MoonLake Immunotherapeutics
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 26, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 26, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-29.
0001821586-24-000008
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-26.
0001821586-25-000006
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 125 previous paragraphs and 130 current paragraphs.
71 unchanged; 35 reworded; 17 added; 17 removed; 2 previous and 7 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 3 previous and 3 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (17)
Current report
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Current report
A discussion regarding our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 can be found under Part II - Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 29, 2024, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on May 7, 2024.
Current report
In March 2024, we announced plans to initiate clinical studies of SLK in additional indications, including a Phase 3 trial in adolescent patients with HS (the VELA-TEEN trial (M1095-HS-304)), a Phase 2 trial in patients with PPP (the LEDA trial (M1095-PPP-201)), a Phase 2 trial in patients with axSpA (the S-OLARIS trial (M1095-axSpA-202)) and another Phase 2 trial applying novel imaging techniques in patients with PsA (the P-OLARIS trial (M1095-snSpA-202)). In January 2025, we announced that first patients have been screened in the VELA-TEEN, the LEDA, and the S-OLARIS clinical trials. We expect patient enrollment for the P-OLARIS trial to commence in the first half of 2025.
Current report
We expect to submit a first Biologics License Application (“BLA”) for SLK in 2026 and, subject to FDA approval, a first commercial launch in the U.S. in 2027.
Current report
At-the-Market Offerings
Current report
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we sold 914,828 and 1,070,818 Class A Ordinary Shares, respectively, through the Sales Agreements for net proceeds of $52.5 million and $45.8 million, respectively, after deducting sales agent's commissions and transaction costs. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, there were no sales under the August 2023 Sales Agreement.
Current report
On March 8, 2024, we executed a similar transaction as a two-step process: (i) we acquired 501 MoonLake AG Common Shares held in treasury through a share purchase and assignment agreement ($0.8 million) and (ii) we contributed an additional $150.0 million of funds to MoonLake AG's capital reserves through a cash contribution. A stamp duty tax of $1.5 million, net of refund received, was levied on the capital contribution which we have classified as cash flows from financing activities in order to correctly mirror the underlying nature of the transaction. The aforementioned increase in treasury shares occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024 as a result of an employee termination entitling MoonLake AG to repurchase such employee's unvested shares (501 MoonLake AG Common Shares and 16,853 Class C Ordinary Shares) previously awarded as part of a share-based compensation program. Since the shares were subsequently sold to MoonLake, the corresponding Class C Ordinary Shares were canceled.
Current report
Options Exercised under the Equity Incentive Plan
Current report
In the year ended December 31, 2024, certain participants exercised their stock options under the Equity Incentive Plan (as defined below) for an aggregate of 48,796 Class A Ordinary Shares and total cash consideration of $242,004.
Current report
•Preparing for commercialization of SLK— We have started preparing the BLA to seek approval of SLK in the U.S. in HS and adolescent HS. We expect to incur significant research and development expense, and G&A expenses in this process, as we make milestone and commercial payments under the In-License Agreement, dated April 29, 2021, by and between MoonLake AG and MHKDG (the "In-License Agreement") (based on regulatory filing acceptances, first commercial sales, and aggregate annual net sales) and as we establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize SLK including establishing a presence in the U.S. We expect to submit the BLA in 2026 after completion of the VELA program, and, subject to FDA approval, we expect a commercial launch in the U.S. in 2027.
Current report
Results of Operations
Current report
Research and development expenses were $112.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $31.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $81.0 million primarily related to an increase of $47.7 million in expenses pertaining to clinical development trials with CROs, including the Phase 3 VELA program in HS and the Phase 3 IZAR program in PsA, as well as the additional trials in adolescent HS (the VELA-TEEN trial), PPP (the LEDA trial), axSpA (the S-OLARIS trial) and PsA (the P-OLARIS trial). An additional increase of $23.7 million related to supply and logistic services for such clinical development trials, including the purchase of a comparator drug for the IZAR-2 trial in PsA, and an increase of $5.4 million in personnel-related costs to support our research and development efforts. In the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, research and development expenses were predominantly made up of external costs.
Current report
General and administrative expenses were $30.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $22.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $8.0 million primarily related to an increase of $3.3 million in personnel-related costs to support organizational growth, an increase of $2.4 million in expenses for advisory and professional services to support organizational growth, an increase of $1.6 million in office expenses driven by the new leases for additional office space, and an increase of $1.2 million in market research expenses.
Current report
•contract with third parties, including CROs and CMOs, to support the clinical trials of SLK, including trials in HS, PsA, adolescent HS, PPP and axSpA;
Current report
•prepare for regulatory filing and commercialization of SLK;
Current report
Share-Based Compensation
Current report
Research and Development Contract Costs and Accruals
Removed paragraphs (17)
Previous report
Building on the robust clinical data generated to date, we intend to further pursue the clinical development of SLK. We expect to commence Phase 3 clinical trials in HS and PsA in 2024. We also expect to commence clinical trials of SLK in other indications to be announced in 2024.
Previous report
On September 21, 2023, MNLK Immunotherapeutics, Unipessoal Lda, our wholly-owned subsidiary, was incorporated as a private limited company under the laws of Portugal to conduct administrative and business support services, and research and development activities in biotechnology and immunotherapy.
Previous report
Recent Developments
Previous report
At-the-Market Offering
Previous report
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company sold 1,070,818 Class A Ordinary Shares through the Sales Agreements for gross proceeds of $46.9 million.
Previous report
Subsequent to December 31, 2023 and through to February 9, 2024 we sold a further 914,828 Class A Ordinary shares through the August 2023 Sales Agreement for gross proceeds of $53.3 million, bringing total gross proceeds under the August 2023 Sales Agreement to $85.0 million.
Previous report
Research and development expenses were $31.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $42.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of $10.2 million primarily related to a decrease of $10.2 million for milestone expenses and research and development services incurred under the In-License Agreements, and a decrease of $4.0 million in CRO expenses for the Phase 2 clinical trials in HS and PsA. The decreases were partially offset by an increase of $2.2 million in personnel-related expenses to support the research and development effort as we move to Phase 3 clinical trials, and an increase of $1.8 million related to contracted non-clinical research expenses.
Previous report
General and administrative expenses were $22.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of $0.7 million was primarily due to a decrease of $3.1 million in share-based compensation due to the restricted founder shares becoming fully vested in April 2023 and a decrease of $1.6 million of professional, legal and other fees as a result of the Business Combination in 2022. The decreases were partially offset by increases of $1.8 million in personnel-related costs and $2.2 million in other general and administrative expenses to support organizational growth and operating as a public company.
Previous report
•contract with third parties to support clinical trials related to SLK;
Previous report
•operate as a public company.
Previous report
We anticipate a significant future increase in our expenses and capital requirements when proceeding to Phase 3 clinical trials in 2024, and when building up our commercialization capabilities.
Previous report
Share-based Transaction
Previous report
Determination of Fair Value – Common Shares and Class A Ordinary Shares
Previous report
Determination of Fair Value – Share Option Awards
Previous report
Accrued Research and Development Expenses
Previous report
Emerging Growth Company Status
Previous report
Prior to December 31, 2023, we were an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and a “smaller reporting company”, as defined under the Exchange Act. As such, we were eligible for exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation. As of December 31, 2023, we are no longer an emerging growth company or smaller reporting company. In accordance with SEC rules, we are availing ourselves of the exemptions from disclosure requirements, including certain of the reduced and scaled disclosure obligations, that are available to smaller reporting companies. However, beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, we will no longer be permitted to take advantage of the reduced reporting requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies.
Reworded paragraphs (35)
Previous wording
SLK is a proprietary Nanobody that was discovered by Ablynx N.V., Belgium, a Sanofi company (“Ablynx”), and previously studied by MHKDG and Avillion LLP ("Avillion") under a 2017 co-development agreement. The terms “Nanobody” and “Nanobodies” used herewith are registered trademarks of Ablynx. Nanobodies are able to bind selectively to a specific antigen with high affinity. Nanobodies have a fraction of the molecular weight compared to traditional antibodies. They offer a number of potential advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies, including the potential to create multivalent molecules with enhanced ability to penetrate inflamed tissue, especially when containing an additional albumin binding domain such as SLK, an easier manufacturing process and a higher thermostability.
Current wording
SLK is a proprietary Nanobody that was discovered by Ablynx N.V., Belgium, a Sanofi company (“Ablynx”), and previously studied by MHKDG and Avillion LLP under a 2017 co-development agreement. The terms “Nanobody” and “Nanobodies” used herewith are registered trademarks of Ablynx. Nanobodies are able to bind selectively to a specific antigen with high affinity. Nanobodies have a fraction of the molecular weight compared to traditional antibodies. They offer a number of potential advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies, including the potential to create multivalent molecules with enhanced ability to penetrate inflamed tissue, especially when containing an additional albumin binding domain such as SLK, an easier manufacturing process and a higher thermostability.
Previous wording
We currently develop SLK in inflammatory diseases in dermatology and rheumatology where the pathophysiology is known to be driven by IL-17A and IL-17F. This group of diseases comprises our initial target diseases, hidradenitis suppurativa (“HS”) and psoriatic arthritis (“PsA”), and several other inflammatory conditions (including axial spondyloarthritis ("axSpA") and psoriasis (“PsO”). Our initial target diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and we believe there is a need for improved treatment options. We believe that SLK has a differentiated mechanism of action and that its purposefully designed molecular characteristics, including its small size and its albumin binding site, facilitate deep tissue penetration in the skin and joints. We envision SLK as a key therapeutic alternative in our initial target indications and potentially in multiple other IL-17 driven inflammatory conditions.
Current wording
We currently develop SLK in inflammatory diseases in dermatology and rheumatology where the pathophysiology is known to be driven by IL-17A and IL-17F. This group of diseases comprises our current target diseases, hidradenitis suppurativa (“HS”), psoriatic arthritis (“PsA”), axial spondyloarthritis (“axSpA”), palmoplantar pustulosis (“PPP”), and several other inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis (“PsO”). Our current target diseases affect millions of people worldwide, and we believe there is a need for improved treatment options. We believe that SLK has a differentiated mechanism of action and that its purposefully designed molecular characteristics, including its small size and its albumin binding site, facilitate deep tissue penetration in the skin and joints. We envision SLK as a key therapeutic alternative in our initial target indications and potentially in multiple other IL-17 driven inflammatory conditions.
Previous wording
In May 2022, we initiated a Phase 2b trial of SLK in patients with moderate-to-severe HS (the MIRA trial (M1095-HS-201)), and in June 2023, we announced positive top-line results from this trial, which met its primary endpoint of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (“HiSCR”) 75. In October 2023, we announced positive 24-week top-line results showing that the maintenance treatment with SLK led to further improvements in HiSCR75 response rates and other clinically relevant outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe HS. In February 2024, we announced the successful outcome of our end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), as well as positive feedback from our interactions with the E.U. European Medicines Agency (“EMA”), with both regulatory bodies unanimously supporting our proposed approach for advancing our Phase 3 program of SLK in HS. In December 2022, we initiated a Phase 2b trial in patients with active PsA (the ARGO trial (M1095-PSA-201)), and in November 2023, we announced positive top-line results from this trial, which met its primary endpoint of American College of Rheumatology (“ACR”) 50. We expect to announce 24-week top-line results of the ARGO trial in the first quarter of 2024. SLK was also studied in a Phase 2b trial in PsO patients where it showed a significant improvement in the primary end point as compared with placebo and for which results were presented in peer-reviewed scientific publications and conferences. In addition to the three Phase 2b trials, Phase 1 single ascending and multiple ascending dosing trials were previously completed, bringing the total number of patients in SLK-related trials to more than 700.
Current wording
In May 2022, we initiated a Phase 2b trial of SLK in patients with moderate-to-severe HS (the MIRA trial (M1095-HS-201)), and in June 2023, we announced positive top-line results from this trial, which met its primary endpoint of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (“HiSCR”) 75. In October 2023, we announced positive 24-week top-line results showing that the maintenance treatment with SLK led to further improvements in HiSCR75 response rates and other clinically relevant outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe HS. In February 2024, we announced the successful outcome of our end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), as well as positive feedback from our interactions with the E.U. European Medicines Agency (“EMA”), with both regulatory bodies supporting our proposed approach for advancing our Phase 3 program of SLK in HS. In May 2024, we announced the screening of the first patients in the VELA-1 trial (M1095-HS-301) and VELA-2 trial (M1095-HS-302). We expect primary endpoint data from the VELA-1 and VELA-2 clinical trials as of mid-2025.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had $451.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. Based on our current operating plans, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities, together amounting to $511.0 million, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements until the end of 2026.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $180.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. Based on our current operating plans, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities, together amounting to $448.0 million, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements until the end of 2026.
Previous wording
On April 5, 2022, we completed the Business Combination (as defined below) which raised $134.7 million net of transaction related expenses. In May 2023, June 2023, and December 2023 we completed equity offerings which raised an additional gross proceeds of $15.2 million, $460.0 million, and $31.7 million respectively.
Current wording
On April 5, 2022, we completed the Business Combination (as defined below) which raised $134.7 million net of transaction related expenses. In May 2023, June 2023, December 2023, January 2024 and February 2024, we completed equity offerings which raised additional gross proceeds of $15.2 million, $460.0 million, $31.7 million, $39.6 million, and $13.7 million, respectively.
Previous wording
On May 11, 2023, we entered into a Sales Agreement (the “May 2023 Sales Agreement”) with Leerink Partners LLC (formerly known as SVB Securities LLC) (“Leerink Partners”), through which we could issue and sell up to $200,000,000 of our Class A Ordinary Shares (the “May 2023 ATM Shares”), through Leerink Partners as sales agent. The May 2023 ATM Shares to be sold under the May 2023 Sales Agreement, if any, would be issued and sold pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-271546), which was declared effective by the SEC on May 9, 2023, and a prospectus supplement thereto filed with the SEC on May 11, 2023.
Current wording
On May 11, 2023, we entered into a Sales Agreement (the “May 2023 Sales Agreement”) with Leerink Partners LLC (formerly known as SVB Securities LLC) (“Leerink Partners”), through which we could issue and sell up to $200.0 million of our Class A Ordinary Shares (the “May 2023 ATM Shares”), through Leerink Partners as sales agent. The May 2023 ATM Shares to be sold under the May 2023 Sales Agreement, if any, would be issued and sold pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-271546), which was declared effective by the SEC on May 9, 2023, and a prospectus supplement thereto filed with the SEC on May 11, 2023.
Previous wording
On June 27, 2023, in connection with the Offering (as defined below), we reduced the maximum aggregate offering amount of our Class A Ordinary Shares that could be issued and sold under the May 2023 Sales Agreement to $0 and no longer intend to sell Class A Ordinary Shares under the May 2023 Sales Agreement unless we file a further prospectus supplement indicating an amount of shares proposed to be sold.
Current wording
On June 27, 2023, we reduced the maximum aggregate offering amount of our Class A Ordinary Shares that could be issued and sold under the May 2023 Sales Agreement to $0 and no longer intend to sell Class A Ordinary Shares under the May 2023 Sales Agreement unless we file a further prospectus supplement indicating an amount of shares proposed to be sold.
Previous wording
On August 31, 2023, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Leerink Partners (the “August 2023 Sales Agreement”), through which we could issue and sell up to $350,000,000 of our Class A Ordinary Shares (the “August 2023 ATM Shares” and together with the May 2023 Sales Agreement, the “Sales Agreements”), through Leerink Partners as sales agent. The August 2023 ATM Shares to be sold under the August 2023 Sales Agreement, if any, would be issued and sold pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-274286), which was declared effective by the SEC on September 11, 2023, and a prospectus supplement thereto filed with the SEC on August 31, 2023.
Current wording
On August 31, 2023, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Leerink Partners (the “August 2023 Sales Agreement” and together with the May 2023 Sales Agreement, the “Sales Agreements”), through which we could issue and sell up to $350.0 million of our Class A Ordinary Shares (the “August 2023 ATM Shares”), through Leerink Partners as sales agent. The August 2023 ATM Shares to be sold under the August 2023 Sales Agreement, if any, would be issued and sold pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-274286), which was declared effective by the SEC on September 11, 2023, and a prospectus supplement thereto filed with the SEC on August 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, there was $265.0 million remaining for future sales under the August 2023 ATM Sales Agreement.
Previous wording
On June 27, 2023, we entered into an underwriting agreement with Leerink Partners LLC and Guggenheim Securities LLC as the representatives of the underwriters named therein to issue and sell 8,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares at a public offering price of $50.00 per share (the “Offering”). In addition, we granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional 1,200,000 Class A Ordinary Shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions (the “Option”), and such Option was exercised in full by the underwriters.
Current wording
On June 27, 2023, we entered into an underwriting agreement with Leerink Partners and Guggenheim Securities LLC as the representatives of the underwriters named therein to issue and sell 8,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares at a public offering price of $50.00 per share (the “Offering”). In addition, we granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional 1,200,000 Class A Ordinary Shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions (the “Option”), and such Option was exercised in full by the underwriters.
Previous wording
Following the completion of the Offering, we opted to direct a substantial portion of the net proceeds to MoonLake AG. This was executed as a two-step process: (1) we acquired the remaining 22,756 shares of MoonLake AG common stock held in treasury through a share purchase and assignment agreement formally executed on July 09, 2023 ($38.9 million) and (2) additional funds were contributed to MoonLake AG’s capital reserves through a cash contribution agreement formally executed on July 10, 2023 ($275 million).
Current wording
Following the completion of the Offering, we opted to direct a substantial portion of the net proceeds to MoonLake Immunotherapeutics AG, a Swiss stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) registered with the commercial register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland under the number CHE-433.093.536 (“MoonLake AG”). This was executed as a two-step process: (i) we acquired the remaining 22,756 common shares in MoonLake AG (“MoonLake AG Common Shares”) held in treasury through a share purchase and assignment agreement formally executed on July 09, 2023 ($38.9 million) and (ii) additional funds were contributed to MoonLake AG’s capital reserves through a cash contribution agreement formally executed on July 10, 2023 ($275 million). A stamp duty tax of $2.8 million was levied on the aforementioned capital contribution which we have classified as cash flows from financing activities in order to correctly mirror the underlying nature of the transaction.
Previous wording
On April 5, 2022, we consummated the previously announced business combination pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated October 4, 2021 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Helix Acquisition Corp. (“Helix”), MoonLake Immunotherapeutics AG, a Swiss stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) registered with the commercial register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland under the number CHE-433.093.536 (“MoonLake AG”), the existing equityholders of MoonLake AG set forth on the signature pages to the Business Combination Agreement and the equityholders of MoonLake AG that executed joinders to the Business Combination Agreement (collectively, the “ML Parties”), Helix Holdings LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company and the sponsor of Helix, and the representative of the ML Parties (such transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, collectively, the “Business Combination”). Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, MoonLake AG merged with and into Helix, with MoonLake AG as the surviving company in the Business Combination and, after giving effect to such Business Combination, MoonLake AG became our subsidiary. The ML Parties received the right to transfer their MoonLake AG Common Shares to the Company in exchange for 33.638698 MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Class A Ordinary Shares (the “Exchange Ratio”). In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, we changed our name from Helix Acquisition Corp. to MoonLake Immunotherapeutics.
Current wording
On April 5, 2022, we consummated the previously announced business combination pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated October 4, 2021 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Helix Acquisition Corp. (“Helix”), MoonLake AG, the existing equityholders of MoonLake AG set forth on the signature pages to the Business Combination Agreement and the equityholders of MoonLake AG that executed joinders to the Business Combination Agreement (collectively, the “ML Parties”), Helix Holdings LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company and the sponsor of Helix, and the representative of the ML Parties (such transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, collectively, the “Business Combination”). Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, MoonLake AG merged with and into Helix, with MoonLake AG as the surviving company in the Business Combination and, after giving effect to such Business Combination, MoonLake AG became our subsidiary. The ML Parties received the right to transfer their MoonLake AG Common Shares to the Company in exchange for 33.638698 MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Class A Ordinary Shares (the “Exchange Ratio”). In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, we changed our name from Helix Acquisition Corp. to MoonLake Immunotherapeutics.
Previous wording
The successful development of SLK is highly uncertain. We expect to incur significant research and development expenses for the foreseeable future as we continue the development and manufacturing partnerships for SLK, conduct research activities and potentially expand our pipeline by pursuing additional indications for SLK or including new product candidates in our portfolio. We cannot determine with certainty the timing of initiation, the duration, or the completion costs of current or future research studies and clinical trials of SLK due to the inherently unpredictable nature of research activities and clinical development. Clinical development timelines, the probability of success and the development costs can differ materially from expectations. We anticipate that we will make determinations as to which indications to pursue and how much funding to direct to each indication on an ongoing basis in response to the results of ongoing and future research studies and clinical trials, regulatory developments, and our ongoing assessments as to each indication’s commercial potential. Our clinical development costs are expected to increase significantly when we progress into Phase 3 clinical trials.
Current wording
The successful development of SLK is highly uncertain. We expect to incur significant research and development expenses for the foreseeable future as we continue the development and manufacturing partnerships for SLK, conduct research activities and potentially expand our pipeline by pursuing additional indications for SLK or including new product candidates in our portfolio. We cannot determine with certainty the timing of initiation, the duration, or the completion costs of current or future research studies and clinical trials of SLK due to the inherently unpredictable nature of research activities and clinical development. Clinical development timelines, the probability of success and the development costs can differ materially from expectations. We anticipate that we will make determinations as to which indications to pursue and how much funding to direct to each indication on an ongoing basis in response to the results of ongoing and future research studies and clinical trials, regulatory developments, and our ongoing assessments as to each indication’s commercial potential.
Previous wording
Any changes in the outcome of any of these variables with respect to the development of SLK could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with its development. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for SLK. We may obtain unexpected results from our clinical trials. We may elect to discontinue, delay or modify clinical trials or focus on other product candidates. For example, if the FDA, the EMA, or another regulatory authority were to delay our planned start of clinical trials or require us to conduct clinical trials or other testing beyond those that we currently expect or if we experience significant delays in enrollment in any of our planned clinical trials, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of SLK’s clinical development.
Current wording
clinical trials or focus on other product candidates. For example, if the FDA, the EMA, or another regulatory authority were to delay our planned start of clinical trials or require us to conduct clinical trials or other testing beyond those that we currently expect or if we experience significant delays in enrollment in any of our planned clinical trials, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of SLK’s clinical development.
Previous wording
•Building the leading efficacy and safety profile of SLK for patients —We expect to incur significant research and development expenses, and G&A expenses as we: (i) conduct and initiate further clinical trials for SLK including Phase 3 clinical trials in HS and PsA and one or more clinical trials in other indications; (ii) seek regulatory approvals for SLK; (iii) make milestone and commercial payments under the In-License Agreement, dated April 29, 2021, by and between MoonLake AG and MHKDG (the "In-License Agreement") (based on regulatory filing acceptances, first commercial sales, and aggregate annual net sales); (iv) establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize SLK; (v) attract, hire and retain additional clinical, scientific, quality control, and administrative personnel; and (vi) add clinical, operational, financial and management information systems and personnel.
Current wording
•Completing the development of SLK in our current focus indications, HS, PsA, axSpA and PPP—We expect to incur significant research and development expenses, and G&A expenses as we: (i) conduct clinical trials for SLK including the ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials in HS, PsA and adolescent HS and the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials in PPP and axSpA; (ii) attract, hire and retain additional clinical, scientific, quality control, and administrative personnel; and (iii) add clinical, operational, financial and management information systems and personnel.
Previous wording
•Building our manufacturing and commercialization capabilities— We do not own or operate manufacturing facilities, and currently have no plans to establish any. We partner with third-party CMOs for both drug substance and finished drug product. We obtain our supplies from these manufacturers based on purchase orders. Therefore, we expect to incur research and development costs for the purchase of our supplies on an as needed basis to conduct our clinical trials. Technology transfers for drug substance and drug product to commercial scale CMOs have already been executed in 2022, but we may pursue additional technology transfers and process improvements. This is designed to allow us to scale-up while SLK is in clinical development and advance potential commercial requirements. The improvement of our manufacturing capabilities will be important in driving efficiency, maintaining high standards of quality control, and ensuring that investigators, physicians, and patients have adequate access to our product candidates, if approved. We also plan to further invest in our commercial capabilities. In 2024, we started hiring dedicated personnel to our marketing, access and pricing functions and intend to continue building out this team to prepare for commercial launches of SLK in our target indications.
Current wording
•Building our manufacturing capabilities — We do not own or operate manufacturing facilities, and currently have no plans to establish any. We partner with third-party CMOs for both drug substance and finished drug product. We obtain our supplies from these manufacturers based on purchase orders. Therefore, we expect to incur research and development costs for the purchase of our supplies on an as needed basis to conduct our clinical trials. Technology transfers for drug substance and drug product to commercial scale CMOs have already been executed in 2022, but we may pursue additional technology transfers and process improvements. This is designed to allow us to scale up while SLK is in clinical development and advance potential commercial requirements. The improvement of our manufacturing capabilities will be important in driving efficiency, maintaining high standards of quality control, and ensuring that investigators, physicians, and patients have adequate access to our product candidates, if approved. We also plan to start the stock-piling of drug substance as pre-launch inventory in 2025.
Previous wording
•Licensing/broadening our portfolio— We may supplement our current strategy with the in-licensing or acquisition of additional product candidates for clinical development (beyond SLK), rather than discovering such candidates ourselves, which would lead to additional research and development expenses, G&A expenses, and capital expenditures.
Current wording
•Broadening our portfolio— We believe that there are other indications beyond HS, PsA, axSpA and PPP where SLK has the potential to represent a differentiated therapeutic alternative and we may initiate clinical trials of SLK in such other indications. In addition, to further enhance our overall potential and provide increased optionality, we may supplement our current strategy with the in-licensing or acquisition of additional product candidates for clinical development (beyond SLK), rather than discovering such candidates ourselves, which would lead to additional research and development expenses, G&A expenses, and capital expenditures.
Previous wording
•Granting share-based compensation awards and vesting of existing plans— We expect to continue to grant awards to selected employees, directors and non-employees pursuant to the MoonLake AG’s Employee Stock Option Plan (“ESOP”), MoonLake AG’s Employee Share Participation Plan (“ESPP”), and MoonLake Immunotherapeutics 2022 Equity Incentive Plan. Further, we expect to continue to incur share-based compensation charges in connection with the above-mentioned plans.
Current wording
•Granting share-based compensation awards and vesting of existing plans— We expect to continue to grant awards to selected employees, directors and non-employees pursuant to the MoonLake Immunotherapeutics 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (“Equity Incentive Plan”). Further, we expect to continue to incur share-based compensation charges in connection with the above-mentioned plan and the vesting of awards made under MoonLake AG’s Employee Share Participation Plan (“ESPP”).
Previous wording
We expect our existing cash and cash equivalents to be sufficient to advance the development of SLK in multiple indications, including Phase 3 clinical trials in HS and PsA, and to submit a Biologics License Application (“BLA”) for SLK. Clinical development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain outcomes and is subject to risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, including that our preclinical studies or clinical trials may not be conducted as planned or completed on schedule and may not satisfy the requirements of the FDA, EMA, or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities. If we are required to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials of SLK beyond those that we currently contemplate, if we are delayed or unable to successfully complete clinical trials of SLK or other testing, or if the results of these trials or tests are not positive or are only modestly positive or if there are safety concerns, we may require additional funding. Moreover, we will require additional capital to commercialize SLK and to discover, develop, obtain regulatory approval and commercialize any future product candidates, as applicable. We do not have any committed external source of funds. We expect to finance future cash needs through public or private equity or debt offerings or product collaborations. Additional capital may not be available in sufficient amounts or on reasonable terms, if at all. The current market environment for small biotechnology companies, like us, and broader macroeconomic factors, including recent and potential future disruptions in access to bank deposits or lending commitments due to bank failures, may preclude us from successfully raising additional capital.
Current wording
We expect our existing cash and cash equivalents to be sufficient to advance the development of SLK in multiple indications, including the above-mentioned clinical trials in HS, PsA, adolescent HS, PPP and axSpA, and to submit a Biologics License Application for SLK. Clinical development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain outcomes and is subject to risks described in Item 1A, including that our preclinical studies or clinical trials may not be conducted as planned or completed on schedule and may not satisfy the requirements of the FDA, EMA, or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities. If we are required to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials of SLK beyond those that we currently contemplate, if we are delayed or unable to successfully complete clinical trials of SLK or other testing, or if the results of these trials or tests are not positive or are only modestly positive or if there are safety concerns, we may require additional funding. Moreover, we will require additional capital to commercialize SLK and to discover, develop, obtain regulatory approval and commercialize any future product candidates, as applicable. We do not have any committed external source of funds. We expect to finance future cash needs through public or private equity or debt offerings or product collaborations. Additional capital may not be available in sufficient amounts or on reasonable terms, if at all. The current market environment for small biotechnology companies, like us, and broader macroeconomic factors, including recent and potential future disruptions in access to bank deposits or lending commitments due to bank failures, may preclude us from successfully raising additional capital.
Previous wording
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Balances and transactions denominated in foreign currencies are converted as follows: monetary assets and liabilities are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are translated at the daily exchange rate on the respective transaction date.
Current wording
Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Balances and transactions denominated in foreign currencies are converted as follows: monetary assets and liabilities are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at the daily exchange rate on the respective transaction date.
Previous wording
Gain or losses from foreign currency translation are included "other income, net" in the audited consolidated statement of operations. We recognized foreign currency transaction gain of $151,493 for the year ended December 31, 2023. We recognized foreign currency transaction gain of $325,317 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Current wording
Gains or losses from foreign currency translation are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss in “other income, net”. We recognized a foreign currency transaction loss of $42,186 for the year
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $10.1 million in other income, compared to an income of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $9.5 million is primarily due to an increase of $10.0 million in interest income on cash held in bank and investments in short-term marketable debt securities.
Current wording
Other income, net was $22.1 million for year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $12.0 million primarily related to an increase of $12.3 million in realized interest on cash held in bank and cash investments in short-term marketable debt securities.
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, and for the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized an income tax expense of $94,388 and $36,366 respectively, which was related to corporate income tax of our U.K. and Portugal subsidiaries in 2023 and of our U.K subsidiary in 2022.
Current wording
Income tax expense was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The expense is related to corporate income tax of our subsidiaries in the U.K. and Portugal.
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized $2.0 million in other comprehensive income, compared to other comprehensive income of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase of $1.3 million was primarily due to net unrealized gain in short-term marketable debt securities.
Current wording
Other comprehensive income was $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase of $0.6 million primarily related to an increase in net unrealized gain in short-term marketable debt securities.
Previous wording
•conduct our research and development activities related to SLK;
Current wording
•conduct other research and development activities related to SLK;
Previous wording
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred a loss of $44.1 million, which includes non-cash items such as share-based compensation expense of $7.1 million, and cash outflow from operations of $42.8 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had a total of $511.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable debt securities. Based on our current operating plans, we believe our available cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements until the end of 2026.
Current wording
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred a loss of $121.2 million, which includes non-cash items such as share-based compensation expense of $7.3 million, and cash outflow from operations of $116.6 million. As of December 31, 2024, we had a total of $448.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities. Based on our current operating plans, we believe our available cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements until the end of 2026.
Previous wording
We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for at least the next three years, assuming we continue the clinical development of, and seek regulatory approval for, our product candidate under an in-licensing agreement. It is expected that operating losses will fluctuate significantly from year to year due to the timing of clinical development programs, efforts to achieve regulatory approval, and sales and marketing efforts. We will require substantial additional funding to bring our product candidate to market and support our continuing operations. Until such time that we can generate significant revenue from product sales or other sources, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through the sale of equity, debt financings, or other capital sources, which may include income from collaborations, strategic partnerships, or marketing, distribution, licensing or other strategic arrangements with third parties, or from grants. If we are unable to acquire additional capital or resources, we will be required to modify our operational plans to fund our operating expense requirements. Refer to “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Limited Operating History, Business,
Current wording
We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for at least the next three years, assuming we continue the clinical development of, and seek regulatory approval for, our product candidate under an in-licensing agreement. It is expected that operating losses will fluctuate significantly from year to year due to the timing of clinical development programs, efforts to achieve regulatory approval, and sales and marketing efforts. We will require substantial additional funding to bring our product candidate to market and support our continuing operations. Until such time that we can generate significant revenue from product sales or other sources, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through the sale of equity, debt financings, or other capital sources, which may include income from collaborations, strategic partnerships, or marketing, distribution, licensing or other strategic arrangements with third parties, or from grants. If we are unable to acquire additional capital or resources, we will be required to modify our operational plans to fund our operating expense requirements. Refer to “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Limited Operating History, Business, Financial Condition, and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details related to the risk of raising additional capital to fund our operations.
Previous wording
We did not generate any cash inflows from our operating activities. Our cash flows from operating activities are significantly influenced by our use of cash for operating expenses and working capital requirements, and we have historically experienced negative cash flows from operating activities as we invested in clinical research and related development and infrastructure efforts.
Current wording
We did not generate any cash inflows from our operating activities. Our cash flows from operating activities are significantly influenced by our use of cash for operating expenses and working capital requirements, and we have historically experienced negative cash flows from operating activities as we invested in clinical research and related development.
Previous wording
Net cash used in operating activities was $42.8 million and $55.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. The reduction of net cash used in operating activities was primarily driven by the reduction in operating loss related to clinical research and development expenses.
Current wording
Net cash used in operating activities was $116.6 million and $42.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase of net cash used in operating activities of $73.8 million was primarily driven by the increase in operating loss of $77.2 million and the increase in cash paid for changes in prepaid expenses of $6.5 million. The increases were partially offset by an increase in cash from changes in trade and other payables of $5.6 million and a decrease in cash paid for changes in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $5.5 million.
Previous wording
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities primarily comprised of $175.7 million related to the purchase of short-term marketable debt securities, partially offset by $150.8 million in proceeds received from maturities of short-term marketable debt securities with original maturities longer than three months, and changes in unrealized interests pertaining to short-term marketable debt securities with original maturities less than three months. During the period ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities of $32.3 primarily related to purchases of short-term marketable debt securities in the amount of $42.2 million, partially offset by $9.9 million of cash proceeds from principal payments.
Current wording
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used by investing activities was $205.6 million, consisting predominantly of $350.3 million related to the purchase of short-term marketable debt securities, partially offset by $145.2 million in proceeds received from maturities of short-term marketable debt securities with original maturities longer than three months. During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $25.2 million, consisting predominantly of $175.7 million related to the purchase of short-term marketable debt securities, partially offset by $150.8 million in proceeds received from maturities of short-term marketable debt securities with original maturities longer than three months.
Previous wording
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $479.7 million consisting primarily of the net proceeds from the shares sold under the Sales Agreements and the Offering. During the period December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $119.7 million consisting of $134.7 million of net proceeds from the Business Combination offset by the $15.0 million loan repayment to the Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P., Biotechnology Value Fund II, L.P., and Biotechnology Value Trading Fund OS, L.P.
Current wording
During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by financing activities was $51.3 million consisting primarily of $52.5 million in net proceeds from the shares sold under the August 2023 Sales Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $479.7 million consisting primarily of $482.5 million in the net proceeds from the shares sold under the Sales Agreements and the Offering.
Previous wording
The following summarizes our significant contractual obligations and other obligations as of December 31, 2023, which we generally expect to satisfy with cash on hand:
Current wording
The following summarizes our significant contractual obligations and other obligations as of December 31, 2024, which we generally expect to satisfy with cash on hand and the maturity of short-term marketable debt securities:
Previous wording
(2) We have committed ourselves to three leases, with terms that commenced on November 1, 2021, October 9, 2023, and October 13, 2023, and one lease that commenced on January 15, 2024. We have accounted for the office lease arrangements as operating leases under the guidance ASU 2016-02, Leases Topic 842 through the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. The future lease commitments relate to the office leases for our headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and Porto, Portugal, and reflect minimum payments due.
Current wording
(2) We have committed ourselves to five leases, with terms that commenced on November 1, 2021, October 9, 2023, October 13, 2023, January 15, 2024, and September 8, 2024. These future lease commitments relate to the office leases for our headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and Porto, Portugal, and reflect minimum payments due.
Previous wording
We measure all share-based awards granted to employees, directors and non-employees based on the fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expense of those awards over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. We grant share options and restricted share awards that are subject to either service or performance-based vesting conditions.
Current wording
We measure all share-based awards granted to employees, directors and non-employees based on the fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expense of those awards over the requisite service period, which is generally
Previous wording
All of our share-based compensation arrangements contain service and performance conditions that, depending on the relevant equity plan, are settled with shares of MoonLake or MoonLake AG, as applicable and meet the definition of a share-based compensation arrangements. All awards granted under our various share-based compensation plans were classified as equity-settled share-based arrangements.
Current wording
All awards granted under our various share-based compensation plans are classified as equity-settled share-based arrangements and depending on the relevant equity plan, are settled with shares of MoonLake or MoonLake AG, as applicable.
Previous wording
As part of the process of preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our applicable personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated costs incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual costs. The majority of our service providers invoice us in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined schedule or when contractual milestones are met; however, some require advance payments. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in the financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us at that time. We periodically confirm the accuracy of the estimates with the service providers and make adjustments if necessary. Examples of estimated accrued research and development expenses include fees paid to:
Current wording
As part of the process of preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our applicable personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated costs incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual costs. The majority of our service providers invoice us in arrears for services performed, on a pre-determined schedule or when contractual milestones are met; however, some require advance payments. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in the financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us
Rearranged current paragraphs (7)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In December 2022, we initiated a Phase 2b trial in patients with active PsA (the ARGO trial (M1095-PSA-201)) and in November 2023, we announced positive top-line results from this trial, which met its primary endpoint of American College of Rheumatology (“ACR”) 50. In March 2024, we announced positive 24-week data from the ARGO trial in PsA showing that continued treatment with SLK led to significant improvements across all key outcomes. In June 2024, we announced the successful outcome of our end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the FDA, as well as positive feedback from our interactions with the EMA, with both regulatory bodies supporting our proposed approach for advancing our Phase 3 program of SLK in PsA. In November 2024, we announced the screening of the first patients in the IZAR-1 trial (M1095-PSA-301) and IZAR-2 trial (M1095-PSA-302).
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
SLK was also studied in a Phase 2b trial in PsO patients where it showed a significant improvement in the primary end point as compared with placebo and for which results were presented in peer-reviewed scientific publications and conferences. In addition to the three Phase 2b trials, Phase 1 single ascending and multiple ascending dosing trials were previously completed, bringing the total number of patients in completed SLK-related trials to more than 700.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Any changes in the outcome of any of these variables with respect to the development of SLK could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with its development. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for SLK. We may obtain unexpected results from our clinical trials. We may elect to discontinue, delay or modify
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
ended December 31, 2024, a foreign currency transaction gain of $151,493 for the year ended December 31, 2023, and a foreign currency transaction gain of $325,317 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•continue operating as a public company.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
the vesting period of the respective award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. We grant share options and restricted share awards that are subject to either service or performance-based vesting conditions.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
at that time. We periodically confirm the accuracy of the estimates with the service providers and make adjustments if necessary. Examples of estimated accrued research and development expenses include fees paid to:
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
In February 2024, we announced the successful outcome of our end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the FDA, as well as positive feedback from our interactions with the EMA, with both regulatory bodies unanimously supporting our proposed approach for advancing our Phase 3 program of SLK in HS.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Financial Condition, and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details related to the risk of raising additional capital to fund our operations.