Vaxxinity, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 September (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
September 30, 2022
-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
001-41058
Vaxxinity, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
86-2083865
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1717 Main St
,
Ste 3388
Dallas
,
TX
75201
(
254
)
244-5739
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
__________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value
$0.0001 per share
VAXX
The
Nasdaq
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes
☒
No
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes
☒
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth
company. See 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 Exchange Act).
☐
As of November 8, 2022, the registrant had
112,181,870
shares of $0.0001 par value Class A common stock outstanding and
13,874,132
Class B common stock outstanding.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD -LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor
assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of
our business, future plans and strategies and other future conditions. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements
because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “project,” “target,”
“potential,” “seek,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “plan,” other words and terms of similar meaning
and the negative of these words or similar terms.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond our control.
We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and that actual performance
and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly
Report. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and the development of the markets in which
we operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report, those results or developments may
not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. New factors emerge from time to time that may cause our business
not to develop as we expect, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. Factors that could cause actual results and outcomes
to differ materially from those reflected in forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
• the prospects of our product candidates, including the timing of data from our clinical trials for our product candidates
and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for our product candidates;
• our ability to develop and commercialize new products and product candidates;
• our ability to leverage our Vaxxine Platform;
• the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products and product candidates;
• our status as a clinical-stage company and estimates of our addressable market, market growth, future revenue,
expenses, capital requirements and our needs for additional financing;
• our ability to comply with multiple legal and regulatory systems relating to privacy, tax, anti-corruption and
other applicable laws;
• our ability to hire and retain key personnel and to manage our future growth effectively;
• competitive companies and technologies within our industry and our ability to compete;
• our and our collaborators’, including United Biomedical’s (“UBI”), ability and willingness to obtain, maintain, defend
and enforce our intellectual property protection for our proprietary and collaborative product candidates, and the scope
of such protection;
• the performance of third-party suppliers and manufacturers and our ability to find additional suppliers and
manufacturers;
• our ability and the potential to successfully manufacture our product candidates for pre-clinical use, for clinical trials
and, if approved, on a larger scale for commercial use;
• the ability and willingness of our third-party collaborators, including UBI, to continue research and development
activities relating to our product candidates;
• general economic, political, demographic and business conditions in the United States, Taiwan and other jurisdictions;
• the potential effects of government regulation, including regulatory developments in the United
States and other jurisdictions;
• ability to obtain additional financing in future offerings;
• expectations about market trends; and
• the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations, the initiation,
development and operation of our clinical trials, including patient enrollment of our clinical trials.
We discuss many of these factors in greater detail under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2021. These risk factors are not exhaustive and other sections of this report may include additional
factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Given these uncertainties, you should not place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
You should read this Quarterly Report and the documents that we reference in this Quarterly Report and have filed as exhibits
completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify
all of the forward -looking statements in this Quarterly Report by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we
undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise.
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,”
“our,” “us,” the “Company” refer to Vaxxinity, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All brand names or trademarks appearing in this Quarterly
Report are the property of their respective owners.
4
Table of Contents
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5
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38
5
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
VAXXINITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
18,875
$
144,885
Short-term investments
80,233
—
Restricted cash
3,073
172
Amounts due from related parties
400
393
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
5,502
8,851
Total current assets
108,083
154,301
Property and equipment, net
12,801
12,372
Long-term deposits
2,076
—
Total assets
$
122,960
$
166,673
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
3,319
$
3,192
Amounts due to related parties
16,676
19,407
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
12,049
4,519
Notes payable
387
376
Total current liabilities
32,431
27,494
Other liabilities
Notes payable, net of current portion
10,032
10,323
Other long-term liabilities
236
237
Total liabilities
42,699
38,054
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Preferred stock: $
0.0001
50,000,000
—
—
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock, $
0.0001
1,000,000,000
112,181,870
111,518,094
outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively
278
278
Class B common stock, $
0.0001
100,000,000
13,874,132
September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
364,445
357,822
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(215)
—
Accumulated deficit
(284,247)
(229,481)
Total stockholders’ equity
80,261
128,619
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
122,960
$
166,673
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
VAXXINITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Revenue
$
—
$
50
$
—
$
67
Cost of revenue
—
9
—
1,937
Gross profit
—
41
—
(1,870)
Operating expenses:
Research and development
12,468
23,443
34,609
54,324
General and administrative
7,300
6,873
20,546
21,130
Total operating expenses
19,768
30,316
55,155
75,454
Loss from operations
(19,768)
(30,275)
(55,155)
(77,324)
Other (income) expense:
Interest and other expense
54
112
264
732
Interest and other income
(545)
(3)
(625)
(6)
Change in fair value of convertible notes
—
—
—
2,667
Change in fair value of simple agreement for future
equity
—
—
—
8,365
Change in fair value of warrant liability
—
—
—
214
(Gain) loss on foreign currency translation, net
(25)
5
(28)
24
Other (income) expense
(516)
114
(389)
11,996
Net loss
$
(19,252)
$
(30,389)
$
(54,766)
$
(89,320)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
$
(0.15)
$
(0.44)
$
(0.43)
$
(1.30)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and
diluted
126,036,865
68,728,509
125,899,557
68,667,682
Other comprehensive income (loss):
(215)
—
(215)
—
$
(215)
$
—
$
(215)
$
—
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
VAXXINITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Convertible Preferred Stock
Series Seed
Series Seed-1
Series Seed-2
Series A-1
Series A-2
Series A
Series B
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Total
Balance at December 31, 2020
7,831,528
$
10,383
22,876,457
$
20,903
14,615,399
$
11,315
1,871,511
$
4,640
6,307,690
$
15,234
—
$
—
—
$
—
$
62,475
Exchange of Series Seed, Series Seed-1, Series Seed-2, Series
A-1 and Series A-2 for Series A
(7,831,528)
(10,383)
(22,876,457)
(20,903)
(14,615,399)
(11,315)
(1,871,511)
(4,640)
(6,307,690)
(15,234)
53,502,585
62,475
—
—
—
Conversion of convertible notes to Series A preferred stock,
net of debt issuance costs
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,624,114
27,379
—
—
27,379
Conversion of notes payable with related parties to Series A
convertible preferred
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
423,230
2,138
—
—
2,138
Conversion of Simple Agreement for Future Equity to Series A
convertible preferred
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,539,060
35,600
—
—
35,600
Conversion of warrant liability to Series A convertible
preferred
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
134,106
614
—
—
614
Issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock, net of
issuance costs of $
131
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15,365,574
122,791
122,791
Balance at September 30, 2021
—
$
—
—
$
—
—
$
—
—
$
—
—
$
—
62,223,095
$
128,206
15,365,574
$
122,791
$
250,997
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
VAXXINITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Common Stock-Class A
Common Stock-Class B
Treasury Stock
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Additional Paid-
in Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)
Balance at December 31, 2021
111,518,094
$
278
13,874,132
$
—
—
$
—
$
357,822
$
—
$
(229,481)
$
128,619
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options
663,776
—
—
—
—
—
262
—
—
262
Stock-based compensation expense
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,361
—
—
6,361
Net loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(215)
(54,766)
(54,981)
Balance at September 30, 2022
112,181,870
$
278
13,874,132
$
—
—
$
—
$
364,445
$
(215)
$
(284,247)
$
80,261
Common Stock-Class A
Common Stock-Class B
Treasury Stock
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Additional Paid-
in Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)
Balance at December 31, 2020
60,360,523
$
272
10,999,149
$
—
(3,169,093)
$
(23)
$
4,682
$
—
$
(92,306)
$
(87,352)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options
82,696
—
—
—
—
—
70
—
—
70
Vesting of restricted stock
15,405
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Issuance of common stock upon stock grant
485,836
—
—
—
—
—
103
—
—
103
Reclassification of Class A common stock to Class B common stock
(2,874,983)
—
2,874,983
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Retirement of treasury stock upon reorganization
(3,169,093)
—
—
—
3,169,093
23
(23)
—
—
(23)
Stock-based compensation expense
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,602
—
—
5,602
Net loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(89,320)
(89,320)
Balance at September 30, 2021
54,900,384
$
272
13,874,132
$
—
—
$
—
$
10,434
$
—
$
(181,626)
$
(170,920)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
9
VAXXINITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022
2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$
(54,766)
$
(89,320)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation expense
1,144
928
Amortization of debt issuance costs
40
234
Amortization of discount on short-term investments
(422)
—
Stock-based compensation expense
6,361
5,704
Non-cash consulting expense
—
268
Change in fair value of convertible notes
—
2,667
Change in fair value of warrant liability
—
214
Change in fair value of simple agreement for future equity
—
8,365
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
—
26
Amounts due from related parties
(7)
(18)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,349
(10,155)
Long-term deposits
(2,076)
—
Deferred offering costs
—
(3,935)
Accounts payable
127
2,888
Amounts due to related parties
(2,731)
13,212
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
7,530
4,521
Other long-term liabilities
—
(2,625)
Net cash used in operating activities
(41,451)
(67,026)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of short-term investments
(107,526)
—
Redemption of short-term investments
27,500
—
Purchase of property and equipment
(1,574)
(50)
Net cash used in investing activities
(81,600)
(50)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable with related parties
—
2,000
Repayment of convertible notes payable
—
(2,000)
Repayment of notes payable
(320)
(96)
Repayment of note payable with related party
—
(100)
Repayment of Paycheck Protection Program
—
(257)
Proceeds from issuance of simple agreement for future equity
—
2,900
Proceeds from issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs
—
122,791
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
262
70
Net cash provided by financing activities
(58)
125,308
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(123,109)
58,232
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
145,057
31,217
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$
21,948
$
89,449
Supplemental Disclosure
Cash paid for interest
$
277
$
288
Noncash Financing Activities
Exchange of Series Seed, Series Seed-1, Series Seed-2, Series A-1 and Series A-2 for Series A preferred stock
$
—
$
62,475
Conversion of simple agreement for future equity into Series A preferred stock
$
—
$
2,205
Conversion of convertible notes payable into Series A preferred stock
$
—
$
27,545
Conversion of notes payable with related parties into Series A preferred stock
$
—
$
35,600
Conversion of warrant liability into Series A preferred stock
$
—
$
614
Retirement of treasury stock upon reorganization
$
—
$
23
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
10
1. Nature of the Business
Vaxxinity, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vaxxinity ,” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), was formed through the
combination of two separate businesses that originated from United Biomedica l, Inc. (“UBI”) in two separate transactions: a spin-out
from UBI in 2014 of operations focused on developing chronic disease product candidates that resulted in United Neuroscience (“UNS”),
and a second spin-out from UBI in 2020 of operations focused on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine that resulted in C19 Corp.
(“COVAXX”). On February 2, 2021, Vaxxinity was incorporated for the purpose of reorganizing and combining UNS and COVAXX
and on March 2, 2021, did so by acquiring all of the outstanding equity interests of UNS and COVAXX pursuant to a contribution and
exchange agreement (the “Contribution and Exchange Agreement”) whereby the existing equity holders of UNS and COVAXX
contributed their equity interests in each of UNS and COVAXX in exchange for equity in Vaxxinity (the “Reorganization”).
The Company is a biotechnology company currently focused on developing product candidates for human use in the fields of neurology,
pain, cardiovascular diseases and coronaviruses utilizing its “Vaxxine Platform”—a synthetic peptide vaccine technology first developed
by UBI and subsequently refined over the last two decades. The Company is engaged in the development of rationally designed
prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines to combat common chronic diseases with large global unmet medical need. We are also developing
a heterologous booster vaccine for SARS-Cov-2. UBI is a significant shareholder of the Company and, therefore, considered a related
party.
The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties common to early-stage companies in the biotechnology industry including, but not
limited to, uncertainty of product development and commercialization, lack of marketing and sales history, development by its
competitors of new technological innovations, dependence on key personnel, market acceptance of products, product liability, protection
of proprietary technology, ability to raise additional financing, and compliance with government regulations. If the Company does not
successfully commercialize or out-license any of its product candidates, it will be unable to generate recurring product revenue or
achieve profitability.
The Company’s product candidates are in development and will require significant additional research and development efforts,
including extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval prior to commercialization. These efforts require significant
amounts of additional capital, adequate personnel and infrastructure and extensive compliance-reporting capabilities. There can be no
assurance that the Company’s research and development will be successfully completed, that adequate protection for the Company’s
intellectual property will be obtained, that any products developed will obtain necessary government regulatory approval or that any
approved products will be commercially viable. Even if the Company’s product development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when,
if ever, the Company will generate significant revenue from product sales. The Company operates in an environment of rapid change in
technology and is dependent upon the services of its employees and consultants.
Contribution and Exchange Agreement
On March 2, 2021, in accordance with the Contribution and Exchange Agreement, (i) all outstanding shares of UNS and COVAXX
preferred stock and common stock were contributed to Vaxxinity and exchanged for like shares of stock in Vaxxinity, (ii) the outstanding
options to purchase shares of UNS and COVAXX common stock were terminated and substituted with options to purchase shares of
common stock in Vaxxinity, (iii) the outstanding warrant to purchase shares of COVAXX common stock was cancelled and exchanged
for a warrant to acquire common stock in Vaxxinity and (iv) each outstanding Reorganization Convertible Note (as defined below) was
contributed to Vaxxinity and the holders of such notes received Series A preferred stock in Vaxxinity. In particular:
•
Each UNS common share and convertible preferred share was exchanged for
0.2191
Series A preferred stock, as applicable;
•
Each share of COVAXX common and convertible preferred stock was exchanged for
3.4233
stock or Series A preferred stock, as applicable (and prior to the closing of the Reorganization, all the holders of outstanding
COVAXX SAFEs agreed to convert such SAFEs into shares of Series A-3 preferred stock of COVAXX, which shares were
then exchanged for shares of Vaxxinity’s Series A preferred stock);
•
The Reorganization Convertible Notes were exchanged for an aggregate of
4,047,344
preferred stock; and
•
Each outstanding option of both UNS and COVAXX to purchase common shares of UNS or COVAXX was terminated and
substituted with an option to purchase shares of Class A common stock of Vaxxinity. Each outstanding UNS option was
exchanged based on a conversion ratio of
0.2191
. Each outstanding COVAXX option was exchanged based on a conversion
ratio of
3.4233
.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11
All parties to the Contribution and Exchange Agreement intended that the contribution of outstanding equity interests to Vaxxinity in
exchange for Vaxxinity’s common stock and preferred stock be treated as an integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes
that is governed by Section 351(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
The Reorganization was determined to be a common control transaction, so the carrying values of all contributed assets and assumed
liabilities remained unchanged and the financial information for all periods in the financial statements presented prior to the
Reorganization are presented on a consolidated basis.
Reverse Stock Split
On October 29, 2021, the Company effectuated a reverse stock split of 1-for-
1.556
Class B common stock pursuant to an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation approved by
the Company’s board of directors and stockholders. As a result of the Stock Split, the Company also adjusted the share and per share
amounts associated with its options and warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. These unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements including the notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Stock Split for all periods presented. Any
fractional shares that would have resulted from the Stock Split have been rounded down to the nearest whole share.
Initial Public Offering
On November 15, 2021, the Company closed its IPO of
6,000,000
13.00
per share. On November 18, 2021 the Company held a subsequent closing for the issuance of an additional
537,711
common stock pursuant to a 30-day option granted to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional
900,000
stock at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The aggregate net proceeds to the Company from the offering,
after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company, was approximately $
71.1
million. Upon the closing of the IPO, all previously outstanding shares of the Company’s redeemable convertible preferred stock were
automatically converted at the same ratio used for the Stock Split (1-for-
1.556
) into shares of its Class A common stock.
Liquidity
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $
102.2
18.9
and cash equivalents, $
80.2
3.1
3.0
restricted for the reimbursement of certain research and development expenses related to our UB-612 COVID-19 vaccine program. To
date, the Company has primarily financed its operations through the sale of convertible preferred stock and common stock, borrowings
under promissory notes (including Convertible Notes), a portion of which has been raised from related party entities, and grants from
foundations such as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). The
Company has experienced significant negative cash flows from operations since inception, and incurred a net loss of $
54.8
the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was
$
41.5
284.2
to incur substantial operating losses and negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future. As of the date these financial
statements were available to be issued, the Company expects its existing cash and cash equivalents to be sufficient to fund its operating
expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.
In order to continue to fund future research and development activities, the Company will need to seek additional capital. This may
occur through strategic alliances, licensing arrangements, grants and/or future public or private debt or equity financings. Additional
funding may not be available on terms the Company finds acceptable or at all. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient capital to
continue to advance its programs, the Company would be forced to delay, limit, reduce or terminate its product development or future
commercialization efforts or grant rights to third parties to develop and market product candidates that the Company would otherwise
prefer to develop and market itself.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which
contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset
amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described above.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial reporting. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the
periods presented include the accounts of UNS and COVAXX that were parties to the Contribution and Exchange Agreement. All share
and per share amounts, as originally recorded by each entity, have been converted to a number of shares and per share amounts using
the conversion ratios determined under the Contribution and Exchange Agreement and the Stock Split ratio.
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to fairly present the results of the interim periods. The condensed
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2021, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. Operating results
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 or any other future period. Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations for interim
reporting of the SEC. These interim unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements
and notes thereto included in our report for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Leases
At inception of a contract, we determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease. For all leases, we determine the classification as
either operating leases or financing leases. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease
liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Lease recognition occurs at the commencement date and lease liability amounts are based on the present value of lease payments over
the lease term. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise
that option. If a lease does not provide information to determine an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in
determining the present value of lease payments. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease
term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments under the lease. ROU assets also include any lease payments
made prior to the commencement date and exclude lease incentives received. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the lease term. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there
is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. Lease agreements with both lease and non-lease components, are
generally accounted for together as a single lease component. The Company has elected to apply the short-term expedient to leases with
a lease term of 12 months or less, which does not subject the leases to capitalization.
Short-term investments
The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase. Currently, all of the Company’s
investments are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with ASC Topic 320. The Company classifies investments available to
fund current operations as current assets on its consolidated balance sheets. Investments are classified as long-term assets on the
consolidated balance sheets if (i) the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of at least one year and (ii)
the contractual maturity date of the investments is greater than one year.
Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive
income or loss. Realized gains and losses, interest income earned on the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments, and
amortization or accretion of discounts and premiums on investments are included within other income (expense).
Available-for-sale debt securities are reviewed for possible impairment at least quarterly, or more frequently if circumstances arise that
may indicate impairment. When the fair value of the securities declines below the amortized cost basis, impairment is indicated and it
must be determined whether it is other than temporary. Impairment is considered to be other than temporary if the Company: (i) intends
to sell the security, (ii) will more likely than not be forced to sell the security before recovering its cost, or (iii) does not expect to recover
the security’s amortized cost basis. If the decline in fair value is considered other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted
to its fair market value and the realized loss is reported in earnings. Subsequent increases or decreases in fair value are reported in equity
as accumulated other comprehensive income.
The Company did not record any such impairments during the period ending September 30, 2022.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
13
Related party transactions
The Company has a Related Party policy which defines related parties, and assigns oversight responsibility for related party transactions
to the Company's Audit Committee. The Committee reviews in advance related party transactions, and considers multiple factors,
including the proposed aggregate value of the transaction, or, in the case of indebtedness, the amount of principal that would be involved,
the benefits to the Company of the proposed transaction, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services, and an
assessment of whether the proposed transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms available to or from, as the case may be,
unrelated third parties. Under the policy, related party transactions are approved only if the Committee determines in good faith that the
transaction is not inconsistent with the interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Significant accounting policies
The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are disclosed in
our annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant
accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies and are adopted by the
Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the impact of recently issued
standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
Recently adopted accounting standards
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). ASU 2018-11
provided an alternative method in addition to the modified retrospective transition method for ASU No. 2016-02, Leases: Amendments
to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASU 2016-02”), issued in February 2016. Under ASU 2018-11, an entity may elect
to initially apply the new lease standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings in the period of adoption. Under ASU 2016-02, a lease is required to recognize assets and liabilities with lease terms
of more than twelve months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for nonpublic business entities and public entities eligible to be Smaller Reporting
Companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021.
The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective approach. The Company has elected to
apply the transition method that allows companies to continue applying the guidance under the lease standard in effect at that time in
the comparative periods presented in the condensed financial statements and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening
balance of accumulated deficit on the date of adoption. The Company has elected to combine lease components (for example fixed rent
payments) with non-lease components (for example, common-area maintenance costs) on our facility, lab equipment and CRO
embedded lease asset classes. The Company also elected the “package of practical expedients”, which permits the Company not to
reassess under the new standard the Company’s prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs.
In addition, the Company also elected the short-term lease practical expedients allowed under the standard. Lastly, the Company did not
elect the practical expedient allowing the use-of-hindsight which would require the Company to reassess the lease term of its leases
based on all facts and circumstances through the effective date.
Results for reporting period beginning after January 1, 2022 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts are not
adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Upon adoption of the new lease
standard, on January 1, 2022, the Company was not entered into any leases subject to ASC 842 and did not capitalize a ROU asset or
lease liability.
3. Fair Value Measurements
The Company's money market accounts and short term investments are shown at fair value based on unadjusted quoted market prices
in active markets for identical assets.
The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and
indicate the level of the fair value hierarchy used to determine such fair values (in thousands):
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
14
September 30, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Short-term investments
80,233
—
—
80,233
Money market accounts
10,995
—
—
10,995
Total assets
$
91,228
$
—
$
—
$
91,228
December 31, 2021
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
Money market account
$
139,794
$
—
$
—
$
139,794
Total assets
$
139,794
$
—
$
—
$
139,794
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no transfers between
Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
4. Short-Term Investments
As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s short-term investments consist of the following (in thousands):
As of September 30, 2022
Amortized
Cost
Unrealized
Gains (Losses),
Net
Recorded
Basis
U.S. Treasury Securities
$
80,448
$
(215)
$
80,233
Total
$
80,448
$
(215)
$
80,233
These securities mature in less than 1 year.
5. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Prepaid materials and supplies
$
1,754
$
3,517
Clinical prepayments
2,067
4,379
Deposits
1,323
614
Other
358
341
$
5,502
$
8,851
The Company’s prepaid material and supplies related to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (“ELISA”) test production, of which $
1.7
million was paid to a related party and $
0.7
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 the Company recognized an expense of $
1.8
to UBP, a related party, for raw materials acquired to produce UB-612. See Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies”, for more
information about this expense.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
15
6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Airplane
$
11,983
$
11,983
Laboratory and computer equipment
2,790
1,831
Software
169
168
Facilities, furniture and fixtures
106
85
Vehicles
87
87
Fixed assets not yet placed into service
791
199
Total property and equipment
15,926
14,353
Less: accumulated depreciation
(3,125)
(1,981)
Property and equipment, net
$
12,801
$
12,372
Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $
0.4
1.1
Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $
0.4
0.9
7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Accrued external research and development
$
3,842
$
1,501
Accrued bonuses
3,410
2,294
Accrued professional fees and other
4,767
692
Accrued interest
30
32
$
12,049
$
4,519
Accrued external research and development includes $
3.0
September 30, 2022 not yet applied against research and development expense.
8. Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Accrued tax provision
236
236
Accrued rent
—
1
$
236
$
237
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately $
0.2
interest the Company may be subject to paying for late filing fees related to a foreign subsidiary. The Company expects these amounts
to be forgiven but has accrued for them until the statute of limitations expires and it is appropriate to write them off.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
16
9. Notes Payable
Note Payable—Airplane
In connection with the acquisition of an airplane, the Company entered into a note payable agreement (the “2025 Note”) in June 2020
for $
11.5
3.4
% and a maturity date of June 9, 2025. Principal and interest payments are payable
monthly in the amount of $
0.1
9.4
of the Company. In addition, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of $
0.3
loan. There are no financial covenants associated with the 2025 Note.
The carrying value of the 2025 Note is as follows (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Principal
$
10,564
$
10,883
Unamortized debt issuance cost
(145)
(184)
Carrying amount
10,419
10,699
Less: current portion
(387)
(376)
Note payable, net of current portion and debt issuance cost
$
10,032
$
10,323
As of September 30, 2022, the remaining principal payments for the 2025 Note, are as follows (in thousands):
Amount
2022
$
109
2023
444
2024
458
2025
9,553
$
10,564
Interest expense associated with the 2025 Note was $
0.1
0.3
2022, respectively. Interest expense associated with the 2025 Note was $
0.1
0.3
ended September 30, 2021, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, accrued interest of less than $
0.1
expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2022 (unaudited) and
December 31, 2021.
Note Payable—Paycheck Protection Program
The Company applied for and received a loan, which is in the form of a note dated May 5, 2020, from HSBC Bank USA, National
Association (“HSBC”) in the aggregate amount of approximately $
0.3
Program (“PPP”). The PPP, established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), provides
for loans to qualifying businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times of the average monthly payroll expenses of the qualifying business.
The Company paid off the PPP Loan in full, including all accrued but unpaid interest to the repayment date, in August 2021.
10. Convertible Preferred Stock
In connection with the Reorganization, each UNS convertible preferred share was exchanged for
0.2191
stock and each share of COVAXX convertible preferred stock was exchanged for
3.4233
the first and second quarters of 2021, the Company raised gross proceeds of $
122.9
stock financing. The Company issued a total of
15,365,574
8.00
preferred stock converted into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock concurrently with the closing of the initial public offering.
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, Vaxxinity’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorized
50,000,000
0.0001
September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
17
11. Common Stock
As explained in Note 1, in accordance with the Contribution and Exchange Agreement, on March 2, 2021, all outstanding shares of
common stock of UNS and COVAXX were contributed to Vaxxinity and exchanged for an aggregate of
60,360,523
Vaxxinity’s Class A common stock and
10,999,149
was exchanged for
0.2191
3.4233
shares of Vaxxinity common stock.
Vaxxinity’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated November 15, 2021 authorized
1,100,000,000
stock with a par value of $
0.0001
1,000,000,000
100,000,000
Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock have identical rights, except with respect to voting and conversion. Except
as otherwise expressly provided in Vaxxinity’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or required by applicable
law, holders of Class A common stock will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and
holders of our Class B common stock will be entitled to ten votes per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders, except (i) amendments to Vaxxinity’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase or decrease the par
value of a class of capital stock, in which case the applicable class would be required to vote separately to approve the proposed
amendment and (ii) amendments to Vaxxinity’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that alter or change the powers,
preferences or special rights of a class of capital stock in a manner that affects its holders adversely, in which case the applicable class
would be required to vote separately to approve the proposed amendment.
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive, ratably, dividends as may be declared by Vaxxinity’s board of directors out of funds
legally available therefor if the board of directors, in its discretion, determines to issue dividends.
The Company has reserved shares of common stock for issuance for the following purposes:
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Options and RSUs issued and outstanding
20,593,681
21,387,909
Options available for future grants
6,251,916
7,209,538
Warrants issued and outstanding
1,928,020
1,928,020
28,773,617
30,525,467
12. Stock-Based Compensation
2021 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan
In November 2021, the Company established the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), which provides for the
Company to grant nonqualified stock options, incentive (qualified) stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted share awards,
restricted stock units, performance awards, cash incentive awards and other equity-based awards (including fully vested shares).
The maximum number of shares of common stock that can be issued under the Plan is
8,700,000
automatically on January 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2023, by the number of shares equal to the lesser of (i)
4
% of the
outstanding shares of our common stock on the immediately preceding December 31, (ii) the number of shares determined by the
Compensation Committee, if any such determination is made, and (iii) the number of shares underlying any awards granted during the
preceding calendar year, net of the shares underlying awards canceled or forfeited under the Plan.
Stock Options
As of September 30, 2022 there were options for
13,931,226
6,362,455
Class B stock outstanding, of which
9,032,635
4,944,763
2022, the maximum number of stock options awards available for future issuance under the Company’s plans is
6,251,916
.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
18
The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Number of Stock
Options
Outstanding
Weighted
Exercise Price
Per Share
Weighted
Contractual
Term (years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2021
21,387,909
$
5.25
7.4
$
49,684
Granted
1,104,921
3.19
Exercised
(1,065,706)
3.26
Forfeited
(1,133,443)
7.23
Balance at September 30, 2022
20,293,681
$
5.13
7.1
$
11,940
Options vested and exercisable at September 30, 2022
13,977,398
$
4.52
6.8
$
10,773
The aggregate intrinsic value of options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the options and the fair value of the
common stock for those options that had exercise prices lower than the fair value of the common stock as of September 30, 2022.
The intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $
4.5
The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $
2.38
.
Restricted Stock
The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
Unvested at December 31, 2021
—
$
—
Issued
300,000
3.76
Unvested at September 30, 2022
300,000
$
3.76
Stock-based compensation expense recognized on restricted stock was less than $
0.1
2022.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense in the following expense categories in the accompanying unaudited
condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September
30,
Nine Months Ended September
30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
General and administrative
$
1,509
$
1,100
$
3,888
$
4,864
Research and development
848
364
2,473
738
Total stock-based compensation expense
$
2,357
$
1,464
$
6,361
$
5,602
As of September 30, 2022, total unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested stock-based awards was $
18.9
is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
2.5
13. Income Taxes
The Company computes its expected annual effective income tax rate in accordance with ASC 740 and makes changes on a quarterly
basis, as necessary, based on certain factors such as changes in forecasted annual pre-tax income; changes to actual or forecasted
permanent book to tax differences; impacts from tax audits with state, federal or foreign tax authorities; impacts from tax law changes;
or change in judgment as to the realizability of deferred tax assets. The Company identifies items which are unusual and non-recurring
in nature and treats these as discrete events. The tax effect of discrete items is recorded in the quarter in which the discrete events occur.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
19
The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was
0.00
%, due primarily to its uncertainty
of realizing a benefit from net operating losses incurred during the period.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the
recorded deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future
taxable income in the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal
of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on these items
and the consecutive years of pretax losses (resulting from impairment), management determined that enough uncertainty exists relative
to the realization of the deferred income tax asset balances to warrant the application of a full valuation allowance for all taxing
jurisdictions.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company also files returns in
numerous foreign jurisdictions that have varied years remaining open for examination, but generally the statute of limitations is three
to four years from when the return is filed. As of September 30, 2022, the Company currently has no ongoing audits.
The Company has US net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes. Use of the NOL
carryforwards is limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, as we have had a change in ownership of more than 50% of
our capital stock over a three-year period as measured under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. These complex changes of
ownership rules generally focus on ownership changes involving shareholders owning directly or indirectly 5% or more of our stock,
including certain public “groups” of shareholders as set forth under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, including those arising
from new stock issuances and other equity transactions. Some of these NOL carryforwards will expire if they are not used within
certain periods. At this time, we consider it more likely than not that we will not have sufficient taxable income in the future that will
allow us to realize these NOL carryforwards.
14. Net Loss Per Share
The Company’s unvested restricted common shares have been excluded from the computation of basic net loss per share.
The Company’s potentially dilutive securities, which include options, unvested restricted stock, convertible notes payable and
convertible preferred stock, have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the effect would be to reduce the
net loss per share. Therefore, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted net
loss per share is the same. The Company excluded the following potential common shares, presented based on amounts outstanding at
each period end, from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 because
including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
September 30,
September 30,
2022
2021
Series A preferred stock
—
39,989,083
Series B preferred stock
—
9,875,037
Options and RSUs issued and outstanding
20,593,681
20,714,308
Warrants issued and outstanding stock
1,928,020
2,056,722
22,521,701
72,635,150
15. Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations
The Company enters into agreements with contract research organizations (“CROs”) to conduct clinical trials and preclinical studies
and contract manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”) to produce vaccines and other potential product candidates. Contracts with CROs
and CMOs are generally cancellable, with notice, at the Company’s option.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had remaining prepayments to CROs of $
3.1
$
0.7
product candidate.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
20
Michael J. Fox Foundation Grant
On November 3, 2021, the Company was awarded a grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“MJFF”) in
the amount of $
0.8
UB-312, an active
a
-Synuclein immunotherapy. The Company will oversee sample management, sample preparation (IgG fractions)
and distribution, as well as characterize the binding properties of the antibodies against pathological forms of aSyn. As funding is
expected to be received in tranches over a two-year period, and the amounts received in each tranche are expected to be utilized within
twelve months, the funds received are recognized as a short-term accrued liability. The Company recognizes payments from MJFF as a
reduction of research and development expenses, in the same period as the expenses that the grant is intended to reimburse are incurred.
As of September 30, 2022, the balance of the short-term accrued liability was less than $
0.1
September 30, 2022, the Company did not recognize any reduction of research and development expenses for amounts reimbursed
through the grant.
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (“CEPI”) Grant
In April 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (“CEPI”) whereby
CEPI has agreed to provide funding of up to $
9.3
COVID-19 vaccine candidate as a heterologous – or ‘mix-and-match’ – booster dose. The Phase 3 trial, which began earlier this year,
is evaluating the ability of UB-612 to boost COVID-19 immunity against the original strain and multiple variants of concern including
Omicron - in people aged 16 years or older, who have been previously immunized with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
The Company will also be performing further manufacturing scale-up work to enable readiness for potential commercialization. Under
the terms of the agreement with CEPI, if successful, a portion of the released doses of the commercial product will be delivered to the
COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (“COVAX”) consortium for distribution to developing countries at low cost.
Cash payments received in advance under the CEPI Funding Agreement are restricted as to their use until expenditures contemplated in
the funding agreement are incurred. As funding is expected to be received in tranches over an eighteen month period, and the amounts
received in each tranche are expected to the utilized within twelve months, the funds received are reflected within restricted cash with a
corresponding short-term accrued liability. The Company recognizes payments from CEPI as a reduction of research and development
expenses, in the same period as the expenses that the grant is intended to reimburse are incurred. As of September 30, 2022, the balance
of the restricted cash and short-term accrued liability was $
3.0
Company recognized a reduction of $
1.6
3.1
Lease Agreements
In April 2022, the Company entered into a facility lease agreement for
4,419
lease commenced in April 2022 and will expire March 2029 with no option to renew. This lease and its terms were reviewed using the
guidance found in ASC 842. Since the lease has a non-cancellable period of one year, and after the first year both the Company and the
landlord have the option to early terminate the lease for any or no reason, the Company has elected to apply the short-term expedient,
which does not subject the New York lease to capitalization.
The Company’s short-term leases resulted in $
0.1
0.1
during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and $
0.3
0.1
expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
License Agreements
In August 2021, Vaxxinity entered into a license agreement (the “Platform License Agreement”) with UBI and certain of its affiliates
that expanded intellectual property rights held under previously issued license agreements with UBI. As part of the agreement, Vaxxinity
obtained a worldwide, sublicensable (subject to certain conditions), perpetual, fully paid-up, royalty-free license to research, develop,
make, have made, utilize, import, export, market, distribute, offer for sale, sell, have sold, commercialize or otherwise exploit peptide-
based vaccines in the field of all human prophylactic and therapeutic uses, except for such vaccines related to human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSE) and Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The patents and patent applications licensed under the Platform
License Agreement include claims directed to a CpG delivery system, artificial T helper cell epitopes and certain designer peptides and
proteins utilized in UB-612. As described above, in consideration for the Platform License Agreement, the Company issued to UBI a
warrant to purchase Class A common stock (the “UBI Warrant”) .
The Company considered ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”) and ASC 730, “Research and Development” (“ASC 730”)
in determining how to account for the issuance of the Class A common stock warrants. The Class A common stock warrants were issued
to a related party in exchange for a license agreement. The majority of the voting interests in the related party and that of the Company
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
21
were held by a group of immediate family members, at the time of the transaction, and as such the transaction constitutes a common
control transaction, which requires the license to be accounted for at the carrying value in the books of the transferor. As the related
party did not have any basis in the assets licensed, there was no accounting impact for the Company.
Indemnification Agreements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to employees, consultants,
vendors, lessors, business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters including, but not limited to, losses arising out of
breach of such agreements or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, the Company has entered
into indemnification agreements with members of its board of directors and executive officers that will require the Company, among
other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers. The
maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is, in
many cases, unlimited. To date, the Company has not incurred any material costs as a result of such indemnifications. The Company is
not aware of any indemnification arrangements that could have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash
flows, and it has not accrued any liabilities related to such obligations as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of
September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company was not a party to any material legal matters or claims.
Loss Contingency
In April 2021, the Company engaged United Biopharma, Inc. (UBP) to begin acquiring raw materials for use in the production of GMP
grade recombinant protein for UB-612, our Covid vaccine candidate. Through August 2021, $
7.2
3
million of materials were received by UBP and paid for with an advance payment from Vaxxinity, and we expensed $
1.2
these raw materials were used to produce proteins.
Upon rejection of the EUA by Taiwan in August 2021, UBP requested that its suppliers cancel the remaining orders. Through September
30, 2022, $
0.4
0.8
3.0
management has not yet concluded that a loss is probable, since UBP has been able to cancel some orders, and discussions with its
suppliers are still ongoing. Hence, an expense has not been recognized for them.
For the $
2.6
expense.
16. Benefit Plans
In March 2018, the Company established a defined contribution savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Code. This plan covers
substantially all U.S. employees who meet minimum age and service requirements and allows participants to defer a portion of their
annual compensation on a pre-tax basis. The Company does not make matching contributions to the Plan.
The Company offers its Ireland-based employees a Personal Retirement Savings Account (“PRSA”) that allows participants to defer a
portion of their annual compensation. The Company provides contributions equal to
4
% of each participant’s annual salary. During both
of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company contributed less than $
0.1
17. Related Party Transactions
The Company has related party arrangements with UBI and a number of its affiliated companies listed namely, United Biomedical, Inc.,
Asia (“UBI-Asia”), UBI Pharma, Inc. (“UBI-P”), United BioPharma, Inc (“UBP”) and UBI IP Holding (“UBI-IP”).
As of September 30, 2022 UBI owned
44
% of the Company’s stock. The majority of the voting interests in both UBI and the Company
were held by a group of immediate family members, and as such the entities are under common control.
These related parties are governed by various Master Services Agreements (“MSA”) detailed below.
UBI MSA - UBI provides research, development and clinical functions to the Company. There is also a purchase arrangement
with UBI for the production and shipment of the Company’s diagnostic test kits.
VAXXINITY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
22
UBIA MSA - UBI-Asia for manufacturing, quality control, testing, validation, and supply services.
UBP MSA - United BioPharma, Inc provide the Company with manufacturing, testing and validation.
COVID MSA (“COVID MSA”) - COVID MSA provides that UBI acts as COVAXX’s agent with respect to matters relating
the Company’s COVID-19 program and provides research, development, manufacturing and back office administrative
services to the Company.
COVID-19 Relief MSA - A four -company MSA with UBI, UBI-Asia and UBP. The Company is an exclusive licensee of
technologies related to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies for COVID-19. The MSA established the terms under which UBI-
Asia provides research, development, testing and manufacturing services to the Company and UBP provides contract
development and manufacturing services to the Company.
Total amounts due to related parties were $
16.7
19.4
respectively. Total amounts due from related parties were $
0.4
0.4
2021, respectively. Total service fees incurred were $
0.0
13.9
2021, respectively. Total service fees incurred were $
1.1
32.6
2021, respectively.
Total related party operating activity, including the activity described above, are as follows (in thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Consolidated balance sheet
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
1,743
$
3,517
Amounts due from related parties
400
393
Property and equipment, net
—
337
Liabilities
Amounts due to related parties
16,676
19,407
Accrued expenses
877
—
Three Months Ended September
30,
Nine Months Ended September
30,
2022
2021
2022
2021
Operating expenses
Research and development
Services provided by related parties
—
13,515
1,139
38,667
Taiwan CDC grant reimbursement from related party
—
—
—
(7,199)
General and administrative
Services provided by related parties
$
—
$
355
$
—
$
1,173
23
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly
Report. We intend for this discussion to provide you with information that will assist you in understanding our unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements, the changes in key items in those unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements from
period to period and the primary factors that accounted for those changes.
Some of the information contained in this discussion and
analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business
and related financing, includes forward -looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See the section of this
Quarterly Report titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of forward-looking statements. As a
result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report, our actual results could
differ materially from management’s expectations and the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained
in the following discussion and analysis.
Overview
Vaxxinity is engaged in the development and commercialization of rationally designed prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines to combat
common chronic disorders and infectious diseases with large global unmet medical needs. Vaccines offer significant cost, convenience
and accessibility advantages over other forms of treatment, but have traditionally been unable to effectively and safely combat chronic
diseases. We believe our platform may be able to do so, expanding access to, and reducing costs of, treatments across a potentially broad
spectrum of illnesses. Our Vaxxine Platform relies on a synthetic peptide vaccine technology first developed by UBI and subsequently
refined over the last two decades. We believe our vaccines have the potential to combat conditions that have not yet been successfully
treated, or which have been addressed with monoclonal antibodies (“mAbs”) which, while generally effective, are far more costly and
cumbersome to administer than vaccines, and thus are generally less accessible. Our pipeline is centered around common chronic
diseases, pursuing validated targets in neurology, pain and cardiovascular indications. We have also leveraged our Vaxxine Platform’s
applicability to infectious disease and are advancing next-generation booster candidate for SARS-CoV-2.
We separated our business from UBI through two transactions: a spin-out from UBI in 2014 of operations focused on developing chronic
disease product candidates that resulted in UNS, and a second spin-out from UBI in 2020 of operations focused on the development of
a COVID-19 vaccine that resulted in COVAXX. On February 2, 2021, Vaxxinity was incorporated for the purpose of reorganizing and
combining UNS and COVAXX and did so on March 2, 2021 through the Reorganization. The Reorganization was determined to be a
common control transaction, so the carrying values of all contributed assets and assumed liabilities remained unchanged and the financial
information for all periods in this section of the financial statements presented prior to the Reorganization are presented on a consolidated
basis. Unless the context requires otherwise, in this section we use the terms “Vaxxinity,” “we,” “us” and “our” to refer to our operations
(including through UNS and COVAXX) both prior to and after the Reorganization.
Since our spin-out transactions from UBI, we have focused on organizing and staffing our business, business planning, raising capital,
developing our Vaxxine Platform and pipeline candidates, identifying and testing potential product candidates and conducting clinical
trials. We have also developed a SARS CoV-2 antibody ELISA test, which received an EUA from the FDA in January 2021.
Our chronic disease pipeline consists of five programs from early to late-stage development. These include two primary programs
focused on well-validated targets of chronic disease: UB-313, which targets CGRP to prevent migraines; and VXX-401, which targets
PCSK9 to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiac events. We consider these to be potential best-in-class based on their
potential for enhanced convenience, increased durability, expanded accessibility and greater cost-effectiveness as compared to biologics
and other available treatments. Moreover, for both of these programs, there is a known regulatory pathway to approval and either a
surrogate marker or experimental provocation that can facilitate and accelerate development decisions. We began dosing subjects in a
Phase 1 first-in-human trial of UB-313 in September 2022, and anticipate progressing VXX-401 into the clinic by the first half of 2023.
We have three programs that comprise our neurodegenerative disease pipeline: UB-311, our leading neurology product candidate, in
development for Alzheimer’s Disease (“AD”); UB-312, in development for Parkinson’s Disease (“PD”) and other synucleinopathies;
and an anti-tau product candidate which has the potential to address multiple neurodegenerative conditions, including AD. These
programs have the unique potential to not only
treat
and accessibility advantages of our vaccine approach,
prevent
disease and disease prevention candidates will require significantly more time and resources in connection with regulatory approval, we
are seeking strategic partnerships and/or dedicated investment in connection with the further advancement of these programs.
We believe in our Vaxxine Platform’s capability to create candidates to address a wide range of other chronic diseases, including those
that are or could potentially be successfully treated by mAbs, which increasingly dominate the treatment paradigm for many chronic
diseases.
24
In addition to our chronic disease pipeline, we are advancing an infectious disease product candidate, UB-612, as a heterologous booster
vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. We have reported results of our UB-612 Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 1 extension clinical trials. An EUA
application for UB-612 was denied by the TFDA in August 2021. We are pursuing accelerated pathways to authorization with regulators
in multiple jurisdictions, including high income countries and LMICs, based on a global Phase 3 heterologous booster trial of UB-612
that began in the first half of 2022.
We have principally funded our operations through financing transactions. Through September 30, 2022, we received gross proceeds of
$306.4 million in connection with various financial instruments, including the sale of preferred and common stock, the issuance of
promissory notes (including convertible promissory notes (“Convertible Notes”)), the entry into simple agreements for future equity
(“SAFEs”), and proceeds from our initial public offering. Additionally, we have been awarded grants totaling $10.0 million from the
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The Company will continue to pursue non-dilutive
sources of financing, including grants, collaboration agreements, and revenue from the sale of our products. However, our ability to
generate revenue sufficient to achieve profitability will depend on the eventual regulatory approval, and successful commercialization
of one or more of our product candidates. To date, we have not yet obtained any regulatory approvals for our pipeline product candidates.
Costs associated with research and development are the most significant component of our expenses. These costs can vary greatly from
period to period depending on the timing of various trials for our product candidates. We expect our allocated research and development
costs to be in line with recent levels over the next 12 months and that they may increase over time as we expand the number of product
candidates that we are advancing, whether exclusively or with partners . Further, if we commercialize any of our product candidates in
the future on our own, we anticipate incurring greater selling and marketing expenses. Our product candidates are in clinical stage or
pre-clinical stage development, and we have generated limited revenue to date and have incurred significant operating losses since
inception. Net losses were $19.3 million and $30.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net
losses were $54.8 million and $89.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of September 30,
2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $284.2 million. Our
expenses and capital requirements may increase over time in connection
with our operations, which could include:
•
continuing pre-clinical studies, existing clinical trials, and initiating new clinical trials for product candidates, including clinical
trials of UB-313 and VXX-401;
•
commercializing UB-612 and meeting post-marketing regulatory commitments;
•
hiring additional clinical, quality control, medical, scientific and other technical personnel to support clinical and research and
development programs;
•
expanding operational, financial and management systems and infrastructure, expanding our facilities and increasing personnel
to support operations;
•
maintaining, expanding and protecting our intellectual property portfolio;
•
seeking regulatory approvals for any product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials; and
•
undertaking pre-commercialization activities to establish sales, marketing , pharmacovigilance and distribution capabilities for
any product candidates for which we may receive regulatory approval in regions where we elect to commercialize products
on our own or jointly with third parties.
As of the date of this Report, we expect our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and
capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We believe that cash and cash equivalents and highly liquid assets on
hand will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital requirements beyond the end of 2023, and do not anticipate any equity
capital raising activities in the near-term at or around current public market valuation levels. Thereafter, our viability will depend on our
ability to raise additional capital to finance operations through debt or equity raises, or non-dilutive sources such as grants, successful
product commercialization and/or collaborations with third parties for the development of our product candidates. If we are unable to
do any of the foregoing, we would be forced to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product candidate development or future
commercialization efforts. Our estimates are based on a variety of assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could exhaust our
available capital resources sooner than expected. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Business Update Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. The onset of the pandemic led to our
institutional prioritization of COVID-19 vaccine development efforts, which correlated to a decline in research and development
expenditures for our chronic disease product candidates. To date, our operations have not been negatively impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic in a material manner. However, at this time, we cannot predict the specific extent, duration or full impact that the COVID-19
pandemic will have on our financial condition and operations, but the development of clinical supply materials could be delayed and
25
enrollment of patients in our studies may be delayed or suspended, as hospitals and clinics in areas where we are conducting trials shift
resources to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and may limit access or close facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally,
if our trial participants are unable to travel to our clinical study sites as a result of quarantines or other restrictions resulting from the
COVID-19 pandemic, we may experience higher drop-out rates or delays in our clinical studies. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on our financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic and related
governmental advisories and restrictions. These developments and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial markets and
the overall economy are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the financial markets and/or the overall economy are impacted for
an extended period, our results may be materially adversely affected. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021—The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has caused
interruptions or delays of our business plan. Delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic may have a significant adverse effect on our
business.”
Components of Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
Revenue
No revenue was generated during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. Revenue of $0.1 million was generated during
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and consisted of commercial sales of our ELISA tests. We do not expect to generate
any meaningful revenue unless and until we obtain regulatory approval of and commercialize our product candidates, and we do not
know when, or if, this will occur. If our development efforts for our product candidates are successful and result in commercialization,
we may generate additional revenue in the future from a combination of product sales or payments from collaboration or license
agreements that we have entered into or may enter into with third parties. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Discovery and
Development of Product Candidates in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. We have incurred
significant losses since our inception. We expect to incur losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain
profitability.”
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists of kit production costs consisting of materials, labor and overhead expenses directly related to ELISA tests sold
and the costs of expired ELISA tests, which are not available for commercial sale.
If our development efforts in respect of our current pipeline of product candidates are successful and result in regulatory approval, we
expect our cost of revenue will increase in relative proportion to the level of our revenue as we commercialize the applicable product
candidate. We expect that cost of revenue will increase in absolute dollars as and if our revenue grows and will vary from period to
period as a percentage of revenue.
Research and Development Expenses
The design, initiation and execution of candidate discovery and development programs of our future potential product candidates is key
to our success and involves significant expenses. Prior to initiating these programs, project teams incorporating individuals from the
essential disciplines within Vaxxinity scope out the activities, timing, requirements, and design of the clinical trials. Once we have
decided to proceed, our Vaxxine Platform enables the iteration of drug candidates in the discovery phase through rapid, rational design
and formulation. After we have identified drug candidates, scaling their formulation from research grade to clinical grade, then to
commercial grade, typically consumes significant resources. In addition to internal research and development, we utilize service
providers, including related parties, to complete activities we do not have the internal resources to handle.
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for research activities, including drug discovery efforts and the
development of our product candidates. We expense research and development costs as incurred, which include:
•
expenses incurred to conduct the necessary preclinical studies and clinical trials required to obtain regulatory approval;
•
expenses incurred under agreements with CROs that are primarily engaged in the oversight and conduct of our clinical trials,
preclinical studies and drug discovery efforts, and contract manufacturers that are primarily engaged to provide preclinical
and clinical drug substance and product for our research and development programs;
•
other costs related to acquiring and manufacturing materials in connection with our drug discovery efforts and preclinical
studies and clinical trial materials, including manufacturing validation batches, as well as investigative sites and consultants
that conduct our clinical trials, preclinical studies and other scientific development services;
•
employee-related expenses, including salaries and benefits, travel and stock-based compensation expense for employees
engaged in research and development functions;
26
•
costs related to compliance with regulatory requirements; and
•
facilities-related costs, depreciation and other expenses, which include rent and utilities.
We recognize external development costs based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information
provided to us by service providers. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with personnel
to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred
for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual costs. Any advance payments that we make for goods
or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses. Such amounts
are expensed as the related goods are delivered or the related services are performed, or until it is no longer expected that the goods will
be delivered or the services rendered, at which point the net remainder is expensed.
We rely on related parties for certain services to advance our research and development programs, including manufacturing, quality
control, testing, validation, supply services, research support, development and clinical functions. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2022 and 2021, related party expenses were approximately 3.6% and 58.0% of our research and development expenses,
respectively.
Where appropriate, we allocate our third-party research and development expenses on a program-by-program basis. These expenses
primarily relate to outside consultants, CROs, contract manufacturers and research laboratories in connection with pre-clinical
development, process development, manufacturing and clinical development activities. We do not allocate our internal costs, such as
employee costs, costs associated with our discovery efforts, laboratory supplies and facilities, including depreciation or other indirect
costs, to specific programs because these costs often relate to platform development, to multiple programs simultaneously or to discovery
of new programs, and any such allocation would necessarily involve significant estimates and judgments and, accordingly, would be
imprecise. When we refer to the research and development expenses associated with a specific program, these refer exclusively to the
allocated third-party expenses associated with that product candidate. All other research and development costs are referred to as
unallocated costs.
Product candidates in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical
development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. In an effort to help mitigate costs and use of
capital, it is the Company’s intention to advance late stage assets, such as UB-311, into large -scale trials with one or more strategic
partners. In the case of UB-311, t
he anticipated timing for the Phase 2b trial initiation will be determined once a strategic partnership
materializes. We believe the decision to share development costs with a partner for this program will allow Vaxxinity to focus resources
on the development of its other chronic disease candidates, as we initiate clinical trials for two potential best-in-class programs (UB-
313 and VXX-401).
At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the
pre-clinical and clinical development of any of our product candidates or when, if ever, material net cash inflows may commence from
any of our product candidates
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, travel and stock-based compensation expense for
personnel in the executive, business development, finance, human resources, legal, information technology and administrative functions.
General and administrative expenses also include facility- related costs as well as insurance costs and professional fees for legal, patent,
consulting, investor and public relations, accounting and audit services and other general operating expenses not otherwise classified as
research and development expenses. We expense general and administrative costs as incurred.
In the event UB-612 becomes authorized by a regulatory authority and commercially available, general and administrative expenses
may increase in the future. We will continue to incur public company-related expenses, including services associated with maintaining
compliance with Nasdaq listing and SEC requirements, director and officer liability insurance and investor and public relations costs.
Other Expense (Income)
Interest Expense
Interest expense consists of (i) interest expense recognized on the note payable entered into during June 2020 for the acquisition of an
airplane (the “2025 Note”), (ii) interest expense recognized on the Convertible Notes and (iii) interest expense recognized on other
promissory notes, including $0.1 million borrowed from our Chief Executive Officer (the “Executive Note”) and a related party
Convertible Note payable for $2.0 million in aggregate proceeds that was received in three tranches (the “2018 Related Notes”). The
Executive Note was repaid in full in August 2021 and the 2018 Related Notes were converted into Series A preferred stock concurrently
with the Reorganization.
27
Interest Income
Interest income consists of income earned on our cash and cash equivalents, money market holdings, and short-term investments.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Notes, SAFEs and Series A-1 Warrant Liability
We issued a series of Convertible Notes during the years 2018 through 2021, a series of SAFEs during 2020 and 2021, and warrants to
purchase shares of our Series A-1 preferred stock (“Series A-1 Warrants”) during 2020, each of which were measured and accounted
for at fair value. We remeasured the fair value of each of the Convertible Notes, SAFEs and Series A-1 Warrants at each reporting date
and recognize changes in the fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Inputs to the calculation of
fair value generally included market and acquisition comparable(s) as well as other variables. In connection with the Reorganization, all
outstanding Convertible Notes, SAFEs, and Series A-1 Warrants were exchanged for shares of Series A preferred stock, which were
subsequently exchanged into shares of Class A common stock upon closing of the IPO in November 2021.
Loss on Foreign Currency Translation, Net
Our foreign subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned by Vaxxinity , use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency and maintain records
in the local currency. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at historical rates and monetary assets and liabilities are
remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the end of the reporting period. Income statement accounts are remeasured at average exchange
rates for the reporting period. The resulting gains or losses are included in foreign currency (losses) gains in the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Provision for Income Taxes
We have not recorded any significant amounts related to income tax but have reserved $0.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits against
NOLs. We have not recorded any income tax benefits for the majority of our net losses we incurred to date.
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities
for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
or our tax returns.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis
of existing assets and liabilities and for loss and credit carryforwards, which are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws in effect
in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation
of future taxable income, the amount and timing of which are uncertain. Valuation allowances are provided, if, based upon the weight
of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of September 30, 2022,
we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance against all of our deferred tax assets based on evaluation of all available evidence.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions and may become subject to income tax audit and adjustments by
related tax authorities. Our tax return periods (for entities then in existence) for U.S. federal income taxes for the tax years since 2017
remain open to examination under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and state jurisdictions. We record reserves
for potential tax payments to various tax authorities related to uncertain tax positions, if any. The nature of uncertain tax positions is
subject to significant judgment by management and subject to change, which may be substantial. These reserves are based on a
determination of whether and how much a tax benefit taken by us in our tax filings or positions is more likely than not to be realized
following the resolution of any potential contingencies related to the tax benefit. We develop our assessment of uncertain tax positions,
and the associated cumulative probabilities, using internal expertise and assistance from third-party experts. As additional information
becomes available, estimates are revised and refined. Differences between estimates and final settlement may occur resulting in
additional tax expense. Potential interest and penalties associated with such uncertain tax positions is recorded as a component of our
provision for income taxes.
Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
Reorganization
On March 2, 2021, Vaxxinity entered into the Contribution and Exchange Agreement, pursuant to which the outstanding equity interests
of UNS and COVAXX were contributed to Vaxxinity in return for equity interests in Vaxxinity, resulting in UNS and COVAXX
becoming wholly owned subsidiaries of Vaxxinity. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts prior to the Reorganization have been
adjusted to reflect the Reorganization. As a result, the historical financial information between January 1, 2021 and March 2, 2021
described in this Quarterly Report refers to the combined historical financial information of UNS and COVAXX. Our operations for the
nine months ended September 30, 2022 reflects the operations of Vaxxinity and its subsidiaries. Our operations for the nine months
ended September 30, 2021 reflects the operations of UNS and COVAXX businesses on a condensed consolidated basis for the period
from January 1, 2021 to March 1, 2021 and of Vaxxinity and its subsidiaries for the remainder of that six-month period. See Note 1 to
our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
28
Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
The following table summarizes our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2022 and 2021, together with the dollar change in those items from period to period (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022
2021
Change
2022
2021
Change
Revenue
$
—
$
50
$
(50)
$
—
$
67
$
(67)
Costs of revenue
—
9
(9)
—
1,937
(1,937)
Gross (loss) profit
—
41
(41)
—
(1,870)
1,870
Operating expenses:
Research and development
12,468
23,443
(10,975)
34,609
54,324
(19,715)
General and administrative
7,300
6,873
427
20,546
21,130
(584)
Total operating expenses
19,768
30,316
(10,548)
55,155
75,454
(20,299)
Loss from operations
(19,768)
(30,275)
10,507
(55,155)
(77,324)
22,169
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense
54
112
(58)
264
732
(468)
Interest income
(545)
(3)
(542)
(625)
(6)
(619)
Change in fair value of
convertible notes
—
—
—
—
2,667
(2,667)
Change in fair value of simple
agreements for future equity
—
—
—
—
8,365
(8,365)
Change in fair value of
warrant liability
—
—
—
—
214
(214)
Loss (gain) on foreign
currency translation, net
(25)
5
(30)
(28)
24
(52)
Other (income) expense, net
(516)
114
(630)
(389)
11,996
(12,385)
Net loss
$
(19,252)
$
(30,389)
$
11,137
$
(54,766)
$
(89,320)
$
34,554
Revenue
Revenues for all periods presented are negligible. All revenue and comparable decreases were due to sales of our ELISA tests. We are
not actively pursuing commercialization of our ELISA tests at this time.
Gross Margin
All gross margin and comparable decreases were due to sales of our ELISA tests. Gross margin was zero for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we wrote off, to cost of revenue, $1.9 million in expired
ELISA tests that had no commercial value.
Research and Development Expenses
Comparison of the three months ended September
30, 2022 to the three months ended September
30, 2021
Research and development expenses were $12.5 million and $23.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021,
respectively. The $10.9 million decrease was comprised of a $14.6 million decrease in allocated costs (i.e., costs that can be directly
attributed to a specific clinical program), and a $3.6 million increase in unallocated costs. The decrease in allocated costs was primarily
due to a decrease of $14.9 million in costs related to our UB-612 Covid vaccine program, $0. 7 million to our UB-311 AD program and
$0.3 million to our UB-312 PD program, offset by increases in spend of $1.3 million on our VXX-401 hypercholesterolemia program
and a $2.6 million expense recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2022 for UB-612 raw materials acquired by UBP, a
related party contract manufacturer. See Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies”, for more information about this expense. The
$3.6 million increase in unallocated costs was driven by increased salaries and personnel-related costs of $2.1 million, including stock-
based compensation expense of $0.5 million, a $0.8 million increase in rent, facilities and travel costs, and a $0.7 million increase in
external professional services supporting research and development activities across the pipeline.
29
Comparison of the nine months ended September
30, 2022 to the nine months ended September
30, 2021
Research and development expenses were $34.6 million and $54.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021,
respectively. The $19.7 million decrease was comprised of a $31.7 million decrease in allocated costs (i.e., costs that can be directly
attributed to a specific clinical program), offset by an $12.0 million increase in unallocated costs. The decrease in allocated costs was
primarily due to a decrease of $37.8 million in costs related to our UB-612 Covid vaccine program, offset by increases in spend of $3.1
million on our VXX-401 hypercholesterolemia program, $1.6 million on our UB-313 CGRP program , $1.1 million on our UB-312 PD
program, and a $2.6 million expense recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 for UB-612 raw materials acquired by
UBP, a related party contract manufacturer. See Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies”, for more information about this expense.
The $12.0 million increase in unallocated costs was driven by increases in salaries and personnel-related costs of $9.5 million, including
stock-based compensation expense of $1.7 million, a $1.3 million increase in external professional services supporting research and
development activities across the pipeline, and a $1.2 million increase in facilities and other overhead costs.
General and Administrative Expenses
Comparison of the three months ended September
30, 2022 to the three months ended September
30, 2021
General and administrative expenses were $7.3 million and $6.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021,
respectively. The $0.4 million increase was primarily due to increases in Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance costs of $1.1 million
and salaries and personnel-related costs of $0.3 million, partially offset by decreases of $1.0 million consulting costs and professional
services.
Comparison of the nine months ended September
30, 2022 to the nine months ended September
30, 2021
General and administrative expenses were $20.5 million and $21.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021,
respectively. The $0.6 million decrease was primarily due to decreases of $1.2 million in legal spend, $1.0 million in consulting spend,
and $0.9 million in travel expense versus the prior year period when the company was planning to go public. Spending on external
recruiters also declined by $0.7 million. These cost decreases were partially offset by increases in D&O insurance costs of $2.9 million.
Interest Expense
Comparison of the three months ended September
30, 2022 to the three months ended September
30, 2021
Interest expense was $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Comparison of the nine months ended September
30, 2022 to the nine months ended September
30, 2021
Interest expense was $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The $0.4
million decrease was due to the exchange of Convertible Notes for Series A preferred stock in connection with the Reorganization.
Interest Income
Comparison of the three months ended September
30, 2022 to the three months ended September
30, 2021
Interest income on cash and short-term investments was $0.5 million and less than $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30,
2022 and 2021, respectively.
Comparison of the nine months ended September
30, 2022 to the nine months ended September
30, 2021
Interest income on cash and short-term investments was $0.6 million and less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2022 and 2021, respectively.
Change in Fair Value of Convertible Notes, SAFEs and Series A-1 Warrant Liability
In connection with the Reorganization, all outstanding Convertible Notes, SAFEs and Series A-1 Warrants were exchanged into shares
of Series A preferred stock, which were subsequently exchanged into shares of Class A common stock upon the closing of the IPO in
November 2021.
The $2.7 million change in fair value of the Convertible Notes recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 related to
the revaluation of the Convertible Notes upon conversion to equity. The $8.4 million change in fair value of SAFEs recognized during
the nine months ended September 30, 2021 related to insight into the pricing of Vaxxinity’s next stock issuance at a higher valuation.
30
The $0.2 million change in fair value of Series A-1 Warrants recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 related to
an increase in value of the Series A-1 preferred stock.
Loss on Foreign Currency Translation, Net
The net loss of foreign currency translation reflects increases in the US dollar foreign exchange rate for the three months ended
September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared
to the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
We have generated limited revenue from sales of our ELISA tests and have not yet commercialized any of our product candidates, which
are in various phases of pre-clinical and clinical development. Prior to going public in late 2021, we financed operations primarily
through the issuance of convertible preferred stock, borrowings under promissory notes (including Convertible Notes) and the execution
of SAFEs. Through December 31, 2020, we received gross proceeds of $99.3 million in connection with the issuance of various financial
instruments, including the sale of preferred stock, the issuance of promissory notes (including Convertible Notes), and the execution of
SAFEs. In addition, we also generated revenue from the sale of an option to negotiate a license with UNS (which option has expired)
and the sales of ELISA tests in 2020 and 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we raised a total of $198.8 million, which
consisted of $71.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common stock in connection with the IPO, $122.8 million in net proceeds
from the issuance of Series B preferred shares, $2.0 million in net proceeds from the issuance of convertible debt, and $2.9 million in
net proceeds from the issuance of SAFEs. At September 30, 2022, the Company had $102.2 million of highly liquid assets to fund
operations, including $18.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, $80.2 million of short-term investments, and a $3.1 million restricted
cash balance, compared to $144.9 million as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in liquid assets for the periods reported are primarily
due to the factors described under “Cash Flows” below.
Cash Flows
The following table provides information regarding our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in
thousands):
September 30,
December 31,
2022
2021
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
18,875
$
144,885
Short-term investments, net
80,233
—
Restricted cash
3,073
172
Total assets
122,960
166,673
Total liabilities
42,699
38,054
Total stockholders' equity
$
80,261
$
128,619
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2022
2021
Statement of Cash Flow Data:
Net cash used in operating activities
$
(41,451)
$
(67,026)
Net cash used in investing activities
(81,600)
(50)
Net cash provided by financing activities
(58)
125,308
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
(123,109)
$
58,232
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $41.5 million, primarily resulting from a $54.8
million net loss, an unfavorable $6.2 million change in operating assets and liabilities and total non-cash items of $7.1 million. The
changes in net operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to a decrease of $2.7 million in amounts due to related party, a $7.5
million increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, a $3.3 million increase in prepaid expenses, and a $2.1 million decrease
in long-term deposits. The primary non-cash adjustments to net loss consisted of $6.4 million of stock-based compensation and $1.1
million in depreciation.
31
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $67.0 million, primarily due to an $89.3 million
net loss and an increase of $3.9 million in net operating assets and liabilities and an increase in total non-cash items of $18.4 million.
The cash flow impact from changes in net operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to $13.2 million in amounts due to related
party as well as $4.8 million related to accrued expense, accounts payable and other liabilities. These increases were offset by $10.2
million in prepaid expenses for UB-612 production as well as $4.0 million in deferred offering costs. The primary non-cash adjustments
to net loss included an $11.2 million change in the fair market value of financial instruments as well as $5.7 million of stock-based
compensation and $0.9 million in depreciation.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $81.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The cash used in investing
activities consisted primarily of the acquisition of equipment and short -term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities was less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The cash used in investing
activities consisted primarily of the acquisition of equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities was less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. We repaid $0.3 million
in relation to a note payable and received $0.3 million from the exercise of stock options.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $125.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. We raised capital
through the issuance of Series B preferred stock, with net proceeds of $122.8 million, and the issuance prior to the March 2021
Reorganization of SAFEs and Convertible Notes, with net proceeds of $2.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively. We also repaid $2.0
million in relation to a Convertible Note and $0.3 million in relation to a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
Funding Requirements
We have generated approximately $3.7 million in revenue since inception and have incurred net losses in each reporting period since
inception. We do not expect to generate any meaningful revenue unless and until we obtain regulatory approval of and commercialize
our product candidates, secure out-licensing agreements or form strategic partnerships. We do not know when, or if, this will occur.
Therefore, we will likely continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and losses may increase as we continue the
development of, and seek regulatory approvals for, our product candidates and begin to commercialize any approved products.
As of the date of this Quarterly Report, we expect our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses
and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. As of September 30, 2022, other than our 2025 Note, we have no
material debt obligations.
We have based our projections of operating capital requirements on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, and we may use all of
our available capital resources sooner than we expect. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, which include:
•
the number of discovery and pre-clinical programs that we pursue and the speed with which they are advanced;
•
the number, size, and nature of clinical trials that we conduct;
•
the length of time it takes for regulators to review and approve any product candidates that successfully complete clinical
trials;
•
the timing and manner in which we manufacture our pre-clinical and clinical drug material, the terms on which we can have
such manufacturing completed, and the extent to which we undertake commercialization of any drug products, if approved;
•
the timing and extent to which we secure out-licensing agreements for our products or form strategic partnerships;
•
the extent to which we establish sales, marketing, medical affairs and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any product
candidates;
•
the timing and extent to which we expand our operational, financial and management systems and infrastructure, and
facilities;
•
the timing and extent to which we increase our personnel to support operations, including necessary increases in headcount to
conduct and expand our clinical trials, commercialize any approved products and support our operations as a public
company; and
32
•
the number of patent applications we must file and claims we must defend in order to maintain, expand and protect our
intellectual property portfolio, and the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and
protecting our intellectual property rights.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate positive cash flows from operations, we expect to finance our cash needs through public or
private equity offerings, strategic collaborations and debt financing. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of our
Class A common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities, shareholders’ ownership interest will be diluted and the terms
of these securities could include liquidation or other preferences and anti-dilution protections. In addition, debt financing, if available,
may result in fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take
specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, creating liens, redeeming shares or declaring dividends.
If we raise additional funds through strategic collaborations or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we
may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that
may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or
terminate our product candidate development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to third parties to develop and market
product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Contract Research and Manufacturing Organizations
We recorded accrued expenses of $2.5 million in our balance sheet for expenditures incurred by CROs and contract manufacturers as
of September 30, 2022 and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2021 .
Tax -Related Obligations
We have reserved $0.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits against NOLs. Additionally, as of September 30, 2022, we accrued $0.2
million in interest and penalties related to prior year tax filings.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have during the periods presented, and do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and
regulations of the SEC.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its
estimates on historical experience, market and other conditions, and various other assumptions it believes to be reasonable. Although
these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, the estimation
process is, by its nature, uncertain given that estimates depend on events over which we may not have control. In addition, if our
assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates, or take other corrective actions, either of which may also have a material
effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates contained within these unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the estimated fair value of our common stock, stock-based
compensation, income tax valuation allowance and the accruals of research and development expenses. We base our estimates on
historical experience, known trends and other market-specific or other relevant factors that we believe to be reasonable under the
circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, as there are changes in facts and circumstances. If market and
other conditions change from those that we anticipate, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements may be materially
affected.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, we believe that the following critical accounting policies and estimates have a
higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require our most significant judgments.
Accrued Research and Development Expenses
As part of the process of preparing our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate accrued
research and development expenses. As we advance our programs, we anticipate conducting more complex clinical studies resulting in
greater research and development expenses, which will place even greater emphasis on the accrual. This process involves reviewing
open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our applicable personnel to identify services that have been performed on our
behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced
or otherwise notified of actual costs. The majority of our service providers invoice in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined
schedule or when contractual milestones are met; however, some require advance payments. We make estimates of accrued expenses as
33
of each balance sheet date in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us
at that time. We periodically confirm the accuracy of the estimates with the service providers and make adjustments if necessary.
Examples of estimated accrued research and development expenses include fees paid to:
•
vendors, including research laboratories, in connection with pre-clinical development activities;
•
CROs and investigative sites in connection with pre-clinical studies and clinical trials; and
•
contract manufacturers in connection with drug substance and drug product formulation of pre-clinical studies and clinical
trial materials.
We base our expenses related to pre-clinical studies and clinical trials on our estimates of the services received and efforts expended
pursuant to quotes and contracts with multiple research institutions and CROs that supply, conduct and manage pre-clinical studies and
clinical trials on our behalf. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation, vary from contract to contract and may
result in uneven payment flows. There may be instances in which payments made to our vendors will exceed the level of services
provided and result in a prepayment of the expense. Payments under some of these contracts depend on factors such as the successful
enrollment of patients and the completion of clinical trial milestones. In accruing service fees, we estimate the time period over which
services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or
the level of effort varies from the estimate, we adjust the accrual or the prepaid expense accordingly. Although we do not expect our
estimates to be materially different from amounts actually incurred, our understanding of the status and timing of services performed
relative to the actual status and timing of services performed may vary and may result in reporting amounts that are too high or too low
in any particular period. To date, our estimated accruals have not differed materially from actual costs incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure all stock-based awards granted to employees, directors and non-employees based on their fair value on the date of the grant
and recognize the corresponding compensation expense of those awards over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting
period of the respective award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. We grant stock options and restricted stock awards that are
subject to service vesting conditions.
We classify stock-based compensation expense in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations in the same manner
in which the award recipient’s payroll costs are classified or in which the award recipient’s service payments are classified.
We estimate the fair value of each stock option grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the use of subjective
assumptions that could materially impact the estimation of fair value and related compensation expense to be recognized. These
assumptions include (i) the expected volatility of our stock price, (ii) the periods of time over which recipients are expected to hold their
options prior to exercise (expected lives), (iii) expected dividend yield on our common stock, and (iv) risk-free interest rates, which are
based on quoted U.S. Treasury rates for securities with maturities approximating the options’ expected lives. Developing these
assumptions requires the use of judgment. Both prior to and after the IPO, we lacked company-specific historical and implied volatility
information. Therefore, we estimate our expected stock volatility based on the historical volatility of a publicly traded set of peer
companies. The expected term of the Company’s options has been determined utilizing the “simplified” method for awards that qualify
as “plain-vanilla” options. The expected term of options granted to non-employees is equal to the contractual term of the option award.
The expected dividend yield is zero as we have never paid dividends and do not currently anticipate paying any in the foreseeable future.
Simple Agreement for Future Equity
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we entered into SAFEs. The SAFEs were not mandatorily redeemable, nor did they
require us to repurchase a fixed number of shares. We determined that the SAFEs contained a liquidity event provision that embodied
an obligation indexed to the fair value of the equity shares and could require us to settle the SAFE obligation by transferring assets or
cash. Our SAFEs represented a recurring measurement that is classified within Level 3, of the fair value hierarchy, as disclosed and
defined in Note 3 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, wherein fair value is estimated using
significant unobservable inputs, including an estimate of the number of months to a liquidity event, volatility rates and the estimation
of the most likely conversion feature for converting the SAFE.
The fair value of the SAFEs on the date of issuance was determined to equal the proceeds we received. The value of the SAFEs on the
date of conversion into Series A preferred stock was determined to be equal to the fair value of the Series A preferred stock issued in
connection with the Reorganization.
Convertible Notes
Beginning in 2018, we issued Convertible Notes that bore simple interest at annual rates ranging from 4.8% to 6%. All unpaid principal,
together with the accrued interest thereon, for the Convertible Notes were payable upon the event of default or upon maturity, which
34
ranged from one to three years. The Convertible Notes contained a number of provisions addressing automatic and optional conversion,
events of default and prepayment provisions. We determined that a portion of the Convertible Notes contained a liquidity event
provision, requiring them to be measured and accounted for at fair value at each reporting date. We determined that Convertible Notes
requiring a measurement to fair value represented a recurring measurement that was classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy
wherein fair value is estimated using significant unobservable inputs, as disclosed and defined in Note 3 in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Taiwan Centers for Disease Control Grant
UBIA, which is responsible for applying for and managing grants on our behalf, was awarded a grant by the Taiwan Centers for Disease
Control (“TCDC”) for COVID-19 vaccine development. The grant provides that costs incurred to complete the two phases of the clinical
trial will be reimbursed based on the achievement of certain milestones as defined in the agreement. We are entitled to reimbursement
under the TCDC grant. At each reporting date, we assess the status of all of the activities involved in completing the clinical study in
relation to the milestones. We account for the amounts that have been received from the TCDC to reimburse costs incurred on the
clinical study and not expected to be refunded back to the TCDC as contra research and development expenses in the accompanying
unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are exposed to market risk in the ordinary course of our business. These risks primarily relate to foreign currency and changes in
interest rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We have limited exposure to foreign currency exchange risk as most of our operating activities are primarily denominated in U.S.
dollars. We believe actual foreign exchange gains and losses did not have a significant impact on our results of operations for any periods
presented herein. The results of the analysis based on our financial position as of September 30, 2022, indicated that a hypothetical 10%
increase or decrease in applicable foreign currency exchange rates would not have a material effect on our financial results.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our cash
equivalents consisted of interest-bearing checking accounts and money market accounts. We issued Convertible Notes, which
Convertible Notes were exchanged for Series A preferred stock in connection with the Reorganization. The Convertible Notes bore
simple interest at the annual rates ranging from 4.8% to 6%, with redemption terms payable at the earlier of one year, or upon the event
of default. In addition, the Convertible Notes contained provisions addressing automatic and optional conversion. Given the redemption
of the Convertible Notes, and the short-term nature and fixed interest rate, we believe there is no material exposure to interest rate risk.
Additionally, the 2025 Note we entered into for the year ended December 31, 2020 bears an annual interest rate of 3.4% and matures in
June 2025. Given the fixed interest rate of the 2025 Note, we believe there is no material exposure to interest rate risk. The results of
the analysis based on our financial position as of September 30, 2022, indicated that a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease
in risk-free rates would not have a material effect on our financial results.
Our measurement of interest rate risk involves assumptions that are inherently uncertain and, as a result, cannot precisely estimate the
impact of changes in interest rates on net interest revenues. Actual results may differ from simulated results due to balance growth or
decline and the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, as well as changes in market conditions and management
strategies, including changes in asset and liability mix.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal accounting officer, evaluated, as of the end of
the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures,
management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable
assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact
that there are resource constraints, and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls
and procedures relative to their costs. Based on management’s evaluation and, our principal executive officer and principal accounting
officer concluded that, as of September 30, 202 2, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance
level.
35
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a
reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual and interim financial statements will not be detected or
prevented on a timely basis.
We invested resources to remediate the material weaknesses identified in the preparation of our audited consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in the preparation of our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended
March 31, 2022. These remediation activities involved the following:
• hiring additional accounting personnel with the appropriate level of skill and experience for public company financial reporting;
• designing and implementing a formal financial close process that includes multiple levels of reviews of accounting entries; and
• supplementing our resources for evaluating and accounting for complex transactions and stock options through the use of third-
party advisors.
Other than the measures described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, does not expect that our
disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no
matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be
met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be
considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide
absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have
been detected. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and
there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of
any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
36
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time we are a party to various litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not presently party to
any legal proceedings the resolution of which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial
condition, liquidity, results of operation, cash flows or capital levels.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
As a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act), we are not required to provide the information called
for by this Item 1A. Risk factors describing the major risks to our business can be found under Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022.
Use of Proceeds
On November 15, 2021, the Company closed its IPO, as discussed in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. The aggregate net proceeds to us from the offering, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by us, was approximately $71.1 million. The proceeds
from our IPO have been invested primarily in money market accounts. There has been no material change in the expected use of the net
proceeds from our IPO as described in our prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act with the SEC on
November 12, 2021.
Item 6. Exhibits.
The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed herewith or have been filed previously with the SEC as indicated
below:
Exhibit
No.
Index to Exhibits
3.1
3.2
4.1
37
31.1
31.2
32.1
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).*
__________________________
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
† Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
§ Portions of the exhibit, marked by brackets, have been omitted because the omitted information (i) is not material and (ii) would
likely cause competitive harm if publicly disclosed.
38
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on November 10, 2022.
VAXXINITY, INC.
By:
/s/ Mei Mei Hu
Mei Mei Hu,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)
By:
/s/ Jason Pesile
Jason Pesile
Senior Vice President, Finance & Accounting
(Principal financial and accounting officer)