imux-20241231
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
or
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:001-36201
Immunic, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
1200 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 200
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(332) 255-9818
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Trading symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value IMUX The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No☒
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes No☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b)☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on June 30, 2024 was $100.0 million.
On March 15, 2025, 90,150,869 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, were outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: Certain portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Immunic, Inc.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024
Table of Contents
Page
PART I 2
Item 1. Business. 2
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 20
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 58
Item 1C. Cybersecurity 58
Item 2. Properties. 59
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 59
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 59
Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 61
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 74
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 74
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 75
Item 9B. Other Information. 75
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection 75
PART III 77
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 77
Item 11. Executive Compensation. 77
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. 77
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. 78
Signatures
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are based on our management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management, and are contained principally in the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “best in class,” “could,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “expects,” “first-in-class,” “focused,” “goal,” “intends,” “may,” “objective,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “pursuing,” “should,” “target,” “treatment option,” “will,” “would,” “might,” “can,” “continue” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.
These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about:
•the strategies, prospects, plans, expectations and objectives of management;
•our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards;
•strategies with respect to our development programs,including our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates and the timing and expected data of clinical trials and preclinical studies;
•our estimates regarding revenues, expenses, capital requirements, projected cash requirements and needs for additional financing
•possible sources of funding for future operations;
•our ability to protect intellectual property rights and our intellectual property position;
•future economic conditions or performance;
•proposed products or product candidates;
•our ability to retain key personnel;
•our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; and
•beliefs and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements including those described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report, unless an earlier date is specified. You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference in this Annual Report and have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as exhibits hereto completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
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PART I
Item 1. Business.
Overview
Immunic, Inc. ("Immunic," “we,” “us,” “our” or the "Company") is a biotechnology company developing a clinical pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies focused on treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We are headquartered in New York City with our main operations in Gräfelfing near Munich, Germany. We had 91 employees as of March 1, 2025.
We are pursuing clinical development of orally administered, small molecule programs, each of which has unique features intended to directly address the unmet needs of patients with serious chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. These include the vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838) program, which is in Phase 3 and Phase 2 clinical development for patients with relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis (“MS”), respectively, and which has shown therapeutic activity in Phase 2 clinical trials in patients suffering from relapsing-remitting MS (“RRMS”), progressive MS and moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (“UC”); the IMU-856 program, which is targeted to regenerate bowel epithelium and restore intestinal barrier function, which could potentially be applicable in numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”), Graft-versus-Host-Disease ("GvHD") and weight management; and the IMU-381 program, which is a next generation molecule being developed to specifically address the needs of gastrointestinal diseases.
The following table summarizes the potential indications, clinical targets and clinical development status of our three product candidates:
Our most advanced drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), is being tested in several ongoing MS trials as part of its overall clinical program in order to support potential approvals for patients with MS in major markets. The Phase 3 ENSURE program of vidofludimus calcium in relapsing multiple sclerosis (“RMS”), comprising twin studies evaluating efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo, and the Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium in progressive multiple sclerosis (“PMS”), designed to corroborate vidofludimus calcium’s neuroprotective potential, are ongoing. On October 9, 2023, we announced positive interim data from the CALLIPER trial, showing biomarker evidence that vidofludimus calcium’s activity extends beyond the previously observed anti-inflammatory effects, thereby further reinforcing its neuroprotective potential. Top-line data from the CALLIPER trial, for which the recruitment of 467 total patients was completed in August 2023, is expected to be available in April 2025. Moreover, on October 22, 2024, we announced a positive outcome of an interim analysis of the ENSURE program, with an unblinded Independent Data Monitoring Committee ("IDMC") confirming that the predetermined futility criteria have not been met and recommending that both ENSURE trials should continue without changes, including no need for a potential increase of the sample size. Completion of the first of the ENSURE trials is currently anticipated in the second quarter of 2026; and the completion of the second ENSURE trial in the second half of 2026. Although we currently believe that each of these goals is achievable, they are each dependent on numerous factors, most of which are not under our direct control and can be difficult to predict. We plan to periodically review this assessment and provide updates of material changes as appropriate.
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If approved, we believe that vidofludimus calcium, with combined neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects as well as a favorable safety and tolerability profile, has the potential to be a unique treatment option targeted to the complex pathophysiology of MS. Preclinical data showed that vidofludimus calcium activates the neuroprotective transcription factor nuclear receptor-related 1 (“Nurr1”), which is associated with direct neuroprotective properties and may enhance the potential benefit for patients. Additionally, vidofludimus calcium is a known inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (“DHODH”), which is a key enzyme in the metabolism of overactive immune cells and virus-infected cells. This mechanism is associated with the anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of vidofludimus calcium. We believe that the combined mechanisms of vidofludimus calcium are unique in the MS space and support the therapeutic performance shown in our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in RRMS patients, in particular, via data illustrating the potential to reduce magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) lesions, prevent relapses, reduce the rate of disability progression, and reduce levels of serum neurofilament light chain (“NfL”), an important biomarker of neuronal damage. Vidofludimus calcium has shown a consistent pharmacokinetic, safety and tolerability profile in clinical trials reported, to date, and has already been exposed to approximately 2,700 human subjects and patients in either of the drug’s formulations.
IMU-856 is an orally available and systemically acting small molecule modulator that targets Sirtuin 6 (“SIRT6”), a protein which serves as a transcriptional regulator of intestinal barrier function and regeneration of bowel epithelium. Based on preclinical data, we believe this compound may represent a unique treatment approach, as the mechanism of action targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function and bowel wall architecture in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, IBD, GvHD and other intestinal barrier function associated diseases. Based on preclinical investigations demonstrating no suppression of immune cells, IMU-856 may have the potential to maintain immune surveillance for patients during therapy, which would be an important advantage versus immunosuppressive medications and may allow the potential for combination with available treatments in gastroenterological diseases.
Data from a Phase 1b clinical trial in celiac disease patients during periods of gluten-free diet and gluten challenge demonstrated positive effects for IMU-856 over placebo in four key dimensions of celiac disease pathophysiology: protection of the gut architecture, improvement of patients’ symptoms, biomarker response, and enhancement of nutrient absorption. IMU-856 was also observed to be safe and well-tolerated in this trial. In a post hoc analysis of this Phase 1b clinical trial, IMU-856 demonstrated a dose-dependent increase of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 (“GLP-1”) levels. IMU-856 also showed a dose-dependent reduction of body weight gain and food consumption in preclinical in vivo testing. These two effects may indicate the potential for IMU-856 as an oral treatment option for weight management. Contingent on financing, licensing or partnering, we are currently preparing clinical Phase 2 testing of IMU-856 in patients with ongoing active celiac disease (“OACD”) despite gluten-free diet, while also considering further potential clinical applications in other gastrointestinal disorders.
Immunic has selected IMU-381 as a development candidate to specifically address the needs of gastrointestinal diseases. IMU-381 is a next generation molecule with improved overall properties, supported by a series of chemical derivatives. IMU-381 is currently in preclinical testing.
Additional research and development activities remain ongoing through preclinical research examining the potential to treat a broad set of neuroinflammatory, autoimmune and viral diseases with new molecules leveraging our chemical and pharmacological research platform as well as generated intellectual property in these areas.
We expect to continue to lead most of our research and development activities from our Gräfelfing, Germany location, where dedicated scientific, regulatory, clinical and medical teams conduct their activities. Due to these teams' key relationships with local and international service providers, we anticipate that this should result in more timely and cost-effective execution of our development programs. In addition, we are using our subsidiary in Melbourne, Australia to perform research and development activities in the Australasia region. We also conduct preclinical work in our laboratory in Martinsried, Germany and in Halle/Saale, Germany through a collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute.
Our business, operating results, financial condition and growth prospects are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including delays in clinical trials, the failure of our clinical trials to meet their endpoints, failure to obtain regulatory approval and failure to obtain needed additional funding on acceptable terms, if at all, to complete the development and commercialization of our three development programs.
Strategy
We are focused on the development of new molecules that maximize the therapeutic benefits for patients by uniquely addressing biologically relevant immunological targets. We take advantage of our established research and development infrastructure and operations in Germany and Australia to more efficiently develop our product candidates in indications of high unmet need and where the product candidates have the potential to elevate the standard of care for the benefit of patients.
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Given the mechanisms of action and the data generated for our product candidates, to date, we continue to execute on the clinical development of our programs for established indications as well as explore additional indications where patients could potentially benefit from the unique profiles of each product candidate.
We are currently focused on maximizing the potential of our development programs through the following strategic initiatives:
•Executing the ongoing Phase 3 ENSURE clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium in RMS.
•Completing the Phase 2 CALLIPER clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium in PMS.
•Executing the IMU-856 development program, including preparation of a Phase 2 clinical trial.
•Continuing preclinical research to complement the existing clinical activities, explore additional indications for potential future development and generating additional molecules for potential future development.
•Facilitating readiness for potential commercial launch of our product candidates through targeted and stage-appropriate pre-commercial activities.
•Evaluating potential strategic collaborations for each product candidate in order to complement our existing research and development capabilities and to facilitate potential commercialization of these product candidates by taking advantage of the resources and capabilities of strategic collaborators in order to enhance the potential and value of each product candidate.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
We have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. We have never been profitable and has incurred operating losses in each year since inception in 2016. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $511.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and $410.9 million as of December 31, 2023. Substantially all of our operating losses resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research and development programs and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations.
We expect to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future as we initiate and continue the development of our product candidates and add personnel necessary to advance our pipeline of product candidates. We expect that our operating losses will fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year due to timing of development programs.
From inception through December 31, 2024, we have raised net cash of approximately $430.9 million from private and public offerings of preferred stock, common stock, pre-funded warrants and tranche rights. As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $35.7 million. With these funds, we do not have adequate liquidity to fund our operations for at least twelve months from the issuance of these consolidated financial statements without raising additional capital, but such actions are not solely within the control of the Company. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital, it would have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company, its clinical development program, and the Company may have to cease operations altogether. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Key Status Updates
Private Placement of up to $240 Million (the "January 2024 Financing")
On January 4, 2024, Immunic entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with select accredited and institutional investors, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Investors in a three-tranche private placement shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share or in lieu thereof, pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable immediately for $0.0001 per share until exercised in full.
•The first tranche, which closed on January 8, 2024, resulted in the purchase by the Investors of an aggregate of $80 million of Common Stock (or pre-funded warrants) from the Company at a price of $1.43 per share;
•The second tranche is a conditional mandatory purchase by the Investors of an additional $80 million of Common Stock (or pre-funded warrants) from the Company at a price of $1.716 per share, equal to 120% of the price paid in the first tranche and is subject to the satisfaction of three conditions:
◦release by the Company of topline data from its Phase 2b clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838) in progressive multiple sclerosis, which data is currently expected in or around April 2025;
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◦the 10-day volume-weighted average price of the Common Stock is at least $8.00 per share during the 6 months following the data release; and
◦aggregate trading volume during the same 10-day period is at least $100 million.
•The third tranche must occur no later than three years after the second tranche and is conditioned on the same volume-weighted average share price and minimum trading volumes as the second tranche. The third tranche provides for the issuance of $80 million of shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants) at the same price per share as the second tranche, but permits investors to fund their purchase obligations on a “cashless” or net settlement basis, which would reduce the cash proceeds to be raised by the Company in the January 2024 Financing.
Any of the conditions in the second or third tranches can be waived by holders of a majority of the outstanding securities (including the lead investor). The fair value methodology used by the Company assumed the conditions will be waived if the trading price of the stock exceeds the purchase price.
The January 2024 Financing resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $80 million in the first tranche, and an additional $80 million if and when the second tranche occurs. If the second tranche is completed and conditions for the third tranche are satisfied or waived, the Company could receive up to an additional $80 million in the third tranche. However, the amount of cash received in the third tranche would depend on the extent to which the Investors elect to fund the third tranche through a “cashless” or net settlement basis. Therefore, total gross proceeds from the offering to the Company could actually be between $80 million and $240 million. Gross proceeds to the Company will be reduced by fees paid to the placement agents, capital markets advisors and payments of transaction expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the January 2024 Financing to fund the ongoing clinical development of its three lead product candidates, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), IMU-856 and IMU-381, and for other general corporate purposes.
As of the closing date of the transaction of January 8, 2024, the Company did not have enough authorized shares to be able to issue the potential shares for tranche 2 and tranche 3 (collectively referred to hereafter as "the tranche rights"). Therefore, the Company recorded the value associated to the tranche rights as a liability of $23.6 million and allocated the remainder of the $80 million received (or approximately $56.4 million) from the common stock and pre-funded warrants to equity. On March 4, 2024, at a special meeting of stockholders, the stockholders voted to increase the Company's authorized common shares from 130 million to 500 million shares. As a result of the ability to issue shares in satisfaction of the tranche rights, the instrument was reclassified to stockholders' equity. The Company allocated the transaction cost across the instruments on a relative fair value basis. As a result, $4.0 million was netted against the equity proceeds and $1.7 million was recorded in other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The January 2024 Financing was led by BVF Partners L.P., and included participation from new and existing investors, including Avidity Partners, Janus Henderson Investors, Soleus Capital, RTW Investments and Adage Capital Partners LP. Leerink Partners acted as the lead placement agent and Ladenburg Thalmann acted as a placement agent in connection with the offering. Piper Sandler, B. Riley Securities and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC, acted as capital markets advisors to the Company.
The Company registered for resale by the investors in the January 2024 Financing up to 55,944,850 shares of common stock issued (or issuable upon exercise of pre-funded warrants) in the first tranche. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of these shares of common stock. These shares are registered on a registration statement on Form S-3 (registration No. 333-277040), which was declared effective by the SEC on April 30, 2024.
Notice of Allowance for Composition-of-Matter Patent of a Specific Polymorph of Vidofludimus Calcium in the United States
On March 20, 2024, we announced Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) for patent application 16/981,122, entitled, “Calcium salt polymorphs as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative agents,” covering the composition-of-matter of a specific polymorph of vidofludimus calcium and a related method of production of the material. The claims are expected to provide protection into 2041, unless extended further. The patent was previously granted to the company in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan and Mexico.
Publication of Extended Data From Phase 2 EMPhASIS Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in RRMS in the Peer Reviewed Journal, Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation
On April 30, 2024, we announced that data from our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RRMS has been published online on April 25, 2024 in Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The paper, lead authored by coordinating investigator, Robert J. Fox, M.D., Staff
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Neurologist, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Vice-Chair for Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, is entitled, “Safety and Dose-Response of Vidofludimus Calcium in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Extended Results of a Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial.”
Appointment of Jason Tardio as Chief Operating Officer and President and Promotion of Werner Gladdines to Chief Development Officer
On July 9, 2024, we announced that seasoned biopharmaceutical executive, Jason Tardio, will be joining the company as Chief Operating Officer and President, effective July 12, 2024. In the newly created role, Mr. Tardio leads internal efforts to prepare for the potential launch of vidofludimus calcium. Jason also works closely with Patrick Walsh, Chief Business Officer, to prepare the Company for a range of potential partnership outcomes for vidofludimus calcium, as well as our other drug candidates.
On July 9, 2024, we also reported that Werner Gladdines, former Vice President, Program Management & Clinical Development Operations, has been promoted to Chief Development Officer. In his new role, Mr. Gladdines takes over additional strategic and operational responsibility for our overall clinical operations functions.
Appointment of Simona Skerjanec to Board of Directors
On July 24, 2024, we announced the appointment of Simona Skerjanec, M.Pharm, MBA, a thought-leader in brain health with decades of experience in drug development and commercialization, as a member of our Board of Directors, effective as of July 22, 2024. As a Class I director, Ms. Skerjanec’s term lasts until the Company’s 2027 annual meeting of stockholders.
First Patient Enrolled in Investigator-Sponsored Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Patients with Post COVID Syndrome
On September 4, 2024, we announced enrollment of the first patient in an investigator-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium, entitled, “Randomized Adaptive Assessment of Post COVID Syndrome Treatments_Reducing Inflammatory Activity in Patients with Post COVID Syndrome (RAPID_REVIVE).” The Phase 2 RAPID_REVIVE trial, for which Immunic is providing study medication, is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial sponsored by the Goethe University Frankfurt, which received trial funding via a grant from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Hosted Two Multiple Sclerosis R&D Days in New York City and San Francisco
At two MS R&D Days, on September 10, 2024 in New York City and on April 9, 2024 in San Francisco, management discussed the latest developments in the MS landscape, along with recent mode of action, preclinical and clinical data supporting the combined neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiviral profile of vidofludimus calcium.
Presented Key Vidofludimus Calcium Data at the 40th Congress of ECTRIMS, Highlighting Its Therapeutic Potential in Multiple Sclerosis
On September 18, 2024, we announced the presentation of key data at the 40th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (“ECTRIMS”), highlighting vidofludimus calcium’s therapeutic potential in MS. The data was presented in an oral poster presentation and three ePosters at this conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Positive Outcome of Interim Analysis of Phase 3 ENSURE Program of Vidofludimus Calcium in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
On October 22, 2024, we announced a positive outcome of an interim analysis of our Phase 3 ENSURE program, investigating vidofludimus calcium for the treatment of RMS. An unblinded IDMC confirmed that the predetermined futility criteria have not been met and recommended that both ENSURE trials should continue without changes. The IDMC considered if a sample size adjustment would be appropriate for either of the two trials based on factors that include statistical analysis and ultimately recommended that the sample sizes for both trials should remain unchanged.
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Announced Publication of Data From Phase 1/1b Clinical Trial of IMU-856 in the Peer Reviewed Journal, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
On November 13, 2024, we announced that the data from our Phase 1/1b clinical trial of IMU-856, has been published in the peer reviewed journal, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Lead authored by Dr. A. James Daveson, Gastroenterologist, Wesley Research Institute and Coral Sea Clinical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia, the paper is entitled, “Safety, clinical activity, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of IMU-856, a SIRT6 modulator, in coeliac disease: a first-in-human, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 trial.”
IMU-856 Demonstrated Dose-Dependent Increase of GLP-1 in Celiac Disease Patients and Corresponding Effects in Preclinical Testing
On February 20, 2025, we announced that IMU-856 demonstrated a dose-dependent increase of endogenous GLP-1 levels in a post hoc analysis of patients from our Phase 1b clinical trial in celiac disease. IMU-856 also showed a dose-dependent reduction of body weight gain and food consumption in preclinical in vivo testing. These effects may indicate the potential for IMU-856 as an oral treatment option for weight management.
The post hoc analysis of our Phase 1b clinical trial of IMU-856 in celiac disease patients measured blood concentrations of GLP-1, between baseline and day 28, in a fasting state. A highly statistically significant (day 29: 80 mg p=0.014; 160 mg p=0.003) and dose-dependent increase of GLP-1 versus placebo control was detectable, even in the small patient population in this Phase 1b clinical trial (baseline: N placebo = 11, N 80 mg IMU-856 = 13, N 160 mg IMU-856 = 13). These clinical findings were corroborated by effects observed in a 6-month preclinical in vivo study, where IMU-856 was found to reduce body weight gain accompanied by food consumption in a dose-dependent fashion up to -40 %, compared to the control group, which was found to be linked to reduced food intake.
Product Acquisition History
Our wholly-owned German subsidiary Immunic AG acquired vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant in September 2016 through asset acquisitions from 4SC AG (hereinafter, “4SC”), a publicly traded company based in Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. On March 31, 2021, Immunic AG and 4SC entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of a 4.4% royalty on net sales for $17.25 million. The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Immunic’s common stock.
Our rights to IMU-856 are secured pursuant to an option and license agreement (the “Daiichi Sankyo Option”) with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, "Daiichi Sankyo") in Tokyo, Japan. On January 5, 2020, Immunic AG exercised its option under the Daiichi Sankyo Option to acquire the exclusive global rights to commercialize IMU-856. The license also grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856. Concurrent with the option exercise, Immunic AG paid to Daiichi Sankyo a one-time upfront licensing fee. Going forward, Daiichi Sankyo is eligible to receive future development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
Leadership
We are led by a team of dedicated and committed experienced professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and track record of successful licensing transactions in the healthcare industry, worldwide. The team brings together several decades of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a strong scientific background and sound knowledge in drug discovery, product development, chemistry, manufacturing and controls processes, intellectual property, clinical trial design, health economics and market access, merger and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate finance, business development, regulatory affairs and project valuation. Our team members are inventors on project-related patents and have successfully published project-related scientific publications.
Product Candidates
Vidofludimus Calcium (IMU-838)
Vidofludimus calcium is a small molecule investigational drug in development as an oral next-generation treatment option for patients with MS and other chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. If approved, we believe that vidofludimus calcium, with combined neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects as well as a favorable safety and tolerability profile, has the potential to be a unique treatment option targeted to the complex pathophysiology of MS.
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Preclinical data showed that vidofludimus calcium activates the neuroprotective transcription factor Nurr1, which is associated with direct neuroprotective properties and may enhance the potential benefit for patients. Nurr1 activation mediates its neuroprotective function by acting in microglia, astrocytes and neurons. In microglia and astrocytes, Nurr1 activation leads to a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and blocks the production of direct neurotoxic agents like reactive oxygen species (“ROS”) and nitric oxide (“NO”). Enhanced Nurr1 activity in neurons mediates neuronal survival and differentiation, as well as improved neurotransmission. Therefore, activation of Nurr1 by vidofludimus calcium may halt neurodegeneration and disability progression in patients suffering from MS and other degenerative diseases.
Additionally, vidofludimus calcium is a known inhibitor of the enzyme DHODH, which is a key enzyme in the metabolism of overactive immune cells and virus-infected cells. This mechanism is associated with the anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of vidofludimus calcium. By inhibiting DHODH, a key enzyme of pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis, highly metabolically active T and B immune cells experience metabolic stress, which leads to a modulation of their activity and function. By addressing only highly metabolically active immune cells, vidofludimus calcium may reduce focal inflammation in the brain, without impacting normal acting immune cells.
Based on the selectivity toward metabolically activated cells (with a high need for ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid production), DHODH inhibition also leads to a direct antiviral effect, which has been observed in various virus infected cells, such as Epstein-Barr virus (“EBV”) infections, hepatitis C virus infections, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (“SARS-CoV-2”) infections, cytomegalovirus infections and even hemorrhagic fever-causing viruses, such as Arena virus infections. Treatment with vidofludimus calcium may avoid virus infections and reactivations, one of the major drawbacks of the long-term use of traditional immunomodulators. In addition, the blockage of reactivation of EBV could be of highest importance for MS patients, as infection with and reactivation of EBV was brought into connection with disease onset and progression (Bjornevik et al., 2022/Lanz et al., 2022/Schneider-Hohendorf et al., 2022).
Efficacy of vidofludimus has been observed in several animal disease models for MS, IBD, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus and transplant rejection. Previous filings by us with the SEC have summarized the development history of vidofludimus and the previous amorphous formulation of the free acid form of vidofludimus. After the consummation of the asset acquisition from 4SC, we developed and filed several new patent applications for a new specific polymorph of the calcium salt formulation of vidofludimus, vidofludimus calcium, which we believe exhibits improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (“PK”) properties. In 2017, we completed two Phase 1 studies of single or repeated once-daily doses of vidofludimus calcium in healthy human subjects, where we observed results supporting tolerability of repeated daily dosing of up to 50 mg of vidofludimus calcium.
We also completed a Phase 1 trial in a total of 24 patients with either no liver function impairment or liver disease of Child-Pugh A Child-Pugh B grade which was designed to explore dose optimization of vidofludimus calcium. The study showed little influence on the PK of vidofludimus calcium in patients with Child-Pugh A Child-Pugh B liver impairment.
Indication: Multiple Sclerosis
Diagnosis and Prevalence
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. In MS, myelin, the coating that protects the nerves, is attacked and damaged by the immune system. Thus, MS is considered an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system ("CNS"). MS is a progressive disease which, without effective treatment, leads to severe disability. We are developing vidofludimus calcium for the treatment of RMS and PMS.
RMS is the most common form of MS. Approximately 85% of patients with MS are expected to develop RMS, with some patients developing more progressive forms of the disease. RMS is characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. These relapses are followed by periods of remissions, or partial or complete recovery. During remissions, all symptoms may disappear, or some symptoms may continue and become permanent.
PMS includes both primary progressive MS (“PPMS”), and secondary progressive MS (“SPMS”). PPMS is characterized by steadily worsening neurologic function from the onset of symptoms without initial relapse or remissions. SPMS is identified following an initial relapsing-remitting course, after which the disease becomes more steadily progressive, with or without other disease activity present. Active SPMS, the progressive disease form where relapses and MRI lesions are still present, is generally counted to the RMS spectrum. The forms of SPMS that are considered part of the PMS spectrum are non-active SPMS (where disability worsening occurs despite no relapses observed in the last 24 months and no MRI lesions present in the last 12 months) or non-relapsing SPMS (where no relapses occurred in the last 24 months, but MRI lesions may be present at any time).
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MS is a disease with unpredictable symptoms that can vary widely. Common early signs of MS include vision problems, tingling and numbness or other unspecific neurological symptoms. Diagnosis of MS can be confirmed via blood tests and a spinal tap, in which a small sample of fluid is removed from the spinal cord. However, most important for diagnosis are characteristic CNS lesions detected by MRI.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2019), there are nearly one million patients in the United States living with MS. The MS International Federation (2021) indicates there are more than one million patients with MS in Europe as well. The disease has a large economic impact as it affects mainly young adults in the prime working age, peaking around 30 years old, although MS can occur in children and in adults. MS is up to three times more common in women than in men (Green J, Dunn WH 2012) . MS affects twice as many women and men in certain age cohorts and is more common in areas inhabited by people of northern European ancestry, such as Europe, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and parts of Australia.
Evolution in Understanding of Disease Drivers of MS
The presence of a “smoldering disease” in the background of MS that leads to progression independent of relapse activity (“PIRA”) was suggested by a large meta-analysis of clinical data in more than 35,000 MS patients (Lublin et al., 2022). PIRA was traditionally believed to be the dominant driver of disease worsening in PMS and this was confirmed by this study as well. However, the study also found that approximately half of the disability accumulating in RMS patients were not related to relapse activity. This suggests that other mechanisms including PIRA already contribute half of the disability to disease progression in RMS – already from early stages of the disease. In addition, this investigation found that currently available drugs were able to delay or avoid disability associated with relapse activity but were unable to diminish the impact of PIRA. This confirms that PIRA presumably is caused by a process that is not addressed by currently used anti-inflammatory medications which predominantly address focal inflammation in MS. Therefore, the medical need to find treatments with a neuroprotective potential to substantially influence PIRA remains high.
Bjornevik et al. (2022) shed additional light on the role of EBV infection previously postulated to trigger MS. They analyzed EBV antibodies in serum from 801 individuals who developed MS among a cohort of more than 10 million people active in the US military over a 20-year period (1993 to 2013). Risk of MS increased 32-fold after infection with EBV but was not increased after infection with other viruses, including the similarly transmitted cytomegalovirus. Serum levels of NfL, a biomarker of axonal damage, increased only after EBV seroconversion. These findings cannot be explained by any known risk factor for MS and suggest EBV as the leading cause of MS. In addition, antibody producing cells directed against the latent EBV protein EBNA1 were found in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients. Cross reactivity of anti-EBNA1 antibodies against GlialCAM, a protein that is predominantly expressed in glial cells in the CNS and potentially important in the myelination process of axons, further corroborates the connection between EBV infections and pathologic processes in MS (Lanz et al., 2022). Schneider-Hohendorf et al. (2022) investigated the T cell repertoire in MS patients and control populations, basically highlighting the top antigens that are seen by T cells on an ongoing basis. The study found that EBV-related antigens were on top of the list of antigens seen by T cells in MS patients but not in other EBV-infected populations. These results suggest that ongoing EBV reactivation seems to be an ongoing trigger for the immune system in MS patients and may be the trigger for disease progression and ongoing neurodegenerative processes.
Current Treatment Options
There are currently two main approaches to treating RMS. Some therapies, such as short-term corticosteroid medications, are used for treating relapses of MS symptoms. Other approaches are used as long-term treatments to reduce the number of relapses and prevent or slow down disability progression. The latter are referred to as disease-modifying therapies. We intend to develop vidofludimus calcium as a disease-modifying therapy for RMS.
Historically, the initial treatment options for RMS patients are often beta interferons (either as interferon beta-1a or interferon beta-1b) or glatiramer acetate, all of which are given by injection. In addition, there are several oral medications, such as dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, siponimod, ponesimod, teriflunomide, ozanimod or cladribine, and biologics, such as natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ublituximab, ofatumumab or alemtuzumab, approved for commercial use in MS in various countries. All of these medications are commonly used across the spectrum of patients with RMS.Some of these drugs have generic versions available in some countries and other drugs will become generic in the next years.
With regard to PMS, there is currently only one drug approved: Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) specifically for the treatment of PPMS. There are no relevant treatments available in the United States for non-active SPMS. Other available medications in MS have previously been tested in different forms of PMS, such as siponimod in the Phase 3 EXPAND trial in SPMS patients.
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Although the study found a statistically significant effect in active SPMS patients, the treatment for non-active SPMS patients remained elusive. It also highlighted the fact that currently available anti-inflammatory treatments in RMS may in general have no utility in non-active SPMS as the disease progress may be predominantly driven by “smoldering disease” rather than focal inflammation. Therefore, the unmet medical need in PMS remains high, in particular for the non-active SPMS patient population, where the highest medical need for new therapies exists.
There is no specific guidance on which therapies or medications are used in which sequence of the MS disease course. Typically, treatments are escalated over time, considering:
•Level and progression of MS disease activity (relapse(s), disability worsening, MRI lesions),
•Risks of long-term immunosuppression,
•Patient preferences or risks perceptions, and
•Safety/tolerability aspects.
Many drugs approved for patients with RMS work through anti-inflammatory mechanisms by suppressing the immune system, either broadly or by targeting classes of immune cells, altering how the immune system functions and fights certain infections. As a result, people who take these therapies are at higher risk for John Cunningham virus infection or re-activation, which is believed to be the cause of a rare and often lethal viral disease of the brain called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy ("PML"). To date, occurrences of PML have been reported in individuals with RMS treated with natalizumab, ocrelizumab, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod. No case of PML has yet been reported for the DHODH inhibitor teriflunomide, which has been one of the key differentiators of teriflunomide from other disease-modifying therapies in RMS. The active moiety of vidofludimus calcium has also shown direct antiviral effects in multiple models of virus-infected cells, which we believe is caused by DHODH inhibition. Of specific interest, vidofludimus calcium reduces the reactivation of EBV in a dose dependent fashion which was demonstrated in latently EBV-infected cell models. Subject to further clinical trials, we believe that could be an important potential differentiator against other drug classes in RMS.
Current Development Plan and Clinical Studies
Depending on the results of our ongoing clinical trials, we believe that vidofludimus calcium has the potential to demonstrate medically important advantages versus other treatments, due to its safety and tolerability profile as well as its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral effects observed, to date. Vidofludimus calcium could provide MS patients with a distinctive therapy that is uniquely matched to the biological drivers of MS. In clinical trials, to date, it has shown data indicating:
•A targeted effect on hyperactive immune cells without suppression of normal immune function.
•Improved rates of confirmed disability worsening.
•Robust MRI lesion suppression, comparing favorably to other medications commercially available for RMS.
•A robust decrease in serum NfL, a biomarker for axonal damage, observed in patients with both RMS and PMS, providing evidence of vidofludimus calcium’s potential direct neuroprotective activity.
•A potent Nurr1 activation, which is involved in protection of relevant neurons from cell death.
•A very low discontinuation rate for MS patients, substantially below placebo, which indicates an encouraging combination of tolerability and efficacy as well as maintenance of normal quality-of-life.
•Absence of hepatotoxicity signals and other relevant adverse events leading to discontinuations, which distinguishes vidofludimus calcium from other oral RMS treatments.
•A broad spectrum antiviral effect, which may support lowering the rate of viral infections and reactivations, including EBV reactivation, potentially resulting in slowing potential EBV-related neurodegenerative processes.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in RRMS (EMPhASIS Trial)
Our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in RRMS consisted of two cohorts: The full data set of Cohort 1, which evaluated efficacy and safety of 30 mg or 45 mg once daily vidofludimus calcium compared to placebo, was published in August and September 2020, respectively. The Cohort 1 results were subsequently published in the peer reviewed journal, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology (Fox et al., 2022). The results of Cohort 2, which evaluated efficacy and safety of 10 mg once daily vidofludimus calcium compared to placebo, were published in February 2022. The combined Cohort 1 and 2 results were published in the peer reviewed journal, Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology (Fox et al., 2024).
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On August 2, 2020, we announced positive top-line data from our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RRMS. The trial achieved statistical significance on all primary and key secondary endpoints, indicating activity in RRMS patients. In particular, the trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in the cumulative number of combined unique active (“CUA”) MRI lesions up to week 24 in patients receiving 45 mg of vidofludimus calcium once daily, by 62% (p=0.0002), as compared to placebo. The trial also met its key secondary endpoint, showing a statistically significant reduction in the cumulative number of CUA MRI lesions for the 30 mg once daily dose by 70% (p<0.0001), as compared to placebo. On September 11, 2020, we published the full unblinded clinical data set from our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RRMS. The data confirmed and expanded on the previously announced top-line results.
On April 15, 2021, we announced interim data from Cohort 2 after 59 randomized patients completed week 12 MRI assessments. We concluded from this data, along with previously published data from Cohort 1, that 30 mg once daily vidofludimus calcium is the most appropriate anti-inflammatory dose for Phase 3 clinical trials in patients with RMS.
On February 24, 2022, we published final data from Cohort 2 showing that the anti-inflammatory effects of vidofludimus calcium at the 10 mg dose were observed to be lower (13% reduction of gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesions up to 24 weeks, as compared to placebo) than those found with the 30 mg vidofludimus calcium dose in the pooled Cohort 1 and 2 data (78% reduction), providing further support for the selection of 30 mg dosing in the ongoing ENSURE trials in RMS. Final Cohort 2 data also provided evidence of dose-proportional neuroprotective activity. For instance, the highest decrease of the biomarker serum NfL was observed with the 45 mg dose of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo (-26.0% median of differences between percentage change of serum neurofilament, Hodges-Lehmann estimation), a substantial decrease was seen with the 30 mg dose (-18.0%), while the smallest decrease was observed with the 10 mg dose of Cohort 2 (-9.0%). The 10 mg group in Cohort 2 also showed a signal with respect to improvement in EDSS, consistent with those signals seen with the higher doses in Cohort 1, although all of these early signals need to be confirmed in a larger patient population with longer follow-up periods. Taken together, these last two observations suggest that higher doses, such as 45 mg vidofludimus calcium, may be preferred doses for clinical trials in which neuroprotective effects are the main mechanism for improvement, such as in PMS.
While Cohort 1 blinded treatment was completed right before the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, final Cohort 2 data provided additional evidence that ongoing vidofludimus calcium treatment may reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections, presumably related to its known antiviral activity. In the entire Cohort 2 population of 59 patients, who were enrolled during pandemic conditions, incidental COVID-19 infections in the active treatment group were less frequent (8.5%, n=4/47) than in the placebo group (25.0%, n=3/12). Additionally, we obtained preclinical data underlining that vidofludimus calcium shows potent anti-EBV activity. We also confirmed that vidofludimus calcium can be detected to a noteworthy degree in the cerebrospinal fluid of animals, after oral dosing. We believe that this finding suggests that vidofludimus calcium may be able to act directly within the CNS.
On November 17, 2022, we reported additional data from the EMPhASIS trial. The trial includes an optional long-term open-label extension (“OLE”) phase running up to 9.5 years. An interim analysis was performed with data extraction in October 2022, when 209 patients remained on treatment in the OLE phase, some of whom have already received more than 180 continuous weeks (approximately four years) of active treatment with vidofludimus calcium. Long-term open-label treatment with vidofludimus calcium was associated with a low rate of confirmed disability worsening over time, comparing favorably to historical trial data for currently available MS medications. During the 24-week double-blind main treatment period, 12-week and 24-week Confirmed Disability Worsening (“12w/24wCDW”) events occurred in 1.6% of subjects in the combined vidofludimus calcium treatment arms as compared to 3.7% in the placebo group. In the OLE phase, the proportion of patients free from 12wCDW was 97.6% after 48 weeks and 94.5% after 96 weeks of vidofludimus calcium treatment as compared to the start of the OLE phase. Similar results were observed for 24wCDW and sustained CDW. The OLE phase also showed low relapse activity.
As of January 2025, more than 180 patients still remained in the OLE phase of the EMPhASIS trial, with more than five total treatment years.
Further information regarding our EMPhASIS trial in RRMS can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03846219.
Phase 3 Program of Vidofludimus Calcium in RMS (ENSURE-1 and ENSURE-2 Trials)
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On July 1, 2021, we announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) clearance of our Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for the Phase 3 ENSURE program of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RMS. The ENSURE program comprises two identical multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase 3 clinical trials designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo in RMS patients. Based on vidofludimus calcium’s highly significant activity in preventing lesion formation in our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in RRMS, the strong and consistent correlation observed between lesion formation and clinical relapse in third-party clinical trials, and the drug’s robust safety profile, to date, we believe that this Phase 3 program should provide a straightforward path towards potential regulatory approval of vidofludimus calcium in RMS.
Each of the identical twin Phase 3 clinical trials, titled ENSURE-1 and ENSURE-2, is expected to enroll approximately 1,050 adult patients with active RMS at more than 100 sites in more than 15 countries, including the United States, India and countries in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe. Patients will be randomized in a double-blinded fashion to either 30 mg daily doses of vidofludimus calcium or placebo and the primary endpoint for both clinical trials is time to first relapse up to 72 weeks. Key secondary endpoints include volume of new T2-lesions, time to confirmed disability progression, time to sustained clinically relevant changes in cognition, and percentage of whole brain volume change. With regard to the disability progression endpoint, the ENSURE program will apply a pooled analysis of confirmed disability worsening across both clinical trials.
The ENSURE trials are being run concurrently. The first patient in ENSURE-1 was enrolled in November 2021. The first patient in ENSURE-2 was enrolled in January 2022. Completion of the first of the ENSURE trials is currently anticipated in the second quarter of 2026; and the second ENSURE trial in the second half of 2026.
On October 22, 2024, we announced a positive outcome of an interim analysis of our Phase 3 ENSURE program. An unblinded IDMC confirmed that the predetermined futility criteria have not been met and recommended that both ENSURE trials should continue without changes. The IDMC considered if a sample size adjustment would be appropriate for either of the two trials based on factors that include statistical analysis and ultimately recommended that the sample sizes for both trials should remain unchanged.
Further information regarding our ENSURE program in RMS can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifiers NCT05134441 (ENSURE-1) and NCT05201638 (ENSURE-2), respectively.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in PMS (CALLIPER Trial)
On July 1, 2021, we announced that the FDA also cleared our separate IND application for the Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with PMS. The first patient was enrolled in September 2021. Completion of enrollment was announced in August 2023. Our current expectation is to read-out top-line data of the CALLIPER trial in April 2025.
The Phase 2 CALLIPER trial is focused on progressive forms of MS. Its key objective is to corroborate vidofludimus calcium’s neuroprotective potential, as exemplified by slowing of brain atrophy and delay in disability worsening, in this patient population where focal inflammatory disease no longer dominates. The second objective is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of efficacy and safety to warrant a confirmatory Phase 3 program in one or more of the PMS subtypes. Additional clinical studies and the potential regulatory path forward specific to the treatment of PMS will be informed by the results of the CALLIPER trial and will be further assessed accordingly.
Moreover, neurodegeneration is a key concern in both PMS and RMS, since axonal and neural damage is responsible for the increasing and often severe disability experienced by patients. Therefore, we believe that, if the CALLIPER trial is successful in showing a beneficial effect of vidofludimus calcium, this data, along with the ENSURE program and vidofludimus calcium’s strong safety and tolerability profile, may allow for a meaningful clinical differentiation of vidofludimus calcium from other MS medications and potentially attractive commercial positioning. However, we do not believe that data from the CALLIPER trial are a pre-condition for filing an NDA in RMS.
The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium enrolled 467 patients with primary PMS, or active or non-active secondary PMS at more than 70 sites in North America, Western, Central and Eastern Europe. Patients were randomized to either 45 mg daily doses of vidofludimus calcium or placebo in a double-blinded fashion. The trial’s primary endpoint is the annualized rate of percent brain volume change (“PBVC”) up to 120 weeks. The key secondary endpoint is time to 24-week confirmed composite disability progression based on EDSS, timed 25-foot walk and 9-hole peg test, which may further support disability data from the ENSURE trials.
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On October 9, 2023, we announced positive interim data from our Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with PMS. The predefined interim analysis examined the change from baseline to 24 weeks in serum NfL and glial fibrillar acidic protein ("GFAP") levels among approximately the first half of patients enrolled in this trial. NfL and GFAP have been shown in third-party research to consistently correlate with disease activity in neurodegenerative disorders and have become two of the most important serum biomarkers for axonal damage over the past few years. We believe that the interim data showed biomarker evidence that vidofludimus calcium's activity extends beyond the previously observed anti-inflammatory effects, thereby further reinforcing its neuroprotective potential.
As of January 2025, more than 380 patients are treated in the OLE phase of the CALLIPER trial.
Further information regarding our CALLIPER trial in PMS can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05054140.
Indication: Ulcerative Colitis
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in UC (CALDOSE-1 Trial)
The CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in moderate-to-severe UC was a Phase 2b, dose-finding, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including a blinded induction and maintenance phase, with double randomization (initial randomization for induction and second randomization for maintenance). CALDOSE-1 was conducted at more than 100 sites in 19 countries, including the United States and Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The primary endpoint comprised a composite of patient-reported outcome and endoscopy-assessed outcome, both evaluated following ten weeks of induction treatment with vidofludimus calcium or placebo. We have an active IND application for vidofludimus calcium in UC with the FDA.
On June 2, 2022, we reported top-line data from our Phase 2 CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with moderate-to-severe UC. The trial did not achieve the primary endpoint of clinical remission for the pooled 30 and 45 mg/day active dose groups of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo at week 10. In addition, no meaningful differences were observed between the three active dose groups for the overall intent-to-treat patient population or for the trial’s other secondary endpoints, including symptomatic remission, or endoscopic healing. Consistent with prior data sets in other patient populations, administration of vidofludimus calcium in this clinical trial was observed to be safe and well-tolerated.
On April 5, 2023, we reported positive data from the maintenance phase of our Phase 2b CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with moderate-to-severe UC. The data showed a dose-linear increase in clinical remission as compared to placebo at week 50. Moreover, an exploratory statistical analysis confirmed the 30 mg dose of vidofludimus calcium to be statistically superior (p=0.0358) in achieving clinical remission at week 50, with a 33.7% absolute improvement over placebo. A similar effect on clinical remission rates at week 50 was also found among those patients who received corticosteroids during the induction phase. Finally, a dose-linear increase in endoscopic healing was observed, with the 30 mg dose of vidofludimus calcium being associated with a 37.8% absolute improvement over placebo and also achieving statistical significance in an exploratory statistical analysis (p=0.0259).
We believe that the maintenance phase data of CALDOSE-1 confirms vidofludimus calcium's activity in the absence of chronic corticosteroid co-administration. Consistent with prior data sets in other patient populations, administration of vidofludimus calcium in the maintenance phase of this trial was observed to be safe and well-tolerated.
The results of the CALDOSE-1 trial were published in the peer reviewed journal, Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology (D’Haens et al., 2025).
Further information regarding our CALDOSE-1 trial in UC can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03341962.
Vidofludimus Calcium Registration Plan
All of our drug development candidates require approval from the FDA (for the United States), European Medicines Agency (“EMA”, for the European Union) and other national competent authorities (for any other territory) before they can be marketed for sale in the applicable jurisdiction. The activities required before drugs or biologics may be marketed in the United States include:
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•preclinical laboratory tests, invitro and in vivo preclinical studies and formulation and stability studies;
•the submission to the FDA of an investigational new drug application for human clinical testing, which is known as an IND;
•adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the drug;
•satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities at which the drug is produced to assess compliance with current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”), requirements to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the drug’s identity, strength, quality and purity;
•the submission to the FDA of a new drug application, which is known as an NDA, for a drug; and
•the approval by the FDA of an NDA.
The FDA reviews all available data relating to safety, efficacy and quality and assesses the risk/benefit profile of a product candidate before granting approval. The data assessed by the FDA in reviewing an NDA includes preclinical testing data, including animal data, chemistry manufacturing and controls (“CMC”) data, PK, pharmacodynamic (“PD”) and drug-drug interaction data, as well as human clinical safety and efficacy data. Moreover, an agreement for a pediatric development plan (“PSP”) is required to be achieved with the FDA prior to NDA submission. Such PSP agreements have been reached with the FDA, who waived Immunic’s requirement to conduct clinical studies in pediatric patients for both RMS and PMS.
Future human clinical testing and marketing outside the United States will be subject to foreign regulatory requirements. These requirements vary by jurisdiction, may differ from those in the United States and may require us to perform additional preclinical or clinical testing regardless of whether FDA approval has been obtained. The amount of time required to obtain necessary approvals from foreign regulatory agencies may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval. In many countries outside of the United States, coverage, pricing and reimbursement approvals are also required.
We have an ongoing Phase 3 clinical program for vidofludimus calcium in RMS and an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial for vidofludimus calcium in PMS. For our most advanced indication RMS, marketing approval requires completion of two successful, well-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials. Completing such clinical trials requires substantial financial and resource investments and takes several years to complete. In parallel, additional preclinical and clinical investigations need to be conducted in preparation for filing applications for regulatory approval, including additional pharmacological studies in special populations or drug-drug interaction studies. There are also additional steps required to develop and validate large-scale manufacturing capabilities as well as manufacturing controls. Certain patient populations with high unmet medical needs in underserved serious diseases, such as non-active SPMS, may also allow to discuss potential expedited approval pathways with regulatory agencies, however, such can only be fully explored following full data readout of the Phase 2 CALLIPER trial.
Vidofludimus Calcium Manufacturing and Formulation
Vidofludimus calcium is formulated as a white, uncoated immediate release tablet. Dose strengths for clinical trials are 5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg, and a matching placebo. The tablets are packaged in polyethylene bottles. Vidofludimus calcium has been synthesized in several batches of up to 80 kg each of active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) and a drug product batch size of up to 500,000 tablets has been produced by manufacturers under contract with us. Our existing API manufacturer has the capacity for manufacturing of up to metric tons.
The execution of Phase 3 clinical trials usually requires the use of a commercial formulation of the investigational drug manufactured at commercially usable quantities. Manufactures under contract with us have developed and produced a formulation of vidofludimus calcium which would allow commercially usable production batches. A Phase 1 bioequivalence study between the previous and the new formulation of vidofludimus calcium was completed and showed bioequivalence regarding drug exposure curve in blood plasma (area under the curve). A confirmatory relative bioavailability and food effect study demonstrated a high bioavailability of tablets as compared to a drinking solution and confirmed the invitro finding of a complete and fast dissolution profile in human subjects. No food effect on the uptake or elimination of vidofludimus calcium after administration of the tablets was observed.
Additional investigations regarding metabolite characterization, metabolic modeling and potential drug-drug interactions, as well as other activities relating to clinical pharmacology are either completed, ongoing or planned in anticipation for presentation to regulatory authorities.
Vidofludimus Calcium Intellectual Property, Licenses and Royalties
Vidofludimus calcium is covered by several layers of granted patents in the United States, Europe and other jurisdictions around the world. These patents are directed towards composition-of-matter for salt forms of vidofludimus, including the
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specific calcium salt form used in Immunic’s clinical trials; the treatment of RRMS with a specific dose strength used in the clinical trials; the dosing regimens, including those used in clinical trials for the treatment of MS, as well as composition-of-matter of a specific polymorph of vidofludimus calcium and a related method of production of the material. In the United States, these patents provide protection into 2041, unless extended further. In addition, a pending application is directed towards the use of vidofludimus calcium and other salt forms as well as free acid forms for treating neurodegenerative diseases. If granted, this application could provide protection up to 2044, unless extended further. An additional patent, covering the treatment of long COVID, has been granted in the US and in Europe, also providing protection until 2041. Finally, further undisclosed patent applications dedicated to strengthening the exclusivity period are currently in process. On top of the patent exclusivity, vidofludimus calcium, as a new chemical entity, should also benefit from regulatory data protection.
Vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant were acquired in a transaction with 4SC in September 2016. We have subsequently submitted additional patent applications for independently developed intellectual property relating to each of vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant. On March 31, 2021, our German subsidiary, Immunic AG, and 4SC entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of a 4.4% royalty on net sales for $17.25 million. The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of our common stock.
IMU-856
IMU-856 is an orally available and systemically acting small molecule modulator that targets Sirtuin 6 (“SIRT6”), a protein which serves as a transcriptional regulator of intestinal barrier function and regeneration of bowel epithelium. Based on preclinical data, we believe this compound may represent a unique treatment approach, as the mechanism of action targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function and bowel wall architecture in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, IBD, GvHD, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and other intestinal barrier function associated diseases. We believe that, because IMU-856 has been shown in preclinical investigations to avoid suppression of immune cells, it may therefore have the potential to maintain immune surveillance for patients during therapy, which would be an important advantage versus immunosuppressive medications.
Impaired intestinal barrier function is suspected to be involved in the initiation of many chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, and microbial translocation through the damaged gut mucosa has been associated with many diseases, not only of the bowel but of the whole body. To date, there are no adequate treatment strategies to ameliorate impaired barrier function.
IMU-856 has also shown potential as an oral treatment option for weight management, by increasing endogenous GLP-1 levels in patients and reducing body weight gain and food consumption in preclinical in vivo testing.
Indication: Celiac Disease
Diagnosis and Prevalence
Celiac disease is a multifactorial, complex autoimmune disease caused by an inappropriate immune reaction against a degradation product of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterized by impaired intestinal barrier function with villous atrophy and consecutive nutrient malabsorption. Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide (Celiac Disease Foundation, 2022). In the United States, alone, it is estimated that there are approximately two million people diagnosed with celiac disease (Singh et al., 2018) and an additional approximately one million people are undiagnosed, yet still at risk for long-term health complications (Choung et al., 2016).
Ongoing inflammation in patients with celiac disease can cause debilitating symptoms and serious medical complications. Many patients suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and have abnormal bowel epithelial lining (villous atrophy and crypt enlargement). Small bowel damage often leads to nutrient malabsorption that can result in a range of further clinical manifestations such as fatigue, anemia, osteopenia, weight loss, or failure to thrive in children. In addition, extra-intestinal symptoms and systemic manifestations are often present, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, infertility, or neurological and skeletal disorders. Patients with persistent villous atrophy show an increased risk of lymphoproliferative malignancy. The intestinal epithelial barrier, physiologically impermeable to macromolecules such as gliadin, is recognized to play an important role in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. In children, nutrient malabsorption can affect growth and development, in addition to causing the symptoms seen in adults.
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Current Treatment Options
There is currently no known cure or medical treatment for celiac disease and patients must adhere to a strict, life-long gluten-free diet which can help manage symptoms and avoid disease flareups. However, a significant number of patients continue to experience disease activity and persistent symptoms despite a gluten-free diet as gluten is present in numerous food products, medications, household products and cosmetics as impurity. Thus, there is an increasing number of different treatment options in clinical development to reduce the burden of living with celiac disease and improve long-term health outcomes (Buriánek, Gege, Marinković, 2024). Treatment goals include resolution of bowel inflammation and relief of associated clinical signs and symptoms. This is underlined by the recently published FDA Draft Guidance (April 2022) for the development of drugs for the adjunctive treatment of gluten-free diet.
Current Development Plan and Clinical Studies
Current treatments of many conditions of the bowel are designed to inhibit inflammation, but they do not target the impaired bowel wall barrier function. IMU-856 is designed to target pathways impacting the bowel wall barrier function and aims to normalize such function. We believe that normalized bowel wall barrier function may avoid antigen triggers, which may lead to the achievement and maintenance of remission without significantly influencing the immune competency of the patient.
We completed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1/1b clinical trial of IMU-856, which was comprised of three parts:
Part A: Single Ascending Dose Part
The first part of the Phase 1 clinical trial was a single ascending dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy human subjects designed to assess safety, PD and PK properties of IMU-856. Healthy human subjects were randomized in a double-blinded manner to either placebo or active treatment with single ascending doses of IMU-856 at 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg and 160 mg.
On September 20, 2022, we announced unblinded safety, tolerability and PK results from the single ascending dose part of the Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in healthy human subjects. Single ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. No serious adverse events occurred. Moreover, a dose-linear PK profile was observed across the investigated dose range.
Part B: Multiple Ascending Dose Part
The second portion of the Phase 1 clinical trial was a multiple ascending dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of IMU-856 in healthy human subjects. Healthy human subjects were dosed for 14 consecutive days with 40 mg, 80 mg or 160 mg once-daily of IMU-856 or placebo in a double-blinded manner. This part was designed to assess safety, PD and PK properties of IMU-856.
On September 20, 2022, we also announced unblinded results from the multiple ascending dose part of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial. Multiple ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly mild in severity. No investigational medicinal product (“IMP”)-related serious adverse events were reported. No dose-dependent changes in laboratory parameters (including no effects on liver enzymes or in hematological parameters), vital signs, physical examination or electrocardiographic evaluations were found. PK analysis showed a quick achievement of stable steady-state plasma concentrations within the first week and stable steady-state trough levels over the 14-day treatment period with a low accumulation factor for IMU-856, allowing predictable trough levels during daily dosing. PK parameters in steady-state revealed a Tmax (time to reach maximum plasma concentration) of 2 to 3 hours post-dose, a plasma half-life of 17.4 to 21.5 hours and dose proportional increases in Cmax (maximum plasma drug concentration) and AUC (area under the concentration-time curve).
Part C: Celiac Disease Patients
The third portion of the Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 was structured as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1b trial, designed to assess the safety and tolerability of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease during periods of gluten-free diet and a 15-day gluten challenge with 6 g gluten given daily. The trial was conducted at sites in Australia and New
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Zealand. A total of 43 patients were enrolled in two consecutive cohorts with 80 mg or 160 mg of IMU-856 or placebo given once-daily over 28 days. Further objectives included pharmacokinetics, changes in malabsorption parameters and biomarkers for intestinal integrity, such as citrulline, as well as histological changes.
On May 4, 2023, we announced positive results from our Phase 1b clinical trial of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease. The data demonstrated positive effects for IMU-856 over placebo in four key dimensions of celiac disease pathophysiology: protection of the gut architecture, improvement of patients’ symptoms, biomarker response, and enhancement of nutrient absorption. IMU-856 was also observed to be safe and well-tolerated in this trial. There were no IMP-related serious or severe treatment-emergent adverse events or any dose-dependency in adverse events. Moreover, the rates of treatment-emergent adverse events in non-disease-related parameters were comparable between the active treatment groups and placebo.
We believe that this data set provided initial clinical proof-of-concept for an entirely new therapeutic approach to gastrointestinal disorders by promoting regeneration of bowel architecture. The data provided first clinical evidence that IMU-856’s ability, observed in preclinical studies, to induce physiological gut cell renewal translates into clinical benefits for patients with celiac disease. Most importantly, the observed protection of intestinal villi from gluten-induced destruction, independent of targeting immune mechanisms involved specifically in celiac disease, appears to be unique among proposed therapeutic approaches and may be applicable to other gastrointestinal diseases such as IBD, short bowel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.
Contingent on financing, licensing or partnering, we are currently preparing clinical Phase 2 testing of IMU-856 in patients with OACD despite gluten-free diet, while also considering further potential clinical applications in other gastrointestinal disorders.
IMU-856 Manufacturing and Formulation
The API of the IMU-856 drug product is a small molecule compound, formulated as a tablet. For the Phase 1/1b clinical trial, IMU-856 was synthesized at up to 8 kg scale. Developed dose strengths were 40 mg, 80 mg and 160 mg, and a matching placebo. The tablets were packaged in polyethylene bottles. The tablets were produced by a manufacturer under contract with us and finally released for the clinical trial by a vendor in Australia. For Phase 2 clinical testing, we have developed a new, improved formulation of IMU-856 which is more stable and robust.
IMU-856 Intellectual Property, Licenses and Royalties
Our rights to IMU-856 are secured pursuant to an option and license agreement (the “Daiichi Sankyo Option”) with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, "Daiichi Sankyo") in Tokyo, Japan. On January 5, 2020, Immunic AG exercised its option under the Daiichi Sankyo Option to acquire the exclusive global rights to commercialize IMU-856. The license also grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856. Concurrent with the option exercise, Immunic AG paid to Daiichi Sankyo a one-time upfront licensing fee. Going forward, Daiichi Sankyo is eligible to receive future development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
A patent application covering composition-of-matter of IMU-856 and related pharmaceutical compositions has been granted in the US and other jurisdictions and is expected to provide protection into at least 2038, without accounting for potential patent term extension. In addition, a pending application is directed towards the treatment of inflammatory/gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., celiac disease) with IMU-856. Further undisclosed patent applications dedicated to other diseases are currently in processing.
IMU-381
We have selected IMU-381 as a development candidate to specifically address the needs of gastrointestinal diseases.IMU-381 is a next generation molecule with improved overall properties, supported by a series of chemical derivatives. IMU-381 is currently in preclinical testing.
Government Regulation - All Products
In the United States, the FDA regulates drugs under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), and its implementing regulations. All of Immunic’s drug development candidates require approval from the FDA (for the United States), EMA (for the European Union) and/or other national competent authorities (for any other territory) before they can be
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marketed for sale in the applicable jurisdiction. The activities required before drugs or biologics may be marketed in the United States include:
•preclinical laboratory tests, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies and formulation and stability studies;
•the submission to the FDA of an application for human clinical testing, which is known as an IND application;
•adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the drug;
•satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities at which the drug is produced to assess compliance with current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”), requirements to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the drug’s identity, strength, quality and purity;
•the submission to the FDA of an NDA for a drug; and
•the approval by the FDA of an NDA.
The FDA reviews all available data relating to safety, efficacy and quality and assesses the risk/benefit profile of a product candidate before granting approval. The data assessed by the FDA in reviewing an NDA includes preclinical testing data, including animal data, CMC data, PK, PD and drug-drug interaction data, as well as human clinical safety and efficacy data. Moreover, an agreement for a PSP is required to be achieved with the FDA prior to NDA submission.
Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluations of product chemistry, toxicity and formulation, as well as animal studies. Preclinical trials must also be conducted in accordance with FDA, EMA, International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (“ICH”) and otherforeign authorities’ legal requirements, regulations or guidelines, including Good Laboratory Practice (“GLP”), an international standard meant to harmonize the conduct and quality of non-clinical studies and the archiving and reporting of findings. Before human clinical testing can begin in the US, a sponsor must submit the results of the preclinical tests and, where applicable, human clinical data obtained in trials outside of the US, together with manufacturing information and analytical data, to the FDA as part of the IND, which is a request for authorization from the FDA to administer an IND product candidate to humans in clinical trials. An IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA, within the 30-day time period, places the clinical trial on a clinical hold. In such a case, the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding safety concerns before the clinical trial can begin. The FDA may impose a clinical hold at any time before or during clinical trials due to safety concerns about proposed or ongoing clinical trials or non-compliance with FDA requirements, and the trials may not commence or continue until the FDA notifies the sponsor that the hold has been lifted.
All clinical trials must be conducted under the supervision of one or more qualified investigators pursuant to protocols detailing, among other things, the objectives of the trial, dosing procedures, subject selection, inclusion/exclusion criteria and the safety and effectiveness criteria to be evaluated. The trial sponsor submits the protocol, as well as any subsequent protocol amendments, to the FDA as part of the IND. Sponsors must also provide all participating investigators and the FDA safety reports of any serious and unexpected adverse events and any findings from laboratory tests in animals that suggest a significant risk for human subjects. For each institution where a clinical trial will be conducted, an Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) must review and approve the clinical trial protocol and informed consent form required to be provided to each trial subject or his or her legal representative prior to a clinical trial commencing, and conduct ongoing monitoring of the study until completed or termination to assure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the human subjects participating in the research.
Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap or be combined:
Phase 1: In Phase 1 clinical trials, the product candidate is initially introduced into healthy human subjects and tested for safety, dosage and tolerability, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and effect on the body.
Phase 2: Phase 2 clinical trials are conducted in a limited patient population. These studies continue to evaluate safety while gathering preliminary data on effectiveness in patients with the targeted disease or condition, especially studying the potentially therapeutically effective dose.
Phase 3: Phase 3 clinical trials further evaluate efficacy and safety in an expanded patient population, generally at geographically dispersed clinical study sites. These clinical trials are intended to establish the overall risk-benefit ratio of the product candidate and provide, if appropriate, an adequate basis for product labeling.
Post-approval studies, sometimes referred to as Phase 4 studies, may be conducted after initial marketing approval from the FDA. These studies are used to gather additional information about a product’s safety and/or efficacy in patients affected by the therapeutic indication. The FDA may require Phase 4 studies as a condition of approval of an NDA.
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Clinical trials must also be conducted in accordance with legal requirements, regulations or guidelines of the FDA and comparable foreign authorities, including human subject protection requirements and current good clinical practice (“cGCP” or “GCP”). In addition, clinical trials must be conducted using product candidates produced under cGMP requirements. The FDA or the sponsor may suspend a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a finding that the research subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Similarly, an IRB may suspend or terminate approval of a clinical trial at an institution if the clinical trial is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB’s requirements or if the drug has been associated with unexpected serious harm to patients. In addition, some clinical trials are overseen by an independent group of qualified experts, known as a data safety monitoring board or committee, which monitors data from the trial to ensure patient safety and data integrity and may also make recommendations to alter or terminate a trial based on concerns for patient safety.
Before obtaining marketing approval for the commercial sale of any drug product, a sponsor must demonstrate in preclinical studies and well-controlled clinical trials that the product is safe and effective for its intended use and that the manufacturing facilities, processes and controls are adequate to preserve the drug’s identity, strength, quality and purity. The results of these preclinical studies and clinical trials, along with descriptions of the manufacturing process, analytical tests conducted on the chemistry of the drug, proposed labeling and other relevant information such as an agreed PSP are submitted to the FDA as part of an NDA requesting approval to market the product. The submission of an NDA is subject to the payment of substantial user fees; under certain limited circumstances, a waiver of such fees may be obtained. After the submission of an NDA, but before approval of the NDA, the manufacturing facilities used to manufacture a product candidate must be inspected by the FDA to ensure compliance with the applicable cGMP requirements. The FDA may also inspect clinical trial sites and audit clinical study data to ensure that the sponsor’s studies were properly conducted in accordance with the IND regulations, human subject protection regulations, and cGCP.
Under the current Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) guidelines, the FDA goal for acting on the submission of an NDA for a new molecular entity is ten months from the date of “filing.” The FDA conducts a preliminary review of an NDA within 60 days after submission to determine whether it is sufficiently complete to permit substantive review, before accepting the NDA for filing. This two month preliminary review effectively extends the typical NDA review period to twelve months.The FDA may request additional information rather than accept an NDA for filing. In this event, the NDA must be resubmitted with the additional information. The resubmitted application also is subject to review before the FDA accepts it for filing.
Following the FDA’s evaluation of an NDA, it will issue an approval letter or a complete response letter (“CRL”). An approval letter authorizes the sponsor to begin commercial marketing of the drug for specific indications. A CRL indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete and the application will not be approved in its present form. A CRL describes the specific deficiencies in the NDA identified by the FDA. When possible, a CRL will recommend actions that the applicant might take, including providing additional clinical data, such as an additional Phase 3 clinical trial or other significant and time consuming requirements related to clinical trials, nonclinical studies or manufacturing, to place the application in condition for approval. If a CRL is issued, the sponsor must resubmit the NDA addressing all of the deficiencies identified in the letter, or withdraw the application. Even if the sponsor submits the recommended data and information, the FDA may decide that the resubmitted NDA does not satisfy the criteria for approval.
As condition to a product’s regulatory approval, the FDA may require a sponsor to conduct Phase 4 studies designed to further assess the drug’s safety and effectiveness after NDA approval, or may require other testing and surveillance programs to monitor the safety of the approved product. The FDA may also place other conditions on approval including the requirement for a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (“REMS”) to assure the safe use of the drug. A REMS could include medication guides, communication plans to healthcare professionals or other activities to assure safe use, such as provider certification or training, restricted distribution methods, and patient registries.
Research and Development
We recognized $80.0 million and $83.2 million in research and development expenses in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Geographic Information
Substantially all of our long-lived assets were located within both the United States and Germany in 2024 and 2023.
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Human Capital
As of March 1, 2025, we had 91 employees, eight of whom held M.D. degrees and 32 of whom held Ph.D. degrees. Of the employees, 65 were engaged in research and development and 26 in administration. We consider our employee relations to be good.
We emphasize several measures and objectives in managing our human capital assets, including, among others, (i) employee safety and wellness, (ii) talent acquisition and retention, (iii) employee engagement, development and training, (iv) diversity and inclusion and (v) compensation. These targeted ideals may include annual bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, a 401(k) plan, healthcare, and insurance benefits, paid time-off, family leave, employee assistance programs. We also provide our employees with access to various innovative, flexible, and convenient health and wellness programs. We designed these programs to support employees’ physical and mental health by providing tools and resources to improve or maintain their health status and encourage engagement in healthy behaviors.
Corporate Information and Website
Prior to April 12, 2019, we were a clinical-stage biotherapeutic company known as Vital Therapies, Inc. that had historically been focused on the development of a cell-based therapy targeting the treatment of acute forms of liver failure. Vital Therapies, Inc. was originally incorporated in the State of California in May of 2003 as Vitagen Acquisition Corp., subsequently changed its name to Vital Therapies, Inc. in June 2003, and reincorporated in Delaware in January 2004. In April 2019, we completed an exchange transaction with Immunic AG pursuant to which holders of ordinary shares of Immunic AG exchanged all of their shares for shares of our common stock, resulting in Immunic AG becoming our wholly owned subsidiary. Following the exchange, we changed our name to Immunic, Inc. and we became a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of selective oral therapies in immunology with the goal of becoming a leader in treatments for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 1200 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 200, New York, New York 10036. We also have an office at Lochhamer Schlag 21, 82166 Gräfelfing, Germany and a research laboratory in Planegg, Germany. Our telephone number is (332) 255-9818.
We maintain a website at www.imux.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through the investor relations page of our internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to invest in our company or deciding to maintain or increase your investment, you should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report and in our other filings made with the SEC from time to time. The risks and uncertainties described below and in our other filings with the SEC are not the only risks we face. If one or more of the following risks are realized, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price for our common stock could decline, and you may lose your entire investment.
Risk Factor Summary
The following is a summary of certain important factors that may make an investment in our Company speculative or risky. You should carefully consider the fuller risk factor disclosure set forth in this Annual Report, in addition to the other information herein, including the section of this report titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and related notes.
•Our business could be materially and adversely affected in the future by the effects of disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.
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•Continued inflation and uncertainty in global economic conditions could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
•Our clinical trials have been delayed as a result of the ongoing military action by Russia in Ukraine and the continuation of this conflict could have further adverse effects on our business.
•We have a limited operating history with our current business plan, have incurred significant losses since 2016, anticipate that we will continue to incur significant and increasing losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability. The absence of any commercial sales and our limited operating history make it difficult to assess our future viability.
•We currently have no source of product sales revenue and may never earn product revenue or be profitable.
•We will require substantial additional funding in the current year, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, could force us to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development, other operations or future commercialization efforts.
•Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or product candidates.
•The marketing approval processes of the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming and inherently unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, our business will be substantially harmed.
•Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
•Clinical failure can occur at any stage of clinical development. Because the results of earlier clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future results, any product candidate we advance through clinical trials may not have favorable results in later clinical trials or receive marketing approval.The effect of failure or results different than expectations can result in significant market value decline and possible negative financial results or asset impairment.
•Our product candidates may cause undesirable adverse effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their marketing approval, limit the commercial profile of an approved label or result in significant negative consequences following marketing approval, if obtained.
•We are heavily dependent on the success of our product candidates, which are in the early to late stages of clinical development. We may not be able to generate data for any of our product candidates sufficient to receive regulatory approval in our planned indications, which will be required before they can be commercialized.
•Due to our limited resources and access to capital, we must decide to prioritize development of our current product candidates for certain indications and at certain doses. These decisions may prove to have been wrong and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
•If we fail to attract and retain key management and scientific personnel, we may be unable to successfully develop or commercialize our product candidates.
•Even if we obtain the required regulatory approvals in the United States and other territories, the commercial success of our product candidates will depend on market awareness and acceptance of our product candidates.
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•We currently have limited marketing and sales experience. If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to market and sell our product candidates, if and when regulatory approval is received, we may be unable to generate any revenue.
•If we fail to enter into strategic relationships or collaborations, our business, financial condition, drug development plans, commercialization prospects and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
•Coverage and reimbursement may be limited or unavailable in certain market segments for our product candidates, which could make it difficult for us to sell our products profitably.
•We face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing or commercializing products before, or more successfully than, we do.
•The size of the potential market for our product candidates is difficult to estimate and, if any of our assumptions are inaccurate, the actual markets for our product candidates may be substantially smaller than our estimates.
•We may be unable to realize the potential benefits of any collaboration that we might enter into in the future.
•Our proprietary rights may not adequately protect our technologies and product candidates.
•We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
•Intellectual property rights do not protect against all potential threats to our potential competitive advantage.
•We incur significant costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies.
•Our failure to meet the $1.00 minimum bid price or other continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock, which would negatively impact the market price and liquidity of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets.
•The market price of our common stock has been and is expected to continue to be volatile.
•We do not anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Macroeconomic Risks
Our business could be materially and adversely affected in the future by the effects of disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.
Disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics, in regions where we have concentrations of clinical trial sites and other business operations, could adversely affect our business, including by causing significant disruptions in our operations and/or in the operations of manufacturers and CROs upon whom we rely. Disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics may have negative impacts on our ability to initiate new clinical trial sites, enroll new patients and to maintain existing patients who are participating in clinical trials, which may result in increased clinical trial costs, longer timelines and delay in our ability to obtain regulatory approvals of our product candidates, if at all. Additionally, general supply chain issues may be exacerbated during disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics and may also impact the ability of our clinical trial sites to obtain basic medical supplies used in our trials in a timely fashion, if at all. We did experience some interruptions and delays of our business plan during the coronavirus pandemic.Moreover, the extent to which disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics may impact our business, results of operations and financial position will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. New health epidemics or pandemics may emerge that result in similar or more severe disruptions to our business. To the extent any future disease outbreak, epidemic or pandemic adversely affects our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects, it could also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks and uncertainties described in this “Risk Factors” section.
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Continued inflation and uncertainty in global economic conditions could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Adverse macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, slower growth or recession, higher interest rates, currency fluctuations, supply chain delays or shortages, high unemployment or personnel shortages could hurt our business. We have continued to see a general increase in many of our costs as a result of inflation, although inflation has not yet had a material impact on our results of operations. However, the economies of Germany, the United States, Australia and other countries in which we do business have experienced high rates of inflation during 2022, 2023 and 2024 and, if inflation were to continue for a prolonged period of time or the rate of inflation in our markets were to increase, or if a global recession were to occur, our expenses could increase substantially, resulting in increased losses from operations and net loss. A downturn in the economic environment can also lead to limitations on our ability to obtain financing, reduced liquidity and declines in our stock price.
Our clinical trials have been delayed as a result of the ongoing military action by Russia in Ukraine and the continuation of this conflict could have further adverse effects on our business.
Our clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium were originally planned to be conducted at more than60 sites in Ukraine and Russia, but most had to be relocated to other countries because of the invasion ofUkraine by Russia in February 2022 and resulting sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries. These disruptions delayed our clinical development program, increased our costs and may disrupt future planned clinical development activities in these two countries. This military action has continued for more than three years and its future course and effects on our Company are highly unpredictable. We currently have 35 active sites in western Ukraine and the ongoing conflict could put the data associated with these patients in jeopardy as well as extend patient recruitment timelines. Ukraine is expected to make up a significant percentage of our ENSURE- 1 and ENSURE-2 phase 3 patient population. Alternative sites to fully and timely compensate for our clinical trial activities in Ukraine may not continue to be available.If our clinical trials are further interrupted, our clinical development program could experience further delays and increased costs and we may have insufficient data to support regulatory approvals of vidofludimus calcium, and any commercialization may be delayed or not approved, which could limit our potential revenue and hurt the competitive position of our potential products.
Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Condition
We have a limited operating history with our current business plan, have incurred significant losses since 2016, anticipate that we will continue to incur significant and increasing losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability. The absence of any commercial sales and our limited operating history make it difficult to assess our future viability.
We are a development-stage pharmaceutical company with a limited operating history with our current business plan. Our net losses were $100.5 million and $93.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $511.4 million and to date and have not generated any revenue from our current product candidates. Moreover, Immunic AG, the company’s operating subsidiary, has only a limited operating history upon which stockholders can evaluate our business and prospects, is not profitable and has incurred losses in each year since its inception in 2016. In addition, we have limited experience and have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome many of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving fields, particularly in the biotechnology industry.
We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources to identify, acquire and develop our product candidates, including providing general and administrative support for our operations. We expect our losses to increase as we continue to conduct clinical trials and continue to develop our lead product candidates. We expect to invest significant funds into the research and development of our current product candidates to determine the potential to advance these product candidates to seek regulatory approval. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of our future expenditures and our ability to obtain funding through equity or debt financings, strategic collaborations or grants.
We do not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until we are able to obtain marketing approval for, and successfully commercialize, any current or future product candidate. However pharmaceutical product development is an extremely costly and highly speculative undertaking and involves a substantial degree of risk. In addition, if we obtain regulatory approval to market a product candidate, our future revenue will depend upon the size of any markets in which our
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product candidates may receive regulatory approval, and our ability to achieve sufficient market acceptance, pricing, reimbursement from third-party payors, and adequate market share for our product candidates. Even if we eventually obtain adequate market share for our product candidates, to the extent they receive regulatory and market approval and authorization for reimbursement, the potential markets for our product candidates may not be large enough for us to become profitable.
We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future, and our expenses will increase substantially if and as we:
•continue the clinical development of our product candidates;
•continue efforts to discover, develop and/or acquire new product candidates;
•undertake the manufacturing of our product candidates for clinical development and, potentially, commercialization, or increase volumes manufactured by third parties;
•advance our programs into larger, more expensive clinical trials;
•initiate additional preclinical, clinical, or other trials or studies for our product candidates;
•seek regulatory and marketing approvals and reimbursement for our product candidates;
•experience any delays or encounter issues with the development and process for regulatory approval of our product candidates such as safety issues, clinical trial accrual delays, longer follow-up for planned studies, additional major studies or supportive studies necessary to support marketing approval;
•establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any products for which we may obtain marketing approval and market for our self;
•make milestone, royalty or other payments under any third-party license agreements;
•seek to maintain, protect and expand our intellectual property portfolio;
•seek to retain current skilled personnel and attract additional personnel; and
•add operational, financial and management, and information systems personnel, including personnel to support our product development and commercialization efforts.
Further, the net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year, such that a period-to-period comparison of our results of operations may not be a good indication of our future performance. Failure to become and remain profitable would decrease the value of our company and could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, maintain our development efforts, expand our pipeline of product candidates or continue our operations.
We currently have no source of product sales revenue and may never earn product revenue or be profitable.
We have not generated any revenues from commercial sales of any of our current product candidates. Our ability to generate product revenue depends upon our ability to successfully commercialize these product candidates or other product candidates that we may develop, in-license or acquire in the future. We do not anticipate generating revenue from the sale of products for the foreseeable future. Our ability to generate revenue from our current or future product candidates also depends on a number of additional factors, including our ability to:
•successfully complete research and clinical development of current and future product candidates;
•establish and maintain supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties, and ensure adequate and legally compliant manufacturing of product candidates;
•obtain regulatory approval from relevant regulatory authorities in jurisdictions where we intend to market our product candidates;
•launch and commercialize any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval, and if launched independently, successfully establish a sales force and marketing and distribution infrastructure;
•obtain coverage and adequate product reimbursement from insurance companies and other third-party payors, including government payors;
•achieve market acceptance for any approved products;
•establish, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights; and
•attract, hire and retain qualified personnel.
In addition, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with clinical product development, including that our product candidates may not advance through development or achieve regulatory approval, we are unable to predict the
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timing or amount of any potential future product sales revenue. Our expenses also could increase beyond expectations if we decide to, or are required by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities to, perform studies or trials in addition to those that we currently anticipate. Even if we complete the development and regulatory processes described above, we anticipate incurring significant costs associated with launching and commercializing any product candidates that may be approved.
We will require substantial additional funding, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, could force us to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development, other operations or future commercialization efforts.
Since the inception of Immunic AG, substantially all of our resources have been dedicated to the clinical development of our product candidates. Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting preclinical and non-clinical studies and clinical trials, is a very time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete. We have consumed substantial amounts of cash since our inception. For example, in the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we used net cash of $84.8 million and $70.8 million, respectively, in our operating activities, substantially all of which related to development of our current product candidates. We believe that we will continue to expend substantial resources for the foreseeable future toward the completion of clinical development and regulatory preparedness of our product candidates, preparations for a commercial launch of any approved product candidates, and development of any other current or future product candidates we may choose to further develop. These expenditures will include costs associated with research and development, conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, seeking marketing approvals, and manufacturing and supply as well as marketing and selling any products approved for sale. In addition, other unanticipated costs may arise. Because the outcome of any drug development process is highly uncertain, we cannot reasonably estimate the actual amounts necessary to successfully complete the development and commercialization of any current or future product candidates that may be approved for marketing.
Our operating plan may change as a result of factors currently unknown to us, and wemay need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations. Such financing may result in dilution to our stockholders, imposition of debt covenants and repayment obligations, or other restrictions that may adversely affect our business. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.
Our estimate as to how long we expect our existing cash and cash equivalents to continue to fund our operations is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Further, changing circumstances, some of which may be beyond our control, could cause us to consume cash and cash equivalents significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including:
•the scope, progress, results and costs of researching and developing our current product candidates, future product candidates and related preclinical and clinical trials;
•the cost of commercialization activities if our current product candidates and future product candidates are approved for sale, including marketing, sales and distribution costs and preparedness of our corporate infrastructure;
•the cost of manufacturing current product candidates and future product candidates that we may obtain approval for and successfully commercialize;
•our ability to establish and maintain strategic collaborations, licensing or other arrangements and the financial terms of such agreements;
•the number and characteristics of any additional product candidates we may develop or acquire;
•any product liability or other lawsuits related to our products or otherwise commenced against us;
•the expenses needed to attract and retain skilled personnel;
•the costs associated with being a public company;
•the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing our intellectual property rights, including litigation costs and the outcome of any such litigation; and
•the timing, receipt and amount of sales of, or royalties on, any future approved products.
Additional funds may not be available when we need them, on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate:
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•preclinical studies, clinical trials or other development activities for our current product candidates or any future product candidates;
•our research and development activities; or
•our establishment of sales and marketing capabilities or other activities that may be necessary to commercialize our future product candidates.
Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or product candidates.
We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic collaborations and alliances and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of our stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of such equity or convertible debt securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve certain restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, acquire or license intellectual property rights, redeem stock or declare dividends, and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through strategic collaborations and alliances and licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms unfavorable to us. As part of the January 2024 Financing, tranche 2 of this financing could result in an additional $80 million of funding at a price of $1.716 which would result in an additional 46.6 million of common stock being issued.
Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about our ability continue as a “going concern.
The auditor’s opinion on our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 includes an explanatory paragraph stating that our losses and negative cash flows from operations and uncertainty in generating sufficient cash to meet our operating obligations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a “going concern.” Although we have continued to pursue a variety of funding sources and transactions that could potentially raise capital, we have not been successful in these efforts since January 2024, and possible sources of funding may be unwilling to provide additional funding on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, following the issuance by Baker Tilly US. LLP of a “going concern” opinion. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding to continue as a going concern, we will be forced to cease operations and seek to liquidate our assets. We may receive substantially less than the value at which those assets are carried on our audited consolidated financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all or a substantial part of their investment.
Risks Related to the Clinical Development and Marketing Approval of Our Product Candidates
The marketing approval processes of the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming and inherently unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, our business will be substantially harmed.
None of our current product candidates have yet advanced to the point when we could seek marketing approval for sale in the United States or any other country, and we cannot guarantee that we will ever have marketable products. Our business is substantially dependent on our ability to complete the development of, obtain marketing approval for, and successfully commercialize, our product candidates in a timely manner. We cannot commercialize our product candidates in the United States without first obtaining approval from the FDA to market each product candidate. Similarly, we cannot commercialize our product candidates outside of the United States without obtaining regulatory approval from comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Our product candidates could fail to receive marketing approval for many reasons, including the following:
•the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with the design or implementation of our clinical trials;
•the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may find the human subject protections for our clinical trials inadequate and place a clinical hold on (i) an investigational new drug (“IND”) application at the time of its submission, precluding commencement of any trials, or (ii) one or more clinical trials at any time during the conduct of such trials;
•we may be unable to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities that a product candidate is safe and effective for its proposed indication;
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•the results of clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical significance required by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities for approval;
•we may be unable to demonstrate that a product candidate’s clinical and other benefits outweigh its safety risks;
•the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials;
•the data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to support the submission of a new drug application “NDA”) to obtain marketing approval in the United States or elsewhere;
•the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may find inadequate the manufacturing processes or facilities of manufacturers with which we contract for clinical and commercial supplies of our product candidates; and
•the approval policies or regulations of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may significantly change in a manner that would delay marketing approval.
Obtaining approval of an NDA is a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process, and approval may not be obtained. We cannot be certain that any NDA submissions we may make will be accepted for filing and reviewed by the FDA, or ultimately be approved. If an application is not accepted for review, the FDA may require that we conduct additional clinical studies or preclinical testing, or take other actions before it will reconsider our application. If the FDA requires additional studies or data, we would incur increased costs and delays in the marketing approval process, which may require us to expend more resources than we have available. In addition, the FDA may not consider any additional information to be complete or sufficient to support the filing or approval of the NDA.
Policies and actions of the new administration of President Trump could lead to additional uncertainties and delays in the FDA review and approval processes. Announced intentions to decrease headcount and expenses at government agencies, reduce regulation and increase government efficiency, and other initiatives could result in our incurring substantial additional time and expense to complete the development of, and seek and obtain marketing approval for, our product candidates in a timely manner.
Regulatory authorities outside of the United States, such as in Europe and Japan and in emerging markets, also have requirements for approval of drugs for commercial sale with which we must comply prior to marketing in those jurisdictions. Regulatory requirements can vary widely from country to country and could delay or prevent the introduction of our product candidates into the relevant markets. Clinical trials conducted in one country may not be accepted or the results may not be found adequate by regulatory authorities in other countries, and obtaining regulatory approval in one country does not mean that regulatory approval will be obtained in any other country. However, the failure to obtain regulatory approval in one jurisdiction could have a negative impact on our ability to obtain approval in different jurisdictions. Approval processes vary among countries and can involve additional product candidate testing and validation and additional administrative review periods. Seeking foreign regulatory approval could require additional non-clinical studies or clinical trials, which could be costly and time-consuming. Foreign regulatory approval may be subject to all of the risks and uncertainties associated with obtaining FDA approval. For all of these reasons, we may not obtain foreign regulatory approvals on a timely basis, if at all.
The process to develop, obtain marketing approval for, and commercialize product candidates both inside and outside of the United States is long, complex and costly, and approval is never guaranteed. The time required to obtain approval by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatoryauthorities is unpredictable but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including the substantial discretion of regulatory authorities. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development and may vary between jurisdictions. Even if our product candidates were to successfully obtain approval from regulatory authorities, any such approval might significantly limit the approved indications for use, including conditioning approval on the requirement of (i) more limited patient populations, (ii) precautions, warnings or contraindications on the product labeling, including “black box” warnings of serious risks, (iii) expensive and time-consuming post-approval clinical studies, risk evaluation and mitigation strategies ("REMS"), or surveillance, or (iv) limiting the claims that the product label may make, any of which may impede the successful commercialization of our product candidates. Following any approval for commercial sale of our product candidates, certain changes to the product, such as changes in manufacturing processes and additional labeling claims, as well as new safety information, may require costly new studies and will be subject to additional FDA notification, or review and approval. Also, marketing approval for any of our product candidates may be withdrawn. If we are unable to obtain and maintain marketing approval for our product candidates in one or more jurisdictions, or any approval contains significant limitations, our ability to market our product candidates to our full target market will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our
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product candidates will be impaired. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain sufficient funding or generate sufficient revenue and cash flows to continue or complete the development of any of our current or future product candidates.
Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
Clinical testing is expensive and can take many years to complete, and its outcome is inherently uncertain. The FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities have substantial discretion when and if to grant approval to our product candidates. Even if we believe the data collected from clinical trials of our current product candidates are promising, such data may not be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatoryauthorities. Our future clinical trial results also may not be successful.
It is impossible to predict the extent to which the clinical trial process may be affected by existing or prospective legislative and regulatory developments or initiatives to reduce or eliminate regulation, decrease headcount and expenses at government agencies, and increase government efficiency. Due to these and other factors, our current or future product candidates could take significantly longer and cost more than expected to gain marketing approval, if at all. This could delay or eliminate any potential product revenue by delaying or terminating the potential commercialization of our current product candidates.
Our clinical trials are conducted at multiple sites, including some sites in countries outside the United States and the European Union, which may subject us to further delays and expenses as a result of increased shipment costs, additional regulatory requirements and the engagement of foreign and non-European Union contract research organizations ("CROs"), as well as expose us to risks associated with clinical investigators who are unknown to the FDA or European regulatory authorities, and with different standards of diagnosis, screening and medical care. Most of our clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium planned at sites in Ukraine and Russia had to be delayed, suspended or relocated because of the invasion ofUkraine by Russia in February 2022, which caused disruptions to our clinical development program and increased our costs.
To date, we have not completed all clinical trials required for the approval of any of our current product candidates. The commencement and completion of clinical trials for our current product candidates may be delayed, suspended or terminated as a result of many factors, including but not limited to:
•the delay or refusal of regulators or institutional review boards (“IRBs”) at the medical institutions where the clinical trials are conducted. to authorize us to commence a clinical trial at a prospective trial site;
•changes in regulatory requirements, policies and guidelines;
•the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities disagreeing as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials;
•failure to reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective CROs, and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;
•delays in patient enrollment and variability in the number and types of patients available for clinical trials;
•the inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients in trials to ensure adequate statistical power to detect statistically significant treatment effects;
•lower than anticipated retention rates of patients and volunteers in clinical trials;
•clinical sites deviating from trial protocols or dropping out of a trial;
•adding new clinical trial sites or relocating planned or existing clinical trial sites;
•negative or inconclusive results, which may require us to conduct additional preclinical or clinical trials or to abandon projects that we expect to be promising;
•safety or tolerability concerns, which could cause us to suspend or terminate a trial if we find that participants are exposed to unacceptable health risks;
•regulators or IRBs requiring that we or our investigators suspend or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements;
•our third-party research and manufacturing contractors failing to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all;
•third-party researchers becoming debarred or otherwise penalized by the FDA or other regulatory authorities for violations of regulatory requirements, which could call into question data collected by such researcher and potentially affecting our ability to rely on some or all of the data in support of our marketing applications;
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•difficulty in maintaining contact with patients after treatment, resulting in incomplete data;
•delays in establishing the appropriate dosage levels;
•the quality or stability of our current product candidates falling below acceptable standards;
•the inability to produce or obtain sufficient quantities of our current product candidates to complete clinical trials; and
•exceeding budgeted costs due to difficulty in accurately predicting the costs associated with clinical trials.
Patient enrollment is a significant factor in the timing of clinical trials and is affected by many factors, including the size and nature of the patient population, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, the design of the clinical trial, and competing clinical trials and clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages of the drug being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new drugs or treatments that may be approved for the indications we are investigating.
There are significant requirements imposed on us and on clinical investigators who conduct clinical trials that we sponsor. Although we are responsible for selecting qualified clinical investigators, providing them with the information they need to conduct the clinical trial properly, ensuring proper monitoring of the clinical trial, and ensuring that the clinical trial is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols contained in the IND, we cannot ensure that clinical investigators will maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times. The pharmaceutical industry has experienced cases where clinical investigators have been found to incorrectly record, omit, or even falsify data. We cannot ensure that the clinical investigators in our trials will not make mistakes or otherwise compromise the integrity or validity of data, any of which would have a significant negative effect on our ability to obtain marketing approval, our business, and our financial condition.
We could encounter delays if a clinical trial is suspended or terminated by us, the IRBs or ethics committees of the institutions in which such trial is being conducted, the independent steering committee, the data safety monitoring board for such trial, or the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. We or such authorities may impose a suspension or termination due to a number of factors, including failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or our clinical protocols, inspection of the clinical trial operations or trial site by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities resulting in the imposition of a clinical hold, safety issues or adverse side effects, failure to demonstrate a benefit from using the drug, changes in governmental regulations or administrative actions or lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial. Delay or termination of clinical trials of our current product candidates will harm their commercial prospects and impair our ability to potentially generate revenues from such product candidates. In addition, any delays in completion of our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow our development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues.
Moreover, clinical investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive compensation in connection with such services. We are required to report certain financial relationships with clinical investigators to the FDA and, where applicable, take steps to minimize the potential for bias resulting from such financial relationships. The FDA may evaluate the reported information and conclude that a financial relationship between us and a clinical investigator has created a conflict of interest or otherwise affected interpretation of the study. The FDA may therefore question the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site, and the utility of the clinical trial itself may be jeopardized. The FDA may refuse to accept our marketing applications, and other delays or even denial of marketing approval could result.
Preclinical testing or clinical trials of any development candidate may also show new and unexpected findings regarding safety and tolerability. Such findings may harm the ability to conduct further development of product candidates, delay such development, require additional expensive tests, harm our ability to attract, establish and maintain strategic collaborations, licensing or other arrangements for these development candidates, or delay or prevent marketing approval by regulatory agencies. Such findings may also harm our ability to compete in the market with other products or to achieve certain pricing thresholds.
Any of these occurrences could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. In addition, many of the factors that could cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of marketing approval of our product candidates. Significant clinical trial delays could also allow our competitors to bring products to market before we can, shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize any approved product candidates, and impair our ability to commercialize any approved product candidates, which may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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Use of patient-reported outcomes in our clinical trials may delay the development of our product candidates or increase development costs.
In recent years, due to regulatory changes, patient-reported outcomes ("PROs"), may have an important role in the development and regulatory approval of any of our product candidates. PROs involve patients’ subjective assessments of efficacy, and this subjectivity increases the uncertainty in determining achievement of clinical endpoints. Such assessments can be influenced by factors outside of our control, and can vary widely from day-to-day for a particular patient, and from patient-to-patient and site-to-site within a clinical trial. Use of PROs may make the outcome of trials more uncertain and may increase our costs and time to finish regulatory approval trials.
Clinical failure can occur at any stage of clinical development. Because the results of earlier clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future results, any product candidate we advance through clinical trials may not have favorable results in later clinical trials or receive marketing approval.
Clinical failure can occur at any stage of clinical development. The results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits despite having progressed through preclinical studies and initial clinical trials.
A number of pharmaceutical companies have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. Clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical or preclinical testing. For example, we announced in October 2022 the analysis of interim group-level data of our Phase 1b clinical trial of IMU-935 in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis did not separate from placebo. Following this announcement, our stock price declined significantly, which caused us to record a full impairment of our goodwill in the quarter ended December 31, 2022.Data obtained from trials are susceptible to varying interpretations, and regulators may not interpret our data as favorably as we do, which may delay, limit or prevent marketing approval of our product candidates. In addition, the design of a clinical trial can determine whether its results will support approval of a product, or approval of a product for desired indications, and flaws or shortcomings in the design of a clinical trial may not become apparent until the clinical trial is well advanced. We have limited experience in designing clinical trials and may be unable to properly design and execute a clinical trial to support marketing approval for our desired indications. Further, clinical trials of product candidates often reveal that it is not practical or feasible to continue development efforts. If one of our product candidates is found to be unsafe or lack efficacy, we will not be able to obtain marketing approval for such product candidate and our business would be harmed. If the results of our clinical trials of our product candidates do not achieve pre-specified endpoints, we are unable to provide primary or secondary endpoint measurements deemed acceptable by the FDA or comparable foreign regulators, or we are unable to demonstrate an acceptable level of safety relative to the efficacy associated with our proposed indications, the prospects for approval of our product candidates would be materially and adversely affected.For example, we announced in June 2022 that a phase 2 clinical trial of our most advanced drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium, did not achieve its primary endpoint in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. As a result, we do not plan any further drug development activities in ulcerative colitis without a partner. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical industry, including those with greater resources and experience than we, have suffered significant setbacks in Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials, even after seeing promising results in earlier clinical trials.
In some instances, there can be significant variability in safety and/or efficacy results between different trials of the same product candidate due to numerous factors, including differences in trial protocols and design, the size and type of the patient population, adherence to the dosing regimen and the rate of dropout among clinical trial participants. We do not know whether any clinical trials wemay conduct will demonstrate consistent and/or adequate efficacy and safety to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates.
In October 2024, an independent data monitoring committee, or IDMC, conducted a non-binding, interim futility analysis of our phase IMU-838 3 ENSURE program for the treatment of RMS and reported that the trials are not futile and should continue as planned. In addition, the IDMC recommended that we continue the trials without any adjustment to the sample sizes of each trial. There can be no assurances that the observations made at the interim regarding futility will be consistent with the final study results for various reasons, including that the final study results based upon the full sample size may not be consistent with the results achieved by the limited sample size used to conduct the interim analysis and the current sample size of approximately 1,050 adult patients with active RMS patients for each trial may not be sufficiently large to demonstrate efficacy.
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