| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
You should read the following discussion and analysis by our management of our financial position and results of operations in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are presented in U.S. dollars.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information in this report contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this report include statements about Tekmira’s strategy, future operations, clinical trials, prospects and the plans of management; RNAi (ribonucleic acid interference) and Hepatitis B virus product development programs; the effects of Tekmira’s products on the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infection, cancer, infectious disease, alcohol use disorder, and other diseases; the potential of RNAi to generate a new class of therapies; the discovery, development and commercialization of a cure for HBV; Tekmira’s RNAi pipeline and the advancement thereof with a focus on realizing the value of these assets; a rolling Phase II clinical program for HBV, using an iterative process of combination drug candidates, leading into Phase III clinical trials and ultimately regulatory filings for marketing approval; the research benefits of the collaboration with The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, including expansion of Tekmira’s HBV pipeline through internal development, acquisitions and in-licenses; the results of a TKM-HBV Phase I clinical trial in the second half of 2015; completion of studies and filing an IND or equivalent for OCB-030 by year end 2015; the initiation of CYT-003 preclinical studies to demonstrate proof of concept in the first half of 2015, and progression straight into patients thereafter; filing an IND with the FDA or an equivalent filing with foreign regulatory authorities and initiating Phase 1 studies with one of the capsid assembly inhibitors in 2016; filing an IND or its equivalent in another territory for a lead compound for surface antigen secretion inhibitors in 2016; identifying orally active small molecule human STING agonists that possess the desired characteristics to progress into human clinical studies; filing an IND with the FDA or its equivalent in another territory for cccDNA formation inhibitors in 2017; non-HBV clinical trial milestones, including final data from GI-NET and ACC studies in the second half of 2015; the Phase I/II clinical trial with TKM-PLK1 enrolling patients with advanced HCC; completion of the necessary clinical work to be in a position to file on the development of TKM-Ebola under the “Animal Rule”; Fast Track designation from the US FDA for the development of TKM-Ebola; the partial clinical hold on TKM-Ebola by the FDA, Tekmira’s response to the partial clinical hold and expectations of resolving the matter; the intention to resume the TKM-Ebola Phase I clinical trial in the second quarter of 2015; results of the Phase II trial with TKM-Ebola-Guinea in the second half of 2015;continued generation of preclinical data for non-HBV preclinical candidates; potential partnering or external funding opportunities to maximize the value of TKM-ALDH; new product development and partnering opportunities in LNP technology; the expected efficacy of Tekmira’s various HBV therapies; Tekmira’s continued commitment to its non-HBV assets, both clinical and preclinical, and realization of value for these non-HBV assets; the expected efficacy of Tekmira’s various non-HBV products; the continuation of LNP technology as an important cornerstone of Tekmira’s business development activities, and the expected yield from the latest generation of the platform; the quantum and triggering of payments to our partners, including payments to Dicerna, Cytos, Blumberg, Drexel, Enantigen’s selling stockholders and NeuroVive; future changes in the fair value of our warrant liability; the expected return from strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and research collaborations, such as the potential value of a transaction with the DoD, Monsanto Company and a grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health; Tekmira’s intent to retain earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of their business and not to pay dividends or to make any other distributions in the near future; arbitration proceedings with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in connection with ALN-VSP; arbitration proceedings with the University of British Columbia in connection with alleged unpaid royalties; anticipated royalty receipts; statements with respect to revenue and expense fluctuation and guidance; and the quantum and timing of potential funding.
With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this report, Tekmira has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: LNP’s status as a leading RNAi delivery technology; Tekmira’s research and development capabilities and resources; the effectiveness of Tekmira’s products as a treatment for chronic Hepatitis B infection, cancer, infectious disease, alcohol use disorder, or other diseases; the timing and quantum of payments to be received under contracts with Tekmira’s partners including Alnylam, Spectrum, Monsanto and the DoD; assumptions related to Tekmira’s share price volatility, expected lives of warrants and warrant issuances and/or exercises; and Tekmira's financial position and its ability to execute its business strategy. While Tekmira considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies.
Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors, including the risk factors discussed in this report and the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors,” and the risks discussed in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian Securities Regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis, judgment, belief or expectation only as of the date hereof. We explicitly disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, except as required by law.
OVERVIEW
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation (“Tekmira”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) is a publicly traded industry-leading therapeutic solutions company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing a cure for patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection, a disease of the liver caused by hepatitis B. We have five wholly owned subsidiaries, Protiva Biotherapeutics Inc. (“Protiva”), Protiva Agricultural Development Company Inc. (“PADCO”), Protiva Biotherapeutics (USA) Inc. (“Protiva USA”), OnCore Biopharma, Inc. (“OnCore”) and Enantigen Therapeutics, Inc. (“Enantigen”). Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references herein to “Tekmira”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and, unless the context requires otherwise, one or more subsidiaries through which we conduct business.
In March of 2015, Tekmira completed a merger whereby OnCore Biopharma, Inc. (“OnCore”) became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tekmira. The transaction was approved by 99.5% of votes cast by Tekmira shareholders voting at a Special Meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, and representing 51.2% of Tekmira’s common shareholders. In connection with the transaction, Tekmira issued 23,973,315 common shares to the shareholders of OnCore in exchange for their OnCore securities, and OnCore became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tekmira.
Together with our subsidiaries, we have an industry leading pipeline focused on finding a cure for chronic HBV infection. This HBV pipeline consists of nine drugs and drug candidates, with eight unique mechanisms of action. Our unique strategy is to target the three pillars we believe are necessary to deliver an HBV cure, including: (i) suppressing HBV viral replication, (ii) restoring host response by suppressing HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) or activating/stimulating the host immune system directed at HBV, and (iii) eliminating covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the reservoir of viral genomic material.
We believe, our chances for success in HBV are increased, and risk is mitigated, by having a portfolio of assets targeting these three strategies. More importantly, we believe combination therapies are the key to HBV treatment and a potential cure, and clinical development can be accelerated when multiple components of a combination therapy regimen are controlled by the same company. This is why, together with our subsidiaries, we have retained exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights to all of our drug candidates and programs in HBV.
Tekmira is also recognized as a world leader in RNA interference (RNAi) delivery technology. We have focused on advancing novel RNAi-based therapeutics. RNA interference is considered one of the most important discoveries in the field of biomedical science in the last decade. RNAi has the potential to generate a new class of therapies that take advantage of the body’s own natural processes to silence genes and, by extension, treat serious human diseases that often rely on the production of certain proteins at the genetic level. With this ability to eliminate disease-causing proteins from cells, RNAi therapies represent opportunities for therapeutic intervention that have not been achievable with conventional therapeutics.
In addition to our HBV pipeline, we also have an RNAi product pipeline which is focused on anti-virals, oncology and metabolic product platforms, in areas where there is a significant medical need and commercial opportunity. Our intention is to advance our RNAi product pipeline either ourselves or with partners, with a focus on realizing the value of these assets.
Our proprietary LNP Delivery Platform allows for the successful delivery and enablement of RNAi drugs. By encapsulating the RNAi trigger molecules in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) our LNP technology enables efficient delivery and uptake into target cells. Our LNP technology represents the most widely adopted delivery method in RNAi. To date, it has enabled nine clinical trials and has been administered to more than 250 patients. Recent results demonstrate that multi-dosing with LNP technology has been well-tolerated with treatments out to over one year.
Because LNP can enable a wide variety of nucleic acid triggers, including mRNA, we continue to see new product development and partnering opportunities based on what we believe is our industry-leading delivery expertise. We remain committed to continuing to support the work of our product development partners and intellectual property licensees with the goal of realizing the short-term and long term financial potential of these partnerships.
Voluntary Delisting from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)
Our common shares were voluntarily delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") as of the close of business on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. Prior to the voluntary delisting, our common shares traded on the TSX under the symbol “TKM”.
Public Offering of Common Shares
On March 25, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 7.5 million common shares at a price of US$20.25 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of US$151.9 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. We also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1.125 million common shares, which, if exercised, would have resulted in additional gross proceeds of US$22.8 million. The 30-day option was not exercised and is no longer available.
Our Product Candidates
We have, what we believe, is an industry-leading pipeline focused on curing HBV. Our belief is that to achieve an HBV cure, a combination of products that affect the main drivers of HBV need to be utilized. Specifically, this means that to be successful, we believe we need to have products that address HBV persistence — in antiviral replication, immune reactivation and the presence of cccDNA.
Once multiple compounds within the portfolio with sufficient anti-HBV activity have been identified, we intend, subject to discussions with regulatory authorities, to conduct a rolling Phase II clinical program. These studies will likely evaluate combinations of two or more drug candidates in small cohorts of patients with chronic HBV infection to identify active combinations and those that do not have sufficient antiviral activity. We also plan to evaluate different treatment durations to determine the optimal duration for a finite duration therapy. We expect to use these results to design additional treatment regimens for the next cohorts. We plan to continue this iterative process until we select combination therapy regimens and treatment durations to conduct Phase III clinical trials intended to ultimately support regulatory filings for marketing approval.
We intend to continue to expand our HBV pipeline through internal development, acquisitions and in-licenses. We believe that a major engine for internal innovation is our collaboration with The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute (“Blumberg”), one of the leading non-profit research institutes in the world focused on HBV. We believe that this collaboration will provide us with access to cutting-edge research in new target identification, assay development, mechanism of action studies and lead generation efforts focused on hepatitis B virus. This relationship also provides us with access to research that we believe is equal to, or surpasses that of other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, and can add value to our current and future R&D efforts in HBV.
We also have an RNAi product pipeline, which is focused on antivirals, oncology and metabolic product platforms where there is a significant medical need and commercial opportunity. Our intention is to advance our RNAi product pipeline either ourselves or with partners, with a focus on maximizing the value of these assets.
HBV Product Pipeline
TKM-HBV
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes the most common serious liver infection in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the virus, and other estimates suggest this could include up to 1.4 million people in the United States. Individuals chronically infected with HBV are at an increased risk of developing significant liver disease, including cirrhosis, or permanent scarring of the liver, as well as liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver cancer. According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, HBV is the cause of up to 80% of liver cancers. Individuals with liver cancer typically have a five-year survival rate of about 15%. The WHO estimates that more than 780,000 people die every year due to the consequences of hepatitis B infection.
Our extensive experience in antiviral drug development has been applied to our TKM-HBV program to develop an RNAi therapeutic for chronic hepatitis B infection. Small molecule nucleotide therapy has been the standard of care for chronic HBV infected patients. However, many of these patients continue to express a viral protein called HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). This protein causes inflammation in the liver leading to cirrhosis and, in some cases, HCC and death.
TKM-HBV is designed to address an unmet medical need and eliminate HBsAg expression in patients chronically infected with HBV. Reducing HBsAg is thought to be a key prerequisite to enable a patient’s immune system to raise an adequate antibody response against the virus. The ability of TKM-HBV to inhibit numerous viral elements in addition to HBsAg increases the likelihood of successfully controlling the viral infection.
TKM-HBV is being developed as a multi-component RNAi therapeutic that simultaneously targets three sites on the HBV genome. Targeting three distinct and highly conserved sites on the HBV genome is intended to facilitate potent knockdown of all viral messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts and viral antigens across a broad range of HBV genotypes and reduce the risk of developing antiviral resistance. The goal is for TKM-HBV to be administered without prophylactic steroid treatment.
We presented results from our preclinical studies at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society Meeting held in San Diego, California, on October 15, 2014. Among the results reported was the potent and rapid reduction in HBsAg demonstrated by TKM-HBV in several well-validated models. In these models, TKM-HBV treatment resulted in reductions in both intrahepatic and serum HBsAg, as well as reductions in HBV DNA, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBcAg (Hepatitis B c antigen). A rapid 1 log reduction in serum HBsAg was achieved with a single 1 mg/kg dose of TKM-HBV in the humanized mouse model, which closely mimics chronic human hepatitis B infection. 1-2 log viral reductions from similar single-dose LNP treatments in two other true-infection animal models were also demonstrated.
Preclinical studies conducted on infected primary human hepatocytes showed that TKM-HBV had robust and consistent activity against different viral strains representing the major clinical genotypes A, B, C and D. Our data shows that inclusion of three RNAi triggers results in a more broadly effective knockdown of hepatitis B viral elements than a single trigger alone. The mode of action of TKM-HBV complements standard of care nucleoside/nucleotide (NUC) therapy, and lack of drug antagonism has been demonstrated with entecavir, lamivudine and tenofovir on infected primary human hepatocytes, making combination therapy a viable option.
Our data supports the utility of TKM-HBV as a potential new therapeutic option for treating patients with chronic HBV infection. In early 2015, we advanced two TKM-HBV product candidates into a Phase I trial. Both product candidates employ the same unique combination of three RNAi trigger molecules. However, they differ in their LNP composition. One formulation employs a third generation LNP, and the other employs a new, fourth generation LNP, which incorporates novel lipid chemistry and demonstrates improved potency. The multi-component RNAi therapeutic is expected to result in broad and effective inhibition of HBV.
The TKM-HBV Phase I clinical trial is a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, involving single ascending doses of TKM-HBV. The study will assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of intravenous administration of two formulations of TKM-HBV in healthy adult subjects. For each formulation, there are five planned cohorts for a total of 20 subjects (40 in total for both formulations). Four subjects will be enrolled per cohort with three subjects receiving TKM-HBV, and one receiving placebo. We expect the results from the Phase I clinical trial in healthy human volunteers to determine which product formulation will advance into chronically infected patients in a multi-dosing trial in the second half of 2015.
Cyclophilin Inhibitor — OCB-030
Cyclophilins are proteins that have been shown to play a role in several biological processes, including viral infection. By inhibiting cyclophilin, we believe the ability of HBV to replicate can be impaired and the host immune response toward HBV may be enhanced. We have licensed from NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB, or (“NeuroVive”), the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize cyclophilin inhibitor drug candidates, including OCB-030, for the treatment of hepatitis B. We are engaged in studies which we expect to be completed in order to file an IND, or an equivalent filing with foreign regulatory authorities, by year end 2015.
TLR9 Agonist (CYT-003)
Pharmaceutical activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a novel and attractive approach for the treatment of chronic HBV because agonism of these receptors triggers innate immune responses and also stimulates adaptive immunity. It is hoped that immune stimulation by TLR agonists can overcome the multiple immunologic blocks that allows chronic HBV infection, including direct activation of the host’s innate antiviral response, to overcome the functional weakness in HBV-specific immune cell responses.
Licensed from Cytos Biotechnology Ltd., (“Cytos”), CYT003 is a biological carrier which is filled with the immunostimulatory oligonucleotide called G10. G10 a toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9) agonist. CYT-003 has been shown to directly activate B cells and stimulates human (plasmacytoid dendritic cells) pDC to secrete Interferon alpha. CYT-003 also activates other antigen presenting cells indirectly and promotes the development of TH1 type cytokine response. This is thought to be potentially beneficial in promoting anti-HBV T cell immunity. CYT-003 has previously been utilised in human trials in other indications and therefore could move quickly into the clinic in HBV infected patients. We anticipate initiating preclinical studies to demonstrate proof of concept first half of 2015. If the preclinical studies show utility in HBV, we could likely progress straight into patients given the existing safety database and the open INDs.
Capsid Assembly Inhibitors
We are developing two capsid assembly inhibitors as oral therapeutics for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. By inhibiting assembly of the viral capsid, the ability of hepatitis B virus to replicate is impaired, which subsequently reduces the amount of new virus produced, and which may have an effect on cccDNA. We acquired exclusive, worldwide rights to these drug candidates through an in-license from Blumberg and Drexel University, or (“Drexel”), and through OnCore’s recent acquisition of Enantigen Therapeutics, Inc., or (“Enantigen”). We expect to file an IND with the FDA, or an equivalent filing with foreign regulatory authorities, and initiate Phase 1 studies with one of these compounds in 2016.
Surface Antigen Secretion Inhibitors
We are developing multiple small molecule orally bioavailable HBV surface antigen secretion inhibitors. By inhibiting the secretion of HBV surface antigen from infected cells, we expect that the immune response of patients treated with this therapy can re-engage and thereby mount a more robust response to a hepatitis B virus infection. We acquired these drug candidates from Enantigen. We expect to file an IND, or its equivalent in another territory, for a lead compound in 2016.
STING Agonists
We are developing STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonists. By activating interferon genes, we anticipate that the body can produce additional interferon alpha and beta, which have antiviral properties. Our development program, which is currently in the discovery research stage, is based on proof of concept data in mice generated by Blumberg which showed that STING agonists can elicit an antiviral response and inhibit HBV replication in mouse liver cells. In collaboration with Blumberg, our plan is to identify potent, orally active small molecule human STING agonists that possess the desired characteristics to progress into human clinical studies.
cccDNA Formation Inhibitors
We are developing multiple series of cccDNA formation inhibitors. The inhibition of cccDNA formation would reduce the amount of cccDNA in the infected liver cell and could ultimately eliminate the reservoir of HBV genomic material required for continued viral replication. We acquired the exclusive, worldwide rights to this program through an in-license from Blumberg. This program is currently in early optimization and we anticipate filing an IND with the FDA, or its equivalent in another territory, in 2017.
cccDNA Epigenetic Modifiers
In addition to cccDNA formation inhibitors, we are developing cccDNA epigenetic modifiers. By controlling cccDNA transcription, we anticipate that we may be able to inhibit the formation of new virus and sub viral particles from cccDNA. This development program, which is currently in the discovery research stage, is based on proof of concept data generated by Blumberg using known inhibitors of enzymes involved in DNA information processing.
Non-HBV Assets Clinical Programs TKM-PLK1, TKM-Ebola, TKM-Ebola-Guinea (LNP Enabled)
We believe there is significant value in our non-HBV assets and we remain committed to maximizing this value. We intend to continue our clinical programs to the appropriate stage to support this objective. We also remain interested in advancing our ongoing metabolic and rare disease preclinical programs to maximize their value, and in continuing to leverage our knowledge and expertise in LNP technology, where applicable.
TKM-PLK1
Our oncology product platform, TKM-PLK1, targets polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a protein involved in tumor cell proliferation and a validated oncology target. Inhibition of PLK1 expression prevents the tumor cell from completing cell division, resulting in cell cycle arrest and death of the cancer cell. Evidence that patients with elevated levels of PLK1 in their tumors exhibit poorer prognosis and survival rates has been documented in the medical literature. TKM-PLK1 is being evaluated in the following oncology indications where there are limited or ineffective therapies available: Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors (GI-NET), Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).
GI-NET and ACC
GI-NET is the gastrointestinal subset of neuroendocrine tumors. According to a paper by Yao et al., (2008), a historical analysis of the US National Cancer Institute, SEER database reveals the incidence of neuroendocrine tumors has increased faster in the last few decades than any other neoplasm, with a growth rate of greater than 3% expected to continue in the near term. The prevalence of GI-NET in the US is estimated to be approximately 55,000 individuals. Prognosis for advanced or metastatic GI-NET, the target population for TKM-PLK1, is poor with 25-54% of patients surviving less than one year.
ACC is an ultra-rare form of cancer that develops in the adrenal gland. Data from the US National Cancer Institute indicates there are approximately 500 patients in the US with ACC. Survival prognosis for patients with ACC is poor. A large percentage of patients are not good surgical candidates and there is a lack of effective systemic therapies.
We presented updated Phase I TKM-PLK1 data at the 6th Annual NET Conference hosted by the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NA-NETS) in Charleston, South Carolina on October 4, 2013. This data set included a total of 36 patients in a population of advanced cancer patients with solid tumors. Doses ranged from 0.15 mg/kg to 0.90 mg/kg during the dose escalation portion of the trial, with the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 0.75 mg/kg. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were experienced by four subjects in this heavily pre-treated, advanced cancer patient population, with three of four subjects continuing on study. Forty percent (6 out of 15) of patients evaluable for response, treated at a dose equal to or greater than 0.6 mg/kg, showed clinical benefit. Three out of the four ACC patients (75%) treated with TKM-PLK1 achieved stable disease, including one patient who saw a 19.3% reduction in target tumor size after two cycles of treatment. This subject is still in the study receiving TKM-PLK1. Of the two GI-NET patients enrolled, both experienced clinical benefit: one patient had a partial response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, and the other GI-NET patient achieved stable disease and showed a greater than 50% reduction in Chromogranin-A (CgA) levels, a key biomarker used to predict clinical outcome and tumor response.
Based on encouraging results from the dose escalation portion and expansion cohort from our Phase I TKM-PLK1 clinical trial, we expanded into a Phase I/II clinical trial with TKM-PLK1, which is specifically enrolling patients within the two therapeutic indications: advanced GI-NET or ACC. This multi-center, single arm, open label study is designed to measure efficacy using RECIST criteria for GI-NET patients and ACC patients as well as evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TKM-PLK1. TKM-PLK1 is administered weekly with each four-week cycle consisting of three once-weekly doses followed by a rest week. In the fall of 2014, we achieved our enrollment target of patients with advanced GI-NET or ACC tumors. These patients will continue treatment and be followed to determine if TKM-PLK1 produces a meaningful clinical benefit.
We provided an update on this Phase I/II clinical study in December 2014. To date, 55 patients, in both the Phase I and Phase I/II studies have been treated at doses of ≥ 0.6 mg/kg, which is considered to be in the efficacious dose range based on preclinical studies. Of these, 31 patients comprise the target population of GI-NET or ACC patients. Currently, five patients (GI-NET and ACC) remain actively on treatment and data collection is ongoing.
While we are still awaiting maturation of data, we continue to see evidence of anti-tumor activity in some treated subjects, including one ACC patient with an almost complete resolution of their disease. We expect to report final data from these studies in the second half of 2015.
HCC
HCC is one of the most common cancers and one of the most deadly, with over 650,000 deaths each year worldwide according to the Globocan 2012 database. US incidence is estimated at 27,000 individuals with annual growth rates greater than 2%. HCC is an aggressive, hard-to-treat disease with one-year survival rates of less than 50% and five-year rates as low as 4% (National Cancer Institute). To date, Nexavar (sorafenib) is the only agent approved to treat HCC with an improvement in overall survival of just two to three months.
In May 2014, we initiated another Phase I/II clinical trial with TKM-PLK1, enrolling patients with advanced HCC. Patient dosing has commenced and we have completed the first treatment in cohorts one and two with HCC. This Phase I/II clinical trial is a multi-center, single arm, open label dose escalation study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TKM-PLK1 as well as determine the maximum tolerated dose in patients with advanced HCC. It will also include a preliminary assessment of the anti-tumor activity of TKM-PLK1 in this patient population. It is expected that approximately 38 patients with advanced HCC tumors will be enrolled in this Phase I/II clinical trial.
TKM-Ebola
TKM-Ebola, an anti-Ebola RNAi therapeutic, is being developed under a $140 million contract, signed in July 2010, with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Project Manager Medical Countermeasure Systems BioDefense Therapeutics (JPM-MCS-BDTX). Preclinical studies published in the medical journal The Lancet in 2010 demonstrated that when RNAi triggers targeting the Ebola virus and delivered by our LNP technology were used to treat previously infected non-human primates, the result was 100 percent protection from an otherwise lethal dose of Zaire Ebola virus (Geisbert et al., The Lancet, Vol. 375, May 29, 2010).
In May 2013, our collaboration with the JPM-MCS-BDTX was modified and expanded to include advances in LNP formulation technology. The contract modification increased the first stage of funding from $34.7 million to $41.7 million. In April 2014, we signed a second contract modification to increase this funding by $2.1 million to a total of $43.8 million to compensate Tekmira for unrecovered costs that occurred in 2012 and to provide additional funding should it be required.
TKM-Ebola is being developed under specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory guidelines called the “Animal Rule.” This allows, in circumstances where it is unethical or not feasible to conduct human efficacy studies, marketing approval to be granted based on adequate and well-controlled animal studies when the results of those studies establish that the drug is reasonably likely to produce clinical benefit in humans. Demonstration of the product’s safety in humans is still required.
We were granted Fast Track designation from the FDA for the development of TKM-Ebola in March 2014. The FDA’s Fast Track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs in order to get important new therapies to the patient earlier.
In May 2014, we successfully completed the single ascending dose portion of the TKM-Ebola Phase I clinical trial in healthy human volunteers. Results demonstrated that administration of the TKM-Ebola therapeutic, in the absence of any steroid containing pre-medication, was well-tolerated at a dose level of 0.3 mg/kg, determined to be the maximum tolerated dose.
In July 2014, we received notice from the FDA placing the IND for TKM-Ebola on clinical hold until additional information is supplied, and the multiple ascending dose portion of the trial protocol is modified to ensure the safety of healthy volunteers. The clinical hold was subsequently modified to a partial clinical hold to permit the administration of TKM-Ebola to patients with a suspected or confirmed Ebola virus infection. Under the FDA’s expanded access program, several patients with a confirmed or suspected Ebola virus infection were treated with TKM-Ebola. Data is being collected and will be provided to the FDA under our IND. Health Canada also established a similar framework for the potential use of TKM-Ebola in the same group of patients.
In December 2014, the US Congress amended the Rare and Tropical Disease list to include Ebola as a candidate for a potential Accelerated Review Voucher.
In April 2015, the FDA notified us that the partial clinical hold had been modified to permit repeat dosing of healthy volunteers at a dose of 0.24 mg/kg/day. However, the IND remains on partial clinical hold with regard to doses above 0.24 mg/kg/day in healthy volunteers.
We intend to resume the TKM-Ebola Phase I clinical trial in Q2. The study is a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study involving repeat dosing of a single cohort of healthy volunteers. Each subject will receive daily doses of 0.24mg/kg of TKM-Ebola or placebo for up to seven days. TKM-Ebola will be administered without steroid pre-medication. Results from the study are expected in the second half of 2015
TKM-Ebola-Guinea, an Anti-Ebola RNAi Therapeutic Targeting Ebola-Guinea Strain of Ebola Virus
In September 2014, we joined an international consortium led by the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) at the University of Oxford, UK, to potentially provide an RNAi based investigational therapeutic for expedited clinical studies in West Africa.
In October 2014, the genomic sequence of the virus responsible for the recent outbreak in West Africa was determined from several viral isolates and the strain was called Ebola-Guinea. The results of this work were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Baize S., et al. Emergence of Zaire Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea; New England Journal of Medicine, October 9, 2014, vol. 371 No. 15). In November 2014, the nomenclature for the strain was further refined and is now known as Ebola-Makona. (Kuhn, JH., et al. Nomenclature- and Database-Compatible Names for the Two Ebola Virus Variants that Emerged in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2014; Viruses, Nov 24, 2014, 6, 4760-4799). We rapidly developed a modified RNAi therapeutic to target the strain responsible for the epidemic in West Africa. The new product, TKM-Ebola-Guinea, is designed to exactly match the genomic sequence of the Makona strain with two RNAi molecule triggers.
In December 2014, we entered into a Manufacturing and Clinical Trial Agreement with the University of Oxford to provide the new TKM-Ebola-Guinea therapeutic product for clinical studies in West Africa. GMP manufacture of TKM-Ebola-Guinea has been completed and up to 100 treatment courses are available. In March 2015, a Phase II single arm trial called RAPIDE (Rapid Assessment of Potential Interventions & Drugs for Ebola), was initiated in Sierra Leone, with TKM-Ebola-Guinea. The study is open-label with a concurrent observational study in Ebola, and results are expected in the second half of 2015. ISARIC is leading the study with funding from the Wellcome Trust.
The U.S. Department of Defense JPM-MCS-BDTX has also exercised an option, valued at $7.0 million, in our current contract to manufacture TKM-Ebola-Guinea. We have been awarded the option for scale-up and GMP manufacture of the product for approximately 500 treatment courses.
In April 2015, we, along with our collaborators at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, USA, published positive Ebola treatment data in the journal Nature (Thi EP., et al. Lipid Nanoparticle siRNA Treatment of Ebola-Virus-Makona-Infected Nonhuman Primates; Nature, April 22, 2015). Data demonstrated 100% survival of nonhuman primates previously infected with the West African Makona strain of Ebola virus even when treatment did not begin until three days after viral exposure a time point at which animals were five to six days away from death. These efficacy results are comparable to those obtained with TKM-Ebola, which also demonstrated up to 100% protection from an otherwise lethal dose of the virus.
Non-HBV Preclinical Candidates (LNP enabled)
We are currently evaluating several additional preclinical candidates with potential in diverse therapeutic areas. Given the extremely high efficiency of delivery for third and fourth generation liver-centric LNP formulations, we are focused on rare diseases where the molecular target is found in the liver, early clinical proof-of-concept can be achieved and development opportunities may be accelerated. Our research team intends to continue to generate preclinical data to support the advancement of the most promising of these targets.
TKM-Marburg
Like Ebola, Marburg is a member of the filovirus family of hemorrhagic fever viruses. Natural outbreaks with the Marburg-Angola strain have resulted in mortality in approximately 90% of infected individuals. Currently, there are no approved therapeutics for the treatment of Marburg infection.
In 2010, along with UTMB, we were awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to support research to develop RNAi therapeutics to treat Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever viral infections. In November 2013, we announced data showing 100% survival in non-human primates infected with the Angola strain of the Marburg virus in two separate studies. These results build upon a study published earlier in the Journal of Infectious Disease showing 100% protection in guinea pig models of infection with Angola, Ci67 and Ravn strains of the Marburg virus using a broad spectrum RNAi therapeutic enabled by Tekmira’s LNP.
In February 2014, along with UTMB, and other collaborators, we were awarded additional funding from the NIH in support of this research. Data was published demonstrating complete protection of non-human primates against lethal Marburg-Angola strain, (Science Translational Medicine. Thi EP., et al. Marburg Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primates: Therapeutic Treatment by Lipid-Encapsulated siRNA. 2014 Aug 20; 6 (250))
TKM-HTG
The most advanced program in our metabolic product platform is TKM-HTG targeted towards the rapid and sustained reductions of triglycerides to address the limitations of existing Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) treatments. Hypertriglyceridemia is a type of dyslipidemia where there are high blood levels of triglycerides. Patients with severe HTG, (classified as triglyceride levels greater than 1000 mg/dL) are at risk of acute pancreatitis as well as the risk of cardiovascular disease. Approximately one million adults in the US and 18 million worldwide suffer from severe HTG. (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Centre for Disease Control, NHANES 2003-2004 data). High triglyceride levels are medically linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and pancreatitis.
Currently in preclinical studies, TKM-HTG is a dual component RNAi investigational therapeutic that simultaneously targets two important genes - Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) and Angiopoietin like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) – which are expressed in the liver and are known to play a significant and complementary role in triglyceride metabolism. The most important findings obtained in our pre-clinical studies are the super-additive effects on plasma triglycerides by silencing ApoC3 and ANGPTL3 genes in a well validated model of HTG. We presented this and related data at the Keystone Symposia Conference: Liver Metabolism and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases, in Whistler, Canada, March 22-27, 2015.
In our preclinical studies, we employed two well validated models of HTG including a human ApoC3 transgenic (Tg) mouse model and a high-fat containing diet fed mouse model. In the human ApoC3-Tg mouse model, silencing of ApoC3 gene was accomplished, which resulted in rapid, potent and sustained plasma triglyceride (TG) lowering, with the lowest effective dose at 0.03 mg/kg. Duration of gene silencing and TG lowering effects from a single administration of the ApoC3 RNAi trigger lasted for more than two weeks. In addition, beneficial cholesterol profile changes and significant glucose lowering effects were also observed. In the high-fat containing diet fed mouse model, silencing of both the ApoC3 and ANGPTL3 genes, resulted in super-additive plasma triglycerides lowering effects. Doses of 0.125 mg/kg + 0.125 mg/kg in combination were superior to either 0.25 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg for the individual RNAi-triggers.
TKM-ALDH
TKM-ALDH is designed to knockdown or silence aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to induce long term acute sensitivity to ethanol, for use in severe alcohol use disorder. Aldehyde dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in ethanol metabolism. Inhibition of ALDH activity, through the silencing of ALDH results in the build-up of acetaldehyde leading to adverse physiological effects. Human proof of concept for ALDH inhibition already exists in the form of the approved drug disulfiram. However, disulfiram’s efficacy is compromised by poor compliance because it has to be taken daily. We believe TKM-ALDH will induce prolonged ethanol sensitivity that will enable it to overcome the compliance limitations associated with daily dosing. We are exploring partnering or external funding opportunities to maximize the value of this asset.
Ongoing Advancements in LNP Technology
We plan to continue to develop our proprietary LNP delivery technology and receive clinical validation from LNP-based products currently in clinical trials. The most advanced LNP-enabled therapeutic, which is being developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has entered a Phase III clinical trial. Our LNP technology remains an important element of our business development activities moving forward. We recently announced the latest (fourth) generation of the platform which comprises a rational re-design of the lipid architecture, as well as formulation and process advances. These attributes can be utilized in programs entering the clinic and are expected to yield significant increases in potency and therapeutic index.
Because LNP can enable a wide variety of nucleic acid triggers, including messenger RNA (mRNA), we continue to see new product development and partnering opportunities based on what we believe is our industry-leading delivery expertise. In February 2014, we presented new preclinical data at the AsiaTIDES scientific symposium in Tokyo, Japan demonstrating that mRNA can be effectively delivered to target proteins expressed.
Technology, Product Development and Licensing Agreements
In the field of RNAi therapeutics, we have licensed our LNP delivery technology to Alnylam, and to Merck & Co., Inc. (which has since been acquired by Alnylam). Alnylam has provided royalty bearing access of our LNP delivery technology to some of its partners. We have a licensing and collaboration agreement with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In addition, we have ongoing research relationships with Monsanto, the US NIH the US DoD - JPM-MCS-BDTX and other undisclosed pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Outside the field of RNAi, we have a legacy licensing agreement with Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
We have rights under the RNAi intellectual property of Alnylam to develop 13 RNAi therapeutic products. In addition, we have a broad non-exclusive license to use Unlocked Nucleobase Analogs (UNAs) from Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc., for the development of RNAi therapeutic products directed to any target in any therapeutic indication.
Strategic Alliances
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Alnylam”)
Alnylam has a license to use our Intellectual Property (IP) to develop and commercialize products and may only grant access to our LNP technology to its partners if it is part of a product sublicense. Alnylam’s license rights are limited to patents that we have filed, or that claim priority to a patent that was filed, before April 15, 2010. Alnylam does not have rights to our patents filed after April 15, 2010 unless they claim priority to a patent filed before that date. Alnylam will pay low single digit royalties as Alnylam’s LNP-enabled products are commercialized. Alnylam currently has three LNP-based products in clinical development: ALN-TTR02 (patisiran), ALN-VSP, and ALN-PCS02.
In November 2013, Alnylam presented positive results from its Phase II clinical trial with patisiran (ALN-TTR02), an RNAi therapeutic targeting transthyretin (TTR) for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR), which is enabled by our LNP technology. Alnylam also announced the initiation of the APOLLO Phase III trial of patisiran, with the study now open for enrollment to evaluate efficacy and safety of patisiran in ATTR patients with Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP).
In December 2013, we received a $5 million milestone from Alnylam, triggered by the initiation of the APOLLO Phase III trial of patisiran. We have entered an arbitration proceeding with Alnylam, as provided for under our licensing agreement, to resolve a matter related to a disputed $5 million milestone payment to us by Alnylam for its ALN-VSP product. We have not recorded any revenue in respect of this milestone.
In April 2014, Alnylam presented positive new data from its Phase II clinical trial with patisiran. These results provide support for Alnylam's Phase III APOLLO trial in which patisiran is being evaluated for its potential efficacy and safety in ATTR patients with FAP. Alnylam has disclosed that it continues to enroll patients in its APOLLO Phase III trial, with over 20 sites in nine countries, which are now open and active. The Phase III trial is intended to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of patisiran in support of marketing authorization in countries around the world.
In October 2014, Alnylam reported positive clinical data for the ongoing patisiran Phase II Open Label Extension (OLE) study in patients with FAP, which is also enabled by our LNP technology. The results demonstrated sustained knockdown of serum TTR of up to 90% and a favorable tolerability profile out to one year of treatment.
In April 2015, Alnylam announced positive data from the ongoing open-label study with patisiran which demonstrated continued evidence for possible halting of neuropathy progression after the first 12 months of treatment. In addition, patisiran treatment showed robust mean knockdown of serum TTR of up to 88%. Alnylam's ongoing OLE study is an open-label, multi-center trial designed to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of patisiran administration in FAP patients that were previously enrolled in a Phase 2 study.
The patisiran program represents the most clinically advanced application of our LNP delivery technology. Furthermore, Alnylam’s results demonstrate that multi-dosing with our LNP has been well-tolerated with treatments out to 17 months.
Our licensing agreement with Alnylam grants us IP rights for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics for specified targets. In consideration for these three exclusive and 10 non-exclusive licenses, we have agreed to pay single-digit royalties to Alnylam on product sales, with milestone obligations of up to $8.5 million on the non-exclusive licenses and no milestone obligations on the three exclusive licenses.
Acuitas Therapeutics Inc. (“Acuitas”)
Consistent with the terms of the settlement agreement signed in November 2012, we finalized and entered a cross-license agreement with Acuitas (formerly AlCana Technologies, Inc.) in December 2013. The terms of the cross-license agreement provide Acuitas with access to certain of our earlier IP generated prior to April 2010. At the same time, the terms provide us with certain access to Acuitas’ technology and licenses in the RNAi field, along with a percentage of each milestone and royalty payment with respect to certain products. Acuitas has agreed that it will not compete in the RNAi field for a period of five years, ending in November 2017.
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Spectrum”)
In September 2013, we announced that our licensee, Spectrum, had launched Marqibo® through its existing hematology sales force in the United States. Since then commercial sales have occurred. Tekmira is entitled to mid-single digit royalty payments based on Marqibo®’s commercial sales. Marqibo®, which is a novel sphingomyelin/cholesterol liposome-encapsulated formulation of the FDA-approved anticancer drug vincristine, was originally developed by Tekmira. We out-licensed the product to Talon Therapeutics in 2006, and in July 2013, Talon was acquired by Spectrum. Marqibo®’s approved indication is for the treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-ALL) in second or greater relapse or whose disease has progressed following two or more lines of anti-leukemia therapy. Spectrum has ongoing trials evaluating Marqibo® in three additional indications, which are: first line use in patients with Ph-ALL, Pediatric ALL and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”)
In January 2014, we signed an Option Agreement and a Service Agreement with Monsanto, and granted Monsanto an option to obtain a license to use our proprietary LNP delivery technology. The transaction supports the application of LNP technology and related IP for use in agriculture. The potential value of the transaction could reach $86.2 million following the successful completion of milestones. In January 2014, we received $14.5 million of the $17.5 million in near term payments. We received additional payments of $1.5 million each in June 2014 and October 2014 following the achievement of specific program objectives.
Marina Biotech, Inc. (“Marina”) / Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. (“Arcturus”)
In November 2012, we disclosed that we had obtained a worldwide, non-exclusive license to a novel RNAi trigger technology called Unlocked Nucleobase Analog (UNA) from Marina for the development of RNAi therapeutics. UNAs can be incorporated into RNAi drugs and have the potential to improve them by increasing their stability and reducing off-target effects. In August 2013, Marina assigned its UNA technology to Arcturus and the UNA license agreement was then assigned to Arcturus. The terms of the license are otherwise unchanged.
To date, we have paid Marina $0.5 million in license fees and there are milestones of up to $3.2 million plus royalties for each product that we develop using UNA technology licensed from Marina. We announced on January 21, 2015, that we had initiated a Phase I clinical trial with TKM-HBV. As TKM-HBV utilizes UNA technology in-licensed from Arcturus, the initiation of the trial triggered a single milestone payment of $250,000 paid by us to Arcturus.
Merck & Co., Inc. ("Merck") and Alnylam license agreement
As a result of the settlement between Protiva and Merck in 2008, we acquired a non-exclusive royalty-bearing world-wide license agreement with Merck. Under the license, Merck will pay up to $17 million in milestones for each product they develop covered by our IP, except for the first product for which Merck will pay up to $15 million in milestones, and will pay royalties on product sales. Merck’s license rights are limited to patents that Protiva filed, or that claim priority to one of Protiva’s patents that was filed, before October 9, 2008. Merck does not have rights to Protiva patents filed after October 9, 2008 unless they claim priority to a patent filed before that date. On March 6, 2014, Alnylam announced that they acquired all assets and licenses from Merck, which included our license agreement.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (“BMS”)
In May 2010, we announced a research collaboration with BMS. Under this agreement, BMS conducted preclinical work to validate the function of certain genes and shared the data with us to potentially develop RNAi therapeutic drugs against therapeutic targets of interest. We formulated the required RNAi trigger molecules enabled by our LNP technology to silence target genes of interest. BMS paid us $3.0 million concurrent with the signing of the agreement. We provided a predetermined number of LNP batches over the four-year agreement. In May 2011, we announced a further expansion of the collaboration to include broader applications of our LNP technology and additional target validation work. In May 2014, the collaboration expired and all parties’ obligations ended.
U.S. National Institutes of Health (“NIH”)
On October 13, 2010 we announced that together with collaborators at UTMB, we were awarded a new NIH grant, worth $2.4 million, to support research to develop RNAi therapeutics to treat Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever viral infections using our LNP delivery technology. In February 2014, we along with UTMB and other collaborators were awarded additional funding of $3.4 million over five years from the NIH in support of this research.
Halo-Bio RNAi Therapeutics, Inc. ("Halo-Bio")
In August 2011, Protiva entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Halo-Bio. Under the agreement, Halo-Bio granted to Protiva an exclusive license to its multivalent ribonucleic acid MV-RNA technology. The agreement was amended on August 8, 2012 to adjust future license fees and other contingent payments. To date, we have recorded $0.5 million in fees under the Protiva license from Halo-Bio. Protiva terminated the agreement with Halo-Bio in July 2013. There are no further payments due or contingently payable to Halo-Bio.
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Dicerna”)
In November 2014, we signed a licensing agreement and a development and supply agreement with Dicerna to license our LNP delivery technology for exclusive use in Dicerna's primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) development program. Dicerna will use our third generation LNP technology for delivery of DCR-PH1, Dicerna's product incorporating its Dicer substrate RNA (DsiRNA) molecule, for the treatment of PH1, a rare, inherited liver disorder that often results in kidney failure and for which there are no approved therapies. Under the agreements, Dicerna paid a $2.5 million upfront and will potentially make payments of $22 million in aggregate development milestones, plus a mid-single-digit royalty on future PH1 sales. This partnership also includes a supply agreement under which we will provide clinical drug supply and regulatory support for the rapid advancement of this product candidate.
Cytos Biotechnology Ltd (“Cytos”)
On December 30, 2014, OnCore, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into an exclusive, worldwide, sub-licensable (subject to certain restrictions with respect to licensed viral infections other than hepatitis) license to six different series of compounds. The licensed compounds are Qbeta-derived virus-like particles that encapsulate TLR9, TLR7 or RIG-I agonists and may or may not be conjugated with antigens from the hepatitis virus or other licensed viruses. We have an option to expand this license to include additional viral infections other than influenza and Cytos will retain all rights for influenza, all non-viral infections, and all viral infections (other than hepatitis) for which we have not exercised an option.
In partial consideration for this license, upon closing of the Cytos Agreement, we will be obligated to pay Cytos up to a total of $67 million for each of the six licensed compound series upon the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones; for hepatitis and each additional licensed viral infection, up to a total of $110 million upon the achievement of specified sales performance milestones; and tiered royalty payments in the high-single to low-double digits, based upon the proportionate net sales of licensed products in any commercialized combination.
The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute (“Blumberg”) and Drexel University (“Drexel”)
In February 2014, OnCore, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a license agreement with Blumberg and Drexel that granted an exclusive (except as to certain know-how and subject to retained non-commercial research rights), worldwide, sub-licensable license to three different compound series: cccDNA inhibitors, capsid assembly inhibitors and HCC inhibitors.
In partial consideration for this license, OnCore paid a license initiation fee of $150,000 and issued warrants to Blumberg and Drexel. Under this license agreement, OnCore also agreed to pay up to $3.5 million in development and regulatory milestones per licensed compound series, up to $92.5 million in sales performance milestones per licensed product, and royalties in the mid-single digits based upon the proportionate net sales of licensed products in any commercialized combination. We are obligated to pay Blumberg and Drexel a double digit percentage of all amounts received from the sub-licensees, subject to customary exclusions.
In November 2014, OnCore entered into an additional license agreement with Blumberg and Drexel pursuant to which it received an exclusive (subject to retained non-commercial research rights), worldwide, sub-licensable license under specified patents and know-how controlled by Blumberg and Drexel covering epigenetic modifiers of cccDNA and STING agonists. In consideration for these exclusive licenses, OnCore made an upfront payment of $50,000. Under this agreement, we will be required to pay up to $1.0 million for each licensed product upon the achievement of a specified regulatory milestone and a low single digit royalty, based upon the proportionate net sales of compounds covered by this intellectual property in any commercialized combination. We are also obligated to pay Blumberg and Drexel a double digit percentage of all amounts received from its sub-licensees, subject to exclusions.
License Agreements between Enantigen (“Enantigen”) and Blumberg and Drexel
In October 2014, OnCore, our wholly owned subsidiary, acquired all of the outstanding shares of Enantigen pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. Through this transaction, OnCore acquired a HBV surface antigen secretion inhibitor program and a capsid assembly inhibitor program, each of which are now assets of Tekmira, following our merger with OnCore.
Under the stock purchase agreement, we agreed to pay up to a total of $21.0 million to Enantigen’s selling stockholders upon the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones, for the first two products that contain either a capsid compound, or a HBV surface antigen compound that is covered by a patent acquired under this agreement; or a capsid compound from an agreed upon list of compounds. The amount paid could be up to a total of $101.5 million in sales performance milestones in connection with the sale of the first commercialized product by us for the treatment of HBV, regardless of whether such product is based upon assets acquired under this agreement; and low single digit royalty on net sales of such first commercialized HBV product, up to a maximum royalty payment of $1.0 million that, if paid, would be offset against our milestone payment obligations.
Under the stock purchase agreement, we also agreed that Enantigen would fulfill its obligations as they relate to the three patent license agreements with Blumberg and Drexel. Pursuant to each patent license agreement, Enantigen is obligated to pay Blumberg and Drexel up to approximately $500,000 in development and regulatory milestones per licensed product, royalties in the low single digits, and a percentage of revenue it receives from its sub-licensees.
Research Collaboration and Funding Agreement with Blumberg
In October 2014, OnCore, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a research collaboration and funding agreement with Blumberg under which we will provide $1.0 million per year of research funding for three years, renewable at our option for an additional three years, for Blumberg to conduct research projects in HBV and liver cancer pursuant to a research plan to be agreed upon by the parties. Blumberg has exclusivity obligations to Tekmira with respect to HBV research funded under the agreement. In addition, we have the right to match any third party offer to fund HBV research that falls outside the scope of the research being funded under the agreement. Blumberg has granted us the right to obtain an exclusive, royalty bearing, worldwide license to any intellectual property generated by any funded research project. If we elect to exercise our right to obtain such a license, we will have a specified period of time to negotiate and enter into a mutually agreeable license agreement with Blumberg. This license agreement will include the following pre negotiated upfront, milestone and royalty payments: an upfront payment in the amount of $100,000; up to $8.1 million upon the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones; up to $92.5 million upon the achievement of specified commercialization milestones; and royalties at a low single to mid-single digit rates based upon the proportionate net sales of licensed products from any commercialized combination.
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (“NeuroVive”)
In September 2014, OnCore, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a license agreement with NeuroVive that granted us an exclusive, worldwide, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture and commercialize, for the treatment of HBV, oral dosage form sanglifehrin based cyclophilin inhibitors (including OCB-030). Under this license agreement we have been granted a non-exclusive, royalty free right and license and right of reference to NeuroVive’s relevant regulatory approvals and filings for the sole purpose of developing, manufacturing and commercializing licensed products for the treatment of HBV. Under this license agreement, we have (1) an option to expand our exclusive license to include treatment of viral diseases other than HBV and (2) an option, exercisable upon specified conditions, to expand our exclusive license to include development, manufacture and commercialization of non-oral variations of licensed products for treatment of viral diseases other than HBV. NeuroVive retains all rights with respect to development, manufacture and commercialization of licensed products and non-oral variations of licensed products for all indications (other than HBV) for which we have not exercised our option.
In partial consideration for this license, OnCore paid NeuroVive a license fee of $1 million. We are also obligated to pay up to $47.0 million in clinical development and regulatory milestones per indication and up to $102.5 million in sales performance milestones per licensed product and indication. If we are acquired by a third party in a transaction that meets certain criteria, then we or our acquiror will be obligated to pay all remaining development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, regardless of whether the applicable milestone events have been achieved, for each licensed product that entered clinical development before such acquisition. We agreed to pay NeuroVive tiered royalties in the mid-single to low-double digit range based upon the proportionate gross sales of patented licensed products from any commercialized combination. If we terminate this license agreement in its entirety for convenience prior to the first commercial sale of any licensed product, we will be obligated to pay NeuroVive a termination fee of $2 million.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Share purchase warrant valuation / The valuation of share purchase warrants is a critical accounting estimate due to the value of liabilities recorded and the many assumptions that are required to calculate the liability, resulting in the classification of our warrant liability as a level 3 financial instrument.
We classify warrants in our consolidated balance sheet as liabilities and revalue them at each balance sheet date. Any change in valuation is recorded in our statement of operations. We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to value the warrants. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of registered warrants requires considerable judgment. A small change in the estimates used may cause a relatively large change in the estimated valuation. Due to ongoing changes in our business and general stock market conditions, we continuously assess our warrant fair value assumptions. We adjust the estimated expected life as appropriate, based on the pattern of exercises of our warrants. As at December 31, 2014, for the purpose of calculating the fair value, the expected life of outstanding warrants was three months for warrants expiring in June 2016, and nine months for warrants expiring in February 2017. Based on the pattern of decreasing exercises of warrants, we have increased the expected life to nine months and twelve nine months for outstanding warrants expiring in June 2016 and February 2017, respectively, effective January 1, 2015. The remaining expected life is six months and nine months for outstanding warrants expiring in June 2016 and February 2017, respectively, as at March 31, 2015.
For the three month period ended March 31, 2015, we recorded a charge to earnings due to the increase in fair value of warrant liability of $1,223,000 as compared to a charge of $1,188,000 for this period if we had used the previous expected life assumptions.
Business combination / The purchase price allocation is a critical accounting estimates due to the many assumptions that are required to calculate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed during a business combination.
We account for our business combination using the acquisition method. Under this method, estimates we make to determine the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed include judgments in our determinations of acquired intangible assets and assessment of the fair value of existing property and equipment. Assumed liabilities can include other contingency reserves existing at the time of acquisition. Goodwill is recognized as of the acquisition date as the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date. Acquisition related expenses are separately recognized from business combination and are expensed as incurred.
When establishing fair values, we make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Intangible assets acquired and recorded by us may include patents, intellectual property, and in-process research and development. Estimates include, but are not limited to the forecasting of future cash flows and discount rates. Our estimates for the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary for the period ended March 31, 2015. We are currently undertaking a valuation assessment by engaging a third-party firm to assist us to determine the fair values. Our preliminary estimates of fair values are based upon assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable; therefore, actual results may differ from estimates impacting our earnings.
There are no other changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in our annual MD&A contained in our 2014 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) or other standard setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). The standard is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS by creating a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition – Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. The core principle of the accounting standard is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services. The amendments should be applied by either (1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented; or (2) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this ASU recognized at the date of initial application. In April 2015, the FASB voted to propose a deferral of the effective date of the ASU by one year. The new guidance would be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 instead of December 15, 2016, which for the Company means January 1, 2018. Entities are permitted to adopt in accordance with the original effective date if they choose. We have not yet determined the extent of the impact of adoption.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The update is intended to provide guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Under amendments to GAAP, the assessment period is within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The amendments are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, which for the Company means January 1, 2017, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We do not plan to early adopt this update. The extent of the impact of this adoption has not yet been determined.
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table presents our unaudited quarterly results of operations for each of our last eight quarters. These data have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which were prepared on the same basis as our annual audited financial statements and, in our opinion, include all adjustments necessary, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, for the fair presentation of such information.
(in millions $ except per share data) – unaudited
| | | Q1 | | | Q4 | | | Q3 | | | Q2 | | | Q1 | | | Q4 | | | Q3 | | | Q2 | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | | | 2014 | | | 2014 | | | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2013 | | | 2013 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Collaborations and contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DoD | | $ | 3.0 | | | $ | 2.8 | | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | 0.9 | | | $ | 3.2 | | | $ | 2.6 | | | $ | 2.8 | | | $ | 2.4 | |
| Monsanto | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.3 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Dicerna | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Other | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.6 | | | | — | | | | 0.2 | | | | (0.1) | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 3.5 | | | | 3.4 | | | | 3.6 | | | | 1.1 | | | | 3.7 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 2.9 | | | | 2.8 | |
| Alnylam milestone payments | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.2 | | | | 5.0 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Monsanto licensing fees and milestone payments | | | 0.8 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.6 | | | | 0.5 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Dicerna licensing fee | | | 0.3 | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| Spectrum milestone and royalty payments | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total revenue | | | 4.7 | | | | 4.4 | | | | 4.4 | | | | 1.8 | | | | 4.4 | | | | 7.6 | | | | 2.9 | | | | 2.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Expenses | | | (22.7) | | | | (15.1) | | | | (11.2) | | | | (11.2) | | | | (10.4) | | | | (9.9) | | | | (6.6) | | | | (5.9) | |
| Other income (losses) | | | 6.0 | | | | 4.5 | | | | (1.8) | | | | 3.3 | | | | (12.0) | | | | (0.2) | | | | (2.2) | | | | 0.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Net loss | | | (12.0) | | | | (6.2) | | | | (8.6) | | | | (6.1) | | | | (18.0) | | | | (2.6) | | | | (5.9) | | | | (3.0) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Basic and diluted net loss per share | | $ | (0.40) | | | $ | (0.27) | | | $ | (0.39) | | | $ | (0.28) | | | $ | (0.91) | | | $ | (0.15) | | | $ | (0.41) | | | $ | (0.21) | |
Quarterly Trends
Revenue / Our revenue is derived from research and development collaborations and contracts, licensing fees, milestone and royalty payments. Over the past two years, our principal source of ongoing revenue has been our contract with the DoD to advance TKM-Ebola which began in July 2010. We expect revenue to continue to fluctuate particularly due to the development stage of the TKM-Ebola contract and the irregular nature of licensing and milestone receipts.
In Q3 2010 we signed a contract with the DoD to develop TKM-Ebola and have since incurred significant program costs related to equipment, materials and preclinical and clinical studies. These costs are included in our research, development, collaborations and contracts expenses. These costs are fully reimbursed by the DoD, and this reimbursement amount is recorded as revenue. DoD revenue from the TKM-Ebola program also compensates us for labor and overheads and provides an incentive fee. As described in our critical accounting policies in our Annual Report, we estimate the labor and overhead rates to be charged under our TKM-Ebola contract and update these rate estimates throughout the year. In April 2014, we signed a contract modification to increase the stage one targeted funding by $2.1 million to $43.8 million. The additional funding is to compensate us for unrecovered costs related to the temporary stop-work period that occurred in 2012 and to provide additional overhead funding should it be required. In Q1 2014, we earned $3.2 million in DoD revenue, due partially to an increase in activity as we moved into a Phase I Clinical Trial. Also, as a result of the contract modification, we now expect to complete the initial stage of the contract closer to budget, which increases our estimate of total incentive fee to be earned under the contract and the amount we have earned to date. In Q2 2014, we earned $0.9 million in DoD revenue due to lower contract activity as our clinical trial data was with the FDA for review. DoD revenue increased in Q3 2014 with an increase in activity as we prepared a response to the FDA’s partial clinical hold on our Phase I Clinical Trial. In October 2014, the DoD exercised a contract option adding $7.0 million to the contract for the scale-up and manufacture of TKM-Ebola-Guinea, our product targeting the Ebola-Makona (formerly known as Ebola-Guinea) strain responsible for the current outbreak in West Africa. DoD revenue increased in Q4 2014 and Q1 2015 as we purchased materials and manufactured TKM-Ebola-Guinea.
In January 2014, we signed an Option Agreement and a Services Agreement with Monsanto for the use of our proprietary delivery technology and related intellectual property in agriculture. Over the option period, which is expected to be approximately four years, Monsanto will make payments to us to maintain their option rights. In Q1 2014, we received $14.5 million of the $17.5 million near term payments, of which $4.5 million relates to research services and $10.0 million for the use of our technology. In June 2014 and October 2014, we received further payments of $1.5 million each, following the completion of specified program developments. The payments are being recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the option period.
In November 2014, we signed a License Agreement and a Development and Supply Agreement with Dicerna for the use of our proprietary delivery technology and related technology intended to develop, manufacture, and commercialize products related to treatment of PH1. In Q4 2014, we received an upfront payment of $2.5 million, which is being recognized over the period over which we provide services to Dicerna, estimated to complete in Q1 2017. In Q1 2015, we recognized collaboration revenue of $0.2 million earned on materials manufactured and services provided to Dicerna.
In Q4 2013 we earned a $5.0 million milestone from Alnylam following their initiation of a Phase III trial enabled by our LNP technology.
In Q4 2013, we began to earn royalties from Spectrum with respect to the commercial sales of Marqibo.
Included in “other collaborations and contract revenue” is revenue from a BMS batch formulation agreement. In Q4 2013, we offered to extend the BMS agreement end date from May 2014 to December 2014. Extending the agreement would have given BMS more time to order LNP batches. Revenue recognized in 2013 has been reduced and the balance of deferred revenue as at December 31, 2013 has been increased to account for BMS potentially ordering more batches under the agreement. This agreement is reflected in the $0.1 million of negative “other revenue” in Q4 2013 when the offer was made to extend the agreement and a cumulative revenue adjustment was recorded. In August 2014, we received notification from BMS that the extension would not occur. As such, the collaboration expired and both parties’ obligations under the agreement ended. Revenue recognized in Q3 2014 relates to the release of the deferred revenue balance of $1.6 million.
Expenses / Expenses consist primarily of clinical and pre-clinical trial expenses, personnel expenses, consulting and third party expenses, reimbursable collaboration expenses, consumables and materials, patent filing expenses, facilities, stock-based compensation and general corporate costs.
Our expenses have increased in the past eight quarters due to an increase in our research and development activities as we seek to move more products into the clinic. In Q3 2013, we initiated a Phase I/II Clinical Trial for TKM-PLK1 in patients with GI-NET or ACC. In Q1 2014, we dosed the first subject in human clinical trials of TKM-Ebola. In Q2 2014, we initiated a Phase I/II Clinical Trial for TKM-PLK1 in patients with HCC. In Q4 2014, we filed a Canadian Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for TKM-HBV and received clearance to conduct a Phase I Clinical Trial, as well as initiated manufacturing of TKM-Ebola-Guinea for emergency use in West Africa – see overview. In Q1 2015, we initiated Phase I Clinical Trial for TKM-HBV and incurred significant material costs related to the TKM-Ebola-Guinea contract with the DoD. In addition, we incurred $9.3 million in costs for professional fees related to completing the merger with OnCore, as well as $1.2 million of incremental non-cash compensation expense related to the expiry of repurchase rights on shares issued as part of the consideration paid for the merger with OnCore (refer to notes to the financial statements). We also continue to incur research and development expenses related to identifying new targets.
Other income (losses) / Other income (losses) consist primarily of changes in the fair value of our warrant liability and foreign exchange differences. Other losses increased in Q3 2013, Q1 2014, and Q3 2014 due primarily to the increase in fair value of our warrant liability. Increases in our share price from the previous reporting date result in an increase in the fair value of our warrant liability, and vice versa. We expect to see future changes in the fair value of our warrant liability and these changes will largely depend on the change in the Company’s share price, any change in our assumed rate of share price volatility, our assumptions for the expected lives of the warrants and warrant exercises.
In Q1 2015, we recorded $7.0 million foreign exchange gain, due to the strengthening of U.S. dollar against Canadian dollar by 9% in the period.
Net (loss) income / Fluctuations in our net loss are explained by changes in revenue, expenses and other income (losses) as discussed above.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following summarizes the results of our operations for the periods shown, in thousands except per share data:
| | | Three months ended March 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
| Total revenue | | $ | 4,682 | | | $ | 4,430 | |
| Operating expenses | | | 22,688 | | | | 10,388 | |
| Loss from operations | | | (18,006 | ) | | | (5,958 | ) |
| Net loss | | | (11,989 | ) | | | (17,984 | ) |
| Basic and diluted loss per share | | | (0.40 | ) | | | (0.91 | ) |
Revenue / Revenue is summarized in the following table, in thousands:
| | | Three months ended March 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | % of Total | | | 2014 | | | % of Total | |
| DoD | | $ | 3,045 | | | | 65 | % | | $ | 3,240 | | | | 73 | % |
| Monsanto | | | 248 | | | | 5 | % | | | 243 | | | | 5 | % |
| BMS | | | — | | | | 0 | % | | | 206 | | | | 5 | % |
| Dicerna | | | 227 | | | | 5 | % | | | — | | | | 0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total collaborations and contracts revenue | | | 3,520 | | | | 75 | % | | | 3,689 | | | | 83 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Monsanto licensing fee and milestone payments | | | 842 | | | | 18 | % | | | 545 | | | | 12 | % |
| Acuitas milestone payment | | | — | | | | 0 | % | | | 150 | | | | 3 | % |
| Dicerna licensing fee | | | 263 | | | | 6 | % | | | — | | | | 0 | % |
| Spectrum milestone and royalty payments | | | 57 | | | | 1 | % | | | 46 | | | | 1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total revenue | | $ | 4,682 | | | | | | | $ | 4,430 | | | | | |
DoD revenue
On July 14, 2010, we signed a contract with the United States Government Department of Defense (“DoD”) to advance an RNAi therapeutic utilizing our LNP technology to treat Ebola virus infection (see Overview for further discussion). The initial phase of the contract was first budgeted at $34.7 million and later increased to $43.8 million. This stage one funding is for the development of TKM-Ebola, including, completion of preclinical development, filing an IND application with the FDA and completing a Phase I human safety clinical trial. The DoD has the option of extending the contract beyond the initial funding period to support the advancement of TKM-Ebola through to the completion of clinical development and FDA approval. Based on the contract’s budget, this would provide the Company with up to $140 million in funding for the entire program.
In October 2014, the DoD exercised an option valued at $7.0 million, awarded to us to manufacture TKM-Ebola-Guinea targeting the Ebola-Makona (formerly known as Ebola-Guinea) strain responsible for the current outbreak in West Africa.
Under the contract, we are being reimbursed for costs incurred, including an allocation of overheads, and we are being paid an incentive fee.
DoD revenues and related contract expenses were slightly lower in Q1 2015 as compared to Q1 2014. We moved into Phase I clinical trials in Q1 2014. In Q1 2015, we remained on partial clinical hold for TKM-Ebola, but incurred costs and recorded revenue for the manufacture of TKM-Ebola-Guinea for use in West Africa.
Monsanto revenue
On January 13, 2014, we signed an Option Agreement and a Services Agreement (together, the “Agreements”) with Monsanto. Under the Agreements, Monsanto has an option to acquire a license to use our proprietary delivery technology and related intellectual property for use in agriculture. Over the option period, which is expected to be approximately four years, we will provide lipid formulations for Monsanto’s research and development activities, and Monsanto will make certain payments to us to maintain their option rights (see Overview for further discussion).
In January 2014, we received $14.5 million, of which $4.5 million relates to research services and $10.0 million for the use of our technology. In June and October 2014, we received payments of $1.5 million each, following the completion of specified program developments. We are recognizing this revenue on a straight-line basis over the option period. In Q1 2015, we recorded an aggregate of $1.1 million in revenue for the use of our technology and for research activities.
Alnylam revenue
On November 12, 2012, the Company entered into a new licensing agreement with Alnylam that replaces all earlier licensing, cross-licensing, collaboration, and manufacturing agreements. The Company also entered into a separate cross license agreement with Acuitas which includes milestone and royalty payments and Acuitas has agreed not to compete in the RNAi field for five years.
In Q1 2014, we recognized $0.15 million in milestone revenue from Acuitas following their receipt of a milestone from Alnylam with the initiation of a Phase III trial enabled by our LNP technology.
BMS revenue
In May 2010 we signed a formulation agreement with BMS under which BMS paid us $3.0 million to make a certain number of LNP formulations over the following four year period. The contract expired in 2014 with no further obligation for either party. Revenue recognized in Q1 2014 relates to the batches shipped to BMS during the period.
Spectrum revenue
In September 2013, Spectrum announced that they had shipped the first commercial orders of Marqibo. We continue to earn royalties on the sales of Marqibo, which uses a license to our technology.
Expenses / Expenses are summarized in the following table, in thousands:
| | | Three months ended March 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | % of Total | | | 2014 | | | % of Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Research, development, collaborations and contracts | | $ | 10,557 | | | | 46 | % | | $ | 8,204 | | | | 79 | % |
| General and administrative | | | 2,716 | | | | 12 | % | | | 2,050 | | | | 20 | % |
| Depreciation | | | 120 | | | | 1 | % | | | 134 | | | | 1 | % |
| Acquisition costs | | | 9,295 | | | | 41 | % | | | — | | | | | |
| Total operating expenses | | $ | 22,688 | | | | | | | $ | 10,388 | | | | | |
Research, development, collaborations and contracts
Research, development, collaborations and contracts expenses consist primarily of clinical and pre-clinical trial expenses, personnel expenses, consulting and third party expenses, consumables and materials, as well as a portion of stock-based compensation and general corporate costs.
In the first quarter of 2015, we increased our spending on TKM-HBV as we initiated a Phase I clinical trial. In addition, we incurred costs for the manufacture of TKM-Ebola-Guinea under our DoD contract – see overview.
R&D compensation expense increased in Q1 2015 as compared to Q1 2014 due to an increase in the number of both employees and contractors in support of our expanded portfolio of product candidates, as well as from our merger with OnCore. In addition, we incurred a total of $1.2 million of incremental non-cash compensation expense related to the expiry of repurchase rights on shares issued as part of the consideration paid for the merger with OnCore (refer to notes to the financial statements), of which $0.9 million has been included as part of research, development, collaborations and contracts expense, and $0.3 million included as part of general and administrative expense.
A significant portion of our research, development, collaborations and contracts expenses are not tracked by project as they benefit multiple projects or our technology platform and because our most-advanced programs are not yet in late-stage clinical development. However, our collaboration agreements contain cost-sharing arrangements pursuant to which certain costs incurred under the project are reimbursed. Costs reimbursed under collaborations typically include certain direct external costs and hourly or full-time equivalent labor rates for the actual time worked on the project. In addition, we have been reimbursed under government contracts for certain allowable costs including direct internal and external costs. As a result, although a significant portion of our research, development, collaborations and contracts expenses are not tracked on a project-by-project basis, we do, however, track direct external costs attributable to, and the actual time our employees worked on, our collaborations and government contracts.
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses were higher in Q1 2015 compared to Q1 2014 due largely to an increase in compensation expense linked to our increase in employee base and incremental corporate expenses to support the growth of the Company following the completion of our merger with OnCore. This includes an incremental non-cash compensation expense we incurred related to the expiry of repurchase rights on shares issued as part of consideration paid for the merger with OnCore (see above).
Depreciation of property and equipment
Most of our recent property and equipment additions were related to our TKM-Ebola program and are not recorded as Company assets. As such, a large portion of our property and equipment is reaching full amortization. In Q1 2015, we spent $0.1 million on property and equipment mostly related to lab equipment and information technology improvements.
Acquisition costs
In Q1 2015, we incurred $9.3 million in costs for professional fees related to completing the merger with OnCore – see overview. This is a one-time cost specific to the merger with OnCore, and we do not expect to incur recurring acquisition costs.
Other income (losses) / Other income (losses) are summarized in the following table, in thousands:
| | | Three months ended March 31, | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 202 | | | $ | 147 | |
| Foreign exchange gains | | | 7,038 | | | | 1,443 | |
| Increase in fair value of warrant liability | | | (1,223 | ) | | | (13,616 | ) |
| Total other losses | | $ | 6,017 | | | $ | (12,026 | ) |
Foreign exchange gains
In Q1 2015, we recorded foreign exchange gains of $7.0 million related to an appreciation in the value of our U.S. dollar funds when converted to our functional currency of Canadian dollars. The U.S. dollar strengthened by 9% against the Canadian dollar in Q1 2015. Cumulative translation adjustments, which results from converting from our functional currency of Canadian dollars to our reporting currency of U.S. dollars, do not impact our net loss calculation and are not included in foreign exchange gains (losses).
Increase in fair value of warrant liability
In conjunction with equity and debt financing transactions in 2011 and an equity private placement that closed on February 29, 2012, we issued warrants to purchase our common share. We are accounting for the warrants under the authoritative guidance on accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own stock, on the understanding that in compliance with applicable securities laws, the registered warrants require the issuance of registered securities upon exercise and do not sufficiently preclude an implied right to net cash settlement. At each balance sheet date the warrants are revalued using the Black-Scholes model and the change in value is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The increase in value of our common share purchase warrants outstanding at March 31, 2015 was $1.2 million as compared to $13.6 million at the end of March 31, 2014. The increase was a result of an increase in the Company’s share price from the previous reporting dates.
We expect to see future changes in the fair value of our warrant liability and these changes will largely depend on the change in the Company’s share price, any change in our assumed rate of share price volatility, our assumptions for the expected lives of the warrants and warrant issuances or exercises.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes our cash flow activities for the periods indicated, in thousands:
| | | Three months ended March 31 | |
| | | 2015 | | | 2014 | |
| Net loss for the period | | $ | (11,989 | ) | | | (17,984 | ) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | | | (2,780 | ) | | | 14,879 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | | | (3,074 | ) | | | 12,260 | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | (17,843 | ) | | | 9,155 | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | 37,546 | | | | (335 | ) |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 142,820 | | | | 59,289 | |
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash & cash equivalents | | | (2,434 | ) | | | (2,469 | ) |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 160,089 | | | | 65,640 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 72,187 | | | | 68,717 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | $ | 232,276 | | | | 134,357 | |
Since our incorporation, we have financed our operations through the sales of shares, units, debt, revenues from research and development collaborations and licenses with corporate partners, interest income on funds available for investment, and government contracts, grants and tax credits.
At March 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $232.3 million as compared to an aggregate of $112.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2014.
Operating activities used $17.9 million in cash in Q1 2015 as compared to $9.2 million of cash provided in Q1 2014. The increase in cash used from operating activities is primarily related to a significant costs incurred related to the acquisition of OnCore in March 2015, as well as cash received from Monsanto in January 2014.
On March 25, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 7,500,000 common shares, at a price of $20.25 per share, representing gross proceeds of $151.9 million. The cost of financing, including commissions and professional fees, was approximately $9.7 million, which gave us net proceeds of $142.2 million. We plan to use these proceeds to develop and advance product candidates through clinical trials, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Cash requirements / At December 31, 2014 we held $72.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $40.0 in short-term investments, totalling $112.2 million. On March 25, 2015, we raised net proceeds of $142.2 million from a public offering. Our cash balance as at March 31, 2015 was $232.3 million. We believe we have sufficient cash resources for at least the next 12 months. In the future, substantial additional funds will be required to continue with the active development of our pipeline products and technologies. In particular, our funding needs may vary depending on a number of factors including:
| | · | the need for additional capital to fund future business development programs; |
| | · | revenues earned form our current collaborative partnership and licensing agreements with Monsanto and Dicerna; |
| | · | revenues earned from our DoD contract to develop TKM-Ebola and TKM-Ebola-Guinea; |
| | · | revenues earned from our legacy collaborative partnerships and licensing agreements, including milestone payments from Alnylam and royalties from sales of Marqibo from Spectrum; |
| | · | the extent to which we continue the development of our product candidates, add new product candidates to our pipeline, or form collaborative relationships to advance our products; |
| | · | our decisions to in-license or acquire additional products or technology for development, in particular for our HBV and RNAi therapeutics programs; |
| | · | our ability to attract and retain corporate partners, and their effectiveness in carrying out the development and ultimate commercialization of our product candidates; |
| | · | whether batches of drugs that we manufacture fail to meet specifications resulting in delays and investigational and remanufacturing costs; |
| | · | the decisions, and the timing of decisions, made by health regulatory agencies regarding our technology and products; |
| | · | competing technological and market developments; and |
| | · | costs associated with prosecuting and enforcing our patent claims and other intellectual property rights, including litigation and arbitration arising in the course of our business activities. |
We will seek to obtain funding to maintain and advance our business from a variety of sources including public or private equity or debt financing, collaborative arrangements with pharmaceutical companies and government grants and contracts. There can be no assurance that funding will be available at all or on acceptable terms to permit further development of our products.
If adequate funding is not available, we may be required to delay, reduce or eliminate one or more of our research or development programs or reduce expenses associated with non-core activities. We may need to obtain funds through arrangements with collaborators or others that may require us to relinquish most or all of our rights to product candidates at an earlier stage of development or on less favorable terms than we would otherwise seek if we were better funded. Insufficient financing may also mean failing to prosecute our patents or relinquishing rights to some of our technologies that we would otherwise develop or commercialize.
Material commitments for capital expenditures / As at the date of this discussion we do not have any material commitments for capital expenditure.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this MD&A, there have not been any material changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
Inflation has not had a material impact on our operations.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have not entered into any related party transactions in the periods covered by this discussion.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
At April 30, 2015, we had 54,224,261 common shares issued and outstanding, outstanding options to purchase an additional 2,402,351 common shares and outstanding warrants to purchase an additional 386,750 common shares.
| QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
| DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING |
As of March 31, 2015, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was carried out by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The scope of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures do not include any disclosure controls and procedures of OnCore, which was acquired on March 4, 2015, that are also part of OnCore’s internal control over financial reporting. This exclusion is in accordance with SEC’s general guidance that a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of the assessment in the year of acquisition. Based upon this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that as of March 31, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the management of the registrant, including the CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
It should be noted that while the CEO and CFO believe that our disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective, they do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
