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, 2024 (“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.
Unless noted otherwise, this management’s discussion and analysis relates solely to our continuing operations and does not reflect the operations results of FibroGen International (defined below), which is reflected as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
FibroGen, Inc. (“FibroGen” or the “Company”) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on development of novel therapies at the frontiers of cancer biology and anemia.
We are developing FG-3246, a potential first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD46, for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and potentially other cancers. This program also includes the development of FG-3180, an associated CD46-targeted positron emission tomography (“PET”) biomarker and imaging agent.
We and our collaboration partners have developed roxadustat (爱瑞卓®, EVRENZOTM), which is currently approved in the People’s Republic of China (“China”), Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) patients on dialysis and not on dialysis.
In February 2025, we entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited pursuant to which we and our subsidiary FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd. agreed to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of FibroGen International (Hong Kong) Ltd. (“FibroGen International”) to AstraZeneca Treasury Limited. AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”) is our long-time commercialization partner for roxadustat in greater China and South Korea. This sale includes all of our roxadustat assets in China, including FibroGen International’s subsidiary FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd and its 51.1% interest in Beijing Falikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (“Falikang”). The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and closing deliverables, including receipt of regulatory approval from the China State Administration for Market Regulation.
We will retain the rights to roxadustat in the United States of America (“U.S.”), Canada, Mexico, and in all markets not held by AstraZeneca or licensed to Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”). Astellas is commercializing roxadustat (EVRENZOTM) in Europe and Japan to treat anemia under two development and commercialization license agreements: one for Japan, and one for Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and South Africa.
We continue to evaluate a development plan for roxadustat in anemia associated with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, a high-value indication with significant unmet medical need.
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Financial Highlights
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except for per share data)
Result of Operations
(in thousands)
Balance Sheet
Short-term investments — 121,898
Our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily included the revenues recognized related to the following:
•
$25.7 million cumulative catch-up net adjustment in the drug product revenue, as a result of terminating the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement (as defined below), effective as of February 25, 2024 (“AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement”), with the exception of South Korea.
•
$2.0 million of drug product revenue related to active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) deliveries to Astellas; and
•
$1.8 million of development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with our partners Astellas and AstraZeneca.
As comparison, our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily included the revenues recognized related to the following:
•
$18.8 million of drug product revenue related to 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.
Total operating costs and expenses decreased $189.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the prior year as a result of the net effect of the following:
•
$61.4 million lower clinical trial expenses primarily associated with the termination of pamrevlumab programs during the second half of 2024 responding to the topline clinical data results we reported in July 2024;
•
$51.5 million lower employee-related expenses primarily due to the impact from reduction in force actions in August 2024 and July 2023, and cost control efforts;
•
$24.9 million lower stock-based compensation primarily resulting from significantly lower stock price and cancellations of stock options and restricted stock units due to reduced headcount;
•
$24.6 million one-time, non-cash charge of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) expenses, in the nine-month period in prior year, associated with the exclusive license for FG-3246 from Fortis Therapeutics, Inc. (“Fortis”) and the acquisition of Fortis;
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•
$16.7 million lower facilities-related expenses due to cost control efforts and lower depreciation expense as certain property and equipment reached their useful lives in prior year period, offset by the loss on disposal of property and equipment associated with efforts to streamline operations;
•
$12.4 million lower outside services expenses due to termination of pamrevlumab programs, wind down of remaining obligations and cost control efforts;
•
$10.0 million lower drug development expenses associated with drug substance activities and logistic expenses related to pamrevlumab programs which were completed and terminated;
•
$4.3 million lower legal expenses primarily due to lower activities in corporate legal, legal proceedings and intellectual properties;
•
$11.6 million higher cost of goods sold mainly correspondingly to the above-mentioned drug product revenue resulting from the AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement related to the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, as defined further below; and
•
$6.8 million higher restructuring charge recorded related to the reduction in force plan in August 2024 with larger scale as compared to the reduction in force plan in July 2023.
Our research and development expenses were $95.7 million and $266.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Since inception and through December 31, 2024, we have incurred a total of approximately $3.3 billion in research and development expenses, a majority of which relates to the development of roxadustat, pamrevlumab, FG-3246 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. 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 implemented cost reduction efforts in 2023 and 2024 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, 2024, we had a loss from continuing operations of $153.1 million or loss from continuing operations per basic and diluted share of $(1.53), as compared to a loss from continuing operations of $323.0 million, or loss from continuing operations per basic and diluted share of $(3.32) for the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in operating costs and expenses, offset by a decrease in revenues.
Cash and cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable totaled $51.0 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $157.6 million from December 31, 2023, primarily due to cash used in operations, 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 4, 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, 2024 totals $790.1 million. Based on the current development plans for roxadustat in Japan and Europe, we do not expect to receive most or all of the additional potential milestones under the Astellas Japan Agreement or the Astellas Europe Agreement.
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 ($2.9) million and $15.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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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 $4.9 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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 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.
On February 23, 2024, we entered into an agreement to terminate the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement with AstraZeneca, effective as of February 25, 2024. Pursuant to the AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement, AstraZeneca returns all of their non-China roxadustat rights to us, with the exception of South Korea, and provides certain assistance during a transition period. In addition, as a part of this AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement, AstraZeneca will receive tiered mid-single digit royalties on FibroGen’s sales of roxadustat in the terminated territories, or thirty-five percent of all revenue FibroGen receives if it licenses or sells such rights to a third-party. Neither party incurred any early termination penalties. The aggregate amount of consideration for milestone and upfront payments received under the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement through the termination totaled $439.0 million. In addition, resulting from the AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement, FibroGen and AstraZeneca settled the outstanding balances relating to past transactions under the AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2024, we recorded a cumulative catch-up net adjustment of $25.7 million to the drug product revenue.
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, 2024 totals $81.2 million.
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 September 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. Our proportionate share of the reported profits or losses of Falikang, is included in the discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations, and the investment in unconsolidated subsidiary is included the held for sale assets in the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
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Product revenue, net, which is included in the discontinued operations, consists primarily of revenues from sales of roxadustat commercial product to Falikang. 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. The net transaction price for FibroGen Beijing’s product sales to Falikang is based on a gross transaction price, adjusted for the estimated profit share.
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. Such amount was reached during the year ended December 31, 2024. 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, 2024 and 2023, included in the discontinued operations, we recognized $159.0 million and $89.1 million of net product revenue from the sales to Falikang, and $14.7 million and $11.9 million of net product revenue from sales directly to distributors in one province in China, respectively.
Licensing Activities
Exclusive License with Eluminex
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).
See the Eluminex Agreement section in Note 4, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenue
Years Ended December 31, Change
(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 0% and 21% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2024, 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. 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 7% and 39% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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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 93% and 40% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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. In the future, we will continue generating revenue from collaboration agreements in the form of milestone payments and royalties on drug product sales. 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 decreased $17.2 million or 37% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 for the reasons discussed in the sections below.
License Revenue
Years Ended December 31, Change
(dollars in thousands)
License revenue:
License revenue decreased $9.6 million or 100% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. We did not have any license revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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.
Development and Other Revenue
Years Ended December 31, Change
(dollars in thousands)
Development revenue:
Development and other revenue decreased $16.5 million, or 89% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with Astellas for the year ended December 31, 2024 was impacted by the decrease in co-development billings due to the closeout activities under our collaboration agreements with Astellas for roxadustat.
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Development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with AstraZeneca for the year ended December 31, 2024 was the final development revenue as a result of the termination of the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement. Development revenue recognized under our collaboration agreements with AstraZeneca for the year ended December 31, 2023 also included 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.
Other revenue recognized for the two years ended December 31, 2024 included our contract manufacturing agreement with Eluminex, under which we are 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, and ceased in the first quarter of 2024. Other revenue recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023 also included a $0.5 million upfront payment related to patent transfer under from Eluminex and revenue from sales of certain research and development material.
Drug Product Revenue
Years Ended December 31, Change
(dollars in thousands)
Drug product revenue, net:
________________________
NM = Not meaningful
Drug product revenue increased $8.9 million, or 48% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Astellas Japan Agreement
We updated our estimate of variable consideration related to the API shipments fulfilled under the terms of Astellas Japan Amendment and accordingly recorded a reduction to the drug product revenue of $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. 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 and foreign exchange impacts, among others.
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.
As of December 31, 2024, the balances related to the API price true-up under the Astellas Japan Agreement were $2.5 million in accrued liabilities and $0.6 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, 2023, the related balances were $1.2 million in accrued liabilities and $0.7 million in other long-term liabilities.
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Astellas Europe Agreement
During the fourth quarter of 2024, 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 $0.6 million as drug product revenue, and recorded $4.4 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, 2024, we reclassified $7.2 million from the related deferred revenue to accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2024, the related balance in accrued liabilities was $10.5 million, representing our best estimate that this amount will be paid within the next 12 months.
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, and we paid $35.3 million to Astellas during the year ended December 31, 2024.
In addition, we recognized royalty revenue of $4.3 million and $2.3 million as drug product revenue from the deferred revenue under the Astellas Europe Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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
As described above, pursuant to the AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement related to the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement, FibroGen and AstraZeneca settled the outstanding balances relating to past transactions under the AstraZeneca Master Supply Agreement. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2024, we accounted for the termination of the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW agreement as a contract modification under the ASC 606 and recorded a cumulative catch-up net adjustment of $25.7 million to the drug product revenue, and received the cash during the second quarter of 2024. In addition, the related accrued liabilities of $11.2 million as of December 31, 2023 was settled during the second quarter of 2024.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Years Ended December 31, Change
(dollars in thousands)
Operating costs and expenses
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Total operating expenses decreased $189.5 million, or 51% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, for the reasons discussed in the sections below.
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold increased $11.6 million or 293% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
As described above, during the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a cumulative catch-up net adjustment to the drug product revenue resulting from the AstraZeneca Termination and Transition Agreement related to the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW Agreement. Correspondingly, we recorded the related cost of goods sold of $14.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Cost of goods sold associated with the roxadustat drug product revenue in the U.S. was $0.8 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2024 and 2023 also included manufacturing costs $0.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to our contract manufacturing revenue from Eluminex, which ceased in the first quarter of 2024.
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 (“IPR&D”) assets that have no alternative future use other than in a particular research and development project. We have implemented a significant cost reduction plan in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2024, 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 overall 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, 2024 and 2023:
Phase of Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Other research and development expenses 4,841 75,508
Total research and development expenses $ 95,692 $ 266,473
* 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.
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.
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Research and development expenses decreased $170.8 million, or 64% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 as a result of the net effect of the following:
•
Decrease of $61.4 million in clinical trials costs primarily associated with the termination of pamrevlumab programs during the second half of 2024 responding to the topline clinical data results we reported in July 2024;
•
Decrease of $36.5 million in employee-related costs primarily due to the impact from reduction in force actions in August 2024 and July 2023, and cost control efforts;
•
$24.6 million one-time, non-cash charge of acquired IPR&D expenses, in the prior year, associated with the exclusive license for FG-3246 from Fortis and the acquisition of Fortis;
•
Decrease of $17.2 million in facilities-related expenses due to cost control efforts and lower depreciation expense as certain property and equipment reached their useful lives in prior year period, offset by the loss on disposal of property and equipment associated with efforts to streamline operations during the third quarter of 2024;
•
Decrease of $13.4 million in stock-based compensation primarily resulting from significantly lower stock price and cancellations of stock options and restricted stock units due to reduced headcount;
•
Decrease of $10.0 million in drug development expenses associated with drug substance activities and logistic expenses related to pamrevlumab programs which were completed and terminated; and
•
Decrease of $7.0 million in outside services expenses primarily due to termination of pamrevlumab programs, wind down of remaining obligations and cost control efforts.
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, recruiting fees and expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining patents. We have implemented a significant cost reduction plan in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2024, and efforts to streamline operations to align with our business goals in the second half of 2023. As a result, SG&A expenses have overall decreased and may continue to decrease over time.
SG&A expenses decreased $37.2 million, or 43% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the net effect of the following:
•
Decrease of $15.0 million in employee-related costs primarily due to the impact from reduction in force actions in August 2024 and July 2023, and cost control efforts;
•
Decrease of $11.5 million in stock-based compensation primarily resulting from significantly lower stock price and cancellations of stock options and restricted stock units;
•
Decrease of $5.4 million in outside services expenses due to cost control efforts; and
•
Decrease of $4.3 million in legal expenses primarily due to lower activities in corporate legal, legal proceedings and intellectual properties.
Restructuring Charge
In response to the topline clinical results for pamrevlumab in patients with pancreatic cancer we announced in July 2024, we implemented an immediate and significant cost reduction plan in the U.S., including terminating pamrevlumab research and development investment and expeditiously winding down remaining obligations, and reducing our U.S. workforce by approximately 75%. As a result, we recorded a total of $19.5 million non-recurring restructuring charge during the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily consisting of notice period and severance payments, accrued vacation, and employee benefits contributions.
In July 2023, we approved a restructuring plan to lower our operating expenses. The restructuring plan included reducing our U.S. workforce by approximately 32%. 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.
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Interest and Other, Net
Years Ended December 31, Change
(dollars in thousands)
Interest and other, net:
Interest income and other income (expenses), net 5,296 7,594 (2,298 ) (30 ) %
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 remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, and primarily included interest expense of $7.9 million and $7.7 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 decreased $2.3 million, or 30%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to lower interest income resulting from lower investment balances.
Benefit from Income Taxes
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Benefit from income taxes (269 ) (252 )
Effective tax rate 0.2 % 0.1 %
The provisions for income taxes for each of the two years ended December 31, 2024 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.
Discontinued Operations
On February 20, 2025, we entered into the Share Purchase Agreement with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited pursuant to which we and our subsidiary FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd. agreed to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of FibroGen International to AstraZeneca Treasury Limited. AstraZeneca is our long-time commercialization partner for roxadustat in greater China and South Korea. This sale includes all of our roxadustat assets in China, including FibroGen International’s subsidiary FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd and its 51.1% interest in Falikang. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and closing deliverables, including receipt of regulatory approval from the China State Administration for Market Regulation.
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We determined that FibroGen International met the “held for sale” criteria and the “discontinued operations” criteria in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Boards Accounting Standards Codification ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2024. Accordingly, the operating results related to FibroGen International are classified as discontinued operations, and have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations, for details.
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.
In November 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.
In February 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 could 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. Under this 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. We did not sell any shares of common stock under this ATM program during the year ended December 31, 2024. We terminated this at-the-market agreement in February 2025, in connection with entering into a new Equity Distribution Agreement with BofA Securities, Inc. pursuant to which we may issue and sell, from time to time and through BofA Securities, Inc., shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $30.0 million. See the At-the-Market Program section, in Note 13, Equity and Stock-based Compensation, to the consolidated financial statements for details.
In April 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, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $50.5 million for our continuing operations, compared to $81.6 million as of December 31, 2023. 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, 2024, we did not have any short-term investments, compared to short-term investments of $121.9 million as of December 31, 2023. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, we had $51.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $18.4 million of accounts receivable in China, which were included in the held for sale assets in the consolidated balance sheet. We will have access to the entirety of the cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable balances in China upon the close of the sales of FibroGen International to AstraZeneca Treasury Limited.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, FibroGen Beijing made a total of $49.9 million repayments of intercompany loans. We have evaluated measures to access additional cash from our China operations and we believe the above-mentioned sale of FibroGen International represents the most efficient way to access the entirety of our cash from China upon closing of the transaction. The completion of the sale of FibroGen International, access to additional cash from our China operations and 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.
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Cash Sources and Uses
The following table summarizes the primary sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands), including both continuing operations and discontinued operations:
Years Ended December 31,
Net cash provided by (used in):
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 751 (3,397 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (11,510 ) $ (42,012 )
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $138.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and consisted primarily of net loss of $47.6 million adjusted for non-cash items and non-operating activities of $27.0 million and a net decrease in operating assets and liabilities of $117.5 million. The significant non-cash items included stock-based compensation expense of $25.2 million. The significant items in the changes in operating assets and liabilities included the following:
•
Accrued and other liabilities decreased $93.8 million, driven by payment of $35.3 million to Astellas and $11.5 million to AstraZeneca related to accrued API and bulk drug product price true-up, bonus and severance payouts totaling $35.6 million, and settlement of historical co-promotion balances under the settlement agreements entered in September 2024 between FibroGen China and AstraZeneca. The accrued and other liabilities were also impacted by cost control efforts and the timing of invoicing and payment.
•
Operating lease right-of-use assets decreased $66.3 million, operating lease liabilities, non-current decreased $66.2 million and operating lease liabilities, current decreased $12.8 million related to the operating lease termination of our corporate headquarters. See Note 5, Leases, to the consolidated financial statements for details;
•
Deferred revenue decreased $28.3 million, primarily related to the $46.7 million product revenue recognized, which is included in the discontinued operations, from the previously deferred revenue of the China performance obligation during the year. In addition, the decrease in deferred revenue was also related to the reclassification of $7.2 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 year. See the Drug Product Revenue, Net section in Note 4, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues, to the consolidated financial statements for details. The decreases were offset by the impact that deferred revenue was no longer netted against any contract assets as of December 31, 2024, as the $22.5 million of unbilled co-development revenue under the AstraZeneca China Amendment and the $4.0 million unbilled regulatory milestone payment under the AstraZeneca China Agreement as of December 31, 2023 were billed during the third quarter of 2024 under the above-mentioned settlement agreements;
•
Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased $15.6 million, primarily due to the unbilled receivables from Falikang based on the arrangements under the above-mentioned settlement agreements between FibroGen China and AstraZeneca to settle certain historical items, offset by the reimbursements from the insurance for the legal fees associated with the class action lawsuit, which is recoverable under our insurance policies.
•
Accounts receivable increased $6.7 million, primarily driven by the billings to Falikang based on the arrangements under the above-mentioned settlement agreements and related to the increase product sales, as well as the timing of receipt of the billings under our collaboration and license agreements. Accounts receivable from Falikang is part of the held-for-sale assets resulting from the Share Purchase Agreement with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited as discussed above and in Note 3, Discontinued Operations to the consolidated financial statements;
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•
Inventory decreased $22.3 million primarily driven by the $12.6 million of work-in-progress inventory that was reimbursed as part of the above-mentioned termination of the AstraZeneca U.S./RoW agreement, and lower inventory production in China as we have decommissioned our API manufacturing facility in Cangzhou, China, and intend to manufacture API for China at Shanghai SynTheAll Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“WuXi STA”). Inventory in China is part of the held-for-sale assets resulting from the Share Purchase Agreement with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited as discussed above and in Note 3, Discontinued Operations to the consolidated financial statements; and
•
Accounts payable increased $14.5 million, primarily driven by the payments to be made for the historical co-promotion expenses to AstraZeneca during the current year, which is part of the held-for-sale liabilities resulting from the Share Purchase Agreement with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited as discussed above and in Note 3, Discontinued Operations to the consolidated financial statements. The increase was offset by timing of invoicing and payments and cost control efforts.
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 or non-operating 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. 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. 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;
•
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.
Investing Activities
Investing activities primarily consist of purchases or disposal of property and equipment, purchases of investments, and proceeds from the maturity and sale of investments.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $126.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and consisted primarily of $133.8 million of proceeds from maturities of investments, partially offset by $8.6 million of cash used in purchases of available-for-sale securities.
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.
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Financing Activities
Financing activities primarily reflect proceeds from strategic financing arrangements, proceeds from the issuance of our common stock, and cash paid for payroll taxes on restricted stock unit releases.
Net cash used in financing activities was not material for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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.
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 and the sale of FibroGen International and its subsidiaries to AstraZeneca, 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.
If we are unable to complete the above mentioned sale of FibroGen International and its subsidiaries to AstraZeneca, access additional cash from our China operations, or raise additional capital in the United States, we would not have sufficient liquidity to continue operations in the U.S. for the 12 months from the date that the financial statements are issued and would not be able to comply with its financial covenant that requires a minimum balance of $30 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to be held in accounts in the United States. In addition, there is a covenant under our senior secured credit facility to provide an annual audit report without a going concern qualification other than with respect to certain exceptions, of which we believe it meets an exception to such requirement. Upon an event of default, our senior secured term loan facilities could become immediately due and payable. We have evaluated measures to access additional cash from our China operations and believe the sale of FibroGen International represents the most efficient way to access the entirety of our cash from China upon closing of the transaction. There is also the potential that we raise additional funds in the U.S. at any time through equity, equity-linked, or debt financing arrangements or from other sources. There can be no assurances that these plans will be successful. As a result of these factors, we have determined that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months after the date that the financial statements are issued. 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 funding, we could delay, reduce or eliminate research and development programs, product portfolio development or future commercialization efforts which could adversely affect our business prospects.
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Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations
At December 31, 2024, 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 outstanding non-cancelable purchase obligations primarily related to manufacturing and supply for FG-3246 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, 2024, we had $73.1 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, 2024, we had $59.3 million of liability related to sale of future revenues on the consolidated balance sheets, $0.5 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.
The table above excludes uncertain tax benefits of approximately $74.3 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, 2024, we have several on-going clinical studies in various stages. Under agreements with various contract research organizations (“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, 2024, our FibroGen Europe Oy (“FibroGen Europe”) subsidiary had $9.8 million of principal outstanding and $7.2 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, 2024, 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.
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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
For recently issued accounting guidance, see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements.
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 and critical estimates 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 4, 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 4, 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.
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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.
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 4, 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.
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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.
China performance obligation
Product revenue, net, which is included in the discontinued operations, consists primarily of revenues from sales of roxadustat commercial product to Falikang. Falikang is jointly owned by AstraZeneca and FibroGen Beijing.
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 4, 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 4, 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;
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•
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. As of December 31, 2024, the related deferred revenues were not included in the disposal group held for sale as the related obligation to AstraZeneca will be satisfied upon the closing of the divestiture FibroGen International. The product revenue recognized under the China performance obligation is included in discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Discontinued Operations
On February 20, 2025, we entered into the Share Purchase Agreement with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited pursuant to which FibroGen and its subsidiary FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd. agreed to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of FibroGen International to AstraZeneca Treasury Limited for an aggregate purchase price comprised of $85 million in cash for the enterprise value of FibroGen International, plus an additional cash amount equal to the net cash held in China by FibroGen International and its subsidiaries as of the closing. This sale includes all of our roxadustat assets in China, including FibroGen International’s subsidiary FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd and its 51.1% interest in Falikang. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and closing deliverables, including receipt of regulatory approval from the China State Administration for Market Regulation. We analyzed the quantitative and qualitative factors and concluded that the sale of FibroGen International represents a strategic shift in our business and qualified as a discontinued operation. As a result, we determined that FibroGen International met the “held for sale” criteria and the “discontinued operations” criteria in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Boards Accounting Standards Codification 205, Presentation of Financial Statements (“ASC 205”), as of December 31, 2024. Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of operations, and the notes to the consolidated financial statements were recasted for all periods presented to reflect the discontinuation of FibroGen International in accordance with ASC 205. The operating results related to FibroGen International are classified as discontinued operations, and have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations, while the related assets and liabilities were classified within the consolidated balance sheets as held for sale for all periods presented. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations, to our consolidated financial statements for related disclosures.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
We are a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act; therefore, pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
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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) 85
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets 87
Consolidated Statements of Operations 88
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss 89
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 91
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 92
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, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive loss, of changes in redeemable non-controlling interests and stockholders’ deficit and of cash flows for the years then ended, 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, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Substantial Doubt About the Company's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company needs to complete the sale of FibroGen International, access additional cash from its China operations, or raise additional capital in order to fund its United States operations and to comply with certain debt covenants under its senior secured short term loan facilities. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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.
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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.
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, 3, and 4 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 $159.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. 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
Irvine, California
March 17, 2025
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:
Short-term investments — 121,898
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 31,542 40,038
Restricted time deposits — 1,658
Property and equipment, net — 4,785
Operating lease right-of-use assets — 64,939
Liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests and deficit
Current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities, current — 12,647
Operating lease liabilities, non-current — 65,033
Senior secured term loan facilities, non-current 73,092 71,934
Liability related to sale of future revenues, non-current 58,864 51,413
Other long-term liabilities 822 2,858
Long-term liabilities held for sale 356 1,504
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders’ deficit:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,732 ) (6,875 )
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to FibroGen (225,602 ) (204,166 )
Nonredeemable non-controlling interests 20,487 20,487
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:
License revenue $ — $ 9,649
Operating costs and expenses:
Interest and other, net
Interest income and other income (expenses), net 5,296 7,594
Total interest and other, net (2,951 ) (501 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (153,367 ) (323,222 )
Benefit from income taxes (269 ) (252 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 105,519 38,738
Income from discontinued operations per share - basic and diluted 1.05 $ 0.40
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.48 ) $ (2.92 )
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 1,166 (3,712 )
Available-for-sale investments:
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax effect (23 ) 2,557
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of taxes 1,143 (1,155 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FIBROGEN, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN redeemable non-controlling interests
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(In thousands, except share data)
Shares Amount Capital Loss Deficit Interests Deficit Interests
(Note 6)
Change in unrealized gain or loss on investments — — — 2,557 — — 2,557 —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — (3,712 ) — — (3,712 ) —
Change in unrealized gain or loss on investments — — — (23 ) — — (23 ) —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — — — 1,166 — — 1,166 —
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 38 412
Net accretion of premium and discount on investments (1,680 ) (5,061 )
Investment income in unconsolidated variable interest entity (3,969 ) (2,638 )
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 2,551 4
Acquired in-process research and development expenses — 24,636
Non-cash interest expense related to sale of future revenues — 7,734
Dividend received from unconsolidated variable interest entity 2,230 2,255
Impairment of investment — 1,000
Realized loss on sales of available-for-sale securities — 271
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (15,550 ) (28,165 )
Operating lease liabilities, current (12,774 ) 3,820
Accrued interest expense related to sale of future revenues 2,257 —
Accrued interest for finance lease liabilities 14 (11 )
Operating lease liabilities, non-current (66,154 ) (12,998 )
Other long-term liabilities (540 ) (2,573 )
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment (266 ) (2,519 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 1,046 —
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (8,628 ) (251,830 )
Cash acquired from consolidation of Fortis — 656
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities — 6,729
Financing activities
Repayments of finance lease liabilities (40 ) (148 )
Repayments of lease obligations — (336 )
Cash paid for payroll taxes on restricted stock unit releases (354 ) (237 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans 139 3,731
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (255 ) 122,749
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents 751 (3,397 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (11,510 ) (42,012 )
Total cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 113,688 155,700
Total cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 102,178 $ 113,688
Supplemental cash flow information:
Non cash acquisition in Fortis $ — $ (22,000 )
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations $ 50,482 $ 81,553
Cash and cash equivalents included in assets held for sale 51,696 32,135
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 a biopharmaceutical company focused on development of novel therapies at the frontiers of cancer biology and anemia.
The Company is developing FG-3246, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD46, for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and potentially other cancers. This program also includes the development of FG-3180, an associated CD46-targeted positron emission tomography (“PET”) biomarker and imaging agent.
The Company and its collaboration partners have developed roxadustat (爱瑞卓®, EVRENZOTM), which is currently approved in the People’s Republic of China (“China”), Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) patients on dialysis and not on dialysis.
On February 20, 2025, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited pursuant to which FibroGen and its subsidiary FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd. agreed to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of FibroGen International (Hong Kong) Ltd. (“FibroGen International”) to AstraZeneca Treasury Limited. AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”) is the Company’s long-time commercialization partner for roxadustat in greater China and South Korea. This sale includes all of FibroGen’s roxadustat assets in China, including FibroGen International’s subsidiary FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd and its 51.1% interest in Beijing Falikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd (“Falikang”). The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and closing deliverables, including receipt of regulatory approval from the China State Administration for Market Regulation.
FibroGen has retained the rights to roxadustat in the United States of America (“U.S.”), Canada, Mexico, and in all markets not held by AstraZeneca or licensed to Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”). Astellas is commercializing roxadustat (EVRENZOTM) in Europe and Japan to treat anemia under two development and commercialization license agreements: one for Japan, and one for Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and South Africa.
The Company continues to evaluate a development plan for roxadustat in anemia associated with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, a high-value indication with significant unmet medical need.
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.
The Company operates in one reportable segment — the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to treat serious unmet medical needs.
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Discontinued Operations
On February 20, 2025, the Company entered into the Share Purchase Agreement with AstraZeneca Treasury Limited pursuant to which FibroGen and its subsidiary FibroGen China Anemia Holdings, Ltd. agreed to sell all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of FibroGen International to AstraZeneca Treasury Limited for an aggregate purchase price comprised of $85 million in cash for the enterprise value of FibroGen International, plus an additional cash amount equal to the net cash held in China by FibroGen International and its subsidiaries as of the closing. This sale includes all of FibroGen’s roxadustat assets in China, including FibroGen International’s subsidiary FibroGen (China) Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd and its 51.1% interest in Falikang. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and closing deliverables, including receipt of regulatory approval from the China State Administration for Market Regulation. The Company analyzed the quantitative and qualitative factors and concluded that the sale of FibroGen International represents a strategic shift in FibroGen’s business and qualified as a discontinued operation. As a result, the Company determined that FibroGen International met the “held for sale” criteria and the “discontinued operations” criteria in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Boards (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2024. Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of operations, and the notes to the consolidated financial statements were recasted for all periods presented to reflect the discontinuation of FibroGen International in accordance with ASC 205. The operating results related to FibroGen International are classified as discontinued operations, and have been reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations, while the related assets and liabilities were classified within the consolidated balance sheets as held for sale for all periods presented. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations, for related disclosures. Unless otherwise noted, discussion in the notes to these consolidated financial statements, relates to solely to the Company’s continuing operations.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the U.S. GAAP applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business and does not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described below.
If the Company is unable to complete the above mentioned sale of FibroGen International, access additional cash from its China operations, or raise additional capital in the United States, the Company would not have sufficient liquidity to continue operations in the U.S. for the 12 months from the date that the financial statements are issued and would not be able to comply with its financial covenant that requires a minimum balance of $30 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to be held in accounts in the United States. In addition, there is a covenant under the Company’s senior secured credit facility to provide an annual audit report without a going concern qualification other than with respect to certain exceptions, of which the Company believes it meets an exception to such requirement. Upon an event of default, the Company’s senior secured term loan facilities could become immediately due and payable. The Company has evaluated measures to access additional cash from its China operations and believes the sale of FibroGen International represents the most efficient way to access the entirety of its cash from China upon closing of the transaction. There is also the potential that the Company raises additional funds in the U.S. at any time through equity, equity-linked, or debt financing arrangements or from other sources. There can be no assurances that these plans will be successful. As a result of these factors, the Company has determined that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months after the date that the financial statements are issued.
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).
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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.
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, cash on hand is invested in commercial paper and money market funds. Any remaining cash is deposited with major financial institutions primarily in the U.S. 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. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the accounts receivable was not material.
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
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 certain money market accounts and commercial paper.
Investments
The Company did not have any short-term or long-term investments as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s short-term investments consist of diversified bonds, commercial paper, and money market funds with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than 12 months (365 days) are considered. Any 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.
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.
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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 the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 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. The Company did not have any available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2024.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on a first-in, first-out, or FIFO, basis. The Company’s inventories 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.
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. The Company did not have property and equipment as of December 31, 2024.
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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.
Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, operating lease liabilities, current and non-current on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not have any operating leases. The Company immaterial finance leases are immaterial and are included in other assets, accrued and other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
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, 2024 and 2023.
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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 4, 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 4, Collaboration Agreements, License Agreement and Revenues.
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.
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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).
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.
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 4, 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.
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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 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.
China performance obligation
Product revenue, net, which is included in the discontinued operations, consists primarily of revenues from sales of roxadustat commercial product to Falikang. Falikang is jointly owned by AstraZeneca and FibroGen Beijing.
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 4, 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 4, 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 marks 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.
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:
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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.
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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. As of December 31, 2024, the related deferred revenues were not included in the disposal group held for sale as the related obligation to AstraZeneca will be satisfied upon the closing of the divestiture FibroGen International (see Discontinued Operations section above). The product revenue recognized under the China performance obligation is included in discontinued operations for all periods presented.
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.
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, recruiting fees and expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining patents.
Restructuring Charge
A restructuring charge is recognized when the liability is incurred and accrued in the period in which it is probable that the employees are entitled to the restructuring benefits and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The restructuring liability accrued but not paid at the end of the reporting period is included in accrued and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
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Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Management makes estimates, assumptions and judgments to determine the Company’s provision for income taxes and for deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowances recorded against the Company’s deferred tax assets. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, the Company must establish a valuation allowance.
The calculation of the Company’s current provision for income taxes involves the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments while taking into account current tax laws, interpretation of current tax laws and possible outcomes of future tax audits. The Company has established reserves to address potential exposures related to tax positions that could be challenged by tax authorities. Although the Company believes its estimates, assumptions and judgments to be reasonable, any changes in tax law or its interpretation of tax laws and the resolutions of potential tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The calculation of the Company’s deferred tax asset balance involves the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments while taking into account estimates of the amounts and type of future taxable income. Actual future operating results and the underlying amount and type of income could differ materially from the Company’s estimates, assumptions and judgments thereby impacting the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, that prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s income tax return, and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company maintains equity incentive plans under which equity awards are granted to employees, which are comprised of stock options, service-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based RSUs (“PRSUs”), and total shareholder return (“TSR”) awards.
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock options, RSUs and PRSUs granted to its employees and directors based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards. The determination of the grant date fair value of options using the Black-Scholes valuation model is affected by the Company’s estimated common stock fair value and requires management to make a number of assumptions including the expected life of the option, the volatility of the underlying stock, the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The Company determines the fair value of RSUs and PRSUs using the fair value of its common stock on the date of grant. To estimate the fair value of the TSR awards, the Company uses the Monte Carlo valuation model to simulate the probabilities of achievement, which requires management to make a number of assumptions including 30-day average price, volatility of the underlying stock and the Company’s peers, and the risk-free interest rate.
The compensation cost of service-based stock options and restricted stock units is recognized net of any estimated forfeitures on a straight-line basis over the employee requisite service period. Compensation cost for PRSUs is expensed over the respective vesting periods when the achievement of performance criteria is probable. Compensation cost for the TSR awards is recognized over the requisite service period, regardless of when, if ever, the market condition is satisfied.
The Company believes that the fair value of stock options granted to non-employees is more reliably measured than the fair value of the services received.
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