ACHIEVE LIFE SCIENCES INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 28, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Mar 28, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- NATURE OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND LIQUIDITY RISK
Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. (referred to as “Achieve,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline for smoking cessation and nicotine addiction. We were incorporated in the state of Delaware, and operate out of Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Liquidity
We have historically experienced recurring losses from operations and have incurred an accumulated deficit of $165.8 million through December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $15.5 million and a negative working capital balance of $3.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred a net loss of $29.8 million and net cash used in operating activities was $24.5 million. In February 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain purchasers in a registered direct offering and raised gross proceeds of approximately $60.0 million, and after deducting approximately $3.8 million in placement agent fees and offering expenses, we received net proceeds of approximately $56.2 million. We have historically financed our operations through equity financings. While we believe that we will be able to settle our commitments and liabilities in the normal course of business as they fall due during the next 12 months, as a development-stage company with no current sources of revenue, we are dependent on our ability to raise funds (through public or private securities offerings, debt financings, government funding or grants, or other sources, which may include licensing, collaborations or other strategic transactions or arrangements) to support the ongoing advancement of our clinical trials and corporate activities.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Achieve and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Achieve Life Sciences Technologies Inc., Achieve Life Science, Inc., Extab Corporation, and Achieve Pharma UK Limited. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
- ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions principally relate to estimates of contingent considerations, the initial fair value and forfeiture rates of stock options issued to employees and consultants, the estimated compensation cost on performance restricted stock unit awards, clinical trial and manufacturing accruals, estimated useful lives of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, estimates and assumptions in contingent liabilities.
Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity ofthree months or less to be cash equivalents, which we consider as available for sale and carry at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
Fair value of financial instruments
Other financial instruments including accounts payable, accrued liabilities other, accrued clinical liabilities and accrued compensation are carried at cost, which we believe approximates fair value because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Intellectual Property
The costs of acquiring intellectual property rights to be used in the research and development process, including licensing fees and milestone payments, are charged to research and development expense as incurred in situations where we have not identified an alternative future use for the acquired rights, and are capitalized in situations where we have identified an alternative future use. No costs associated with acquiring intellectual property rights have been capitalized to date. Costs of maintaining intellectual property rights are expensed as incurred.
Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets are subject to amortization and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit. We evaluate the carrying amount of intangible assets periodically by taking into account events or circumstances that may warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate the asset may be impaired.
Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is assigned to the reporting unit that is expected to benefit from the combination as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or, more frequently, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit.
Sopharma Share Purchase Agreement Contingent Consideration
We may be required to pay future contingent consideration to Sopharma, AD as part of the Share Purchase Agreement, which is contingent upon obtaining regulatory approval of cytisinicline by the FDA or the EMA.We determine the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability based discounted cash flow approach whereby we forecast the timing of the cash flow of the related future payment based on cytisinicline's current clinical development phase and the remaining requirements for regulatory approval. We then discount the expected payment amount to calculate the present value and then apply a probability of success in obtaining regulatory approval as of the valuation date. We evaluate the underlying projection used in determining the fair value each period and make updates as necessary.
The significant assumptions we use to value the contingent consideration are the forecasted timing of the future payment, the risk-adjusted discount rate and the probability of success which are all considered significant unobservable inputs, and as such, the liability is classified as a Level 3 measurement. The risk-adjusted discount rate is adjusted for credit risk. An increase in the discount rate or decrease in the probability of success would result in a decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration. Conversely, a decrease in the discount rate or increase in the probability of success would result in an increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense on assets acquired under capital lease is recorded within depreciation expense. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the following periods:
| Computer equipment | 3 years |
|---|---|
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 years |
| Machinery and equipment | 5 - 10 years |
| Leasehold improvements and equipment under capital lease | Over the term of the lease |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. We conduct our long-lived asset impairment analyses in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” ASC 360-10-15 requires us to group assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flow analysis or appraisals.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases and for operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of deferred tax assets that is more likely than not to be unrealized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws.
Government Grants
We account for government grants by recognizing the benefit of the grant as qualifying expenditures are incurred provided that there is reasonable assurance that we have complied with all conditions under the terms of the grant and that the amount requested for reimbursement will be received. The government grant reduces the research and development, or R&D, expenses to which it relates on our statement of profit and loss.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, net of related refundable investment tax credits, with the exception of non-refundable advance payments for goods or services to be used in future research and development, which are capitalized in accordance with ASC 730, “Research and Development” and included within Prepaid Expenses or Other Assets depending on when the assets will be utilized.
Clinical trial expenses are a component of research and development costs. These expenses include fees paid to contract research organizations and investigators and other service providers, which conduct certain product development activities on our behalf. We use an accrual basis of accounting, based upon estimates of the amount of service completed. In the event payments differ from the amount of service completed, prepaid expense or accrued liabilities amounts are adjusted on the balance sheet. These expenses are based on estimates of the work performed under service agreements, milestones achieved, patient enrollment and experience with similar contracts. We monitor each of these factors to the extent possible and adjust estimates accordingly.
Stock-Based Compensation
Under the fair value recognition provisions of the ASC 718, “Stock Compensation,” we use the modified prospective method with respect to options granted to employees and directors. The expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the graded vesting period.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
We grant restricted stock unit awards that generally vest and are expensed over afour-year period. We also granted restricted stock unit awards that vest in conjunction with certain performance conditions to certain executive officers and key employees. At each reporting date, we evaluate whether achievement of the performance conditions is probable. Compensation expense is recorded over the appropriate service period based upon our assessment of accomplishing each performance provision or the occurrence of other events that may have caused the awards to accelerate and vest.
Segment Information
We follow the requirements of ASC 280, “Segment Reporting.” We haveone operating segment, dedicated to the development and commercialization of cytisinicline for nicotine addiction, with operations located in Canada, the United States and the U.K.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale marketable securities. We report the components of comprehensive loss in the statement of stockholders’ equity.
Loss per Common Share
Basic loss per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed in accordance with the treasury stock method. The effect of potentially issuable common shares from outstanding stock options, restricted stock unit awards and warrants are anti-dilutive for all periods presented.
Warrants
We account for warrants pursuant to the authoritative guidance on accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own stock, on the understanding that in compliance with applicable securities laws, the warrants require the issuance of registered securities upon exercise and therefore do not sufficiently preclude an implied right to net cash settlement. We have warrants classified as equity and these are not reassessed for their fair value at the end of each reporting period. Warrants classified as equity are initially measured at their fair value and recognized as part of stockholders’ equity. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of registered warrants requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and expected warrant life. The computation of expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of comparable companies from a representative peer group selected based on industry and market capitalization. A small change in the estimates used may have a relatively large change in the estimated valuation. We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the warrants.
Reporting Currency and Foreign Currency Translation
Our functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Revenues and expenses denominated in other than U.S. dollars are translated at average monthly rates.
Thefunctional currency of our foreign subsidiary is the U.S. dollar. For this foreign operation, assets and liabilities denominated in other than U.S. dollars are translated at the period-end rates for monetary assets and liabilities and historical rates for non-monetary assetsand liabilities. Revenues and expenses denominated in other than U.S. dollars are translated at average monthly rates. Gains and losses from this translation are recognized in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
Recent Accounting Standards
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which is intended to provide enhanced segment disclosures. The standard will require disclosures about significant segment expenses and other segment items and identifying the Chief Operating Decision Maker and how they use the reported segment profitability measures to assess segment performance and allocate resources. These enhanced disclosures are required for all entities on an interim and annual basis, even if they have only a single reportable segment. The standard is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating this standard to determine if adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”. This guidance is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to disclosure regarding rate reconciliation and income taxes paid both in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 on a prospective basis, with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating this standard to determine if adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
- FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK
Concentration of Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk
We place our cash primarily in commercial checking accounts with various financial institutions. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $0.4 million of our cash and $2.4 million of our cash equivalents (Note 7 – Fair Value Measurements) is held in a single financial institution, SVB, as required by the covenants of our Convertible Debt Agreement (Note 9 – Convertible Debt). Our commercial bank balances exceed federal insurance limits.
We have not experienced any losses in our cash and cash equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Concentration of Credit Risk
For certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, accrued liabilities other, accrued clinical liabilities and accrued compensation carrying values approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. Our cash equivalents are recorded at fair value.
Financial risk is the risk to our results of operations that arises from fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates and the degree of volatility of these rates as well as credit risk associated with the financial stability of the issuers of the financial instruments. Foreign exchange rate risk arises as a portion of our expenses are denominated in other than U.S. dollars.
We invest our excess cash in accordance with investment guidelines, which limit our credit exposure for securities to any one financial institution or corporation other than securities issued by the U.S. government. We only invest in A (or equivalent) rated securities with maturities ofone year or less. These securities generally mature within one year or less and in some cases are not collateralized. At December 31, 2023 the average days to maturity of our portfolio of cash equivalents and marketable securities waszero days. We do not use derivative instruments to hedge against any of these financial risks.
- GOVERNMENT GRANT
In July 2021, we announced that we were awarded a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, of the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, to evaluate the use of cytisinicline as a treatment for cessation of nicotine e-cigarette use. This initial grant award, in the amount of $0.3 million, commenced on August 1, 2021, and was utilized to complete critical regulatory and clinical operational activities, such as protocol finalization, clinical trial site identification, drug packaging, and submission of a new Investigational New Drug Application, or IND, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, for investigating cytisinicline in nicotine e-cigarette users.
In November 2021, we announced that the FDA had completed their review and accepted the IND to investigate cytisinicline as a cessation treatment in this population. In June 2022, following NIH review of completed milestones, we announced that we were awarded the next grant funding from the NIDA, which we have used to conduct the ORCA-V1 Phase 2 clinical trial.
In June 2022, we announced the initiation of the ORCA-V1 Phase 2 clinical trial. ORCA-V1 will evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3 mg cytisinicline dosed three times daily compared to placebo in approximately 160 adult e-cigarette users at five clinical trial locations in the United States. Participants were randomized to receive cytisinicline or placebo for 12 weeks in combination with standard cessation behavioral support.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 we incurred $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in qualifying R&D expenditures under the NIDA/NIH grant which has been recorded as a reduction in R&D expense. From inception of the grant award to December 31, 2023, we have received approximately $2.4 million in reimbursements from NIDA/NIH. As of December 31, 2023 we had $0.1 million in grant receivable related to the NIDA/NIH grant.
The grant award is expected to cover approximately half of the total ORCA-V1 clinical study costs. The Primary Investigators for the grant are our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cindy Jacobs, and Dr. Nancy Rigotti, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director, Tobacco Research and Treatment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital.
- INTANGIBLES
All of our intangible assets are subject to amortization and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life.
We acquired license and supply agreements, in relation to cytisinicline, upon the acquisition of Extab Corporation, or Extab, in 2015. The agreements were determined to have a fair value of $3.1 million with an estimated useful life of 14 years.
The components of intangible assets were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Carrying | Accumulated | Net Carrying | Gross Carrying | Accumulated | Net Carrying | |
| Value | Amortization | Value | Value | Amortization | Value | |
| License Agreements | $3,117 | $(1,920) | $1,197 | $3,117 | $(1,699) | $1,418 |
For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 we recorded license agreement amortization expense of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The following table outlines the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets held as of December 31, 2023:
| Year Ending December 31, | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 223 |
| 2025 | 223 |
| 2026 | 223 |
| 2027 | 223 |
| Thereafter | 305 |
| Total | $1,197 |
We evaluate the carrying amount of intangible assets periodically by taking into account events or circumstances that may warrant revised estimates of useful life or that indicate the asset may be impaired. We conducted an impairment analysis for long lived assets, including the license and supply agreements for the active pharmaceutical ingredient cytisinicline, and concluded that there wereno indicators of impairment identified as of December 31, 2023.
- LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Sopharma License and Supply Agreements
We are party to a license agreement, or the Sopharma License Agreement, and a supply agreement, or the Sopharma Supply Agreement, with Sopharma, AD, or Sopharma. Pursuant to the Sopharma License Agreement, we were granted access to all available manufacturing, efficacy and safety data related to cytisinicline, as well as a granted patent in several European countries related to new oral dosage forms of cytisinicline providing enhanced stability. Additional rights granted under the Sopharma License Agreement include the exclusive use of, and the right to sublicense, certain cytisinicline trademarks in all territories described in the Sopharma License Agreement. Under the Sopharma License Agreement, we agreed to pay a nonrefundable license fee. In addition, we agreed to make certain royalty payments equal to a mid-single digit percentage of all net sales of cytisinicline products in our territory during the term of the Sopharma License Agreement, including those sold by a third party pursuant to any sublicense which may be granted by us. To date, any amounts paid to Sopharma pursuant to the Sopharma License Agreement have been immaterial.
On May 14, 2015, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Sopharma AD to acquire 75% of the outstanding shares of Extab Corporation for $2.0 million in cash and $2.0 million in a deferred payment, contingent on regulatory approval of cytisinicline by the FDA or the European Medicines Agency, or EMA. The fair value of the contingent consideration on the acquisition date was nil. The contingent consideration liability is measured at fair value in our financial statements,
As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated to be $0.5 million (see Note 2 "Significant Accounting Policies, Sopharma Share Purchase Agreement Contingent Consideration" in the accompanying consolidated Financial Statements). We recognized a loss of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
University of Bristol License Agreement
In July 2016, we entered into a license agreement with the University of Bristol, or the University of Bristol License Agreement. Under the University of Bristol License Agreement, we received exclusive and nonexclusive licenses from the University of Bristol to certain patent and technology rights resulting from research activities into cytisinicline and its derivatives, including a number of patent applications related to novel approaches to cytisinicline binding at the nicotinic receptor level.
In consideration of rights granted by the University of Bristol, we paid a nominal license fee and agreed to pay amounts of up to $3.2 million, in the aggregate, tied to a financing milestone and to specific clinical development and commercialization milestones resulting from activities covered by the University of Bristol License Agreement. Additionally, if we successfully commercialize any product candidates subject to the University of Bristol License Agreement, we are responsible for royalty payments in the low-single digits and payments up to a percentage in the mid-teens of any sublicense income, subject to specified exceptions, based upon net sales of such licensed products.
On January 22, 2018, we and the University of Bristol entered into an amendment to the University of Bristol License Agreement. Pursuant to the amended University of Bristol License Agreement, we received exclusive rights for all human medicinal uses of cytisinicline across all therapeutic categories from the University of Bristol from research activities into cytisinicline and its derivatives. In consideration of rights granted by the amended University of Bristol License Agreement, we agreed to pay an initial amount of $37,500 upon the execution of the amended University of Bristol License Agreement, and additional amounts of up to $1.7 million, in the aggregate, tied to a financing milestone and to specific clinical development and commercialization milestones resulting from activities covered by the amended University of Bristol License Agreement, in addition to amounts under the original University of Bristol License Agreement of up to $3.2 million in the aggregate, tied to specific financing, development and commercialization milestones. Additionally, if we successfully commercialize any product candidate subject to the amended University of Bristol License Agreement or to the original University of Bristol License Agreement, we will be responsible, as provided in the original University of Bristol License Agreement, for royalty payments in the low-single digits and payments up to a percentage in the mid-teens of any sublicense income, subject to specified exceptions, based upon net sales of such licensed products. Up to December 31, 2023, we had paid the University of Bristol $125,000 pursuant to the University of Bristol License Agreement.
- FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. For certain of our financial instruments including amounts receivable and accounts payable the carrying values approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. In accordance with ASC 820, these inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – Other significant inputs that are observable through corroboration with market data (including quoted prices in active markets for similar securities).
Level 3 – Significant unobservable input that reflects management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
As quoted prices in active markets are not readily available for certain financial instruments, we obtain estimates for the fair value of financial instruments through third-party pricing service providers.
In determining the appropriate levels, we performed a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject to ASC 820.
We invest our excess cash in accordance with investment guidelines that limit the credit exposure to any one financial institution other than securities issued by the U.S. Government. These securities are not collateralized and mature within one year.
A description of the valuation techniques applied to our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis follows.
Financial Instruments
Money Market Securities
Money market securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):
| December 31, 2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||||
| Money market securities (cash equivalents) | 14,252 | — | — | 14,252 |
| Restricted cash | 50 | — | — | 50 |
| Total assets | $14,302 | $— | $— | $14,302 |
| Liabilities | ||||
| Contingent consideration | — | — | 528 | 528 |
| Total liabilities | $— | $— | $528 | $528 |
| December 31, 2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||||
| Money market securities (cash equivalents) | 22,756 | — | — | 22,756 |
| Restricted cash | 50 | — | — | 50 |
| Total assets | $22,806 | $— | $— | $22,806 |
| Liabilities | ||||
| Contingent consideration | — | — | — | — |
| Total liabilities | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Cash and cash equivalents (in thousands):
| Gross · Gross | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Estimated | |
| December 31, 2023 | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value |
| Money market securities | 14,252 | — | — | 14,252 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | $14,252 | $— | $— | $14,252 |
| Money market securities (restricted cash) | 50 | — | — | 50 |
| Total restricted cash | $50 | $— | $— | $50 |
| Gross · Gross | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Estimated | |
| December 31, 2022 | Cost | Gains | Losses | Fair Value |
| Money market securities | 22,756 | — | — | 22,756 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | $22,756 | $— | $— | $22,756 |
| Money market securities (restricted cash) | 50 | — | — | 50 |
| Total restricted cash | $50 | $— | $— | $50 |
We only invest in A (or equivalent) rated securities. All securities included in cash and cash equivalents had maturities of 90 days or less at the time of purchase.
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
The principal amount, carrying value and related estimated fair value of our convertible debt reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was as follows (in thousands). The aggregate fair value of the principal amount of the convertible debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | Carrying | Fair | Principal | Carrying | Fair | |
| Amount | Value | Value | Amount | Value | Value | |
| December 2021 Convertible Debt | $15,000 | $16,662 | $16,652 | $15,000 | $16,071 | $16,987 |
Fair Value of Sopharma Share Purchase Agreement Contingent Consideration
We determine the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability based discounted cash flow model whereby we forecast the timing of the cash flow of the related future payment based on cytisnicline's current clinical development phase and the remaining requirements for regulatory approval. We then discount the expected payment amount to calculate the present value and then apply a probability of success in obtaining regulatory approval as of the valuation date. We evaluate the underlying projection used in determining the fair value each period and make updates as necessary.
The significant assumptions we use to value the contingent consideration are the forecasted timing of the future payment, the risk-adjusted discount rate and the probability of success which are all considered significant unobservable inputs, and as such, the liability is classified as a Level 3 measurement. The risk-adjusted discount rate is adjusted for credit risk.
An increase in the discount rate and decrease in the probability of success will result in a decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration. Conversely, a decrease in the discount rate and increase in the probability of success will result in an increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration. At December 31, 2023 the risk adjusted discount rate was 38.0% and the probability of success was 67.2%. Adjustments to the fair value of the contingent liabilities, other than payments, are recorded as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
| Accumulated · Net Book | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Depreciation | Value | |
| Computer equipment | $114 | $104 | $10 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 28 | 28 | — |
| Leasehold improvements | 25 | 25 | — |
| Computer software | 77 | 74 | 3 |
| Equipment under capital lease | 12 | 12 | — |
| Total property and equipment | $256 | $243 | $13 |
- CONVERTIBLE DEBT
On December 22, 2021, we entered into a $25.0 million contingent convertible debt agreement, or Original Debt Agreement, with SVB, and SVB Innovation Credit Fund VIII, L.P., or, together with SVB, the Lenders. As part of the Original Debt Agreement, the Lenders funded $15.0 million in the form of convertible indebtedness, or Convertible Debt, at closing. On April 26, 2022, we entered into (i) a loan and security agreement, or Loan Agreement, with SVB for the remaining $10.0 million remaining in the Original Debt Agreement, pursuant to which SVB provided a commitment to extend term loans having an aggregate original principal amount of up to $10.0 million, or Term Loans, and (ii) a first amendment to the Original Debt Agreement, or the Amendment, and as amended by the Amendment, the Debt Agreement. The availability of Term Loans under the Loan Agreement expired on April 30, 2023, withno amounts drawn under the facility.
On May 15, 2023, we entered into a contingent convertible debt agreement, or Debt Agreement, with the Lenders, pursuant to which the Lenders provided term loans having an aggregate original principal amount of $16.6 million, or the Convertible Term Loan. The Convertible Debt under the Original Debt Agreement was refinanced as the Convertible Term Loan pursuant to the Debt Agreement. Our obligations under the Loan Agreement, Original Debt Agreement and Convertible Debt were satisfied in full and the Loan Agreement, Original Debt Agreement and Convertible Debt were terminated in connection with the entrance into the Debt Agreement and Convertible Term Loan.
The Convertible Term Loan matures on December 22, 2024; provided that (a) in the event we fail to receive written notice, or a Filing Communication, that the FDA has accepted for filing our NDA, with respect to cytisinicline for a smoking cessation indication, on or prior to July 31, 2024, the maturity date shall be August 1, 2024 or (b) in the event we receive a Filing Communication with respect to cytisinicline for a smoking cessation indication on or prior to August 14, 2024, but where such Filing Communication specifies any material deficiencies or material filing review issues with respect to such NDA, the maturity date shall be August 15, 2024; provided, further, that in the event we have submitted the NDA on or prior to June 30, 2024, the dates listed in (a) and (b) above shall be extended by one calendar month. Interest is calculated on the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Term Loan at the aggregate of (a) a floating rate per annum equal to the greater of (i)2.25% and (ii) the prime rate minus 1.0%, which interest shall be payable in cash monthly in arrears, and (b)7.0% per annum, compounded monthly, which shall be payable on the earlier to occur of the maturity date and the date that the Convertible Term Loan is converted into our common stock.
Subject to certain terms and conditions, the Lenders may convert all or any part of the outstanding Convertible Term Loan principal and accrued and unpaid interest at any time prior to maturity into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal to $9.34 per share, or the conversion price, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. Additionally, all outstanding Convertible Term Loan principal and accrued and unpaid interest will mandatorily convert into shares of our common stock, at the conversion price, on such date, if any, when the closing price per share of our common stock has been equal to or greater than $24.00 forthirty consecutive trading days prior to such date.
We have the right, or Call Right, at any time to repay and retire all (but not less than all) of the outstanding Convertible Term Loan and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, prior to its conversion by payment of a premium equal to 150% of the outstanding principal balance (including any compounded interest), plus accrued and unpaid interest; provided, however, that we may not exercise the Call Right at any time when the Liquidity Conditions (as defined in the Debt Agreement) are not satisfied.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if we (x) elect to repay the Lenders and (y) in the twelve month period following such repayment, (i) enter into an agreement or similar commitment, binding or nonbinding, with any third party respecting an acquisition, and such acquisition is subsequently consummated, if the aggregate gross proceeds that would have been payable to the Lenders or, pursuant to an assignment, any designee thereof, or collectively, the Conversion Rights Holders, in connection with such acquisition had we not repaid the Convertible Term Loan and the Conversion Right Holders had exercised, in connection with such acquisition, the right to convert the Convertible Term Loan into shares of our common stock, then (z) we shall pay to the Lenders as an additional call price, the difference between such proceeds as would have been payable to the Conversion Right Holders in connection with such acquisition and the payment actually paid to the Lenders.
The Debt Agreement contains customary affirmative and restrictive covenants, including covenants regarding the incurrence of additional indebtedness or liens, investments, transactions with affiliates, delivery of financial statements, payment of taxes, maintenance of insurance, dispositions of property, mergers or acquisitions, among other customary covenants. We are also restricted from paying dividends or making other distributions or payments on our capital stock, subject to limited exceptions. The Debt Agreement also includes customary representations and warranties, events of default and termination provisions. The Lenders may not engage in any short sales of, or other hedging transactions in, our common stock while any amounts are outstanding under the Debt Agreement. Our obligations under the Debt Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets, other than intellectual property.
Under ASU 2020-06 for the Original Debt Agreement, the embedded conversion feature was not required to be bifurcated and recognized separately, as a result the convertible debt including the conversion feature has been recognized as a single unit of debt.
The debt issuance costs related to Convertible Debt under the Original Debt Agreement have been recognized against the single unit of debt and will be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Convertible Term Loan.
The debt refinancing in May 2023 was recognized as a debt modification under ASU 470-50 and the associated third-party issuance costs were expensed.
As of December 31, 2023, the Convertible Debt balance was comprised of the following:
| Year Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Convertible Debt Information | ||
| Principal | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Transaction Costs | (5) | (67) |
| Accrued paid-in-kind interest | 2,311 | 1,138 |
| Discount on modification of debt | (1,074) | — |
| Accretion of discount on modification of debt | 430 | — |
| 16,662 | 16,071 | |
- INCOME TAX
[a] We are a Delaware incorporated company subject to blended U.S. Federal and state statutory rates for December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 of 21%. For the purposes of estimating the tax rate in effect at the time that deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to reverse, management uses the furthest out available future tax rate in the applicable jurisdictions.
U.S. and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $(28,982) | $(41,660) | $(31,411) |
| Foreign | (833) | (690) | (1,741) |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $(29,815) | $(42,350) | $(33,152) |
Income tax expense/(recovery) consisted of the following (in thousands):
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax recovery at statutory rates (at a rate of 21% for all years presented) | $(6,261) | $(8,894) | $(6,962) |
| Expenses not deducted for tax purposes | 477 | 299 | 224 |
| Effect of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities | (169) | (18) | 17 |
| Rate differential on foreign earnings | (36) | (26) | (77) |
| Research and development tax credits | (883) | (1,154) | (134) |
| Change in valuation allowance | 7,686 | 10,464 | 7,544 |
| Reassessment of previously recognized net operating losses | — | 9 | (620) |
| Adjustment to prior year research and development tax credits | (760) | (731) | — |
| Other | (54) | 51 | 8 |
| Income tax expense/(recovery) | $— | $— | $— |
[b] The tax effects of the temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets | ||
| Tax basis in excess of book value of assets | $899 | $899 |
| Net operating loss carryforwards | 48,867 | 43,380 |
| Research and development deductions and credits | 10,716 | 8,942 |
| Stock options | 1,134 | 1,042 |
| Capitalized R&D expenses | 11,528 | 11,342 |
| Other | 434 | 334 |
| Total deferred tax assets | 73,578 | 65,939 |
| Valuation allowance | (73,232) | (65,546) |
| Net deferred tax assets | 346 | 393 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||
| Right-of-use asset | (91) | (91) |
| Other | (255) | (302) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (346) | (393) |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | — | — |
A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets, or DTAs, will not be realized. Management assesses the need for a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets when considering both positive and negative evidence related to whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating the ability to recover the deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, all available positive and negative evidence is considered, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future growth, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of deductible tax attributes in future tax returns, we have recorded a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $73.2 million to reduce the DTAs tozero as of December 31, 2023. The valuation allowance increased by approximately $7.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The amount of the DTA considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.
We have total net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $90.2 million ($66.1 million—2022) as of December 31, 2023, some of which will begin to expire in 2029. Approximately $80.2 million of the federal net operating losses will carryforward indefinitely. Federal net operating losses generated after January 1, 2018 were originally available to offset 80% of taxable income for any given future tax year and will be carried forward indefinitely. We have research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4.0 million ($2.3 million—2022) as of December 31, 2023, which will begin to expire in 2037. The operating loss carryforwards and research and development tax credits may be limited due to a change in control in our ownership as defined by the Internal Revenue Code Section 382. Any future changes in our ownership may limit the use of such carryforward benefits.
Our effective income tax rate for the periods presented differ from the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to current year net losses and the full valuation allowance on the U.S. deferred tax assets. We file income tax returns in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, or U.K. At December 31, 2023, we have Canadian non-capital loss carryforwards of $107.0 million ($110.0 million—2022) and research tax credits of $2.7 million ($2.7 million—2022), both of which will expire in 2042. In addition, we have unclaimed tax deductions of approximately $15.8 million related to scientific research and experimental development expenditures available to carry forward indefinitely to reduce Canadian taxable income of future years. The U.K. net operating loss carryforwards of $4.0 million (2022—$3.4 million) will carry forward indefinitely. As of December 31,2023 and 2022, there areno tax penalties or accrued interest recorded in the financial statements.
[c] A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits of uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):
| Year ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | |||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Gross unrecognzed tax benefits at January 1 | $761 | $761 | $767 |
| Additions (reductions) from tax positions taken in prior years | — | — | (6) |
| Additions (reductions) from tax positions taken in the current year | — | — | — |
| Tax settlements | — | — | — |
| Gross unrecognzed tax benefits at December 31 | $761 | $761 | $761 |
As of December 31, 2023, unrecognized benefits of approximately $0.8 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate, and would reduce our deferred tax assets.
Our accounting policy is to treat interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income taxes. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 we hadno accrued interest and penalties related to income taxes.
We are subject to taxes in Canada, the U.K. and the United States until the applicable statute of limitations expires. However, in Canada and the United States, all tax years remain subject to examination due to the carryforward of unutilized NOLs and tax credits. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. To our knowledge, we are not currently under examination by any taxing authorities.
| Tax | Years open to |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | examination |
| Canada | 2019 to 2023 |
| United Kingdom | 2017 to 2023 |
| US | 2020 to 2023 |
- COMMON STOCK
[a] Authorized
150,000,000 authorized common voting shares, par value of $0.001, and 5,000,000 preferred shares, par value of $0.001.
[b] Issued and outstanding shares
May 2021 Public Offering
On May 27, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering of our securities, pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 3,285,714 shares of our common stock, including 428,571 shares subject to the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares, or the May 2021 Shares. The May 2021 Shares were sold at the public offering price of $7.00 per share.
The underwritten public offering raised total gross proceeds of approximately $23.0 million and after deducting approximately $1.7 million in underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, we received net proceeds of approximately $21.3 million. The underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses have been charged against the gross proceeds.
On December 21, 2021, we entered into an At-the-Market Offering Sales Agreement, or ATM, with Virtu Americas, LLC, as sales agent, pursuant to which from December 21, 2021 through December 31, 2023, we offered and sold an aggregate of 200,000 shares of our common stock. These aggregate sales resulted in gross proceeds to us of approximately $1.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we didnot sell any shares of our common stock pursuant to the ATM. The ATM was subsequently terminated on February 29, 2024 andno further sales of our common stock will be made pursuant to the ATM.
November 2022 Private Placement
In November 2022, we entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors pursuant to which we sold to the purchasers in a private placement transaction approximately 4,093,141 units at a purchase price of $4.625 per unit, with each unit consisting of two shares of common stock and a common stock purchase warrant to purchase one share of common stock, or the November 2022 Warrants.
The November 2022 Warrants are exercisable at a price per share of common stock of $4.50, subject to adjustment. The November 2022 Warrants are exercisable beginning on the six-month anniversary of the initial closing date of the private placement offering, May 18, 2023, or the Initial Exercise Date, and will expire on the seven year anniversary of the initial closing date of the private placement offering, or November 18, 2029. The November 2022 Warrants cannot be exercised by a warrant holder if, after giving effect thereto, such warrant holder would beneficially own more than 19.99% of our outstanding common stock. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, if, after the Initial Exercise Date, (i) the volume weighted average price of our common stock for each of 30 consecutive trading days, or the November 2022 Measurement Period, which November 2022 Measurement Period commenced on November 18, 2022, exceeds 300% of the exercise price (subject to adjustments for stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and similar transactions), (ii) the average daily trading volume for such November 2022 Measurement Period exceeds $500,000 per trading day and (iii) certain other equity conditions are met, and subject to a beneficial ownership limitation, then we may call for cancellation of all or any portion of the November 2022 Warrants then outstanding.
We received approximately $17.9 million in net proceeds from the private placement after deducting placement agent expenses and commissions and offering expenses.
May 2023 Registered Direct Offering
In May 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain purchasers, pursuant to which we sold 3,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $5.50 per share in a registered direct offering. The offering of the shares was made pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including the prospectus dated January 5, 2022 contained therein, and the prospectus supplement dated May 25, 2023.
The registered direct offering raised total gross proceeds of approximately $16.5 million, and after deducting approximately $1.2 million in placement agent fees and offering expenses, we received net proceeds of approximately $15.3 million.
Equity Award Issuances and Settlements
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we didnot issue any shares of common stock to satisfy stock option exercises and issued 139,750 shares of common stock to satisfy restricted stock unit settlements. During the year ended December 31, 2022 we didnot issue any shares of common to satisfy stock option exercises and 26,625 shares of common stock to satisfy restricted stock unit settlements for the year ended.
[c] Stock options
2023 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan
As of December 31, 2023, we had reserved, pursuant to the 2023 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2023 Non-Employee Director Plan,300,000 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of stock options by non-employee directors, of which 132,750 shares were reserved for options currently outstanding and 167,250 shares were available for future equity grants.
Under the 2023 Non-Employee Director Plan, we may grant options to purchase shares of our common stock or restricted stock units to our non-employee directors. The exercise price of the options is determined by our Board but will be at least equal to the fair value of the shares of common stock at the grant date. The options vest in accordance with terms as determined by our Board, typically overone tothree years. The expiry date for each option is set by our Board with a maximum expiry date often years from the date of grant. In addition, the 2023 Non-Employee Director Plan allows for accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards in the event of a change in control.
2018 Equity Incentive Plan
As of December 31, 2023, we had reserved, pursuant to the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2018 Plan,1,722,253 common shares for issuance upon exercise of stock options and settlement of restricted stock units by employees, directors, officers and consultants of ours, of which 1,180,905 were reserved for options currently outstanding,507,875 for restricted stock units currently outstanding, and 33,473 were available for future equity grants.
Under the 2018 Plan, we may grant options to purchase common shares or restricted stock units to our employees, directors, officers and consultants. The exercise price of the options is determined by our board of directors, or Board, but will be at least equal to the fair value of the shares of common stock at the grant date. The options vest in accordance with terms as determined by our Board, typically over threeto four years for options issued to employees and consultants, and overone tothree years for members of our Board. The expiry date for each option is set by our Board with a maximum expiry date of ten years from the date of grant. In addition, the 2018 Plan allows for accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards in the event of a change in control. The terms for accelerated vesting, in the event of a change in control, is determined at our discretion and defined under the employment agreements for our officers and certain of our employees.
New Employee Inducement Grants
We grant stock options as a material inducement to new employees for entering into employment agreements with us in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock options approved under the inducement grant were issued pursuant to a stock option agreement on terms substantially similar to our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The exercise price of the options is determined by our board of directors but will be at least equal to the fair value of the common shares at the grant date. The options vest in accordance with terms as determined by our board of directors. The expiry date for each option is set by our board of directors with a maximum expiry date often years from the date of grant. For the year ended December 31, 2023 we granted 40,000 stock options to new employees. As of December 31, 2023,135,000 stock options granted as new employee inducement grants were outstanding.
2017 Equity Incentive Plan
As of December 31, 2023, we had reserved, pursuant to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2017 Plan,13,156 common shares for issuance upon exercise of stock options, currently outstanding, by employees, directors and officers of ours. Upon the effectiveness of our 2018 Plan, we ceased granting equity awards under our 2017 Plan.
Under the 2017 Plan, we granted options to purchase shares of common stock or restricted stock units to our employees, directors, officers and consultants. The exercise price of the options was determined by our Board but was at least equal to the fair value of the shares of common stock at the grant date. The options vest in accordance with terms as determined by our Board, typically over three tofour years for options issued to employees and consultants, and overone tothree years for members of our Board. The expiry date for each option was set by our Board with a maximum expiry date often years from the date of grant. In addition, the 2017 Plan allows for accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards in the event of a change in control. The terms for accelerated vesting, in the event of a change in control, is determined at our discretion and defined under the employment agreements for our officers and certain of our employees.
2010 Performance Incentive Plan
As of December 31, 2023, we had reserved, pursuant to the 2010 Performance Incentive Plan, or the 2010 Plan,169 common shares for issuance upon exercise of stock options, currently outstanding, by employees, directors, officers and consultants of ours.
Under the 2010 Plan we granted options to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock units to our employees, directors, officers and consultants. The exercise price of the options was determined by our board of directors and was at least equal to the fair value of the shares of common stock at the grant date. The options vest in accordance with terms as determined by our Board, typically over three tofour years for options issued to employees and consultants, and overone tothree years for members of our Board. The expiry date for each option is set by our Board with a maximum expiry date often years from the date of grant. In addition, the 2010 Plan allows for accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards in the event of a change in control. The terms for accelerated vesting, in the event of a change in control, is determined at our discretion and defined under the employment agreements for our officers and certain of our employees.
ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation
We recognize expense related to the fair value of our stock-based compensation awards using the provisions of ASC 718. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model as the most appropriate fair value method for our stock options and recognize compensation expense for stock options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. In valuing our stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, we make assumptions about risk-free interest rates, dividend yields, volatility and weighted average expected lives, including estimated forfeiture rates of the options.
The expected life was calculated based on the simplified method as permitted by the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 110, Share-Based Payment. We consider the use of the simplified method appropriate because of the lack of sufficient historical exercise data following the 2017 Merger Agreement between Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. and OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals. The computation of expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of comparable companies from a representative peer group selected based on industry and market capitalization for grants with an expected life of five years or more. For grants with an expected life of less than five years, the expected volatility was calculated based on the historical volatility of the shares of our common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on a U.S. Treasury instrument whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. In addition to the assumptions above, as required under ASC 718, management made an estimate of expected forfeitures and is recognizing compensation costs only for those equity awards expected to vest. Forfeiture rates are estimated using historical actual forfeiture rates. These rates are adjusted on a quarterly basis and any change in compensation expense is recognized in the period of the change. We have never paid or declared cash dividends on our common stock and do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
The estimated fair value of stock options granted in the respective periods was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-free interest rates | 3.60% | 1.65% |
| Expected dividend yield | 0% | 0% |
| Expected life | 5.75 years | 5.80 years |
| Expected volatility | 115.19% | 122.80% |
| Forfeiture rate | 0% | 0% |
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $4.40.
The results for the periods set forth below included stock-based compensation expense in the following expense categories of the consolidated statements of loss (in thousands):
| Year ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Research and development | $1,122 | $1,117 |
| General and administrative | 2,317 | 2,153 |
| Total stock-based compensation | $3,439 | $3,270 |
Stock option transactions and the number of stock options outstanding are summarized below:
| Number of | Weighted | |
|---|---|---|
| Optioned | Average | |
| Common | Exercise | |
| Shares | Price | |
| Balance, January 1, 2023 | 822,515 | $18.57 |
| Granted | 639,500 | 5.23 |
| Expired | (35) | 25,555.20 |
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | 1,461,980 | $12.12 |
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2023 regarding the number of ordinary shares issuable upon: (1) outstanding options and (2) vested options.
(1) Number of common shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options:
| Weighted- | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | |||
| Remaining | |||
| Weighted- · Contractual | |||
| Average · Life | |||
| Exercise Prices | Number of Options | Exercise Price | (in years) |
| $4.53 - $4.72 | 25,000 | $4.53 | 9.20 |
| $4.73 - $4.99 | 409,750 | 4.90 | 9.07 |
| $5.00 - $5.99 | 156,750 | 5.88 | 9.17 |
| $6.00 - $7.22 | 122,200 | 6.42 | 8.78 |
| $7.23 - $7.89 | 45,000 | 7.38 | 7.82 |
| $7.90 - $8.43 | 226,250 | 8.26 | 8.01 |
| $8.44 - $10.78 | 114,750 | 10.23 | 6.90 |
| $10.79 - $12.60 | 80,530 | 11.26 | 6.16 |
| $12.61 - $20.74 | 232,750 | 13.09 | 7.07 |
| $20.75 - $25,938.00 | 49,000 | 134.00 | 4.70 |
| 1,461,980 | $12.12 | 8.06 | |
(2) Number common shares issuable upon exercise of vested options:
| Weighted- | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | |||
| Remaining | |||
| Weighted- · Contractual | |||
| Average · Life | |||
| Exercise Prices | Number of Options | Exercise Price | (in years) |
| $4.53 - $4.72 | — | — | — |
| $4.73 - $4.99 | — | — | — |
| $5.00 - $5.99 | 41,064 | 5.85 | 9.14 |
| $6.00 - $7.22 | 39,263 | 6.88 | 8.14 |
| $7.23 - $7.89 | 24,270 | 7.38 | 7.80 |
| $7.90 - $8.43 | 144,549 | 8.26 | 8.01 |
| $8.44 - $10.78 | 114,750 | 10.23 | 6.90 |
| $10.79 - $12.60 | 78,507 | 11.26 | 6.15 |
| $12.61 - $20.74 | 169,715 | 13.09 | 7.07 |
| $20.75 - $25,938.00 | 49,000 | 134.00 | 4.70 |
| 661,118 | $19.25 | 7.18 | |
As at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options granted was $3.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively, each of which is expected to be recognized into expense over a period of approximately 1.69 years.
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the fair value of the underlying common stock as of the date of exercise. No options were exercised for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021. At December 31, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options waszero and the aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable options waszero.
[d] Restricted Stock Unit Awards
We grant restricted stock unit awards that generally vest and are expensed over afour-year period. We also grant restricted stock unit awards that vest in conjunction with certain performance conditions to certain executive officers and key employees. At each reporting date, we are required to evaluate whether achievement of the performance conditions is probable. Compensation expense is recorded over the appropriate service period based upon our assessment of accomplishing each performance provision. For the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021, $0.9 million, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of stock based compensation expense was recognized related to these awards.
The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit award activity during the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Weighted | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number | Average | |
| of | Grant Date | |
| Shares | Fair Value | |
| Balance, January 1, 2023 | 252,875 | $8.77 |
| Granted | 394,750 | 4.90 |
| Released | (139,750) | 9.18 |
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | 507,875 | $5.65 |
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $0.3 million in total unrecognized compensation expense related to our restricted stock unit awards which is to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.07 years.
[e] Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our board of directors and stockholders approved the 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, in August 2017. Contributions are made by eligible employees, subject to certain limits defined in the ESPP. The maximum number of shares authorized to be purchased under the ESPP is 0.3 million shares. All shares purchased under the ESPP are new share issuances. For the year ended December 31, 2023 no shares were purchased under the ESPP. For the year ended December 31, 2022,28,892 shares were purchased under the ESPP.
[f] Non-employee options and restricted stock units
We recognize non-employee stock-based compensation expense over the period of expected service by the non-employee. As the service is performed, we are required to update our valuation assumptions, re-measure unvested options and restricted stock units and record the stock-based compensation using the valuation as of the vesting date. This differs from the accounting for employee awards where the fair value is determined at the grant date and is not subsequently adjusted. This re-measurement may result in higher or lower stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. As such, changes in the market price of our stock could materially change the value of an option or restricted stock unit and the resulting stock-based compensation expense.
[g] Common Stock Warrants
The following is a summary of outstanding warrants to purchase common stock at December 31, 2023:
| Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding · Exercise | |||
| and · price per | |||
| Exercisable | Share | Expiration Date | |
| (1) Warrants issued in May 2019 financing | 60,000 | $90.0000 | May 2025 |
| (2) Warrants issued in December 2019 financing | 510,924 | $2.3100 | December 2024 |
| (3) Warrants issued in April 2020 financing | 182,461 | $7.2400 | April 2025 |
| (4) Warrants issued in April 2020 financing | 24,375 | $7.3200 | April 2025 |
| (5) Warrants issued in April 2020 financing | 25,270 | $7.5900 | April 2025 |
| (6) Pre-Funded Warrants issued in August 2020 financing | 142,857 | $0.0010 | * |
| (7) Warrants issued in December 2020 financing | 50,000 | $8.7500 | December 2025 |
| (8) Warrants issued in November 2022 financing | 4,093,141 | $4.5000 | November 2029 |
- The pre-funded warrants do not have an expiration date.
The agreements governing the above warrants include the following terms:
certain warrants have exercise prices which are subject to adjustment for certain events, including the issuance of stock dividends on our common stock and, in certain instances, the issuance of our common stock or instruments convertible into our common stock at a price per share less than the exercise price of the respective warrants (specifically those issued under the December 2019 Public Offering and November 2022 Private Placement);
warrant holders may exercise the warrants through a cashless exercise if, and only if, we do not have an effective registration statement then available for the issuance of the shares of our common stock. If an effective registration statement is available for the issuance of our common stock a holder may only exercise the warrants through a cash exercise;
the exercise price and the number and type of securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants are subject to adjustment upon certain corporate events, including certain combinations, consolidations, liquidations, mergers, recapitalizations, reclassifications, reorganizations, stock dividends and stock splits, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets and certain other events; and
in the event of an “extraordinary transaction” or a “fundamental transaction” (as such terms are defined in the respective warrant agreements), generally including any merger with or into another entity, sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, tender offer or exchange offer, or reclassification of its common stock, in which the successor entity (as defined in the respective warrant agreements) that assumes the successor entity is not a publicly traded company, the Company or any successor entity will pay the warrant holder, at such holder’s option, exercisable at any time concurrently with or within 30 days after the consummation of the extraordinary transaction or fundamental transaction, an amount of cash equal to the value of such holder’s warrants as determined in accordance with the Black Scholes option pricing model and the terms of the respective warrant agreement. In some circumstances, we or successor entity may be obligated to make such payments regardless of whether the successor entity that assumes the warrants is a publicly traded company.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, warrants to purchase 98,333 shares, issued in the December 2019 financing, were exercised at a per unit price of $2.31, for proceeds of $0.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, warrants to purchase 3,709 shares, issued in the December 2019 financing, were exercised at a per unit price of $6.60, for proceeds of $24,480. As of December 31, 2023, all of our outstanding warrants are classified as equity.
[h] 401(k) Plan
We maintain a 401(k) plan. Our securities are not offered as an investment option. Our shares are prohibited for inclusion in our 401(k) plan, as well as any match of our shares to employee contributions.
[i] Loss per common share
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders per share (in thousands, except per share and share amounts):
| Years ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Numerator | |||
| Net loss | $(29,815) | $(42,350) | $(33,152) |
| Denominator | |||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 19,827,354 | 10,593,034 | 8,119,836 |
| Basic and diluted net loss per common share | $(1.50) | $(4.00) | $(4.08) |
As of December 31, 2023, a total of 7,058,883 million shares, consisting of warrants to purchase 5,089,028 shares, options exercisable for 1,461,980 sharesand 507,875 restricted stock units have not been included in the calculation of potential common shares as their effect on diluted per share amounts would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, the outstanding Convertible Debt due December 2024 is included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts only if its inclusion is dilutive for periods during which the notes were outstanding. As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding Convertible Debt was not included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts as its effect would have been anti-dilutive.
- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
| Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver office operating lease | $74 | $68 | $6 | $— | $— |
| Total | $74 | $68 | $6 | $— | $— |
Leases
We have an operating lease for our corporate office.
Operating leases with a term of 12 months or longer are included in ROU assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use the incremental borrowing rate of comparable companies from a representative peer group selected based on industry and market capitalization. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Vancouver Lease Arrangements
On November 19, 2018, we entered into a lease agreement for new office space in Vancouver, British Columbia, which commenced on February 1, 2019, and has afour-year term. Pursuant to this lease, we rent approximately 2,367 square feet of office space. On December 16, 2022, we entered into an agreement to extend the lease for another two-year term, which commenced on February 1, 2023. Pursuant to this lease, we rent approximately 2,367 square feet of office space. The annual rent is approximately $0.1 million.
The future minimum annual lease payments under the Vancouver lease are as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| Total | $74 |
Consolidated rent and operating expense relating to both the Vancouver, Canada and Seattle, Washington offices for years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Other information related to leases was as follows:
| Year Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| December 31, | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Supplemental Cash Flows Information | ||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $57 | $59 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | ||
| Operating leases | $— | 120 |
| Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term | ||
| Operating leases | 1.08 years | 2.08 years |
| Weighted Average Discount Rate | ||
| Operating leases | 8.98% | 8.98% |
Guarantees and Indemnifications
We indemnify our officers, directors and certain consultants for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while the officer or director is or was serving at its request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is equal to the officer’s or director’s lifetime.
The maximum amount of potential future indemnification is unlimited; however, we have obtained director and officer insurance that limits our exposure and may enable us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. We believe that the fair value of these indemnification obligations is minimal. Accordingly, we havenot recognized any liabilities relating to these obligations as of December 31, 2023.
We have certain agreements with certain organizations with which it does business that contain indemnification provisions pursuant to which it typically agrees to indemnify the party against certain types of third-party claims. We accrue for known indemnification issues when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. There wereno accruals for or expenses related to indemnification issues for any period presented.
- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
February 2024 Registered Direct Offering and Concurrent Private Placement
In February 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain purchasers, pursuant to which we sold 13,086,151 shares of common stock at a price of $4.585 per share in a registered direct offering. The offering of the shares was made pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including the prospectus dated January 5, 2022 contained therein, and the prospectus supplement dated February 29, 2024.
In a concurrent private placement, we issued unregistered warrants to purchase up to 13,086,151 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.906 per share (provided, however, that the purchaser may elect to exercise the warrants for pre-funded warrants in lieu of shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.906, minus $0.001, the exercise price of each pre-funded warrant). These warrants will be immediately exercisable for shares of common stock or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof, and will expire on the earlier of (i) three and one-half years following the date of issuance and (ii) 30 days following our public disclosure of the acceptance of an NDA for cytisinicline by the FDA in a Day 74 Letter or equivalent correspondence.
The registered direct offering raised total gross proceeds of approximately $60.0 million, and after deducting approximately $3.8 million in placement agent fees and offering expenses, we received net proceeds of approximately $56.2 million.
On February 26, 2024, we entered into a non-binding term sheet, or the Term Sheet, for an extension of the maturity date for the term loans outstanding pursuant to our Debt Agreement with Lenders. There is no guarantee that we will be able to enter into a definitive agreement with the Lenders on the terms provided in the Term Sheet or any at all. (See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Capital Requirements").
On February 29, 2024, we terminated the ATM agreement with Virtu and no further sales of our common stock will be made pursuant to the ATM.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.