Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding financial reporting and, in the opinion of management, include all normal and recurring adjustments which are necessary to state fairly the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the reported periods. The consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, EQRx, LLC and Warp Drive Bio, Inc. (Warp Drive). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The functional and reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Use of estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to accounting for acquisitions including the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related purchase price allocation, revenue recognition, clinical accruals, valuation of in-process research and development and developed technologies, income taxes, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, impairment of goodwill and intangibles, the incremental borrowing rate for determining operating lease assets and liabilities, and stock-based compensation. Estimates are based on historical experience, complex judgments, facts and circumstances available at the time and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could materially differ from the Company’s estimates, and there may be changes to the estimates in future periods. Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. C ash equivalents consist of amounts invested in money market funds, commercial paper and corporate bonds with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Marketable securities Investments in marketable securities primarily consist of U.S. government debt securities, U.S. government agency bonds, commercial paper, and corporate bonds. The Company has classified its marketable securities as available-for-sale and may sell these securities prior to their stated maturities. The Company views these marketable securities as available to support current operations and classifies marketable securities with maturities beyond 12 months as current assets. The Company’s investments in marketable securities are carried at estimated fair value, which is derived from independent pricing sources based on quoted prices in active markets for similar securities. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The amortized cost of marketable securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, which is included in interest income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Realized gains and losses are included in interest income on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company periodically evaluates its investments to assess whether those with unrealized loss positions are other than temporarily impaired. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge. If the Company determines that the decline in an investment’s fair value is other-than-temporary, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As of December 31, 2023 , no other-than-temporary-impairment has been recorded. Restricted cash As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $ 3.0 million and $ 1.7 million , respectively, of noncurrent restricted cash related to Company issued letters of credit in connection with leases. These amounts are held in separate bank accounts to support letter of credit agreements for certain of its leases. Concentration of credit risk and other risks and uncertainties Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. The Company invests in money market funds, U.S. government debt securities, U.S. government agency bonds, commercial paper and corporate bonds. The Company maintains bank deposits in federally insured financial institutions and these deposits may exceed federally insured limits. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of a default by the financial institutions holding its bank deposits and issuers of its investments. The Company’s investment policy limits investments to money market funds, certain types of debt securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt and commercial paper, and places restrictions on the credit ratings, maturities and concentration by type and issuer. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents or investments. Fair value measurement The carrying amounts of the Company’s certain financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities and market interest rates, if applicable. For more information, refer to Note 4 regarding the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair values. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows: Level 1—Observable inputs such as unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date; Level 2—Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Property and equipment, net Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which is generally three to five years . Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the assets’ estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. Useful lives of property and equipment are as follows: Property and equipment Estimated useful life Laboratory equipment 4 - 5 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term Computer equipment and software 3 years Furniture and fixtures 5 years Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception and then classifies the lease as operating or financing based on the underlying terms and conditions of the contract. Leases with terms greater than one year are initially recognized on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. As such, the Company utilizes the incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate incurred to borrow, on a collateralized basis, an amount equal to the lease payments over a similar term and in a similar economic environment of the applicable country or region. Variable lease payments are excluded from the right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets are reviewed for indications of possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amounts of the asset group to the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to these assets. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent an asset group is not recoverable, and the carrying amount exceeds the projected discounted future cash flows arising from these assets. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for any of the periods presented. Acquired intangible assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets represent the estimated fair value assigned to in-process research and development (IPR&D) acquired in a business combination. The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets might not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, then it is written down to its adjusted fair value. As of December 31, 2023 , there have been no such impairments. For IPR&D, if a product candidate derived from the indefinite-lived intangible asset is developed and commercialized, the useful life will be determined, and the carrying value will be amortized prospectively over that estimated useful life. Alternatively, if a product candidate is abandoned, the carrying value of the intangible asset will be charged to research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Finite-lived intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized separately from goodwill and are initially recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective finite-lived intangible assets and is included in research and development expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. As of December 31, 2023 , no such impairment has been recorded. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level by first assessing the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Qualitative indicators assessed include consideration of macroeconomic, industry and market conditions, the Company’s overall financial performance and personnel or strategy changes. Based on the qualitative assessment, if it is determined that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount, the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Any excess of the goodwill carrying amount over the fair value is recognized as an impairment loss, and the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value. As of December 31, 2023 , no goodwill impairment has been identified. Warrants Warrants assumed as part of the EQRx transaction as described in Note 3 contain provisions that require them to be classified as derivative liabilities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). Accordingly, at the end of each reporting period, changes in fair value during the period are recognized as a change in fair value of warrant liabilities within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company adjusts the warrant liability for changes in the fair value until the earlier of (a) the exercise or expiration of the warrants or (b) the redemption of the warrants, at which time the warrants will be reclassified to additional paid-in capital. Derivative warrant liabilities are classified as non-current liabilities, as their liquidation is not reasonably expected to require the use of current assets or require the creation of current liabilities. Revenue recognition The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. The Company enters into collaboration agreements under which it may obtain upfront license fees, research and development funding, and development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments and royalty payments. The Company’s performance obligations under these arrangements may include licenses of intellectual property, sales and distribution rights, research and development services, delivery of manufactured product and/or participation on joint steering committees. Licenses of intellectual property: If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenue from upfront license fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other promises, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring proportional performance for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, upfront fees. The Company evaluates the measure of proportional performance each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. Research, development and regulatory milestone payments: At the inception of each arrangement that includes research, development, or regulatory milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether the milestones are considered probable of being reached and estimates the amount to be included in the transaction price. The Company uses the most likely amount method for research, development and regulatory milestone payments. Under the most likely amount method, an entity considers the single most likely amount in a range of possible consideration amounts. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the associated milestone value is included in the transaction price. Sales-based milestones and royalties: For arrangements that include sales-based milestone or royalty payments based on the level of sales, and in which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the sales-based milestone or royalties relate to, the Company recognizes revenue in the period in which the sales-based milestone is achieved and in the period in which the sales associated with the royalty occur. To date, the Company has not recognized any sales-based milestone or royalty revenue resulting from its collaboration arrangements. Deferred revenue represents amounts received by the Company for which the related revenues have not been recognized because one or more of the revenue recognition criteria have not been met. The current portion of deferred revenue represents the amount to be recognized within one year from the balance sheet date based on the estimated performance period of the underlying performance obligation. The noncurrent portion of deferred revenue represents amounts to be recognized after one year through the end of the performance period of the performance obligation. Research and development expenditures Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred for the Company’s own and for collaborative research and development activities. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of salaries and benefits, including associated stock-based compensation, and laboratory supplies and facility costs, as well as fees paid to other entities that conduct certain research and development activities on the Company’s behalf. The Company estimates preclinical studies and clinical trial expenses based on the services performed pursuant to contracts with research institutions, contract research organizations and clinical manufacturing organizations that conduct and manage preclinical studies and clinical trials on the Company’s behalf based on actual time and expenses incurred by them. Further, the Company accrues expenses related to clinical trials based on the level of patient activity according to the related agreement. The Company monitors patient enrollment levels and related activity to the extent reasonably possible and adjusts estimates accordingly. Stock-based compensation The Company measures its stock-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the estimated fair values of the awards and recognizes the compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of options issued under the employee stock purchase plan is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Restricted stock units are valued based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Comprehensive loss For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 , other comprehensive income (loss) included net unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities. Income taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Management makes an assessment of the likelihood that the resulting deferred tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Due to the Company’s historical operating performance and the recorded cumulative net losses in prior fiscal periods, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance. The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which judgment occurs. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of interest expense. Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common stock and potentially dilutive securities outstanding for the period. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, redeemable convertible preferred stock, stock options, common stock subject to repurchase related to unvested restricted stock awards and early exercise of stock options are considered to be potentially dilutive securities. Basic and diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities as the redeemable convertible preferred stock is considered a participating security because it participates in dividends with common stock. The Company also considers the shares issued upon the early exercise of stock options subject to repurchase to be participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable dividend rights in the event a dividend is paid on common stock. The holders of all series of redeemable convertible preferred stock and the holders of early exercised shares subject to repurchase do not have a contractual obligation to share in the Company’s losses. As such, the net loss was attributed entirely to common stockholders. Because the Company has reported a net loss for all periods presented, diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for those periods. Segment reporting The Company has one operating and reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, manages the Company’s operations on a consolidated basis for the purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. All of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the United States. Recent accounting pronouncements From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB, under its ASC or other standard setting bodies, and adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date, unless otherwise discussed below. No new pronouncements were adopted by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023. Recently announced accounting pronouncements In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07). ASU 2023-07 improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2024. Early application is permitted. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). ASU 2023-09 relates to rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early application is permitted. The guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated financial statements. |