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DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORP - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 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 March 31, 2020  

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: 001-34207

 

Dynavax Technologies Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

 

33-0728374

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

2100 Powell Street, Suite 900

Emeryville, CA 94608

(510) 848-5100

(Address, including Zip Code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:

Trading symbol(s):

Name of each exchange on which registered:

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

DVAX

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 registration 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, a 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

 

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

 

Smaller reporting company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company

 

 

 

 

 

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 Act). Yes  No 

As of May 1, 2020, the registrant had outstanding 92,184,031 shares of common stock.

 

 

 


INDEX

DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

 

 

Page No.

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (unaudited)

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

5

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

5

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

6

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

7

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

23

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

29

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

29

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

30

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

30

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

46

Item 5.

Other Information

46

Item 6.

Exhibits

47

 

SIGNATURES

48

 

2


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. All statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements about the direct and indirect impact of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic on our business and operations, our ability to successfully commercialize HEPLISAV-B®, our anticipated market opportunity and level of sales of HEPLISAV-B, our business, collaboration and regulatory strategy, our ability to successfully develop and commercialize other vaccines containing our novel adjuvant CpG 1018, our ability to manufacture commercial supply and meet regulatory requirements, uncertainty regarding our capital needs and future operating results and profitability, anticipated sources of funds, liquidity and cash needs, as well as our plans, objectives, strategies, expectations and intentions. These statements appear throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “future,” or “intend,” or the negative of these terms or other variations or comparable terminology.

Actual results may vary materially from those in our forward-looking statements as a result of various factors that are identified in “Item 1A—Risk Factors” and “Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this document. No assurance can be given that the risk factors described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are all of the factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes trademarks and registered trademarks of Dynavax Technologies Corporation. Products or service names of other companies mentioned in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. References herein to “we,” “our,” “us,” “Dynavax” or the “Company” refer to Dynavax Technologies Corporation and, where appropriate, its subsidiary Dynavax GmbH.

 

 

 

3


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Dynavax Technologies Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

(Note 1)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

37,899

 

 

$

39,884

 

Marketable securities available-for-sale

 

91,634

 

 

 

111,171

 

Accounts and other receivables, net

 

8,135

 

 

 

8,886

 

Inventories, net

 

48,099

 

 

 

41,332

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

8,380

 

 

 

7,380

 

Total current assets

 

194,147

 

 

 

208,653

 

Property and equipment, net

 

30,897

 

 

 

32,022

 

Intangible assets, net

 

202

 

 

 

2,500

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

28,436

 

 

 

30,252

 

Goodwill

 

2,061

 

 

 

2,081

 

Restricted cash

 

212

 

 

 

216

 

Other assets

 

3,301

 

 

 

3,344

 

Total assets

$

259,256

 

 

$

279,068

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

4,557

 

 

$

9,278

 

Accrued research and development

 

3,253

 

 

 

4,120

 

Accrued liabilities

 

12,268

 

 

 

14,802

 

Warrant liability

 

6,250

 

 

 

14,860

 

Other current liabilities

 

2,951

 

 

 

9,987

 

Total current liabilities

 

29,279

 

 

 

53,047

 

Long-term debt, net

 

179,583

 

 

 

178,601

 

Long-term portion of lease liabilities

 

36,972

 

 

 

37,845

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,598

 

 

 

1,285

 

Total liabilities

 

247,432

 

 

 

270,778

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock: $0.001 par value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized: 5,000 shares; Issued and outstanding:

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Series B Convertible Preferred stock  ̶  5 shares at March 31, 2020 and

   December 31, 2019

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock: $0.001 par value; 139,000 shares authorized at

   March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; 87,599 and 83,871 shares

   issued and outstanding at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

 

88

 

 

 

84

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,245,730

 

 

 

1,229,417

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,575

)

 

 

(2,387

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(1,231,419

)

 

 

(1,218,824

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

11,824

 

 

 

8,290

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

259,256

 

 

$

279,068

 

 

See accompanying notes.

4


Dynavax Technologies Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenue, net

$

10,514

 

 

$

5,627

 

Other revenue

 

405

 

 

 

146

 

Total revenues

 

10,919

 

 

 

5,773

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales - product

 

2,354

 

 

 

1,800

 

Cost of sales - amortization of intangible assets

 

2,298

 

 

 

2,273

 

Research and development

 

4,653

 

 

 

21,206

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

20,926

 

 

 

18,348

 

Total operating expenses

 

30,231

 

 

 

43,627

 

Loss from operations

 

(19,312

)

 

 

(37,854

)

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

590

 

 

 

735

 

Interest expense

 

(4,731

)

 

 

(2,734

)

Sublease income

 

1,926

 

 

 

-

 

Change in fair value of warrant liability

 

8,610

 

 

 

-

 

Other income (expense), net

 

322

 

 

 

181

 

Net loss

 

(12,595

)

 

 

(39,672

)

Basic net loss per share

$

(0.15

)

 

$

(0.62

)

Weighted average shares used to compute basic net loss per share

 

85,477

 

 

 

63,778

 

Diluted net loss per share

$

(0.25

)

 

$

(0.62

)

Weighted average shares used to compute diluted net loss per share

 

85,648

 

 

 

63,778

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net loss

$

(12,595

)

 

$

(39,672

)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on marketable securities available-for-sale

 

291

 

 

 

67

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(479

)

 

 

(483

)

Total other comprehensive loss

 

(188

)

 

 

(416

)

Total comprehensive loss

$

(12,783

)

 

$

(40,088

)

 

See accompanying notes.

5


Dynavax Technologies Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Par Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Par Amount

 

 

Additional

Paid-In Capital

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

(Loss) Income

 

 

Accumulated

Deficit

 

 

Total

Stockholders'

Equity

 

Balances at December 31, 2019

 

83,871

 

 

$

84

 

 

 

5

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,229,417

 

 

$

(2,387

)

 

$

(1,218,824

)

 

$

8,290

 

Issuance (withholding) of common

   stock upon exercise of stock options

   and restricted stock awards, net

 

728

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1

)

Issuance of common stock under

   Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

91

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

311

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

311

 

Issuance of common stock, net of

   issuance costs, in conjunction

   with an At Market Sales

   Agreement (see Note 11)

 

2,909

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14,226

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14,229

 

Stock compensation expense

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,778

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,778

 

Total other comprehensive loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(188

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(188

)

Net loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(12,595

)

 

 

(12,595

)

Balances at March 31, 2020

 

87,599

 

 

$

88

 

 

 

5

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,245,730

 

 

$

(2,575

)

 

$

(1,231,419

)

 

$

11,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2018

 

62,862

 

 

$

63

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,131,241

 

 

$

(2,015

)

 

$

(1,066,224

)

 

$

63,065

 

Issuance (withholding) of common

   stock upon exercise of stock options

   and restricted stock awards, net

 

740

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(18

)

Issuance of common stock under

   Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

75

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

407

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

407

 

Issuance of common stock, net of

   issuance costs, in conjunction

   with an At Market Sales

   Agreement (see Note 11)

 

1,343

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

13,621

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

13,623

 

Stock compensation expense

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,170

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,170

 

Total other comprehensive loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(416

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(416

)

Net loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(39,672

)

 

 

(39,672

)

Balances at March 31, 2019

 

65,020

 

 

$

65

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,151,421

 

 

$

(2,431

)

 

$

(1,105,896

)

 

$

43,159

 

 

See accompanying notes.

6


Dynavax Technologies Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(12,595

)

 

$

(39,672

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,014

 

 

 

1,702

 

Amortization of right-of-use assets

 

634

 

 

 

1,302

 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and from lease termination

 

(76

)

 

 

-

 

Accretion of discounts on marketable securities

 

(87

)

 

 

(323

)

Change in fair value of warrant liability

 

(8,610

)

 

 

-

 

Stock compensation expense

 

1,778

 

 

 

6,170

 

Cost of sales - amortization of intangible assets

 

2,298

 

 

 

2,273

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

1,338

 

 

 

814

 

Tenant improvements provided by the landlord

 

908

 

 

 

-

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and other receivables, net

 

751

 

 

 

(2,087

)

Inventories, net

 

(6,767

)

 

 

(8,547

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(1,000

)

 

 

154

 

Other assets

 

43

 

 

 

1,872

 

Accounts payable

 

(2,095

)

 

 

4,424

 

Lease liabilities

 

(672

)

 

 

(106

)

Accrued liabilities and other liabilities

 

(3,728

)

 

 

(7,878

)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(26,866

)

 

 

(39,902

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of technology licenses

 

(7,000

)

 

 

(7,000

)

Purchases of marketable securities

 

(17,985

)

 

 

(29,205

)

Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of marketable securities

 

37,900

 

 

 

54,700

 

Purchases of property and equipment, net

 

(2,352

)

 

 

(3,882

)

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

10,563

 

 

 

14,613

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt, net

 

-

 

 

 

74,250

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

 

14,229

 

 

 

13,623

 

(Tax withholding) from exercise of stock options and restricted stock awards, net

 

(1

)

 

 

(18

)

Proceeds from Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

311

 

 

 

407

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

14,539

 

 

 

88,262

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(225

)

 

 

(192

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(1,989

)

 

 

62,781

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

40,100

 

 

 

49,967

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

38,111

 

 

$

112,748

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

$

3,412

 

 

$

1,940

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment, not yet paid

$

408

 

 

$

7,230

 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities

$

-

 

 

$

34,807

 

 

See accompanying notes.

7


Dynavax Technologies Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Dynavax Technologies Corporation (“we,” “our,” “us,” “Dynavax” or the “Company”), is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel vaccines. We launched our first product, HEPLISAV-B® [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted], in February 2018, following United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval for prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults age 18 years and older. We were incorporated in California in August 1996 under the name Double Helix Corporation, and we changed our name to Dynavax Technologies Corporation in September 1996. We reincorporated in Delaware in 2000.

Basis of Presentation

Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In our opinion, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which we consider necessary to present fairly our financial position and the results of our operations and cash flows. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Interim-period results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations or cash flows to be expected for a full-year period or any other interim-period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 has been derived from audited financial statements at that date, but excludes disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and these notes should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dynavax and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Dynavax GmbH. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among these entities have been eliminated from the condensed consolidated financial statements. We operate in one business segment: discovery, development and commercialization of novel vaccines.

Liquidity and Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2020, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $129.5 million. As of March 31, 2020, the principal amount of our term loan was $180.9 million, including paid-in-kind interest. The term loan has a maturity date of December 31, 2023, unless earlier prepaid.

The Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations since its inception and expects to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future as we continue to invest in commercialization of HEPLISAV-B. If we cannot generate a sufficient amount of revenue from product sales, we will need to finance our operations through strategic alliance and licensing arrangements and/or future public or private debt and equity financings. Raising additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities could result in dilution to our existing stockholders, increased fixed payment obligations, or both. In addition, these securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock and could include covenants that would restrict our operations.

We currently anticipate that our cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities as of March 31, 2020, and anticipated revenues from HEPLISAV-B will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months from the date of this filing.

Our ability to raise additional capital in the equity and debt markets, should we choose to do so, is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the market demand for our common stock, which itself is subject to a number of development and business risks and uncertainties, our creditworthiness and the uncertainty that we would be able to raise such additional capital at a price or on terms that are favorable to us. In addition, global financial crises and economic downturns, including those cause by widespread public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may cause extreme volatility and disruptions in capital and credit markets, and may impact our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. Adequate financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

8


Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make informed estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management’s estimates are based on historical information available as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and various other assumptions we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. However, the worldwide spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a global slowdown of economic activity which is likely to decrease demand for a broad variety of goods and services, while also disrupting sales channels and marketing activities for an unknown period of time until the disease is contained. We are unable to predict the future effect resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Actual results could differ materially from management’s estimates.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that we determine are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (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) we satisfy a performance obligation. We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations, and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Product Revenue, Net

We sell our product to a limited number of wholesalers and specialty distributors in the U.S. (collectively, our “Customers”). Revenues from product sales are recognized when we have satisfied our performance obligation, which is the transfer of control of our product upon delivery to the Customer. The timing between the recognition of revenue for product sales and the receipt of payment is not significant. Because our standard credit terms are short-term and we expect to receive payment in less than one-year, there is no financing component on the related receivables. Taxes collected from Customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.

Overall, product revenue, net, reflects our best estimates of the amount of consideration to which we are entitled based on the terms of the contract. The amount of variable consideration is included in the net sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. If our estimates differ significantly from actuals, we will record adjustments that would affect product revenue, net in the period of adjustment.

Reserves for Variable Consideration

Revenues from product sales are recorded at the net sales price, which includes estimates of variable consideration such as product returns, chargebacks, discounts, rebates and other fees that are offered within contracts between us and our Customers, healthcare providers, pharmacies and others relating to our product sales. We estimate variable consideration using either the most likely amount method or the expected value method, depending on the type of variable consideration and what method better predicts the amount of consideration we expect to receive. We take into consideration relevant factors such as industry data, current contractual terms, available information about Customers’ inventory, resale and chargeback data and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns, in estimating each variable consideration. The variable consideration is recorded at the time product sales is recognized, resulting in a reduction in product revenue and a reduction in accounts receivable (if the Customer offsets the amount against its accounts receivable) or as an accrued liability (if we pay the amount through our accounts payable process). Variable consideration requires significant estimates, judgment and information obtained from external sources. The amount of variable consideration is included in the net sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. If our estimates differ significantly from actuals, we will record adjustments that would affect product revenue, net in the period of adjustment. If we were to change any of these judgments or estimates, it could cause a material increase or decrease in the amount of revenue that we report in a particular period. There have been no material adjustments to these estimates for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

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Product Returns: Consistent with industry practice, we offer our Customers a limited right of return based on the product’s expiration date for product that has been purchased from us. We estimate the amount of our product sales that may be returned by our Customers and record this estimate as a reduction of revenue in the period the related product revenue is recognized. We consider several factors in the estimation of potential product returns including expiration dates of the product shipped, the limited product return rights, available information about Customers’ inventory, shelf life of the product and other relevant factors.

Chargebacks: Our Customers subsequently resell our product to healthcare providers, pharmacies and others. In addition to distribution agreements with Customers, we enter into arrangements with qualified healthcare providers that provide for chargebacks and discounts with respect to the purchase of our product. Chargebacks represent the estimated obligations resulting from contractual commitments to sell product to qualified healthcare providers at prices lower than the list prices charged to Customers who directly purchase the product from us. Customers charge us for the difference between what they pay for the product and the ultimate selling price to the qualified healthcare providers. These reserves are established in the same period that the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue and accounts receivable. Chargeback amounts are determined at the time of resale to the qualified healthcare providers by Customers, and we issue credits for such amounts generally within a few weeks of the Customer’s notification to us of the resale. Reserves for chargebacks consists of credits that we expect to issue for units that remain in the distribution channel inventories at each reporting period end that we expect will be sold to the qualified healthcare providers, and chargebacks for units that our Customers have sold to the qualified healthcare providers, but for which credits have not been issued.

Trade Discounts and Allowances: We provide our Customers with discounts which include early payment incentives that are explicitly stated in our contracts, and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related product revenue is recognized.

Distribution Fees: Distribution fees include fees paid to certain Customers for sales order management, data and distribution services. Distribution fees are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related product revenue is recognized.

Rebates: Under certain contracts, customers may obtain rebates for purchasing minimum volumes of our product. We estimate these rebates based upon the expected purchases and the contractual rebate rate and record this estimate as a reduction in revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized.

Collaboration and Manufacturing Service Revenue

We have entered into collaborative arrangements and arrangements to provide manufacturing services to other companies. Such arrangements may include promises to customers which, if capable of being distinct, are accounted for as separate performance obligations. For agreements with multiple performance obligations, we allocate estimated revenue to each performance obligation at contract inception based on the estimated transaction price of each performance obligation. Revenue allocated to each performance obligation is then recognized when we satisfy the performance obligation by transferring control of the promised good or service to the customer. Collaboration and manufacturing service revenue are recorded in other revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement includes a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, other current liabilities and long-term portion of lease liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the net present value of lease payments, we use our incremental borrowing rate which represents an estimated rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow equivalent funds on a collateralized basis at the lease commencement date.

The operating lease right-of-use assets also include any lease payments made and exclude any lease incentives. Our leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease which are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise any such options. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. We have elected not to apply the recognition requirements of ASC 842 for short-term leases. We have also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components.

As lessors, we determine if an arrangement includes a lease at inception. We elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components. Rent revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term and is included in other income (expense) in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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Inventories

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, on a first-in, first-out, or FIFO, basis. We primarily use actual costs to determine our cost basis for inventories. Our assessment of market value requires the use of estimates regarding the net realizable value of our inventory balances, including an assessment of excess or obsolete inventory. We determine excess or obsolete inventory based on multiple factors, including an estimate of the future demand for our products, product expiration dates and current sales levels. Our assumptions of future demand for our products are inherently uncertain and if we were to change any of these judgments or estimates, it could cause a material increase or decrease in the amount of inventory reserves that we report in a particular period. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no inventory reserve recognized.

We consider regulatory approval of product candidates to be uncertain and product manufactured prior to regulatory approval may not be sold unless regulatory approval is obtained. As such, the manufacturing costs for product candidates incurred prior to regulatory approval are not capitalized as inventory but are expensed as research and development costs. We begin capitalization of these inventory related costs once regulatory approval is obtained.

HEPLISAV-B was approved by the FDA on November 9, 2017, at which time we began to capitalize inventory costs associated with the vial presentation of HEPLISAV-B. In March 2018, we received regulatory approval of the pre-filled syringe (“PFS”) presentation of HEPLISAV-B. Prior to FDA approval of HEPLISAV-B, all costs related to the manufacturing of HEPLISAV-B that could potentially be available to support the commercial launch of our products, were charged to research and development expense in the period incurred as there was no alternative future use. Prior to regulatory approval of PFS, costs associated with resuming operating activities at the Düsseldorf manufacturing facility were also included in research and development expense. Subsequent to regulatory approval of PFS, costs associated with resuming manufacturing activities at the Düsseldorf facility were included in cost of sales – product, until commercial production resumed in mid-2018 at which time these costs were recorded as raw materials inventory.

Research and Development Expenses and Accruals

Research and development expenses include personnel and facility-related expenses, outside contracted services including clinical trial costs, manufacturing and process development costs, research costs and other consulting services and non-cash stock-based compensation. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Amounts due under contracts with third parties may be either fixed fee or fee for service, and may include upfront payments, monthly payments and payments upon the completion of milestones or receipt of deliverables. Non-refundable advance payments under agreements are capitalized and expensed as the related goods are delivered or services are performed.

We contract with third parties to perform various clinical trial activities in the on-going development of potential products. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation, vary from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows to our vendors. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events, successful enrollment of patients, and completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions. Our accrual for clinical trials is based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with clinical trial centers and clinical research organizations. We may terminate these contracts upon written notice and we are generally only liable for actual effort expended by the organizations to the date of termination, although in certain instances we may be further responsible for termination fees and penalties. We estimate research and development expenses and the related accrual as of each balance sheet date based on the facts and circumstances known to us at that time. There have been no material adjustments to the prior period accrued estimates for clinical trial activities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update 2016-13

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses of Financial Instruments. The standard changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. As a smaller reporting company, this ASU and its subsequent updates, is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update 2019-12

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and improving consistent application in certain areas of Topic 740. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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2. Fair Value Measurements

We measure fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The accounting standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:

 

Level 1—Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

 

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities; therefore, requiring an entity to develop its own valuation techniques and assumptions.

Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. We review the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain assets or liabilities within the fair value hierarchy. There were no transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are considered reasonable estimates of their respective fair value because of their short-term nature.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table represents the fair value hierarchy for our financial assets (cash equivalents and marketable securities) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

$

26,865

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

26,865

 

U.S. treasuries

 

-

 

 

 

6,597

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,597

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

-

 

 

 

49,692

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

49,692

 

Corporate debt securities

 

-

 

 

 

35,345

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

35,345

 

Total assets

$

26,865

 

 

$

91,634

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

118,499

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrant liability

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

6,250

 

 

$

6,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

$

27,854

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

27,854

 

U.S. treasuries

 

-

 

 

 

6,517

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,517

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

-

 

 

 

51,273

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

51,273

 

Corporate debt securities

 

-

 

 

 

61,373

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

61,373

 

Total assets

$

27,854

 

 

$

119,163

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

147,017

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrant liability

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

14,860

 

 

$

14,860

 

Sublicense liability

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,948

 

 

 

6,948

 

Total liabilities

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

21,808

 

 

$

21,808

 

Money market funds are highly liquid investments and are actively traded. The pricing information on these investment instruments is readily available and can be independently validated as of the measurement date. This approach results in the classification of these securities as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

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U.S. treasuries, U.S. government agency securities and corporate debt securities are measured at fair value using Level 2 inputs. We review trading activity and pricing for these investments as of each measurement date. When sufficient quoted pricing for identical securities is not available, we use market pricing and other observable market inputs for similar securities obtained from various third-party data providers. These inputs represent quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or these inputs have been derived from observable market data. This approach results in the classification of these securities as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Warrants were issued in connection with the underwritten public offering in August 2019 and are accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value. See Note 11. The fair value of the warrant liability is estimated using the Black-Scholes model which requires assumptions such as expected term, expected volatility and risk-free interest rate. These assumptions are subjective and require judgement to develop. Expected term is estimated using the full remaining contractual term of the warrants. We determine expected volatility based on our historical common stock price volatility. The warrant liability is classified as a Level 3 instrument as its value is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

As of March 31, 2020, we used the following key assumptions to estimate the fair value of warrant liability:

 

Number of shares

 

 

5,841,250

 

Expected term

 

1.9 years

 

Expected volatility

 

 

0.7

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

0.1

%

Dividend yield

 

 

0

%

The following table provides a summary of changes in the fair value warrant liability for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

$

14,860

 

Decrease in estimated fair value of warrant liability upon revaluation

 

 

 

(8,610

)

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

 

$

6,250

 

 

3. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

37,899

 

 

$

39,884

 

 

$

112,133

 

 

$

49,348

 

Restricted cash

 

 

212

 

 

 

216

 

 

 

615

 

 

 

619

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown

   in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows

 

$

38,111

 

 

$

40,100

 

 

$

112,748

 

 

$

49,967

 

Restricted cash balances relate to certificates of deposit issued as collateral to certain letters of credit issued as security to our facility leases. See Note 6.

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Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Amortized

Cost

 

 

Unrealized

Gains

 

 

Unrealized

Losses

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

11,034

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

11,034

 

Money market funds

 

26,865

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

26,865

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

37,899

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

37,899

 

Marketable securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. treasuries

 

6,511

 

 

 

86

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,597

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

49,439

 

 

 

253

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

49,692

 

Corporate debt securities

 

35,321

 

 

 

37

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

35,345

 

Total marketable securities available-for-sale

 

91,271

 

 

 

376

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

91,634

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

$

129,170

 

 

$

376

 

 

$

(13

)

 

$

129,533

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

4,038

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

4,038

 

Money market funds

 

27,854

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

27,854

 

Corporate debt securities

 

7,992

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

7,992

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

39,884

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

39,884

 

Marketable securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. treasuries

 

6,511

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,517

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

51,235

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

(12

)

 

 

51,273

 

Corporate debt securities

 

53,353

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

53,381

 

Total marketable securities available-for-sale

 

111,099

 

 

 

84

 

 

 

(12

)

 

 

111,171

 

Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

$

150,983

 

 

$

84

 

 

$

(12

)

 

$

151,055

 

The maturities of our marketable securities available-for-sale are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

 

Estimated

Fair Value

 

Mature in one year or less

 

$

79,250

 

 

$

79,547

 

Mature after one year through two years

 

 

12,021

 

 

 

12,087

 

 

 

$

91,271

 

 

$

91,634

 

 

There were no realized gains or losses from the sale of marketable securities during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

We have classified our entire investment portfolio as available-for-sale and available for use in current operations and accordingly have classified all investments as short-term. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value based on inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices for similar securities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the securities, with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in value, if any, judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income or expense. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Management assesses whether declines in the fair value of investment securities are other than temporary. In determining whether a decline is other than temporary, management considers the following factors:

 

whether the investment has been in a continuous realized loss position for over 12 months;

 

the duration to maturity of our investments;

 

our intention and ability to hold the investment to maturity and if it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the amortized cost bases;

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the credit rating, financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and

 

the type of investments made.

To date, there have been no declines in fair value that have been identified as other than temporary.

 

4. Inventories, net

The following table presents inventories, net (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Raw materials

 

$

18,441

 

 

$

15,198

 

Work-in-process

 

 

23,981

 

 

 

22,890

 

Finished goods

 

 

5,677

 

 

 

3,244

 

Total

 

$

48,099

 

 

$

41,332

 

 

5. Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets are related to certain capitalized milestone and sublicense payments. The following table presents intangible assets (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Intangible assets

 

$

19,773

 

 

$

19,773

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

 

(19,571

)

 

 

(17,273

)

Total

 

$

202

 

 

$

2,500

 

 

We recorded $2.3 million of cost of sales - amortization of intangible assets for each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. See Note 7.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease our facilities in Emeryville, California and Düsseldorf, Germany.

In July 2019, we entered into a sublease for office space located at 2100 Powell Street, Emeryville, California (the “Powell Street Sublease”) and the lease for our former corporate headquarters at 2929 Seventh Street, Berkeley, California was terminated effective August 31, 2019. Under the terms of the Powell Street Sublease, we are leasing 23,976 square feet at the rate of $3.90 per square foot, paid on a monthly basis. Rent is subject to scheduled annual increases and we are responsible for certain operating expenses and taxes throughout the life of the Powell Street Sublease. The Powell Street Sublease will continue until June 30, 2022. There is no option to extend the sublease term.

On September 17, 2018, we entered into a lease (“Horton Street Master Lease”) for office and laboratory space located at 5959 Horton Street, Emeryville, California (“Horton Street Premises”). Under the terms of the Horton Street Master Lease, we are leasing 75,662 square feet at the rate of $4.75 per square foot, paid on a monthly basis, starting on April 1, 2019 (“Commencement Date”). Rent is subject to scheduled annual increases, and we are also responsible for certain operating expenses and taxes throughout the life of Horton Street Master Lease. In connection with the Horton Street Master Lease, we are entitled to a tenant improvement allowance of up to $8.3 million, of which $7.9 million has been received through March 31, 2020. The Horton Street Master Lease has an initial term of 12 years, following the Commencement Date with an option to extend the lease for two successive five-year terms. The optional periods were not included in the lease term used in determining the right-of-use asset or the lease liability as we did not consider it reasonably certain that we would exercise the options. The operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities on our March 31, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheets primarily relate to the Horton Street Master Lease.

In connection with the organizational restructuring in May 2019, we did not occupy the Horton Street Premises and in July 2019, we entered into an agreement to sublease the Horton Street Premises to a third party (“Horton Street Sublease”). Under the terms of the Horton Street Sublease, we are subleasing the entire 75,662 rentable square feet at the rate of $5.50 per square foot, paid on a monthly basis. Rent is subject to scheduled annual increases and the subtenant (“Subtenant”) is responsible for certain operating expenses and taxes throughout the life of the Horton Street Sublease. The Horton Street Sublease term is until March 31, 2031, unless earlier terminated, concurrent with the term of our Horton Street Master Lease. The Subtenant has no option to extend the sublease term. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recognized $1.9 million of sublease income included in other income (expense) in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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Under the terms of the Horton Street Master Lease, rent received from the Subtenant in excess of rent paid to the landlord shall be shared by paying the landlord 50% of the excess rent. The excess rent is considered a variable lease payment and the total estimated payments are being recognized as additional rent expense on a straight-line basis.

Our lease expense comprises of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating lease expense

 

$

1,592

 

 

$

1,738

 

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and was included in operating cash flows in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

The balance sheet classification of our operating lease liabilities was as follows (in thousands):  

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Operating lease liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of lease liabilities (included in other current liabilities)

 

$

2,951

 

 

$

3,039

 

Long-term portion of lease liabilities

 

 

36,972

 

 

 

37,845

 

Total operating lease liabilities

 

$

39,923

 

 

$

40,884

 

 

At March 31, 2020, the maturities of our sublease income and operating lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

Years ending December 31,

 

Sublease Income

 

 

Operating Lease

Liabilities

 

2020 (remaining)

 

$

3,801

 

 

$

5,148

 

2021

 

 

5,201

 

 

 

6,888

 

2022

 

 

5,357

 

 

 

6,201

 

2023

 

 

5,518

 

 

 

5,343

 

2024

 

 

5,684

 

 

 

5,487

 

Thereafter

 

 

39,596

 

 

 

36,261

 

Total

 

$

65,157

 

 

 

65,328

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present value adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

(25,405

)

Total

 

 

 

 

 

$

39,923

 

 

The weighted average remaining lease term and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability were as follows:

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Weighted average remaining lease term

 

9.6 years

 

 

9.7 years

 

Weighted average discount rate

 

 

10.1

%

 

 

10.1

%

 

Commitments

On February 20, 2018, we entered into a $175.0 million term loan agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with CRG Servicing LLC. We borrowed $100.0 million under the Loan Agreement at closing and the remaining $75.0 million in March 2019 (collectively, “Term Loans”). At our option, until September 30, 2023, a portion of the interest payments may be paid in kind, and thereby added to the principal. Through March 31, 2020, a portion of our interest was paid in kind, which increased the principal amount of the Term Loans to $179.6 million, net of debt discount of $1.3 million. The Term Loans have a maturity date of December 31, 2023, unless earlier prepaid. See Note 8.

As of March 31, 2020, our material non-cancelable purchase and other commitments, for the supply of HEPLISAV-B and for clinical research, totaled $7.8 million.

16


During 2004, we established a letter of credit with Deutsche Bank as security for our Düsseldorf lease in the amount of €0.2 million (Euros). The letter of credit remained outstanding through March 31, 2020 and is collateralized by a certificate of deposit for €0.2 million, which has been included in restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020.

In conjunction with a financing arrangement with Symphony Dynamo, Inc. and Symphony Dynamo Holdings LLC (“Holdings”) in November 2009, we agreed to make contingent cash payments to Holdings equal to 50% of the first $50 million from any upfront, pre-commercialization milestone or similar payments received by us from any agreement with any third party with respect to the development and/or commercialization of cancer and hepatitis C therapies originally licensed to Symphony Dynamo, Inc., including SD-101. We have made no payments and have not recorded a liability as of March 31, 2020.

Contingencies

From time to time, we may be involved in claims, suits, and proceedings arising from the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to intellectual property claims, commercial claims, and other matters. Such claims, suits, and proceedings are inherently uncertain and their results cannot be predicted with certainty. Regardless of the outcome, such legal proceedings can have an adverse impact on us because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors. In addition, it is possible that a resolution of one or more such proceedings could result in substantial damages, fines, penalties or orders requiring a change in our business practices, which could in the future materially and adversely affect our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in a particular period.

7. Collaborative Research, Development and License Agreements

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.

In June 2017, we entered into an agreement to provide Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (“SIIPL”) with technical support. In consideration, SIIPL agreed to pay us at an agreed-upon hourly rate for services and reimburse certain out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, we have rights to commercialization of certain potential products manufactured at the SIIPL facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized collaboration revenue of $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp.

In February 2018, we entered into a Sublicense Agreement (the “Sublicense Agreement”) with Merck. The Sublicense Agreement grants us, under certain non-exclusive U.S. patent rights controlled by Merck which relate to recombinant production of hepatitis B surface antigen, the right to manufacture, use, offer for sale, sell and import HEPLISAV-B in the United States and includes the right to grant further sublicenses. Under the terms of the Sublicense Agreement, we are obligated to pay $21.0 million in three installments. The first, second and third installment of $7.0 million each was paid in February 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the intangible asset, net balance was $0.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. See Note 5. The Sublicense Agreement expired in April 2020, at which time the license became perpetual, irrevocable, fully paid-up and royalty free.

8. Long-Term Debt

 

On February 20, 2018, we entered into a $175.0 million Loan Agreement with CRG Servicing LLC. Net proceeds under the Loan Agreement were $173.3 million. The Term Loans under the Loan Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to 9.5% per annum. At March 31, 2020, the effective interest rate was 10.3%. At our option, until September 30, 2023, a portion of the interest payments may be paid in kind, and thereby added to the principal. Through March 31, 2020, a portion of our interest was paid in kind, which increased the principal amount of the Term Loans to $179.6 million, net of debt discount of $1.3 million. The Term Loans have a maturity date of December 31, 2023, unless earlier prepaid. The Term Loans and paid-in-kind interest will be entirely payable at maturity.

 

In August 2019, we entered into a second amendment to the Loan Agreement (the “Second Amendment”). The Second Amendment amended the annual net sales threshold for sales of HEPLISAV-B, revising the twelve-month measurement periods from beginning on January 1 of each year to beginning on July 1 of each year (including 2019) and ending on June 30, 2023. The Second Amendment also revised the fee payable upon partial prepayment or at maturity of the Term Loans from 3% to 4% of the aggregate principal amounts.

The obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured, subject to customary permitted liens and other agreed upon exceptions, by a perfected security interest in (i) all tangible and intangible assets of the Company and any future subsidiary guarantors, except for certain customary excluded property, and (ii) all of the capital stock owned by the Company and such future subsidiary guarantors (limited, in the case of the stock of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company and certain U.S. subsidiaries substantially all of whose assets consist of equity interests in non-U.S. subsidiaries, to 65% of the capital stock of such subsidiaries, subject to certain

17


exceptions). The obligations under the Loan Agreement will be guaranteed by each of the Company’s future direct and indirect subsidiaries (other than certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company and certain U.S. subsidiaries substantially all of whose assets consist of equity interests in non-U.S. subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions). The Loan Agreement contains customary covenants and requires us to comply with a $15.0 million daily minimum combined cash and investment balance covenant and a twelve-month period revenue requirement starting on July 1, 2019 for sales of HEPLISAV-B.

We recorded $4.7 million and $2.6 million of interest expense related to the Term Loans during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

9. Revenue Recognition

All of our product revenue consisted of sales of HEPLISAV-B in the U.S. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, our three largest Customers collectively represented approximately 68% and 66% of our product revenue, respectively. The following table summarizes balances and activity in each of the product revenue allowance and reserve categories for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Balance at

Beginning of

Period

 

 

Provisions

related to current

period sales

 

 

Credit or

payments

made during

the period

 

 

Balance

at End of

Period

 

Three months ended March 31, 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable reserves(1)

 

$

2,701

 

 

$

2,906

 

 

$

(2,749

)

 

$

2,858

 

Revenue reserve accruals(2)

 

$

3,893

 

 

$

2,045

 

 

$

(1,355

)

 

$

4,583

 

 

(1)

Reserves are for chargebacks, discounts and other fees.

(2)

Accruals are for returns, rebates and other fees.

 

10. Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares using the treasury-stock method. For purposes of this calculation, outstanding stock options, stock awards, warrants and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock are considered to be potentially dilutive common shares and are only included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share when their effect is dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and the denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss, basic

 

 

 

 

$

(12,595

)

 

$

(39,672

)

Removal of change in fair value of warrant liability

 

 

 

 

 

(8,610

)

 

 

-

 

Net loss, diluted

 

 

 

 

$

(21,205

)

 

$

(39,672

)

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used to compute basic net loss per share

 

 

 

 

 

85,477

 

 

 

63,778

 

Effect of dilutive warrants

 

 

 

 

 

171

 

 

 

-

 

Weighted average shares used to compute diluted net loss per share

 

 

 

 

 

85,648

 

 

 

63,778

 

As of March 31, 2020, stock options and stock awards and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (on an as converted to common stock basis), totaling approximately 11,443,432 and 4,840,000 shares of common stock, respectively were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2020, because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. As of March 31, 2019, stock options and stock awards, totaling approximately 8,946,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019, because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

18


11. Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Warrants

Common Stock Outstanding

As of March 31, 2020, there were 87,599,440 shares of our common stock outstanding.

In August 2019, we sold (i) 18,525,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, (ii) 4,840 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,841,250 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”). Each share of common stock was sold together with a warrant to purchase 0.25 shares of common stock, at a combined price of $3.00 per share of common stock and the accompanying warrant. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock was sold together with a warrant to purchase 250 shares of common stock, at a combined price of $3,000 per share and the accompanying warrant. Proceeds from the Offering were approximately $65.6 million, net of issuance costs of $4.5 million.

Investment funds associated with Bain Capital Life Sciences Investors, LLC (“Bain Capital Life Sciences”) purchased approximately $35.0 million of common stock, Series B Preferred Stock and warrants in the Offering at the public offering price. Pursuant to the Offering, (i) Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund, L.P. purchased 6,826,266 shares of common stock, 3,756 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 2,645,566 shares of common stock for a total purchase price of approximately $31.7 million and (ii) BCIP Life Sciences Associates, L.P. purchased 698,734 shares of common stock, 384 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 270,684 shares of common stock for a total purchase price of approximately $3.2 million (together, “Bain Life Sciences Funds”). Bain Capital Life Sciences is the general partner of Bain Life Sciences Funds. The participation by these investors was on the same terms as the other investors in the Offering.  

Following the Offering, Andrew A. F. Hack, M.D., Ph.D and Managing Director of Bain Capital Life Sciences (a related party), was appointed to our board of directors.

On March 11, 2020, we entered into a warrant exchange agreement with Bain Life Sciences Funds pursuant to which we agreed that we would, upon future notice from Bain Life Sciences Funds, exchange all or a portion of the common stock warrants held by Bain Life Sciences Funds for warrants to purchase a new Series C convertible preferred stock (“Series C Warrants”). Each share of Series C convertible preferred stock would be convertible into 1,000 shares of common stock, with a conversion price of $4.50 and would have substantially identical rights to our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. As of March 31, 2020, Bain Life Sciences Funds have not exercised their rights to exchange common stock warrants with Series C Warrants.

On November 3, 2017, we entered into an At Market Sales Agreement (“2017 ATM Agreement”) with Cowen and Company, LLC (“Cowen”) under which we may offer and sell from time to time at our sole discretion, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price up to $150 million through Cowen as our sales agent. We pay Cowen a commission of up to 3% of the gross sales proceeds of any common stock sold through Cowen under the 2017 ATM Agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we received net cash proceeds of $14.2 million resulting from sales of 2,908,875 shares of our common stock. As of March 31, 2020, we have $104.0 million remaining under the 2017 ATM Agreement. Subsequent to March 31, 2020 and through May 1, 2020, we sold 4,584,591 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $15.9 million under the 2017 ATM Agreement.

Preferred Stock Outstanding

As of March 31, 2020, there were 4,840 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding.

Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 1,000 shares of common stock at any time at the holder’s option. However, the holder is prohibited from converting the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of common stock if, as a result of such conversion, the holder and its affiliates would own more than 4.99% of the total number of shares of common stock then issued and outstanding, which percentage may be changed at the holders’ election to a higher or lower percentage (not to exceed 19.99%) upon 61 days’ notice to the Company. In the event of liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holder of Series B Preferred Stock will receive payment on shares of Series B Preferred Stock (determined on an as-converted to common stock basis) equal to the amount that would be paid on our common stock. Shares of Series B Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights, except as required by law and except that the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock is required to amend the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive any dividends, unless and until specifically declared by our board of directors. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks on parity with our common stock as to distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Series B Preferred Stock may rank senior to, on parity with or junior to any class or series of capital stock created in the future depending upon the specific terms of such future stock issuance.

19


The fair value of the common stock into which the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible exceeded the allocated purchase price of the Series B Preferred Stock by $3.3 million on the date of issuance, for which we recorded a deemed dividend. We recognized a deemed dividend equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Series B Preferred Stock is convertible multiplied by the difference between the value of the common stock and the Series B Preferred Stock conversion price per share on the date of issuance, which is the date the stock first became convertible. The dividend was reflected as a one-time, non-cash, deemed dividend to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock on the date of issuance.

Warrants

As of March 31, 2020, the following common stock warrants were outstanding:

 

Warrants Issuance Date

 

Shares Issuable

(in thousands)

 

 

Expiration Date

 

Exercise Price

per Share

 

 

Outstanding as of

March 31, 2020

(in thousands)

 

August 12, 2019

 

 

5,841

 

 

February 12, 2022

 

$

4.50

 

 

 

5,841

 

 

Warrants were exercisable upon issuance. The holder is prohibited from exercising these warrants if, as a result of such exercise, the holder and its affiliates, would own more than 4.99% of the total number of shares of common stock then issued and outstanding, which percentage may be changed at the holders’ election to a higher or lower percentage (not to exceed 19.99%) upon 61 days’ notice to the Company.

The warrants contain provisions that may obligate us to repurchase them for an amount that does not represent fair value in the event of a change of control. Due to this provision, the warrants do not meet the criteria to be considered indexed to our own stock. Accordingly, we recorded the warrants as a derivative liability at fair value of $7.4 million on the issuance date, which was estimated using the Black-Scholes model.

The warrants will be revalued at each reporting period using the Black-Scholes model and the change in the fair value of the warrants will recognized as other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. At March 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of warrant liability was $6.3 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recognized the $8.6 million decrease in the estimated fair value of warrant liability as a gain in other income (expense), net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

12. Equity Plans and Stock-Based Compensation

Our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 EIP”) is intended to be the successor to and continuation of the Dynavax Technologies Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 EIP”). The aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under the 2018 EIP (subject to adjustment for certain changes in capitalization) is comprised of the sum of (i) 5,000,000 newly reserved shares of common stock, (ii) 140,250 unallocated shares of common stock remaining available for grant under the 2011 EIP as of May 31, 2018, and (iii) 7,477,619 shares subject to outstanding stock awards granted under the 2011 EIP and the Dynavax Technologies Corporation 2017 Inducement Award Plan that may become available from time to time as set forth in the 2018 EIP. The 2018 EIP provides for the issuance of up to 12,617,869 shares of our common stock to our employees and directors.

20


On May 30, 2019, our stockholders approved an amendment to 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Amended 2018 EIP”) to, among other things, increase the aggregate number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance by 2,300,000. Under the Amended 2018 EIP, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be issued to employees and directors (subject to adjustment for certain changes in capitalization) is 14,917,869.

Option activity under our stock-based compensation plans during the three months ended March 31, 2020 was as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

 

 

Shares

Underlying

Outstanding

Options

 

 

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price Per Share

 

 

Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term (years)

 

 

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

8,006

 

 

$

13.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

 

 

1,335

 

 

 

5.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options cancelled:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options forfeited (unvested)

 

 

(41

)

 

 

6.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options expired (vested)

 

 

(40

)

 

 

18.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

 

9,260

 

 

$

12.64

 

 

 

4.53

 

 

$

6

 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2020

 

 

8,901

 

 

$

12.91

 

 

 

4.45

 

 

$

5

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2020

 

 

4,826

 

 

$

18.06

 

 

 

2.94

 

 

$

 

 

Restricted stock unit activity under our stock-based compensation plans during the three months ended March 31, 2020 was as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

 

 

 

Number of Shares

(in thousands)

 

 

Weighted-Average

Grant-Date Fair

Value Per Share

 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2019

 

 

1,784

 

 

$

9.16

 

Granted

 

 

1,156

 

 

 

5.30

 

Vested

 

 

(728

)

 

 

10.56

 

Forfeited

 

 

(29

)

 

 

6.60

 

Non-vested as of March 31, 2020

 

 

2,183

 

 

$

6.68

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of the restricted stock units outstanding as of March 31, 2020, based on our stock price on that date was $7.7 million. Fair value of restricted stock units is determined at the date of grant using our closing stock price.

As of March 31, 2020, approximately 139,000 shares underlying stock options and approximately 185,000 restricted stock unit awards with performance-based vesting criteria were outstanding.

 

Under our stock-based compensation plans, option awards generally vest over a three or four-year period contingent upon continuous service, and expire seven to ten years from the date of grant (or earlier upon termination of continuous service). The fair value-based measurement of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

The fair value-based measurements and weighted-average assumptions used in the calculations of these measurements are as follows:

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Weighted-average fair value per share

 

$

3.58

 

 

$

6.85

 

 

$

2.17

 

 

$

5.19

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

2.5

%

Expected life (in years)

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

1.2

 

Volatility

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

21


The components of stock-based compensation expense were (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Research and development

 

$

(1,573

)

 

$

2,180

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

2,442

 

 

 

3,080

 

Cost of sales - product

 

 

136

 

 

 

572

 

Inventory

 

 

773

 

 

 

338

 

Total

 

$

1,778

 

 

$

6,170

 

 

Compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and reflects estimated forfeitures. Stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2020 included reversal of expenses related to cancellation of certain equity grants.

 

As of March 31, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested equity awards including all awards with time-based vesting amounted to $30.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.9 years. Additionally, as of March 31, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to equity awards with performance-based vesting criteria amounted to $0.9 million.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Amended and Restated 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) provides for the purchase of common stock by eligible employees and became effective on May 28, 2014. On May 31, 2018, our stockholders approved an amendment to the Purchase Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance by 600,000 shares. The purchase price per share is the lesser of (i) 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the commencement of the two-year offer period (generally, the sixteenth day in February or August) or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the exercise date, which is the last day of a purchase period (generally, the fifteenth day in February or August). For the three months ended March 31, 2020, employees have acquired 91,653 shares of our common stock under the Purchase Plan and 359,264 shares of our common stock remained available for future purchases under the Purchase Plan.

22


ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, the period for which we estimate our cash resources are sufficient, the availability of additional funds, as well as those set forth under “Risk Factors” and those that may be identified from time to time in our reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The following discussion and analysis is intended to provide an investor with a narrative of our financial results and an evaluation of our financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Overview

We are a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel vaccines. Our first commercial product, HEPLISAV-B® [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted] is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults age 18 years and older. We commenced commercial shipments of HEPLISAV-B in January 2018. In Phase 3 trials, HEPLISAV-B demonstrated faster and higher rates of protection with two doses in one month compared to another currently approved hepatitis B vaccine which requires three doses over six months, with a similar safety profile. HEPLISAV-B is the only two-dose hepatitis B vaccine for adults approved in the U.S.

We have worldwide commercial rights to HEPLISAV-B. There are three other vaccines approved for the prevention of hepatitis B in the U.S.: Engerix-B and Twinrix® from GlaxoSmithKline plc and Recombivax-HB® from Merck & Co.

All of product revenue is from sales of HEPLISAV-B to certain wholesalers and specialty distributors in the U.S. whose principal customers include independent hospitals and clinics, integrated delivery networks, public health clinics and prisons, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and retail pharmacies. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, product revenue, net was $10.5 million.

In February 2018, we entered into a term loan agreement with CRG Servicing LLC. We borrowed $100 million at closing and the remaining $75.0 million in March 2019. At March 31, 2020, the balance of the term loan was $179.6 million and the loan and related unpaid interest and fees are due in December 2023.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we received net cash proceeds of $14.2 million from sales of 2,908,875 shares of our common stock under the At Market Sales Agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC entered in November 2017.

 

COVID-19 Update

The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic has presented a substantial public health and economic challenge around the world and is affecting our employees, patients, communities and business operations, as well as the U.S. economy and financial markets. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will directly or indirectly impact our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning COVID-19 virus, the actions taken to contain it or treat its impact and the economic impact on local, regional, national and international markets.

To date, we and our distribution partners have been able to continue to supply HEPLISAV-B throughout the United States, and currently do not anticipate any interruptions in supply. However, we are continuing to assess the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations. Although there was a modest impact from COVID-19 on HEPLISAV-B net product sales in the first quarter, most medical centers restricted access to their facilities and focused on providing care to only the most severely affected patients by mid-March. This has resulted in significantly reduced utilization of vaccines, including HEPLISAV-B, since the end of the first quarter of 2020, which has significantly impacted sales and is likely to continue until the U.S. returns to more normal conditions.  

23


We are continuing to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on our business and are taking proactive efforts to protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and healthcare professionals, and to continue our business operations and advance our goal of bringing important new vaccines to patients as rapidly as possible. We have implemented measures to protect the health and safety of our workforce, including a mandatory work-from-home policy for employees who can perform their jobs offsite. In the conduct of our business activities, we are also taking actions to protect the safety of patients and healthcare professionals. Our field-based personnel have paused in-person customer interactions in healthcare settings and are solely using electronic communication, such as emails, phone calls and video conferences. Many health care and contracting professionals at hospitals and other medical institutions with whom our field-based personnel interact are working a greater proportion of their working schedule from home and are facing additional demands on their time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect that the different quality of electronic interactions as compared with in-person interactions, as well as the reduced quantity of interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, may reduce the effectiveness of our sales personnel, as well as those of our collaborators, which could negatively affect our product sales.

Currently, our HEPLISAV-B product’s post-marketing observational studies are fully enrolled and continuing uninterrupted. Due to the design and conduct of the studies, we do not anticipate an impact to the integrity of the studies as a result of the “shelter in place” mandates. Our HEPLISAV-B dialysis study also continues to enroll patients, since the dialysis treatment is classified under the “essential travel” exemptions. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic continues and persists for an extended period of time, we could experience significant disruptions to our post-marketing studies, which could adversely affect our business and growth prospects.

The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our ability to generate sales and revenues, our regulatory efforts, our corporate development objectives and the value of and market for our common stock, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time. Because of the above and other factors, our results of operations may vary substantially from year to year and from quarter to quarter and, as a result, we believe that period to period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as being indicative of our future performance. For additional information on the various current and future potential risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, please read Item 1A. Risk Factors included herein.

We have been actively pursuing opportunities to collaborate with other organizations on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, by leveraging our proprietary toll-like receptor 9 (“TLR9”) agonist adjuvant, CpG 1018, the adjuvant used in our HEPLISAV-B product. In 2020, we announced multiple collaborations focused on COVID-19, including with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the University of Queensland, and Clover Biopharmaceuticals, and continue to work to identify other programs where CpG 1018 can be utilized to enhance the immune response to a coronavirus vaccine. We and our CMO are developing plans for scale-up activities to support pandemic level of production of CpG 1018 adjuvant, as necessary to support our multiple collaborations to develop a coronavirus vaccine. There can be no assurance we will be successful in our efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine

Critical Accounting Policies and the Use of Estimates

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, assumptions and judgments described below that have the greatest potential impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements, including those related to revenue recognition, research and development activities, stock-based compensation, inventories and leases. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Accounting assumptions and estimates are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe that there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared with those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

24


Results of Operations

Revenues

Revenues consisted of amounts earned from product sales and collaboration revenue.

Product revenue, net, reflects sales of our HEPLISAV-B product. Revenue from product sales is recorded at the net sales price, which includes estimates of product returns, chargebacks, discounts, rebates and other fees. Overall, product revenue, net, reflects our best estimates of the amount of consideration to which we are entitled based on the terms of the contract. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from our estimates. If actual results in the future vary from our estimates, we will adjust these estimates, which would affect net product revenue and earnings in the period such variances become known.

The following is a summary of our revenues (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(Decrease) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2019 to 2020

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Product revenue, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

10,514

 

 

$

5,627

 

 

$

4,887

 

 

 

87

%

Other revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

405

 

 

 

146

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

177

%

Total revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

10,919

 

 

$

5,773

 

 

$

5,146

 

 

 

89

%

 

Product revenue, net increased in the first quarter of 2020 compared to same period in 2019 due to higher sales volume as additional healthcare providers completed operational activities required to switch to HEPLISAV-B and existing customers placed repeat orders. Although there was a modest impact from COVID-19 on HEPLISAV-B net product sales in the first quarter, most medical centers restricted access to their facilities and focused on providing care to only the most severely affected patients by mid-March. This has resulted in significantly reduced utilization of vaccines, including HEPLISAV-B, since the end of the first quarter of 2020, which has significantly impacted sales and is likely to continue until the U.S. returns to more normal conditions.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, other revenue includes collaboration revenue of $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to services performed under a collaboration agreement with Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.

Cost of Sales – Product

The following is a summary of our cost of sales - product (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(Decrease) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2019 to 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Cost of sales - product

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,354

 

 

$

1,800

 

 

$

554

 

 

 

31

%

 

Cost of sales - product primarily includes certain fill, finish and overhead costs for pre-filled syringes (“PFS”) of HEPLISAV-B. Our HEPLISAV-B PFS finished goods inventory includes components for which a portion of the manufacturing costs were previously expensed to research and development prior to the approval of the PFS presentation by the FDA in March 2018. We expect to use this HEPLISAV-B PFS inventory over approximately the next six months. The increase in cost of sales-product in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019 is due to higher sales volume and higher unit costs as we produce and then sell inventory that reflects the full cost of manufacturing the product.

At March 31, 2020, inventories, net increased to $48.1 million from $41.3 million at December 31, 2019.

Cost of Sales - Amortization of Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of our cost of sales – amortization of intangible assets (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(Decrease) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2019 to 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Cost of sales - amortization of

   intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,298

 

 

$

2,273

 

 

$

25

 

 

 

1

%

 

25


Cost of sales - amortization of intangible assets consists of amortization of the intangible asset recorded as a result of sublicense payments to Merck, Sharpe & Dohme Corp. (“Merck”), upon or after FDA approval of HEPLISAV-B in November 2017. At March 31, 2020, the intangible asset related to Merck was $0.2 million. The Sublicense Agreement expired in April 2020, at which time the license became perpetual, irrevocable, fully paid-up and royalty free.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense consists, primarily, of compensation and related personnel costs (which include benefits, recruitment, travel and supply costs), outside services, allocated facility costs and non-cash stock-based compensation. Outside services consist of costs associated with clinical development, process development, preclinical discovery and development, regulatory filings and research, including fees and expenses incurred by contract research organizations, clinical study sites, and other service providers.

The following is a summary of our research and development expense (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(Decrease) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2019 to 2020

 

Research and Development:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Compensation and related

   personnel costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,197

 

 

$

7,904

 

 

$

(5,707

)

 

 

(72

)%

Outside services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,935

 

 

 

8,731

 

 

 

(4,796

)

 

 

(55

)%

Facility costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

2,391

 

 

 

(2,297

)

 

 

(96

)%

Non-cash stock-based

   compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,573

)

 

 

2,180

 

 

 

(3,753

)

 

 

(172

)%

Total research and development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,653

 

 

$

21,206

 

 

$

(16,553

)

 

 

(78

)%

 

Compensation and related personnel costs and non-cash stock-based compensation decreased due to lower research and development headcount as a result of our restructuring in May 2019. Stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2020 included reversal of expenses related to cancellation of certain equity grants. The decrease in outside services was the result of winding down of our immuno-oncology programs. Facility costs, which primarily comprise of occupancy and related expenses, decreased due to lower overhead allocation to research and development functions.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation and related costs for our commercial support personnel, medical education professionals and personnel in executive and other administrative functions, including legal, finance and information technology; costs for outside services such as sales and marketing, post-marketing studies of HEPLISAV-B, accounting, commercial development, consulting, business development, investor relations and insurance; legal costs that include corporate and patent-related expenses; allocated facility costs and non-cash stock-based compensation.

The following is a summary of our selling, general and administrative expenses (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(Decrease) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2019 to 2020

 

Selling, General and Administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Compensation and related

   personnel costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,300

 

 

$

5,114

 

 

$

3,186

 

 

 

62

%

Outside services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,625

 

 

 

8,568

 

 

 

(1,943

)

 

 

(23

)%

Legal costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

734

 

 

 

526

 

 

 

208

 

 

 

40

%

Facility costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,825

 

 

 

1,060

 

 

 

1,765

 

 

 

167

%

Non-cash stock-based

   compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,442

 

 

 

3,080

 

 

 

(638

)

 

 

(21

)%

Total selling, general and

   administrative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

20,926

 

 

$

18,348

 

 

$

2,578

 

 

 

14

%

 

26


The increase in compensation and related personnel costs and the related decrease in outside services was due to the conversion of the external sales force to our employees effective April 1, 2019. The corresponding decrease in outside services was partially offset by costs related to HEPLISAV-B post-marketing study. Facility costs, which primarily comprise of occupancy and related expenses, increased due to higher overhead allocation to selling, general and administrative functions. Non-cash stock-based compensation decreased due to the retirement of our former CEO in August 2019. In addition, non-cash stock-based compensation for the three months ending March 31, 2020 included reversal of expenses related to certain equity grants cancellations.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest income is reported net of amortization of premiums and discounts on marketable securities. Interest expense includes the stated interest and accretion of discount and end of term fee related to our long-term debt agreement. Sublease income is recognized in connection with our sublease of office and laboratory space. Change in fair value of warrant liability reflects the changes in fair value of warrants issued in connection with equity financing in August 2019. Other income, net includes gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and disposal of property and equipment.

The following is a summary of our other income (expense), net (in thousands, except for percentages):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(Decrease) from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2019 to 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$

 

 

%

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

590

 

 

$

735

 

 

$

(145

)

 

 

(20

)%

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(4,731

)

 

$

(2,734

)

 

$

1,997

 

 

 

73

%

Sublease income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,926

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,926

 

 

NM

 

Change in fair value of

   warrant liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,610

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

8,610

 

 

NM

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

322

 

 

$

181

 

 

$

141

 

 

 

78

%

 

NM=Not Meaningful

Interest expense increased due to the borrowing of the remaining $75.0 million in March 2019 under the term loan agreement with CRG Servicing LLC (“Loan Agreement”). We recognized sublease income of $1.9 million in connection with our sublease of office and laboratory space located at 5959 Horton Street, Emeryville, California to a third party in July 2019. The change in the fair value of the warrant liability is primarily due to decrease in our stock price. The change in other income, net is primarily due to foreign currency transactions and related fluctuations in the value of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2020, we had $129.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Since our inception, we have relied primarily on the proceeds from public and private sales of our equity securities, borrowings, government grants and revenues from product sales and collaboration agreements to fund our operations. Our funds are currently invested in money market funds, U.S. treasuries, U.S. government agency securities and corporate debt securities. We currently anticipate that our cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities as of March 31, 2020, and anticipated revenues from HEPLISAV-B will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months from the date of this filing.

27


At March 31, 2020, $104.0 million of common stock remained available for sale under our At Market Sales Agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC (“2017 ATM Agreement”). Subsequent to March 31, 2020 and through May 1, 2020, we sold 4,584,591 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $15.9 million under the 2017 ATM Agreement.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we used $26.9 million of cash for our operations primarily due to our net loss of $12.6 million, of which $1.7 million consisted of non-cash items which included change in fair value of warrant liability, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, non-cash interest expense, depreciation and amortization, amortization of right-of-use assets and accretion and amortization on marketable securities. By comparison, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, we used $39.9 million of cash for our operations primarily due to our net loss of $39.7 million, of which $11.9 million consisted of non-cash items such as stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation and amortization, amortization of right-of-use assets, non-cash interest expense and accretion and amortization on marketable securities. Cash used in our operations during the first three months of 2020 decreased by $13.0 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we received tenant improvement reimbursements from the landlord of 5959 Horton Street totaling $0.9 million and invested approximately $6.8 million in HEPLISAV-B inventory. Net cash used in operating activities is also impacted by changes in our operating assets and liabilities due to timing of cash receipts and expenditures.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, net cash provided by investing activities was $10.6 million and $14.6 million, respectively. During the first three months of 2020 and 2019, net proceeds from maturities and redemptions of marketable securities was $19.9 million and $25.5 million, respectively. During each of the first three months of 2020 and 2019, we paid $7.0 million of sublicense payment to Merck. Cash used in net purchases of property plant and equipment decreased by $1.5 million during the first three months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, net cash provided by financing activities was $14.5 million and $88.3 million, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities in the first three months of 2020 included net proceeds of $14.2 million from the issuance of common stock under our 2017 ATM Agreement. Cash provided by financing activities in the first three months of 2019 included net proceeds of $74.3 million from the second tranche of the Loan Agreement and net proceeds of $13.6 million from the issuance of common stock under our 2017 ATM Agreement.

We expect to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future as we continue to invest in commercialization of HEPLISAV-B. If we cannot generate a sufficient amount of revenue from product sales, we will need to finance our operations through strategic alliance and licensing arrangements and/or future public or private debt and equity financings. Raising additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities could result in dilution to our existing stockholders, increased fixed payment obligations, or both. In addition, these securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock and could include covenants that would restrict our operations.

Our ability to raise additional capital in the equity and debt markets, should we choose to do so, is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the market demand for our common stock, which itself is subject to a number of development and business risks and uncertainties, our creditworthiness and the uncertainty that we would be able to raise such additional capital at a price or on terms that are favorable to us. In addition, our ability to raise additional funds may be adversely impacted by deteriorating global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to and volatility in the credit and financial markets in the United States and worldwide resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If adequate funds are not available when needed, we may need to significantly reduce our operations while we seek strategic alternatives, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to achieve our intended business objectives.

Contractual Obligations

As of March 31, 2020, our material non-cancelable purchase and other commitments, for the supply of HEPLISAV-B and for clinical research, totaled $7.8 million.

There were no other material changes to the contractual obligations previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by rules enacted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and accordingly, no such arrangements are likely to have a current or future effect on our financial position.

28


ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, there were no material changes to our market risk disclosures as set forth in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, our management, with participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and were operating at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

(b) Changes in internal controls

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) under the Exchange Act during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

29


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we receive claims or allegations regarding various matters, including employment, vendor and other similar situations in the conduct of our operations. We are not currently aware of any material legal proceedings involving the Company.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Various statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements concerning our future efforts to obtain regulatory approval, achieve restructuring goals, commercialize approved products, expenses, revenues, liquidity and cash needs, as well as our plans and strategies. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and we assume no obligation to update this information. Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ significantly from the results described in these forward-looking statements, including those in the following risk factors. We have marked with an asterisk (*) those risks described below that reflect material changes from, or additions to, the risks described under Part 1, Item 1A “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2020.

Risks Related to our Business and Capital Requirements

HEPLISAV-B has been launched in the United States and there is significant competition in the marketplace. Since this is our first marketed product, the timing of uptake and distribution efforts are unpredictable and there is a risk that we may not achieve and sustain commercial success for HEPLISAV-B.*

We have established sales, marketing and distribution capabilities and commercialized HEPLISAV-B in the U.S. Successful commercialization of HEPLISAV-B will require significant resources and time and, while Dynavax personnel are experienced with respect to marketing of healthcare products, because HEPLISAV-B is the company’s first marketed product, the potential uptake of the product in distribution and the timing for growth in sales, if any, is unpredictable and we may not be successful in commercializing HEPLISAV-B. In particular, successful commercialization of HEPLISAV-B will require that we continue to negotiate and enter into contracts with wholesalers, distributors, group purchasing organizations, and other parties, and that we maintain those contractual relationships. There is a risk that we may not complete or maintain all of these important contracts on favorable terms or that in a potentially evolving reimbursement environment our efforts can overcome established competition at favorable pricing.

We converted our contracted field sales team into full-time Dynavax employees in the second quarter of 2019. We have not previously employed an in-house field sales team, and thus have limited experience in overseeing and managing an employed salesforce. In addition, retention of capable sales personnel may be more difficult with a single product offering and we must retain our salesforce in order for HEPLISAV-B to establish a commercial presence.  

Moreover, we expect that significant resources will need to be invested in order to successfully market, sell and distribute HEPLISAV-B for use with diabetes patients, one of our targeted patient populations. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (“ACIP”) recommend that patients with diabetes receive hepatitis B vaccinations, we are unable to predict how many of those patients may receive HEPLISAV-B.

In addition to the risks with employing and maintaining our own commercial capabilities and with contracting, other factors that may inhibit our efforts to successfully commercialize HEPLISAV-B include:

 

whether we are able to recruit and retain adequate numbers of effective sales and marketing personnel;

 

whether we are able to access key health care providers to discuss HEPLISAV-B;

 

whether we can compete successfully as a new entrant in established distribution channels for vaccine products; and

 

whether we will maintain sufficient funding to cover the costs and expenses associated with creating and sustaining a capable sales and marketing organization and related commercial infrastructure.

If we are not successful, we may be required to collaborate or partner HEPLISAV-B with a third-party pharmaceutical or biotechnology company with existing products. To the extent we collaborate or partner, the financial value will be shared with another party and we will need to establish and maintain a successful collaboration arrangement, and we may not be able to enter into these arrangements on acceptable terms or in a timely manner in order to establish HEPLISAV-B in the market. To the extent that we enter into co-promotion or other arrangements, any revenues we receive will depend upon the efforts of third parties, which may not be successful and are only partially in our control. In that event, our product revenues may be lower than if we marketed and sold our products directly with the highest priority, and we may be required to reduce or eliminate much of our commercial infrastructure and personnel as a result of such collaboration or partnership.

30


We are continuing to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on our business and are taking proactive efforts to protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and healthcare professionals, and to continue our business operations and advance our goal of bringing important new vaccines to patients as rapidly as possible. We have implemented measures to protect the health and safety of our workforce, including a mandatory work-from-home policy for employees who can perform their jobs offsite. In the conduct of our business activities, we are also taking actions to protect the safety of patients and healthcare professionals. Our field-based personnel have paused in-person customer interactions in healthcare settings and are solely using electronic communication, such as emails, phone calls and video conferences. Many health care and contracting professionals at hospitals and other medical institutions with whom our field-based personnel interact are working a greater proportion of their working schedule from home and are facing additional demands on their time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect that the different quality of electronic interactions as compared with in-person interactions, as well as the reduced quantity of interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, may reduce the effectiveness of our sales personnel, as well as those of our collaborators, which could negatively affect our product sales.

If we, or our partners, if any, are not successful in setting our marketing, pricing and reimbursement strategies, recruiting and maintaining effective sales and marketing personnel or in building and maintaining the infrastructure to support commercial operations, we will have difficulty successfully commercializing HEPLISAV-B, which would adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

Our business and operations have been and may continue to be adversely affected by the evolving and ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.*

Our business has been and may continue to be adversely affected by the effects of the recent and evolving COVID-19 virus, which was declared by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) as a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in travel and other restrictions in order to reduce the spread of the disease, including a California executive order, San Francisco Bay Area order and other state and local orders across the country, which, among other things, direct individuals to shelter at their places of residence, direct businesses and governmental agencies to cease non-essential operations at physical locations, prohibit certain non-essential gatherings, and order cessation of non-essential travel. The San Francisco Bay Area shelter-in-place order is expected to continue until May 31, 2020, unless further extended. In response to these public health directives and orders, we have implemented work-from-home policies for all employees, except those that need to be at work in order to perform critical responsibilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic and government measures taken in response have had a significant impact, both direct and indirect, on businesses and commerce, as significant reductions in business related activities have occurred, supply chains have been disrupted, and manufacturing and clinical development activities have been curtailed or suspended. In accordance with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO and local authorities, beginning in March 2020, most of our global workforce transitioned to working remotely. The principal purchasers of HEPLISAV-B, including independent hospitals and clinics, integrated delivery networks, public health clinics and prisons, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and retail pharmacies, have all drastically curtailed their day-to-day activities and ceased allowing access to their facilities for non-COVID-19 related business. Thus, our field sales and medical science employees began utilizing telephone and web-based means to seek to continue in their roles, but have not been able to do so as effectively as being in-person.  

This has significantly and adversely impacted our sales of HEPLISAV-B and our business and operating results since mid-March. We also cannot predict to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt demand for HEPLISAV-B, but the overall magnitude of the disruption to our business will depend, in part, on the length and ongoing severity of the restrictions, and other limitations on our ability to conduct our business in the ordinary course, and prolonged disruptions would likely materially and negatively impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Quarantines, shelter-in-place, executive and similar government orders related to COVID-19 have had no material impact on the supply of HEPLISAV-B and we have no current expectation that they will. However, if they continue for a substantial period of time, they could impact personnel at our manufacturing facility in Germany and third-party manufacturing facilities in the United States. This could adversely affect our ability to maintain and distribute a consistent supply of HEPLISAV-B sufficient to meet demand.

The spread of COVID-19, which has caused a broad impact globally, may materially affect us economically. While the potential economic impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict, a widespread pandemic could result in significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. In addition, a recession or market correction resulting from the spread of COVID-19 could materially affect our business and the value of our common stock.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, our future sales of HEPLISAV-B and revenue will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the ultimate geographic spread of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, travel restrictions, quarantines, social distancing requirements and business closures in the United States, business disruptions and the effectiveness of actions taken in the United States to contain and treat the disease. Accordingly, we do not yet know the full extent of potential delays or impacts on our business, operations or the global economy as a whole. However, these impacts could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

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In addition, to the extent the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and results of operations, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks and uncertainties described in this ‘‘Risk Factors’’ section.

We face uncertainty regarding coverage, pricing and reimbursement and the practices of third-party payors, which may make it difficult or impossible to sell our product or product candidates on commercially reasonable terms.

In both domestic and foreign markets, our ability to achieve profitability will depend in part on the negotiation of a favorable price, as well as the availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement, from third-party payors, in particular for HEPLISAV-B, where existing products are already marketed. In the U.S., pricing for hepatitis B vaccines is currently stable and reimbursement is favorable as private and public payors recognize the value of prophylaxis in this setting given the high costs of potential morbidity and mortality, and we have achieved coverage with most third-party payors. However, there is a risk that some payors may limit coverage to specific products on an approved list, also known as a formulary, which might not include HEPLISAV-B. Thus, there can be no assurance that HEPLISAV-B will achieve and sustain stable pricing and favorable reimbursement. Our ability to successfully obtain and retain market share and achieve and sustain profitability will be significantly dependent on the market’s acceptance of a price for HEPLSIAV-B sufficient to achieve profitability, and future acceptance of such pricing.

Third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price and cost-effectiveness of medical products and services, and pricing, as well as coverage and reimbursement decisions may not allow our future products to compete effectively with existing competitive products. Because we intend to offer products, if approved, that involve new technologies and new approaches to treating disease, the willingness of third-party payors to reimburse for our products is uncertain. We will have to charge a price for our products that is sufficient to enable us to recover our considerable investment in product development and our operating costs. Adequate third-party payor reimbursement may not be available to enable us to maintain price levels sufficient to achieve profitability, and such unavailability could harm our future prospects and reduce our stock price.

Also, there has been heightened governmental scrutiny recently in the U.S. over pharmaceutical pricing practices in light of the rising cost of prescription drugs and biologics. Such scrutiny has resulted in several recent Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for products. At the federal level, the Trump administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2021 includes a $135 billion allowance to support legislative proposals seeking to reduce drug prices, increase competition, lower out-of-pocket drug costs for patients, and increase patient access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar drugs. Additionally, the Trump administration previously released a “Blueprint” to lower drug prices and reduce out of pocket costs of drugs that contained proposals to increase manufacturer competition, increase the negotiating power of certain federal healthcare programs, incentivize manufacturers to lower the list price of their products and reduce the out of pocket costs of drug products paid by consumers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, has solicited feedback on some of these measures and has implemented others under its existing authority. For example, in May 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a final rule to allow Medicare Advantage Plans the option of using step therapy for Part B drugs beginning January 1, 2020. This final rule codified CMS’s policy change that was effective January 1, 2019. While a number of these and other measures may require additional authorization to become effective, Congress and the Trump administration have each indicated that it will continue to seek new legislative and/or administrative measures to control drug costs. At the state level, legislatures have increasingly passed legislation and implemented regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, and restrictions on certain product access. In some cases, such legislation and regulations have been designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. There have been, and likely will continue to be, legislative and regulatory proposals at the foreign, federal and state levels directed at broadening the availability of healthcare and containing or lowering the cost of healthcare. We cannot predict the initiatives that may be adopted in the future or the effect any such initiatives may have on our business.

We implemented a strategic restructuring to prioritize our vaccine business and explore strategic alternatives for our immuno-oncology portfolio, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully execute on a strategic alternative for our immuno-oncology portfolio.

In the second quarter of 2019, we implemented a strategic restructuring that would focus our efforts on HEPLISAV-B, which included a reduction in our workforce and operations to focus resources on HEPLISAV-B commercialization and sales execution as well as assess additional opportunities to leverage our CpG 1018 adjuvant. Additionally, we are seeking strategic alternatives for our immuno-oncology portfolio, including our development stage products such as SD-101 and DV281. In connection with the restructuring, we made the determination to wind down ongoing immuno-oncology trials. Our ability to successfully execute on a strategic alternative for our immuno-oncology portfolio is dependent on a number of factors and we may not be able to execute upon a transaction or other strategic alternative for our immuno-oncology portfolio upon favorable terms within an advantageous timeframe and recognize significant value for these assets, if at all. Additionally, the negotiation and consummation of a transaction or other strategic alternative involving our immuno-oncology may be costly and time-consuming. Our strategic restructuring may not result in anticipated savings or other economic benefits, could result in total costs and expenses that are greater than expected, could make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and may disrupt our operations, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

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We are subject to ongoing FDA post-marketing obligations concerning HEPLISAV-B, which may result in significant additional expense, and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply with regulatory requirements or experience unanticipated problems with HEPLISAV-B.

Our HEPLISAV-B regulatory approval in the United States is subject to certain post-marketing obligations and commitments to the FDA. For example, we must conduct an observational comparative study of HEPLISAV-B to Energix-B to assess occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, or AMI. This study was initiated in August 2018 and is scheduled to continue through November 2020. We must also conduct an observational surveillance study to evaluate the incidence of new onset immune-mediated diseases, herpes zoster and anaphylaxis; and we are required to establish a pregnancy registry to provide information on outcomes following pregnancy exposure to HEPLISAV-B. These studies will require significant effort and resources, and failure to timely conduct these studies or complete these studies to the satisfaction of FDA could result in withdrawal of our BLA approval, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. The results of post-marketing studies may also result in additional warnings or precautions for the HEPLISAV-B label or expose additional safety concerns that may result in product liability and withdrawal of the product from the market, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.  

In December 2019, we filed with the FDA a cumulative report on both interim analyses of the ongoing observational comparative AMI study. The interim analyses were based on currently-available data, and the final results, related findings and conclusions of the study will not be known until its completion and the receipt and review of the complete study data. Interim results may not be reproduced in the future, and thus should be considered carefully and not relied upon as indicative of future study results. Material adverse differences in final data, compared to interim data, could significantly adversely affect our business and business prospects, including our future HEPLISAV-B business. Certain assumptions, estimations, calculations and conclusions may have been made in connection with the interim analyses of the study data, and others, including regulatory agencies, may not accept or agree with these assumptions, estimations, calculations or conclusions, or may interpret or weigh the importance of data differently, which could impact the actual or perceived value of the study, HEPLISAV-B or the Company in general.

In addition, the manufacturing processes, labelling, packaging, distribution, adverse event reporting, storage, advertising, promotion and recordkeeping for HEPLISAV-B are subject to extensive and ongoing regulatory requirements. These requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration, as well as continued compliance with cGMPs, GCPs, ICH guidelines, and GLPs. If we are not able to meet and maintain regulatory compliance, we may lose marketing approval and be required to withdraw our product. As noted in the preceding paragraph, withdrawal would have a material adverse effect on our business.

If HEPLISAV-B or any products we develop are not accepted by the market or if regulatory agencies limit our labeling indications, require labeling content that diminishes market uptake of HEPLISAV-B or any other products we develop, or limits our marketing claims, we may be unable to generate significant revenues, if any.

Even if we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, such as the FDA approval of HEPLISAV-B in November 2017, and are able to commercialize them as we have with HEPLISAV-B, our products may not gain market acceptance among physicians, patients, healthcare payors and the medical community.

The degree of market acceptance of HEPLISAV-B and any of our future approved products will depend upon a number of factors, including:

 

the indication for which the product is approved and its approved labeling;

 

the presence of other competing approved therapies;

 

the potential advantages of the product over existing and future treatment methods;

 

the relative convenience and ease of administration of the product;

 

the strength of our sales, marketing and distribution support;

 

the price and cost-effectiveness of the product; and

 

third-party coverage and adequate reimbursement and the willingness of patients to pay out-of-pocket in the absence of sufficient reimbursement by third-party payors.

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The FDA or other regulatory agencies could limit the labeling indication for which our product candidates may be marketed or could otherwise limit marketing efforts for our products. If we are unable to achieve approval or successfully market any of our product candidates, or marketing efforts are restricted by regulatory limits, our ability to generate revenues could be significantly impaired.

Many of our competitors have greater financial resources and expertise than we do. If we are unable to successfully compete with existing or potential competitors as a result of these disadvantages, we may be unable to generate revenues and our business will be harmed.

We compete with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, academic institutions and research organizations, in developing and marketing therapies to prevent or treat cancer and infectious and inflammatory diseases. For example, HEPLISAV-B competes in the U.S. with established hepatitis B vaccines marketed by Merck and GlaxoSmithKline plc (“GSK”) and if approved outside the U.S., with vaccines from those companies as well as several additional established pharmaceutical companies. There are also modified schedules of conventional hepatitis B vaccines for limited age ranges that are approved in the European Union and U.S. In addition, HEPLISAV-B competes against Twinrix, a bivalent vaccine marketed by GSK for protection against hepatitis B and hepatitis A. A three dose HBV vaccine is reported to be under development by VBI Vaccines Inc (“VBI”).

We are in competition with many companies developing vaccines and vaccine adjuvants, including GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck, Seqirus, Agenus, Emergent BioSolutions, Novavax, Medicago and VBI.

Existing and potential competitors may also compete with us for qualified commercial, scientific and management personnel, as well as for technology that would otherwise be advantageous to our business. Our success in developing marketable products and achieving a competitive position will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel in the near-term, particularly with respect to HEPLISAV-B commercialization. If we do not succeed in attracting new personnel and retaining and motivating existing personnel, our operations may suffer and we may be unable to obtain financing, enter into collaborative arrangements, sell our product candidates or generate revenues.

We have incurred net losses in each year since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future unless we can successfully commercialize HEPLISAV-B, and if we are unable to achieve and sustain profitability, the market value of our common stock will likely decline.

We have generated limited revenue from the sale of products and have incurred losses in each year since we commenced operations in 1996. Our net losses for three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were $12.6 million and $39.7 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $1.2 billion.

With our investment in the launch and commercialization of HEPLISAV-B in the U.S., we expect to continue incurring operating losses for the foreseeable future. Our expenses have increased substantially as we established and maintain our HEPLISAV-B commercial infrastructure, including investments in internal infrastructure to support our field sales force and investments in manufacturing and supply chain commitments to maintain commercial supply of HEPLISAV-B. The timing for uptake of our product in the U.S. has further increased losses related to commercialization, and the advancement of our oncology pipeline has historically increased our costs as we conducted more and larger studies to invest in clinical development. While we anticipate operating expenditures related to external oncology costs will decrease as a result of our strategic restructuring, due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing and commercializing vaccine and pharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when, if ever, we will become profitable.  

Until we are able to generate significant revenues or achieve profitability through product sales, we will require substantial additional capital to finance our operations.

As of March 31, 2020, we had $129.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. We expect to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future as we continue to invest in commercialization of HEPLISAV-B. If we cannot generate a sufficient amount of revenue from product sales, we will need to finance our operations through strategic alliance and licensing arrangements and/or future public or private debt and equity financings. Raising additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities could result in dilution to our existing stockholders, increased fixed payment obligations, or both. In addition, these securities may have rights senior to those of our common stock and could include covenants that would restrict our operations.

Our ability to raise additional capital in the equity and debt markets, should we choose to do so, is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the market demand for our common stock, which itself is subject to a number of development and business risks and uncertainties, our creditworthiness and the uncertainty that we would be able to raise such additional capital at a price or on terms that are favorable to us. In addition, our ability to raise additional funds may be adversely impacted by deteriorating global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to and volatility in the credit and financial markets in the United States and worldwide resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at

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all. If adequate funds are not available when needed, we may need to significantly reduce our operations while we seek strategic alternatives, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to achieve our intended business objectives.

We may develop, seek regulatory approval for and market HEPLISAV-B or any other product candidates we may develop outside the U.S., requiring a significant commitment of resources. Failure to successfully manage our international operations could result in significant unanticipated costs and delays in regulatory approval or commercialization of our product candidates.

We may seek to introduce HEPLISAV-B, or any other product candidates we may develop, in various markets outside the U.S. Developing, seeking regulatory approval for and marketing our product candidates outside the U.S. could impose substantial costs as well as burdens on our personnel resources in addition to potential diversion of management’s attention from domestic operations. International operations are subject to risk, including:

 

the difficulty of managing geographically distant operations, including recruiting and retaining qualified employees, locating adequate facilities and establishing useful business support relationships in the local community;

 

compliance with varying international regulatory requirements, laws and treaties;

 

securing international distribution, marketing and sales capabilities upon favorable terms;

 

adequate protection of our intellectual property rights;

 

obtaining regulatory and pricing approvals at a level sufficient to justify commercialization;

 

legal uncertainties and potential timing delays associated with tariffs, export licenses and other trade barriers;

 

diverse tax consequences;

 

the fluctuation of conversion rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar; and

 

regional and geopolitical risks.

In the event that we determine to pursue commercialization of HEPLISAV-B outside the United States, such as in Europe, our opportunity will depend upon our receiving regulatory approval, which can be costly and time consuming, and there is a risk that one or more regulatory bodies may require that we conduct additional clinical trials and/or take other measures which will take time and require that we incur significant additional expense. In addition, there is the risk that we may not receive approval in one or more jurisdictions. In March, 2019, we submitted, and the European Medical Agency (“EMA”) accepted, our Marketing Authorization Application (“MAA”) for HEPLISAV-B. We may not be able to provide sufficient data or respond to comments to our MAA sufficient to obtain regulatory approval in Europe in a reasonable time period or at all.

The results of clinical trials conducted to support regulatory approval in one or more jurisdictions, and any failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one or more jurisdictions, may have a negative effect on the regulatory approval process in other jurisdictions, including our regulatory approval in the United States. If we are unable to successfully manage our international operations, we may incur significant unanticipated costs and delays in regulatory approval or commercialization of our product candidates, which would impair our ability to generate revenues.

Clinical trials for our commercial product and product candidates are expensive and time consuming, may take longer than we expect or may not be completed at all, and their outcomes are uncertain.

Clinical trials, including post-marketing studies, to generate sufficient data to meet FDA requirements are expensive and time consuming, may take more time to complete than expected or may not be completed, and may not have favorable outcomes. In addition, results from smaller, earlier stage clinical studies may not be representative of larger, controlled clinical trials that would be required in order to obtain regulatory approval of a product candidate.

Each of our clinical trials requires the investment of substantial planning, expense and time and the timing of the commencement, continuation and completion of these clinical trials may be subject to significant delays relating to various causes, including scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions, difficulties in identifying and enrolling participants who meet trial eligibility criteria, failure of participants to complete the clinical trial, delay or failure to obtain Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) or regulatory approval to conduct a clinical trial at a prospective site, unexpected adverse events and shortages of available drug supply. Participant enrollment is a function of many factors, including the size of the relevant population, the proximity of participants to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the trial, the existence of competing clinical trials and the availability of alternative or new treatments.

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As a biopharmaceutical company, we engage CROs to conduct clinical studies, and failure by us or our CROs to conduct a clinical study in accordance with GCP standards and other applicable regulatory requirements could result in disqualification of the applicable clinical trial from consideration in support of approval of a potential product.

We are responsible for conducting our clinical trials consistent with GCP standards and for oversight of our vendors to ensure that they comply with such standards. We depend on medical institutions and CROs to conduct our clinical trials in compliance with GCP. To the extent that we or they fail to comply with GCP standards, fail to enroll participants for our clinical trials, or are delayed for a significant time in the execution of our trials, including achieving full enrollment, we may be affected by increased costs, program delays or both, which may harm our business.

Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with FDA or other applicable foreign government guidelines and are subject to oversight by the FDA, other foreign governmental agencies and IRBs at the medical institutions where the clinical trials are conducted. In addition, clinical trials must be conducted with supplies of our product candidates produced under GMP and other requirements in foreign countries, and may require large numbers of participants.

In addition, we obtain guidance from regulatory authorities on certain aspects of our clinical development activities and seek to comply with written guidelines provided by the authorities. These discussions and written guidelines are not binding obligations on the part of the regulatory authorities and the regulatory authorities may require additional patient data or studies to be conducted. Regulatory authorities may revise or retract previous guidance during the course of a clinical trial or after completion of the trial. The authorities may also disqualify a clinical trial from consideration in support of approval of a potential product if they deem the guidelines have not been met. The FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may determine our clinical trials or other data regarding safety, efficacy or consistency of manufacture or compliance with GMP regulations are insufficient for regulatory approval.

The FDA or other foreign governmental agencies or we ourselves could delay, suspend or halt our clinical trials of a product candidate for numerous reasons, including with respect to our product candidates and those of our partners in combination agent studies:

 

deficiencies in the trial design;

 

deficiencies in the conduct of the clinical trial including failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or clinical protocols;

 

deficiencies in the clinical trial operations or trial sites resulting in the imposition of a clinical hold;

 

a product candidate may have unforeseen adverse side effects, including fatalities, or a determination may be made that a clinical trial presents unacceptable health risks;

 

the time required to determine whether a product candidate is effective may be longer than expected;

 

fatalities or other adverse events arising during a clinical trial that may not be related to clinical trial treatments;

 

a product candidate or combination study may appear to be no more effective than current therapies;

 

the quality or stability of a product candidate may fail to conform to acceptable standards;

 

the inability to produce or obtain sufficient quantities of a product candidate to complete the trials;

 

our inability to reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective CROs and trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;

 

our inability to obtain IRB approval to conduct a clinical trial at a prospective site;

 

the inability to obtain regulatory approval to conduct a clinical trial;

 

lack of adequate funding to continue a clinical trial, including the occurrence of unforeseen costs due to enrollment delays, requirements to conduct additional trials and studies and increased expenses associated with the services of our CROs and other third parties;

 

the inability to recruit and enroll individuals to participate in clinical trials for reasons including competition from other clinical trial programs for the same or similar indications; or

 

the inability to retain participants who have initiated a clinical trial but may withdraw due to side effects from the therapy, lack of efficacy or personal issues, or who are lost to further follow-up.

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In addition, we may experience significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after promising results in earlier trials, such as unexpected adverse events that occur when our product candidates are combined with other therapies and drugs or given to larger patient populations, which often occur in later-stage clinical trials, or less favorable clinical outcomes. Moreover, clinical results are frequently susceptible to varying interpretations that may delay, limit or prevent regulatory approvals.

Third-party organizations such as patient advocacy groups and parents of trial participants may demand additional clinical trials or continued access to drug even if our interpretation of clinical results received thus far leads us to determine that additional clinical trials or continued access are unwarranted. Any disagreement with patient advocacy groups or parents of trial participants may require management’s time and attention and may result in legal proceedings being instituted against us, which could be expensive, time-consuming and distracting, and may result in delay of the program. Negative or inconclusive results or adverse medical events, including participant fatalities that may be attributable to our product candidates, during a clinical trial may necessitate that it be redesigned, repeated or terminated. Further, some of our clinical trials may be overseen by a Data Safety Monitoring Board (“DSMB”), and the DSMB may determine to delay or suspend one or more of these trials due to safety or futility findings based on events occurring during a clinical trial. Any such delay, suspension, termination or request to repeat or redesign a trial could increase our costs and prevent or significantly delay our ability to commercialize our product candidates.

The EMA and other Regulatory Authorities may require more clinical trials for our product candidates than we currently expect or are conducting before granting regulatory approval, if regulatory approval is granted at all. Our clinical trials may be extended which may lead to substantial delays in the regulatory approval process for our product candidates and may impair our ability to generate revenues.

Our registration and commercial timelines depend on further discussions with regulatory agencies and requirements and requests they may make for additional data or completion of additional clinical trials. Any such requirements or requests could:

 

adversely affect our ability to timely and successfully commercialize or market these product candidates;

 

result in significant additional costs;

 

potentially diminish any competitive advantages for those products;

 

potentially limit the markets for those products;

 

adversely affect our ability to enter into collaborations or receive milestone payments or royalties from potential collaborators;

 

cause us to abandon the development of the affected product candidate; or

 

limit our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all.

HEPLISAV-B, SD-101 and most of our earlier stage programs rely on oligonucleotide TLR agonists. Serious adverse event data relating to TLR agonists may require us to reduce the scope of or discontinue our operations, or reevaluate the viability of strategic alternatives.

Most of our programs, including HEPLISAV-B and SD-101, incorporate TLR9 agonist CpG oligonucleotides. If any of our product candidates in clinical trials or similar products from competitors produce serious adverse event data, we may be required to delay, discontinue or modify our clinical trials or our clinical trial strategy, or significantly reevaluate strategic alternatives. If a safety risk based on mechanism of action or the molecular structure were identified, it may hinder our ability to develop our product candidates or enter into potential collaboration or commercial arrangements. Rare diseases and a numerical imbalance in cardiac adverse events have been observed in patients in our clinical trials. If adverse event data are found to apply to our TLR agonist and/or inhibitor technology as a whole, we may be required to significantly reduce or discontinue our operations.

We rely on our facility in Düsseldorf, Germany and third parties to supply materials or perform processes necessary to manufacture HEPLISAV-B and our product candidates. We rely on a limited number of suppliers to produce the oligonucleotides we require for development and commercialization. Additionally, we have limited experience in manufacturing our product candidates in commercial quantities. With respect to HEPLISAV-B, we have switched to a pre-filled syringe presentation of the vaccine and our ability to meet future demand will depend on our ability to manufacture sufficient supply in this presentation.

We rely on our facility in Düsseldorf and third parties to perform the multiple processes involved in manufacturing HEPLISAV-B certain antigens, the combination of the oligonucleotide and the antigens, and formulation, fill and finish. The FDA approved our pre-filled presentation of HEPLISAV-B in 2018 and we expect such presentation will be the sole presentation for HEPLISAV-B going forward. We have limited experience in manufacturing and supplying this presentation, and there can be no assurance that we can successfully manufacture sufficient quantities of pre-filled syringes in compliance with GMP in order to meet market demand.

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We have also relied on a limited number of suppliers to produce oligonucleotides for clinical trials and a single supplier to produce our CpG 1018 for HEPLISAV-B. To date, we have manufactured only small quantities of oligonucleotides ourselves for development purposes. If we were unable to maintain our existing supplier for CpG 1018, we would have to establish an alternate qualified manufacturing capability, which would result in significant additional operating costs and delays in manufacturing HEPLISAV-B and developing and commercializing our product candidates. We or other third parties may not be able to produce product at a cost, quantity and quality that are available from our current third-party suppliers or at all.

In countries outside of the U.S., we may not be able to comply with ongoing and comparable foreign regulations, and our manufacturing process may be subject to delays, disruptions or quality control/quality assurance problems. Noncompliance with these regulations or other problems with our manufacturing process may limit or disrupt the commercialization of HEPLISAV-B or our other product candidates and could result in significant expense.

HEPLISAV-B is subject to FDA obligations and continued regulatory review, and if we receive regulatory approval for our other product candidates, we will be subject to ongoing FDA and foreign regulatory obligations and continued regulatory review for such products.

With respect to HEPLISAV-B and our other product candidates in development, we and our third-party manufacturers and suppliers are required to comply with applicable GMP regulations and other international regulatory requirements. The regulations require that our product candidates be manufactured and records maintained in a prescribed manner with respect to manufacturing, testing and quality control/quality assurance activities. Manufacturers and suppliers of key components and materials must be named in a BLA submitted to the FDA for any product candidate for which we are seeking FDA approval. Additionally, third-party manufacturers and suppliers and any manufacturing facility must undergo a pre-approval inspection before we can obtain marketing authorization for any of our product candidates. Even after a manufacturer has been qualified by the FDA, the manufacturer must continue to expend time, money and effort in the area of production and quality control to ensure full compliance with GMP. Manufacturers are subject to regular, periodic inspections by the FDA following initial approval. Further, to the extent that we contract with third parties for the manufacture of our products, our ability to control third-party compliance with FDA requirements will be limited to contractual remedies and rights of inspection.

If, as a result of the FDA’s inspections, it determines that the equipment, facilities, laboratories or processes do not comply with applicable FDA regulations and conditions of product approval, the FDA may not approve the product or may suspend the manufacturing operations. If the manufacturing operations of any of the suppliers for our product candidates are suspended, we may be unable to generate sufficient quantities of commercial or clinical supplies of product to meet market demand, which would harm our business. In addition, if delivery of material from our suppliers were interrupted for any reason, we might be unable to ship our approved product for commercial supply or to supply our products in development for clinical trials. Significant and costly delays can occur if the qualification of a new supplier is required.

Further, in March, 2019, we submitted, and the EMA accepted, our MAA for HEPLISAV-B. We may not be able to provide sufficient data or respond to comments to our MAA sufficient to obtain regulatory approval in Europe in a reasonable time period or at all. Any failure or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one jurisdiction may have a negative effect on the regulatory approval process in other jurisdictions. If we are unable to successfully manage our international operations, we may incur significant unanticipated costs and delays in regulatory approval or commercialization of our product candidates, which would impair our ability to generate revenues.

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could prevent or delay marketing approval or require the expenditure of money or other resources to correct. Failure to comply with applicable requirements may also result in warning letters, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, refusal of the government to renew marketing applications and criminal prosecution, any of which could be harmful to our ability to generate revenues and our stock price.

Any regulatory approvals that we receive for our product candidates are likely to contain requirements for post-marketing follow-up studies, which may be costly. Product approvals, once granted, may be modified based on data from subsequent studies or commercial use. As a result, limitations on labeling indications or marketing claims, or withdrawal from the market may be required if problems occur after approval and commercialization.

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A key part of our business strategy for products in development is to establish collaborative relationships to help fund development and commercialization of our product candidates and research programs. We may not succeed in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships, which may significantly limit our ability to continue to develop and commercialize those products and programs, if at all.

We may need to establish collaborative relationships to obtain domestic and/or international sales, marketing, research, development and distribution capabilities for our product candidates and our discovery research programs. Failure to obtain a collaborative relationship for those product candidates and programs or HEPLISAV-B in markets outside the U.S. requiring extensive sales efforts, may significantly impair the potential for those products and programs and we may be required to raise additional capital to continue them. The process of establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships is difficult and time-consuming, and even if we establish such relationships, they may involve significant uncertainty, including:

 

our partners may seek to renegotiate or terminate their relationships with us due to unsatisfactory clinical results, manufacturing issues, a change in business strategy, a change of control or other reasons;

 

our shortage of capital resources may impact the willingness of companies to collaborate with us;

 

our contracts for collaborative arrangements are terminable at will on written notice and may otherwise expire or terminate and we may not have alternative funding available;

 

our partners may choose to pursue alternative technologies, including those of our competitors;

 

we may have disputes with a partner that could lead to litigation or arbitration;

 

we have limited control over the decisions of our partners and they may change the priority of our programs in a manner that would result in termination of the agreement or add significant delay in the partnered program;

 

our ability to generate future payments and royalties from our partners depends upon the abilities of our partners to establish the safety and efficacy of our drug candidates, obtain regulatory approvals and successfully manufacture and achieve market acceptance of products developed from our drug candidates;

 

we or our partners may fail to properly initiate, maintain or defend our intellectual property rights, where applicable, or a party may use our proprietary information in such a way as to invite litigation that could jeopardize or potentially invalidate our proprietary information or expose us to potential liability;

 

our partners may not devote sufficient capital or resources towards our product candidates; and

 

our partners may not comply with applicable government regulatory requirements.

Supporting diligence activities conducted by potential collaborators and negotiating the financial and other terms of a collaboration agreement are long and complex processes with uncertain results. Even if we are successful in entering into one or more collaboration agreements, collaborations may involve greater uncertainty for us, as we may have less control over certain aspects of our collaborative programs than we do over our proprietary development and commercialization programs, and the financial terms upon which collaborators may be willing to enter into such an arrangement cannot be certain.

If any collaborator fails to fulfill its responsibilities in a timely manner, or at all, our research, clinical development, manufacturing or commercialization efforts pursuant to that collaboration could be delayed or terminated, or it may be necessary for us to assume responsibility for expenses or activities that would otherwise have been the responsibility of our collaborator. Despite our efforts, we may be unable to secure collaborative arrangements. If we are unable to establish and maintain collaborative relationships on acceptable terms or to successfully transition terminated collaborative agreements, we may have to delay or discontinue further development of one or more of our product candidates, undertake development and commercialization activities at our own expense or find alternative sources of capital.

We have entered into collaborative relationships to develop vaccines utilizing CpG 1018, including collaborations to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. These collaborations may not be successful.*

As part of our business, we collaborate with others to develop new vaccines utilizing CpG 1018, including to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. There are risks and uncertainties inherent in vaccine research and development, including the timing of completing development, the results of clinical trials, whether the vaccine will be approved for use, the extent of competition, and whether a vaccine can be successfully commercialized. As a result, these collaborative efforts may not be successful.

The term loan agreement we entered into in February 2018 imposes significant operating and financial restrictions on us that may prevent us from pursuing certain business opportunities and restrict our ability to operate our business.

In February, 2018, we entered into a term loan agreement under which we have borrowed $180.9 million, which includes paid-in-kind interest. The agreement contains covenants that restrict our ability to take various actions, including, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or distributions or make certain investments, create or incur certain liens, transfer, sell, lease or

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dispose of assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, consummate a merger or sell or other dispose of assets. The agreement also requires us to comply with a daily minimum liquidity covenant and an annual revenue requirement based on the sales of HEPLISAV-B, which is $30 million for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, the first period for which we are subject to such requirement. The agreement specifies a number of events of default, some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods, including, among other things, non-payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, and non-payment of material judgments.

Our ability to comply with these covenants will likely be affected by many factors, including events beyond our control, and we may not satisfy those requirements. Our failure to comply with our obligations could result in an event of default and the acceleration of our repayment obligation at a time when we may not have the cash to comply with that obligation, which could result in a seizure of most of our assets. The restrictions contained in the agreement could also limit our ability to meet capital needs or otherwise restrict our activities and adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, enter into acquisitions or to engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.

We rely on CROs and Clinical Sites and Investigators for our clinical trials. If these third parties do not fulfill their contractual obligations or meet expected deadlines, our planned clinical trials may be delayed and we may fail to obtain the regulatory approvals necessary to commercialize our product candidates.

We rely on CROs, Clinical Sites and Investigators for our clinical trials. If these third parties do not perform their obligations or meet expected deadlines our planned clinical trials may be extended, delayed, modified or terminated. While we maintain oversight over our clinical trials and conduct regular reviews of the data, we are dependent on the processes and quality control efforts of our third-party contractors to ensure that clinical trials are conducted properly and that detailed, quality records are maintained to support the results of the clinical trials that they are conducting on our behalf. Any extension, delay, modification or termination of our clinical trials or failure to ensure adequate documentation and the quality of the results in the clinical trials could delay or otherwise adversely affect our ability to commercialize our product candidates and could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

As we focus on commercialization of HEPLISAV-B, we may encounter difficulties in managing our commercial growth and expanding our operations successfully.

As our commercial operations expand, we expect that we will also need to manage additional relationships with various third parties, including sole source suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and hospital customers. Future growth, including managing an in-house field sales team, will impose significant added responsibilities on our organization, in particular on management. Our future financial performance and our ability to successfully commercialize HEPLISAV-B and to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to manage any future growth effectively. To that end, we may not be able to manage our growth efforts effectively, and hire, train and integrate additional management, administrative and sales and marketing personnel, and our failure to accomplish any of these activities could prevent us from successfully growing our company.

If we fail to comply with the extensive requirements applicable to biopharmaceutical manufacturers and marketers under the healthcare fraud and abuse, anticorruption, privacy, transparency and other laws of the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business, we may be subject to significant liability.

Our activities, and the activities of our agents, including some contracted third parties, are subject to extensive government regulation and oversight both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. Our interactions with physicians and others in a position to prescribe or purchase our products are subject to a legal regime designed to prevent healthcare fraud and abuse and off-label promotion. We also are subject to laws pertaining to transparency of transfers of value to healthcare providers; privacy and data protection; compliance with industry voluntary compliance guidelines; and prohibiting the payment of bribes. Relevant U.S. laws include:

 

the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits persons from, among other things, knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service for which payment may be made under federal health care programs, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs;

 

federal false claims laws, including the civil False Claims Act, and civil monetary penalty law, which prohibit individuals or entities from, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment to the government or its agents that are false or fraudulent;

 

the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and governing regulations which, among other things, prohibit off-label promotion of prescription drugs;

 

the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, “ACA”) which requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies to report annually to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians, as defined by such law, and teaching hospitals, and ownership and investment interests held by such physicians and their immediate family members;

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the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which created, among other things, new federal criminal statutes that prohibit executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program and making false statements relating to healthcare matters;

 

HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, and their implementing regulations, which imposes certain requirements relating to the privacy, security, and transmission of individually identifiable health information;

 

the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits the payment of bribes to foreign government officials and requires that a company’s books and records accurately reflect the company’s transactions; and

 

foreign and state law equivalents of each of the federal laws described above, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by state health insurance programs or any third-party payor, including commercial insurers; state laws that require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the applicable compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government; state laws that require drug manufacturers to report information on the pricing of certain drugs; state and local laws that require the registration of pharmaceutical sales representatives; and state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of health information, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA.

The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, states’ Attorneys General and other governmental authorities actively enforce the laws and regulations discussed above. These entities also coordinate extensively with the FDA, using legal theories that connect violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (such as off-label promotion) to the eventual submission of false claims to government healthcare programs. Prosecution of such promotion cases under the federal civil False Claims Act provides the potential for private parties (qui tam relators, or “whistleblowers”) to initiate cases on behalf of the government and provides for significantly higher penalties upon conviction.

In the U.S., pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have been the target of numerous government prosecutions and investigations alleging violations of law, including claims asserting impermissible off-label promotion of pharmaceutical products, payments intended to influence the referral of federal or state health care business, submission of false claims for government reimbursement, or submission of incorrect pricing information.

Violations of any of the laws described above or any other applicable governmental regulations and other similar foreign laws may subject us, our employees or our agents to significant criminal, civil and administrative penalties, including fines, civil monetary penalties, exclusion from participation in government health care programs (including Medicare and Medicaid), disgorgement, imprisonment, additional reporting requirements and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or similar agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with these laws and the restriction or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. Additionally, whether or not we have complied with the law, an investigation into alleged unlawful conduct may cause us to incur significant expense, cause reputational damage, divert management time and attention, and otherwise adversely affect our business. While we have developed and instituted a corporate compliance program, we cannot guarantee that we, our employees, our consultants, contractors, or other agents are or will be in compliance with all applicable U.S. or foreign laws.

We expect there will continue to be federal and state laws and/or regulations, proposed and implemented, that could impact our operations and business. For example, the ACA, among other things, imposes a significant annual fee on companies that manufacture or import branded prescription drug products. It also contains substantial provisions intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, and impose additional health policy reforms, any or all of which may affect our business. There remain legal and political challenges to certain aspects of ACA, as well as efforts by the Trump administration to repeal or replace certain aspects of the ACA. Since January 2017, President Trump has signed two executive orders and other directives designed to delay, circumvent, or loosen certain requirements mandated by ACA. Concurrently, Congress has considered legislation that would repeal or repeal and replace all or part of ACA. While Congress has not passed comprehensive repeal legislation, several bills affecting the implementation of certain taxes under the ACA have been signed into law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or Tax Act, includes a provision repealing, effective January 1, 2019, the tax-based shared responsibility payment imposed by ACA on certain individuals who fail to maintain qualifying health coverage for all or part of a year that is commonly referred to as the “individual mandate”. In addition, the 2020 federal spending package permanently eliminated, effective January 1, 2020, the ACA-mandated “Cadillac” tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage and medical device tax and, effective January l, 2021, also eliminates the health insurer tax. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, or the BBA, among other things, amends the ACA, effective January 1, 2019, to increase from 50 percent to 70 percent the point-of-sale discount that is owed by pharmaceutical manufacturers who participate in Medicare Part D and close the coverage gap in most Medicare drug plans, commonly referred to as the “donut hole”. In December 2018, CMS published a new final rule permitting further collections and payments to and from certain PPACA qualified health plans and health insurance issuers under the ACA risk adjustment program in response to the outcome of federal district court litigation regarding the method CMS uses to determine this risk adjustment. On December 14, 2018, a Texas U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the ACA is unconstitutional in its entirety because the “individual mandate” was repealed

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by Congress as part of the Tax Act. Additionally, on December 18, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld the District Court ruling that the individual mandate was unconstitutional and remanded the case back to the District Court to determine whether the remaining provisions of the ACA are invalid as well. It is unclear how this decision, future decisions, subsequent appeals, and other efforts to repeal and replace the PPACA will impact the PPACA and on our business.

Other legislative changes have also been proposed and adopted since the PPACA was enacted. For example, the Budget Control Act of 2011 resulted in aggregate reductions in Medicare payments to providers of up to two percent per fiscal year, starting in 2013 and, due to subsequent legislative amendments to the statute, including the BBA, will remain in effect through 2029 unless additional Congressional action is taken. In addition, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, among other things, reduced Medicare payments to several types of providers and increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years. Such laws, and others that may affect our business that have been recently enacted or may in the future be enacted, may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding.

In the future, there will likely continue to be additional proposals relating to the reform of the U.S. healthcare system, some of which could further limit coverage and reimbursement of products, including our product candidates. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability or commercialize our products.

The loss of key personnel could delay or prevent achieving our objectives. In addition, our continued growth to support commercialization may result in difficulties in managing our growth and expanding our operations successfully.

We depend on our senior executive officers, as well as other key scientific personnel. Our commercial and business efforts could be adversely affected by the loss of one or more key members of our commercial or management staff, including our senior executive officers. We currently have no key person insurance on any of our employees.

As our operations expand, we expect that we will need to manage additional relationships with various vendors, partners, suppliers and other third parties. Future growth will impose significant added responsibilities on members of management. Our future financial performance and our ability to successfully commercialize HEPLISAV-B and to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to manage any future growth effectively. To that end, we must be able to effectively manage our commercialization efforts, research efforts and clinical trials and hire, train and integrate additional regulatory, manufacturing, administrative, and sales and marketing personnel. We may not be able to accomplish these tasks, and our failure to accomplish any of them could prevent us from successfully growing our company and achieving profitability.

We face product liability exposure, which, if not covered by insurance, could result in significant financial liability.

While we have not experienced any product liability claims to date, the use of any of our product candidates in clinical trials and the sale of any approved products, including HEPLISAV-B, will subject us to potential product liability claims and may raise questions about a product’s safety and efficacy. As a result, we could experience a delay in our ability to commercialize one or more of our product candidates or reduced sales of any approved product candidates. In addition, a product liability claim may exceed the limits of our insurance policies and exhaust our internal resources. We have obtained limited clinical trial liability and umbrella insurance coverage for our clinical trials. This coverage may not be adequate or may not continue to be available in sufficient amounts, at an acceptable cost or at all. While we have obtained product liability insurance coverage for HEPLISAV-B, there is a risk that this coverage may not be adequate or may not continue to be available in sufficient amounts, at an acceptable cost or at all. We also may not be able to obtain commercially reasonable product liability insurance for any product approved for marketing in the future. A product liability claim, product recalls or other claims, as well as any claims for uninsured liabilities or in excess of insured liabilities, would divert our management’s attention from our business and could result in significant financial liability.

Our business operations are vulnerable to interruptions by natural disasters, health epidemics and other catastrophic events beyond our control, the occurrence of which could materially harm our manufacturing, distribution, sales, business operations and financial results.

Our business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters and other catastrophic events beyond our control, including, but not limited to, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, droughts, tornadoes, electrical blackouts, public health crises and pandemics, war, terrorism, and geo-political unrest and uncertainties. We have not undertaken a systematic analysis of the potential consequences to our business that might result from any such natural disaster or other catastrophic event and have limited recovery plans in place. If any of these events occur, our manufacturing and supply chain, distribution, sales and marketing efforts and other business operations could be subject to business shutdowns or disruptions and financial results could be adversely affected. We cannot presently predict the scope and severity of any potential business shutdowns or disruptions resulting from these events, but if we or any of the third parties with whom we engage, including the suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors and other third parties with whom we conduct business, were to experience shutdowns or other business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business in the manner and on the timelines presently planned could be materially and adversely affected in a number of ways, some of which are not predicable.

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Our business could be adversely affected by health epidemics in regions where we have manufacturing facilities, sales activities or other business operations. For example, outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic diseases, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or the fear of such events, could cause restrictions on supply chains, access to workplaces and affect employee health and availability.

Although we maintain inventories of HEPLISAV-B and its components, our ability and those of our contractors and distributors to produce and distribute HEPLISAV-B could be adversely affected. A pandemic or similar health challenge could severely impact the U.S. healthcare system, which may have an adverse effect on usage and sales of HEPLISAV-B. In addition, any such event could result in widespread global health crisis that could adversely affect global economies and financial markets resulting in an economic downturn that could affect the demand for HEPLISAV-B and future revenue and operating results and our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all.

Additionally, our corporate headquarters in Emeryville, California, is located in a seismically active region that also is subject to possible electrical shutdowns and wildfires. Because we do not carry earthquake insurance for earthquake-related losses and significant recovery time could be required to resume operations, our financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected in the event of a major earthquake or catastrophic event. We carry only limited business interruption insurance that would compensate us for actual losses from interruption of our business that may occur, and any losses or damages incurred by us in excess of insured amounts could adversely affect our business and operations.

Significant disruptions of information technology systems or breaches of data security could adversely affect our business.*

Our business is increasingly dependent on critical, complex and interdependent information technology systems, including internet-based systems, to support business processes as well as internal and external communications. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified our dependence on information technology systems as many of our critical business activities are currently being conducted remotely. The size and complexity of our computer systems make them potentially vulnerable to breakdown, malicious intrusion and computer viruses that may result in the impairment of key business processes.  

In addition, our systems are potentially vulnerable to data security breaches—whether by employees or others—that may expose sensitive data to unauthorized persons. Such data security breaches could lead to the loss of trade secrets or other intellectual property, or could lead to the public exposure of personally identifiable information (including sensitive personal information) of our employees, collaborators, clinical trial patients, and others. A data security breach or privacy violation that leads to disclosure or modification of or prevents access to patient information, including personally identifiable information or protected health information, could harm our reputation, compel us to comply with federal, state and/or international breach notification laws, subject us to mandatory corrective action, require us to verify the correctness of database contents and otherwise subject us to liability under laws and regulations that protect personal data, including but not limited to HIPAA, similar state data protection regulations, and the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR (EU) 2016/679, resulting in significant penalties, increased costs or loss of revenue.

 

In the United States, California adopted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which became effective in January 2020. The CCPA establishes a privacy framework for covered businesses, including an expansive definition of personal information and data privacy rights for California residents. The CCPA includes a framework with potentially severe statutory damages and private rights of action. The CCPA requires covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers (as that word is broadly defined in the CCPA), provide such consumers new ways to opt-out of certain sales of personal information, and allow for a new cause of action for data breaches. It remains unclear how the CCPA will be interpreted, but as currently written, it will likely impact our business activities and exemplifies the vulnerability of our business to not only cyber threats but also the evolving regulatory environment related to personal data. As we expand our operations, the CCPA may increase our compliance costs and potential liability. Some observers have noted that the CCPA could mark the beginning of a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the United States. Other states are beginning to pass similar laws.

 

Compliance with these and any other applicable privacy and data security laws and regulations is a rigorous and time-intensive process, and we may be required to put in place additional mechanisms ensuring compliance with the new data protection rules. If we fail to comply with any such laws or regulations, we may face significant fines and penalties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach is costly.

U.S. and international authorities have been warning businesses of increased cybersecurity threats from actors seeking to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. We have recently experienced a cybersecurity incident known as a phishing e-mail scam, and although we do not consider its impact on us to be material, if we are unable to prevent this or other such data security breaches or privacy violations or implement satisfactory remedial measures, our operations could be disrupted, and we may suffer loss of reputation, financial loss and other regulatory penalties because of lost or misappropriated information, including sensitive patient data. Moreover, failure to maintain effective internal accounting controls related to data security breaches and cybersecurity in general could impact our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements and could subject us to regulatory scrutiny. In addition,

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these breaches and other inappropriate access can be difficult to detect, and any delay in identifying them may lead to increased harm of the type described above. Moreover, the prevalent use of mobile devices that access confidential information increases the risk of data security breaches, which could lead to the loss of confidential information, trade secrets or other intellectual property. While we have implemented security measures that are intended to protect our data security and information technology systems, such measures may not prevent such events.

Such disruptions and breaches of security could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to our Intellectual Property

We rely on licenses to intellectual property from third parties. Impairment of these licenses or our inability to maintain them would severely harm our business.

Our current research and development efforts depend in part upon our license arrangements for intellectual property owned by third parties. Our dependence on these licenses subjects us to numerous risks, such as disputes regarding the use of the licensed intellectual property and the creation and ownership of new discoveries under such license agreements. In addition, these license arrangements require us to make timely payments to maintain our licenses and typically contain diligence or milestone-based termination provisions. Our failure to meet any obligations pursuant to these agreements could allow our licensors to terminate our agreements or undertake other remedies such as converting exclusive to non-exclusive licenses if we are unable to cure or obtain waivers for such failures or amend such agreements on terms acceptable to us. In addition, our license agreements may be terminated or may expire by their terms, and we may not be able to maintain the exclusivity of these licenses. If we cannot obtain and maintain licenses that are advantageous or necessary to the development or the commercialization of our product candidates, we may be required to expend significant time and resources to develop or license similar technology or to find other alternatives to maintaining the competitive position of our products. If such alternatives are not available to us in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, we may be unable to continue development or commercialize our product candidates. In the absence of a current license, we may be required to redesign our technology so it does not infringe a third-party’s patents, which may not be possible or could require substantial funds and time.

If third parties successfully assert that we have infringed their patents and proprietary rights or challenge our patents and proprietary rights, we may become involved in intellectual property disputes and litigation that would be costly, time consuming and delay or prevent development or commercialization of our product candidates.

We may be exposed to future litigation by third parties based on claims that our product candidates or proprietary technologies infringe their intellectual property rights, or we may be required to enter into litigation to enforce patents issued or licensed to us or to determine the ownership, scope or validity of our or another party’s proprietary rights, including a challenge as to the validity of our issued and pending claims. From time to time we are involved in various interference and other administrative proceedings related to our intellectual property which has caused us to incur certain legal expenses. If we become involved in any litigation and/or other significant interference proceedings related to our intellectual property or the intellectual property of others, we will incur substantial additional expenses and it will divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel.

If we or our collaborators are unsuccessful in defending or prosecuting our issued and pending claims or in defending potential claims against our products, for example, as may arise in connection with the commercialization of HEPLISAV-B or any similar product candidate, we or our collaborator could be required to pay substantial damages or be unable to commercialize our product candidates or use our proprietary technologies without a license from such third-party. A license may require the payment of substantial fees or royalties, require a grant of a cross-license to our technology or may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Any of these outcomes could require us to change our business strategy and could materially impact our business and operations.

If the combination of patents, trade secrets and contractual provisions that we rely on to protect our intellectual property is inadequate, the value of our product candidates will decrease.

Our success depends on our ability to:

 

obtain and protect commercially valuable patents or the rights to patents both domestically and abroad;

 

operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others; and

 

prevent others from successfully challenging or infringing our proprietary rights.

We will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use only to the extent that these rights are covered by valid and enforceable patents for a commercially sufficient term or are otherwise effectively maintained as trade secrets. We try to protect our proprietary rights by filing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications. However, in certain cases such protection may be limited, depending in part on existing patents held by third parties, which may only allow us to obtain relatively narrow patent

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protection. In the U.S., legal standards relating to the validity and scope of patent claims in the biopharmaceutical field can be highly uncertain, are still evolving and involve complex legal and factual questions for which important legal principles remain unresolved.

The biopharmaceutical patent environment outside the U.S. is even more uncertain. We may be particularly affected by this uncertainty since several of our product candidates may initially address market opportunities outside the U.S., where we may only be able to obtain limited patent protection.

The risks and uncertainties that we face with respect to our patents and other proprietary rights include the following:

 

we may not receive an issued patent for any of our patent applications or for any patent applications that we have exclusively licensed;

 

the pending patent applications we have filed or to which we have exclusive rights may take longer than we expect to result in issued patents;

 

the claims of any patents that are issued may not provide meaningful protection or may not be valid or enforceable;

 

we might not be able to develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;

 

the patents licensed or issued to us or our collaborators may not provide a competitive advantage;

 

patents issued to other parties may limit our intellectual property protection or harm our ability to do business;

 

other parties may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate our technologies and commercialize discoveries that we attempt to patent; and

 

other parties may design around technologies we have licensed, patented or developed.

We also rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect our interests in proprietary know-how that is not patentable and for processes for which patents are difficult to enforce. We cannot be certain that we will be able to protect our trade secrets adequately. Any disclosure of confidential data in the public domain or to third parties could allow our competitors to learn our trade secrets. If we are unable to adequately obtain or enforce proprietary rights, we may be unable to commercialize our products, enter into collaborations, generate revenues or maintain any advantage we may have with respect to existing or potential competitors.

Risks Related to an Investment in our Common Stock

Our stock price is subject to volatility, and your investment may suffer a decline in value.*

The market prices for securities of biopharmaceutical companies have in the past been, and are likely to continue in the future, to be, very volatile. The market price of our common stock is subject to substantial volatility depending upon many factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

 

impact of COVID-19 on our HEPLISAV-B product revenue;

 

progress or results of any of our clinical trials or regulatory or manufacturing efforts, in particular any announcements regarding the progress or results of our planned trials and BLA filing and communications, from the FDA or other regulatory agencies;

 

our ability to receive timely regulatory approval for our product candidates;

 

our ability to establish and maintain collaborations for the development and commercialization of our product candidates;

 

our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations;

 

the success or failure of clinical trials involving our immuno-oncology product candidates and the product candidates of third-party collaborators in combination studies;

 

technological innovations, new commercial products or drug discovery efforts and preclinical and clinical activities by us or our competitors;

 

changes in our intellectual property portfolio or developments or disputes concerning the proprietary rights of our products or product candidates;

 

our ability to obtain component materials and successfully enter into manufacturing relationships for our product candidates or establish manufacturing capacity on our own;

 

our ability to establish and maintain licensing agreements for intellectual property necessary for the development of our product candidates;

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changes in government regulations, general economic conditions or industry announcements;

 

changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems;

 

issuance of new or changed securities analysts’ reports or recommendations;

 

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial and operating results; and

 

the volume of trading in our common stock.

The stock markets in general, and the markets for biotechnology and pharmaceutical stocks in particular, have historically experienced significant volatility that has often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies, including recently in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in decreased market prices, notwithstanding the lack of a fundamental change in the underlying business models or prospects of those companies. These broad market fluctuations have adversely affected and may in the future adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In this regard, worsening economic conditions and other adverse effects or developments relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.

One or more of these factors could cause a substantial decline in the price of our common stock. In addition, securities class action and shareholder derivative litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. We have in the past been, and we may in the future be, the target of such litigation. Securities and shareholder derivative litigation could result in substantial costs, and divert management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

We will continue to incur increased costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies, which could affect our operating results.

As a public company, we will continue to incur legal, accounting and other expenses associated with reporting requirements and corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as well as any new rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. We may need to continue to implement additional financial and accounting systems, procedures and controls to accommodate changes in our business and organization and to comply with new reporting requirements. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain a favorable assessment as to the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to reach an unqualified assessment, or our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to issue an unqualified attestation as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of our fiscal year, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial reporting which could harm our business and could impact the price of our common stock.

Future sales of our common stock or the perception that such sales may occur in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.

Under our universal shelf registration statement, we may sell any combination of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and warrants in one or more offerings, including pursuant to our 2017 ATM Agreement with Cowen under which we can offer and sell our common stock from time to time up to aggregate sales proceeds of $150 million. As of March 31, 2020, we have $104.0 million remaining under this agreement. The sale or issuance of our securities, including those issuable upon exercise of the outstanding warrants or conversion of the preferred stock, as well as the existence of outstanding options and shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our option and equity incentive plans also may adversely affect the terms upon which we are able to obtain additional capital through the sale of equity securities.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None, except as previously disclosed.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

46


ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Exhibit

Number

Document

Exhibit

Number

Filing

Filing Date

File No.

Filed

Herewith

3.1

Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.1

S-1/A

February 5, 2004

333-109965

 

3.2

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.1

8-K

January 4, 2010

001-34207

 

3.3

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.1

8-K

January 5, 2011

001-34207

 

3.4

Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.6

8-K

May 30, 2013

001-34207

 

3.5

Certificate of Amendment of the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.1

8-K

November 10, 2014

001-34207

 

3.6

Certificate of Amendment of the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.1

8-K

June 2, 2017

001-34207

 

3.7

Certificate of Amendment of the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.1

8-K

July 31, 2017

001-34207

 

3.8

Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

3.1

8-K

August 8, 2019

001-34207

 

3.9

Amended and Restated Bylaws

3.8

10-Q

November 6, 2018

001-34207

 

4.1

Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 and 3.9 above

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

Form of Specimen Common Stock Certificate

4.2

S-1/A

January 16, 2004

333-109965

 

4.3

Form of Series B Preferred Stock Certificate

4.3

10-Q

November 7, 2019

001-34207

 

4.4

Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock

4.1

8-K

August 8, 2019

001-34207

 

10.1

Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, by and among the Company, Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund, L.P. and BCIP Life Sciences Associates, LP.

99.D

13D/A

March 12, 2020

005-80035

 

10.2

Warrant Exchange Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, by and among the Company, Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund, L.P. and BCIP Life Sciences Associates, LP

99.E

13D/A

March 12, 2020

005-80035

 

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

X

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

X

32.1*

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

X

32.2*

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

X

 

EX—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.

EX—101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

EX—101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

EX—101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

EX—101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

EX—101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

EX—104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

*

The certifications attached as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 that accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of this Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 

 

47


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Emeryville, State of California.

 

 

 

DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

Date: May 7, 2020

 

By:

 

/s/ RYAN SPENCER

 

 

 

 

Ryan Spencer

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

Date: May 7, 2020

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL OSTRACH

 

 

 

 

Michael Ostrach

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 7, 2020

 

By:

 

/s/ DAVID JOHNSON

 

 

 

 

David Johnson

 

 

 

 

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

48