ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“Annual Report”). Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, international operations and product candidates, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Forward-Looking Statements” and ““Risk Factors” sections of this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
This discussion and analysis generally addresses 2023 and 2022 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022. Discussions of 2021 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Annual Report can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We are headquartered in San Francisco, California, with subsidiary offices in Beijing and Shanghai, People’s Republic of China (“China”). We are developing and commercializing a diversified pipeline of novel therapeutics that work at the frontier of cancer biology and anemia.
We and Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”) are collaborating on the development and commercialization of roxadustat in territories including Japan, Europe, Turkey, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, and South Africa. We and AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”) are collaborating on the development and commercialization of roxadustat in the United States (“U.S.”), China, and other markets in the Americas, Australia/New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
Our collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”) for roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in the U.S. and all territories except for China and those territories previously licensed to Astellas (the “AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement”) was terminated (except for South Korea) on February 23, 2024.
However, our ongoing collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca for the development and commercialization of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in China (the “AstraZeneca China Agreement”) continues in full force and is unaffected.
We are also developing earlier stage clinical and preclinical product candidates, FG-3246, FG-3165 and FG-3175, to address unmet patient needs in oncology.
Financial Highlights
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except for per share data)
Result of Operations
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (2.92 ) $ (3.14 ) $ (3.14 )
(in thousands)
Balance Sheet
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Our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 included the revenues recognized related to the following:
•
$100.9 million from roxadustat commercial sales in China, mostly from sales to Beijing Falikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Falikang”);
•
$18.8 million of drug product revenue related to active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) deliveries to Astellas;
•
$16.1 million of development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with our partners Astellas and AstraZeneca;
•
$1.0 million upfront payment, $3.0 million milestone payment based on Eluminex Biosciences (Suzhou) Limited (“Eluminex”) implanting a biosynthetic cornea in the first patient of its clinical trial in China and $3.0 million manufacturing related milestone payment, recognized under our license agreement and amendments with Eluminex; and
•
$4.0 million regulatory milestone recognized under AstraZeneca China Agreement (defined further below) associated with the renewal of our right to continue to market roxadustat in China. Of this amount, $2.7 million was recognized as license revenue, $0.8 million was recognized as development revenue and the remainder was included in deferred revenue.
As comparison, our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 included the revenues recognized related to the following:
•
$25.0 million regulatory milestone recognized in the first quarter of 2022 under our collaboration agreements with our partner Astellas associated with the approval of EVRENZO® (roxadustat) in Russia. Of this amount, $22.6 million was recognized as license revenue and the remainder was included as development revenue;
•
$22.4 million of development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with our partners Astellas and AstraZeneca;
•
$82.9 million from roxadustat commercial sales in China, mostly from sales to Falikang; and
•
$11.1 million of drug product revenue related to active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) deliveries to Astellas.
Total operating costs and expenses decreased $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year as a result of the net effect of the following:
•
$37.8 million lower drug development expenses associated with drug substance and drug product manufacturing activities related to roxadustat post-approval safety studies in China and pamrevlumab which were largely completed in the prior periods;
•
$14.8 million lower stock-based compensation primarily resulting from significantly lower stock price and cancellations of stock options and restricted stock units;
•
$3.8 million lower legal expenses primarily due to lower corporate legal activities;
•
$24.6 million one-time, non-cash charge of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) expenses associated with the recent exclusive license for FG-3246 from Fortis Therapeutics (“Fortis”) and the acquisition of Fortis;
•
$12.6 million of restructuring charge recorded in the third quarter of 2023 related to reduction in force actions in July 2023;
•
$4.8 million higher employee-related expenses primarily due to the impact from payroll tax refunds received during 2022 that did not recur in the current year, as well as more business travel activities and higher severance during the current year period, offset by the impact from reduction in force actions in July 2023; and
•
$3.7 million higher outside services expenses due to higher consulting activities in roxadustat post-approval safety studies and efforts to prepare for commercialization in the first half of the year.
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Our research and development expenses were $282.9 million, $296.8 million and $387.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Since inception and through December 31, 2023, we have incurred a total of approximately $3.2 billion in research and development expenses, a majority of which relates to the development of roxadustat, pamrevlumab and other HIF-PH inhibitors. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses over at least the next few years as we continue to make investments in research and development to advance our product candidate portfolio. In addition, we expect to incur significant expenses relating to seeking regulatory approval for our product candidates and commercializing those products in various markets, including China. We consider the active management and development of our clinical pipeline to be particularly crucial to our long-term success. The process of conducting the necessary clinical research to obtain regulatory approval is costly and time consuming. We started to implement a cost reduction effort in the second half of 2021, following the complete response letter (“CRL”) for roxadustat in the U.S., and in the second half of 2023 in connection with our efforts to streamline operations to align with our business goals. As a result, operating expenses have decreased and may continue to decrease in certain areas over time.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had a net loss of $284.2 million, or net loss per basic and diluted share of $2.92, as compared to a net loss of $293.7 million, or net loss per basic and diluted share of $3.14 for the prior year, primarily due to an increase in revenues and a decrease in operating costs and expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable totaled $248.1 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $194.5 million from December 31, 2022, primarily due to cash used in operations, partially offset by the net proceeds received under our senior secured term loan facilities and at-the-market program, discussed under the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.
Collaboration Partnerships for Roxadustat
Our current and future research, development, manufacturing and commercialization efforts with respect to roxadustat depend on funds from our collaboration agreements with Astellas and AstraZeneca. See Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Astellas
In June 2005, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Astellas for the development and commercialization (but not manufacture) of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in Japan (“Astellas Japan Agreement”). In April 2006, we entered into the Europe Agreement with Astellas for roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, and South Africa (“Astellas Europe Agreement”). Under these agreements, the aggregate amount for upfront payments and milestone payments received through December 31, 2023 totals $790.1 million.
On March 21, 2022, EVRENZO® (roxadustat) was registered with the Russian Ministry of Health. We evaluated the regulatory milestone payment associated with the approval in Russia under the Astellas Europe Agreement and concluded that this milestone was achieved in the first quarter of 2022. Accordingly, the consideration of $25.0 million associated with this milestone was included in the transaction price and allocated to performance obligations under the Astellas Europe Agreement, all of which was recognized as revenue during the first quarter of 2022 from performance obligations satisfied.
In 2018, we and Astellas entered into an amendment to the Astellas Japan Agreement that allows Astellas to manufacture roxadustat drug product for commercialization in Japan (the “Astellas Japan Amendment”). The related drug product revenue was $15.7 million and $9.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2021, we entered into an EU Supply Agreement with Astellas under the Astellas Europe Agreement to define general forecast, order, supply and payment terms for Astellas to purchase roxadustat bulk drug product from FibroGen in support of commercial supplies (the “Astellas EU Supply Agreement”). The related drug product revenue was $3.1 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In addition, Astellas has been an equity investor in FibroGen and considered a related party.
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AstraZeneca
In July 2013, we entered into a collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca for roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in the U.S. and all territories except for China and those territories previously licensed to Astellas (the “AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement”). In July 2013, through our China subsidiary and related affiliates, we entered into a collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca for roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in China (the “AstraZeneca China Agreement”). The aggregate amount for upfront payments and milestone payments received through December 31, 2023 totals $516.2 million.
On February 23, 2024, the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement was terminated (except for South Korea), while the AstraZeneca China Agreement and relationship continue unaffected.
Under the AstraZeneca China Agreement, which is conducted through FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd., FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“FibroGen Beijing”), and FibroGen International (Hong Kong) Limited (collectively, “FibroGen China”), the commercial collaboration was structured as a 50/50 profit share, which was amended by the AstraZeneca China Amendment in the third quarter of 2020, as discussed and defined below in AstraZeneca China Amendment.
In 2020, we entered into a Master Supply Agreement with AstraZeneca under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement (the “AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement”) to define general forecast, order, supply and payment terms for AstraZeneca to purchase roxadustat bulk drug product from FibroGen in support of commercial supplies. There was no related drug product revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
On September 18, 2023, we received the formal notice, from Beijing Medical Products Administration, of renewal of its right to continue to market roxadustat in China through 2028. We evaluated the regulatory milestone payment associated with this renewal under the AstraZeneca China Agreement and concluded that this milestone was achieved in the third quarter of 2023. Accordingly, the consideration of $4.0 million associated with this milestone was included in the transaction price and allocated to performance obligations under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement and the AstraZeneca China Agreement, all of which was recognized as revenue during the third quarter of 2023 from performance obligations satisfied.
AstraZeneca China Amendment
In July 2020, FibroGen China and AstraZeneca (together with FibroGen China, the “Parties”) entered into an amendment, effective July 1, 2020, to the AstraZeneca China Agreement, relating to the development and commercialization of roxadustat in China (the “AstraZeneca China Amendment”). Under the AstraZeneca China Amendment, in 2020, FibroGen Beijing and AstraZeneca completed the establishment of a jointly owned entity, Falikang, which performs roxadustat distribution, as well as conduct sales and marketing through AstraZeneca.
We account for our investment in Falikang under the equity method, and Falikang is not consolidated into our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we recognized our proportionate share of the reported profits or losses of Falikang, as other income (loss) in the consolidated statement of operations, and as an adjustment to investment in unconsolidated subsidiary in the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 5, Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Substantially all direct roxadustat product sales to distributors in China are made by Falikang, while FibroGen Beijing continues to sell roxadustat product directly in one province in China. FibroGen Beijing manufactures and supplies commercial product to Falikang based on a gross transaction price, adjusted for the estimated profit share. In addition, AstraZeneca bills the co-promotion expenses to Falikang and to FibroGen Beijing, respectively, for its services provided to the respective entity. AstraZeneca is entitled to reimbursement of its sales and marketing expenses up to a cumulative capped amount of a percentage of net sales. Once such amount is reached, AstraZeneca will bill the co-promotion expenses based on actual costs as incurred plus a markup on a prospective basis, which is currently expected to continue through 2033. In addition, Development costs continue to be shared 50/50 between the Parties.
We recognize revenue upon the transfer of control of commercial products to Falikang in an amount that reflects the allocation of transaction price of the China manufacturing and supply obligation (“China performance obligation”) to the performance obligation satisfied during the reporting period. For our direct sales of commercial drug product, we recognize revenue when control of the promised good is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for the product.During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $89.1 million and $71.2 million of net product revenue from the sales to Falikang, respectively, and $11.9 million and $11.7 million of net product revenue from sales directly to distributors in one province in China, as described in details under Product Revenue, Net section below.
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Additional Information Related to Collaboration Agreements
For more detailed discussions on the accounting for these agreements, See Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements.
Total cash consideration received through December 31, 2023 and potential cash consideration for upfront payments and milestone payments under our collaboration agreements are as follows:
(in thousands)
Astellas--related-party:
AstraZeneca:
The above table does not include development cost reimbursement, transfer price payments, and royalties and profit share under our existing collaboration agreements. Based on our current development plans for roxadustat, we do not expect to receive most or all of these additional potential milestones. The AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement was terminated on February 23, 2024 (except for South Korea), while the AstraZeneca China Agreement and relationship continue unaffected.
Licensing Activities
Exclusive License with Eluminex
In July 2021, we exclusively licensed to Eluminex global rights to our investigational biosynthetic cornea derived from recombinant human collagen type III.
Under the terms of the agreement with Eluminex, Eluminex made an $8.0 million upfront payment to FibroGen during the first quarter of 2022. In addition, FibroGen may receive up to a total of $64.0 million in future manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments for the biosynthetic cornea program, as well as $36.0 million in commercial milestones for the first recombinant collagen III product that is not the biosynthetic cornea. FibroGen will also be eligible to receive mid single-digit to low double-digit royalties based upon worldwide net sales of cornea products, and low single-digit to mid single-digit royalties based on worldwide net sales of other recombinant human collagen type III products that are not cornea products.
In April 2023, FibroGen and Eluminex entered into an Amended and Restated Exclusive License Agreement (“A&R Eluminex Agreement”) in order to add to the license rights to recombinant human collagen Type I (in addition to the rights to collagen Type III that were already licensed). The A&R Eluminex Agreement included additional total upfront payments of $1.5 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, FibroGen recognized a $3.0 million milestone payment based on Eluminex implanting a biosynthetic cornea in the first patient of its clinical trial in China, a $3.0 million manufacturing related milestone payment, a $1.0 million upfront payment, and a $0.5 million upfront payment related to patent transfer. See the Eluminex Agreements section in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue
(dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
Under our revenue recognition policy, license revenue includes amounts from upfront, non-refundable license payments and amounts allocated pursuant to the standalone selling price method from other consideration received during the respective periods. This revenue is generally recognized as deliverables are met and services are performed. License revenues represented 7%, 16% and 50% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Development revenue includes co-development and other development related services. We recognize development services as revenue in the period in which they are billed to our partners, excluding China. As of December 31, 2023, we do not expect to incur significant future co-development services. For China co-development services, we defer revenue until we begin to transfer control of the manufactured commercial product to AstraZeneca, which commenced in the first quarter of 2021 and we expect to continue through 2033, which reflects our best estimates, taking into account our estimated loss of exclusivity upon expiry of our composition of matter patent in 2024, our existing patent portfolio, and competition from generics. Other revenues consist of contract manufacturing revenue, patent transfer and sales of research and development material, which have not been material for any of the periods presented. Development and other revenues represented 12%, 17% and 30% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We recognize product revenue when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Product revenue represented 68%, 59% and 20% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Drug product revenue includes commercial-grade API or bulk drug product sales to AstraZeneca, under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, and Astellas in support of pre-commercial preparation prior to the New Drug Application or marketing authorization application approval, and to Astellas for ongoing commercial activities in Japan and Europe. We recognize drug product revenue when we fulfill the inventory transfer obligations. The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained, and is included in the drug product revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received in the future may differ from our estimates, for which we will adjust these estimates and affect the drug product revenue in the period such variances become known. Drug product revenues represented 13%, 8%, and 0% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In the future, we will continue generating revenue from collaboration agreements in the form of license fees, milestone payments, reimbursements for collaboration services and royalties on drug product sales, and from product sales. The AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement was terminated on February 23, 2024 (except for South Korea), while the AstraZeneca China Agreement and relationship continue unaffected. We expect that any revenues we generate will fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to the uncertain timing and amount of such payments and sales.
Total revenue increased $7.0 million, or 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 for the reasons discussed in the sections below.
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License Revenue
(dollars in thousands)
License revenue:
________________________
NM = Not meaningful
License revenue decreased $12.9 million, or 57% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
License revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with AstraZeneca for the year ended December 31, 2023 represented the allocated revenue related to $4.0 million regulatory milestone associated with the renewal of our right to continue to market roxadustat in China that was included in the transaction price during the third quarter of 2023 when such milestone was achieved. License revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023 also included a $1.0 million upfront payment under the A&R Eluminex Agreement, a $3.0 million milestone payment based on Eluminex implanting a biosynthetic cornea in the first patient of its clinical trial in China, and a $3.0 million manufacturing related milestone payment when such milestones were achieved.
License revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with Astellas for the year ended December 31, 2022 represented the allocated revenue related to $25.0 million regulatory milestone associated with the approval of EVRENZO® (roxadustat) in Russia that was included in the transaction price during the first quarter of 2022 when such milestone was achieved.
Development and Other Revenue
(dollars in thousands)
Development revenue:
Development and other revenue decreased $5.8 million, or 24% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with Astellas for the year ended December 31, 2023 was impacted by the decrease in co-development billings due to substantial completion of Phase 3 trials for roxadustat under our collaboration agreements with Astellas for roxadustat. Development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with Astellas for the year ended December 31, 2022 included the allocated revenue of $2.4 million related to the above-mentioned $25.0 million regulatory milestone associated with the approval in Russia during the first quarter of 2022, which did not recur in 2023.
Development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with AstraZeneca for the year ended December 31, 2023 was impacted by the decrease in co-development billings due to the closeout activities under our collaboration agreements with AstraZeneca for roxadustat, which was partially offset by the allocated revenue of $0.8 million related to the above-mentioned $4.0 million regulatory milestone associated with the renewal of our right to continue to market roxadustat in China.
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Other revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023 included an upfront payment related to patent transfer under from Eluminex, revenue from sales of certain research and development material, as well as revenue related to our contract manufacturing agreement with Eluminex, under which we were responsible for supplying the cornea product at 110% of our product manufacturing costs until our manufacturing technology is fully transferred to Eluminex, which occurred by the end of 2023.
Product Revenue, Net
(dollars in thousands)
Direct Sales:
Sales to Falikang:
Substantially all direct product sales to distributors in China have been made by Falikang, while FibroGen Beijing continues to sell product directly in one province in China. Total product revenue, net increased $18.1 million, or 22% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
We recognize product revenue from direct sales to distributors in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those products, net of various sales rebates and discounts. Product revenue from direct sales, net increased $0.2 million, or 2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The gross product revenue from direct sales to distributors increased $0.8 million, or 7% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in sales volume. The discounts and rebates primarily consisted of the price adjustments recorded based on government-listed price guidance and estimated channel inventory levels, the contractual sales rebate calculated based on the stated percentage of gross sales by each distributor in the distribution agreement entered between FibroGen and each distributor, and other rebates and discounts, as well as sales return allowance. The total discounts and rebates were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
FibroGen Beijing manufactures and supplies commercial product to Falikang based on a gross transaction price, adjusted for the estimated profit share. We recognize revenue upon the transfer of control of commercial products to Falikang in an amount that reflects the allocation of the China performance obligation transaction price to the performance obligation satisfied during the reporting period. The variable consideration components that are included in the transaction price may be constrained, and are included in the product revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
Sales to Falikang revenue, net increased $17.9 million, or 25% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The gross transaction price increased $42.3 million and the calculated profit share increased $22.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively, primarily due to the increase in sales volume.
Periodically, we update our assumptions such as total sales quantity, performance period, gross transaction price, profit share and other inputs including foreign currency translation impact, among others. Following updates to our estimates, we recognized $0.5 million and $2.3 million from the previously deferred revenue of the China performance obligation during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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Drug Product Revenue
(dollars in thousands)
Drug product revenue, net:
AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement — — (2,224 ) — —
Drug product revenue increased $7.7 million, or 69% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Astellas Japan Agreement
During the second quarter of 2023, we fulfilled two shipment obligations under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment, and recognized related drug product revenue of $14.4 million in the same period. In addition,we updated our estimate of variable consideration related to the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment and accordingly recorded an adjustment to the drug product revenue of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the API held by Astellas at period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated bulk product strength mix intended to be manufactured by Astellas, foreign exchange impacts and estimated yield from the manufacture of bulk product tablets, among others.
During the first quarter of 2022, we fulfilled a shipment obligation under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment and recognized related drug product revenue of $9.8 million in the same period. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we fulfilled a shipment obligation under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment, and recognized related drug product revenue of $8.4 million in the same period. In addition, we updated our estimate of variable consideration related to the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of Japan Amendment with Astellas, and recorded a reduction to the drug product revenue of $8.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the API held by Astellas at period end, adjusted to reflect foreign currency translation impact, the changes in the estimated bulk product strength mix intended to be manufactured by Astellas, estimated cost to convert the API to bulk product tablets, and estimated yield from the manufacture of bulk product tablets, among others.
As of December 31, 2023, the balances related to the API price true-up under the Astellas Japan Agreement were $1.2 million in accrued liabilities and $0.7 million in other long-term liabilities, representing the Company’s best estimate of the timing for these amounts to be paid. As of December 31, 2022, the related balance in accrued liabilities was $6.5 million.
Astellas Europe Agreement
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we transferred bulk drug product for commercial purposes under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and recognized the related fully-burdened manufacturing costs of $0.8 million as drug product revenue, and recorded $17.7 million as deferred revenue due to a high degree of uncertainty associated with the variable consideration for revenue recognition purposes. In addition, we updated our estimate of variable consideration related to the bulk drug product transferred in prior years. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the bulk drug product held by Astellas at the period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated transfer price, forecast information, shelf-life estimates and other items. As a result, for the year ended December 31, 2023, we reclassified $38.7 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, the related balance in accrued liabilities was $38.6 million, representing our best estimate that this amount will be paid within the next 12 months.
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During the second quarter of 2022, we transferred bulk drug product for commercial purposes under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and recognized the related fully-burdened manufacturing costs of $1.0 million as drug product revenue, and recorded $23.2 million as deferred revenue due to a high degree of uncertainty associated with the variable consideration for revenue recognition purposes. In addition, we updated our estimate of variable consideration related to the bulk drug product transferred in prior years. Specifically, the change in estimated variable consideration was based on the bulk drug product held by Astellas at the period end, adjusted to reflect the changes in the estimated transfer price, forecast information, shelf-life estimates and other items. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2022, we reclassified a total of $57.4 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2022, the related balance in accrued liabilities was $57.4 million.
In addition, we recognized royalty revenue of $2.3 million and $0.6 million as drug product revenue from the deferred revenue under the Astellas Europe Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The remainder of the deferred revenue will be recognized as and when uncertainty is resolved, based on the performance of roxadustat product sales in the Astellas territory.
AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement
There was no shipment of bulk drug product to AstraZeneca as commercial supply under the terms of the AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
During the first quarter of 2022, we evaluated the current developments in the U.S. market, and updated our estimates of variable consideration associated with bulk drug product shipments to AstraZeneca in prior years as commercial supply under the terms of the AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2022, we reclassified $11.2 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities, which remained unchanged as of December 31, 2023, representing our best estimate that this amount will be paid within the next 12 months.
Operating Costs and Expenses
(dollars in thousands)
Operating costs and expenses
________________________
NM = Not meaningful
Total operating expenses decreased $12.2 million, or 3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, for the reasons discussed in the sections below.
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold decreased ($1.4) million, or (7)% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cost of goods sold, associated with the roxadustat commercial sales in China, consists of direct costs to manufacture commercial product, as well as indirect costs including factory overhead, storage, shipping, quality assurance, idle capacity charges, and inventory valuation adjustments. Cost of goods sold associated with the roxadustat commercial sales in China was $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $0.2 million, resulting from improved unit cost efficiency primarily due to higher production volume, partially offset by the increase in the sales volume.
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Cost of goods sold associated with the roxadustat drug product revenue in the U.S. was $3.1 million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, associated with the costs of API or bulk drug product delivered to Astellas and AstraZeneca in the respective periods.
Cost of goods sold for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 also included manufacturing costs $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, related to our contract manufacturing revenue from Eluminex.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist of third-party research and development costs and the fully-burdened amount of costs associated with work performed under collaboration agreements. Research and development expenses include employee-related expenses for research and development functions, expenses incurred under agreements with clinical research organizations, other clinical and preclinical costs and allocated direct and indirect overhead costs, such as facilities costs, information technology costs and other overhead. We expense research and development costs as incurred. We recognize costs for certain development activities based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information and data provided to us by our vendors and our clinical sites. Research and development expenses also include in-process research and development assets that have no alternative future use other than in a particular research and development project. We have implemented a cost reduction effort since 2021 and efforts to streamline operations to align with our business goals in the second half of 2023, as a result, research and development expenses have decreased and may continue to decrease in certain areas over time.
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Phase of Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
* Included $24.6 million one-time, non-cash acquired IPR&D expenses associated with the recent exclusive license for FG-3246 from Fortis and the acquisition of Fortis. See Note 4, Exclusive License and Option to Acquire Fortis Therapeutics, to the consolidated financial statements.
** Other research and development expenses included $60.0 million of acquired in-process research and development assets related to upfront payments to HiFiBiO during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The program-specific expenses summarized in the table above include costs we directly attribute to our product candidates. We allocate research and development salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and other indirect costs to our product candidates on a program-specific basis, and we include these costs in the program-specific expenses.
Research and development expenses decreased $13.9 million, or 5% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 as a result of the net effect of the following:
•
Decrease of $37.8 million in drug development expenses associated with drug substance, drug product manufacturing activities and logistic activities related to pamrevlumab which were largely completed in the prior periods;
•
Decrease of $9.4 million in stock-based compensation primarily resulting from significantly lower stock price and cancellations of stock options and restricted stock units;
•
$24.6 million one-time, non-cash acquired IPR&D expenses associated with the recent exclusive license for FG-3246 from Fortis and the acquisition of Fortis;
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•
Increase of $3.7 million in employee-related costs primarily due to the impact from payroll tax refunds received during 2022 that did not recur in the current year, as well as more business travel activities and higher severance, offset by the impact from reduction in force actions in July 2023; and
•
Increase of $3.1 million information technology, facilities and allocated costs primarily associated with software costs and maintenance services.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of employee-related expenses for executive, operational, finance, legal, compliance, and human resource functions. SG&A expenses also include facility-related costs, professional fees, accounting and legal services, other outside services including co-promotional expenses associated with our commercialization efforts in China, recruiting fees and expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining patents. We have implemented a cost reduction effort since 2021 and efforts to streamline operations to align with our business goals in the second half of 2023, as a result, SG&A expenses have decreased in certain areas and may continue to decrease over time.
SG&A expenses decreased $9.4 million, or (8)% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, as a result of the net effect of the following:
•
Decrease of $5.4 million in stock-based compensation primarily resulting from significantly lower stock price and cancellations of stock options and restricted stock units;
•
Decrease of $3.8 million in legal expenses primarily due to lower corporate legal activities;
•
Decrease of $3.3 million due to higher expenses in information technology, facilities and equipment costs primarily associated with software costs and maintenance services, which were allocated to research and development expenses;
•
Increase of $1.7 million in outside services expenses due to higher consulting activities in general administrative function and efforts to prepare for commercialization in the first half of the year; and
•
Increase of $1.1 million in employee-related costs primarily due to the impact from payroll tax refunds received during 2022 that did not recur in the current year, as well as higher severance during the current year period, offset by the impact from reduction in force actions in July 2023 and lower recruiting and relocation costs.
Restructuring Charge
On July 14, 2023, we approved a restructuring plan (the “Plan”) to lower our operating expenses. The Plan included a reduction to our U.S. workforce of approximately 32% (or 104 employees). As a result, we recorded a total of $12.6 million non-recurring restructuring charge during the third quarter of 2023, primarily consisting of notice period and severance payments, accrued vacation and employee benefits contributions. The Plan is in connection with the Company’s efforts to streamline operations to align with the Company’s business goals.
Interest and Other, Net
(dollars in thousands)
Interest and other, net:
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Interest Expense
Interest expense represents the interest related to the senior secured term loan facilities, interest related to sale of future revenues and interest related to the Technology Development Center of the Republic of Finland product development obligations.
Interest expense increased $14.1 million, or 979% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $7.4 million related to the senior secured term loan facilities entered into in April 2023. See Note 9, Senior Secured Term Loan Facilities, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 also included interest expense of $7.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to sale of future revenues under the Revenue Interest Financing Agreement (“RIFA”) with an affiliate of NovaQuest Capital Management (“NovaQuest”) entered into in November 2022. See Note 10, Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Interest Income and Other Income (Expenses), Net
Interest income and other income (expenses), net primarily include interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and investments, foreign currency transaction gains (losses), remeasurement of certain monetary assets and liabilities in non-functional currency of our subsidiaries into the functional currency, realized gains (losses) on sales of investments, and other non-operating income and expenses.
Interest income and other income (expenses), net increased $2.9 million, or 38% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to $5.8 million higher interest income from our investments with higher interest rate during the current year period, and $2.3 million of favorable foreign exchange impact, partially offset by an impact of $5.0 million recorded during the second quarter of 2022, which did not recur in the current year period, resulting from a reduction to other expenses to release the previously estimated late payment fees related to value added tax in China.
Provision for Income Taxes
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Provision for income taxes 3 358 347
Effective tax rate — % (0.1 ) % (0.1 ) %
The provisions for income taxes for each of the three years ended December 31, 2023 were due to foreign taxes.
Based upon the weight of available evidence, which includes our historical operating performance, reported cumulative net losses since inception and expected continuing net loss, we have established a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as we do not currently believe that realization of those assets is more likely than not. We intend to continue maintaining a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of all or some portion of this allowance.
Investment Income (Loss) in Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entity
Investment income (loss) in unconsolidated variable interest entity represented our proportionate share of the reported profits or losses of Falikang, an unconsolidated variable interest entity accounted for under the equity method. See Note 5, Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financial Conditions
We have historically funded our operations principally from the sale of common stock (including our public offering proceeds), from the execution of collaboration agreements involving license payments, milestone payments, reimbursement for development services, and the associated product revenue and drug product revenue.
On November 4, 2022, we entered into a RIFA with NovaQuest with respect to our revenues from Astellas’ sales of roxadustat in Europe, Japan and the other Astellas territories. Pursuant to the RIFA, in the fourth quarter of 2022, we received $49.8 million from NovaQuest, representing the gross proceeds of $50.0 million net of initial issuance costs, in consideration for a portion of future revenues we will receive from Astellas. For additional details about this financing transaction, see Note 10, Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements.
On February 27, 2023, we entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement (the “at-the-market agreement”) with Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC and BofA Securities, Inc. (each a “Sales Agent”), which amended and restated its Equity Distribution Agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC, dated August 8, 2022, to add BofA Securities, Inc. as an additional Sales Agent under that agreement. Under the at-the-market agreement, we may issue and sell, from time to time and through the Sales Agents, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $200.0 million (the “ATM Program”). Under the ATM Program, we sold 2,472,090 shares of our common stock and received net proceeds of approximately $48.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. See the At-the-Market Program section, in Note 13, Equity and Stock-based Compensation, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
On April 29, 2023, we entered into the Financing Agreement with investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, (“Lenders”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as the administrative agent, providing for senior secured term loan facilities consisting of a $75.0 million initial term loan. The clinical development milestones which could have triggered Delayed Draw Term Loan 1 were not achieved, and the Lenders have not funded Delayed Draw Term Loan 2. For additional details about this financing transaction, see Note 9, Senior Secured Revolving Line of Credit, to the consolidated financial statements.
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $113.7 million, compared to $155.7 million as of December 31, 2022. Cash is invested in accordance with our investment policy, primarily with a view to liquidity and capital preservation. Investments, consisting of available-for-sale securities, and stated at fair value, are also available as a source of liquidity. As of December 31, 2023, we had short-term investments of $121.9 million, compared to short-term investments of $266.3 million and long-term investments of $4.3 million as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, a total of $32.2 million of our cash and cash equivalents was held outside of the U.S. in our foreign subsidiaries, including $32.1 million held in China, to be used primarily for our China operations.
Our long-term plans for distributing cash flows from FibroGen Beijing may involve any number of scenarios including keeping the money onshore to fund future expansion of our China operations or paying down certain debt obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, FibroGen Beijing made a total of $55.5 million repayments of intercompany loans. Our capital contributions to FibroGen Beijing and the liquidity position of FibroGen Beijing depend on many factors, including those set forth under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.
Cash Sources and Uses
The following table summarizes the primary sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Net cash provided by (used in):
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Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $315.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and consisted primarily of net loss of $284.2 million adjusted for non-cash items and non-operating activities of $88.9 million and a net decrease in operating assets and liabilities of $119.7 million. The significant non-cash items included stock-based compensation expense of $50.8 million, acquired IPR&D expenses associated with the acquisition of Fortis of $24.6 million, depreciation expense of $9.5 million, non-cash interest expense related to sale of future revenues of $7.7 million, and net accretion of premium and discount on investments of $5.1 million. The significant items in the changes in operating assets and liabilities included the following:
•
Accrued and other liabilities decreased $49.8 million, primarily due to the movements related to API and bulk drug product price true-up resulting from changes in estimated variable consideration associated with the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of the Astellas Japan Amendment, the bulk drug product transferred under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, including the payment of $57.4 million previously accrued balance made during the current year period. See the Drug Product Revenue, Net section in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details. The decrease was partially offset by the accrued liabilities of $28.5 million for the litigation settlement as of December 31, 2023, which is fully recoverable under our insurance policies. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements for details. The accrued and other liabilities were also impacted by the timing of invoicing and payment;
•
Deferred revenue decreased $28.2 million, primarily related to related to the reclassification of $38.7 million to accrued liabilities, resulting from changes in estimated variable consideration associated with the bulk drug product transferred to Astellas under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement during the current year. See the Drug Product Revenue, Net section in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details;
•
Accounts payable decreased $15.5 million, primarily driven by the payments made for the historical co-promotion expenses to AstraZeneca during the current year, as well as the timing of invoicing and payments; and
•
Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased $28.2 million, primarily due to the $28.5 million receivable as of December 31, 2023 for the insurance recovery for the above-mentioned litigation settlement.
Net cash used in operating activities was $145.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of net loss of $293.7 million adjusted for non-cash items and non-operating activities of $77.3 million and a net increase in operating assets and liabilities of $70.4 million. The significant non-cash items included stock-based compensation expense of $65.6 million, and depreciation expense of $10.0 million. The significant items in the changes in operating assets and liabilities included the following:
•
Accrued and other liabilities increased $90.6 million, primarily related to the total of $75.1 million for API and bulk drug product price true-up as of December 31, 2022, resulting from changes in estimated variable consideration associated with the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of the Astellas Japan Amendment, the bulk drug product transferred under the terms of the Astellas Europe Agreement and the Astellas EU Supply Agreement, and the bulk drug product shipments to AstraZeneca under the terms of the AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement. The accrued and other liabilities were also impacted by the classification of a portion of accrued co-promotion expenses from other long-term liabilities to current liabilities based on the updated estimate of timing for payment, and by the timing of invoicing and payment;
•
Accounts payable increased $5.9 million, primarily driven by the timing of invoicing and payments;
•
Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased $4.9 million, primarily due to the collection of $8.0 million from Eluminex for upfront license payment during the first quarter of 2022, and less prepayments made for roxadustat API manufacturing activities, partially offset by a payroll tax refund recorded as other receivables as of December 31, 2022 and received in the first quarter of 2023;
•
Other long-term liabilities decreased $18.3 million primarily driven by the above-mentioned classification of a portion of accrued co-promotion expenses from other long-term liabilities to current liabilities based on the updated estimate of timing for payment;
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•
Inventories increased $11.0 million, driven by the increased inventory level primarily related to inventory cost capitalized related to Europe and other territories, and FibroGen Beijing’s productions of roxadustat for commercial sales purposes; and
•
Deferred revenue decreased $4.1 million, primarily related to revenue recognized from the previously deferred revenue of the China performance obligation during the year ended December 31, 2022, and the above-mentioned reclassification to accrued liabilities, resulting from changes in estimated variable consideration associated with the API or bulk drug product deliveries fulfilled with Astellas and AstraZeneca.
Investing Activities
Investing activities primarily consist of purchases of property and equipment, purchases of investments, purchase of acquired in-process research and development asset and proceeds from the maturity and sale of investments.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $153.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and consisted primarily of $400.6 million of proceeds from maturities of investments and $6.7 million of proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $251.8 million of cash used in purchases of available-for-sale securities.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $89.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of $284.5 million of proceeds from maturities of investments and $7.4 million of proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $164.0 million of cash used in purchases of available-for-sale securities, $35.0 million of cash paid for the acquired in-process research and development asset and $3.7 million of cash used in purchases of property and equipment.
Financing Activities
Financing activities primarily reflect proceeds from strategic financing arrangements, proceeds from the issuance of our common stock, cash paid for payroll taxes on restricted stock unit releases, and repayments of our lease liabilities and obligations.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $122.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and consisted primarily of $74.1 million net proceeds from senior secured term loan facilities, $48.4 million net proceeds received under the ATM Program and $3.7 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and purchases under our Employee Share Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).
Net cash provided by financing activities was $46.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of $49.8 million of net proceeds from sale of future revenues from NovaQuest, $4.2 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and purchases under our ESPP, partially offset by $5.2 million of cash paid for payroll taxes on restricted stock unit releases, and $1.5 million of cash paid for transaction costs related to sale of future revenues.
Material Cash Requirements
We generate revenue from commercial sales of roxadustat product in China, Japan and Europe. Even with the expectation of increases in these revenues, we anticipate that we will continue to generate losses for the foreseeable future. To date, we have funded certain portions of our research and development and manufacturing efforts globally through collaboration partners, debt financings, and equity financing. We expect to continue to incur significant research and development expenses to invest in our other programs and there is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to continue to fund these development efforts through commercialization or otherwise. We are also subject to all the risks related to the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other factors outlined outlined under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report, as well as unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. We anticipate that we will need substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations.
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We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable, together with the proceeds from senior secured term loan facilities in the second quarter of 2023, the financing amount under the RIFA received in fourth quarter of 2022, and the net proceeds received under our ATM program in the first half of 2023, as well as the cost savings we have recently implemented (including from the reduction in workforce that we announced on July 19, 2023), will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance of the financial statements included in this Annual Report. However, we may need additional capital thereafter and our liquidity assumptions may materially differ and we could utilize our available financial resources sooner than we currently expect. We may incur additional expenses not currently contemplated due to events associated with the recently announced reduction in workforce. In addition, we may elect to raise additional funds at any time through equity, equity-linked, debt financing arrangements or from other sources. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement and involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary as a result of a number of factors. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including those set forth under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. We may not be able to secure additional financing to meet our operating requirements on acceptable terms, or at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity or equity-linked securities, the ownership of our existing stockholders will be diluted. If we raise additional financing by the incurrence of indebtedness, we will be subject to increased fixed payment obligations and could also be subject to restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we are unable to obtain needed additional funds, we will have to reduce our operating costs and expenses, which would impair our growth prospects and could otherwise negatively impact our business.
Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations
At December 31, 2023, our material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations primarily relate to our lease liabilities, non-cancelable purchase obligations and liability related to sale of future revenues. Expected timing of those payments are as follows (in thousands):
Payments Due In
Total Next 12 Months Beyond 12 Months
Our lease liabilities are primarily related to our real estate leases for office spaces in the U.S. and China. See Note 7, Leases, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Our outstanding non-cancelable purchase obligations primarily related to manufacturing and supply for pamrevlumab and roxadustat, and other purchases and programs. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Under the Financing Agreement with Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, as of December 31, 2023, we had $71.9 million of senior secured term loan facilities balance on the consolidated balance sheets, which are not subject for repayment until May 2026. Meanwhile, we are obliged to pay interest on a monthly basis, for which we expect to pay a total of $10.5 million within the next 12 months. See Note 9, Senior Secured Term Loan Facilities, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
Under the RIFA with NovaQuest, as of December 31, 2023, we had $57.1 million of liability related to sale of future revenues on the consolidated balance sheets, $5.7 million of which we expect to pay within the next 12 months. Based on our current estimates of drug product revenue and revenue from milestone payments under the Astellas Agreements, and taking into the consideration of the terms under the RIFA, we anticipate to reach a payment cap up to $125.0 million by 2031. See Note 10, Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
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Some of our license agreements provide for periodic maintenance fees over specified time periods, as well as payments by us upon the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial milestones. As of December 31, 2023, future milestone payments for research and preclinical stage development programs consisted of up to approximately $697.9 million in total potential future milestone payments under our license agreements with HiFiBiO (for Gal-9 and CCR8), Medarex, Inc. and others. These milestone payments generally become due and payable only upon the achievement of certain developmental, clinical, regulatory and/or commercial milestones. The event triggering such payment or obligation has not yet occurred and therefore these amounts have been excluded from the table above.
The table above excludes uncertain tax benefits of approximately $81.0 million that are disclosed in Note 15,Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements because these uncertain tax positions, if recognized, would be an adjustment to the gross deferred tax assets and the corresponding valuation allowance, if warranted.
As of December 31, 2023, we have several on-going clinical studies in various stages. Under agreements with various CROs, and clinical study sites, we incur expenses related to clinical studies of our product candidates and potential other clinical candidates. The timing and amounts of these disbursements are contingent upon the achievement of certain milestones, patient enrollment and services rendered or as expenses are incurred by the CROs or clinical trial sites. Therefore, we cannot estimate the potential timing and amount of these payments and they have been excluded from the table above. Although our material contracts with CROs are cancelable, we have historically not canceled such contracts.
As of December 31, 2023, our FibroGen Europe Oy (“FibroGen Europe”) subsidiary had $10.4 million of principal outstanding and $7.3 million of interest accrued related to loans from the Finnish government (“TEKES” loans), respectively, which have been included as product development obligations on our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 11, Product Development Obligations, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
There is no stated maturity date related to these loans and each loan may be forgiven if the research work funded by TEKES does not result in an economically profitable business or does not meet its technological objectives. In addition, we are not a guarantor of the TEKES loans, and these loans are not repayable by FibroGen Europe until it has distributable funds. We do not expect FibroGen Europe to have such funds in the foreseeable future. For the foregoing reasons, we cannot estimate the potential timing and the amounts of repayments (if required) or forgiveness. As a result, the TEKES loans have been excluded from the table above.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities that would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements.
Indemnification Agreements
We enter into standard indemnification arrangements in the ordinary course of business, including for example, service, manufacturing and collaboration agreements. Pursuant to these arrangements, we indemnify, holds harmless, and agree to reimburse the indemnified parties for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, including in connection with intellectual property infringement claims by any third party with respect to its technology. The term of these indemnification agreements is generally perpetual any time after the execution of the agreement. We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers that may require us to indemnify our directors and officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers to the extent permissible under applicable law. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these arrangements is not determinable.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
For recently issued accounting guidance, see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report, we believe the following accounting policies to be most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues under collaboration agreements
Our collaboration agreements include multiple performance obligations comprised of promised services, or bundles of services, that are distinct. Services that are not distinct are combined with other services in the agreement until they form a distinct bundle of services. Our process for identifying performance obligations and an enumeration of each obligation for each agreement is outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to our consolidated financial statements. Determining the performance obligations within a collaboration agreement often involves significant judgment and is specific to the facts and circumstances contained in each agreement.
We have identified the following material promises under its collaboration agreements: (1) license of FibroGen technology, (2) the performance of co-development services, including manufacturing of clinical supplies and other services during the development period, and (3) manufacture of commercial supply. The evaluation as to whether these promises are distinct, and therefore represent separate performance obligations, is described in more detail in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to our consolidated financial statements.
For revenue recognition purposes, we determine that the terms of our collaboration agreements begin on the effective date and end upon the completion of all performance obligations contained in the agreements. In each agreement, the contract term is defined as the period in which parties to the contract have present and enforceable rights and obligations. We believe that the existence of what we consider to be substantive termination penalties on the part of the counterparty create sufficient incentive for the counterparty to avoid exercising its right to terminate the agreement.
The transaction price for each collaboration agreement is determined based on the amount of consideration we expect to be entitled for satisfying all performance obligations within the agreement. Our collaboration agreements include payments to us of one or more of the following: non-refundable upfront license fees; co-development billings; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments; payments from sales of API; payments from sales of bulk drug product and royalties on net sales of licensed products.
Upfront license fees are non-contingent and non-refundable in nature and are included in the transaction price at the point when the license fees become due to us. We do not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer will be one year or less.
Co-development billings resulting from our research and development efforts, which are reimbursable under its collaboration agreements, are considered variable consideration. Determining the reimbursable amount of research and development efforts requires detailed analysis of the terms of the collaboration agreements and the nature of the research and development efforts incurred. Prior to CKD approval in the third quarter of 2021, determining the amount of variable consideration from co-development billings required us to make estimates of future research and development efforts, which involves significant judgment. Co-development billings are allocated entirely to the co-development services performance obligation when amounts are related specifically to research and development efforts necessary to satisfy the performance obligation, and such an allocation is consistent with the allocation objective.
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Milestone payments are also considered variable consideration, which requires us to make estimates of when achievement of a particular milestone becomes probable. Similar to other forms of variable consideration, milestone payments are included in the transaction price when it becomes probable that such inclusion would not result in a significant revenue reversal. Milestones are therefore included in the transaction price when achievement of the milestone becomes probable.
For arrangements that include sales-based royalties and for which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, we recognize revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). To date, royalty revenue resulting from collaboration arrangements has been immaterial.
We allocate the transaction price to performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling price (“SSP”), with the exception of co-development billings allocated entirely to co-development services performance obligations. The SSP is determined based on observable prices at which we separately sell the products and services. If an SSP is not directly observable, then we will estimate the SSP considering marketing conditions, entity-specific factors, and information about the customer or class of customer that is reasonably available. The process for determining SSP involves significant judgment and includes consideration of multiple factors, including assumptions related to the market opportunity and the time needed to commercialize a product candidate pursuant to the relevant license, estimated direct expenses and other costs, which include the rates normally charged by contract research and contract manufacturing organizations for development and manufacturing obligations, and rates that would be charged by qualified outsiders for committee services.
Significant judgment may be required in determining whether a performance obligation is distinct, determining the amount of variable consideration to be included in the transaction price, and estimating the SSP of each performance obligation. An enumeration of our significant judgments is outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to our consolidated financial statements.
For each performance obligation identified within an arrangement, we determine the period over which the promised services are transferred and the performance obligation is satisfied. Service revenue that was recognized over time was based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. For each performance obligation satisfied over time, we assess the proper method to be used for revenue recognition, either an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of services or an output method of determining the progress of completion of performance obligation.
Revenue under license agreements
Under a license agreement, if the license to our intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, we recognize revenues from upfront license fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the licensee and the licensee is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other promises, we determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time, we use judgment in determining the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from the up-front license fees. We evaluate the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjust the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.
Product revenue, net
Product revenue, net consists of revenues from sales of roxadustat commercial product to Falikang, and directly to pharmaceutical distributors located in one province in China that are not covered by Falikang. Falikang is jointly owned by AstraZeneca and FibroGen Beijing. We are not the primary beneficiary of Falikang for accounting purposes, as AstraZeneca is the final decision maker for all the roxadustat commercialization activities, and we lack the power criterion to direct the activities of Falikang (see Note 5, Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity, to our consolidated financial statements).
Sales to Falikang
Falikang became fully operational in January 2021, at which time FibroGen Beijing began selling roxadustat commercial product to Falikang. Falikang is FibroGen Beijing’s primary customer in China and substantially all roxadustat product sales to distributors in China are made by Falikang. Falikang bears inventory risk once it receives and accepts the product from FibroGen Beijing, and is responsible for delivering product to its distributors.
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The promises identified under the AstraZeneca China Agreement (as defined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues), including the license, co-development services and manufacturing of commercial supplies have been bundled into a single performance obligation (“China performance obligation”). Amounts of the transaction price allocable to this performance obligation under our agreements with AstraZeneca as outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, are deferred until control of the manufactured commercial product is transferred to AstraZeneca.
The initiation of roxadustat sales to Falikang marked the beginning of the China performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of roxadustat commercial product is transferred to Falikang. Revenue is recognized based on the estimated transaction price per unit and actual quantity of product delivered during the reporting period. Specifically, the transaction price per unit is determined based on the overall transaction price over the total estimated sales quantity for the estimated performance period in which we determined it is likely those sales would occur. The price per unit is subject to reassessment on a quarterly basis, which may result in adjustments due to changes in estimates.
The overall transaction price for FibroGen Beijing’s product sales to Falikang includes the following elements of consideration:
•
Non-refundable upfront license fees; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments based on the AstraZeneca China Agreement allocated to the China performance obligation;
•
Co-development billings resulting from our research and development efforts, which are reimbursable under the AstraZeneca China Agreement;
•
Interim profit/loss share between FibroGen Beijing and AstraZeneca from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020; and
•
Net transaction price from product sales to Falikang from January 1, 2021 onwards. The net transaction price includes the following elements:
o
Gross transaction price: The gross transaction price is based on a percentage of Falikang’s net sales to its distributors, which takes into account Falikang’s operating expenses and its payments to AstraZeneca for roxadustat sales and marketing efforts, capped at a percentage of Falikang’s net roxadustat sales.
o
Profit share: The gross transaction price is then adjusted for an estimated amount to achieve the 50/50 profit share from current period roxadustat net sales in China. The adjustments to date have been a reduction to the transaction price and the related accounts receivable from Falikang.
The non-refundable upfront license fees constitute a fixed consideration. The remainder of the above are variable consideration components, which may be constrained, and included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The calculation of the above variable consideration includes significant assumptions such as total sales quantity, performance period, gross transaction price and profit share, which require significant judgment.
We defer any net transaction price in excess of the revenue recognized, and recognize it over future periods as the performance obligations are satisfied.
Direct Sales to Distributors
We sell roxadustat in China directly to a number of pharmaceutical distributors located in one province in China that are not covered by Falikang. These pharmaceutical distributors are our customers. Hospitals order roxadustat through a distributor and we ship the product directly to the distributors. The delivery of roxadustat to a distributor represents a single performance obligation. Distributors are responsible for delivering product to end users, primarily hospitals. Distributors bear inventory risk once they receive and accept the product. We recognize product revenue when control of the promised good is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for the product.
The period between the transfer of control of the promised goods and when we receive payment is based on 60-day payment terms. As such, we do not adjust product revenue for the effects of a significant financing component.
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We record product revenue at the net sales prices that includes certain estimates of variable consideration. These estimates include price adjustment calculated based on estimated channel inventory levels when China’s National Healthcare Security Administration releases price guidance for roxadustat under the National Reimbursement Drug List, various fixed-amount or percentage-based rebates and discounts recorded as a reduction to revenue at the point of sale to the distributor or when distributor meets eligibility requirements, and estimated sales return as distributors can request to return product to us only due to quality issues or for product purchased within one year prior to the product’s expiration date.
We calculate the variable consideration based on gross sales to the distributor, or estimate it utilizing best available information from the distributor, maximum known exposures and other available information including estimated channel inventory levels and estimated sales made by the distributor to hospitals, which involves significant judgment.
The rebates and discounts all together are eligible to be applied against the distributor’s future sales order, limited to certain maximums until such rebates and discounts are exhausted. We record these rebates and discounts as contract liabilities at the time they become eligible and in the same period that the related revenue is recorded. Due to our legal right to offset, at each balance sheet date, we present the rebates and discounts as reductions to gross accounts receivable from the distributor, or as a current liability to the distributor to the extent that the total amount exceeds the gross accounts receivable or when we expect to settle the discount in cash. We calculate the distributor’s legal right of offset at the individual distributor level.
Drug product revenue
Drug product revenue includes commercial-grade API or bulk drug product sales to AstraZeneca and Astellas in support of pre-commercial preparation prior to the NDA or Marketing Authorization Application approval, and to Astellas for ongoing commercial activities in Japan and Europe. We recognize drugproduct revenue when we fulfill the inventory transfer obligations.
The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained, and we include it in the drug product revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Estimating variable consideration and the related constraint requires the use of significant management judgment. We review new information that may affect its variable consideration estimate at every reporting period and records revenue adjustment, if certain and material. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received in the future may differ from our estimates, for which we will adjust these estimates and affect the drug product revenue in the period such variances become known.
As each of our collaboration agreements provide for annual true up to the considerations paid for our commercial supplies, we will re-evaluate the transaction price in each reporting period and record adjustment to revenue as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
We are exposed to market risk in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates.
Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Currently, the functional currency of our subsidiaries, FibroGen Europe Oy and FibroGen Beijing, is the local currency. Our consolidated results of operations are reported in U.S. Dollars. Our revenues and operating costs and expenses are denominated in the currencies of the countries in which our operations are located, which are primarily in the U.S. and China. Therefore, our consolidated results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and may be adversely affected in the future due to changes in foreign exchange rates.
As of December 31, 2023, we did not have material financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are subject to fluctuation in the exchange rate with the U.S. dollar. Therefore, our financial assets and liabilities are not currently subject to significant foreign currency risk.
The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital to fund our operations. We also seek to maximize income from our cash and cash equivalents without assuming significant risk. To achieve our objectives, we invest our non-operating cash and cash equivalents primarily in commercial paper and money market funds as of December 31, 2023. Given the nature of our investments as of December 31, 2023, we believe that our exposure to interest rate risk is not significant. We actively monitor changes in interest rates.
To date, we have not entered into any hedging arrangements with respect to foreign currency risk or other derivative financial instruments.
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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
FibroGen, Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238) 95
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets 97
Consolidated Statements of Operations 98
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss 99
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) 100
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 101
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 102
Financial Statement Schedule:
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of FibroGen, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FibroGen, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive loss, of changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Determining the Transaction Price for Product Revenue Recognition for Sales to Beijing Falikang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Falikang”)
As described in Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, with respect to the roxadustat commercial product, revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to Falikang. Total product revenue, net recognized related to sales to Falikang was $89.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Revenue is recognized based on the estimated transaction price per unit and the actual quantity of product delivered to Falikang during the reporting period. The estimated transaction price per unit is determined based on the overall transaction price over the total estimated sales quantity for the estimated performance period in which management determined it is likely those sales would occur. Management applied significant judgment in determining the transaction price per unit, which involved the use of significant assumptions such as (i) the estimated total gross transaction price and profit share, (ii) the estimated total sales quantity, and (iii) the estimated performance period in which the Company determined it is likely those sales would occur.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to determining the transaction price for product revenue recognition for sales to Falikang is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when determining the transaction price per unit, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and in evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the estimated total gross transaction price, estimated total sales quantity, and estimated performance period over which the Company determined it is likely those sales would occur.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to revenue recognition, including controls over the determination of the transaction price per unit for sales to Falikang. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for determining the transaction price per unit, which included evaluating the appropriateness of the method, testing the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the method, and evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions related to the estimated total gross transaction price, estimated total sales quantity, and estimated performance period over which the Company determined it is likely those sales would occur. Evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management involved evaluating whether the assumptions were reasonable considering (i) the current and historical transaction price and quantity, (ii) the consistency with external market, industry and regulatory data, (iii) whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit, and (iv) patent expiration and market exclusivity.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
February 26, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2000.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 41,855 14,083
Long-term investments — 4,348
Equity method investment in unconsolidated variable interest entity 5,290 5,061
Liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and deficit
Current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities, non-current 66,537 79,593
Senior secured term loan facilities, non-current 71,934 —
Liability related to sale of future revenues, non-current 51,413 49,333
Other long-term liabilities ($656 and $0 to a related party) 2,858 6,440
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Redeemable non-controlling interests 21,480 —
Stockholders’ deficit:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6,875 ) (5,720 )
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to FibroGen (204,166 ) (21,447 )
Nonredeemable non-controlling interests 20,487 19,967
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
Revenue:
Operating costs and expenses:
Restructuring charge 12,606 — —
Interest and other, net
Interest income and other income (expenses), net 10,480 7,596 (1,078 )
Provision for income taxes 3 358 347
Investment income in unconsolidated variable interest entity 2,638 1,573 1,007
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (2.92 ) $ (3.14 ) $ (3.14 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (3,712 ) 75 1,235
Available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax effect 2,557 (1,632 ) (899 )
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of taxes (1,155 ) (1,557 ) 336
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands, except share data)
Shares Amount Capital Loss Deficit Interests Equity (Deficit) Interests
(Note 4)
Change in unrealized gain or loss on investments — — — (899 ) — — (899 ) —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 1,235 — — 1,235 —
Change in unrealized gain or loss on investments — — — (1,632 ) — — (1,632 ) —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 75 — — 75 —
Change in unrealized gain or loss on investments — — — 2,557 — — 2,557 —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — (3,712 ) — — (3,712 ) —
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
Operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of finance lease right-of-use assets 412 587 4,639
Net accretion of premium and discount on investments (5,061 ) 1,619 2,482
Unrealized loss on equity investments — — 30
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment 4 (1 ) 233
Acquired in-process research and development expenses 24,636 — 60,000
Non-cash interest expense related to sale of future revenues 7,734 1,036 —
Dividend received from unconsolidated variable interest entity 2,255 — —
Impairment of investment 1,000 — —
Realized loss on sales of available-for-sale securities 271 5 —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities, current 3,820 (547 ) 503
Accrued interest for finance lease liabilities (11 ) 33 (75 )
Operating lease liabilities, non-current (12,998 ) (8,994 ) (4,043 )
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment (2,519 ) (3,741 ) (5,186 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment — 6 —
Cash acquired from consolidation of Fortis 656 — —
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities 6,729 7,382 4,214
Financing activities
Repayments of finance lease liabilities (148 ) (135 ) (5,489 )
Repayments of lease obligations (336 ) (403 ) (403 )
Proceeds from sale of future revenues, net of issuance costs — 49,750 —
Cash paid for transaction costs related to sale of future revenues — (1,453 ) —
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 122,749 46,776 (563 )
Supplemental cash flow information:
Non cash acquisition in Fortis $ (22,000 ) $ — $ —
Balance in other receivables related to stock option exercise — — 165
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The Company
FibroGen, Inc. (“FibroGen” or the “Company”) is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with subsidiary offices in Beijing and Shanghai, People’s Republic of China (“China”). FibroGen is developing and commercializing a diversified pipeline of novel therapeutics that work at the frontier of cancer biology and anemia.
Pamrevlumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting connective tissue growth factor, is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer. Pamrevlumab is also in Phase 2/3 development for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. To date, the Company has retained exclusive worldwide rights for pamrevlumab.
Roxadustat is an oral small molecule inhibitor of HIF prolyl hydroxylase activity. Roxadustat (爱瑞卓®, EVRENZOTM) is approved in China, Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) for patients who are on dialysis and not on dialysis. Roxadustat is in clinical development for chemotherapy-induced anemia in China.
FibroGen is also developing earlier stage clinical and preclinical product candidates, FG-3246, FG-3165 and FG-3175, to address unmet patient needs in oncology.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and its majority-owned subsidiaries, as well as any variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which FibroGen is the primary beneficiary. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. For any VIE for which FibroGen is not the primary beneficiary, the Company uses the equity method of accounting.
The Company operates in one reportable segment — the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to treat serious unmet medical needs.
The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable will be sufficient to meet its anticipated cash requirements for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance of the financial statements. However, the Company may need additional capital thereafter and its liquidity assumptions may materially differ. The Company may utilize its available financial resources sooner than it currently expects and may incur additional expenses not currently contemplated. In addition, the Company may elect to raise additional funds at any time through equity, equity-linked, debt financing arrangements or from other sources.
Foreign Currency Translation
The reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.
The functional currency of FibroGen Europe is the Euro. The functional currency of FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“FibroGen Beijing”) is CNY. As such, monetary assets and liabilities of FibroGen Europe and FibroGen Beijing in currencies other than their functional currencies are remeasured using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. The assets and liabilities of FibroGen Europe and FibroGen Beijing are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. All income statement accounts are translated at monthly average exchange rates. Resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
The functional currency of FibroGen, Inc. and all other subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, monetary assets and liabilities in the non-functional currency of these subsidiaries are remeasured using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. Revenues and costs in local currency are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period, except for costs related to those balance sheet items that are remeasured using historical exchange rates. The resulting remeasurement gains and losses are included within interest income and other, net in the consolidated statements of operations as incurred and have not been material for all periods presented.
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Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions include valuation and recognition of revenue and deferred revenue, specifically, estimates in variable consideration for drug product sales, and estimates in transaction price per unit for the China performance obligation (as defined and discussed under Revenue Recognition below). On an ongoing basis, management reviews these estimates and assumptions. Changes in facts and circumstances may alter such estimates and actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is subject to risks associated with concentration of credit for cash and cash equivalents. Outside of short-term operating needs, the majority of cash on hand is invested in U.S. treasuries, corporate bonds, commercial paper and money market funds. Any remaining cash is deposited with major financial institutions primarily in the U.S., China and the Cayman Islands. At times, such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. The Company has not experienced any loss on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents. Included in current assets are significant balances of accounts receivable as follows:
December 31,
Falikang — Related party 42 % 65 %
AstraZeneca 33 % 16 %
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate accounts receivable related to roxadustat sales in China from distributors represented 17% and 10%, respectively, of the consolidated accounts receivable, with no material balance from any individual distributor.
Other Risks and Uncertainties
The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the results of clinical trials and the achievement of milestones, research developments, actions by regulatory authorities, market acceptance of the Company’s product candidates, competition from other products and larger companies, the liquidity and capital resources of the Company, intellectual property protection for the Company's proprietary technology, strategic relationships, and dependence on key individuals, suppliers, clinical organization, and other third parties.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Time Deposits
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents also include money market accounts and various deposit accounts. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, a total of $32.2 million and $92.5 million, respectively, of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents was held outside of the U.S. in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries to be used primarily for the Company’s China operations. Restricted time deposits include an irrevocable standby letter of credit as security deposit for a long-term property lease with the Company’s landlord. Restricted time deposits were $1.7 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Investments
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s investments consist primarily of diversified bonds, commercial paper, and money market funds. Those investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than 12 months (365 days) are considered short-term investments. Those investments with maturities greater than 12 months (365 days) from the balance sheet date are considered long-term investments. When such investments are held, the Company’s investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value based upon quoted market prices at period end. Unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale debt investments that are deemed temporary in nature are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholder’ equity. Realized and unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in value and sale of the Company’s marketable equity investments are recorded in other income (expenses) in the consolidated statement of operations.
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A decline in the fair value of any security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the corresponding establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Premiums and discounts are amortized (accreted) over the life of the related security as an adjustment to its yield. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of investments sold.
Trade accounts receivable
The allowance for credit losses is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The Company makes estimates of expected credit losses for the allowance for doubtful accounts by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances, current economic and regulatory conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay, and estimates of expected future losses. The Company’s bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were immaterial.
Credit losses – Available-for-sale debt securities
The Company periodically assesses its available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary impairment. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first considers its intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria are met, the amortized cost basis of such debt securities is written down to fair value through interest and other, net.
For debt securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company assesses whether the decline in the fair value of such debt securities has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and any adverse conditions specifically related to the securities, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss may exist, the Company then compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from such securities to their amortized cost basis. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded through interest and other, net, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any additional impairment not recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for, or reversal of, credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when the Company believes that an available-for-sale security is confirmed uncollectable or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on a first-in, first-out, or FIFO, basis. The cost of the Company’s inventories in China is determined using full absorption and standard costing method. The Company reviews the standard cost of raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods annually and more often as appropriate to ensure that its inventories approximate current actual cost. The cost of the Company’s inventories in the U.S. uses actual costs to determine its cost basis. The cost of inventories includes direct material cost, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.
When the technical feasibility of the Company’s future commercialization is considered probable and the future economic benefit is expected to be realized, based on management’s judgment, the Company capitalizes pre-launch inventory costs prior to regulatory approval. A number of factors are considered, including the status in the validation process in significant jurisdictions, regulatory application and approval process, and terms and condition for future sale of such inventory or future alternative use. The pre-launch inventory cost includes purchase cost of raw materials, cost paid to contract manufacturers for inventory manufacturing, freight and custom charges, and certain direct internal labor and overhead expenses.
The Company periodically reviews its inventories to identify obsolete, slow-moving, excess or otherwise unsaleable items. If obsolete, excess or unsaleable items are observed and there are no alternate uses for the inventory, an inventory valuation adjustment is recorded through a charge to cost of goods sold on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Inventory valuation adjustments require judgment including consideration of many factors, such as estimates of future product demand and product expiration period, among others.
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Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Computer equipment, laboratory equipment, machinery and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over three to five years. Leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and amortized over the term of the lease or their useful life, whichever is shorter.
Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity
Under the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), when the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, it evaluates the entity to determine if it should be deemed a VIE, and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary and is therefore required to consolidate the VIE, based on significant judgment whether the Company (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
On an ongoing basis, the Company re-evaluates the VIE assessment based on potential changes in facts and circumstances, including but not limited to, the shareholder loans to the entity and the execution of any future significant agreements between the entity and its shareholders and/or other third parties.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception date when it is given control of the underlying assets. The Company elected the practical expedient not to apply the lease recognition and measurement requirements to short-term leases, which is any lease with a term of 12 months or less as of the commencement date that does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise.
Lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As its leases do not typically provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The Company reassesses the incremental borrowing rate periodically for application to any new leases or lease modifications, which approximates the rate at which the Company would borrow, on a secured basis, in the country where the lease was executed. For any lease modification, the Company reassesses the lease classification, remeasures the related lease liability using an updated discount rate, and adjusts the related ROU asset under the lease modification guidance under the ASC 842, Leases, (“ASC 842”).
Lease ROU assets include any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company generally accounts for each lease component separately from the non-lease components, and excludes all non-lease components from the calculation of minimum lease payments in measuring the ROU asset and lease liability.
The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
Regarding leases denominated in a foreign currency, the related ROU assets and the corresponding ROU asset amortization costs are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at the date of initial recognition; the related lease liabilities are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at the end of the reporting period; the lease costs and interest expenses related to lease liability accretion are remeasured using average exchange rates for the reporting period.
Finance leases are included in finance lease ROU assets, finance lease liabilities, current and non-current on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, operating lease liabilities, current and non-current on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of its long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. If the Company determines that an impairment trigger has been met, the Company evaluates the realizability of its long-lived assets (asset group) based on a comparison of projected undiscounted cash flows from use and eventual disposition with the carrying value of the related asset. Any write-downs (which are measured based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset) are treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amount of the assets (asset group). Based on this evaluation, the Company believes that, as of each of the balance sheet dates presented, none of the Company’s long-lived assets were impaired. The Company had no impairment of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues
The Company accounts for the sale of future revenue as a debt, because the risks and rewards to the investor are limited by the terms of the transaction as discussed further in Note 10, Liability Related to Sale of Future Revenues. The difference between the carrying amount of the initial liability and the gross proceeds received is accounted for as a discount. The Company recognizes interest expense based on an estimated effective annual interest rate, which is affected by the amount and timing of revenues recognized and changes in the timing of forecasted revenues. Quarterly, the Company reassesses the expected revenues and the timing of such revenues, recalculates the amortization and effective interest rate and adjusts the accounting prospectively as needed.
Asset Acquisition
The Company evaluates acquisitions of entities or assets to assess whether or not the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If this screen criteria is met, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, further determination is required as to whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs which would meet the definition of a business. The Company measures and recognizes asset acquisitions that are not deemed to be business combinations based on the cost to acquire the assets, which includes transaction costs.
In an asset acquisition, the cost allocated to acquire in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) with no alternative future use is charged to research and development expense at the acquisition date. The Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in asset acquisitions, including contingent assets and liabilities, and non-controlling interests (“NCI”) in the acquired assets at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition.
An NCI represents the non-affiliated equity interest in the underlying entity or asset. The Company presents redeemable NCI in its consolidated statements of changes in equity within mezzanine equity. Nonredeemable NCI and redeemable NCI are initially recorded at their fair values. Subsequently, net loss in the underlying entity or asset is only allocated to nonredeemable NCI. Net income in the underlying entity or asset is allocated to nonredeemable NCI and redeemable NCI based on their respective stated rights.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues under collaboration agreements
The Company’s collaboration agreements include multiple performance obligations comprised of promised services, or bundles of services, that are distinct. Services that are not distinct are combined with other services in the agreement until they form a distinct bundle of services. The Company’s process for identifying performance obligations and an enumeration of each obligation for each agreement is outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues. Determining the performance obligations within a collaboration agreement often involves significant judgment and is specific to the facts and circumstances contained in each agreement.
The Company has identified the following material promises under its collaboration agreements: (1) license of FibroGen technology, (2) the performance of co-development services, including manufacturing of clinical supplies and other services during the development period, and (3) manufacture of commercial supply. The evaluation as to whether these promises are distinct, and therefore represent separate performance obligations, is described in more detail in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues.
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For revenue recognition purposes, the Company determines that the terms of its collaboration agreements begin on the effective date and end upon the completion of all performance obligations contained in the agreements. In each agreement, the contract term is defined as the period in which parties to the contract have present and enforceable rights and obligations. The Company believes that the existence of what it considers to be substantive termination penalties on the part of the counterparty create sufficient incentive for the counterparty to avoid exercising its right to terminate the agreement.
The transaction price for each collaboration agreement is determined based on the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled for satisfying all performance obligations within the agreement. The Company’s collaboration agreements include payments to the Company of one or more of the following: non-refundable upfront license fees; co-development billings; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments; payments from sales of active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”); payments from sales of bulk drug product and royalties on net sales of licensed products.
Upfront license fees are non-contingent and non-refundable in nature and are included in the transaction price at the point when the license fees become due to the Company. The Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer will be one year or less.
Co-development billings resulting from the Company’s research and development efforts, which are reimbursable under its collaboration agreements, are considered variable consideration. Determining the reimbursable amount of research and development efforts requires detailed analysis of the terms of the collaboration agreements and the nature of the research and development efforts incurred. Prior to CKD approval in the third quarter of 2021, determining the amount of variable consideration from co-development billings required the Company to make estimates of future research and development efforts, which involved significant judgment. Co-development billings are allocated entirely to the co-development services performance obligation when amounts are related specifically to research and development efforts necessary to satisfy the performance obligation, and such an allocation is consistent with the allocation objective.
Milestone payments are also considered variable consideration, which requires the Company to make estimates of when achievement of a particular milestone becomes probable. Similar to other forms of variable consideration, milestone payments are included in the transaction price when it becomes probable that such inclusion would not result in a significant revenue reversal. Milestones are therefore included in the transaction price when achievement of the milestone becomes probable.
For arrangements that include sales-based royalties and for which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). To date, royalty revenue resulting from its collaboration arrangements was immaterial.
The transaction price is allocated to performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling price (“SSP”), with the exception of co-development billings allocated entirely to co-development services performance obligations. The SSP is determined based on observable prices at which the Company separately sells the products and services. If an SSP is not directly observable, then the Company will estimate the SSP considering marketing conditions, entity-specific factors, and information about the customer or class of customer that is reasonably available. The process for determining SSP involves significant judgment and includes consideration of multiple factors, including assumptions related to the market opportunity and the time needed to commercialize a product candidate pursuant to the relevant license, estimated direct expenses and other costs, which include the rates normally charged by contract research and contract manufacturing organizations for development and manufacturing obligations, and rates that would be charged by qualified outsiders for committee services.
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Significant judgment may be required in determining whether a performance obligation is distinct, determining the amount of variable consideration to be included in the transaction price, and estimating the SSP of each performance obligation. An enumeration of the Company’s significant judgments is outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues.
For each performance obligation identified within an arrangement, the Company determines the period over which the promised services are transferred and the performance obligation is satisfied. Service revenue that was recognized over time was based on progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. For each performance obligation satisfied over time, the Company assesses the proper method to be used for revenue recognition, either an input method to measure progress toward the satisfaction of services or an output method of determining the progress of completion of performance obligation.
Revenue under license agreements
Under a license agreement, if the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from upfront license fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the licensee and the licensee is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other promises, the Company determines whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time, the Company uses judgment in determining the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from the up-front license fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.
Product revenue, net
Product revenue, net consists of revenues from sales of roxadustat commercial product to Falikang, and directly to pharmaceutical distributors located in one province in China that are not covered by Falikang. Falikang is jointly owned by AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”) and FibroGen Beijing. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of Falikang for accounting purposes, as AstraZeneca is the final decision maker for all the roxadustat commercialization activities, and the Company lacks the power criterion to direct the activities of Falikang (see Note 5, Equity method investment - Variable Interest Entity).
Sales to Falikang
Falikang became fully operational in January 2021, at which time FibroGen Beijing began selling roxadustat commercial product to Falikang. Falikang is FibroGen Beijing’s primary customer in China and substantially all roxadustat product sales to distributors in China are made by Falikang. Falikang bears inventory risk once it receives and accepts the product from FibroGen Beijing, and is responsible for delivering product to its distributors.
The promises identified under the AstraZeneca China Agreement (as defined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues), including the license, co-development services and manufacturing of commercial supplies have been bundled into a single performance obligation (“China performance obligation”). Amounts of the transaction price allocable to this performance obligation under the Company’s agreements with AstraZeneca as outlined in Note 3, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, are deferred until control of the manufactured commercial product is transferred to AstraZeneca.
The initiation of roxadustat sales to Falikang marked the beginning of the China performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of roxadustat commercial product is transferred to Falikang. Revenue is recognized based on the estimated transaction price per unit and actual quantity of product delivered during the reporting period. Specifically, the transaction price per unit is determined based on the overall transaction price over the total estimated sales quantity for the estimated performance period in which the Company determined it is likely those sales would occur. The price per unit is subject to reassessment on a quarterly basis, which may result in cumulative catch up adjustments due to changes in estimates.
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The overall transaction price for FibroGen Beijing’s product sales to Falikang includes the following elements of consideration:
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Non-refundable upfront license fees; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments based on the AstraZeneca China Agreement allocated to the China performance obligation;
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Co-development billings resulting from the Company’s research and development efforts, which are reimbursable under the AstraZeneca China Agreement;
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Interim profit/loss share between FibroGen Beijing and AstraZeneca from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020; and
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Net transaction price from product sales to Falikang from January 1, 2021 onwards. The net transaction price includes the following elements:
o
Gross transaction price: The gross transaction price is based on a percentage of Falikang’s net sales to its distributors, which takes into account Falikang’s operating expenses and its payments to AstraZeneca for roxadustat sales and marketing efforts, capped at a percentage of Falikang’s net roxadustat sales.
o
Profit share: The gross transaction price is then adjusted for an estimated amount to achieve the 50/50 profit share from current period roxadustat net sales in China. The adjustments to date have been a reduction to the transaction price and the related accounts receivable from Falikang.
The non-refundable upfront license fees constitute a fixed consideration. The remainder of the above are variable consideration components, which may be constrained, and included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The calculation of the above variable consideration includes significant assumptions such as total sales quantity, performance period, gross transaction price and profit share, which require significant judgment.
Any net transaction price in excess of the revenue recognized is deferred, and will be recognized over future periods as the performance obligations are satisfied.
Direct Sales to Distributors
The Company sells roxadustat in China directly to a number of pharmaceutical distributors located in one province in China that are not covered by Falikang. These pharmaceutical distributors are the Company’s customers. Hospitals order roxadustat through a distributor and the Company ships the product directly to the distributors. The delivery of roxadustat to a distributor represents a single performance obligation. Distributors are responsible for delivering product to end users, primarily hospitals. Distributors bear inventory risk once they receive and accept the product. Product revenue is recognized when control of the promised good is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the product.
The period between the transfer of control of the promised goods and when the Company receives payment is based on 60-day payment terms. As such, product revenue is not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component.
Product revenue is recorded at the net sales prices that includes certain estimates of variable consideration. These estimates include price adjustment calculated based on estimated channel inventory levels when China’s National Healthcare Security Administration releases price guidance for roxadustat under the National Reimbursement Drug List, various fixed-amount or percentage-based rebates and discounts recorded as a reduction to revenue at the point of sale to the distributor or when distributor meets eligibility requirements, and estimated sales return as distributors can request to return product to the Company only due to quality issues or for product purchased within one year prior to the product’s expiration date.
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The calculation of the variable consideration is based on gross sales to the distributor, or estimated utilizing best available information from the distributor, maximum known exposures and other available information including estimated channel inventory levels and estimated sales made by the distributor to hospitals, which involve a significant judgment.
The rebates and discounts all together are eligible to be applied against the distributor’s future sales order, limited to certain maximums until such rebates and discounts are exhausted. These rebates and discounts are recorded as contract liabilities at the time they become eligible and in the same period that the related revenue is recorded. Due to the Company’s legal right to offset, at each balance sheet date, the rebates and discounts are presented as reductions to gross accounts receivable from the distributor, or as a current liability to the distributor to the extent that the total amount exceeds the gross accounts receivable or when the Company expects to settle the discount in cash. The Company’s legal right to offset is determined at the individual distributor level. The contract liabilities were included in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The rebates and discounts reflected as reductions to gross accounts receivable for direct sales.
Drug product revenue
Drug product revenue includes commercial-grade API or bulk drug product sales to AstraZeneca and Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”) in support of pre-commercial preparation prior to the New Drug Application (“NDA”) or Marketing Authorization Application approval, and to Astellas for ongoing commercial activities in Japan and Europe. Drug product revenue is recognized when the Company fulfills the inventory transfer obligations.
The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained, and is included in the drug product revenue only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Estimating variable consideration and the related constraint requires the use of significant management judgment. The Company reviews new information that may affect its variable consideration estimate at every reporting period and records revenue adjustment, if certain and material. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received in the future may differ from the Company’s estimates, for which the Company will adjust these estimates and affect the drug product revenue in the period such variances become known.
As each of the Company’s collaboration agreements provide for annual true up to the considerations paid for its commercial supplies, the Company will re-evaluate the transaction price in each reporting period and record adjustment to revenue as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.
License Acquisition Agreement
In June 2021, the Company entered into an exclusive license and option agreement (the “HiFiBiO Agreement”) with HiFiBiO Therapeutics (“HiFiBiO”), pursuant to which the Company exclusively licensed all product candidates in HiFiBiO’s Galectin-9 program and subsequently exclusively licensed all product candidates in HiFiBiO’s CCR8 program in December 2021. Under the terms of the HiFiBiO Agreement, the Company has paid a $25.0 million upfront payment to HiFiBiO during the year ended December 31, 2021, and recorded a $35.0 million upfront payment for the CCR8 option exercise in accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2021, which was paid during the first quarter of 2022. HiFiBiO may receive R&D and regulatory milestone payments of up to $175 million, as well as sales milestones of up to $170 million. HiFiBiO will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties based upon worldwide net sales capped at 10%, subject to certain reductions. We expect to file INDs on product candidates for both the CCR8 and Galectin-9 programs in the first half of 2024.
The acquisition of these licenses was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The above-mentioned upfront payments of $60.0 million related to the license and options acquisition meets the definition of an in-process research and development asset (“IPR&D asset”) under the ASC 730, Research and Development. They relate to particular research and development projects and are determined to have no alternative future uses and thus have no separate economic value. Therefore, these upfront payments were recorded as research and development expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021, and the cash payments were reflected as investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Contingent consideration payments will be evaluated and recognized when they become probable and reasonably estimable. The related IPR&D asset will only be capitalized if it has an alternative future use other than in a particular research and development project. Otherwise, amounts allocated to IPR&D asset that have no alternative use will be expensed. As of December 31, 2023, the contingencies related to the milestone payments had not been resolved, therefore no contingent consideration was recognized. The Company will reassess the probability of future option payments and contingent payments on a quarterly basis.
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Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist of above-mentioned expense for acquired IPR&D asset, independent research and development costs and the gross amount of costs associated with work performed under collaboration agreements. Research and development costs include employee-related expenses, expenses incurred under agreements with clinical research organizations, other clinical and preclinical costs and allocated direct and indirect overhead costs, such as facilities costs, information technology costs and other overhead. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Clinical Trial Accruals
Clinical trial costs are a component of research and development expenses. The Company accrues and expenses clinical trial activities performed by third parties based upon actual work completed in accordance with agreements established with clinical research organizations and clinical sites. The Company determines the costs to be recorded based upon validation with the external service providers as to the progress or stage of completion of trials or services and the agreed-upon fee to be paid for such services.