Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2020 | Nov. 09, 2020 | |
Cover [Abstract] | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
Entity Registrant Name | Metacrine, Inc. | |
Entity Central Index Key | 0001634379 | |
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | |
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
Entity Filer Category | Non-accelerated Filer | |
Entity Small Business | false | |
Entity Emerging Growth Company | true | |
Entity Ex Transition Period | true | |
Entity Shell Company | false | |
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding | 25,956,300 | |
Security12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | |
Trading Symbol | MTCR | |
Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
Entity File Number | 001-39512 | |
Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE | |
Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-2297384 | |
Entity Address Address Line1 | 3985 Sorrento Valley Blvd. | |
Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite C | |
Entity Address City Or Town | San Diego | |
Entity Address State Or Province | CA | |
Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 92121 | |
City Area Code | 858 | |
Local Phone Number | 369-7800 | |
Document Quarterly Report | true | |
Document Transition Report | false |
Unaudited Condensed Consolidate
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Current assets: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 98,281 | $ 15,668 |
Short-term investments | 10,958 | 39,983 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,663 | 1,692 |
Total current assets | 110,902 | 57,343 |
Property and equipment, net | 690 | 735 |
Operating lease right-of-use asset | 1,740 | 2,203 |
Total assets | 113,332 | 60,281 |
Current liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 655 | 239 |
Accrued liabilities | 2,725 | 3,549 |
Current portion of operating lease liability | 722 | 600 |
Total current liabilities | 4,102 | 4,388 |
Unvested stock liability | 34 | 109 |
Warrant liability | 184 | |
Operating lease liability, net of current portion | 1,199 | 1,748 |
Long-term debt, net of debt discount | 9,309 | 9,099 |
Other long-term liabilities | 525 | 525 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 3) | ||
Convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; authorized shares – 10,000,000 and 85,683,310 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; issued and outstanding shares – none and 85,093,688 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; Liquidation preference – none and $123,100 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. | 122,465 | |
Stockholders’ equity (deficit): | ||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; authorized shares – 200,000,000 and 111,098,749 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; issued shares – 25,957,408 and 2,682,397 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; outstanding shares – 25,909,488 and 2,484,848 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. | 3 | |
Additional paid-in-capital | 208,076 | 5,164 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 14 | 41 |
Accumulated deficit | (109,930) | (83,442) |
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) | 98,163 | (78,237) |
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock, and stockholders’ equity (deficit) | $ 113,332 | $ 60,281 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolida_2
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] | ||
Convertible preferred stock, par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 |
Convertible preferred stock, authorized shares | 10,000,000 | 85,683,310 |
Convertible preferred stock, issued shares | 0 | 85,093,688 |
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding shares | 0 | 85,093,688 |
Liquidation preference | $ 0 | $ 123,100 |
Common stock, par value | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001 |
Common stock, authorized shares | 200,000,000 | 111,098,749 |
Common stock, issued shares | 25,957,408 | 2,682,397 |
Common stock, outstanding shares | 25,909,488 | 2,484,848 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolida_3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | |
Operating expenses: | ||||
Research and development | $ 6,217 | $ 7,647 | $ 19,973 | $ 19,497 |
General and administrative | 2,693 | 1,069 | 6,087 | 3,057 |
Total operating expenses | 8,910 | 8,716 | 26,060 | 22,554 |
Loss from operations | (8,910) | (8,716) | (26,060) | (22,554) |
Other income (expense): | ||||
Interest income | 82 | 344 | 445 | 1,111 |
Interest expense | (258) | (93) | (765) | (93) |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 45 | (75) | ||
Other income (expense) | (13) | (33) | ||
Total other income (expense) | (144) | 251 | (428) | 1,018 |
Net loss | (9,054) | (8,465) | (26,488) | (21,536) |
Other comprehensive loss: | ||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net | (65) | (27) | 115 | |
Comprehensive loss | $ (9,119) | $ (8,465) | $ (26,515) | $ (21,421) |
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ (1.41) | $ (3.51) | $ (6.89) | $ (9.17) |
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted | 6,436,546 | 2,409,227 | 3,845,793 | 2,349,635 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolida_4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | |
Operating activities: | ||
Net loss | $ (26,488) | $ (21,536) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||
Depreciation | 217 | 187 |
Stock-based compensation | 3,151 | 1,442 |
Non-cash interest expense | 210 | 23 |
Accretion of discounts on investments, net | (91) | (579) |
Amortization of right-of-use asset | 463 | 432 |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 75 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 29 | 89 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (1,260) | 1,646 |
Lease liability | (427) | (374) |
Net cash used in operating activities | (24,121) | (18,670) |
Investing activities: | ||
Purchases of property and equipment | (172) | (56) |
Purchases of short-term investments | (7,944) | (48,827) |
Sale and maturities of short-term investments | 37,033 | 60,225 |
Net cash provided by investing activities | 28,917 | 11,342 |
Financing activities: | ||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from initial public offering, net of issuance costs | 77,750 | |
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options | 69 | 30 |
Repurchase of unvested common stock | (2) | (1) |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance cost | 9,717 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 77,817 | 9,746 |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 82,613 | 2,418 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 15,668 | 15,965 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 98,281 | 18,383 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||
Cash paid for interest | 554 | |
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||
Conversion of convertible preferred stock to common stock | 122,465 | |
Conversion of convertible preferred stock warrant to common stock warrant | 259 | |
Issuance costs in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 852 | |
Initial fair value of warrant liability | 184 | |
Vesting of common stock | $ 73 | $ 75 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolida_5
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Total | Convertible Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Deficit |
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018 | 85,093,688 | |||||
Temporary equity, Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 | $ 122,465 | |||||
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018 | 2,249,749 | |||||
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 | $ (51,465) | $ 3,097 | $ (53) | $ (54,509) | ||
Stock-based compensation | 1,442 | 1,442 | ||||
Exercise of stock options | 30 | 30 | ||||
Exercise of stock options, shares | 22,344 | |||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options | 75 | 75 | ||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options, shares | 161,548 | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net | 115 | 115 | ||||
Net loss | (21,536) | (21,536) | ||||
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019 | 85,093,688 | |||||
Temporary equity, Balance at Sep. 30, 2019 | $ 122,465 | |||||
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019 | 2,433,641 | |||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019 | (71,339) | 4,644 | 62 | (76,045) | ||
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2019 | 85,093,688 | |||||
Temporary equity, Balance at Jun. 30, 2019 | $ 122,465 | |||||
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2019 | 2,383,729 | |||||
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019 | (63,384) | 4,134 | 62 | (67,580) | ||
Stock-based compensation | 484 | 484 | ||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options | 26 | 26 | ||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options, shares | 49,912 | |||||
Net loss | (8,465) | (8,465) | ||||
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019 | 85,093,688 | |||||
Temporary equity, Balance at Sep. 30, 2019 | $ 122,465 | |||||
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019 | 2,433,641 | |||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019 | $ (71,339) | 4,644 | 62 | (76,045) | ||
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019 | 85,093,688 | 85,093,688 | ||||
Temporary equity, Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 122,465 | $ 122,465 | ||||
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019 | 2,484,848 | 2,484,848 | ||||
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ (78,237) | 5,164 | 41 | (83,442) | ||
Issuance of common stock from initial public offering, net of issuance costs | 76,898 | $ 1 | 76,897 | |||
Issuance of common stock from initial public offering, net of issuance costs, shares | 6,540,000 | |||||
Temporary equity, Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering, shares | (85,093,688) | |||||
Temporary equity, Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering | $ (122,465) | |||||
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering, shares | 16,685,014 | |||||
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering | 122,465 | $ 2 | 122,463 | |||
Conversion of convertible preferred stock warrant to common stock warrant | 259 | 259 | ||||
Stock-based compensation | 3,151 | 3,151 | ||||
Exercise of stock options | $ 69 | 69 | ||||
Exercise of stock options, shares | 54,266 | 54,266 | ||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options | $ 73 | 73 | ||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options, shares | 145,360 | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net | (27) | (27) | ||||
Net loss | $ (26,488) | (26,488) | ||||
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2020 | 0 | |||||
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2020 | 25,909,488 | 25,909,488 | ||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020 | $ 98,163 | $ 3 | 208,076 | 14 | (109,930) | |
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2020 | 85,093,688 | |||||
Temporary equity, Balance at Jun. 30, 2020 | $ 122,465 | |||||
Balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2020 | 2,600,373 | |||||
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020 | (94,213) | 6,584 | 79 | (100,876) | ||
Issuance of common stock from initial public offering, net of issuance costs | 76,898 | $ 1 | 76,897 | |||
Issuance of common stock from initial public offering, net of issuance costs, shares | 6,540,000 | |||||
Temporary equity, Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering, shares | (85,093,688) | |||||
Temporary equity, Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering | $ (122,465) | |||||
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering, shares | 16,685,014 | |||||
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock from completion of initial public offering | 122,465 | $ 2 | 122,463 | |||
Conversion of convertible preferred stock warrant to common stock warrant | 259 | 259 | ||||
Stock-based compensation | 1,791 | 1,791 | ||||
Exercise of stock options | 58 | 58 | ||||
Exercise of stock options, shares | 35,882 | |||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options | 24 | 24 | ||||
Vesting of early exercised stock options, shares | 48,219 | |||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net | (65) | (65) | ||||
Net loss | $ (9,054) | (9,054) | ||||
Temporary equity, Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2020 | 0 | |||||
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2020 | 25,909,488 | 25,909,488 | ||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020 | $ 98,163 | $ 3 | $ 208,076 | $ 14 | $ (109,930) |
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | Note 1. Basis of Presentation Organization Metacrine, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware on September 17, 2014 and is based in San Diego, California. The Company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building an innovative pipeline of differentiated drugs to treat liver and gastrointestinal diseases. Principles of Consolidation In May 2019, the Company established a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Metacrine, Pty Ltd, in order to conduct various clinical activities for its product candidates. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and Metacrine, Pty Ltd. The functional currency of both the Company and Metacrine, Pty Ltd is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the functional currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars at foreign currency exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date except for nonmonetary assets, which are remeasured at historical foreign currency exchange rates in effect at the date of transaction. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions and remeasurement are reported in other income (expense) in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Initial Public Offering On September 18, 2020, the Company closed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 6,540,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $13.00 per share. The Company raised $76.9 million in net proceeds from the IPO after deducting underwriters’ discounts and commissions of $6.0 million and issuance costs of $2.2 million. The net proceeds from the Company’s IPO included $0.9 million in unpaid issuance costs classified in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2020. Upon closing of the Company’s IPO, all of the Company’s outstanding preferred stock were automatically converted into 16,685,014 shares of common stock. Reverse Stock Split On September 8, 2020, the Company effected a 1-for-5.1 reverse stock split of its common stock. The par value and the authorized shares of the common stock were not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split resulted in an adjustment to the Series Preferred conversion prices to reflect a proportional decrease in the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes give retroactive effect to the reverse stock split for all periods presented. Liquidity and Capital Resources From its inception through September 30, 2020, the Company has devoted substantially all its efforts to organizing and staffing, business planning, raising capital, researching, discovering and developing its pipeline in FXR and other drug targets, and general and administrative support for these operations and has funded its operations primarily with the net proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock, common stock, and long-term debt. The Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $109.9 million and $83.4 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Management expects the Company will incur substantial operating losses for the foreseeable future in order to complete clinical trials and launch and commercialize any product candidates for which it receives regulatory approval. The Company will need to raise additional capital through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, additional borrowings under the Company’s existing loan agreement, collaborations, and other similar arrangements. Use of Estimates The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires it to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The most significant estimates in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relate to accruals for research and development expenses and stock-based compensation. These estimates and assumptions are based on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from these estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, the Company’s future results of operations will be affected. Fair Value Measurement The following tables summarize the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) As of September 30, 2020 Assets: Commercial paper $ 3,249 $ — $ 3,249 $ — Corporate debt securities 4,707 — 4,707 — Asset backed securities 3,002 — 3,002 — Total assets measured at fair value $ 10,958 $ — $ 10,958 $ — As of December 31, 2019 Assets: Commercial paper $ 9,694 $ — $ 9,694 $ — Corporate debt securities 24,781 — 24,781 — Asset backed securities 5,508 — 5,508 — Total assets measured at fair value $ 39,983 $ — $ 39,983 $ — Liabilities: Preferred stock warrant liability $ 184 $ — $ — $ 184 Upon completion of the Company’s IPO, the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant was automatically converted into a warrant to purchase 23,122 shares of common stock. The Company adjusted the carrying value of the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant to reflect its estimated fair value on the IPO date and will not be recognizing any fair value adjustments subsequent to its conversion to a common stock warrant. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the warrant liability were as follows: September 15, 2020 (Conversion Date) December 31, 2019 Fair value of underlying preferred stock $ 13.00 $ 9.79 Exercise price $ 10.812 $ 10.812 Risk-free interest rate 0.7 % 1.9 % Expected volatility 93.3 % 80.0 % Expected term (in years) 9.0 9.7 Expected dividend yield — — For the period from issuance to September 15, 2020, there were no material changes in the fair value of the warrant liability or the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table provides a reconciliation of the warrant liability measured at fair value using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs: Warrant Liability Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 184 Change in fair value of warrant liability 75 Conversion to common stock warrant upon completion of IPO (259 ) Balance at September 30, 2020 - Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in readily available checking accounts, money market funds, corporate debt securities, and obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises. The carrying amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Short-Term Investments Short-term investments primarily consist of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, and asset backed securities. The Company has classified these investments as available-for-sale, as the sale of such investments may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies, and therefore has classified all short-term investments with maturity dates beyond three months at the date of purchase as current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Short-term investments are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity until realized. Any premium or discount arising at purchase is amortized and/or accreted to interest income as an adjustment to yield using the straight-line method over the life of the instrument. A decline in the market value of any short-term investment below amortized cost that is determined to be other-than-temporary will result in a revaluation of its carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. No such impairment charges have been recorded for any period presented. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and are included in other income (expense). The following tables summarize short-term investments (in thousands): As of September 30, 2020 Unrealized Amortized Cost Gains Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 3,243 $ 6 $ — $ 3,249 Corporate debt securities 4,701 6 — 4,707 Asset backed securities 3,000 2 — 3,002 Total $ 10,944 $ 14 $ — $ 10,958 As of December 31, 2019 Unrealized Amortized Cost Gains Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 9,680 $ 14 $ — $ 9,694 Corporate debt securities 24,762 20 (1 ) 24,781 Asset backed securities 5,500 8 — 5,508 Total $ 39,942 $ 42 $ (1 ) $ 39,983 As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the remaining contractual maturities of all short-term investments were less than one year and the Company determined none of its investments in an unrealized loss position had other-than-temporary impairment. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes that the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related assets (generally three to five years). Leasehold improvements are stated at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvements. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Leases At the inception of a contractual arrangement, the Company determines whether the contract contains a lease by assessing whether there is an identified asset and whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration over a period of time. Lease terms are determined at the commencement date by considering whether renewal options and termination options are reasonably assured of exercise. For its long-term operating leases, the Company recognizes a lease liability and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset on its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease liability is determined as the present value of future lease payments using the discount rate implicit in the lease or, if the implicit rate is not readily determinable, an estimate of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The ROU asset is based on the lease liability, adjusted for any prepaid or deferred rent. The Company aggregates all lease and non-lease components for each class of underlying assets into a single lease component and variable charges for common area maintenance and other variable costs are recognized as expense as incurred. The Company has elected to not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset in connection with short-term operating leases and recognizes lease expense for short-term operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not have any financing leases. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value would be assessed using discounted cash flows or other appropriate measures of fair value. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses through September 30, 2020. Warrant Liability The Company issued a freestanding warrant to purchase shares of its Series C convertible preferred stock. Since the underlying Series C convertible preferred stock was classified as temporary equity, the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant was classified as a liability as of December 31, 2019 in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company adjusted the carrying value of such Series C convertible preferred stock warrant to its estimated fair value at each reporting date, with any related increases or decreases in the fair value recorded within other income (expense) in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Series C convertible preferred stock warrant was automatically converted into 23,122 shares of common stock upon completion of the Company’s IPO. The Company adjusted the carrying value of the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant to reflect its estimated fair value on the IPO date and ceased recognizing any fair value adjustments subsequent to its conversion to a common stock warrant. Research and Development Costs All costs of research and development are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries and related expenses for personnel, stock-based compensation, external research and development costs incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, investigative sites and consultants to conduct our preclinical, toxicology and clinical studies, laboratory supplies, costs related to compliance with regulatory requirements, costs related to manufacturing the Company’s product candidates for clinical trials and preclinical studies, facilities, depreciation, and other allocated expenses. Payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are capitalized until the related goods are delivered or services performed. The Company has entered into various research and development contracts with clinical research organizations, clinical manufacturing organizations and other companies. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual agreements, which may differ from the pattern of costs incurred, and payments made in advance of performance are reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as prepaid expenses. The Company records accruals for estimated costs incurred for ongoing research and development activities. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, the Company analyzes progress of the services, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received and contracted costs. Significant judgments and estimates may be made in determining the prepaid or accrued balances at the end of any reporting period. Actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates. Patent Costs Costs related to filing and pursuing patent applications are recorded as general and administrative expenses and expensed as incurred since recoverability of such expenditures is uncertain. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense represents the cost of the grant date fair value of stock option grants recognized over the requisite service period of the awards (usually the vesting period) on a straight-line basis. The Company recognizes expense for awards subject to performance-based milestones over the remaining service period when management determines that achievement of the milestone is probable. Management evaluates when the achievement of a performance-based milestone is probable based on the expected satisfaction of the performance conditions at each reporting date. The Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognizes forfeitures as they occur. Income Taxes Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes net deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If management determines that the Company would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, management would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) management determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, management recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. Any accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability. Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss is defined as a change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The only component of other comprehensive loss is unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities. Comprehensive gains (losses) have been reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit) for all periods presented. Segment Reporting Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company and its chief operating decision-maker view the Company’s operations and manages its business in one operating segment. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, to improve financial reporting by requiring timely recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating ASU No. 2016-13 and does not currently expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU No. 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740 and also improves consistent application by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This guidance will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating ASU No. 2019-12 and does not currently expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Net Loss Per Share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock and if-converted methods. Dilutive common stock equivalents are comprised of convertible preferred stock, preferred and common stock warrants, unvested common stock subject to repurchase, and options outstanding under the Company’s stock option plan. Potentially dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive are as follows (in common stock equivalent shares): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Convertible preferred stock — 16,685,014 Preferred stock warrant — 23,122 Common stock warrant 23,122 — Common stock options 3,332,545 1,684,630 Unvested common stock 47,920 197,549 Total 3,403,587 18,590,315 Note 2 . Basis of Presentation Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Laboratory equipment $ 1,088 $ 945 Computer equipment and software 207 182 Furniture and fixtures 178 178 Leasehold improvements 136 132 Property and equipment, gross 1,609 1,437 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (919 ) (702 ) Property and equipment, net $ 690 $ 735 Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Accrued compensation $ 1,099 $ 976 Accrued research and development 846 2,369 Other accrued liabilities 780 204 $ 2,725 $ 3,549 |
Commitment and Contingencies
Commitment and Contingencies | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies | Note 3 . Commitments and Contingencies Operating Leases The Company entered into a five-year noncancelable operating lease in June 2017 for its corporate headquarters in San Diego, California (the “2017 Lease”) under an agreement that commenced in March 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, there is no option to extend the lease and the Company is subject to additional charges for common area maintenance and other costs. Monthly rental payments due under the lease commenced in March 2018 and escalate throughout the lease term. Information related to the Company’s operating lease is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Operating lease expense (including variable costs of $83 and $75 during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and $224 and $225 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019) $ 277 $ 273 $ 813 $ 818 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 193 $ 180 $ 557 $ 535 As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the remaining lease term of the Company’s operating lease was 30 months and 39 months, respectively. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the discount rate on the Company’s operating lease was 8.0%. Future minimum noncancelable operating lease payments and information related to the lease liability are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2020 Remaining during 2020 $ 210 2021 855 2022 876 2023 183 Total lease payments 2,124 Imputed interest (203 ) Lease liability 1,921 Less current portion of lease liability 722 Lease liability, net of current portion $ 1,199 License Agreement with the Salk Institute In November 2016, the Company and The Salk Institute for Biological Studies (“The Salk”) entered into the Amended and Restated Exclusive FXR License Agreement, which was amended in February 2017 and July 2018, pursuant to which The Salk granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide license to certain FXR related intellectual property to make, use, offer for sale, import, export, and distribute products covered by such intellectual property (“FXR Licensed Products”) and a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use certain technical information to research, develop, test, make, use, offer for sale, import, export and distribute FXR Licensed Products. The Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to achieve certain diligence milestones with respect to the FXR Licensed Products, including with respect to developing, producing and selling FXR Licensed Products. The Company is also required to pay The Salk up to $6.5 million in milestone payments upon the completion of certain clinical and regulatory milestones, certain of which payments the Company may defer under certain circumstances. The Company is also obligated to pay The Salk a low single-digit percentage royalty on net sales, with a minimum annual royalty payment due beginning with the first commercial sale of each FXR Licensed Product. The applicable minimum annual royalty payment amount depends on the number of years that have elapsed since the first commercial sale of an FXR Licensed Product and is in the hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars range. In addition, if the Company chooses to sublicense the FXR Licensed Product to any third parties, the Company must pay to The Salk a low single-digit percentage of all sublicensing revenue. In addition, in the event of a change of control, the Company is required to pay The Salk a low single-digit percentage of any payments and consideration that it receives in consideration of the change of control. Contingencies In the event the Company becomes subject to claims or suits arising in the ordinary course of business, the Company would accrue a liability for such matters when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. |
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Long-Term Debt | Note 4 . Long-Term Debt Long-term debt –consists of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Long-term debt $ 10,000 $ 10,000 Unamortized debt discount (691 ) (901 ) Long-term debt, net of debt discount $ 9,309 $ 9,099 On August 27, 2019, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”, and all amounts borrowed thereunder the “Term Loans”) with a lender (the “Lender”). The Company borrowed $10.0 million (the “First Tranche Term Loan”) at the inception of the Loan Agreement and may borrow up to an additional $15.0 million in a fourth tranche at the Company’s option through December 31, 2020, subject to (i) achievement of certain clinical milestones and (ii) receipt of at least $70.0 million of net proceeds from either a preferred equity financing or an underwritten initial public offering. The available credit under the second and third tranche of the Loan Agreement expired on June 30, 2020. The Term Loans bear interest at a floating annual rate equal to the greater of (i) the prime rate used by the Lender plus 2.0% (5.25% and 6.75% at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively), and (ii) 7.25%. The monthly payments are interest-only until September 1, 2022. Subsequent to the interest-only period, the Term Loans will be payable in equal monthly installments of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest, through the maturity date of September 1, 2023 or, in the event the Fourth Tranche is funded in full, September 1, 2024 (the “Term Loan Maturity Date”). In addition, the Company is obligated to pay a final payment fee of 5.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loans on the Term Loan Maturity Date. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the final payment fee of $0.5 million has been recorded as a long-term liability. The Company may elect to prepay all, but not less than all, of the Term Loans prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date, subject to a prepayment fee of up to 3.0% (which fee is 3.0% at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019) of the then outstanding principal balance. After repayment, no Term Loan amounts may be borrowed again. The Company’s obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of its assets, other than its intellectual property. The Loan Agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and also includes standard events of default, including an event of default based on the occurrence of a material adverse event, and a default under any agreement with a third party resulting in a right of such third party to accelerate the maturity of any debt in excess of $0.3 million. The negative covenants include, among others, restrictions on the Company transferring collateral, incurring additional indebtedness, engaging in mergers or acquisitions, paying cash dividends or making other distributions, making investments, creating liens, selling assets and making any payment on subordinated debt, in each case subject to certain exceptions. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the Lender may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable and take such other actions as set forth in the Loan Agreement. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Loan Agreement. In connection with the Loan Agreement, the Company issued the Lender a warrant (the “Lender Warrant”) to purchase shares of the Company’s Series C convertible preferred stock at an exercise price of $10.812 per share and expiring on August 27, 2029. The number of Series C convertible preferred shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant is an amount equal to (i) 2.5% of the aggregate Term Loans funded under the Loan Agreement divided by (ii) $10.812. Upon the funding of the First Tranche Term Loan, the Lender Warrant was initially exercisable for 117,924 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock. The Lender Warrant was automatically converted into a warrant to purchase 23,122 shares of common stock upon completion of the Company’s IPO. The initial $0.2 million fair value of the Lender Warrant, $0.5 million final payment fee, and $0.3 million of debt issuance costs were recorded as a debt discount and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Term Loans. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.3 million and $0.1 million of interest expense, including $0.1 million and $23 thousand of debt discount amortization, respectively, in connection with the Loan Agreement. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.8 million and $0.1 million of interest expense, including $0.2 million and $23 thousand of debt discount amortization. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding Term Loans of $10.0 million and accrued interest of $0.1 million, respectively. Future minimum principal and interest payments under the Term Loans, including the final payment fee, as of September 30, 2020 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2020 Remaining in 2020 $ 185 2021 735 2022 4,438 2023 6,949 Total principal and interest payments 12,307 Less interest and final payment fee (2,307 ) Long-term debt $ 10,000 |
Convertible Preferred Stock and
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity | Note 5 . Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity Equity Incentive Plan In January 2015, the Company adopted the Metacrine, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2015 Plan”), which provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, and stock appreciation rights to its employees, members of its board of directors, and consultants. In August 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”), which is the successor and continuation of the 2015 Plan. No additional awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan and all outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan remain subject to the terms of the 2015 Plan. As of September 30, 2020, there were 2,759,799 shares authorized and available for issuance under the 2020 Plan. Recipients of incentive stock options are eligible to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to no less than the estimated fair market value of such stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of options granted under the 2015 and 2020 Plans (or collectively, the “Equity Plans”) is ten years and, in general, the options issued under the Equity Plans vest over a four-year period from the vesting commencement date. The 2015 Plan allows for early exercise of stock options, which may be subject to repurchase by the Company at the lower of (i) the fair market value at the repurchase date or (ii) the original exercise price. The early exercise of stock options is not permitted under the 2020 Plan. A summary of the Company’s unvested shares and unvested stock liability is as follows (in thousands, except share data): Number of Unvested Shares Unvested Stock Liability Balance at December 31, 2019 197,549 109 Repurchased shares (4,269 ) (2 ) Vested shares (145,360 ) (73 ) Balance at September 30, 2020 47,920 $ 34 A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data): Number of Outstanding Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance at December 31, 2019 1,684,630 $ 2.47 8.73 $ 911 Granted 1,812,016 $ 7.20 Cancelled (109,835 ) $ 5.14 Exercised (54,266 ) $ 1.27 Balance at September 30, 2020 3,332,545 $ 4.98 8.85 $ 17,525 Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 3,332,545 $ 4.98 8.85 $ 17,525 The weighted average grant date fair value per share of option grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (excluding the impact of the modifications described below) was $8.41 and $2.09, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $0.5 million and $49 thousand, respectively. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option grants were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Risk-free interest rate 0.4% – 0.7% 1.8% –1.9% Expected volatility 82.4% – 94.8% 72.6% – 81.0% Expected term (in years) 5.8 – 10.0 5.1 – 6.1 Expected dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % Risk-free interest rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant for zero coupon U.S. Treasury notes with maturities similar to the expected term of the awards. Expected volatility. Since the Company recently completed its IPO and does not have sufficient trading history for its common stock, the expected volatility assumption is based on volatilities of a peer group of similar companies whose share prices are publicly available. The peer group was developed based on companies in the biotechnology industry. The Company will continue to apply this process until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of its own stock price becomes available. Expected term. The expected term represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding. Because the Company does not have historical exercise behavior, it determines the expected life assumption using the simplified method, for employees, which is an average of the contractual term of the option and its vesting period. The expected term for nonemployee options is equal to the contractual term. Expected dividend yield. The Company bases the expected dividend yield assumption on the fact that it has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends and, therefore, used an expected dividend yield of zero. Employee Stock Purchase Plan In September 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders adopted and approved the 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The ESPP permits eligible employees, who elect to participate in an offering under the ESPP, to contribute up to 15% of their eligible gross compensation towards the purchase of shares of common stock. Eligible employees can purchase up to 20,000 shares of common stock on a given purchase date. The price at which stock is purchased under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the commencement date of each offering period or the relevant purchase date, whichever is lower. Offerings under the ESPP are approximately two years in duration and consist of four purchase periods that are approximately six months in duration. The ESPP is considered a compensatory plan as defined by the authoritative guidance for stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation expense attributable to the ESPP was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, there were 405,000 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the ESPP. Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense recognized for all equity awards has been reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Research and development $ 342 $ 211 $ 839 $ 620 General and administrative 1,449 273 2,312 822 $ 1,791 $ 484 $ 3,151 $ 1,442 As of September 30, 2020, unrecognized stock-based compensation cost was $16.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of approximately 3.0 years. Stock Option Modification In June 2020, the Company entered into a separation and consulting agreement in connection with the resignation of Dr. Song as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Under the terms of the separation and consulting agreement, Dr. Song will receive $0.1 million in cash compensation, was provided the potential of an extended period of time to exercise vested stock options if certain conditions are met, and will continue to vest while he provides limited but substantive consulting services to the Company through December 31, 2020. The benefit received in connection with the potential extended exercise period and continued vesting as originally scheduled were considered modifications to the original terms of the equity Dr. Song maintains. These modifications resulted in incremental fair value of $1.1 million, substantially all of which will be recognized on a straight-line basis through December 31, 2020. Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance Common stock reserved for future issuance consists of the following: September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Conversion of preferred stock — 16,685,014 Common stock warrant 23,122 — Preferred stock warrant — 23,122 Common stock options outstanding 3,332,545 1,684,630 Shares available for issuance under the 2020 Plan 2,759,799 616,423 6,115,466 19,009,189 |
401 (k) Plan
401 (k) Plan | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
401 (k) Plan | Note 6 . 401(k) Plan The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan available to eligible employees. Employee contributions are voluntary and are determined on an individual basis, limited to the maximum amount allowable under federal tax regulations. The Company, at its discretion, may make certain matching contributions to the 401(k) plan. As of September 30, 2020, no contributions to the 401(k) plan have been made by the Company. |
Basis of Presentation (Policies
Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation In May 2019, the Company established a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Metacrine, Pty Ltd, in order to conduct various clinical activities for its product candidates. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and Metacrine, Pty Ltd. The functional currency of both the Company and Metacrine, Pty Ltd is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the functional currency are remeasured into U.S. dollars at foreign currency exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date except for nonmonetary assets, which are remeasured at historical foreign currency exchange rates in effect at the date of transaction. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions and remeasurement are reported in other income (expense) in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
Initial Public Offering | Initial Public Offering On September 18, 2020, the Company closed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 6,540,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $13.00 per share. The Company raised $76.9 million in net proceeds from the IPO after deducting underwriters’ discounts and commissions of $6.0 million and issuance costs of $2.2 million. The net proceeds from the Company’s IPO included $0.9 million in unpaid issuance costs classified in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2020. Upon closing of the Company’s IPO, all of the Company’s outstanding preferred stock were automatically converted into 16,685,014 shares of common stock. |
Reverse Stock Split | Reverse Stock Split On September 8, 2020, the Company effected a 1-for-5.1 reverse stock split of its common stock. The par value and the authorized shares of the common stock were not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split resulted in an adjustment to the Series Preferred conversion prices to reflect a proportional decrease in the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes give retroactive effect to the reverse stock split for all periods presented. |
Liquidity and Capital Resources | Liquidity and Capital Resources From its inception through September 30, 2020, the Company has devoted substantially all its efforts to organizing and staffing, business planning, raising capital, researching, discovering and developing its pipeline in FXR and other drug targets, and general and administrative support for these operations and has funded its operations primarily with the net proceeds from the issuance of convertible preferred stock, common stock, and long-term debt. The Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $109.9 million and $83.4 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Management expects the Company will incur substantial operating losses for the foreseeable future in order to complete clinical trials and launch and commercialize any product candidates for which it receives regulatory approval. The Company will need to raise additional capital through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, additional borrowings under the Company’s existing loan agreement, collaborations, and other similar arrangements. |
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires it to make estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The most significant estimates in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relate to accruals for research and development expenses and stock-based compensation. These estimates and assumptions are based on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from these estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, the Company’s future results of operations will be affected. |
Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value Measurement The following tables summarize the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) As of September 30, 2020 Assets: Commercial paper $ 3,249 $ — $ 3,249 $ — Corporate debt securities 4,707 — 4,707 — Asset backed securities 3,002 — 3,002 — Total assets measured at fair value $ 10,958 $ — $ 10,958 $ — As of December 31, 2019 Assets: Commercial paper $ 9,694 $ — $ 9,694 $ — Corporate debt securities 24,781 — 24,781 — Asset backed securities 5,508 — 5,508 — Total assets measured at fair value $ 39,983 $ — $ 39,983 $ — Liabilities: Preferred stock warrant liability $ 184 $ — $ — $ 184 Upon completion of the Company’s IPO, the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant was automatically converted into a warrant to purchase 23,122 shares of common stock. The Company adjusted the carrying value of the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant to reflect its estimated fair value on the IPO date and will not be recognizing any fair value adjustments subsequent to its conversion to a common stock warrant. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the warrant liability were as follows: September 15, 2020 (Conversion Date) December 31, 2019 Fair value of underlying preferred stock $ 13.00 $ 9.79 Exercise price $ 10.812 $ 10.812 Risk-free interest rate 0.7 % 1.9 % Expected volatility 93.3 % 80.0 % Expected term (in years) 9.0 9.7 Expected dividend yield — — For the period from issuance to September 15, 2020, there were no material changes in the fair value of the warrant liability or the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table provides a reconciliation of the warrant liability measured at fair value using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs: Warrant Liability Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 184 Change in fair value of warrant liability 75 Conversion to common stock warrant upon completion of IPO (259 ) Balance at September 30, 2020 - |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in readily available checking accounts, money market funds, corporate debt securities, and obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises. The carrying amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. |
Short-Term Investments | Short-Term Investments Short-term investments primarily consist of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, and asset backed securities. The Company has classified these investments as available-for-sale, as the sale of such investments may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies, and therefore has classified all short-term investments with maturity dates beyond three months at the date of purchase as current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Short-term investments are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity until realized. Any premium or discount arising at purchase is amortized and/or accreted to interest income as an adjustment to yield using the straight-line method over the life of the instrument. A decline in the market value of any short-term investment below amortized cost that is determined to be other-than-temporary will result in a revaluation of its carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. No such impairment charges have been recorded for any period presented. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and are included in other income (expense). The following tables summarize short-term investments (in thousands): As of September 30, 2020 Unrealized Amortized Cost Gains Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 3,243 $ 6 $ — $ 3,249 Corporate debt securities 4,701 6 — 4,707 Asset backed securities 3,000 2 — 3,002 Total $ 10,944 $ 14 $ — $ 10,958 As of December 31, 2019 Unrealized Amortized Cost Gains Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 9,680 $ 14 $ — $ 9,694 Corporate debt securities 24,762 20 (1 ) 24,781 Asset backed securities 5,500 8 — 5,508 Total $ 39,942 $ 42 $ (1 ) $ 39,983 As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the remaining contractual maturities of all short-term investments were less than one year and the Company determined none of its investments in an unrealized loss position had other-than-temporary impairment. |
Concentration of Credit Risk | Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes that the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk due to the financial position of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held. |
Property and Equipment, Net | Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related assets (generally three to five years). Leasehold improvements are stated at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvements. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. |
Leases | Leases At the inception of a contractual arrangement, the Company determines whether the contract contains a lease by assessing whether there is an identified asset and whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration over a period of time. Lease terms are determined at the commencement date by considering whether renewal options and termination options are reasonably assured of exercise. For its long-term operating leases, the Company recognizes a lease liability and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset on its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease liability is determined as the present value of future lease payments using the discount rate implicit in the lease or, if the implicit rate is not readily determinable, an estimate of the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The ROU asset is based on the lease liability, adjusted for any prepaid or deferred rent. The Company aggregates all lease and non-lease components for each class of underlying assets into a single lease component and variable charges for common area maintenance and other variable costs are recognized as expense as incurred. The Company has elected to not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset in connection with short-term operating leases and recognizes lease expense for short-term operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not have any financing leases. |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value would be assessed using discounted cash flows or other appropriate measures of fair value. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses through September 30, 2020. |
Warrant Liability | Warrant Liability The Company issued a freestanding warrant to purchase shares of its Series C convertible preferred stock. Since the underlying Series C convertible preferred stock was classified as temporary equity, the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant was classified as a liability as of December 31, 2019 in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company adjusted the carrying value of such Series C convertible preferred stock warrant to its estimated fair value at each reporting date, with any related increases or decreases in the fair value recorded within other income (expense) in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Series C convertible preferred stock warrant was automatically converted into 23,122 shares of common stock upon completion of the Company’s IPO. The Company adjusted the carrying value of the Series C convertible preferred stock warrant to reflect its estimated fair value on the IPO date and ceased recognizing any fair value adjustments subsequent to its conversion to a common stock warrant. |
Research and Development Costs | Research and Development Costs All costs of research and development are expensed in the period incurred. Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries and related expenses for personnel, stock-based compensation, external research and development costs incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, investigative sites and consultants to conduct our preclinical, toxicology and clinical studies, laboratory supplies, costs related to compliance with regulatory requirements, costs related to manufacturing the Company’s product candidates for clinical trials and preclinical studies, facilities, depreciation, and other allocated expenses. Payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are capitalized until the related goods are delivered or services performed. The Company has entered into various research and development contracts with clinical research organizations, clinical manufacturing organizations and other companies. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual agreements, which may differ from the pattern of costs incurred, and payments made in advance of performance are reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as prepaid expenses. The Company records accruals for estimated costs incurred for ongoing research and development activities. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, the Company analyzes progress of the services, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received and contracted costs. Significant judgments and estimates may be made in determining the prepaid or accrued balances at the end of any reporting period. Actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates. |
Patent Costs | Patent Costs Costs related to filing and pursuing patent applications are recorded as general and administrative expenses and expensed as incurred since recoverability of such expenditures is uncertain. |
Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense represents the cost of the grant date fair value of stock option grants recognized over the requisite service period of the awards (usually the vesting period) on a straight-line basis. The Company recognizes expense for awards subject to performance-based milestones over the remaining service period when management determines that achievement of the milestone is probable. Management evaluates when the achievement of a performance-based milestone is probable based on the expected satisfaction of the performance conditions at each reporting date. The Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognizes forfeitures as they occur. |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes net deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If management determines that the Company would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, management would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) management determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, management recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. Any accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability. |
Comprehensive Loss | Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive loss is defined as a change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The only component of other comprehensive loss is unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities. Comprehensive gains (losses) have been reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a separate component in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ equity (deficit) for all periods presented. |
Segment Reporting | Segment Reporting Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company and its chief operating decision-maker view the Company’s operations and manages its business in one operating segment. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, to improve financial reporting by requiring timely recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating ASU No. 2016-13 and does not currently expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU No. 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740 and also improves consistent application by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This guidance will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating ASU No. 2019-12 and does not currently expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. |
Net Loss Per Share | Net Loss Per Share Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock and if-converted methods. Dilutive common stock equivalents are comprised of convertible preferred stock, preferred and common stock warrants, unvested common stock subject to repurchase, and options outstanding under the Company’s stock option plan. Potentially dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive are as follows (in common stock equivalent shares): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Convertible preferred stock — 16,685,014 Preferred stock warrant — 23,122 Common stock warrant 23,122 — Common stock options 3,332,545 1,684,630 Unvested common stock 47,920 197,549 Total 3,403,587 18,590,315 |
Basis of Presentation (Tables)
Basis of Presentation (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Summary of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis | The following tables summarize the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) As of September 30, 2020 Assets: Commercial paper $ 3,249 $ — $ 3,249 $ — Corporate debt securities 4,707 — 4,707 — Asset backed securities 3,002 — 3,002 — Total assets measured at fair value $ 10,958 $ — $ 10,958 $ — As of December 31, 2019 Assets: Commercial paper $ 9,694 $ — $ 9,694 $ — Corporate debt securities 24,781 — 24,781 — Asset backed securities 5,508 — 5,508 — Total assets measured at fair value $ 39,983 $ — $ 39,983 $ — Liabilities: Preferred stock warrant liability $ 184 $ — $ — $ 184 |
Summary of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to Determine Fair Value of Warrant Liability | The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the warrant liability were as follows: September 15, 2020 (Conversion Date) December 31, 2019 Fair value of underlying preferred stock $ 13.00 $ 9.79 Exercise price $ 10.812 $ 10.812 Risk-free interest rate 0.7 % 1.9 % Expected volatility 93.3 % 80.0 % Expected term (in years) 9.0 9.7 Expected dividend yield — — |
Summary of Reconciliation of Warrant Liability Measured at Fair Value Using Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | The following table provides a reconciliation of the warrant liability measured at fair value using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs: Warrant Liability Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 184 Change in fair value of warrant liability 75 Conversion to common stock warrant upon completion of IPO (259 ) Balance at September 30, 2020 - |
Summary of Short-Term Investments | The following tables summarize short-term investments (in thousands): As of September 30, 2020 Unrealized Amortized Cost Gains Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 3,243 $ 6 $ — $ 3,249 Corporate debt securities 4,701 6 — 4,707 Asset backed securities 3,000 2 — 3,002 Total $ 10,944 $ 14 $ — $ 10,958 As of December 31, 2019 Unrealized Amortized Cost Gains Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 9,680 $ 14 $ — $ 9,694 Corporate debt securities 24,762 20 (1 ) 24,781 Asset backed securities 5,500 8 — 5,508 Total $ 39,942 $ 42 $ (1 ) $ 39,983 |
Summary of Potentially Dilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share | Potentially dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive are as follows (in common stock equivalent shares): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Convertible preferred stock — 16,685,014 Preferred stock warrant — 23,122 Common stock warrant 23,122 — Common stock options 3,332,545 1,684,630 Unvested common stock 47,920 197,549 Total 3,403,587 18,590,315 |
Schedule of Property and Equipment | Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Laboratory equipment $ 1,088 $ 945 Computer equipment and software 207 182 Furniture and fixtures 178 178 Leasehold improvements 136 132 Property and equipment, gross 1,609 1,437 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (919 ) (702 ) Property and equipment, net $ 690 $ 735 |
Schedule of Accrued liabilities | Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Accrued compensation $ 1,099 $ 976 Accrued research and development 846 2,369 Other accrued liabilities 780 204 $ 2,725 $ 3,549 |
Commitments and Contingencies (
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Information Related to Operating Lease | Information related to the Company’s operating lease is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Operating lease expense (including variable costs of $83 and $75 during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and $224 and $225 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019) $ 277 $ 273 $ 813 $ 818 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 193 $ 180 $ 557 $ 535 |
Schedule of Future Minimum Noncancelable Operating Lease Payments and Lease Liability | Future minimum noncancelable operating lease payments and information related to the lease liability are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2020 Remaining during 2020 $ 210 2021 855 2022 876 2023 183 Total lease payments 2,124 Imputed interest (203 ) Lease liability 1,921 Less current portion of lease liability 722 Lease liability, net of current portion $ 1,199 |
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
Long-Term Debt (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Long-Term Debt | Long-term debt –consists of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Long-term debt $ 10,000 $ 10,000 Unamortized debt discount (691 ) (901 ) Long-term debt, net of debt discount $ 9,309 $ 9,099 |
Schedule of Future Minimum Principal and Interest Payments under Term Loans | Future minimum principal and interest payments under the Term Loans, including the final payment fee, as of September 30, 2020 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2020 Remaining in 2020 $ 185 2021 735 2022 4,438 2023 6,949 Total principal and interest payments 12,307 Less interest and final payment fee (2,307 ) Long-term debt $ 10,000 |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_2
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Summary of Unvested Shares and Unvested Stock Liability | A summary of the Company’s unvested shares and unvested stock liability is as follows (in thousands, except share data): Number of Unvested Shares Unvested Stock Liability Balance at December 31, 2019 197,549 109 Repurchased shares (4,269 ) (2 ) Vested shares (145,360 ) (73 ) Balance at September 30, 2020 47,920 $ 34 |
Summary of Stock Option Activity | A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data): Number of Outstanding Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Balance at December 31, 2019 1,684,630 $ 2.47 8.73 $ 911 Granted 1,812,016 $ 7.20 Cancelled (109,835 ) $ 5.14 Exercised (54,266 ) $ 1.27 Balance at September 30, 2020 3,332,545 $ 4.98 8.85 $ 17,525 Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 3,332,545 $ 4.98 8.85 $ 17,525 |
Summary of Fair Value of Stock Option Grants | The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option grants were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Risk-free interest rate 0.4% – 0.7% 1.8% –1.9% Expected volatility 82.4% – 94.8% 72.6% – 81.0% Expected term (in years) 5.8 – 10.0 5.1 – 6.1 Expected dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % |
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized | Stock-based compensation expense recognized for all equity awards has been reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Research and development $ 342 $ 211 $ 839 $ 620 General and administrative 1,449 273 2,312 822 $ 1,791 $ 484 $ 3,151 $ 1,442 |
Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance | Common stock reserved for future issuance consists of the following: September 30, December 31, 2020 2019 Conversion of preferred stock — 16,685,014 Common stock warrant 23,122 — Preferred stock warrant — 23,122 Common stock options outstanding 3,332,545 1,684,630 Shares available for issuance under the 2020 Plan 2,759,799 616,423 6,115,466 19,009,189 |
Basis of Presentation - Additio
Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details) | Sep. 18, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Sep. 08, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Securityshares | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Securityshares | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($) |
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | |||||
Reverse stock split, description | 1-for-5.1 reverse stock split of its common stock | ||||
Reverse stock split, conversion ratio | 0.196078431 | ||||
Accumulated deficit | $ (109,930,000) | $ (109,930,000) | $ (83,442,000) | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 109,200,000 | 109,200,000 | |||
Working capital | $ 106,800,000 | $ 106,800,000 | |||
Number of investments unrealized loss position had other-than-temporary impairment | Security | 0 | 0 | |||
Long-lived assets, impairment losses | $ 0 | ||||
Minimum | |||||
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | |||||
Property and equipment, estimated useful life | 3 years | ||||
Maximum | |||||
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | |||||
Property and equipment, estimated useful life | 5 years | ||||
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock | |||||
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | |||||
Warrant converted into number of common stock | shares | 23,122 | ||||
Common Stock | |||||
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | |||||
Shares issued | shares | 6,540,000 | 6,540,000 | |||
IPO | Common Stock | |||||
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | |||||
Shares issued | shares | 6,540,000 | ||||
Shares issued, offering price per share | $ / shares | $ 13 | ||||
Net proceeds from issuance | $ 76,900,000 | ||||
Underwriter's discounts and commissions | 6,000,000 | ||||
Stock issuance costs | $ 2,200,000 | ||||
Unpaid issuance costs | $ 900,000 | $ 900,000 | |||
Preferred stock automatically converted into Common Stock | shares | 16,685,014 |
Basis of Presentation - Summary
Basis of Presentation - Summary of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Assets: | ||
Total assets measured at fair value | $ 10,958 | $ 39,983 |
Liabilities: | ||
Preferred stock warrant liability | 184 | |
Commercial Paper | ||
Assets: | ||
Short-term investments | 3,249 | 9,694 |
Corporate Debt Securities | ||
Assets: | ||
Short-term investments | 4,707 | 24,781 |
Asset Backed Securities | ||
Assets: | ||
Short-term investments | 3,002 | 5,508 |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | ||
Assets: | ||
Total assets measured at fair value | 10,958 | 39,983 |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial Paper | ||
Assets: | ||
Short-term investments | 3,249 | 9,694 |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate Debt Securities | ||
Assets: | ||
Short-term investments | 4,707 | 24,781 |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Asset Backed Securities | ||
Assets: | ||
Short-term investments | $ 3,002 | 5,508 |
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 3) | ||
Liabilities: | ||
Preferred stock warrant liability | $ 184 |
Basis of Presentation - Summa_2
Basis of Presentation - Summary of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model to Determine Fair Value of Warrant Liability (Details) - Black Scholes Option | Sep. 15, 2020$ / shares | Dec. 31, 2019$ / shares |
Fair Value of Underlying Preferred Stock | ||
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input | 13 | 9.79 |
Exercise Price | ||
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input | 10.812 | 10.812 |
Risk-Free Interest Rate | ||
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input | 0.007 | 0.019 |
Expected Volatility | ||
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
Warrants and rights outstanding, measurement input | 0.933 | 0.800 |
Expected Term (in years) | ||
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
Warrants and rights outstanding, term | 9 years | 9 years 8 months 12 days |
Basis of Presentation - Summa_3
Basis of Presentation - Summary of Reconciliation of Warrant Liability Measured at Fair Value Using Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2020 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ 184 | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | $ (45) | 75 |
Conversion to common stock warrant upon completion of IPO | $ (259) |
Basis of Presentation - Summa_4
Basis of Presentation - Summary of Short-Term Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] | ||
Amortized Cost | $ 10,944 | $ 39,942 |
Unrealized Gains | 14 | 42 |
Unrealized Losses | (1) | |
Estimated Fair Value | 10,958 | 39,983 |
Commercial Paper | ||
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] | ||
Amortized Cost | 3,243 | 9,680 |
Unrealized Gains | 6 | 14 |
Estimated Fair Value | 3,249 | 9,694 |
Corporate Debt Securities | ||
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] | ||
Amortized Cost | 4,701 | 24,762 |
Unrealized Gains | 6 | 20 |
Unrealized Losses | (1) | |
Estimated Fair Value | 4,707 | 24,781 |
Asset Backed Securities | ||
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] | ||
Amortized Cost | 3,000 | 5,500 |
Unrealized Gains | 2 | 8 |
Estimated Fair Value | $ 3,002 | $ 5,508 |
Basis of Presentation - Summa_5
Basis of Presentation - Summary of Potentially Dilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - shares | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Total | 3,403,587 | 18,590,315 |
Convertible Preferred Stock | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Total | 16,685,014 | |
Preferred Stock Warrant | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Total | 23,122 | |
Common Stock Warrant | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Total | 23,122 | |
Common Stock Options | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Total | 3,332,545 | 1,684,630 |
Unvested Common Stock | ||
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Total | 47,920 | 197,549 |
Basis of Presentation - Schedul
Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | $ 1,609 | $ 1,437 |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (919) | (702) |
Property and equipment, net | 690 | 735 |
Laboratory Equipment | ||
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 1,088 | 945 |
Computer Equipment and Software | ||
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 207 | 182 |
Furniture and Fixtures | ||
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | 178 | 178 |
Leasehold Improvements | ||
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment, gross | $ 136 | $ 132 |
Basis of Presentation - Sched_2
Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Accrued liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract] | ||
Accrued compensation | $ 1,099 | $ 976 |
Accrued research and development | 846 | 2,369 |
Other accrued liabilities | 780 | 204 |
Accrued liabilities | $ 2,725 | $ 3,549 |
Commitments and Contingencies -
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) | 1 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Operating lease term | 5 years | ||
Operating lease commencement period | 2018-03 | ||
Operating lease option to extend | Under the terms of the agreement, there is no option to extend | ||
Lessee, Operating Lease, Existence of Option to Extend [true false] | false | ||
Operating lease, remaining lease term | 30 months | 39 months | |
Operating lease, discount rate | 8.00% | 8.00% |
Commitments and Contingencies_2
Commitments and Contingencies - Information Related to Operating Lease (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Operating lease expense (including variable costs of $83 and $75 during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 and $224 and $225 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019) | $ 277 | $ 273 | $ 813 | $ 818 |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | $ 193 | $ 180 | $ 557 | $ 535 |
Commitments and Contingencies_3
Commitments and Contingencies - Information Related to Operating Lease (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Variable lease cost | $ 83 | $ 75 | $ 224 | $ 225 |
Commitments and Contingencies_4
Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Noncancelable Operating Lease Payments and Lease Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Remaining during 2020 | $ 210 | |
2021 | 855 | |
2022 | 876 | |
2023 | 183 | |
Total lease payments | 2,124 | |
Imputed interest | (203) | |
Lease liability | 1,921 | |
Current portion of operating lease liability | 722 | $ 600 |
Operating lease liability, net of current portion | $ 1,199 | $ 1,748 |
Commitments and Contingencies_5
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information 1 (Details) | Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) |
License Agreement with Salk Institute | Maximum | |
Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] | |
Milestone payments payable | $ 6,500,000 |
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Lo
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Long-term debt | $ 10,000 | $ 10,000 |
Unamortized debt discount | (691) | (901) |
Long-term debt, net of debt discount | $ 9,309 | $ 9,099 |
Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf
Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) | Aug. 27, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Sep. 18, 2020 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Long-term debt | $ 10,000,000 | $ 10,000,000 | $ 10,000,000 | ||||
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Number of preferred stock shares initially exercisable upon funding of first tranche term loan | 23,122 | ||||||
Lender Warrant | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Warrant to purchase number of shares of common stock upon completion of IPO | 23,122 | 23,122 | |||||
Lender Warrant | Series C Convertible Preferred Stock | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Warrant exercise price per share | $ 10.812 | $ 10.812 | |||||
Warrant expiration date | Aug. 27, 2029 | ||||||
Percentage of preferred shares issuable on aggregate term loans upon exercise of warrant | 2.50% | ||||||
Number of preferred stock shares initially exercisable upon funding of first tranche term loan | 117,924 | 117,924 | |||||
Fair value of liabilities | $ 200,000 | $ 200,000 | |||||
Term Loans | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Loan agreement date | Aug. 27, 2019 | ||||||
Long-term debt | $ 10,000,000 | $ 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 | ||||
Debt instrument, interest rate terms | The Term Loans bear interest at a floating annual rate equal to the greater of (i) the prime rate used by the Lender plus 2.0% (5.25% and 6.75% at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively), and (ii) 7.25%. | ||||||
Debt instrument, payment terms | The monthly payments are interest-only until September 1, 2022. Subsequent to the interest-only period, the Term Loans will be payable in equal monthly installments of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest, through the maturity date of September 1, 2023 or, in the event the Fourth Tranche is funded in full, September 1, 2024 (the “Term Loan Maturity Date”). | ||||||
Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment | monthly | ||||||
Debt instrument, final payment fee percentage | 5.25% | 5.25% | |||||
Debt instrument, final payment fee | $ 500,000 | $ 500,000 | $ 500,000 | ||||
Debt instrument, prepayment fee percentage | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | ||||
Debt instrument, subjective acceleration clause | The Loan Agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants and also includes standard events of default, including an event of default based on the occurrence of a material adverse event, and a default under any agreement with a third party resulting in a right of such third party to accelerate the maturity of any debt in excess of $0.3 million. | ||||||
Debt instrument, acceleration of maturity of debt, threshold amount | $ 300,000 | $ 300,000 | |||||
Debt instrument, covenant compliance | As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Loan Agreement. | ||||||
Debt issuance costs | 300,000 | $ 300,000 | |||||
Debt interest expense | 300,000 | $ 100,000 | 800,000 | $ 100,000 | |||
Debt discount amortization | 100,000 | $ 23,000 | 200,000 | $ 23,000 | |||
Accrued interest | $ 100,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 100,000 | ||||
Term Loans | Prime Rate | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate | 2.00% | ||||||
Debt instrument, variable rate | 5.25% | 6.75% | |||||
Term Loans | Minimum | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Debt instrument, variable rate | 7.25% | ||||||
Term Loans | Maximum | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Debt instrument, prepayment fee percentage | 3.00% | 3.00% | |||||
First Tranche Term Loan | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Long-term debt | $ 10,000,000 | ||||||
Debt instrument, maturity date | Sep. 1, 2023 | ||||||
Fourth Tranche Term Loan | |||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||||||
Additional borrowing capacity | $ 15,000,000 | ||||||
Expiration date | Dec. 31, 2020 | ||||||
Additional borrowing capacity, description | may borrow up to an additional $15.0 million in a fourth tranche at the Company’s option through December 31, 2020, subject to (i) achievement of certain clinical milestones and (ii) receipt of at least $70.0 million of net proceeds from either a preferred equity financing or an underwritten initial public offering. | ||||||
Threshold net proceeds from preferred equity financing or underwritten initial public offering to borrow additional term loan | $ 70,000,000 | ||||||
Debt instrument, maturity date | Sep. 1, 2024 |
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Fu
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Future Minimum Principal and Interest Payments under Term Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Remaining in 2020 | $ 185 | |
2021 | 735 | |
2022 | 4,438 | |
2023 | 6,949 | |
Total principal and interest payments | 12,307 | |
Less interest and final payment fee | (2,307) | |
Long-term debt | $ 10,000 | $ 10,000 |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_3
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 1 Months Ended | 7 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of option grants | $ 8.41 | $ 2.09 | |||
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $ 500 | $ 49 | |||
Common stock available for future issuance | 6,115,466 | 6,115,466 | 19,009,189 | ||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost | $ 16,300 | $ 16,300 | |||
Remaining weighted average period of unrecognized stock-based compensation cost | 3 years | ||||
Forecast | Dr. Song | |||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
Cash compensation | $ 100 | ||||
Incremental fair value | $ 1,100 | ||||
2020 Plan | |||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
Number of shares authorized for issuance | 2,759,799 | 2,759,799 | |||
Number of shares available for issuance | 2,759,799 | 2,759,799 | |||
Equity Plans | |||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
Option vesting period term | Options issued under the Equity Plans vest over a four-year period from the vesting commencement date | ||||
Equity Plans | Maximum | |||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
Maximum term of options granted | 10 years | ||||
ESPP | |||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||||
Maximum contribution percentage of eligible gross compensation | 15.00% | 15.00% | |||
Maximum number of common stock shares purchase by eligible employees | 20,000 | ||||
Percentage of fair market value of common stock | 85.00% | ||||
Offering period | 2 years | ||||
Offering period term | Offerings under the ESPP are approximately two years in duration and consist of four purchase periods that are approximately six months in duration | ||||
Common stock available for future issuance | 405,000 | 405,000 |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_4
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Unvested Shares and Unvested Stock Liability (Details) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)shares | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Number of Unvested Shares, Beginning balance | shares | 197,549 |
Number of Unvested Shares, Repurchased shares | shares | (4,269) |
Number of Unvested Shares, Vested shares | shares | (145,360) |
Number of Unvested Shares, Ending balance | shares | 47,920 |
Unvested Stock Liability, Beginning balance | $ | $ 109 |
Unvested Stock Liability, Repurchased shares | $ | (2) |
Unvested Stock Liability, Vested shares | $ | (73) |
Unvested Stock Liability, Ending balance | $ | $ 34 |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_5
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares | |
Number of Outstanding Options | ||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | shares | 1,684,630 | |
Granted | shares | 1,812,016 | |
Cancelled | shares | (109,835) | |
Exercised | shares | (54,266) | |
Balance at September 30, 2020 | shares | 3,332,545 | 1,684,630 |
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 | shares | 3,332,545 | |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ / shares | $ 2.47 | |
Granted | $ / shares | 7.20 | |
Cancelled | $ / shares | 5.14 | |
Exercised | $ / shares | 1.27 | |
Balance at September 30, 2020 | $ / shares | 4.98 | $ 2.47 |
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 | $ / shares | $ 4.98 | |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years) | ||
Balance | 8 years 10 months 6 days | 8 years 8 months 23 days |
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 | 8 years 10 months 6 days | |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||
Balance | $ | $ 17,525 | $ 911 |
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 | $ | $ 17,525 |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_6
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Fair Value of Stock Option Grants (Details) | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | |
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||
Risk-free interest rate, minimum | 0.40% | 1.80% |
Risk-free interest rate. maximum | 0.70% | 1.90% |
Expected volatility, minimum | 82.40% | 72.60% |
Expected volatility, maximum | 94.80% | 81.00% |
Expected dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Minimum | ||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||
Expected term (in years) | 5 years 9 months 18 days | 5 years 1 month 6 days |
Maximum | ||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||
Expected term (in years) | 10 years | 6 years 1 month 6 days |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_7
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2019 | |
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ 1,791 | $ 484 | $ 3,151 | $ 1,442 |
Research and Development | ||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 342 | 211 | 839 | 620 |
General and Administrative | ||||
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | $ 1,449 | $ 273 | $ 2,312 | $ 822 |
Convertible Preferred Stock a_8
Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Details) - shares | Sep. 30, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 |
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common stock available for future issuance | 6,115,466 | 19,009,189 |
Conversion of Preferred Stock | ||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common stock available for future issuance | 16,685,014 | |
Common Stock Warrant | ||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common stock available for future issuance | 23,122 | |
Preferred Stock Warrant | ||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common stock available for future issuance | 23,122 | |
Common Stock Options Outstanding | ||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common stock available for future issuance | 3,332,545 | 1,684,630 |
Shares Available for Issuance under the 2020 Plan | ||
Class Of Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common stock available for future issuance | 2,759,799 | 616,423 |
401 (k) Plan - Additional Infor
401 (k) Plan - Additional Information (Details) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2020USD ($) | |
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Defined contribution plan, description | The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan available to eligible employees. Employee contributions are voluntary and are determined on an individual basis, limited to the maximum amount allowable under federal tax regulations. The Company, at its discretion, may make certain matching contributions to the 401(k) plan. |
Defined contribution plan, plan name [Extensible List] | mtcr:Plan401KMember |
Contributions to plan made by company | $ 0 |