HERON THERAPEUTICS INC DE

Previous wording

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk Factors” included in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Current wording

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our audited financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Previous wording

Overview. This section provides a general description of our business and operating expenses.

Current wording

Overview. This section provides a general description of our business and operating expenses, as well as other matters that we believe are important to understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends.

Previous wording

Critical accounting estimates. This section contains a discussion of the accounting estimates that we believe are important to our financial condition and results of operations and that require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

Critical accounting estimates. This section contains a discussion of the accounting estimates that require a significant level of estimation uncertainty, and changes in which are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Results of operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss by comparing the results for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the results for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Current wording

Results of operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss by comparing the results for the year ended December 31, 2024 to the results for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the results for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the results for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Previous wording

Liquidity and capital resources. This section provides an analysis of our cash flows and a discussion of our outstanding commitments and contingencies that existed as of December 31, 2023. Included in this discussion is our financial capacity to fund our future commitments and a discussion of other financing arrangements.

Current wording

Liquidity and capital resources. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity, an analysis of our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and a discussion of our outstanding commitments and contingencies that existed as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Net product sales include revenue recognized for sales of ZYNRELEF, APONVIE, CINVANTI, and SUSTOL (collectively, our “Products”) to a limited number of specialty distributors and full line wholesalers (collectively, “Customers”), less applicable sales allowances. See the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on our revenue recognition policy.

Current wording

Net product sales include revenue recognized for sales of ZYNRELEF, APONVIE, CINVANTI, and SUSTOL (collectively, our “Products”) to a limited number of specialty distributors and full line wholesalers (collectively, “Customers”), less applicable sales allowances. The revenues we generate are dependent upon and subject to several factors, including those discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Refer to the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on our revenue recognition policy.

Previous wording

Cost of product sales relates to the costs to produce, package and deliver our Products to our Customers. These costs include raw materials, labor, manufacturing and quality control overhead, and depreciation of equipment, as well as shipping and distribution costs. See the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on our inventory policy.

Current wording

Cost of product sales relates to the costs to produce, package and deliver our Products to our Customers. These costs include raw materials, labor, manufacturing and quality control overhead, and depreciation of equipment, as well as shipping and distribution costs. The costs to produce, package and deliver our Products are dependent upon and subject to several factors as discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on our inventory policy.

Previous wording

All costs of research and development are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development expense primarily consists of salaries, stock-based compensation expense and other related costs for personnel in manufacturing, clinical and preclinical development, regulatory, quality and medical affairs. Other research and development expense includes professional fees paid to outside service providers and consultants, facilities costs and materials used in the clinical and preclinical trials and research and development.

Current wording

All costs of research and development are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development expense primarily consists of salaries, stock-based compensation expense and other related costs for personnel in clinical and preclinical development, regulatory, and quality. Other research and development expense includes professional fees paid to outside service providers and consultants, facilities costs and materials used in the clinical and preclinical trials and research and development.

Previous wording

General and administrative expense primarily consists of salaries, stock-based compensation expense and other related costs for personnel in executive, finance and accounting, information technology, legal and human resource functions. Other general and administrative expense includes professional fees for legal, investor relations, accounting and other general corporate purposes, facility costs and insurance not otherwise included in research and development expense.

Current wording

General and administrative expense primarily consists of salaries, stock-based compensation expense and other related costs for personnel in executive, finance and accounting, information technology, legal, human resource, manufacturing and medical affairs functions. Other general and administrative expense includes professional fees for legal, investor relations, accounting and other general corporate purposes, facility costs and insurance not otherwise included in research and development expense.

Previous wording

Other income (expense), net primarily consists of interest expense, income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, the amortization of debt issuance costs related to our convertible notes payable, the amortization of a debt discount related to our working capital line of credit, and write-off of property and equipment.

Current wording

Other income (expense), net primarily consists of interest expense, income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, the amortization of debt issuance costs related to our Senior Convertible Notes payable, the amortization of debt discount related to our Working Capital Facility, and write-off of property and equipment.

Previous wording

We believe our estimated allowance for product returns and GPO discounts requires a high degree of judgment and is subject to change based on our experience and certain quantitative and qualitative factors. We allow our Customers to return product for credit for up to 12 months after its product expiration date. As such, there may be a significant period of time between the time the product is shipped and the time the credit is issued on returned product. We estimate anticipated GPO discounts based on the applicable contractual terms. We regularly monitor our estimates and record adjustments when trends, contract terms or other significant events indicate that a change in estimates is appropriate. To date, our estimates have not differed materially from actuals. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a material change to our product sales allowances, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

We believe our estimated allowance for product returns and GPO discounts requires a high degree of judgment and is subject to change based on our experience and certain quantitative and qualitative factors. We allow our Customers to return product for credit for up to 12 months after its product expiration date. As such, there may be a significant period of time between the time the product is shipped and the time the credit is issued on returned product. We estimate anticipated GPO discounts based on the applicable contractual terms. We regularly monitor our estimates and record adjustments when trends, contract terms or other significant events indicate that a change in estimates is appropriate. To date, our estimates have not differed materially from actuals. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a material change to our product sales allowances, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

We invest in various types of securities, including U.S. treasury bills and government agency obligations, corporate debt securities and commercial paper. These securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued utilizing a third-party service provider who assesses the fair value using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly, such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures. We perform certain procedures to corroborate the fair value of these holdings, and in the process, we apply judgment and estimates that if changed, could significantly affect our statements of financial positions. To date, our estimates have not differed materially from actual values. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a material change to the value of our cash equivalents and short-term investments, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

We invest in various types of securities, including U.S. treasury bills and government agency obligations, corporate debt securities and commercial paper. These securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued utilizing a third-party to assess the fair value using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly, such as yield curve, volatility factors, credit spreads, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments or debt, broker and dealer quotes, as well as other relevant economic measures. We perform certain procedures to corroborate the fair value of these holdings, and in the process, we apply judgment and estimates that if changed, could significantly affect our consolidated balance sheets. To date, our estimates have not differed materially from actual values. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a material change to the value of our cash equivalents and short-term investments, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value on a first-in, first-out, or FIFO, basis. We periodically analyze our inventory levels and write down inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its estimated realizable value and inventory quantities that are in excess of expected sales requirements as cost of product sales. The determination of whether inventory costs will be realizable requires estimates by management. If actual market conditions are less favorable than projected by management, additional write-downs of inventory may be required, which would be recorded as cost of product sales.

Current wording

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO"), basis. We periodically analyze our inventory levels and write down inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its estimated realizable value and inventory quantities that are in excess of expected sales requirements as cost of product sales. The determination of whether inventory costs will be realizable requires estimates by management. If actual market conditions are less favorable than projected by management, additional write-downs of inventory may be required, which would be recorded as cost of product sales.

Previous wording

We estimate certain costs and expenses and accrue for these liabilities as part of our process of preparing financial statements. Examples of areas in which subjective judgment may be required include, among other things, costs associated with services provided by contract organizations for preclinical and clinical development, and manufacturing of our Products and product candidates. We accrue for costs incurred as the services are being provided by monitoring the status of the services provided, and the invoices received from our external service providers. In the case of clinical trials, we rely on estimates of the progress of the clinical trials and related expenses incurred. Changes to estimates are recorded to research and development expense in the period in which the facts that gave rise to the revision become known. To date, our estimates have not differed materially from the actual costs incurred. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a material change to our accruals, which could also materially affect our results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

We estimate certain costs and expenses and accrue for these liabilities as part of our process of preparing financial statements. Examples of areas in which subjective judgment may be required include, among other things, costs associated with services provided by contract organizations for preclinical and clinical development, and manufacturing of our Products. We accrue for costs incurred as the services are being provided by monitoring the status of the services provided, and the invoices received from our external service providers. In the case of clinical trials, we rely on estimates of the progress of the clinical trials and related expenses incurred. Changes to estimates are recorded to research and development expense in the period in which the facts that gave rise to the revision become known. To date, our estimates have not differed materially from the actual costs incurred. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a material change to our accruals, which could also materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax exposure under the most recent tax laws and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial statement purposes. At December 31, 2023, we established a valuation allowance to offset our deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from our net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. To date, our estimates have not materially changed. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a significant change to our deferred tax assets and liabilities, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax exposure under the most recent tax laws and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial statement purposes. At December 31, 2024, we established a valuation allowance to offset our deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from our net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. To date, our estimates have not materially changed. However, subsequent changes in estimates may result in a significant change to our deferred tax assets and liabilities, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, research and development expense was $55.9 million, compared to $107.5 million for the same period in 2022. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in costs related to ZYNRELEF and CINVANTI, as product scale-up, validation activities and raw materials qualification were completed in 2022. In addition, the decrease in research and development expense was due to decreases in personnel and related costs as a result of the savings from our reorganizations, as well as a decrease in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.

Current wording

Research and development expense decreased 52.7% during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year and as a percentage of sales, decreased 46.0% during the same period, primarily due to decreases in costs related to ZYNRELEF and CINVANTI, as product scale-up, validation activities and raw materials qualification were completed in 2022. In addition, the decrease in research and development expense was due to decreased headcount and related costs as a result of restructurings in the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as well as a decrease in corresponding non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. These decreases were offset by an increase in APONVIE related costs to support commercial launch in March 2023.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, general and administrative expense was $49.0 million, compared to $37.4 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to severance and non-cash, stock-based compensation expense in connection with executive departures in the second and third quarters of 2023, and ongoing legal costs associated with the CINVANTI patent litigation.

Current wording

General and administrative expense increased 5.7% during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year and as a percentage of sales, decreased 6.0% during the same period, primarily due to severance and non-cash, stock-based compensation expense in connection with the executive departures in the second and third quarters of 2023, and ongoing legal costs associated with the CINVANTI patent litigation.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, sales and marketing expense was $67.6 million, compared to $82.5 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in costs to support the ongoing commercialization of ZYNRELEF, due to improved operational efficiencies.

Current wording

Sales and marketing expense decreased 18.0% during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year and as a percentage of sales, decreased 23.4% during the same period, primarily due to a decrease in costs to support the ongoing commercialization of ZYNRELEF, offset by costs to support commercialization of APONVIE, and due to improved operational efficiencies.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, other income (expense), net was $0.1 million, compared to ($7.4) million for the same period in 2022. The change was primarily due to the write-off of property and equipment at a third-party manufacturing site in 2022, as well as an increase in interest income earned on our invested cash balances in 2023.

Current wording

Other (expense) income, net increased $7.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the write-off of property and equipment at a third-party manufacturing site in 2022, as well as an increase in interest income earned on our invested cash balances in 2023.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $80.4 million. Based on our current operating plan and projections, management believes that the Company’s existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated cash requirements for a period of at least one year from the date this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $59.3 million. Based on our current operating plan and projections, management believes that the Company’s existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated cash requirements for a period of at least one year from the date this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, we expect that we will need to refinance, or otherwise satisfy, our current indebtedness of $175.5 million to fully fund our current business plan and meet all commitments discussed below. We continuously evaluate our liquidity and capital resources, including access to external capital, in light of current economic and market conditions and our operational performance.

Previous wording

Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $110.6 million, or $0.80 per share, compared to a net loss of $182.0 million, or $1.67 per share, for the same period in 2022.

Current wording

Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $13.6 million, or $0.09 per share, compared to a net loss of $110.6 million, or $0.80 per share, for the same period in 2023, and $182.0 million or $1.67 per share for the same period in 2022.

Previous wording

Our net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $58.8 million, compared to $146.9 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses and changes in working capital.

Current wording

Our net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $22.5 million, compared to $58.8 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in net loss as a result of decreases in operating spend and stock-based compensation expenses, primarily as a result of the restructuring implemented in 2023, offset by the net increase in write-offs of property and equipment of $3.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, and changes in working capital, specifically accounts receivable due to timing of collections, inventory as a result of write-offs incurred, prepaid assets due to the timing of payments, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, including payroll and employee liabilities due to the timing of payments and reduced headcount.

Previous wording

Our net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $18.0 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $3.3 million for the same period in 2022. The increase in cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to net maturities of short-term investments of $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to net purchases of short-term investments of $1.7 million for the same period in 2022.

Current wording

Our net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $18.7 million, compared to $18.0 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to net maturities of short-term investments of $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net maturities of short-term investments of $19.5 million for the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

Our net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $54.1 million, compared to $75.1 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to net proceeds of $54.1 million received from debt and equity financings completed in the third quarter of 2023, compared to net proceeds of $75.1 million received from an equity financing in 2022.

Current wording

Our net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $0.9 million, compared to $54.1 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to net proceeds of $54.1 million received from debt and equity financings completed in the third quarter of 2023. There were no comparable transactions in the year ended December 31, 2024. The net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a result of proceeds from transactions under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the equity incentive plan.

Previous wording

Historically, we have financed our operations, including technology and product research and development, primarily through sales of our common stock and debt financings.

Current wording

Historically, we have financed our operations, including technology and product research and development, primarily through sales of our common stock, product sales and debt financings.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the convertible notes were outstanding (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The senior unsecured convertible notes mature on May 26, 2026, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Convertible Notes were outstanding (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The Senior Convertible Notes mature on May 26, 2026, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, $25.2 million aggregate principal amount under the working capital facility was outstanding (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The working capital facility has a four year term, with a springing maturity date that is 91 days prior to the stated maturity of our existing senior unsecured convertible notes (if still outstanding at such time).

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, $25.5 million aggregate principal amount under the Working Capital Facility was outstanding (see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The Working Capital Facility has a four year term and matures on the earlier of earlier of (a) September 1, 2027 and (b) to the extent that any of the Senior Convertible Notes remain outstanding on such date, (i) May 12, 2026 or (ii) in the event that the maturity date of any of the Senior Convertible Notes is extended, prior to May 12, 2026, to August 11, 2026 or later, the date that is ninety-one days prior to the maturity date of such further extended Senior Convertible Notes. As of December 31, 2024, the total amount of availability under the Working Capital Facility is approximately $10 million.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, purchase obligations primarily consisted of non-cancellable commitments with third-party manufacturers in connection with the manufacturing of our Products. Total purchase obligations of $60.2 million were not included in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, with $39.0 million due in one year and $21.2 million due within two to three years. We intend to use our current financial resources to fund our commitments under these purchase obligations.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, purchase obligations primarily consisted of non-cancellable commitments with third-party manufacturers in connection with the manufacturing of our Products. Total purchase obligations of $49.2 million were not included in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, with $37.4 million due in one year and $11.8 million due within two years. We intend to use our current financial resources to fund our commitments under these purchase obligations.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had an operating lease for 52,148 square feet of laboratory and office space in San Diego, California, with a lease term that expires on December 31, 2025. In October 2021, we entered into a sublease agreement to sublet 23,873 square feet of laboratory and office space. The space was delivered to the subtenant in March 2022. The sublease agreement expires on December 31, 2025 and is coterminous with the operating lease for the subleased space. In September 2023, we also entered into a sublease agreement to sublet 5,840 square feet of office space in Cary, North Carolina, with a lease term that expires on April 30, 2025. As of December 31, 2023, we had total operating lease obligations of $6.3 million, with $3.2 million due in one year and $3.1 million due within two to three years.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had an operating lease for 52,148 square feet of laboratory and office space in San Diego, California, with a lease term that expires on December 31, 2025. In October 2021, we entered into a sublease agreement to sublet 23,873 square feet of laboratory and office space. The space was delivered to the subtenant in March 2022. The sublease agreement expires on December 31, 2025 and is coterminous with the operating lease for the subleased space. In September 2023, we also entered into a sublease agreement to sublet 5,840 square feet of office space in Cary, North Carolina, with a lease term that expires on April 30, 2025. In September 2024, we entered into a short-term sublease agreement to sublet 9,882 square feet of office space in Cary, North Carolina, with a lease term that expires on August 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, we had total operating lease obligations of $3.0 million, all of which is due within one year.

Previous wording

We enter into agreements with clinical sites and clinical research organizations for the conduct of our clinical trials and contract manufacturing organizations for the manufacture and supply of preclinical, clinical and commercial materials and drug product. We make payments to these clinical sites and clinical research organizations based in part on the number of eligible patients enrolled and the length of their participation in the clinical trials. In some of our agreements with contract manufacturing organizations, we are required to meet minimum purchase obligations. Under certain of these agreements, we may be subject to penalties in the event that we prematurely terminate these agreements. At this time, due to the variability associated with clinical site agreements, contract research organization agreements and contract manufacturing agreements, we are unable to estimate with certainty the future costs we will incur. We intend to use our current financial resources to fund our obligations under these commitments.

Current wording

We enter into agreements with contract manufacturing organizations for the manufacture and supply of commercial materials and drug product. In some of our agreements with contract manufacturing organizations, we are required to meet minimum purchase obligations. Under certain of these agreements, we may be subject to penalties in the event that we prematurely terminate these agreements. At this time, due to the variability associated with clinical site agreements, contract research organization agreements and contract manufacturing agreements, we are unable to estimate with certainty the future costs we will incur. We intend to use our current financial resources to fund our obligations under these commitments.