the lease extends for approximately 84 months from the commencement date with a remaining lease term through March 2025. Monthly rental payments are due under the lease and there are escalating rent payments during the term of the lease. The Company is also responsible for its proportional share of operating expenses of the building and common areas. In conjunction with the new lease, the Company received free rent for four months and received a tenant improvement allowance of $74,000. The lease may be extended for one five-year period at the then current market rate with annual escalations; however, the Company deemed the extension option not reasonably certain to be exercised and therefore excluded the option from the lease terms. The Company entered into an irrevocable standby letter of credit with the landlord for a security deposit of $96,000 upon executing the lease which is included (along with additional funds required to secure the letter of credit) in the balance of non-current restricted cash.
In February 2020, the Company entered into a non-cancellable operating lease agreement for office space near its current headquarters. The lease extended for 13 months from the commencement date and included a right to extend the lease for one twelve-month period. In February 2021, the Company opted to extend the lease through March 2025 to coincide with the lease term of the Company’s headquarters.
In February 2021, the Company entered into a third non-cancellable operating lease agreement for office space near its current headquarters. The lease extends for 12 months from the commencement date with monthly base rent of approximately $11,000.
Operating lease right-of-use asset and liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheets represent the present value of remaining lease payments over the remaining lease terms. The Company does not allocate lease payments to non-lease components; therefore, payments for common-area-maintenance and administrative services are not included in the operating lease right-of-use asset and liability. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of the lease payments, as the implicit rate in the lease is not readily determinable.
16
As of June 30, 2021, the remaining payments of the operating lease liability were as follows:
(in thousands) |
|
Remaining Lease Payments |
|
|
2021 |
|
$ |
1,022 |
|
2022 |
|
|
1,987 |
|
2023 |
|
|
2,185 |
|
2024 |
|
|
2,250 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
521 |
|
Total remaining lease payments |
|
|
7,965 |
|
Less: imputed interest |
|
|
(1,176 |
) |
Total operating lease liabilities |
|
$ |
6,789 |
|
Weighted-average remaining lease term |
|
3.75 years |
|
|
Weighted-average discount rate |
|
|
8.4 |
% |
Operating lease costs consist of the fixed lease payments included in operating lease liability and are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. Operating lease costs were $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $0.9 million and $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Note 10. Related Party Transactions
Ultragenyx
On June 17, 2019, Arcturus and Ultragenyx executed Amendment 3 to the Ultragenyx Agreement. Pursuant to the amended Ultragenyx Agreement, the Company also granted Ultragenyx a 8.4% of the outstanding common stock of the Company as of June 30, 2021 option to purchase up to 600,000 additional shares of common stock at a price of $16.00 per share. Ultragenyx exercised the option in May 2020 and owns. For the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized revenue of $0.9 million related to the Ultragenyx Agreement. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized revenue of $1.8 million. As of June 30, 2021, the Company holds an accounts receivable balance of a negligible amount related to the Ultragenyx Agreement.
Equity-Method Investment
In June 2018, the Company completed the sale of its intangible asset related to the ADAIR technology. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement for ADAIR, the Company received a 30% ownership interest in the common stock of Vallon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Vallon”) in consideration for the sale of the ADAIR technology. The Company has no requirement to invest further in Vallon. Vallon completed an initial public offering and began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker “VLON” in February 2021. Immediately after this offering, Arcturus owned 843,750 shares of Vallon, or approximately 12%. Based on the Company’s ownership and the Vallon board of directors seat held by an executive of the Company, the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Vallon; therefore, the Company accounts for this investment as an equity-method investment. The Company accounts for its share of the earnings or losses of the investee with a reporting lag of three months, as the financial statements of the investee are not completed on a basis that is sufficient for the Company to apply the equity method on a current basis. The offering was at a share price of $8.00, greater than the initial investment which resulted in the Company recording a gain in its equity-method investment. Using a three month lag, the gain has been offset by losses incurred by Vallon through March 31, 2021.
Note 11. Subsequent Events
Vingroup Agreement
On August 2, 2021, the Company announced an agreement with Vinbiocare Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (“Vinbiocare”), a member of Vingroup Joint Stock Company, regarding a collaboration to establish a manufacturing facility in Vietnam for the manufacture of Arcturus’ investigational COVID-19 vaccines, for sale and use within Vietnam.
Under the terms of the arrangement, Vinbiocare will build out a manufacturing facility in Vietnam, and the Company will provide to Vinbiocare access to proprietary technologies and processes for the manufacture of Arcturus’ investigational COVID-19 vaccines. The Company will also provide Vinbiocare with an exclusive license to manufacture the vaccines in Vietnam at the facility solely for distribution in Vietnam. The license and technology transfer applies toward drug product manufacturing but not toward mRNA drug substance manufacturing.
17
Vinbiocare will make an upfront payment of $40 million and be responsible for costs associated with the technology transfer. Vinbiocare will also pay for mRNA drug substance supplied by the Company and royalties on vaccines produced at the manufacturing facility.
On June 11, 2021, the Company and Vinbiocare executed a deposit agreement whereby Vinbiocare paid the Company a $10 million deposit prior to June 30, 2021 to demonstrate its commitment to reach a mutual agreement on a technology transfer of Arcturus’ vaccine manufacturing technology (“Definitive Agreement”). In the event a Definitive Agreement was not signed, $500,000 of the deposit was non-refundable.
18
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following is a discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021. Unless otherwise specified herein, references to the “Company,” “Arcturus,” “we,” “our” and “us” mean Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. You should read the following discussion and analysis together with the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere herein. For additional information relating to our management’s discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations, please see our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report”), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on March 1, 2021. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized words and expressions used herein shall have the same meanings ascribed to them in the 2020 Annual Report.
This report includes forward-looking statements which, although based on assumptions that we consider reasonable, are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or conditions to differ materially from those currently anticipated and expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits to this report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. You should also review the factors and risks we describe in the reports we will file or submit from time to time with the Commission after the date of this report.
Overview
Arcturus is a global clinical-stage messenger RNA medicines company focused on the development of infectious disease vaccines and significant opportunities within liver and respiratory rare diseases. In addition to our mRNA platform, our proprietary lipid nanoparticle delivery system, LUNAR, has the potential to enable multiple nucleic acid medicines, and our proprietary STARR technology has the potential to provide longer-lasting RNA and sustained protein expression.
Our key proprietary technology has the potential to address the major hurdles in RNA development, namely the effective and safe delivery of RNA therapeutics to disease-relevant target tissues. We believe that the versatility of our platform to target multiple tissues, its compatibility with various nucleic acid therapeutics, and our expertise in developing scalable manufacturing processes put us in a good position to deliver on the next generation of nucleic medicines.
In January 2021, we announced completion of the Phase 1 clinical study of our lead LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate (“ARCT-021”). The study was conducted with CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services, a global CRO, and in collaboration with Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. In January 2021, we commenced a Phase 2 clinical study of ARCT-021 in the United States and Singapore. In March 2021, we completed enrollment of the Phase 2 study, with 579 subjects randomized and dosed. We have completed two interim analyses of the Phase 2 safety data, which have been reviewed by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board and support continuation of the Phase 2 trial without amendment. In addition, interim immunogenicity data demonstrate >90% seroconversion for IgG antibodies binding the full-length spike protein following a single 5µg dose. These favorable safety and single-dose immunogenicity data of ARCT-021 support the rationale to initiate a Phase 3 efficacy study. ARCT-021 has been selected by a global entity for inclusion in a multinational Phase 3 vaccine trial against COVID-19. The placebo-controlled study plans to enroll tens of thousands of participants and will evaluate a 5-µg dose of ARCT-021 administered as a single injection regimen. The Phase 3 study, upon commencement, will be sponsored and funded by the entity. However, the entity may determine not to initiate, or to delay or halt, the Phase 3 clinical trial.
In August 2021, our strategic partner, Vinbiocare Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (“Vinbiocare”) received approval for a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) from the Vietnam Ministry of Health to advance ARCT-154, a next generation LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate, into a Phase 1/2/3 clinical study. The trial is a randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled design and will be funded by Vinbiocare, a subsidiary of Vingroup Joint Stock Company, the largest private industry conglomerate in Vietnam. The study is to assess the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of the SARS-CoV-2 self-amplifying mRNA vaccine in up to 21,000 adults. Preclinical data demonstrate strong neutralizing immunogenicity in non-human primates to SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants. ARCT-154 elicits 14.4 to 25.9-fold higher neutralizing antibody titers than ARCT-021 in non-human primates, including an observed increase of 17.8-fold higher neutralizing antibody titers against the Delta variant.
19
ARCT-154 utilizes an optimized STARR™ mRNA with multiple improvements, including modifications for stability and translation, increased immunogenicity of the spike protein antigen via amino acid substitution, expressing the spike protein in a pre-fusion state, and inactivating the furin cleavage site.
Neutralizing Titers (Geo Mean NT50) Against Variants of Concern in Cynomolgus Macaques One Month Post Dose 2 |
|||||
STARR™ Vaccine |
Ancestral |
Alpha |
Beta |
Gamma |
Delta |
ARCT-021 (7.5 mcg x 2) |
1,438 |
603 |
54 |
50 |
386 |
ARCT-154 (7.5 mcg x 2) |
20,773 |
9,080 |
874 |
1,297 |
6,876 |
Fold Improvement |
14.4 |
15.1 |
16.2 |
25.9 |
17.8 |
Non-Human Primate (NHP) data collected one month after second dose of 7.5 mcg; analysis of NHP serum was performed using non-replicating vesicular stomatitis virus pseudo-typed with the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern indicated. Titers were determined by calculating the dilution that resulted in 50% inhibition of cells expressing GFP encoded by the pseudovirus, a surrogate of virus infection. No assurances can be given that non-human primate data will be replicated in human subjects or that ARTC-154 will prove to be effective.
20
T cell responses for ARCT-021 and ARCT-154 are robust and similar in non-human primates. Notably, STARR™ mRNA vaccines elicit T cell responses consistent against all variants of concern tested. The robust T cell responses are attributed to the self-amplifying mRNA mechanism of antigen expression.
T cell responses from non-human primates assessed one month after second dose of 7.5 mcg; SARS-CoV-2 spike specific T cell responses were analyzed by ELISpot assay using overlapping 15-mer peptides spanning the entire spike antigen from the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strains or the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants of concern. Spot Forming Units (SFU) were determined after background subtraction of unstimulated controls.
On August 3, 2021, we announced the approval for a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to enable the advancement of two STARR™ mRNA vaccine candidates into the clinic. The Phase 1/2 clinical trial will evaluate the vaccines both as a primary vaccination series and as a booster following initial vaccination with another authorized vaccine. The Phase 1/2 trial costs are funded in part from a previously secured grant from Singapore.
In November 2020, we completed our ARCT-810 Phase 1, dose escalation study in healthy subjects, at doses up to 0.4 mg/kg. On July 28, 2021, the Company announced that it has received approval from the UK Health Research Authority to initiate a Phase 2 clinical study for ARCT-810, a novel mRNA-based therapeutic candidate for Ornithine Transcarbamylase (“OTC”) Deficiency.
Our activities since inception have consisted principally of performing research and development activities, general and administrative activities and raising capital to fund those efforts. Our activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including failing to secure additional funding before we achieve sustainable revenues and profit from operations. As of June 30, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $247.4 million.
Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Report and our audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our historical results of operations and the year-to-year comparisons of our results of operations that follow are not necessarily indicative of future results.
21
Collaboration Revenue
We enter into arrangements with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners and government agencies that may contain upfront payments, license fees for research and development arrangements, research and development funding, milestone payments, option exercise and exclusivity fees and royalties on future sales. The following table summarizes our total revenues for the periods indicated (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
|
||||
Collaboration revenue |
|
$ |
2,001 |
|
|
$ |
2,322 |
|
|
$ |
(321 |
) |
|
|
-13.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
|
||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
|
||||
Collaboration revenue |
|
$ |
4,128 |
|
|
$ |
4,968 |
|
|
$ |
(840 |
) |
|
|
-16.9 |
% |
Collaboration revenue decreased by $0.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease in collaboration revenue primarily relates to a decrease in sublicense revenue as we received approximately $0.3 million in sublicense revenue from SGI in the second quarter of 2020 that did not reoccur in 2021. The decrease was also attributable to a $0.3 million decrease in revenue from material transfer agreements as we have shifted more resources into the COVID-19 vaccine program. The decrease was partially offset by higher research and development expense reimbursements recognized in the second quarter of 2021 primarily related to other collaboration agreements including Janssen.
Collaboration revenue decreased by $0.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. The decrease in collaboration revenue primarily relates to (i) a decrease in sublicense revenue as we received approximately $0.3 million in sublicense revenue from SGI during the first six months of 2020 that did not reoccur in 2021 and (ii) a $0.3 million decrease in revenue from material transfer agreements as we have shifted more resources into the COVID-19 vaccine program.
Our operating expenses consist of research and development and general and administrative expenses.
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development, net |
|
$ |
45,679 |
|
|
$ |
7,944 |
|
|
$ |
37,735 |
|
|
* |
|
$ |
95,729 |
|
|
$ |
15,861 |
|
|
$ |
79,868 |
|
|
* |
General and administrative |
|
|
10,042 |
|
|
|
4,420 |
|
|
|
5,622 |
|
|
* |
|
|
19,785 |
|
|
|
8,611 |
|
|
|
11,174 |
|
|
* |
Total |
|
$ |
55,721 |
|
|
$ |
12,364 |
|
|
$ |
43,357 |
|
|
* |
|
$ |
115,514 |
|
|
$ |
24,472 |
|
|
$ |
91,042 |
|
|
* |
* Greater than 100%
The following table presents our total research and development expenses by category:
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
|
||||||||
External pipeline development expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LUNAR-OTC |
|
$ |
2,067 |
|
|
$ |
1,182 |
|
|
$ |
885 |
|
|
|
74.9 |
% |
|
$ |
5,153 |
|
|
$ |
4,874 |
|
|
$ |
279 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
% |
LUNAR-CF, net |
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
968 |
|
|
|
(134 |
) |
|
|
-13.8 |
% |
|
|
2,238 |
|
|
|
1,304 |
|
|
|
934 |
|
|
|
71.6 |
% |
LUNAR-COVID, net |
|
|
27,085 |
|
|
|
2,428 |
|
|
|
24,657 |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
56,397 |
|
|
|
2,559 |
|
|
|
53,838 |
|
|
* |
|
||
Discovery technologies |
|
|
5,706 |
|
|
|
(246 |
) |
|
|
5,952 |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
13,551 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
13,316 |
|
|
* |
|
||
External platform development expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnered discovery technologies |
|
|
173 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
(237 |
) |
|
* |
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
780 |
|
|
|
(144 |
) |
|
* |
|
||
Total development expenses |
|
$ |
35,865 |
|
|
$ |
4,742 |
|
|
$ |
31,123 |
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
77,975 |
|
|
$ |
9,752 |
|
|
$ |
68,223 |
|
|
* |
|
||
Personnel related expenses |
|
$ |
8,563 |
|
|
$ |
2,174 |
|
|
$ |
6,389 |
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
15,472 |
|
|
$ |
4,377 |
|
|
$ |
11,095 |
|
|
* |
|
||
Facilities and equipment expenses |
|
|
1,251 |
|
|
|
1,028 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
21.7 |
% |
|
|
2,282 |
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
|
|
550 |
|
|
|
31.8 |
% |
Total research and development expenses, net |
|
$ |
45,679 |
|
|
$ |
7,944 |
|
|
$ |
37,735 |
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
95,729 |
|
|
$ |
15,861 |
|
|
$ |
79,868 |
|
|
* |
|
22
* Greater than 100%
Research and Development Expenses, net
Our research and development expenses consist primarily of external manufacturing costs, in-vivo research studies performed by contract research organizations, clinical and regulatory consultants, personnel related expenses and laboratory supplies related to conducting research and development activities. Costs to acquire and manufacture pre-launch inventory, mRNA supply for preclinical studies and clinical trials are recognized and included in external pipeline development expenses for the specific program.
LUNAR-OTC expenses increased by $0.9 million and $0.3 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 2020. The increase related to non-recurring expenses for the Phase 1 clinical trial for ARCT-810.
LUNAR-CF expenses were relatively consistent during the three months ended June 30, 2021 when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020, decreasing by $0.1 million. LUNAR-CF expenses increased by $0.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. Expenses incurred were partially offset with funds awarded by the CFF. The increase in LUNAR-CF expenses was due primarily to increased research and development cost incurred in association with the amendment to the CFF Agreement executed in July 2019, and we expect that our development efforts and associated costs will increase over the next several years as the LUNAR-CF program moves toward expected CTA submission in the first half of 2022.
LUNAR-COVID expenses increased by $24.7 million and $53.8 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 2020. The increase is due to the fact that the LUNAR-COV19 program did not commence until late in the first quarter of 2020 and is now in clinical trials. Expenses related to pre-launch inventory represent $10.0 million and $26.3 million of the increase for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, with no expense incurred during the 2020 periods. We expect that the program costs and pre-launch inventory costs will continue to increase as clinical trials progress and we advance program development.
Discovery technologies represents our efforts to expand our product pipeline and are expected to continually increase in the near future. Partnered discovery technologies increased by $6.0 million and $13.3 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 2020. The increase is primarily due to the addition of several new development programs during 2020. Further, in the first quarter of 2021 we acquired an exclusive license from Alexion Pharmaceuticals to certain intellectual property for approximately $5.0 million of our common stock, which we expensed in 2021.
Within our platform development expenses, our partnered discovery expenses with our current partners are expected to fluctuate based on the needs of our collaboration partners and was relatively flat year over year. We expect partnered discovery technologies expenses to fluctuate based on the needs of our collaboration partners.
Personnel related expenses, net of funds received from CFF and the Singapore EDB, increased by $6.4 million and $11.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 2020. The increases were associated with increased headcount costs necessary to advance our external pipeline, platform and clinical trial efforts as well as increased share-based compensation expense.
Facilities and equipment expenses increased by $0.2 million and $0.6 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 2020. The increases resulted primarily from higher rent and related costs associated with an additional lease that we entered into in February 2020.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related benefits for our executive, administrative and accounting functions and professional service fees for legal and accounting services as well as other general and administrative expenses.
General and administrative expenses increased by $5.6 million and $11.2 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 2020. The increases resulted primarily from personnel expense due to increased headcount and increased share-based compensation expense.
Finance (expense) income, net
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2020 to 2021 |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
$ change |
|
|
% change |
||||||
Interest income |
|
$ |
190 |
|
|
$ |
74 |
|
|
$ |
116 |
|
|
* |
|
$ |
378 |
|
|
$ |
176 |
|
|
$ |
202 |
|
|
* |
Interest expense |
|
|
(710 |
) |
|
|
(195 |
) |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
* |
|
|
(1,256 |
) |
|
|
(449 |
) |
|
|
(807 |
) |
|
* |
Total |
|
$ |
(520 |
) |
|
$ |
(121 |
) |
|
$ |
(399 |
) |
|
* |
|
$ |
(878 |
) |
|
$ |
(273 |
) |
|
$ |
(605 |
) |
|
* |
23
* Greater than 100%
Interest income is generated on cash and cash equivalents. The increase in interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the prior year period was a result of increased cash and cash equivalents balances. Interest expense was incurred in conjunction with our Loan and Security Agreement with Western Alliance Bank and the Singapore Loan. The increase in interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the prior year period was primarily a result of additional accrued interest expense related to the Singapore Loan that was funded in January 2021.
Other income and expense
Other income and expense items relate to gains and losses from foreign currency transactions and from equity-method investments. We recorded a gain of $0.4 million for foreign currency transactions under the Singapore Loan during the first six months of 2021. Additionally, during the three months ended June 30, 2021 we recorded a loss of $0.3 million in connection with our equity-method investment in Vallon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of which we hold approximately 12%. However, during the first six months of 2021 we have recorded a total net gain of $0.9 million related to the Vallon equity-method investment.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
Through June 30, 2021, we have not entered into and did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial collaborations, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
From the Company’s inception through the quarter ended June 30, 2021, the Company has funded its operations principally with the proceeds from the sale of capital stock, long-term debt and revenues earned through collaboration agreements. At June 30, 2021, we had $433.6 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.
Loan and Security Agreement
On October 12, 2018, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Western Alliance Bank whereby we received gross proceeds of $10.0 million under a long-term debt agreement (the “Loan”).
On October 30, 2019, we and the Bank entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of October 12, 2018 (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Third Amendment, the Bank agreed to make a term loan to us on October 30, 2019, in the amount of $15.0 million (the “Term Loan”). The resulting net increase in the indebtedness of us was $5.0 million. The Term Loan bears interest at a floating rate ranging from 1.25% to 2.75% above the prime rate. The amendment further provides that the Term Loan has a maturity date of October 30, 2023. We shall make monthly payments of interest only until the interest-only end date of October 1, 2021 and thereafter shall make monthly payments of principal and interest during a 24-month amortization period. Upon maturity or prepayment, we will be required to pay a 2% fee as a result of the FDA’s approval to proceed with the Company’s LUNAR-OTC (ARCT-810) program based on its IND submission.
Grants from the Economic Development Board of the Republic of Singapore
On March 4, 2020, we were awarded a grant (“Grant 1”) from the Economic Development Board of the Republic of Singapore (the “EDB”) to support the co-development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine program with the Duke-NUS Medical School. The Grant provides for up to S$14.0 million (approximately US$10.0 million using the exchange rate at the time the grant contract was entered into) in grants to support the development of the vaccine. On June 29, 2021 the EDB agreed to amend Grant 1 to update certain delivery and milestone timelines. The Grant has been paid in full by the EDB as a result of the achievement of certain milestones related to the progress of the development of the vaccine, as set forth in the award agreement. The funds received have been recognized as contra research and development expense. We are liable for certain expenses during the program and were also subject to certain conditions including the completion of an external audit within 183 days of the conclusion of the claim period on February 20, 2021, or August 22, 2021, and delivery of 10 grams of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate suitable for use in a phase 3 variant trial in two shipments with a partial shipment by June 30, 2022 and a remaining shipment by September 30, 2022. Additionally, we are required to pay an agreed upon royalty rate to Duke-NUS on future net sales of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate in markets or jurisdictions outside of Singapore.
On October 2, 2020, we were awarded another grant (“Grant 2”) from the EDB to support the further development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine program. On June 29, 2021 the EDB agreed to amend Grant 2 to update certain delivery and milestone timelines. The grant provides for up to S$9.3 million (approximately US$6.7 million) to support the development of the vaccine candidate for
24
costs incurred in Singapore subject to certain conditions including (i) completing an external audit within 183 days from March 31, 2021, or September 30, 2021, (ii) delivering 10 grams of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate suitable for use in a phase 3 variant trial in two shipments with a partial shipment by June 30, 2022 and a remaining shipment by September 30, 2022 and (iii) creating an entity in Singapore which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2020, and (iv) initiating a clinical trial for a variant COVID-19 vaccine by March 31, 2022. The grant will be paid in two installments upon the achievement of certain milestones related to the progress of the development of the vaccine candidate. We received the first installment of $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Manufacturing Support Agreement
On November 7, 2020, we entered into a Manufacturing Support Agreement (the “Support Agreement”) with the EDB. Pursuant to the Support Agreement, the EDB agreed to make a term loan of S$62.1 million, subject to the satisfaction of customary deliveries, to support the manufacture of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidates (the “Singapore Loan”). In June 2021, the EDB agreed to amend the Singapore Loan. The amendment includes certain loan covenants requiring (i) unused funds as of March 31, 2022 to be subsequently returned within thirty days, subject to any further agreed upon extension of the reconciliation date, (ii) us to provide a quarterly reconciliation report within forty-five days of each financial quarter end, (iii) an external audit of expenses paid through June 30, 2021 to be completed by September 30, 2021, and a projection of expenditures through March 31, 2022 followed by an audited statement of actual expenditures through March 31, 2022 by June 30, 2022, (iv) us to deliver 10 grams of LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate suitable for use in a phase 3 variant trial in two shipments with a partial shipment by June 30, 2022 and a remaining shipment by September 30, 2022, (v) us to provide EDB with a right of first refusal on GMP manufacturing slots of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate up to an agreed-upon maximum amount, (vi) and the obligation to repay the Singapore Loan will be secured by an interest in the raw materials and manufacturing equipment purchased by us with the funds from the Singapore Loan in form and substance satisfactory to the EDB in its sole discretion. We elected to borrow the full amount available under the Support Agreement of S$62.1 million ($46.6 million) on January 29, 2021.
The Singapore Loan accrues interest at a rate of 4.5% per anum calculated on a daily basis. Subject to certain exceptions, the Singapore Loan is intended to be a limited recourse loan that will be repaid solely through a royalty payment of 10% of net sales proceeds of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine candidate, up to the amount of the outstanding principal and interest under the Singapore Loan. However, all unpaid principal and interest under the Singapore Loan will be due and payable five years after draw date, if net sales of the LUNAR-COV19 vaccine exceed a certain minimum threshold during this five year period or we obtain clearance to sell the vaccine in specified jurisdictions. Unpaid principal and interest under the Singapore Loan will also become due and payable upon an event of default under the Support Agreement. The first vaccine sales, including the amount of net sales, shall be reported to EDB within 10 days of delivery and quarterly reports of aggregate vaccine sales, including net sales proceeds shall be provided within 30 days after quarter end.
The Singapore Loan is forgivable if we have not obtained regulatory approval by the final repayment date and net sales of LUNAR-COV19 are less than $100 million. If, any portion of the Singapore Loan is required to be forgiven pursuant to the terms of the Support Agreement, the EDB has the right to take ownership of certain raw materials and equipment that were purchased by us with proceeds of the Singapore Loan (the “Specified Assets”). We entered into a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) for the benefit of the EDB to provide that repayment of the Singapore Loan and related obligations are secured by a lien on the Specified Assets.
In connection with the entry into the Support Agreement, we entered into a consent agreement with Western Alliance Bank (the “Bank”) and an amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2018, to exclude the Specified Assets from Western Alliance Bank’s lien on certain assets.
Vinbiocare Agreement
On August 2, 2021, we announced an agreement with Vinbiocare Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (“Vinbiocare”), a member of Vingroup Joint Stock Company, regarding a collaboration to establish a manufacturing facility in Vietnam for the manufacture of our investigational COVID-19 vaccine program, for sale and use within Vietnam.
Under the terms of the arrangement, Vinbiocare will build out a manufacturing facility in Vietnam, and we will provide to Vinbiocare access to proprietary technologies and processes for the manufacture of our investigational COVID-19 vaccine program. We will also provide Vinbiocare with an exclusive license to manufacture the vaccines in Vietnam at the facility solely for distribution in Vietnam. The license and technology transfer applies toward drug product manufacturing but not toward mRNA drug substance manufacturing. Vinbiocare will make an upfront payment of $40 million and be responsible for costs associated with the technology transfer. Vinbiocare will also pay for mRNA drug substance supplied by us and royalties on vaccines produced at the manufacturing facility.
General Financial Resources
A significant portion of our current unrestricted cash and cash equivalents balance of $433.6 million is expected to be utilized during fiscal year 2021 to fund (i) the continued Phase 1 trial and anticipated Phase 2 trial of ARCT-810, our LUNAR-OTC candidate, (ii) advancing our new LUNAR-FLU program toward submission of an IND, (iii) and other programs and administrative costs.
25
If we are unable to maintain sufficient financial resources, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional needed financing on acceptable terms or at all. Additionally, equity or debt financings may have a dilutive effect on the holdings of our existing shareholders. Our future capital requirements are difficult to forecast and will depend on many factors.
We expect to continue to incur additional losses for the foreseeable future, and we will need to raise additional debt or equity financing or enter into additional partnerships to fund development. The ability of our Company to transition to profitability is dependent on identifying and developing successful mRNA drug candidates. In the near future, if we are not able to achieve planned milestones, incur costs in excess of our forecasts, or do not meet covenant requirements of our debt, we will need to reduce discretionary spending, discontinue the development of some or all of our products, which will delay part of our development programs, all of which will have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our intended business objectives.
Overview
The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
||
Cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities |
|
$ |
(75,893 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,352 |
) |
Investing activities |
|
|
(522 |
) |
|
|
(611 |
) |
Financing activities |
|
|
47,094 |
|
|
|
85,721 |
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
$ |
(29,321 |
) |
|
$ |
64,758 |
|
Operating Activities
Our primary use of cash is to fund operating expenses, which consist mainly of research and development and general and administrative expenditures. We have incurred significant expenses which have been partially offset by cash collected through our collaboration agreements. Cash collections under the collaboration agreements can vary from year to year depending on the terms of the agreement and work performed. These changes on cash flows primarily relate to the timing of cash receipts for upfront payments, reimbursable expenses and achievement of milestones under these collaborative agreements.
Net cash used in operating activities was $75.9 million on a net loss of $110.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to net cash used of $20.4 million on a net loss of $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Adjustments for non-cash charges were $20.4 million and $3.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Changes in working capital resulted in adjustments to operating net cash inflows of $14.7 million and outflows of $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Changes in working capital for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were primarily driven by increases in deferred revenue, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partly offset by decreases in prepaid expenses and accounts receivable. Changes in working capital for the six months ended June 30, 2020 were primarily driven by decreases in deferred revenue, accounts payable, prepaid expenses and accounts receivable and was partly offset by an increase to accrued liabilities.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, reflects cash used to purchase property and equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities of $47.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 consisted of net proceeds from the Singapore Loan of $46.6 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 reflects proceeds of $9.6 million from the issuance of common stock to Ultragenyx, proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $75.3 million, and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.8 million.
26
Funding Requirements
We anticipate that we will continue to generate annual net losses for the foreseeable future, and we expect the losses to increase as we continue the development of, and seek regulatory approvals for, our product candidates, and begin commercialization of our products. As a result, we will require additional capital to fund our operations in order to support our long-term plans. The Company intends to seek additional capital through equity or debt financings, collaborative or other funding arrangements with partners or through other sources of financing. Should we seek additional financing from outside sources, we may not be able to raise such financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, we may be required to scale back or discontinue the advancement of product candidates, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, or cease operations.
Our future funding requirements are difficult to forecast and will depend on many factors, including the following:
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the demonstration of safety and efficacy of our product candidates, particularly ARCT-021, in ongoing clinical trials; |
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the achievement of milestones under our strategic alliance agreements; |
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the terms and timing of any other strategic alliance, licensing and other arrangements that we may establish; |
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the initiation, progress, timing and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials for our product candidates; |
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the number and characteristics of product candidates that we pursue; |
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the outcome, timing and cost of regulatory approvals; |
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delays that may be caused by changing regulatory requirements; |
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the cost and timing of hiring new employees to support our continued growth; |
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the costs involved in filing and prosecuting patent applications and enforcing and defending patent claims; |
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• |
the costs and timing of procuring clinical and commercial supplies of our product candidates; |
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the costs and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities; |
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the costs associated with legal proceedings; |
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the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies; and |
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the identification and consummation of funding arrangements with third parties, including foreign governments and United States government agencies. |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. As such, we make certain estimates, judgements and assumptions that we believe are reasonable, based upon information available to us. These judgements involve making estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may significantly impact our results of operations and financial condition. We describe our significant accounting policies more fully in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
27
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Our primary exposure to market risk is interest income and expense sensitivity and foreign currency exchange rates. Interest income and expense sensitivity is affected by changes in the general level of interest rates in the United States. Foreign exchange market risks relate to the grants and loan from the Singapore Economic Development Board which is discussed in this Quarterly Report in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1. Description of Business.” When deemed appropriate, we may manage our exposure to foreign exchange market risks through the use of derivative financial instruments. We may utilize such derivative financial instruments for hedging or risk management purposes. Due to the nature of our cash and cash equivalents and our evaluation of the potential impact of foreign currency exchange rates, we believe that we are not currently subject to any material market risk exposure.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) and Rule 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer and our principal accounting officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that as of June 30, 2021, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level, and we believe the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021 fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations, comprehensive loss, statements of stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) and Rule 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act, our management, including our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer and our principal accounting officer, conducted an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any other changes occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer concluded that there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
On December 13, 2019, a former employee of the Company filed a complaint in San Diego County Superior Court, captioned Adonary Munoz v. Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc., et al, Case No. 37-2019-00066358-CU-PO-CTL. The lawsuit alleged sexual assault by an acquaintance of one of our employees and sought to hold the Company liable on a number of causes of action. On January 17, 2020, a second amended complaint (“SAC”) was filed seeking $30.0 million in damages, including punitive damages and damages for emotional distress. The plaintiff agreed to stipulate to arbitration for the claims being alleged against the Company. On May 5, 2021, the parties settled the dispute, and the parties agreed to dismiss the legal proceedings. The settlement did not result in any material liability to the Company as the settlement payment was covered by the Company’s insurance.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our business is subject to various risks, including those described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which we strongly encourage you to review. Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021.
ARCT-021 has been selected by a global entity for inclusion in a Phase 3 trial against COVID-19. If the Phase 3 clinical trial is not initiated or experiences significant delays in doing so, we may be unable to fund or timely initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial on ARCT-021 or any other COVID-19 vaccine candidate. If any clinical trial does not generate successful results, we may be unable to market and sell ARCT-021 or any other COVID-19 vaccine.
We have commenced a Phase 2 trial of ARCT-021 and the candidate has been selected by a global entity for inclusion in a Phase 3 clinical trial. However, the entity may determine not to initiate, or to delay or halt, the Phase 3 clinical trial. If the Phase 3 clinical trial is not initiated or experiences significant delays in doing so, we may be unable to fund or to timely initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of ARCT-021 or any other COVID-19 vaccine. If we were to determine to initiate additional or separate Phase 3 clinical trial, we would need to identify additional funding sources to conduct and complete any Phase 3 trial commenced. The data received to date, although providing sufficient information to allow us to proceed further is not complete enough to provide conclusive evidence with respect to safety and potential efficacy of ARCT-021.
Clinical trial results are inherently uncertain, and a significant portion of our success and business prospects depend on the progress of this program. Our failure to demonstrate safety or obtain positive clinical trial results, inability to meet the expected timeline for release of data for this trial, or failure to successfully develop a single-dose vaccine could have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we will not have a detailed understanding of the efficacy of ARCT-021 until infection of a sufficient number of subjects in a Phase 3 trial, enrollment for which may be delayed or prevented by rollout of competing vaccines for COVID-19, competing clinical trials and the refusal of certain countries’ regulatory authorities to allow placebo-controlled trials for COVID-19 vaccine candidates. We cannot be certain if we will receive approval to proceed with a Phase 3 study, when we will begin enrollment, or the nature of the protocols that may eventually be approved. If the data is not positive or is inconclusive, we may not be able to continue our studies or identify additional funding to continue the studies. No assurance can be given that the results of the trials will produce adequate results to allow us to commence or continue expected trials or that that adequate efficacy will be demonstrated such that ARCT-021 will be a viable commercial product.
Our strategic partner, Vinbiocare, has received approval to conduct a Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial for ARCT-154, our next generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in Vietnam. If the Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial is not initiated or experiences significant delays in doing so, we may be unable to fund or timely initiate a clinical trial on ARCT-154 or any other COVID-19 vaccine candidate. If the planned clinical trial does not generate successful results, or the results are not accepted by government authorities outside of Vietnam, then we may be unable to, or be significantly limited in our ability to, market and sell ARCT-154 or any other COVID-19 vaccine.
Our strategic partner may determine not to initiate, or to delay or halt, the clinical trial. If our strategic partner does not proceed with the clinical trial or experiences significant delays in doing so, we may be unable to fund or to timely initiate a clinical trial of ARCT-154 or any other COVID-19 vaccine programs. If we were to determine to initiate additional or separate Phase 3 clinical trial, we would need to identify additional funding sources to conduct and complete any Phase 3 trial commenced. or does not generate successful results, or experiences significant delays in doing so, we may be unable to market and sell a COVID-19 vaccine program. If we were to determine to initiate additional or separate clinical trials, we would need to identify additional funding sources to conduct and complete any trial commenced. If the clinical trial does not generate successful results, or if the results are not accepted by government authorities outside of Vietnam, then we may be unable to, or be significantly limited in our ability to, market and sell ARCT-154 or any other COVID-19 vaccine.
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If government bodies in the United States or elsewhere implement a waiver on patents on COVID-19 vaccines, there could be a significant adverse effect on our business.
On May 5, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that it supports a waiver for patents on vaccines protecting against the coronavirus. Any action by governments of the United States or other countries, or by global governmental authorities, that limit the ability of companies to enforce their patents or other technology could limit the value of the Company’s intellectual property and revenue potential for the Company’s product candidates.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
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Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit Number |
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Description |
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1.1 |
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3.1 |
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3.2 |
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3.3 |
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4.1 |
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10.1† |
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10.2† |
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10.3† |
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10.4** |
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10.5** |
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10.6** |
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10.7** |
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10.8** |
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10.9** |
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10.10** |
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10.11** |
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10.12** |
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31
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10.13** |
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10.14** |
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10.15** |
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10.16 |
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10.17** |
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10.18** |
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10.19 |
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10.20** |
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10.21** |
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10.22 |
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10.23 |
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10.24** |
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10.25** |
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10.26** |
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10.27 |
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10.28† |
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10.29 |
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32
|
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10.30* |
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10.31 |
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10.32** |
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10.33** |
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31.1* |
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31.2* |
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32.1* |
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32.2* |
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101* |
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The following financial statements and footnotes from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL): |
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101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
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101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
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101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
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101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
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101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
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101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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* |
Filed herewith. |
** |
Certain confidential portions of this exhibit have been redacted from the publicly filed document because such portions are (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful of publicly disclosed. |
† |
Management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. |
33
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS HOLDINGS INC. |
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Date: August 9, 2021 |
By: |
/s/ Andy Sassine |
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Andy Sassine |
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Chief Financial Officer |
34