Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We are a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to exploring the science of mast cell biology and developing therapeutic antibodies which have the ability to engage the human immune system and/or directly affect critical pathways to improve the lives of patients with severe inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune and other devastating diseases. Our drug candidates include monoclonal and bispecific antibodies designed to address mast cell mediated diseases for which available treatments are inadequate.
We are focusing our efforts and resources on the continued research and development of
More detail on these programs is provided in the Clinical Development Programs section.
Our goal is to build a fully integrated, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops important therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. We believe our program assets provide us with the strategic options to either retain full economic rights to our innovative therapies or seek favorable economic terms through advantageous commercial partnerships. This approach allows us to maximize the overall value of our technology and product portfolio while best ensuring the expeditious development of each individual product.
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The expenditures that will be necessary to execute our business plan are subject to numerous uncertainties. Completion of clinical trials may take several years or more, and the length of time generally varies substantially according to the type, complexity, novelty and intended use of a drug candidate. It is not unusual for the clinical development of these types of drug candidates to each take five years or more, and total development costs could exceed hundreds of millions of dollars for each drug candidate. We estimate that clinical trials of the type we generally conduct are typically completed over the following timelines:
Estimated
Completion
Clinical Phase Period
Phase 1 1 – 2 Years
Phase 2 1 – 5 Years
Phase 3 1 – 5 Years
The duration and the cost of clinical trials may vary significantly over the life of a project as a result of differences arising during the clinical trial protocol, including, among others, the following:
● the number of patients that ultimately participate in the trial;
● the duration of patient follow-up that seems appropriate in view of results;
● the number of clinical sites included in the trials;
● the length of time required to enroll suitable patient subjects; and
● the efficacy and safety profile of the drug candidate.
We test potential drug candidates in numerous preclinical studies for safety, toxicology and immunogenicity. We may then conduct multiple clinical trials for each drug candidate. As we obtain results from trials, we may elect to discontinue or delay clinical trials for certain drug candidates in order to focus our resources on more promising drug candidates.
An element of our business strategy is to pursue the discovery, research and development of a broad portfolio of drug candidates. This is intended to allow us to diversify the risks associated with our research and development expenditures. To the extent we are unable to maintain a broad range of drug candidates, our dependence on the success of one or a few drug candidates increases.
Regulatory approval is required before we can market our drug candidates as therapeutic products. In order to proceed to subsequent clinical trial stages and to ultimately achieve regulatory approval, the regulatory agencies must conclude that our clinical data demonstrate that our product candidates are safe and effective. Historically, the results from preclinical testing and early clinical trials (through Phase 2) have often not been predictive of results obtained in later clinical trials. A number of new drugs and biologics have shown promising results in early clinical trials but subsequently failed to establish sufficient safety and efficacy data to obtain necessary regulatory approvals.
Furthermore, our business strategy includes the option of entering into collaborative arrangements with third parties to complete the development and commercialization of our drug candidates. In the event that third parties take over the clinical trial process for one of our drug candidates, the estimated completion date would largely be under control of that third party rather than us. We cannot forecast with any degree of certainty which proprietary products, if any, will be subject to future collaborative arrangements, in whole or in part, and how such arrangements would affect our development plan or capital requirements. Our programs may also benefit from subsidies, grants, contracts or government or agency-sponsored studies that could reduce our development costs.
As a result of the uncertainties discussed above, among others, it is difficult to accurately estimate the duration and completion costs of our research and development projects or when, if ever, and to what extent we will receive cash inflows from the commercialization and sale of a product. Our inability to complete our research and development projects in a timely manner or our failure to enter into collaborative agreements, when appropriate, could significantly increase our capital requirements and could adversely impact our liquidity. These uncertainties could force us to seek additional, external sources of financing from time to time in order to continue with our business strategy. Our inability to raise additional capital, or to do so on terms reasonably acceptable to us, would jeopardize the future success of our business.
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During the past five years through December 31, 2024, we incurred an aggregate of $459.7 million in research and development expenses. The following table indicates the amount incurred for each of our significant research programs and for other identified research and development activities during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The amounts disclosed in the following table reflect direct research and development costs and an allocation of indirect research and development costs to each program.
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
(In thousands)
Clinical Development Programs
Barzolvolimab (also referred to as CDX-0159)
Barzolvolimab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT and potently inhibits its activity. KIT is expressed in a variety of cells, including mast cells, and its activation by its ligand SCF regulates mast cell growth, differentiation, survival, chemotaxis and degranulation. Barzolvolimab is designed to block KIT activation by disrupting both SCF binding and KIT dimerization. By targeting KIT, barzolvolimab has been shown to inhibit mast cell activity and decrease mast cell numbers, which we believe could provide potential clinical benefit in mast cell related diseases.
Barzolvolimab was initially studied in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), diseases where mast cell degranulation plays a central role in the onset and progression of the disease. In July 2024, we initiated two Phase 3 studies in CSU. Phase 1 studies in CSU and CIndU were successfully completed and Phase 2 studies are ongoing. In July 2023, we announced that enrollment was complete in the ongoing Phase 2 CSU study. In November 2023, we reported that barzolvolimab achieved the primary efficacy endpoint in this study, with a statistically significant mean change from baseline to week 12 of UAS7 (weekly urticaria activity score) compared to placebo and was well tolerated. In September 2024, we presented 52 week treatment data from the CSU study, demonstrating sustained and deepening disease efficacy and a well tolerated long term safety profile. We plan to present follow up data from this study through week 76 in 2025. In April 2024, we announced enrollment was complete in the ongoing Phase 2 CIndU study. In July 2024, we announced that our Phase 2 study in chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) achieved the primary efficacy endpoint, (statistically significant difference between the percent of patients with a negative provocation test compared to placebo at week 12) and was well tolerated. 12 week data from the CIndU study were presented in October of 2024 and all secondary endpoints across the study were also met and were highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Patients on study continued to receive barzolvolimab for 20 weeks of treatment and were then followed for up to 24 additional weeks without treatment. We plan to present data from this study through week 44 in 2025. Patients with resumption of symptoms were eligible to enroll into an open label extension.
Based on the positive results reported in urticaria, we expanded development of barzolvolimab into additional indications where mast cells are believed to play an important role. We are conducting ongoing Phase 2 studies in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), prurigo nodularis (PN) and atopic dermatitis (AD). We continue to assess potential opportunities for barzolvolimab in other diseases where mast cells play an important role, such as dermatologic, respiratory, allergic, gastrointestinal and ophthalmic conditions.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) Summary of Phase 1 and Phase 2 Data Presented to Date; 76 week Phase 2 follow up data to be presented in 2025.
CSU presents as itchy hives, angioedema or both for at least six weeks without a specific trigger; multiple episodes can play out over years or even decades. It is one of the most frequent dermatologic diseases with a prevalence of 0.5-1.0% of the total population or up to approximately 1 to 3 million patients in the United States (Weller et al. 2010. Hautarzt. 61(8), Bartlett et al. 2018. DermNet.Org). Approximately 50% of patients with CSU achieve symptomatic control with antihistamines. Omalizumab, an IgE inhibitor, provides relief for roughly half of the remaining antihistamine refractory patients. Consequently, there is a need for additional therapies.
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We have completed a Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multi-center study of barzolvolimab in CSU. The study was designed to assess the safety of multiple ascending doses of barzolvolimab in patients with CSU who remain symptomatic despite treatment with antihistamines. Secondary and exploratory objectives included pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments, clinical activity outcomes and quality of life assessments. Barzolvolimab was administered intravenously as add on treatment to H1-antihistamines, either alone or in combination with H2-antihistamines and/or leukotriene receptor agonists. 45 patients with moderate to severe CSU refractory to antihistamines were enrolled and treated [35 barzolvolimab (n=9 in 0.5 mg/kg; n=8 in 1.5 mg/kg; n=9 in 3.0 mg/kg; n=9 in 4.5 mg/kg) and 10 placebo].
At saturating doses (1.5 mg/kg and higher), barzolvolimab resulted in rapid, marked and durable responses in patients with moderate to severe CSU refractory to antihistamines. The 1.5 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg dose groups showed similar markedly improved urticaria symptoms, including rapid onset of responses (as early as 1 week after the first dose) and prolonged disease control with sustained durability up to 24 weeks. Patients with prior omalizumab therapy also had similar symptom improvement as all patients.
Phase 1 CSU: Summary of Clinical Activity Assessments at Week 12 & 24
Mean Reduction Baseline UAS7; % at Week 12 82% (n=9) 67% (n=9) 67% (n=8)
Mean Reduction Baseline UAS7; % at Week 24 77% (n=7) 70% (n=6) 80% (n=7)
UAS7=0 (Complete Control); % at Week 12 67% 44% 57%
UAS7=0 (Complete Control); % at Week 24 43% 67% 57%
UCT ≥ 12 (Well-controlled); % at Week 12 89% 63% 75%
UCT ≥ 12 (Well-controlled); % at Week 24 67% 67% 75%
During post-treatment follow up, 71% (10 of 14) of patients who had been treated with doses greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/kg and had a complete response (UAS7=0) at week 12, remained urticaria free at week 24 (patients received last dose of barzolvolimab at week 8). Profound and durable improvement in angioedema symptoms as measured through the weekly angioedema activity score (AAS7) was achieved across all dose levels evaluated with sustained activity observed with the 1.5 mg/kg and greater dose levels. Patients also reported improvements in quality of life outcomes as assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) which surveys patients’ perceptions of symptoms and feelings, daily activities, leisure, work and school performance, personal relationships and treatment.
Tryptase suppression, indicative of mast cell depletion, paralleled symptom improvement, demonstrating the impact of mast cell depletion on CSU disease activity.
Barzolvolimab was well tolerated. Most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and resolved while on study. The most common treatment emergent adverse events were hair color changes, COVID-19, headache, neutropenia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs and COVID-19 were reported as unrelated to treatment. Generally transient, asymptomatic and mild changes in hematologic parameters were observed, consistent with observations from prior studies. No pattern of further decrease was observed with multiple dose administration.
Data from this study were reported across multiple medical meetings, including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting in February 2023, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Annual Congress in June 2023 and the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV) Congress in October 2023.
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In June 2022, we initiated dosing in a Phase 2 study in patients with CSU who remained symptomatic despite antihistamine therapy; in July 2023, we announced that enrollment was complete. The study is being conducted at approximately 75 sites across 9 countries. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of multiple dose regimens of barzolvolimab to determine the optimal dosing strategy. 208 patients have been randomly assigned on a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections of barzolvolimab at 75 mg every 4 weeks, 150 mg every 4 weeks, 300 mg every 8 weeks or placebo during a 16-week placebo-controlled treatment phase. After 16 weeks, patients then enter a 36-week active treatment period, in which patients receiving placebo or the 75 mg dose are randomized to receive barzolvolimab 150 mg every 4 weeks or 300 mg every 8 weeks; patients already randomized to the 150 mg and 300 mg treatment arms remain on the same regimen as during the placebo-controlled treatment period. After 52 weeks, patients then enter a follow-up period for an additional 24 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is mean change in baseline to week 12 in UAS7 (weekly urticaria activity score). Secondary endpoints include safety and other assessments of clinical activity including ISS7 (weekly itch severity score), HSS7 (weekly hive severity score) and AAS7 (weekly angioedema activity score).
Topline data from this study were presented in November of 2023 and 12 week treatment results were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting in February 2024. Data from the 208 patients randomized in the study showed that barzolvolimab achieved the primary efficacy endpoint, with a statistically significant mean change from baseline to week 12 in UAS7 compared to placebo at all dose levels. Secondary and exploratory endpoints in the study were also achieved at week 12 and strongly support the primary endpoint results, including changes in ISS7 and HSS7 and responder analyses. Importantly, barzolvolimab demonstrated rapid, durable and clinically meaningful responses in patients with moderate to severe CSU refractory to antihistamines, including patients with prior omalizumab treatment. Demographics and baseline disease characteristics were well balanced across treatment groups. The majority of patients on study had severe disease (UAS7≥28).
Phase 2 CSU: Summary of Clinical Activity Assessments at Week 12
UAS7 Changes
HSS7 Changes
ISS7 Changes
Responder Analyses/Clinical Responses
UAS7, HSS7 and ISS7 data were analyzed using ANCOVA model and multiple imputation.
Barzolvolimab demonstrated strong improvement in UAS7 independent of omalizumab status at week 12. Approximately 20% (n=41) of enrolled patients received prior treatment with omalizumab and more than half of these patients had omalizumab-refractory disease. These patients experienced a similar clinical benefit as the overall treated population within their individual dosing groups consistent with the barzolvolimab mechanism of action.
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Barzolvolimab was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Most adverse events were mild to moderate in severity; through 12 weeks, the most common treatment emergent adverse events in barzolvolimab treated patients were urticaria/CSU (10%), hair color changes (9%), and neutropenia/ANC decrease (8%). The rate of infections was similar between barzolvolimab treated patients and placebo with no association between neutropenia and infections.
In June 2024, data on a secondary endpoint from the study, angioedema activity, and additional measures of angioedema control, were presented at the EAACI 2024 Congress. Approximately 72% of patients on study had angioedema at baseline. Barzolvolimab demonstrated significant improvements in AAS7 in patients with angioedema across all doses at week 12. This improvement was rapid (within 2 weeks) and durable (continued through 12 weeks). Barzolvolimab demonstrated strong improvement in AAS7 independent of omalizumab status at Week 12. Patients on barzolvolimab experienced a > 8 point improvement in AAS7 (considered a clinically meaningful result) across all doses compared to placebo (p<0.05). Barzolvolimab increased angioedema free days compared to placebo through 12 weeks. Patients in the 300 mg cohort were angioedema free 77% of the time over the 12 week period.
Patients on study continued to receive barzolvolimab for up to 52 weeks and these long term treatment data were presented in September at the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV) Congress 2024. The data demonstrated a sustained and deepening disease efficacy and a well tolerated safety profile over a 52 week treatment period. Key highlighted included:
We believe these results strongly support the further development of barzolvolimab in CSU. In July 2024, we initiated two Phase 3 studies of barzolvolimab in CSU. The studies, EMBARQ-CSU1 and EMBARQ-CSU2, are designed to establish the efficacy and safety of barzolvolimab in adult patients with CSU who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment. Both Phase 3 trials are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, global studies (approximately 40 countries; 250 sites per study) where approximately 915 patients per trial will be randomized evenly to barzolvolimab 150 mg every 4 weeks (following 300 mg loading dose), barzolvolimab 300 mg every 8 weeks (following 450 mg loading dose) or placebo for 52 weeks. At 24 weeks, patients on placebo will be re-randomized to active treatment across both dosing groups. The primary endpoint of the studies will evaluate the clinical effect of barzolvolimab in reducing urticaria activity (weekly urticaria activity score; UAS7) at week 12. The studies are designed to detect a clinically meaningful difference between each of the active arms versus placebo in the overall population as well as in the subpopulation of omalizumab refractory participants. Enrollment is ongoing.
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Chronic Inducible Urticaria (CIndU) Summary of Phase 1 and Phase 2 Data Presented to Date; 44 week Phase 2 follow up data to be presented in 2025.
CIndUs are forms of urticaria that have an attributable cause or trigger associated with them, typically resulting in hives or wheals. The prevalence of CIndU is estimated at 0.5% of the total population and is reported to overlap in up to 36% of CSU patients (Weller et al. 2010. Hautarzt. 61(8), Bartlett et al. 2018. DermNet.Org). There are currently no approved therapies for chronic inducible urticarias other than antihistamines and patients attempt to manage symptoms associated with their disease through avoidance of triggers. We are currently exploring cold-induced and dermographism (scratch-induced) urticarias in an ongoing Phase 2 study.
We completed a Phase 1b open label clinical trial in patients with CIndU refractory to antihistamines, conducted in Germany. This study was designed to evaluate the safety of a single intravenous dose (3 mg/kg) of barzolvolimab in patients with cold urticaria (ColdU) or symptomatic dermographism (SD). The study was expanded to include a cohort (single dose, 3 mg/kg) in patients with cholinergic urticaria (“CholU”) and a cohort at a lower dose (single dose, 1.5 mg/kg) in ColdU. Patient’s symptoms were induced via provocation testing that resembles real life triggering situations. Secondary and exploratory objectives included pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments, including changes from baseline provocation thresholds, measurement of tryptase and stem cell factor levels, clinical activity outcomes, quality of life assessments and measurement of tissue mast cells through skin biopsies.
Generally patients on study had high disease activity at baseline that was poorly controlled and marked impairment in quality of life. At 3 mg/kg in the ColdU and SD cohorts, safety results were reported for 21 patients and activity results were reported for the 20 patients who received a full dose of barzolvolimab. At 1.5 mg/kg in the ColdU cohort, safety results were reported for 10 patients and activity results were reported for the 9 patients who received a full dose of barzolvolimab. At 3 mg/kg in the cholinergic cohort, safety results were reported for 21 patients and activity results were reported for the 20 patients who received a full dose of barzolvolimab.
Rapid (as early as 1 week) and durable responses were observed in patients as assessed by provocation testing.
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Data from this study were reported in Allergy (Nov 2022) and across multiple medical meetings, including the GA2LEN Global Urticaria Forum (GUF) in December and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Annual Congress in June 2022.
In July 2022, we announced that the first patient had been dosed in a Phase 2 study in patients with CIndU who remain symptomatic despite antihistamine therapy; in April 2024, we announced that enrollment was complete. The study is being conducted at approximately 85 sites across approximately 12 countries. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group Phase 2 study is evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of multiple dose regimens of barzolvolimab in patients with CIndU to determine the optimal dosing strategy. 196 patients in 2 cohorts (differentiated by CIndU subtype) including 97 patients with cold urticaria and 99 patients with symptomatic dermographism were randomly assigned on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections of barzolvolimab at 150 mg every 4 weeks, 300 mg every 8 weeks or placebo during a 20-week treatment phase. Patients then enter a follow-up phase for an additional 24 weeks. In addition, the study includes the option for patients who have symptoms following the treatment phase, including patients who were on placebo, to enroll in an open label extension where all patients receive 300 mg of barzolvolimab every 8 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is the percentage of patients with a negative provocation test at week 12. Secondary endpoints include safety and other assessments of clinical activity including CTT (Critical Temperature Threshold), CFT (Critical Friction Threshold) and WI-NRS (Worst itch numeric rating scale).
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Topline primary endpoint data from this study were reported in July 2024 and 12 week treatment results were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Data from the 193 patients randomized and treated in the study showed that barzolvolimab achieved the primary efficacy endpoint, a statistically significant difference between the percent of patients with a negative provocation test compared to placebo at week 12 as assessed by the TempTest® in ColdU and the FricTest® in SD. Secondary and exploratory endpoints in the study were also achieved at week 12 and strongly support the primary endpoint results, including responder analyses, improvements in Critical Temperature and Critical Friction Thresholds (CFT and CFT), changes in WI-NRSprovo (itch associated with provocation test) and Urticaria Control Test. Demographics and baseline disease characteristics were well balanced across treatment groups. In cold urticaria, patients presented with a mean baseline critical temperature threshold of approximately 19°C or 66°F on the TempTest on initial provocation testing. In patients with symptomatic dermographism baseline FricTest thresholds were an average of 3.6 out of 4 pins. UCT scores at baseline reflect poorly controlled disease.
Summary of Clinical Assessments at Week 12
Cold Urticaria Symptomatic Dermographism
Patients experienced rapid disease improvement as early as two weeks (the first assessment) after receiving the initial dose of barzolvolimab as demonstrated by reductions in critical temperature and friction thresholds resulting in hives and rapid reduction in itch at the time of provocation testing (WI-NRSprovo).
Barzolvolimab was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile consistent with prior studies. Most adverse events were grade 1 (mild). Through 12 weeks, the most common treatment emergent adverse events in barzolvolimab treated patients were hair color changes (13%; Grade 1, n=15 / Grade 2, n=2) and neutropenia (10%; Grade 1, n=7 / Grade 2, n=6), which are mechanism related (KIT) and expected to be reversible. The rate of infections was similar between barzolvolimab-treated patients and placebo with no association between neutropenia and infections.
We believe these results strongly support the further development of barzolvolimab in CIndU and plan to advance CIndU into Phase 3 registrational development.
Prurigo Nodularis (PN)
We have expanded clinical development of barzolvolimab into prurigo nodularis (PN). PN is a chronic skin disease characterized by the development of hard, intensely itchy (pruritic) nodules on the skin. Mast cells through their interactions with sensory neurons and other immune cells are believed to play an important role in amplifying chronic itch and neuroinflammation, both of which are a hallmark of PN. There is currently only one FDA approved therapy for PN, representing an area of significant unmet need. Industry sources estimate there are approximately 154,000 patients in the United States with PN who have undergone treatment within the last 12 months and, of these, approximately 75,000 would be biologic-eligible.
We have completed a Phase 1b multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intravenous study in PN. Data from the study, including 24 weeks of follow-up, were presented at the 12th World Congress on Itch (WCI) held in November 2023. 24 adults (evaluable: n=23 safety; n=22 efficacy) with moderate to severe PN were randomized across three arms: (1) barzolvolimab 3.0 mg/kg (n=9), barzolvolimab 1.5 mg/kg (n=7) and placebo (n=8). The primary endpoint of the study was safety; key secondary
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endpoints include changes from baseline in Worst Itch-Numerical Rating Scale (WI-NRS) & Investigator Global Assessment (IGA). The primary timepoint for evaluation of clinical activity was 8 weeks; patients were followed for safety and efficacy endpoints to 24 weeks. Patients on study generally had moderate to severe disease with mean baselines scores across all arms of 8.6 for WI-NRS and 3.3 for IGA.
A single IV dose of 3.0 mg/kg barzolvolimab resulted in rapid and durable reductions in itch and healing of skin lesions in patients with moderate to severe PN and that barzolvolimab was generally well tolerated.
% of Subjects with ≥4-point decrease in WI-NRS
Dose Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8
% of Subjects with IGA 0/1
Dose Baseline Week 2 Week 4 Week 8
In April 2024, we initiated a Phase 2 subcutaneous study in PN. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study is evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of 2 dose levels of barzolvolimab compared to placebo in approximately 120 patients with moderate to severe PN who had inadequate response to prescription topical medications, or for whom topical medications are medically inadvisable (such as concerns for safety). Patients are randomly assigned on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive barzolvolimab injections of 150 mg Q4W after an initial loading dose of 450 mg, 300 mg Q4W after an initial loading dose of 450 mg, or placebo during a 24‐week Treatment Phase. Participants then enter a follow-up phase with no study treatment for an additional 16 weeks through week 40. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect of barzolvolimab, compared to placebo, on itch response as measured by the proportion of participants with ≥ 4-point improvement in the worst intensity itch per a numeric rating scale (WI-NRS). Secondary objectives include but are not limited to additional measures of itch response from baseline compared to different timepoints, the assessment of skin lesions as measured by the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), QoL outcomes and safety. The study will include approximately 50 clinical trial centers worldwide, including the United States. Enrollment is ongoing.
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Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
In July of 2023, we announced that the first patient had been dosed in a Phase 2 study of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE, the most common type of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils. This chronic inflammation can result in trouble swallowing, chest pain, vomiting and impaction of food in the esophagus, a medical emergency. Several studies have suggested that mast cells may be an important driver in the disease, demonstrating that the number and activation state of mast cells are greatly increased in EoE biopsies and that mast cell signatures correlate with markers of inflammation, fibrosis, pain and disease severity. Currently, there is only one FDA approved therapy for EoE, representing an area of significant unmet need. Industry sources estimate there are approximately 160,000 patients in the United States with EoE who have undergone treatment within the last 12 months and, of these, approximately 48,000 would be biologic-eligible. Given the lack of effective therapies for EoE and barzolvolimab’s potential as a mast cell depleting agent, we believe EoE is an important indication for future study.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group Phase 2 study is evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of subcutaneous barzolvolimab in patients with active EoE. To optimize potential efficacy signal in this difficult to treat indication, we have recently amended the protocol to dose 300 mg every 4 weeks rather than 8 weeks. Approximately 75 patients will be enrolled in total. In the revised protocol, patients will be randomly assigned on a 1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections of barzolvolimab at 300 mg every 4 weeks or placebo during a 16-week placebo-controlled treatment phase. Patients then enter a 12-week active treatment phase, in which all patients will receive barzolvolimab 300 mg every 4 weeks. Patients then enter a follow-up phase for an additional 16 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is reducing esophageal intraepithelial infiltration of mast cells as assessed by peak esophageal intraepithelial mast cell count. Secondary endpoints include the reduction of symptoms of dysphagia and esophageal intraepithelial infiltration of eosinophils and safety. The study includes approximately 60 clinical trial centers across 8 countries, including the United States. The study is fully accrued and we plan to present data from the study in the second half of 2025.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
In December of 2024, we announced the initiation of a Phase 2 study in atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 20% of the US population and a substantial impact on quality of life (Kawakami, et al. 2009). Mast cells are strongly implicated in all facets of AD pathophysiology and the fundamental processes that characterize AD, including epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune cell recruitment, neuroinflammation (Keith, et al. 2023) and multiple other mast cell-associated factors that correlate with disease severity. Activated mast cells are also found in increased numbers in lesional biopsies. Two-thirds of patients treated with first line systemic therapy (1.7 million patienst in the US) do not achieve complete control of their atopic dermatitis (Simpson, Bieber, Guttman-Yassky, et al. 2016) and new therapies that offer rapid, meaningful relief from the severe itching and breakdown of the skin associated with AD are needed. Given barzolvolimab’s potential as a mast cell depleting agent, we believe AD is an important indication for future study.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group Phase 2 study is evaluating the efficacy and safety profile of subcutaneous barzolvolimab in patients with moderate to severe AD. Approximately 120 patients will be randomly assigned on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections of barzolvolimab at either 150 or 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks after an initial loading dose of 450 mg or placebo during a 16-week placebo-controlled treatment phase. Participants randomized into the placebo arm will be re-randomized at Week 16 into 1 of the 2 active treatment arms. Patients then enter a 16-week active treatment phase, in which all patients will receive barzolvolimab every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the two dose levels compared to placebo using the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) at Week 16, a well‐defined, reliable, sensitive and valid scale for evaluating worst itch intensity in adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of barzolvolimab, compared to placebo across multiple patient-reported outcomes, including assessing impressions of disease change and severity and improvements in quality of life. When all clinical trial sites are open, the study will include up to 50 clinical trial centers in the United States. Enrollment is ongoing.
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Additional Barzolvolimab Development Activities
In 2023, we completed the transfer of our current barzolvolimab manufacturing process to a CDMO and successfully scaled up the drug substance manufacturing process to produce larger cGMP batches in support of late-stage trials and to prepare for potential commercialization. Drug product manufacturing into 1 mL pre-filled syringes has been completed and are actively being used in the ongoing Phase 3 CSU trials.
In February 2022, we reported interim data after completing the in-life dosing portion of our six-month chronic toxicology study in non-human primates. The only clinically adverse finding at the completion of dosing was a profound impact on spermatogenesis, an expected and well understood effect of KIT inhibition. As a standard part of toxicology studies, some animals from each group continued to be observed through a recovery period to understand the reversibility of any adverse findings. Due to the very high concentrations of barzolvolimab at the end of dosing, the recovery period was approximately one year. As we expected, and consistent with previous findings with KIT blocking antibodies, we were pleased to report in December 2022, that during this recovery period spermatogenesis fully recovered in all male animals as measured by both sperm count and motility. The final histologic analysis and study report were completed in early 2023 and were consistent with previously reported results. We are encouraged with these findings and believe these data strongly support continued development of barzolvolimab.
Bispecific Platform
Our next generation bispecific antibody platform is supporting the expansion of our pipeline with additional candidates for inflammatory diseases. Targets are being selected based on new science as well as their compatibility to be used in bispecific antibody formats with our existing antibody programs. Development is focused on emerging, important pathways controlling inflammatory diseases.
CDX-622
CDX-622 is a bispecific antibody that targets two complementary pathways that drive chronic inflammation, potently neutralizing the alarmin thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and depleting mast cells via stem cell factor (SCF) starvation. TSLP has been directly implicated in several respiratory and dermatological disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), eosinophilic esophagitis, atopic dermatitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria, and in fibrotic diseases such as systemic sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In these disorders, TSLP is often upregulated and associated with disease severity. Similarly, mast cells drive or contribute to the pathophysiology of allergic, inflammatory, autoimmune and fibrotic disorders and CDX-622 contains a unique SCF neutralizing function that is expected to inhibit and deplete mast cells. Combined neutralization of SCF and TSLP with CDX-622 is expected to simultaneously reduce tissue mast cells and inhibit Type 2 inflammatory responses to potentially offer enhanced therapeutic benefit in inflammatory and fibrotic disorders. In preclinical studies, CDX-622 inhibits TSLP and SCF with similar potency to both its respective parental mAbs and comparator mAbs in vitro. CDX-622 was well tolerated in a multi-dose 8 week toxicology study in non-human primates. The No Adverse Event Level (NOAEL) was established to be 75 mg/kg, the highest dose level tested.
In November 2024, we initiated a Phase 1 study of CDX-622 in healthy volunteers. The Phase 1a clinical trial is a two-part, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study designed to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending doses (Part 1) and multiple ascending doses (Part 2) of CDX-622 in up to 56 healthy participants. A single dose of CDX-622 or placebo will be administered intravenously once during Part 1. In Part 2, CDX-622 or placebo will be administered every 3 weeks (Q3W) for up to 6 weeks following the first dose, for a total of 3 doses. Participants will be followed for 12 weeks in both Parts 1 and 2 following the last dose of study drug. The pharmacodynamic biomarkers from blood and skin will be highly informative on the ability of CDX-622 to engage and neutralize SCF and TSLP. A subcutaneous formulation is currently being manufactured and will be added to this study in 2025
CDX-585 (development discontinued)
CDX-585 combined PD-1 blockade and anti-ILT4 blockade to overcome immunosuppressive signals in T cells and myeloid cells, respectively. We initiated a Phase 1 open-label, multi-center, multi-dose study in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that had progressed during or after standard of care therapy. The dose-escalation phase of the study was completed and we announced in Q4 2024 that we would not advance CDX-585 given our expanding clinical development program in the inflammatory space.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. We believe our most critical accounting policies include accounting for contingent consideration, revenue recognition, intangible and long-lived assets, research and development expenses and stock-based compensation expense.
The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our experience and assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from what we anticipate and different assumptions or estimates about the future could materially change our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to us in that they are important to the portrayal of our financial statements and they require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in the preparation of our financial statements:
Contingent Consideration
We record contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. We determine the fair value of the contingent consideration based primarily on the following factors:
● timing and probability of success of clinical events or regulatory approvals;
● discount rates.
Our contingent consideration arose in connection with our acquisition of Kolltan. On a quarterly basis, we revalue these obligations and record increases or decreases in their fair value as an adjustment to operating earnings. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of our contingent consideration was $0.0 million. Changes to contingent consideration obligations can result from adjustments to discount rates, accretion of the discount rates due to the passage of time, changes in our estimates of the likelihood or timing of achieving development or commercial milestones, changes in the probability of certain clinical events or changes in the assumed probability associated with regulatory approval.
The assumptions related to determining the value of contingent consideration include a significant amount of judgment, and any changes in the underlying estimates could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration adjustment recorded in any given period.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when performance obligations under agreements or contracts are satisfied, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:
● Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
● Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
● Determination of the transaction price;
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Revenue for the Company is derived from product development agreements with collaborative partners for the research and development of therapeutic drug candidates. The terms of the agreements may include nonrefundable signing and licensing fees, funding for research, development and manufacturing, milestone payments and royalties on any product sales derived from collaborations. The Company assesses the multiple obligations typically within product development contracts to determine the distinct performance obligations and how to allocate the arrangement consideration to each distinct performance obligation. Under product development agreements, revenue is generally recognized using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. Revenue is recognized based on the costs incurred to date as a percentage of the total estimated costs to fulfill the contract. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Due to the nature of the work performed in these arrangements, the estimation of cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables, such as expected clinical trial costs, and requires significant judgements. Circumstances can arise that change original estimates of costs or progress toward completion. Any revisions to estimates are reflected in revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the change in circumstances became known.
Revenue for the Company is also derived from manufacturing and research and development arrangements. The Company operates a cGMP manufacturing facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, to produce drug substance for its current and planned early-stage clinical trials. In order to utilize excess capacity, the Company has, from time to time, entered into contract manufacturing and research and development arrangements in which services are provided on a time-and-material basis or at a negotiated fixed- price. Revenue from time-and-material contracts is generally recognized on an output basis as labor hours and/or direct expenses are incurred. Under fixed-price contracts, revenue is generally recognized on an output basis as progress is made toward completion of the performance obligations using surveys of performance completed to date.
Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment when circumstances indicate that an event of impairment may have occurred. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values.
IPR&D assets acquired in a business combination initially are recorded at fair value and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. These assets are capitalized on our balance sheets until either the project underlying them is completed or the assets become impaired. If a project is completed, the carrying value of the related intangible asset is amortized over the remaining estimated life of the asset beginning in the period in which the project is completed. If a project becomes impaired or is abandoned, the carrying value of the related intangible asset is written down to its fair value and an impairment charge is taken in the period in which the impairment occurs. Discounted cash flow models are typically used in these tests, and the models require the use of significant estimates and assumptions including but not limited to:
● timing and costs to complete the in-process projects;
● timing and probability of success of clinical events or regulatory approvals;
● discount rates
Each IPR&D asset is assessed for impairment at least annually or when impairment indicators are present. The Company has the option to assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the IPR&D asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs, including internal and contract research costs, are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist mainly of clinical trial costs, manufacturing of clinical material, toxicology and other preclinical studies, personnel costs, depreciation, license fees and funding of outside contracted research.
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Clinical trial expenses include expenses associated with clinical research organization, or CRO, services. Contract manufacturing expenses include expenses associated with contract development & manufacturing organization, or CDMO, services. The invoicing from CROs and CDMOs for services rendered can lag several months. We accrue the cost of services rendered in connection with CRO and CDMO activities based on our estimate of costs incurred. We maintain regular communication with our CROs and CDMOs to assess the reasonableness of our estimates. Differences between actual expenses and estimated expenses recorded have not been material and are adjusted for in the period in which they become known.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
We record stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees, consultants and non-employee directors based on the estimated fair values of the stock-based awards expected to vest at the grant date and adjust, if necessary, to reflect actual forfeitures. Our estimates of employee, consultant and non-employ director stock option values rely on estimates of future uncertain events. Significant assumptions include the use of historical volatility to estimate the expected stock price volatility. We also estimate expected term based on historical exercise patterns. For consultant and non-employee director grants, we may elect to use the contractual term as the expected term in the option-pricing model. Actual volatility and lives of options may be significantly different from our estimates. Compensation expense for all stock-based awards is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of vesting or performance.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2023
Year Ended Increase/ Increase/
December 31, (Decrease) (Decrease)
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Product development and licensing agreements $ 13 $ 278 $ (265) (95) %
Operating expenses:
Litigation settlement related loss — 12,500 (12,500) (100) %
Net Loss
The $16.4 million increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to increases in research and development and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the $12.5 million litigation settlement related loss recorded in 2023 and an increase in investment and other income, net.
Revenue
The $0.4 million increase in contracts and grants revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to an increase in services performed under our manufacturing and research and development agreements with Rockefeller University. We expect revenue to decrease over the next twelve months as a result of a decrease in services expected to be performed under our contract manufacturing and research and development agreements with Rockefeller University, although there may be fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
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Research and Development Expense
Research and development expenses consist primarily of (i) personnel expenses, (ii) laboratory supply expenses relating to the development of our technology, (iii) facility expenses and (iv) product development expenses associated with our drug candidates as follows:
Year Ended Increase/
December 31, (Decrease)
(In thousands)
Personnel expenses primarily include salary, benefits, stock-based compensation and payroll taxes. The $11.8 million increase in personnel expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation expense and an increase in employee headcount. We expect personnel expenses to increase over the next twelve months as a result of additional headcount to support the expanded development of barzolvolimab.
Laboratory supplies expenses include laboratory materials and supplies, services and other related expenses incurred in the development of our technology. The $0.3 million increase in laboratory supply expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to higher laboratory services, materials and supplies purchases. We expect laboratory supplies expenses to remain relatively consistent over the next twelve months, although there may be fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
Facility expenses include depreciation, amortization, utilities, rent, maintenance and other related expenses incurred at our facilities. Facility expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were relatively consistent with the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect facility expenses to remain relatively consistent over the next twelve months, although there may be fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
Product development expenses include clinical investigator site fees, external trial monitoring costs, data accumulation costs, contracted research and outside clinical drug product manufacturing. The $31.3 million increase in product development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to an increase in barzolvolimab clinical trial expenses, partially offset by a decrease in barzolvolimab contract manufacturing expenses. We expect product development expenses to increase over the next twelve months as a result of the expanded development of barzolvolimab, although there may be fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
General and Administrative Expense
The $7.6 million increase in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation and barzolvolimab commercial planning expenses. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase over the next twelve months as a result of the expanded development of barzolvolimab and an increase in commercial planning efforts, although there may be fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
Litigation Settlement Related Loss
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced positive topline results from our Phase 2 clinical trial of barzolvolimab in patients with moderate to severe CSU, which satisfied the requirement of “successful completion” of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of barzolvolimab such that we were obligated to make the applicable milestone payment under the Settlement Agreement with SRS in the amount of $12.5 million. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we paid the $12.5 million milestone in cash and recorded a litigation settlement related loss of $12.5 million.
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Investment and Other Income, Net
The $24.1 million increase in investment and other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to higher levels of cash as a result of our November 2023 and March 2024 underwritten public offerings. We expect investment and other income to decrease over the next twelve months due to lower levels of cash and investment balances, although there may be fluctuations on a quarterly basis.
Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
Year Ended Increase/ Increase/
December 31, (Decrease) (Decrease)
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Product development and licensing agreements $ 278 $ 56 $ 222 396 %
Operating expenses:
Net Loss
The $29.1 million increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to an increase in research and development expenses and a decrease in the gain on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration, partially offset by increases in contracts and grants revenue and investment and other income, net.
Revenue
The $4.3 million increase in contracts and grants revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily related to an increase in services performed under our manufacturing and research and development agreements with Rockefeller University.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expenses consist primarily of (i) personnel expenses, (ii) laboratory supply expenses relating to the development of our technology, (iii) facility expenses and (iv) product development expenses associated with our drug candidates as follows:
Year Ended Increase/
December 31, (Decrease)
(In thousands)
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Personnel expenses primarily include salary, benefits, stock-based compensation and payroll taxes. The $7.4 million increase in personnel expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation expense and an increase in employee headcount.
Laboratory supplies expenses include laboratory materials and supplies, services and other related expenses incurred in the development of our technology. The $1.0 million decrease in laboratory supply expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to lower laboratory services, materials and supplies purchases.
Facility expenses include depreciation, amortization, utilities, rent, maintenance and other related expenses incurred at our facilities. The $0.2 million increase in facility expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to higher repairs and depreciation expense.
Product development expenses include clinical investigator site fees, external trial monitoring costs, data accumulation costs, contracted research and outside clinical drug product manufacturing. The $27.2 million increase in product development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to an increase in barzolvolimab clinical trial and contract manufacturing expenses.
General and Administrative Expense
The $3.7 million increase in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation, recruiting and barzolvolimab commercial planning expenses, partially offset by a decrease in legal expenses.
Gain on Fair Value Remeasurement of Contingent Consideration
The $6.9 million gain on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to our decision to deprioritize the CDX-1140 program.
Litigation Settlement Related Loss
We recorded a loss of $15.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 related to the Initial Payment due under the Settlement Agreement with SRS. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced positive topline results from our Phase 2 clinical trial of barzolvolimab in patients with moderate to severe CSU, which satisfied the requirement of “successful completion” of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of barzolvolimab such that we were obligated to make the applicable milestone payment under the Settlement Agreement in the amount of $12.5 million. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we paid the $12.5 million milestone in cash and recorded a litigation settlement related loss of $12.5 million.
Investment and Other Income, Net
The $10.2 million increase in investment and other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to higher interest rates on fixed income investments and higher other income related to our sale of New Jersey tax benefits.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase and consist primarily of investments in money market mutual funds with commercial banks and financial institutions. We maintain cash balances with financial institutions in excess of insured limits. We do not anticipate any losses with respect to such cash balances. We invest our excess cash balances in marketable securities, including municipal bond securities, U.S. government agency securities and high- grade corporate bonds that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy. Our investment policy seeks to manage these assets to achieve our goals of preserving principal and maintaining adequate liquidity.
The use of our cash flows for operations has primarily consisted of salaries and wages for our employees; facility and facility-related costs for our offices, laboratories and manufacturing facility; fees paid in connection with preclinical studies, clinical studies, contract manufacturing, laboratory supplies and services; and consulting, legal and other professional fees. We anticipate that our cash
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flows from operations will continue to be focused in these areas as we progress our current drug candidates through the clinical trial process and develop additional drug candidates. To date, the primary sources of cash flows from operations have been payments received from our collaborative partners and from government entities and payments received for contract manufacturing and research and development services provided by us. The timing of any new contract manufacturing and research and development agreements, collaboration agreements, government contracts or grants and any payments under these agreements, contracts or grants cannot be easily predicted and may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
At December 31, 2024, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $725.3 million. We have had recurring losses and incurred a loss of $157.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $157.8 million. We believe that the cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at December 31, 2024 are sufficient to meet estimated working capital requirements and fund current planned operations through 2027. This could be impacted if we elect to pay the future milestone under the Settlement Agreement with SRS in cash, in the event that we achieve the milestone related to that payment.
During the next twelve months, we may take further steps to raise additional capital to meet our long-term liquidity needs including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: the licensing of drug candidates with existing or new collaborative partners, possible business combinations, issuance of debt, or the issuance of common stock or other securities via private placements or public offerings. Although we have been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and our negotiating position in capital raising efforts may worsen as existing resources are used. There is also no assurance that we will be able to enter into further collaborative relationships. Additional equity financings may be dilutive to our stockholders; debt financing, if available, may involve significant cash payment obligations and covenants that restrict our ability to operate as a business; and licensing or strategic collaborations may result in royalties or other terms which reduce our economic potential from products under development. Our ability to continue funding our planned operations into and beyond twelve months from the issuance date is also dependent on the timing and manner of payment of the future milestone under the Settlement Agreement with SRS, in the event that we achieve the milestone related to that payment. We may decide to pay that milestone payment in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof. If we are unable to raise the funds necessary to meet our long-term liquidity needs, we may have to delay or discontinue the development of one or more programs, discontinue or delay ongoing or anticipated clinical trials, discontinue or delay our commercial manufacturing efforts, discontinue or delay our efforts to expand into additional indications for our drug product candidates, license out programs earlier than expected, raise funds at a significant discount or on other unfavorable terms, if at all, or sell all or a part of our business.
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $157.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to increases in research and development and general and administrative expenses and an increase in advance payments to clinical research and contract manufacturing organizations, partially offset by an increase in investment income as a result of higher levels of cash and a decrease in payments made under the Settlement Agreement with SRS. We expect that cash used in operating activities will increase over the next twelve months as a result of the expanded development of barzolvolimab.
Net cash used in operating activities was $107.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $103.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to increases in research and development and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in revenue and a decrease in payments made under the Settlement Agreement with SRS.
We have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs in the area of research and development, including preclinical and clinical trials and clinical drug product manufacturing as our drug candidates are developed. We plan to spend significant amounts to progress our current drug candidates through the clinical trial processes as well as to develop additional drug candidates. As our drug candidates progress through the clinical trial process, we may be obligated to make significant milestone payments, pursuant to our existing arrangements and arrangements we may enter in the future.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $290.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $105.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to net purchases of marketable
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securities of $288.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $104.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect that cash provided by investing activities will increase over the next twelve months as we fund our operations through the combination of net proceeds from the sales and maturities of marketable securities, cash provided by financing activities and/or new partnerships, although there may be significant fluctuations on a quarterly basis based on the amount of cash provided by financing activities and/or new partnerships.
Net cash used in investing activities was $105.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $89.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to net purchases of marketable securities of $104.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to net sales and maturities of marketable securities of $91.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $441.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $218.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in net proceeds from stock issuances.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $218.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to an increase in net proceeds from stock issuances.
Equity Offerings
In November 2023, we filed an automatic shelf registration statement with the SEC to register for sale any combination of the types of securities described in the shelf registration statement, including shares of our common stock. Also in November 2023, we issued 8,538,750 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering resulting in net proceeds of $216.2 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.
On February 26, 2024, we entered into a controlled equity offering sales agreement (“ATM Agreement”) with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) to allow us to issue and sell shares of our common stock from time to time through Cantor, acting as agent. At December 31, 2024, we had registered $300.0 million of our common stock to be sold pursuant to the ATM Agreement, all of which remained unsold as of that date.
In March 2024, we issued 9,798,000 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering resulting in net proceeds of $432.3 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We own financial instruments that are sensitive to market risk as part of our investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio is used to preserve our capital until it is used to fund operations, including our research and development activities. None of these market-risk sensitive instruments are held for trading purposes. We invest our cash primarily in money market mutual funds. These investments are evaluated quarterly to determine the fair value of the portfolio. From time to time, we invest our excess cash balances in marketable securities, including municipal bond securities, U.S. government agency securities, and high-grade corporate bonds that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy. Our investment policy seeks to manage these assets to achieve our goals of preserving principal and maintaining adequate liquidity. Because of the short-term nature of these investments, we do not believe we have material exposure due to market risk. The impact to our financial position and results of operations from changes in interest rates is not material.
We do not utilize derivative financial instruments. The carrying amounts reflected in the balance sheet of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables and accounts payable approximates fair value at December 31, 2024 due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance
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regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Research and Development Expenses and Accruals Related to Clinical Research Organization and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization Activities
As described in Notes 2 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, research and development costs, including internal and contract research costs, are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist mainly of clinical trial costs, manufacturing of clinical material, toxicology and other preclinical studies, personnel costs, depreciation, license fees and funding of outside contracted research. Clinical trial expenses include expenses associated with clinical research organization, or CRO, services. Contract manufacturing expenses include expenses associated with contract development & manufacturing organization, or CDMO, services. The invoicing from CROs and CDMOs for services rendered can lag several months. Management accrues the cost of services rendered in connection with CRO and CDMO activities based on their estimate of costs incurred. Management maintains regular communication with their CROs and CDMOs to assess the reasonableness of its estimates. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $163.6 million, the majority of which related to CRO and CDMO activities. Within accrued expenses, total accrued research and development contract costs as of December 31, 2024 amounted to $20.5 million, a majority of which related to CRO and CDMO activities.
The principal consideration for our determination that performing procedures relating to research and development expenses and accruals related to CRO and CDMO activities is a critical audit matter is a high degree of auditor effort in performing procedures related to the Company’s research and development expenses and accruals.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s estimated research and development accruals, including those related to CRO and CDMO activities. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the estimate of research and development accruals related to CROs and CDMOs, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the methods used by management to develop the estimate, (iii) testing, on a sample basis, the completeness and accuracy of costs incurred for services that have been performed and for which the Company has been invoiced by comparing amounts to CRO and CDMO contracts and invoices, and evaluating the reasonableness of the cost incurred for the services for which the Company has not yet been invoiced by comparing estimated amounts to information received from the CROs and CDMOs, and (iv) testing, on a sample basis, classification of research and development expenses.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 27, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
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CELLDEX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets:
Accounts and other receivables 700 2,628
Prepaid and other current assets 21,178 5,467
Property and equipment, net 4,346 4,060
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 3,898 2,577
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 1,452 1,614
Current portion of long-term liabilities 942 3,988
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities 2,361 928
Other long-term liabilities 3,473 4,403
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 15)
Stockholders’ equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,314 3,308
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 792,340 $ 465,627
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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CELLDEX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
Revenues:
Product development and licensing agreements $ 13 $ 278 $ 56
Operating expenses:
Litigation settlement related loss — 12,500 15,000
Basic and diluted net loss per common share $ (2.45) $ (2.92) $ (2.40)
Comprehensive loss:
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities 6 2,048 (634)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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CELLDEX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Accumulated
Common Common Additional Other Total
Stock Stock Par Paid-In Comprehensive Accumulated Stockholders’
Shares Value Capital Income Deficit Equity
Stock-based compensation — — 15,611 — — 15,611
Unrealized loss on marketable securities — — — (634) — (634)
Stock-based compensation — — 23,890 — — 23,890
Stock-based compensation — — 34,242 — — 34,242
Unrealized gain on marketable securities — — — 6 — 6
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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CELLDEX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
Cash flows from operating activities:
Loss on sale or disposal of assets 16 — 2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables 1,928 (2,281) (175)
Prepaid and other current assets (19,887) 5,900 (9,572)
Other assets (9,640) (3) —
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 11,634 9,384 3,123
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment (1,919) (1,818) (1,828)
Proceeds from sale or disposal of assets — — 69
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from stock issuances 432,298 216,222 —
Non-cash investing activities
Accrued construction in progress $ 27 $ 77 $ 113
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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CELLDEX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Nature of Business and Overview
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Celldex”) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to exploring the science of mast cell biology and developing therapeutic antibodies which have the ability to engage the human immune system and/or directly affect critical pathways to improve the lives of patients with severe inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune and other devastating diseases. Our drug candidates include monoclonal and bispecific antibodies designed to address mast cell mediated diseases for which available treatments are inadequate. The Company is primarily focusing its efforts and resources on the continued research and development of barzolvolimab (also referred to as CDX-0159) and CDX-622.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $725.3 million. The Company has had recurring losses and incurred a loss of $157.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $157.8 million. The Company believes that the cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at the filing date of this Form 10-K will be sufficient to meet estimated working capital requirements and fund planned operations for at least the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements.
During the next twelve months and beyond, the Company may take further steps to raise additional capital to meet its long-term liquidity needs including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: the licensing of drug candidates with existing or new collaborative partners, possible business combinations, issuance of debt, or the issuance of common stock or other securities via private placements or public offerings. Although the Company has been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and the Company’s negotiating position in capital-raising efforts may worsen as existing resources are used. There is also no assurance that the Company will be able to enter into further collaborative relationships. Additional equity financings may be dilutive to the Company’s stockholders; debt financing, if available, may involve significant cash payment obligations and covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to operate as a business; and licensing or strategic collaborations may result in royalties or other terms which reduce the Company’s economic potential from products under development. The Company’s ability to continue funding its planned operations beyond twelve months from the issuance date is also dependent on the timing and manner of payment of amounts due under the Settlement Agreement with Shareholder Representative Services LLC (“SRS”) (refer to Note 18), in the event that the Company achieves the milestone related to that payment. The Company, at its option, may decide to pay that milestone payment in cash, shares of its common stock or a combination thereof. If the Company is unable to raise the funds necessary to meet its long-term liquidity needs, it may have to delay or discontinue the development of one or more programs, discontinue or delay ongoing or anticipated clinical trials, discontinue or delay our commercial manufacturing efforts, discontinue or delay our efforts to expand into additional indications for our drug product candidates, license out programs earlier than expected, raise funds at a significant discount or on other unfavorable terms, if at all, or sell all or a part of the Company.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The balance sheets and statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, are consolidated for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. These consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
SegmentInformation
The Company is managed as a single operating and reportable segment that operates in the business of development, manufacturing and commercialization of novel therapeutics for human health care. Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates performance based on consolidated net loss. Other than general and administrative expenses as presented on the consolidated statement of operations, research and development expense disaggregated by program and by nature are considered to be the Company’s significant segment expenses. These results are used, in part, by our CODM in evaluating the performance of the Company by comparing budget to actual results, and to allocate resources. All revenue is derived in and long-lived
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assets are located in the United States. The CODM does not receive asset information other than what is presented on the consolidated balance sheets.
The following table is a summary of the Company’s research and development expenses disaggregated by program. The amounts disclosed reflect direct research and development costs and an allocation of indirect research and development costs to each program.
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
(In thousands)
(a) Other program expenses primarily include research and development expenses related to early-stage programs, revenue-generating programs and discontinued programs.
The following table is a summary of the Company’s research and development expenses disaggregated by nature.
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
(In thousands)
(b) Product development expenses include clinical investigator site fees, external trial monitoring costs, data accumulation costs, contracted research and outside clinical drug product manufacturing.
(c) Other expenses primarily include research and development consulting, insurance, licensing and software expenses.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity date of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds and debt securities.
Marketable Securities
The Company invests its excess cash balances in marketable securities, including municipal bond securities, U.S. government agency securities, and highly rated corporate bonds. The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as current assets on the balance sheets because they are available-for-sale and available to fund current operations. Marketable securities are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Each reporting period, the Company evaluates its investment portfolio to determine if any security is impaired and if an allowance for credit losses should be recorded. As part of this evaluation, the Company considers whether it has the ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery of its amortized cost basis and whether the decline in fair
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value is due to any credit related factors. If an impairment is the result of a credit loss, the Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method and are included in investment and other income, net.
Concentration of Credit Risk and of Significant Customers and Suppliers
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company invests its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities in debt instruments and interest-bearing accounts at major financial institutions in excess of insured limits. The Company mitigates credit risk by limiting the investment type and maturity to securities that preserve capital, maintain liquidity and have a high credit quality. The Company has not historically experienced credit losses from its accounts receivable and therefore has not established an allowance for doubtful accounts.
Revenue from Rockefeller University represented 100%, 95% and 75% of total Company revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company relies on contract development & manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to manufacture drug substance and drug product as well as for future commercial supplies. The Company also relies on CDMOs for supply of raw materials as well as filling, packaging, storing and shipping our drug products.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company has certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in the financial statements. The Company seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from sources independent from the Company) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (the Company’s assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities) when measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities. These assets and liabilities are classified into one of three levels of the following fair value hierarchy as defined by U.S. GAAP:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method. Laboratory equipment and office furniture and equipment are depreciated over five years, and computer equipment is depreciated over three years. Manufacturing equipment is depreciated over seven to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the non-cancelable term of the related lease, including any renewals that are reasonably assured of occurring. Property and equipment under construction is classified as construction in progress and is depreciated or amortized only after the asset is placed in service. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense whereas the costs of significant improvements which extend the life of the underlying asset are capitalized. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the Company’s statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
The treatment of costs to construct property and equipment depends on the nature of the costs and the stage of construction. Costs incurred in the project planning, design, construction and installation phases are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. The Company stops capitalizing these costs when the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. For manufacturing property and equipment, the Company also capitalizes the cost of validating these assets for the underlying manufacturing process. The Company completes the capitalization of validation costs when the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Costs capitalized include incremental labor and fringe benefits, and direct consultancy services.
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Leases
The Company has operating leases of office, manufacturing and laboratory space, which have remaining lease terms of one to three years and may include one or more options to renew or terminate early.
The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as prepaid or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs paid or incentives received. The Company’s leases do not contain an implicit rate, and therefore the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Options to extend or terminate the lease are reflected in the calculation when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. The Company has elected to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component, however non-lease components that are variable, such as common area maintenance and utilities, are generally paid separately from rent based on actual costs incurred and therefore are not included in the right-of-use asset and operating lease liability and are reflected as an expense in the period incurred. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Contingent Consideration
The Company records contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. The Company determines the fair value of the contingent consideration based primarily on the (i) timing and probability of success of clinical events or regulatory approvals; (ii) timing and probability of success of meeting clinical and commercial milestones; and (iii) discount rates. The Company’s contingent consideration liabilities arose in connection with its acquisition of Kolltan. On a quarterly basis, the Company revalues these obligations and records increases or decreases in their fair value as an adjustment to operating earnings. Changes to contingent consideration obligations can result from adjustments to discount rates, accretion of the discount rates due to the passage of time, changes in the Company’s estimates of the likelihood or timing of achieving development or commercial milestones, changes in the probability of certain clinical events or changes in the assumed probability associated with regulatory approval. The assumptions related to determining the value of contingent consideration include a significant amount of judgment, and any changes in the underlying estimates could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration adjustment recorded in any given period.
Intangible Assets
IPR&D assets acquired in a business combination initially are recorded at fair value and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. The valuation model used to measure the fair value of the Company’s IPR&D assets was primarily a discounted cash flow approach. The assumptions used in determining the fair value of the Company’s IPR&D assets include (i) probability of success; (ii) probability of partnership; (iii) partnership milestones; and (iv) discount rate. These assets are capitalized on the Company’s balance sheets until either the project underlying them is completed or the assets become impaired. If a project is completed, the carrying value of the related intangible asset is amortized over the remaining estimated life of the asset beginning in the period in which the project is completed. If a project becomes impaired or is abandoned, the carrying value of the related intangible asset is written down to its fair value and an impairment charge is taken in the period in which the impairment occurs.
Each IPR&D asset is assessed for impairment at least annually or when impairment indicators are present. The Company has the option to assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the IPR&D asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test.
Impairment of Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, right-of-use assets, and intangible assets when circumstances indicate that an event of impairment may have occurred. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written-down to their estimated fair values.
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Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when performance obligations under agreements or contracts are satisfied, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:
● Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer;
● Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
● Determination of the transaction price;
Revenue for the Company is derived from product development agreements with collaborative partners for the research and development of therapeutic drug candidates. The terms of the agreements may include nonrefundable signing and licensing fees, funding for research, development and manufacturing, milestone payments and royalties on any product sales derived from collaborations. The Company assesses the multiple obligations typically within product development contracts to determine the distinct performance obligations and how to allocate the arrangement consideration to each distinct performance obligation. Under product development agreements, revenue is generally recognized using a cost-to-cost measure of progress. Revenue is recognized based on the costs incurred to date as a percentage of the total estimated costs to fulfill the contract. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Due to the nature of the work performed in these arrangements, the estimation of cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables, such as expected clinical trial costs, and requires significant judgements. Circumstances can arise that change original estimates of costs or progress toward completion. Any revisions to estimates are reflected in revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the change in circumstances became known.
Revenue for the Company is also derived from manufacturing and research and development arrangements. The Company operates a cGMP manufacturing facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, to produce drug substance for its current and planned early-stage clinical trials. In order to utilize excess capacity, the Company has, from time to time, entered into contract manufacturing and research and development arrangements in which services are provided on a time-and-material basis or at a negotiated fixed price. Revenue from time-and-material contracts is generally recognized on an output basis as labor hours and/or direct expenses are incurred. Under fixed-price contracts, revenue is generally recognized on an output basis as progress is made toward completion of the performance obligations using surveys of performance completed to date.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The Company classifies the right to consideration in exchange for products or services transferred to a client as either a receivable or a contract asset. A receivable is a right to consideration that is unconditional as compared to a contract asset which is a right to consideration that is conditional upon factors other than the passage of time.
The Company’s contract liabilities result from arrangements where the Company has received payment in advance of performance under the contract. These amounts are included as deferred revenue within current portion of long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs, including internal and contract research costs, are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist mainly of clinical trial costs, manufacturing of clinical material, toxicology and other preclinical studies, personnel costs, depreciation, license fees and funding of outside contracted research.
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Clinical trial expenses include expenses associated with clinical research organization, or CRO, services. Contract manufacturing expenses include expenses associated with contract development & manufacturing organization, or CDMO, services. The invoicing from CROs and CDMOs for services rendered can lag several months. The Company accrues the cost of services rendered in connection with CRO and CDMO activities based on our estimate of costs incurred. The Company maintains regular communication with our CROs and CDMOs to assess the reasonableness of its estimates. Differences between actual expenses and estimated expenses recorded have not been material and are adjusted for in the period in which they become known.
Patent Costs
Patent costs are expensed to general and administrative expense as incurred. Certain patent costs are reimbursed by the Company’s product development and licensing partners. Any reimbursed patent costs are recorded as product development and licensing agreement revenues in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company records stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees, consultants and non-employee directors based on the estimated fair values of the stock-based awards expected to vest at the grant date and adjusts, if necessary, to reflect actual forfeitures. Compensation expense for all stock-based awards is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of vesting or performance.
Foreign Currency Translation
Net unrealized gains and losses resulting from foreign currency translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, accumulated other comprehensive income includes a net unrealized gain related to foreign currency translation of $2.6 million.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes, including the recognition of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective tax basis. Quarterly, the Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recovery. A valuation allowance is established when the Company believes that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s tax provision in the period of change.
The Company records uncertain tax positions in the financial statements only if it is more likely than not that the uncertain tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is comprised of net loss and certain changes in stockholders’ equity that are excluded from net loss. The Company includes foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities in other comprehensive loss. The statements of operations and comprehensive loss reflect total comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
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Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per common share is based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding restricted stock that has been issued but is not yet vested. Diluted net loss per common share is based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus additional weighted-average potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period when the effect is dilutive. In periods in which the Company reports a net loss, there is no difference between basic and diluted net loss per share because dilutive shares of common stock are not assumed to have been issued as their effect is anti-dilutive. The potentially dilutive common shares that have not been included in the net loss per common share calculations because the effect would have been anti-dilutive are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Newly-Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosure of significant segment expenses. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 apply to public entities, including those with a single reportable segment. The Company retrospectively adopted this ASU for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the adoption of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires public entities to disclose specific categories in the effective tax rate reconciliation, as well as additional information for reconciling items that exceed a quantitative threshold. ASU 2023-09 also requires all entities to disclose income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes, and further disaggregated for specific jurisdictions that exceed 5% of total income taxes paid, among other expanded disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2023-09 may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2024, the SEC adopted final rules requiring public entities to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The rules require disclosure of, among other things: material climate-related risks; activities to mitigate or adapt to such risks; governance and management of such risks; and material greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from operations owned or controlled (Scope 1) and/or indirect emissions from purchased energy consumed in operations (Scope 2). Additionally, the rules require disclosure in the notes to the financial statements of the effects of severe weather events and other natural conditions, subject to certain materiality thresholds. In April 2024, the SEC voluntarily stayed the new rules as a result of pending legal challenges. Absent the result of pending legal challenges, and the removal of the stay, the rules were to become effective on a phased-in timeline, with the first requirements to be adopted for the Company’s fiscal year beginning in 2025. The Company is assessing the effect of the new rules on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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(3) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is reported as a component of stockholders’ equity, for the year ended December 31, 2024 are summarized below:
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Marketable Foreign
Securities Currency Items Total
(In thousands)
Other comprehensive gain 6 — 6
No amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
(4) Fair Value Measurements
The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements:
As of
December 31, 2024 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
(In thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds and cash equivalents $ 9,927 — $ 9,927 —
As of
December 31, 2023 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
(In thousands)
Assets:
Money market funds and cash equivalents $ 19,803 — $ 19,803 —
The Company’s financial assets consist mainly of cash equivalents and marketable securities and are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The Company values its marketable securities utilizing independent pricing services which normally derive security prices from recently reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments based on significant observable transactions. At each balance sheet date, observable market inputs may include trade information, broker or dealer quotes, bids, offers or a combination of these data sources.
Contingent consideration liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs were $0.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The valuation technique used to measure fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities, which consist of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Kolltan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Kolltan”) in 2016, is primarily an income approach. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration are estimates including probability of success, discount rates and amount of time until the conditions of the milestone payment are met.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a $6.9 million gain on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration primarily due to the Company’s decision to deprioritize the CDX-1140 program. The assumptions related to determining the value of contingent consideration include a significant amount of judgment, and any changes in the underlying estimates could have a material impact on the amount of contingent consideration adjustment recorded in any given period.
The Company did not have any transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value measurement classifications during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
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(5) Marketable Securities
The following is a summary of marketable debt securities, classified as available-for-sale:
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
(In thousands)
December 31, 2024
Marketable securities
U.S. government and municipal obligations
Corporate debt securities
December 31, 2023
Marketable securities
U.S. government and municipal obligations
Maturing after one year through three years 26,009 77 — 26,086
Corporate debt securities
Maturing after one year through three years 45,977 257 — 46,234
The Company holds investment grade marketable securities. Unrealized losses are generally attributable to changes in interest rates. The aggregate fair value of marketable securities held by the Company in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $142.5 million and $80.4 million, respectively. The Company has the intent and ability to hold its marketable securities until recovery and has determined that there has been no material change to the Company’s credit risk. As a result, the Company determined it did not hold any investments with a credit loss at December 31, 2024.
Marketable securities include $6.1 million and $1.9 million in accrued interest at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(6) Property and Equipment, Net
Property and Equipment, net includes the following:
December 31, December 31,
(In thousands)
Office furniture and equipment 3,965 3,738
Construction in progress 139 787
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (23,464) (22,385)
Property and equipment, net $ 4,346 $ 4,060
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Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(7)Leases
The Company has operating leases of office, manufacturing and laboratory space, which have remaining lease terms of one to three years and may include one or more options to renew.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded right of use assets and lease liabilities of $2.9 million, $0.1 million and $2.5million related to new leases and lease extensions, respectively.
Operating lease expense was $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $1.9 million for years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Variable lease expense was $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million for years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $2.0 million, $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted-average remaining lease term was 2 years and the weighted-average discount rate was 10.0%, compared to a weighted-average remaining lease term of 2 years and weighted average discount rate of 10.0% as of December 31, 2023.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
Total lease payments 4,282
Less imputed interest (469)
Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 3,813
(8) Intangible Assets
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the carrying value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets was $27.2 million. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) related to the development of the anti-KIT program (including barzolvolimab). Barzolvolimab is in Phase 3 development. As of December 31, 2024, the IPR&D asset related to the anti-KIT program had not reached technological feasibility nor did the asset have alternative future uses.
The Company performs an impairment test on IPR&D assets at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that IPR&D assets may be impaired.
The Company performed its annual impairment test of the IPR&D asset related to the development of the anti-KIT program (including barzolvolimab) during the fourth quarter of 2024 and concluded that the IPR&D asset was not impaired. Due to the nature of IPR&D projects, the Company may experience future delays or failures to obtain regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials, failures of such clinical trials or other failures to achieve a commercially viable product, and as a result, may recognize further impairment losses in the future.
(9) Other Assets
The Company records advance payments for services that will not be performed within one year of the balance sheet date as other assets. Such amounts will be recognized as expense in the period in which the related services are performed. Advance payments reflected within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets were $9.6 million and $0.0 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
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(10) Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses include the following:
December 31, December 31,
(In thousands)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits $ 11,568 $ 9,348
Accrued research and development contract costs 20,544 10,864
Accrued professional fees 1,392 1,439
Other accrued expenses 338 378