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Arix Bioscience

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FY2018 Annual Report · Arix Bioscience
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Annual Report and Accounts  
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Generating Value  
From Innovation 
In Healthcare and Life Sciences

WELCOME TO THE   
ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC  
ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Who are we?

Arix Bioscience is a global venture capital 
company focused on investing in and building 
breakthrough biotech companies around cutting-
edge advances in life sciences. 

We collaborate with exceptional entrepreneurs and provide the 
capital, expertise and global networks needed to help accelerate 
their ideas into important new treatments for patients. As a listed 
company, we are able to bring this exciting growth phase of our 
industry to a broader range of investors.

CONTENTS

Overview

At a Glance 

Strategic Report

Chairman’s Statement 

CEO Statement 

New Partners in 2018 

Market Opportunity 

Oncology Review 

Portfolio Company Spotlight 

Investment Strategy 

Business Model 

Key Performance Indicators 

Operational and Financial Review 

Portfolio Review 
Risk Management 

Sustainability 

Governance 

01

Management Team  

Board of Directors 

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance Report 

Report of the Nomination Committee  

Report of the Audit and 

Risk Committee 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

08

10

12

14
18 
20

28

30

32

34

38

52

55

58
59
61
64

68

70

74

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Consolidated Statement of 

Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of 

Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of  

Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of  

Cash Flows  

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Company Statement of  

Financial Position 

Company Statement of 

Changes in Equity 
Notes to the Company  

Financial Statements 

Shareholder Information 

Advisers 

96

102

103

104

105

106

121

122

123

124

IBC

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
AT A GLANCE

HIGHLIGHTS

NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)

NAV PER SHARE*

£270m

(2017: £146m)

£2.00

(2017: £1.52)

GROSS PORTFOLIO VALUE*

£175m

(2017: £54m)

£52m

INVESTED IN GROSS PORTFOLIO 
(2017: £41m)

26

CLINICAL TRIALS
ACROSS THE PORTFOLIO
(INCLUDES MARCH 2019 IMARA INVESTMENT)

19

DATA READOUTS  
EXPECTED IN 2019

£70m*

$555m

NET POSITIVE REVALUATION   
IN THE GROSS PORTFOLIO

CAPITAL RAISED BY PORTFOLIO 
COMPANIES IN 2018

* Alternative Performance Measures, as defined on pages 32, 33 and 37

01

Overviewarixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCAT A GLANCE CONTINUED

DIFFERENTIATED PROPOSITION

FLEXIBLE LONG-TERM CAPITAL
Our plc balance sheet enables us to 
take a longer-term view. We can provide 
companies with the flexible, long-term 
capital they require to grow. 

BIOTECH VENTURES FOR 
PUBLIC MARKETS
Arix provides public market investors with 
game changing life science innovation 
across a range of therapeutic areas and 
geographies.

HANDS-ON SUPPORT
We provide more than just capital when 
we invest. We take a board seat and play 
an active role to support our companies 
as they grow. We provide scientific and 
commercial experience to help navigate 
clinical and operational hurdles.

PHARMA  
PARTNERS
Partnerships with Takeda, UCB, Fosun and 
Ipsen provide access to extensive R&D 
insights and due diligence capabilities.

EXTENSIVE GLOBAL 
NETWORKS
Premium access to innovation through our 
transatlantic team and high-quality global 
venture capital, biotech and academic 
networks.

UNCONSTRAINED  
MODEL
Unconstrained by institution, geography 
or stage of company development; ability 
to source the best life science innovation 
without restriction.

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED IN 2018

February
•  Partnerships with 

pharmaceutical companies 
Fosun and Ipsen added

May
•  Iterum completes NASDAQ IPO
•  AtoxBio initiates Phase 2 clinical 
trial of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

March
•  Raised £87m (gross) on LSE
•  Positive Ph2 COPD data from Verona
•  Amplyx receives QIDP (Qualified 

Infectious Disease Product) for APX001 
from the FDA

June
•  Autolus completes 

$150m NASDAQ IPO

02

ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC

arixbioscience.com

OverviewAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX’S GLOBAL REACH

Our global network and transatlantic team provide us with access 
to a large pool of opportunities, wide scientific networks and a deep 
understanding of the industries and markets that we invest in.

Academic and pharmaceutical partnerships provide access to extensive 
R&D insights and due diligence capabilities. Through these networks we 
can provide portfolio companies with the additional capital, expertise 
and networks they need to become global leaders.

 Read more on our business model on pages 30 to 31

HOW WE 
SOURCE
Arix has developed a wide network 
that includes research accelerators, 
universities, venture capital networks 
and pharmaceutical companies. 
Through this network, Arix is able 
to identify new technologies and 
discoveries that provide a rich pipeline 
of potential investments.

Pharmaceutical partnerships

Academic and research

Biotech networks

Venture capital networks

 Read more on our partnerships  
on page 12

August
•  Arix announces first VIPE investment, 

in Pharmaxis

•  Artios completes £65m Series B 

funding – Arix becomes the largest 
shareholder in the company

•  Harpoon initiates HPN424 Phase 1 

Prostate Cancer Trial

September
•  Art Pappas appointed as NED
•  Iterum initiates SURE 2 and 

SURE 3 Phase 3 clinical trials 
of Complicated Urinary Tract 
Infecttions and Complicated 
Intra-abdominal Infections

October
•  Arix co-leads $58m Series A 

funding for VelosBio, 

•  Pharmaxis releases positive 
Phase 1 data for first LOXL2 
compound

•  LogicBio completes $80m 

NASDAQ IPO

•  Iterum initiates SURE 1 Phase 3 trial 

in uncomplicated UTI

•  Verona initiates a Phase 2 trial 

evaluating Nebulized RPL554 as 
an add-on to Dual Bronchodilator 
Therapy for COPD Maintenance 
Treatment

•  Aura announces positive Phase 
1b/2 data from AU-011, its’ 
lead product candidate for the 
primary treatment of choroidal 
melanoma

arixbioscience.com

ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC

03

OverviewStock code: ARIX.LAT A GLANCE CONTINUED

Arix Net Asset Value (NAV)
Over the last year, net asset value increased by 85%;  
NAV per share increased by 32% 

 NAV 

NAV per share

£270m

£146m

£2.00
per share

£46m

£1.52
per share

2016

2017

2018

Cash
Well positioned to exploit new life 
science opportunities. When companies 
are exited, the capital generated will be 
returned to the balance sheet to reinvest 
in new opportunities.
£91m 
(2017: £75m)

Discovery portfolio
Seed investments in promising life science 
discoveries. These companies are start-
ups in the initial stages of research and 
development. They have the potential to 
become core portfolio companies, when 
milestones are met.
£6m  
(2017: £3m)

Other
Other Net Assets includes non-portfolio 
investments and other balance sheet  
lines such as deferred tax liabilities.
£4m
(2017: £14m)

Core portfolio
Our later stage companies make up 
96% of gross portfolio value. We provide 
follow on capital and build stakes when 
milestones are met, reserving funds to 
back our winners and minimise risk.
£169m 
(2017: £54m)

1%

NAV £270m

34%

2%

E
U
AL

63%

O R TF OLIO V

S   P

G R O S

 Read more on Portfolio Review on pages 38 to 51

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED IN 2018 CONTINUED

November

•  Harpoon completes $70m Series C fundraise
•  Pharmaxis releases positive Phase 1 clinical trial 
results for second LOXL2 inhibitor Compound

•  Amplyx doses first patient in Phase 2 APX001 trial 

in patients with Candida Infection

December

•  Autolus:presents positive initial data from its 
AUTO3 programme at ASH, which includes 
ongoing Phase 1/2 trials in pediatric Acute 
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (AMELIA trial) and 
Diffuse B-cell Lymphoma (ALEXANDER trial) 
 − positive preclinical data for AUTO5 

programme, targeting TRBC2-positive peripheral 
T-cell Lymphoma

 − first patient dosed in Phase 1/2 trial of AUTO4 
in TRBC1-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma
•  Arix expands investment team with the addition of 
Dr Christian Schetter as Entrepreneur-in-Residence

•  Harpoon announces proposed NASDAQ IPO

04

arixbioscience.com

OverviewAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018OUR DIVERSE AND INNOVATIVE PORTFOLIO

96% of gross portfolio value is concentrated in later stage companies within our core portfolio.

COMPANY

THERAPEUTIC AREA

DISCOVERY

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

Core portfolio

Iterum

Anti-infectives

Atox

Aura

Verona

Amplyx

Immunology & inflammation

Oncology

Immunology & inflammation

Anti-infectives

Pharmaxis

Immunology & inflammation

Imara

Rare diseases

Autolus

Oncology

Harpoon

Oncology

VelosBio

Oncology

Artios

Oncology

LogicBio

Rare diseases

Discovery portfolio

Multiple*

Multiple

* This includes Depixus, PreciThera, Mitoconix, OptiKira and a new company focused on inhibiting highly inflammatory processes in the innate immune system.

 Core Portfolio (clinical) 

 Core Portfolio (pre-clinical) 

 Discovery Portfolio

Pipeline

Pre-clinical

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

25+

12

10

4

Expected catalysts in 2019

PHASE 1

DATA 
READOUTS

INITIATIONS

8
6

PHASE 2

DATA 
READOUTS

INITIATION

7
1

PHASE 3

DATA 
READOUTS

INITIATION

4
>1

ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC

05

OverviewStock code: ARIX.LSTRATEGIC   
REPORT

Chairman’s Statement  

CEO Statement  

New Partners in 2018  

Market Opportunity 

Oncology Review 

Portfolio Company Spotlight 

Investment Strategy 

Business Model 

Key Performance Indicators 

Operational and Financial Review 

Portfolio Review 

Risk Management  

Sustainability  

08

10

12

14

18

20

28

30

32

34

38

52

55

 
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Building on the momentum of 2017, I’m pleased to report that 2018 
has proven to be another year of accelerated progress and growth in 
the size and value of our portfolio, in our operating platform, and in 
capital raised and deployed.

Our gross portfolio now comprises 17 innovative young companies 
all working on breakthroughs in the treatment of serious diseases, 
led by experienced and highly expert management teams. Together 
these companies are conducting 26 clinical trials that are expected 
to read out over the next 12-18 months. The value of our holdings 
in these companies reached £175m at the end of 2018, driven by 
four successful IPOs on NASDAQ and two private financing events. 
These events were underpinned by strong underlying progress in the 
development programmes of these companies.

In building our operating platform at Arix, we have paid special 
attention to the industry and academic partnerships that support our 
activities. We are certainly proud of the strong partnerships we have 
built with Fosun, Ipsen, Takeda and UCB, all global leaders in the 
biopharma world. And our academic partnerships with Fred Hutch 
in Seattle and Max Planck in Germany are showing great promise in 
enabling us to identify and create new biotech companies from their 
most promising therapeutic research.

Our secondary offering in March 2018 raised additional funding for 
the Company, bringing the total funds raised to £250m since we 
formed the Company in 2016. These funds are being productively 
deployed into new and existing portfolio companies, including two 
new investments into our core portfolio and a seed investment in our 
discovery portfolio during the year.

Most importantly, our talented investment and corporate team are 
the drivers of the Company’s progress and will sustain its continued 
growth and success in the years ahead. 

The governance of Arix has continued to evolve over the past year.  
Sir Chris Evans played a key role with Joe Anderson and I in building 
the company over the last three years. With the platform and the team 
we now have in place, it was time to establish a clearer executive 
leadership model and we announced these changes in February 2019. 
With the continued progress we have seen over the last year I feel 
confident in handing this executive responsibility to Joe Anderson to 
lead Arix in its next phase of growth.

I’m also very grateful to Meghan FitzGerald, who played an important 
role on our Board in supporting the Company’s early development; we 
wish her well in her growing US endeavours. I’d also like to welcome 
Art Pappas and Mark Breuer to our Board. Art brings many years of 
experience in the biopharma industry and in building a successful 
venture capital firm. Mark brings important UK board and capital 
markets experience after a long and successful career at JP Morgan. 
I look forward to working with both of them.

Jonathan Peacock  
Chairman

OUR SECONDARY OFFERING 
IN MARCH 2018 RAISED 

ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE 
COMPANY, BRINGING THE TOTAL 
FUNDS RAISED TO £250M SINCE WE 

FORMED THE COMPANY IN 2016”

Jonathan Peacock 
Chairman

08

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportStock code: ARIX.L

FOUR IPOS RAISED $415m

$173m

$80m

$81m

$81m*

*POST YEAR END

arixbioscience.com

ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC

09

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LStrategic ReportCEO STATEMENT

 I AM PLEASED TO REPORT A 
YEAR OF POSITIVE PROGRESS; 

NAV INCREASED OVER THE YEAR 
FROM 152P PER SHARE TO 200P PER 

SHARE, A 32% INCREASE”

Joe Anderson, PhD, 
Chief Executive Officer

A year of significant progress
I am pleased to report a year of positive progress at Arix. Our Net 
Asset Value (NAV) at year end was £270m, a £124m (85%) increase 
over the year. This resulted from upward revaluations in portfolio 
companies, as well as a successful raise of £87m (gross) to support 
further investments. On a per share basis, NAV increased over the year 
from 152p per share to 200p per share, a 32% increase. Across our 
portfolio, we saw meaningful scientific and technical developments in 
the companies we are supporting. This, along with our strong pipeline of 
new opportunities, supports our confidence of further growth in 2019.

Portfolio progression
Since Arix’s IPO two years ago, we have been building a portfolio 
of high-potential companies in the life sciences sector, in each of 
which we have taken an active, supportive role. As the portfolio has 
grown we have categorised companies into our Core Portfolio and 
Discovery Portfolio. The Core Portfolio comprises both clinical and 
pre-clinical companies that we see as material to driving Arix NAV in 
the near to medium term. Our Discovery Portfolio includes companies 
which are typically seed investments; start-ups in the initial stages of 
research and development. We manage these higher risk investments 
by investing small amounts early and reserving funds for later stage 
rounds, seeking to grow our investments as the businesses de-risk. 
After meeting key milestones, these companies have the potential to 
move into the Core Portfolio. We now have 12 companies in the Core 
Portfolio and a further five companies in the Discovery Portfolio. Four 
of our Core Portfolio companies have already had successful IPOs on 
the NASDAQ and are beginning to drive increases in Arix NAV.

At year end our Gross Portfolio Value (the combined holding value of 
our Core and Discovery Portfolios) was £175m, which includes a net 
positive revaluation of £70m. The strong performance has predominantly 
been driven by valuation increases in Autolus, LogicBio and Harpoon 
(and offset by a decline in value of Iterum). The most substantial of these 
uplifts, Autolus, delivered an increase of £56m over the year, following 
the successful completion of an IPO on NASDAQ and subsequent 
positive share price momentum. Autolus continued to make clinical 
progress in the period, initiating further clinical trials and reporting initial 
Phase 1 safety and efficacy data in its AUTO3 programmes in paediatric 
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (pALL) and Diffuse Large B-cell 
Lymphoma (DLBCL). 

Five other companies (Iterum, AtoxBio, Amplyx, Harpoon and 
Verona) initiated new clinical trials, taking our total number of live trials 
across the portfolio to 23 at year end. Additionally, Aura, Verona and 
Pharmaxis reported positive Phase 1/2 data and LogicBio, Harpoon 
and Artios completed financing rounds at valuation uplifts. These are 
significant milestones for our companies as they advance towards 
important valuation inflection points and delivery of important new 
treatments to patients.

10

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportNew investments
In March 2018 we raised £87m (gross) from new and existing 
investors, bringing the total equity raised to over £250m since Arix 
was founded three years ago. The additional capital has allowed us 
to invest larger amounts in new and existing companies, building our 
positions in the fastest growing and most exciting opportunities.

In the period, we increased our position in Artios, a leading DNA 
Damage Response (DDR) company, becoming the largest shareholder 
following the Series B investment round, which attracted interest from 
leading venture groups, as well as new pharmaceutical investors Pfizer 
Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund. 

Our focus continues to be on investing in high-impact science and 
partnering with disruptive, fast-growing companies which have the 
potential to improve outcomes for patients. In 2018 we provided 
new capital amounting to £52m ($68m) across the gross portfolio, 
including follow-on funds to existing companies and investments into 
new portfolio companies. In addition, these companies have raised 
another $487m through syndication with expert global life sciences 
investors, creating a well financed group of companies at the cutting 
edge of life sciences. Over the reporting period, we added two new 
companies into our core portfolio, including our first VIPE (Venture 
Investment in Public Equity) in Pharmaxis (a small public company 
in Australia, focused on fibrosis) and VelosBio (a private company 
focused on armed antibody therapies, which we co-invested in with 
our pharmaceutical partner, Takeda). We also co-founded our first 
company. This is based on novel discoveries in the innate immune 
system emerging from the Max Planck Lead Discovery Center, one of 
our key academic partnerships.

Our Core Portfolio continues to make good clinical and development 
progress and we are excited by the potential for growth within these 
companies.

We take a hands-on approach, providing more than just capital when 
we invest. We take board seats and play an active role supporting our 
companies’ growth. From developing a business strategy, recruiting 
experienced management, securing additional funding, shaping drug 
development, navigating the regulatory process and helping with the 
ultimate exit, we strive to be collaborative and supportive partners.

Outlook
The year ahead will be important for a number of our portfolio 
companies as they reach significant clinical and development 
milestones during the year. We also continue to see a strong pipeline 
of opportunities through our global networks and partnerships, and 
expect to invest in new and existing portfolio companies over the 
course of the year. New investments will continue to be guided by the 
quality of the science, the commercial opportunity and, importantly, the 
potential benefits for patients.

Following on from the management changes announced in February 
2019, we will create a leaner organization, with reduced overheads, 
while continuing to focus on the core of our business: backing the best 
entrepreneurs and helping them to build their companies.

We are encouraged by progress in 2018, with a number of positive 
developments in our business and a healthy increase in the value of 
our portfolio companies. This performance is an early sign, I believe, of 
the potential in our business and the strength of the portfolio we have 
built. We are well positioned for further growth and investment in 2019 
and look forward to the year ahead with confidence and optimism.

Venture investing in a listed vehicle
As a listed venture-capital company, owners of our shares gain 
exposure to a diverse portfolio of innovative life science companies.

Joe Anderson, PhD  
Chief Executive Officer

Our global network and transatlantic team provide us with access 
to a large pool of opportunities, wide scientific networks and a deep 
understanding of the industries and markets in which we invest. 
Through these networks we can provide portfolio companies with 
access to potential acquirers and commercial partners, as well as the 
long-term capital, expertise and networks they need to bring innovative 
new treatments to market.

Pharmaceutical companies are one of our key partners as they 
continue to focus on sourcing medical innovation outside of their 
own laboratories. At the beginning of 2018, we added two new 
partners: Ipsen, a global specialty-driven biopharmaceutical, and 
Fosun International, a large Chinese group with global reach. These, 
alongside existing partners UCB and Takeda, give us access to 
broad scientific knowledge, R&D capabilities, market intelligence and 
commercial due diligence. Our new investment in VelosBio, sourced 
through our pharmaceutical partner Takeda, illustrates the potential 
of these partnerships, as not only future acquirers and partners of our 
companies, but also as a further source of investment opportunities. 

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arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportNEW PARTNERS IN 2018

Pharmaceutical partnerships
New strategic agreements were added in 2018 with two major pharmaceutical companies, Fosun and Ipsen. These partnerships, alongside 
existing partnerships with Takeda and UCB Pharma, give Arix access to deep scientific knowledge, R&D capabilities, market intelligence and 
commercial due diligence. 

Arix has a strategic partnership with Fosun to invest in and create new companies focused on the development of innovative clinical therapies 
across a broad range of therapeutic areas, with a particular emphasis on the Chinese market, which is the second largest pharmaceutical market 
in the world after the United States. The relationship with Fosun will provide a unique footprint and network in the region via sharing of potential 
investment opportunities in China. Arix provides Fosun with access to its portfolio companies and the potential to promote its services as 
distribution partner in China.

Ipsen is a global specialty-driven biopharmaceutical group focused on innovation and specialty care. The group develops and commercialises 
innovative medicines in three key therapeutic areas – Oncology, Neurosciences and Rare Diseases. 

Arix has a strategic partnership with Ipsen to develop and commercialise innovative therapies. Ipsen will gain access to Arix’s network of 
professional and scientific advisors, and the chance to invest in opportunities in Arix’s new and existing portfolio companies. In return, Ipsen will 
contribute research, development, and commercial expertise to the partnership. Arix and Ipsen will collaborate to identify opportunities and jointly 
create new companies focused primarily on the development and commercialisation of innovative therapies for patients.

Research partnerships

In May 2018, Arix announced the formation of ‘LAB591’ together with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Evotec. LAB591 aims to 
accelerate research discoveries at Fred Hutch and leverage these discoveries to form new companies focused on cancer and infectious disease 
drug development.

Arix, Evotec and Fred Hutch plan to jointly select promising LAB591 research projects from the Fred Hutch labs. After developing a research 
validation plan, Evotec will conduct research in collaboration with the Fred Hutch faculty which will be seed funded by Arix. Once completed, and 
subject to the results, Evotec and Arix have a pre-agreed option to form a new company.

12

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

INVESTING IN R&D STAGE BIOTECH IS ATTRACTIVE

1

HEALTHCARE FUNDAMENTALS  
REMAIN POSITIVE
•  Drivers and demand for new drugs

2

BIG PHARMA INTENSIFIES SEARCH  
FOR INNOVATION
• 

Increasing pricing pressure

•  Scientific and clinical progress

•  Translation to disease modifying therapies

•  Continuing threat from generics

•  Decreasing R&D productivity

3

OPPORTUNITY IN EARLY  
STAGE BIOTECH
• 

Innovative drug development approaches

•  Outsourcing of innovation

•  M&A and ECM trends

 Read more on Portfolio Review on page 38

The biotech sector is seeing growing demand for increasingly effective therapies supported by new 
and innovative scientific advances that are improving the understanding of diseases and generating 
transformative therapies for patients. However, the biopharma industry continues to face pressure 
from governments and healthcare payers, in particular around drug pricing, while branded 
drugs, which have traditionally funded R&D at large biopharmaceutical companies, face threats 
from generics as patents expire. This has resulted in an increase in the number of smaller biotech 
companies driving innovation and having the skills and capability to source, diligence and invest in 
these opportunities remains an attractive and rewarding proposition.

14

ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC

arixbioscience.com

Strategic Report2

BIG PHARMA INTENSIFIES SEARCH FOR 
INNOVATION 

The traditional business of big pharmaceutical companies faces 
increasing commercial pressure. As a result, they are turning to 
new technologies and searching for external sources of medical 
innovation and this creates additional opportunities for Arix. There 
are many challenges to big pharma in the market today. The most 
widely covered threat is the continuing debate around drug pricing in 
the developed world. In addition, patent expiry on blockbuster drugs 
results in increased competition from generic drug manufacturers. 
Such challenges constrain levels of investment by big pharma into 
drug discovery and medical innovation. A strong trend has developed 
in the industry where big pharma seeks to externalise the sourcing 
of medical innovation to companies like Arix Bioscience who offer 
a strong pipeline of emerging biotech technology. Arix is towards 
the front of this market trend, having deliberately positioned itself to 
work closely with young companies featuring high levels of medical 
innovation and new and market disruptive technology, while also 
developing strategic relationships with big pharma.

1

HEALTHCARE FUNDAMENTALS  
REMAIN POSITIVE

As life expectancy improves, an ageing population’s expectations 
of what a successful therapy can achieve continues to grow. 
While scientific progress has reduced mortality for a wide range 
of communicable diseases, this has unveiled a greater prevalence 
of genetically-driven and lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer, 
diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases and there is huge demand 
for new therapies to treat these diseases.

Scientific advances in recent years have both improved the diagnosis 
and classification of patients as well as providing new targets for drug 
development. The pace of progression has increased rapidly, driven 
in large part by technological advances supporting biological data 
generation (e.g. genomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc.) as well as 
the ability to process this data (e.g. machine learning etc.). Leading 
academic institutions and researchers, which themselves receive 
significant internal, grant and government funding, have increasingly 
been the source of tractable leads for drug development and improved 
patient management.

These new opportunities have translated into a substantial number of 
novel, and often transformational, therapies approved in recent years. 
There has also been substantial innovation around drug modalities, 
with completely new classes of drugs being approved over the past 
ten years such as gene therapy, cell therapy, RNA-based therapies, 
oncolytic viruses, and others.

I N N O V A T I O N   D R I V I N G   I N C R E A S I N G   F D A   A P P R O V A L S

59

45

46

41

27

22

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

2 0 1 3

2 0 1 4

2 0 1 5

2 0 1 6

2 0 1 7

2 0 1 8

FDA drug approvals 2013-2018. Source: FDA

15

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportMARKET OPPORTUNITY

RETURNS

In recent years, we have seen smaller biotech companies pursue 
multiple options to fund drug development through value inflection 
points, to exit or partner. From 2013 to 2015 there was a surge in 
biopharma M&A that supported exits in the sector. More recently there 
has been significant growth in IPOs in the sector providing an alternative 
route to liquidity for investors. Both routes offer smaller biotech 
companies potential to capture more value from their assets. 

3

OPPORTUNITY

As well as opportunities for licensing deals, partnerships and M&A, 
improvements in the understanding of disease biology and the 
accompanying rise in ‘precision medicine’ and focus on rare diseases 
has created an environment in which smaller biotech companies are 
increasingly able to take products all the way through development 
and commercialise them without large biopharma support. Disruptive 
innovation is frequently originated in smaller biotech companies set up 
either by leading academics or industry veterans that have successfully 
developed novel technologies and drugs in the past. In 2018, 69% of 
drug approvals were discovered and developed by smaller biopharma 
companies and academic institutions (see graph below). Excitement 
continues to grow about this productive segment of the market, and 
senior executives from large biopharma are increasingly being drawn 
into smaller biotechs in recent years. 

Smaller biopharma companies are playing an increasing role not only 
as originators, but also as developers and owners of drugs all the way 
to approval. Overall, the proportion of FDA approved drugs developed 
by large biopharma (at time of approval) has dropped from over 60% 
in 2013 to just 35% in 2018, reflecting the increased success that 
smaller biotechs are having.

I N N O V A T I O N   C O N T I N U E S   T O   B E   D R I V E N  
B Y   S M A L L   B I O P H A R M A

100

80

60

40

20

0

2 0 1 3

2 0 1 4

2 0 1 5

2 0 1 6

2 0 1 7

2 0 1 8

Big BioPharma

Big Biopharma

Mid BioPharma

Mid Biopharma

Small BioPharma and 
academic institutions

Small Biopharma and 
academic institutions

Drug approvals by size of drug originator. Source: FDA, HBM Analysis

16

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportONCOLOGY REVIEW

Overview

Although there has been steady innovation in the development of new 
therapies for a range of diseases over the past 20 years, the pace 
of progress has arguably been highest in oncology (the study and 
treatment of cancers). Despite this sustained innovation there remains 
a significant need for effective therapies that can improve health 
outcomes and survival for many of the >100 known types of cancer, 
which still collectively account for c.9.6 million deaths each year 
globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018). 

The improvement in our understanding of the biology of cancer, and 
the increasing availability of data (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, 
proteomics) have led to several major new approaches in cancer 
treatment such as immune-oncology (harnessing patients’ immune 
systems to fight cancer) and precision medicine (using patient-specific 
data such as mutations to tailor therapy to individuals). 

Immunotherapies have delivered durable responses across a broad 
range of cancers and there are two approved CAR-T therapies 
(engineered T-cells from patients) for blood cancers. The most widely 
used precision medicine approaches for cancer include drugs that 
target specific mutations or genetic aberrations present in a subset of 
patients, for example including areas such as lung, breast, skin and 
colorectal cancers.

There has also been substantial innovation around drug types in 
development for cancer, going well beyond the small molecule drugs 
that have been standard of care for the past 100 years. Technological 
innovation has resulted in novel modalities such as engineered 
cell therapy, tumour targeting viruses, antibody-drug conjugates, 
multispecific antibodies and more. This provides an even broader 
range of approaches that can deliver clinical benefit for patients as 
new modalities may be effective for pursuing drug targets that were 
intractable with small molecule approaches in the past.

Exciting advances in cancer drug development are often made in 
R&D stage biotechnology companies, and the pace of innovation in 
oncology is reflected in the flow of oncology opportunities seen by 
Arix Bioscience. The investment team reviewed >400 investment 
opportunities in 2018 alone and has been well placed to evaluate 
and select the highest quality opportunities in cancer treatment 
innovation, while ensuring that the portfolio is balanced across multiple 
approaches in the pursuit to tackle cancer. This approach maximises 
Arix’s exposure to cutting-edge technologies while minimising the risk 
that some approaches will be more effective than others. 

Annual Report and Financial Statements 2018Strategic ReportStock code: ARIX.L

DIVERSE APPROACH TO SUPPORTING ONCOLOGY INNOVATION

Engineered  
CAR-T-cells

Patient immune cells  
(T-cells) engineered  
to target and  
kill cancer cells

DDR inhibitors

Drugs that stop  
DNA damage repair  
in cancer cells

Laser-activated 
nanoparticles

Virus particle that 
binds cancer cells 
and kills them when 
activated with a laser

Trispecific T-cell engagers

Antibodies that bring  
immune cells (T-cells) in  
close contact with cancer cells

Antibody-drug conjugates 

Antibody-drug conjugates deliver  
toxic chemicals to cancer cells

19

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPORTFOLIO COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Pre-Clinical

Artios is a leading DNA Damage Response (DDR) company focused on developing  
first-in-class treatments for cancer. 

Overview – Leading DDR innovation
Artios is a leading DNA Damage Response (DDR) company focused on developing first-in-class treatments for cancer. Cancers change their DDR 
pathways to allow mutations in their DNA so that they can evolve and adapt. This helps cancers to become resistant and overcome many current 
therapies. Targeting the remaining DDR pathways has been proven to selectively kill cancer cells through a concept known as ‘synthetic lethality’. 
Artios has in-licensed its lead DDR programme, Pol theta (Polθ)’, from Cancer Research UK (CRUK). As an early investor in Artios, Arix continues 
to work with Artios’ visionary team to build a world-leading DDR company and create significant value for both patients and investors. Arix first 
invested in Artios during the Series A in 2016, along with other VC investors. Following Artios’ £65m Series B financing round, Arix is now the 
company’s largest shareholder.

Team – Management team with a proven DDR track record
Artios’ experienced leadership team is led by Niall Martin, CEO, who played a key role in identifying Lynparza™ (olaparib). He is supported by a 
scientific research and development team with vast experience in DDR and drug discovery.

•  Niall Martin, Chief Executive Officer

•  Graeme Smith, Chief Scientific Officer

•  Andrew Muncey, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary

• 

Ian Smith, Chief Medical Officer

•  Peter Harris, Clinical advisor 

•  Simon Boulton, VP of Scientific Strategy 

•  Harry Finch, Medicinal Chemist advisor

Market potential
40-50% cancers are potentially DDR targetable and the clinical potential for DDR therapeutics is broad:

•  Novel synthetic lethalities

•  PARP inhibitor resistance (innate and acquired)

•  DDR-PARP inhibitor combinations

•  DDR-IO combinations

• 

IR and DNA damaging combinations

DDR explained
DNA Damage Repair (DDR) is a vital process that helps cells survive and replicate. No cells, including cancer cells, can survive without DNA repair. 
Cancer cells however, like to rely on secondary DNA repair processes and this results in them being more mutational or unstable. Changes in a 
cancer cell’s DNA repair processes are part of its development into a more advanced disease. 

These changes can also become a cancer cell’s Achilles’ heel. Cancer can become much more reliant on alternative DNA repair processes in 
order to survive. Inhibitors to these retained DNA repair pathways, like Polθ, can selectively kill cancer cells through synthetic lethality. 

Some of the mutational changes in DNA that drive tumour evolution can also lead to resistance to current treatments, as the cell starts to use 
alternative or reactivated DNA repair pathways. This kind of resistance can occur against many known DNA damaging agents and new DDR 
inhibitors like PARP inhibitors. As such, identifying other potential targets in the DDR processes could have significant impact on treating cancers 
in the future – both through use as a single agent and in combination approaches designed to limit resistance. 

20

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportNovel technology – Pol theta (Polθ) – a major new DDR target to rival PARPi
Artios set out to identify and exploit novel protein classes across the DDR pathways. Polθ and the company’s second and as yet undisclosed lead 
programme, represent two DDR targets that control key aspects of DNA repair. Mechanistically, these programmes have the ability to kill cancer 
cells as single agents, or to sensitise cancer cells to radiotherapy and other DNA-damaging agents, including novel treatments, such as PARP 
inhibitors or immunotherapies.

DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is involved in multiple processes associated with DNA repair. Polθ expression is low in normal tissues but it is up-
regulated in a number of tumour types such as breast, ovarian, HNSCC and lung. As such, Polθ inhibitors have the potential to be used in a broad 
range of clinical settings, specifically HR-deficient tumours such as breast and ovarian cancer, or in combination with DNA-damaging agents – 
chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Pipeline
Artios has a leading position in developing Polθ drugs and a strong pipeline of DDR programmes in early discovery-

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Polθ (Polymerase theta)

Clinical candidate 
selection (LO)

Pre-clinical 
candidate selection 
IND evaluation

FIH Phase 1b
SL efficacy in  
novel gene

Phase Ib
SL efficacy in  
novel gene

SL efficacy in HRD

Combination + PARPi, IR

Targets 2, 3 and 4

Hit to lead

Clinical candidate  
selection (LG/LO)

Pre-clinical candidate IND 
evaluation

FIH Phase 1a
MAD/SAD

Programmes underpinned by a strong DDR platform

Research

Translational

Development

Scientific validation
DDR has been clinically validated by the first-generation PARP inhibitors currently on the market. They are being commercialised by multi-$bn 
market capitalised companies including AstraZeneca, Tesaro (GSK), Pfizer and Clovis Oncology.

Achieved and expected milestones
•  Strong pipeline of several DDR programmes in early discovery

•  Completed $84m Series B financing to drive Polθ and other programmes to clinic by 2020/2021

• 

IND application in H2 2020

•  Financed out to the end of 2023

21

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPORTFOLIO COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Phase 1

Spearheading Immunotherapies

Overview
Harpoon Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a novel class of T-cell engagers that harness the power of the 
body’s immune system to treat patients suffering from cancer and other diseases. T-cell engagers are engineered proteins that direct a patient’s 
own T-cells to kill targeT-cells that express specific proteins, or antigens, carried by the targeT-cells. Using its proprietary Tri-specific T-cell 
Activating Construct™ (TriTAC) platform, Harpoon is developing a pipeline of novel T-cell engagers, or TriTACs, initially focused on the treatment of 
solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. 

Harpoon’s lead TriTAC product candidate, HPN424, is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant 
prostate cancer, or mCRPC. Its second TriTAC product candidate, HPN536, is expected to enter clinical development in the first half of 2019 
for the treatment of ovarian cancer and other MSLN-expressing solid tumours. HPN217, targeting BCMA, is in pre-clinical development for the 
treatment of multiple myeloma. HPN328, targeting DLL3, is in pre-clinical development for the treatment for small cell lung cancer.

Team
Harpoon has a strong management team with deep experience in immunotherapy, redirected T-cell therapies, biologics drug discovery and 
development and protein engineering. This team brings a strong history of research and development innovation and a proven track record at 
other companies in the discovery, development and commercialisation of oncology therapeutics.

•  Gerald McMahon, Chief Executive Officer and President

•  Natalie R. Sacks, Chief Medical Officer 

•  Holger Wesche, Chief Scientific Officer 

•  Georgia L. Erbez, Chief Financial Officer

•  Susan Dana Jones, Senior Vice President, Product Development

•  Rachael Lester, VP of Corporate Development

•  Che-Leung Law, VP of Translational Medicine

Unmet need and market opportunity
Solid tumours comprise a large set of diverse cancers, including prostate, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic. Prostate cancer is expected to have the 
second highest incidence rate in 2018 and the third highest mortality rate in 2018, including being the second leading cause of male cancer death 
in the United States. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States and is the deadliest of 
the gynecologic cancers with more than 70% of patients diagnosed with an advanced stage and over 14,000 patients dying from the disease 
each year. According to SEER, the five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is approximately 47%. Non-small cell lung 
cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, estimated to comprise 80-85% of all lung cancer diagnoses. The five-year survival 
rate for late-stage NSCLC is about 10%. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. Of the 55,440 new cases in the United 
States, SEER estimates that fewer than 9% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years.

While the five-year survival rate of local and regional prostate cancer is nearly 100%, more aggressive forms of the disease, of which approximately 
23% are initially diagnosed, have a five-year survival rate of approximately 30%. Nearly all prostate cancer-specific deaths occur after patients 
develop mCRPC, for which the median overall survival period is only 13 months. Later-generation anti-androgen drugs such as Johnson & 
Johnson’s Zytiga and Pfizer’s/Astellas’ Xtandi have widely become the standard of care and generated combined global sales of over $5bn in 
2017. There is a significant need for treatments that offer a novel mechanism of action with the potential to modify or cure the disease.

22

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportNovel technology: TriTAC – T-cell engagers for 
solid tumours
Harpoon’s proprietary TriTAC™ (Tri-specific T-cell Activating Construct) 
platform offers the potential to develop drugs that could dramatically 
change the way in which we combat a variety of diseases. The bi-specific 
T-cell engager, Blincyto®, was approved in 2014 as a monotherapy 
treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). TriTACs, which are 
comprised of three binding domains, are designed to have an extended 
serum half-life and be about one-third the size of a monoclonal antibody.

TriTAC

Tumour Target Antibody

HSA Antibody

CD3 Antibody

TriTAC offers distinct advantages
•  Extended half life and stability: Stable in bloodstream and long-serum half-life allows 

for convenient dosing (weekly)

•  Active at low levels of antigen expression: Does not require high levels of target 

antigen expression to engage T-cells to kill disease cells

•  MHC Independence: Direct T-cells to kill targeT-cells independent of MHC expression 

with expectation for more durable therapeutic responses than MHC dependent 
approaches

•  Small size and tissue penetration: Small size (expected to allow for faster diffusion into 

human solid tumour tissue

Pipeline 

Product
Candidate

HPN424

HPN536

HPN217

HPN328

Target/Indication

PRE-CLINICAL PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

Anticipated Milestones

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

PSMA  
Prostate Cancer

MSLN 
Ovarian Cancer and Other Solid Tumours

BCMA 
Multiple Myeloma

DLL3 
Small Cell Lung Cancer

H2 2019: Additional preliminary Phase 1 data

H2 2019: Initiate Phase 1/2a

H2 2019: Initiate Phase 1

H2 2020: Initiate Phase 1

Milestones achieved
• 

Initiated first clinical trial In 2018; first patient dosed in HPN424 trial for Prostate Cancer

•  Announced preliminary data from Phase 1 clinical trial of HPN424 (Prostate Cancer) in January 2019 

•  Successful NASDAQ IPO in February 2019, raising $81m of gross proceeds

Anticipated milestones
•  H2 2019: Additional preliminary Phase 1 data from HPN424 (Prostate Cancer)

•  H2 2019: Initiation of Phase 1/2a trial for HPN536 (Ovarian Cancer and other MSLN-expressing solid tumours) 

•  H2 2019: Initiation of Phase 1 HPN217 (Multiple Myeloma) trial

•  H2 2020: Initiation of Phase 1 trial of HPN328 (Small Cell Lung Cancer) 

23

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPORTFOLIO COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Phase 2

Redefining Targeted Therapies

Overview
Aura Biosciences, based in Boston, MA is developing a new class of therapies to target and destroy cancer cells selectively, while leaving 
surrounding tissue unharmed and stimulating the immune system. By safely eliminating cancer locally, the goal is to can transform the lives of 
people with a wide range of cancers that are poorly managed today. Their lead clinical programme in ocular melanoma (OM), also known as 
choroidal or uveal melanoma, is designed to remove cancer cells in the back of the eye as a first-line therapy, while allowing for the potential of 
preserving patients’ vision and avoiding the comorbidities of radioactivity. The goal is to treat small ocular melanomas locally, potentially long 
before the disease progresses and metastasizes to the liver, where it almost always is fatal. Development of a first-in-class, non-radioactive 
treatment option to selectively destroy cancer cells stimulating the immune system would create the possibility to transform the treatment of this 
and other cancers where the disease can be detected early. By enabling physicians to treat cancer more selectively, effectively and safely than 
they can do today, Aura aim’s to eliminate the need for invasive procedures that carry significant morbidity, including vision loss, and which often 
do little to improve a patient’s overall survival.

Team

The Aura team combines expertise in cancer cell biology, ophthalmology and targeted therapies together with experience in the development and 
commercialisation of orphan drugs for highly unmet medical needs

•  Elisabet de los Pinos, Chief Executive Officer

•  Julie Feder, Chief Financial Officer 

•  Cadmus Rich, Chief Medical Officer 

•  Stephen Monks, Senior Vice President of Development

•  Michele Keough, Senior Vice President of R&D operations

Unmet need
Choroidal melanoma is a rare and aggressive type of eye cancer. There are no drugs approved and current radiotherapy treatments are associated with 
severe visual loss and other long-term sequelae such as dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts and radiation retinopathy.

Market potential
•  11,000 patients diagnosed annually

•  Estimates of ~$700m market worldwide

Novel technology – Tumour targeted viral-like particle bioconjugates
Aura’s light-activated technology consists of virallike particles, modelled on the human papillomavirus (HPV), conjugated to infrared-activated small molecules. 
The particles are administered through an intravitreal injection into the eye. The viral-like particle bioconjugates (VPBs) then bind selectively to cancer cells in  
the eye.

Upon activation with an ophthalmic laser, the small molecules generate reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy the membrane integrity of 
cancer cells, leading to acute cellular necrosis and activating the immune system without damaging the overlaying retina, with the goal of enabling vision 
preservation for patients.

24

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPipeline 
AU-011 is a first-in-class targeted therapy in development for the primary treatment of choroidal melanoma. The therapy consists of proprietary 
viral-like particle bioconjugates (VPB) that are activated with an ophthalmic laser. AU-011 for the treatment of choroidal melanoma has been 
granted orphan drug and fast track designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is currently in clinical development.

PRE-CLINICAL

IND

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

Ocular oncology

Primary choroidal melanoma

Choroidal metastases

Cancers of the ocular surface

Solid tumours

Primary bladder carcinoma

Technology platform

Immuno-oncology

Gene therapy

Intellectual property
•  11 Patents issued; 4 Allowed Applications; 24 Pending Applications

•  Patent protection to end of 2034

•  Claims cover AU-011 composition of matter and method of use as well as technology platform

•  All patents owned/co-owned by Aura or exclusively licensed to Aura

•  Worldwide commercial rights

Milestones achieved
Summary of results of AU-011 Phase 1b/2 study

Safety

•  Single and multiple administrations of AU-011 are well tolerated

• 

Inflammation is manageable, starts around the tumour and supports MOA

•  Steroids can be started after inflammation is observed – allows immune response

•  Preliminary results show re-treatment after 12 months is safe and well tolerated

Biological activity

•  Reduction in tumour thickness and loss of orange pigment in multiple patients

•  Biopsy eight months after treatment demonstrates no remaining melanoma cells and presence of inflammatory 

and RPE cells

Efficacy endpoints

Tumour control

•  90% of subjects at therapeutic dose with single cycle up to six months follow-up

•  Durability of tumour response observed >12-18 months, even at subtherapeutic doses in SAD (first two 

subjects with 24-month follow-up in March 2019)

Vision Preservation 

•  Vision is preserved at six months or longer (up to 18 months)

•  Vision preserved after treatment even in high-risk patients

Future milestones
• 

 Phase 3 trial expected to start in 1H 2020, interim results at ~18 months and primary at 24 months

• 

 Possibility for NDA filing in 2023

25

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPORTFOLIO COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Phase 1

Overview
Autolus is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation, programmed T-cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. Using 
a broad suite of proprietary and modular T-cell programming technologies, the company is engineering precisely targeted, controlled and highly 
active T-cell therapies that are designed to better recognise cancer cells, break down their defence mechanisms and eliminate these cells. Autolus 
has a pipeline of product candidates in development for the treatment of haematological malignancies and solid tumours.

Team
Management team with a strong track record of accomplishment in redirected T-cell therapies, gene therapy, transplantation and oncology. 
•  Christian Itin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 
•  Andrew Oakley, Chief Financial Officer
•  Chris Vann, SVP, Chief Operating Officer
•  Vijay Peddareddigari, SVP, Chief Medical Officer
•  Martin Pulé, SVP, Chief Scientific Officer
•  Matthias Alder, SVP, Chief Business Officer

Critical unmet medical need for improved T-cell therapies
•  Loss of target antigen reported for CD19, CD22 and BCMA-targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell products
•  Complexity of tumour biology greater in solid tumours vs. haematological cancers
•  Managing safety (toxicity, elimination of normal cells via on-target off-tumour recognition)
•  Upregulation of checkpoint inhibitors or other negative regulators of T-cell action
•  Lack of cost-efficient, scalable treatment delivery model and manufacturing
•  Lack of T-cell persistence

Market potential
CAR-T has had dramatic success in treating certain late-stage blood cancers and the first two CAR-T therapies (Novartis’s Kymriah and Kite’s 
Yescarta) were approved and launched in the US in H2 2017. The cell therapy market is forecast to grow to $10bn+ by 2024 (Source: Evaluate 
Pharma) and significantly beyond, as signalled by Gilead’s $12bn acquisition of Kite (H2 2017) and Celgene’s $9bn acquisition of Juno (H1 2018). 

Novel technology
Autolus has developed a modular approach towards developing advanced CAR-T-cells, with tailored therapies to address specific cancers. The 
company has a wide array of programming modules relative to its peers within CAR-T, providing scope to improve the efficacy and durability of 
products currently on the market.

Advanced Programming Modules

Key intended Benefits

Advanced Targeting Innovative Binders

• 
• 

Improve activity and safety pf programmed T-cells
Improve ability to bind to target

Dual targeting

•  Reduce the risk of negative antigen relapse
•  Support a response in patients with low levels of target antigen

Pattern recognition

•  Enhance the selectivity for the tumour
•  Spare healthy cells and unwanted side effects

Pharmacological 
control

Safety switches

•  Remove the therapy in the event a patient suffers a severe adverse event or chronic toxicity

Tunable T-cells

•  Dampen activity of the therapy to manage patients through periods of acute toxicities such as cytokine 

release syndrome of neurotoxicity

Enhance T-cell 
activity

Immune Checkpoint 
Blockade

•  Prevent shutdown of T-cell activity by tumour microenvironment
•  Acting across a range of immune checkpoint pathways

Enhanced T-cell 
Persistence

•  Enhance activity against solid tumours
•  Continued stimulation to help T-cells survive and persist for extended periods of time

26

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportMilestones achieved
Positive clinical progression:

•  Encouraging early data from AUTO3 supports Autolus’s hypothesis that dual-targeting can result in less antigen escape and superior long term 

outcomes.

• 

Initiated Phase 1 AUTO4 trial for T-cell Lymphoma (TCL), an aggressive cancer with very poor prognosis for patients

•  Updated AUTO1 data showed comparable to better persistence and comparable survival of patients comparable to Kymriah and with a better 
safety profile. This is despite the fact that the study included patients post CD19 and CD22 targeted therapies, which were excluded from the 
Kymriah trial

•  Successful NASDAQ IPO, raising $172m

•  Well financed, with approximately $217.5m at 31 December 2018. Cash runway projected to last into CY 2021

Pipeline

Product

Indication

Target

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1/2

PHASE 2/3

B-Cell Malignancies

AUTO1

AUTO1

AUTO3

AUTO3

Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (pALL) CD19

Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (aALL)

CD19

UCL – CARPALL

UCL – CARPALL

Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (pALL) CD19 & CD22

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

CD19 & CD22

AUTO3 NG

B-Cell Malignancies

Undisclosed

Multiple Myeloma

AUTO2

Multiple Myeloma

AUTO2 NG

Multiple Myeloma

BCMA & TACI

Undisclosed

T-cell Lymphoma

AUTO4

AUTO5

GD2+ Tumours

TRBC1+ Peripheral T-cell Lyphoma (TCL)

TRBC1

TRBC1+ Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma

TRBC2

AUTO6

Neuroblastoma

AUTO6 NG

Neuroblastoma; Melanoma;  
Osteeosarcoma; SCLC

Prostate Cancer

GD2

GD2

CRUK

AUTO7

Prostate Cancer

Undisclosed

Expected milestones in 2019
•  First AUTO1 data presentation for adult ALL (Phase 1 data) in Q2 2019 and full Phase 1 data in Q4 2019 

•  AUTO2 full Phase 1 data in Q4 2019

•  Further interim Phase 1 AUTO3 (DLBCL and pALL) data in Q2 2019 and full Phase 1 data in Q4 2019

• 

Initial Phase 1 AUTO4 (TCL) in Q4 2019

•  Plan to start two registration trials in the second half of 2019

27

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportINVESTMENT STRATEGY

We are science led investors, focusing on innovative technologies in areas of high unmet need. 
Unconstrained by institution, geography or stage of company development, we have the ability 
to source the best life science innovation without restriction.

INVESTMENT CRITERIA

FOCUS
Novel therapeutics with first or 
best in class approach.

We focus on on investing in high 
impact science, which has the 
potential to improve outcomes 
for patients.

SOURCE
Unconstrained approach to 
sourcing innovation. Arix benefits 
from extensive global networks 
including deep VC and biotech 
networks, pharmaceutical and 
academic partners

GEOGRAPHY
Extensive global networks 
provide easy access to the 
best life science innovation 
across the globe

STAGE OF 
DEVELOPMENT
Flexible to the point of entry. We 
invest in seed stage companies, 
preclinical and clinical stage 
assets – private or public

VENTURE STRATEGIES

Seeds
Identify and build the next generation of 
biotech companies around high impact 
science

•  We collaborate with exceptional scientists, 
researchers and academic institutions to 
turn scientific discoveries into successful 
biotech start-up companies.

•  We take a hands-on approach, either 
in an operational role or through a 
board seat. We can help secure initial 
funding, develop business strategy, make 
connections and recruit experienced and 
talented management.

Ventures
Early and late stage venture capital

•  We provide flexible, long-term capital to 
exceptional entrepreneurs building the 
next generation of breakthrough biotech 
companies. 

•  We take a hands-on approach when 

we invest, provide access to our global 
networks and position our companies for 
growth and clinical success. 

VIPEs
Venture Investments in Public Equity 
(VIPEs)

•  There are many undervalued small public 
companies running out of cash and some 
outstanding technologies are hidden in 
‘orphaned’ companies. Recapitalising and 
rebuilding such companies can lead to 
significant investment returns.

•  We take a significant stake and a board 
seat when we invest, just as we would 
with a typical venture investment. We play 
an active role in the company and facilitate 
introductions to potential partners and 
acquirers through our extensive global 
networks.

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportStock code: ARIX.L
Stock code: ARIX.L
Stock code: ARIX.L

HOW WE ADD VALUE TO OUR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

FLEXIBLE, LONG TERM CAPITAL
As a public company we are able take a 
longer term view than our non listed peers. 
We focus on creating value, with a flexible 
approach to the length of time that we 
retain an ownership stake in our portfolio 
companies. This cushions our portfolio 
companies against the normal volatility in 
funding for life sciences companies, while 
allowing us to pursue the optimal course 
of action in order to capture value for our 
shareholders.

HANDS-ON SUPPORT
We take a hands-on approach to investing 
and provide more than just capital when we 
invest. We take a board seat and play an 
active role to help our companies as they 
grow. From developing a business strategy, 
recruiting experienced management, securing 
additional funding and drug development to 
navigating the regulatory process and IPO, 
we strive to be collaborative and meaningful 
board members at all stages of development. 

GLOBAL NETWORK
Through our extensive global networks we 
can provide our portfolio companies with 
access to potential acquirers and partners, 
as well as the additional capital, expertise 
and networks they need to become global 
leaders.

Strategic ReportBUSINESS MODEL

Arix Bioscience’s primary business is to source, finance and develop innovative technologies.

CAPIT

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1. Discover

•  Unconstrained approach; ability 
to source the best life science 
innovation without restriction

•  Extensive global networks and 

partnerships enable easy access 
to the most innovative biotech 
entrepreneurs 

2. Evaluate

•  Thorough due diligence to 

evaluate scientific and commercial 
opportunity for both new and 
follow-on investments

•  Access to extensive R&D resources 
and due diligence capabilities at 
pharmaceutical partners

• 

Invest in breakthrough science 
innovation with a clear commercial 
pathway

 Read case studies on pages 20 to 27

3. Invest

•  Flexible on point of entry, geography 

and therapeutic area

•  Tend to be a lead investor

•  Plc balance sheet allows us to 
support companies through all 
stages of growth

HOW WE 
SOURCE

Pharmaceutical  
partners

Academic  
networks

Biotech  
networks

Venture capital 
networks

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A

T

E

V

ALUE

OUTCOME

Capital  
growth

Shareholder  
value

Breakthrough  
treatments  
for patients

31

5. Exit

•  We will exit when the optimum value 

has been reached

•  Capital is recycled onto the balance 

sheet to be reinvested in new 
opportunities, creating a sustainable 
model for the future

4. Develop

•  We take a hands-on approach when we 
invest, positioning our companies for 
growth and clinical success. Our portfolio 
companies get access to our global 
networks and partners and the flexible, 
long term capital they need to grow

•  We have the experience to navigate 
scientific and commercial hurdles, 
mitigating risk for our shareholders

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic Report 
 
 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1

NAV

MEASURED BY
GPV + cash + other assets

COMMENTARY
NAV increased by 85% to £270m in 2018, reflecting another 
year of strong portfolio growth and additional capital raised in 
March 2018

2018

2017

2016

£46m

£270m

£146m

2

NAV PER SHARE

MEASURED BY
Net Asset Value divided by shares outstanding at the year-end

COMMENTARY
NAV per share increased by 32%, reflecting upward portfolio 
revaluations in 2018, notably Autolus, LogicBio and Harpoon. 
Arix’s share price at year-end 2018 was £1.67 (2017: £1.95)

Arix has been listed since 2017

2018

2017

£2.00

£1.52

32

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic Report3

GROSS PORTFOLIO VALUE (GPV)

MEASURED BY
The valuation of investments in the Core and Discovery 
portfolios at year-end, as defined on page 37

COMMENTARY
Gross portfolio value increased by 225% in 2018, driven 
by investment of new capital into the portfolio and upward 
revaluation in the existing portfolio

£175m

2018

2017

2016

£9m

£54m

4

PIPELINE PROGRESSION

MEASURED BY
Number of trials in clinical development

COMMENTARY
At the end of 2018 Arix had 23 clinical programmes in its 
pipeline, up from 11 at the end of 2017, with a further three 
added post-year-end

•  7 new clinical trials were initiated by Harpoon, Autolus, 

Iterum, AtoxBio and Amplyx

•  Positive data readouts from Aura, Pharmaxis, Autolus and 

Verona

•  The pipeline was further strengthened following our 
investment in Phamaxis, adding additional clinical 
programmes to the pipeline

2018

13

9

4

TOTAL 
26

2017

7

3 1

TOTAL 
11

2016

1  2 

TOTAL 
3

 Phase 1 

 Phase 2 

 Phase 3

33

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportOPERATIONAL AND   
FINANCIAL REVIEW
CFO STATEMENT

Overview
The year to December 2018 has been one of significant financial 
progress, particularly in driving growth in our Gross Portfolio Value, 
which has increased to £175.5m (2017 £53.9m). This is reflected in the 
increased strength of the Group balance sheet, where the Net Asset 
Value (NAV) of the Arix Group has grown by over £100m to £270.2m 
(2017: £146.4m).

This growth in Group NAV has been supported by a strong net 
revaluation gain for the year of £51.2m (2017: £5.5m) which has 
helped deliver a profit before tax of £42.8m (2017: £9.5m loss).

The Gross Portfolio Value (GPV), comprising our Core Portfolio, and 
Discovery Portfolio, is shown at fair value at £175.5m (2017: £53.9m) at 
the year-end, representing an increase of 225% over the last 12 months.

The remaining component of Investments is our Other Interests. 
At the balance sheet date these are held at a fair value of £8.5m 
(2017: £17.4m), the movement being predominantly due to 
impairments to the carried interest of The Wales Life Sciences 
Invesment Fund and in BioMotiv.

Core Portfolio
The Core Portfolio has grown from nine companies to 11 in 2018, with 
the value of these companies increasing from £50.6m to £169.3m, 
driven by both the investment activity in the year and the strong 
revaluation gains enjoyed in the period – notably by Autolus, which 
listed on the Nasdaq exchange in June. 

Autolus was not alone, as Iterum Therapeutics and LogicBio 
Therapeutics also listed during 2018. In addition, Harpoon 
Therapeutics was in preparation for its IPO at year-end and went on to 
successfully list early in 2019. 

All of our quoted investments are shown at the closing market price 
at the balance sheet date. The valuation of Harpoon reflects a portion 
of the uplift arising between its November 2018 funding round and its 
February 2019 IPO.

Discovery Portfolio
Our emerging investments are held within our Discovery Portfolio. This 
asset class is important to the future development of the Core Portfolio 
as it provides a crèche to develop emerging innovation and explore 
commercial opportunities. 

The Discovery Portfolio is held at a fair value of £6.2m (2017: £3.3m) 
and includes a number of pre-clinical investments plus other seed 
investments made during the year.

As new projects become established they will be moved from the 
Discovery Portfolio to the Core Portfolio.

OUR DISCOVERY PORTFOLIO IS 
IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CORE 
PORTFOLIO AS IT PROVIDES A 
CRÈCHE TO DEVELOP EMERGING 
INNOVATION AND EXPLORE 

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES”

James Rawlingson 
Chief Financial Officer

34

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPortfolio Valuation Methodology
I have highlighted in previous reports the strong focus on high levels 
of integrity when it comes to the valuation of our investments. This is 
both embedded in our culture and in our governance as it is overseen 
by our Audit and Risk Committee. Arix follows International Private 
Equity and Venture Capital (IPEV) Guidelines, which are compliant with 
International Financial Reporting Standards. You can read the detailed 
accounting policy on pages 108 to 109.

In determining the valuation of its portfolio, Arix applies a valuation 
hierarchy; for example, a quoted market price has the highest integrity 
and is used as a source of valuation wherever possible. 

As an alternative for unquoted stocks, Arix may use a recent arm’s 
length market transaction as this is considered to have an acceptably 
high level of integrity.

A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology is considered to have 
the lowest level of integrity and is not used where a methodology 
with a higher level of integrity is available. No investments within our 
Core Portfolio or Discovery Portfolio have been valued using DCF 
methodology at December 2018.

Consolidated Profit and Loss
Strong performance in the year has delivered a Profit Before Tax (PBT) 
of £42.8m (2017: loss of £9.5m). The key feature of the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income is the net revaluation gains of 
£51.2m (2017: £5.5m). 

This strong PBT has created the need for a deferred tax liability of 
£5.9m this year.

The net revaluation gains of £51.2m were driven principally by Autolus 
Therapeutics, which showed a positive revaluation of £55.9m in the 
year, along with LogicBio Therapeutics, which also had a significant 
upward valuation in the period of £14.1m. These were partially offset 
by Iterum Therapeutics, which following its successful IPO recorded a 
negative revaluation of £8.4m in the period.

Revenues of £1.3m (2017: £1.9m) are predominantly management 
fees in Arix Capital Management; these have decreased year-on-year 
in line with expectations as the fully invested Wales Life Sciences 
Investment Fund enters the second half of its investment life. A 
significant exit for the fund was successfully completed early in 2019 
and this will contribute to a reduced fee level going forward.

Administrative expenses for the year were £11.7m (2017: £11.0m). 
These costs included CEO search fees of £0.3m.

The Board changes announced on 19 February 2019 enable a leaner 
management team in Arix. The cost savings from these changes, 
along with other expected savings from a premises review which is 
currently under way, will reduce annual run-rate costs by approximately 
£1.5m going forwards; 2019 will reflect the part-year implementation of 
these cost reductions.

Cash Position
Cash and deposits on the balance sheet has also strengthened during 
the year to £91.2m (2017: £74.9m) following a successful capital 
raising in March 2018, which delivered net proceeds of £83.5m. This 
cash position will allow investment momentum to be carried into 2019. 

The consolidated balance sheet shows that of the £91.2m held, 
£60.2m is held on long term deposit, which is defined as a term of 
over three months. The use of longer term deposits has contributed to 
improved levels of interest income earned this year.

Treasury Policy
The main objectives of the Treasury Policy are the preservation of 
shareholders’ funds for investment purposes and the mitigation of 
counterparty risk. The policy achieves these twin aims by requiring 
that cash balances are held at a number of UK banks with strong 
credit ratings.

The Treasury Policy was revised and reapproved by the Board this year 
to allow a greater proportion of funds to be placed as term deposits, 
and as a result net interest income increased to £0.7m (2017: £nil).

Speculation on currency movements is specifically not permitted by 
the policy and foreign currency hedging transactions are also outside 
of the policy. Therefore, no currency hedging transactions were entered 
into during the year and balance sheet assets in foreign currency are 
not hedged against sterling. 

The impact of currency exchange rates is shown on the face of 
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as a gain 
of £4.6m; however, it should be noted that these are not realised 
amounts.

During the second half of 2018, due to the foreseen risk of Brexit 
weakening sterling particularly against US dollars, our cash balances 
held in non-sterling were positioned to include sufficient US dollars to 
allow us to match our known future dollar funding commitments to 
portfolio companies for 2019. 

In this way we have been able to protect our investment activity 
against expected volatile foreign exchange rates for the coming year.

Employee Benefit Trust
During the year under review an Employee Benefits Trust (EBT) was 
created. This Trust is managed by an independent Board of Trustees.

The role of the Trust is to efficiently provide employment benefits to Arix 
employees, which is particularly important to the retention proposition 
for key staff such as our investment team.

In line with International Financial Reporting Standards, the results of 
the Trust are consolidated into the Group financials within this Annual 
Report. A diagram showing the consolidated entities that make up 
our consolidated balance sheet, including the EBT, is shown on the 
next page.

35

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportOPERATIONAL AND   
FINANCIAL REVIEW
CFO STATEMENT

Emerging regulation
Arix Capital Management is a subsidiary of Arix Bioscience plc and 
regulated by the FCA. Accordingly, it will be subject to the new 
Senior Management & Certification Regime (SM&CR) with effect from 
9 December 2019.

The SM&CR is part of the UK regulator’s drive to improve culture, 
governance and especially accountability across the financial services 
sector and preparation is under way to ensure a seamless adoption of 
SM&CR ahead of the implementation date later this year.

After the balance sheet date
On 14 February 2019, Harpoon Therapeutics, one of our Core Portfolio 
companies, successfully listed on Nasdaq at $14 per share. This is 
above its fair value included in these consolidated financial statements. 
Arix invested a further £4.6m at IPO, and now owns 12.1% of 
Harpoon.

On 19 February 2019, changes were announced to the membership 
of Arix’s Board. Joe Anderson, previously Chief Investment Officer, 
was appointed Chief Executive Officer; Jonathan Peacock, previously 
Executive Chairman, became Non-Executive Chairman; and Sir Chris 
Evans, previously Deputy Chairman, stepped down from the Board but 
will remain a consultant with the Company. These changes enable a 
leaner management team in Arix and will bring associated cost savings.

On 15 March 2019, Arix completed an investment in Imara 
Therapeutics, Inc., committing £11.3m (US$15.0m) for a 9.9% stake 
on a fully diluted basis.

Principal entities consolidated into these results

Arix 
Bioscience 
plc

UK

Employee 
Benefit 
Trust

Arix 
Bioscience 
Holdings Ltd

Arix 
Bioscience 
Inc

Arix Capital 
Management 
Ltd

UK

USA

UK

ALS SPV 
General 
Partner Ltd

ALS SPV 
Ltd

Arix 
Bioscience 
Pty Ltd

UK

UK

AUS

Owned and consolidated

Consolidated

Impact of Brexit
The Arix business model requires the sourcing and funding of biotech 
and life science investment opportunities and this is not expected to 
materially change after Brexit. This is because Arix sources investment 
opportunities globally and is not constrained to the UK or European 
markets.

There is a risk that possible reductions in research grants could affect 
the number of biotech investment opportunities becoming available, 
but this is considered unlikely to have a material impact on Arix’s global 
pipeline of opportunities.

Future trends
The implementation of new CFIUS legislation in the US is intended 
to protect US technology from foreign interest and will bring 
increased administration and operational risk to many US investment 
opportunities, including those in the biotech sector. 

Whilst Arix as a UK company is well positioned to continue to take part 
in US biotech investment opportunities going forward, we will continue 
to monitor this and other emerging legislation as we go through 2019.

36

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportInvestment summary

CORE

Amplyx Pharmaceuticals

Artios Pharma

Atox Bio

Aura Biosciences

Autolus

Harpoon Therapeutics

Iterum Therapeutics

LogicBio Therapeutics

Pharmaxis

VelosBio

Verona Pharma

DISCOVERY

Depixus

Mitoconix Bio

OptiKira

PreciThera

New SeedCo

31 
December 
2017
 Value
£m

Net 
Investment 
in Period
£m

Change in 
Valuation 
(including FX)
£m

31 December 
2018 
Value
£m

Fully 
Diluted 
Equity 
Interest
%

Funding 
Committed, 
Not Yet 
Invested
£m

Fully Diluted 
Equity 
Interest 
When Fully 
Committed
%

2.8

3.7

3.0

2.5

20.1

5.1

5.7

4.8

–

–

2.9

50.6

1.1

0.4

1.3

0.5

–

3.3

–

5.8

–

1.2

5.5

10.3

7.0

5.4

8.0

5.1

–

48.3

0.3

0.4

–

0.7

2.4

3.8

0.4

1.4

0.2

0.2

55.9

8.5

(8.4)

14.1

(1.6)

0.1

(0.4)

70.4

–

(0.6)

(0.3)

(0.1)

0.1

(0.9)

3.2

10.9

3.2

3.9

81.5

23.9

4.3

24.3

6.4

5.2

2.5

169.3

1.4

0.2

1.0

1.1

2.5

6.2

2.9%

13.4%

3.7%

6.6%

7.9%

11.3%

7.8%

12.9%

11.1%

8.9%

2.5%

18.6%

3.5%

21.9%

20.9%

25.6%

3.7%

12.4%

6.4%

6.6%

7.9%

11.3%

7.8%

12.9%

11.1%

11.3%

2.5%

19.2%

9.0%

21.9%

23.4%

32.2%

1.9

4.3

3.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.4

–

12.7

0.1

0.8

–

4.6

2.8

8.3

GROSS PORTFOLIO VALUE

53.9

52.1

69.5

175.5

21.0

Other Interests

17.4

3.2

(12.1)

8.5

N/A

–

N/A

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

71.3

55.3

57.4

184.0

21.0

37

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic Report 
PORTFOLIO REVIEW

THERAPEUTIC AREA

DISCOVERY

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

Core portfolio

Iterum

Anti-infectives

Atox

Aura

Verona

Amplyx

Immunology & inflammation

Oncology

Immunology & inflammation

Anti-infectives

Pharmaxis

Immunology & inflammation

Imara*

Autolus

Rare diseases

Oncology

Harpoon

Oncology

VelosBio

Oncology

Artios

Oncology

LogicBio

Rare diseases

Discovery portfolio

Multiple**

Multiple

* Imara acquired post year-end **This includes Depixus, PreciThera, Mitoconix, OptiKira and a new seed company

 Core Portfolio (clinical) 

 Core Portfolio (pre-clinical) 

 Discovery Portfolio

Overview
We are pleased to report a year of strong growth, with positive 
commercial, operational and developmental progress across the 
portfolio. At 31 December 2018 Arix’s gross portfolio value had 
increased to £175m, from £54m in 2017. Our gross portfolio value 
is underpinned by the value of our core portfolio, which accounts for 
96% of the total value, with the remaining value spread across five 
holdings in our discovery portfolio. At 31 December our core portfolio 
consisted of 11 biotech companies and was valued at £169m, a 
£118m (231%) increase from last year. This reflects a net positive 
revaluation of £70m across the core portfolio driven by financing 
events at higher valuations (Autolus, LogicBio, Harpoon and Artios), 
new investments (Pharmaxis, VelosBio) and follow-on investments into 
the existing portfolio companies. 

Over the reporting period, we have seen strong clinical progression 
within the portfolio; notable highlights include positive data readouts 
from Autolus, Aura, Verona and Pharmaxis and new trial initiations from 
Iterum, AtoxBio, Amplyx, Autolus, Harpoon and Verona. The pipeline 
continues to expand, with 26 live clinical trials across the portfolio and 
multiple pre-clinical studies under way. 

Our core portfolio comprises our clinical stage companies and pre-
clinical companies that we see as key to driving value over the next 
two years. Clinical stage companies are those in clinical development, 
which have begun testing their treatments in patients. These 
companies will have at least one live clinical trial, in either Phase 1, 
Phase 2 or Phase 3. We have included two pre-clinical companies 
(Artios, LogicBio) in our core portfolio that we believe could drive value 

over the next two to three years. These are earlier stage companies 
that are making strong progress towards human trials and have 
validating pre-clinical data. These companies have raised significant 
capital, supported by a strong syndicate of leading venture investors. 
They have novel approaches, and operate in particularly ‘hot’ areas 
making them potential early acquisition targets. 

Companies within our discovery portfolio are typically seed 
investments. These are start-ups in the initial stages of research and 
development. They have made promising life science discoveries 
and have secured initial funding to test and validate the science. We 
minimise risk by investing small amounts early, reserving funds for later 
stage rounds. After key milestones are met, these companies have the 
potential to move into the core portfolio.

Highlights FY2018

26 CLINICAL TRIALS   
ACROSS THE PORTFOLIO, 
INCLUDING IMARA  
ADDED POST YEAR END 

£70M NET POSITIVE 
REVALUATION IN THE PORTFOLIO

POSITIVE PHASE 1/PHASE 2  
DATA FROM AUTOLUS, VERONA, 
AURA AND PHARMAXIS 

4 NASDAQ IPOs, INCLUDING 
HARPOON POST YEAR END 

7 NEW TRIAL INITIATIONS 

$555M RAISED BY PORTFOLIO 
COMPANIES IN 2018

38

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPORTFOLIO SNAPSHOT

Gross Portfolio Value

Core portfolio as a  
% of GPV

£175m

4%

£175m

96%

 Core portfolio 

 Discovery portfolio

£54m

£9m

2016

2017

2018

Core portfolio: capital deployed 
by stage of development

Core portfolio

£169m

£95m

 Clinical stage 

 Pre-clinical

21%

£51m

£7m

2016

2017

2018

79%

Core portfolio split by 
therapeutic area

25%

17%

12
companies

41%

17%

 Oncology 

 Rare diseases

 Anti-infectives

 Immunology & inflammation

39

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportCLINICAL PIPELINE
INNOVATION AT ALL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Across our portfolio we now have 26 programmes in the clinic, focusing on areas of high unmet 
medical need

Discovery
Very initial stages of testing and validating 
scientific discoveries.

Pre-clinical
At this, the focus is on researching the feasibility and safety of a treatment before 
commencing clinical trials.

Phase One

This is the first time a product is tested 

in humans. The focus at this stage is 

testing the side effects and safety.

Phase Two

Phase 2 involves further trials 

testing the efficacy and safety and 

different dosing levels.

LOGICBIO 
LB-101 Hae mophilia B

LOGICBIO 
LB-201 A1ATD (liver disease)

LOGICBIO 
LB-301 Crigler-Najjar

OPTIKIRA 
OPK-546 Retinitis Pigmentosa

MITOCONIX 
MTC-1203 Huntington's Disease

MITOCONIX 
MTC-1203 Parkinson's Disease

PHARMAXIS 
SSAO/MPO Inflammation

PHARMAXIS 
LOX (topical) Scarring

PRECITHERA 
TGF-θ Orphan Bone Disease

ARTIOS 
Pol Theta (Polθ)

ARTIOS 
Target 2 (Helicase)

ARTIOS 
TARGET 3 and 4 (Nucleases)

AUTOLUS 
AUTO 7 Prostate Cancer

AUTOLUS 
AUTO2 NG Multiple Myeloma

AUTOLUS 
AUTO3 NG B-Cell Malignancies

AUTOLUS 
AUTO6 NG Neuroblastoma; Melanoma; Osteosarcoma; SCLC (GD2)

AUTOLUS 
AUTO5 T-Cell Lymphoma (TRBC2)

HARPOON 
HPN536 Varios Solid Tumours (TriTAC) - Mesothelin

HARPOON 
HPN217 Multiple Myeloma BCMA (TriTAC)

HARPOON 
HPN823 Small Cell Lung Cancer (TriTAC)

HARPOON 
Various - oncology (ProTriTAC)

LOGICBIO 
LB-001 methylmalonic acidemia (MMA)

VERONA 
COPD Maintenance (MDI)

40

AUTOLUS 

AUTO2 Multiple myeloma

AUTOLUS 

AUTO3 DLBCL

AUTOLUS 

AUTO3 Paediatric ALL

AUTOLUS 

AUTO6 Neuroblastoma

AUTOLUS 

AUTO1 Paediatric ALL

AUTOLUS 

AUTO1 Adult ALL

AUTOLUS 

AUTO4 T-cell lymphoma

HARPOON 

HPN424 Prostate Cancer

PHARMAXIS 

LOXL-2 NASH, Fibrosis

VERONA 

Severe Asthma (Nebulizer)

VELOSBIO 

VLS 101 Haematological Cancers

PHARMAXIS 

LOX-oral (cancer)

Phase Three/Pivotal

This is the final stage of testing 

before registration. Phase 3 trials 

focus on testing the effectiveness 

of the new product compared 

to existing treatments or to a 

placebo.

ATOX BIO 

ACCUTE NSTI

ITERUM 

Complicated UTI

ITERUM 

Uncomplicated UTI

ITERUM 

COPD Maintenance (Nebulizer)

Complicated intra abdominal infections

ATOX BIO 

REAKT Acute Kidney Injury

VERONA 

COPD Acute (Nebulizer)

VERONA 

COPD Fibrosis (Nebulizer)

VERONA 

AMPLYX 

APX001 Invasive candidiasis

VERONA 

COPD Maintenance (DPI)

AU-011 Ocular Melanoma

AURA 

IMARA 

IMR-687 (Sickle Cell Disease)

PHARMAXIS 

SSAO NASH

PHARMAXIS 

SSAO Diabetic Retinopathy

ALL: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

DLBCL: Difuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

NASH: Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NSTI: Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections

UTI: Urinary Tract Infection

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportKEY

Respiratory

Anti-infectives

Immunology & 
inflammation

Rare diseases

Oncology

Discovery

Pre-clinical

Very initial stages of testing and validating 

At this, the focus is on researching the feasibility and safety of a treatment before 

scientific discoveries.

commencing clinical trials.

Phase One
This is the first time a product is tested 
in humans. The focus at this stage is 
testing the side effects and safety.

Phase Two
Phase 2 involves further trials 
testing the efficacy and safety and 
different dosing levels.

LOGICBIO 

LB-101 Hae mophilia B

LOGICBIO 

LB-201 A1ATD (liver disease)

LOGICBIO 

LB-301 Crigler-Najjar

OPTIKIRA 

OPK-546 Retinitis Pigmentosa

MITOCONIX 

MTC-1203 Huntington's Disease

MITOCONIX 

MTC-1203 Parkinson's Disease

PHARMAXIS 

SSAO/MPO Inflammation

PHARMAXIS 

LOX (topical) Scarring

PRECITHERA 

TGF-θ Orphan Bone Disease

ARTIOS 

Pol Theta (Polθ)

ARTIOS 

Target 2 (Helicase)

ARTIOS 

TARGET 3 and 4 (Nucleases)

AUTOLUS 

AUTO 7 Prostate Cancer

AUTOLUS 

AUTO2 NG Multiple Myeloma

AUTOLUS 

AUTO3 NG B-Cell Malignancies

AUTO6 NG Neuroblastoma; Melanoma; Osteosarcoma; SCLC (GD2)

AUTO5 T-Cell Lymphoma (TRBC2)

HPN536 Varios Solid Tumours (TriTAC) - Mesothelin

AUTOLUS 

AUTOLUS 

HARPOON 

HARPOON 

HARPOON 

HPN217 Multiple Myeloma BCMA (TriTAC)

HPN823 Small Cell Lung Cancer (TriTAC)

HARPOON 

Various - oncology (ProTriTAC)

LOGICBIO 

LB-001 methylmalonic acidemia (MMA)

VERONA 

COPD Maintenance (MDI)

AUTOLUS 
AUTO2 Multiple myeloma

AUTOLUS 
AUTO3 DLBCL

AUTOLUS 
AUTO3 Paediatric ALL

AUTOLUS 
AUTO6 Neuroblastoma

AUTOLUS 
AUTO1 Paediatric ALL

AUTOLUS 
AUTO1 Adult ALL

AUTOLUS 
AUTO4 T-cell lymphoma

HARPOON 
HPN424 Prostate Cancer

PHARMAXIS 
LOXL-2 NASH, Fibrosis

VERONA 
Severe Asthma (Nebulizer)

VELOSBIO 
VLS 101 Haematological Cancers

PHARMAXIS 
LOX-oral (cancer)

ATOX BIO 
REAKT Acute Kidney Injury

VERONA 
COPD Acute (Nebulizer)

VERONA 
COPD Fibrosis (Nebulizer)

VERONA 
COPD Maintenance (Nebulizer)

AMPLYX 
APX001 Invasive candidiasis

VERONA 
COPD Maintenance (DPI)

AURA 
AU-011 Ocular Melanoma

IMARA 
IMR-687 (Sickle Cell Disease)

PHARMAXIS 
SSAO NASH

PHARMAXIS 
SSAO Diabetic Retinopathy

Phase Three/Pivotal
This is the final stage of testing 
before registration. Phase 3 trials 
focus on testing the effectiveness 
of the new product compared 
to existing treatments or to a 
placebo.

ATOX BIO 
ACCUTE NSTI

ITERUM 
Complicated UTI

ITERUM 
Uncomplicated UTI

ITERUM 
Complicated intra abdominal infections

ALL: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

DLBCL: Difuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

NASH: Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

NSTI: Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections

UTI: Urinary Tract Infection

41

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportPORTFOLIO REVIEW

Continued

Investments
During the financial year a total of £52m (2017: £41m) was deployed 
into the portfolio, including three new and nine existing portfolio 
companies. Arix continues to balance risk by deploying small amounts 
(approximately 4% of gross portfolio capital) into very early stage seed 
ventures (discovery portfolio), with 96% of portfolio capital deployed 
in later stage ventures – either clinically or pre-clinically validated 
companies (core portfolio).

New investments
Highlighted below are some of the notable investments that were 
made in the financial year. These include new investments into existing 
portfolio companies (not including previously tranched capital) and 
investments into new portfolio companies

New core portfolio companies
•  VelosBio: £5.1m invested in Series A fundraise, Tranche 1 (£8.4m 

committed in total)

•  Pharmaxis: £8m VIPE investment

Discovery portfolio
•  New SeedCo: £2.4m investment

Existing portfolio companies
•  Autolus: £5.5m invested in the IPO

•  Artios: £5.8m invested (£1.5m Series A tranche 3, £3.7m Series B 

tranche 1, £0.6m from an existing shareholder)

•  Harpoon: £6.1m invested in the Series C fundraise

•  LogicBio: £5.4m invested in the IPO

• 

Iterum: £3.3m invested in the IPO, £0.3m invested in the market

Post year-end investments
A further £15.9m has been committed or invested post year-end, into 
Harpoon Therapeutics and Imara, a new portfolio company

•  Harpoon: £4.6m invested in the IPO

• 

Imara: £11.3m committed in the Series A fundraise

New hire
In 2018 we expanded our investment team, with the appointment of 
Christian Schetter as Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Christian has over 
20 years industry experience across the life sciences sector, and 
joins Arix from German immuno-oncology company Rigontec GmbH, 
where he was CEO for four years before its acquisition by Merk & 
Co. He has a track record of creating companies that foster exciting 
science and securing impressive exits and his extensive experience of 
building companies in the life science industry will greatly benefit Arix 
as we continue to build on our existing investments and leverage our 
extensive pipeline.

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Continued

Core Portfolio

Autolus
•  Significant period of clinical progress with encouraging data from 

Harpoon
•  Dosed first patient in HPN424 Prostate Cancer Trial

AUTO1 and AUTO3 programmes

•  Dosed first patient in AUTO4 and pre-clinical data read-outs for 

AUTO5

•  Successful IPO on NASDAQ, raising $172m

Autolus made significant progress in 2018 and notably completed an 
oversubscribed IPO on NASDAQ, raising $172.2m. Arix invested a 
further £5.5m in the IPO, retaining a 7.9% stake, which was valued 
at £81.5m at 31 December, a £55.9m increase in value over the last 
12 months. 

The company reported positive initial Phase 1 data from its AUTO3 
programme in Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and paediatric 
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (pALL). Early efficacy data is 
encouraging, with notable dose responses and manageable safety 
data. Autolus also announced that it had dosed its first patient in the 
Phase 1/2 trial of AUTO4 in TRBC1-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma 
and reported encouraging pre-clinical data from its sister programme, 
AUTO5 targeting TRBC2-positive lymphoma. Additionally, Autolus 
licensed two new clinical stage programmes: AUTO1 in paediatric ALL 
and adult ALL (UCL) and the AUTO6 programme in Neuroblastoma (in 
partnership with Cancer Research UK.) 

Post year end, Autolus presented interim results from the ongoing 
Phase 1 CARPALL trial (Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) 
of AUTO1. Updated AUTO1 data showed comparable to better 
persistence and survival of patients comparable to Kymriah, all with 
a better safety profile. This is despite the fact that the study included 
patients post CD19 and CD22 targeted therapies, which were 
excluded from the Kymriah trial. Data is supportive for the company’s 
activities in adult patients with first update scheduled for April 2019. 
The company expects to see full Phase 1 data from AUTO1, AUTO2 
and AUTO3 programmes by the end of 2019, with initial AUTO4 data in 
H2. (See case study on page 26 for more details.)

Aura
•  Positive Phase 1b/2 data

•  Phase 3 ready

Aura released positive data from the its Phase 1b/2 study with light-
activated AU-011 in 2018. The study has shown that the drug was 
well tolerated, with clear evidence of tumour control and preservation 
of visual acuity at long term follow-up. This data provides the evidence 
that AU-011 can be a minimally invasive, in-office procedure with no 
radiation for early intervention of small lesions and tumours. 

Post year end Aura announced that it has received written confirmation 
from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding 
agreement on the design of its Phase 3 trial; the result of a successful 
‘End of Phase 2’ meeting with the FDA. In addition to the design of the 
Phase 3 trials, the FDA agreed with Aura’s proposed safety database. 
The FDA also agreed that no further non-clinical studies are needed.

Read more about Aura on page 24.

•  Successful Series C at 68% uplift to Series B price

•  $81m IPO on NASDAQ post year end

Harpoon met a significant milestone this year, with the first patient 
dosed in its HPN424 prostate cancer trial. In November 2018, Harpoon 
completed a $70m Series C investment round at a 68% uplift to the 
Series B price resulting in a notable uplift to our holding. Arix invested 
$8m (£6.1m) in the round to retain an 11.3% stake. 

In December 2018, Harpoon announced that it had filed for a proposed 
initial public offering in the United States, a process that completed 
post year end. The company listed on NASDAQ in February 2019, 
raising total proceeds of $81m. Arix invested a further $6m (£4.6m) 
in the IPO to retain a stake of 12.1% in Harpoon, which was valued 
at £31.3m at the IPO price of $14 (at the close of business on 13 
February 2019). This represents a gain of £12.1m on total cash 
invested in Harpoon by Arix. At year-end, Arix’s pre-IPO stake in 
Harpoon was valued at £23.9m.

Proceeds from the Series C and IPO will be used to advance 
Harpoon’s pre clinical and clinical trials. The company plans to initiate 
further Phase 1 clinical trials for HPN536 (a mesothelin- targeting 
TriTAC) for the treatment of mesothelin-expressing tumours, and 
HPN217 (a BCMA-targeting TriTAC) for the treatment of multiple 
myeloma in 2019. We also expect to see initial Phase 1 data from 
HPN424 this year.

Iterum
• 

IPO on NASDAQ, raising $81m

• 

Initiated three pivotal Phase 3 trials

Iterum made significant progress during the year, notably initiating 
three Phase 3 pivotal trials in uncomplicated urinary tract infections 
(uUTI), complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and complicated 
intra-abdominal infection (cIAIs). Iterum’s lead product candidate 
sulopenem’s is potentially the first penem drug that is available as an 
oral drug. (To date these drugs have only been via IV, limiting their 
use to hospital setting.) Sulopenem’s clear commercial pathway is 
supported by rising resistance rates to existing treatment options and 
its ability to provide significant cost-saving advantages for hospitals, by 
allowing earlier patient discharge by switching from IV to oral treatment. 
There is also a significant opportunity for oral sulopenem in the 
community setting, where rising rates of resistance, safety concerns 
with fluoroquinolones, and a lack of new treatment options make 
sulopenem an attractive treatment for elevated risk patients with urinary 
tract infections. Iterum expects Phase 3 data from all three trials (uUTI, 
cUTI and cIAI) in 2H2019 and expects to file its new drug applications 
(NDAs) with the FDA by the end of 2019.

Furthermore, Iterum was the first Arix portfolio company to IPO, raising 
total proceeds of $81m. Since the IPO in May, Iterum shares have 
suffered due to a weak anti-infectives backdrop but our fundamental 
belief in the company has not changed. Despite the struggles of the 
public market comps, we strongly believe that Iterum is a commercially 
differentiated asset that has much potential.

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• 

Initiated Phase 2 AKI trial

•  Completed enrollment of Phase 3 NSTI trial

During 2018 Atox continued to make good operational progress, 
notably initiating the Phase 2 REAKT (Reltecimod Efficacy for Acute 
Kidney Injury Trial) study. 

Reltecimod, Atox Bio’s lead product, is initially being developed to 
treat Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (NSTI), a rare, life-threatening 
infection with high morbidity and mortality. The Phase 3 trial, also 
known as the ACCUTE trial (Reltecimod Clinical Composite Endpoint 
Study in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections), is designed as a single 
pivotal study to assess the efficacy and safety of Reltecimod versus 
placebo in patients with NSTI. Previously, Reltecimod completed a 
phase 2 study in NSTI. Results demonstrated that patients treated with 
Reltecimod had a meaningful improvement across multiple end points. 
In a subset of patients from the phase 2 NSTI study, characterised as 
suffering from AKI as part of the disease process, initial data suggest 
that Reltecimod provides a treatment benefit (improved renal function 
and recovery from AKI).

Data from the Phase 3 NSTI trial is expected by the end of 2019.

Amplyx
• 

Initiated Phase 2 APX001 trial

•  Phase 2 data in 2019

Amplyx Pharmaceuticals is developing a new class of antifungal 
medicine to overcome the limitations of existing therapeutic options. 
Amplyx’s lead programme APX001 is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug 
with a novel mechanism of action for the treatment of life-threatening, 
invasive fungal infections caused by Candida. There has not been a 
new class of antifungal drug approved since 2001, and many existing 
antifungal agents are difficult to use, poorly tolerated or ineffective due 
to the rise of drug-resistant strains.

In November 2018 Amplyx dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 clinical 
programme to evaluate the efficacy and safety of APX001 in the 
treatment of infections caused by Candida. This trial will aim to validate 
robust preclinical and Phase 1 data and demonstrate clinical proof-of-
concept for APX001 as a novel treatment for patients with difficult-to-
treat and often deadly Candida infections. Initial results are expected by 
the end of 2019.

Verona
•  Good clinical progress in 2018; positive Phase 2 COPD data 

readouts and new trial initiations

Verona Pharma plc is an LSE and NASDAQ-listed clinical stage 
biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of 
ensifentrine (RPL554), a dual inhibitor of enzymes phosphodiesterase 
3 and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE3/4 inhibitor). This is an inhaled novel 
compound that aims to provide both bronchodilation (PDE3) and anti-
inflammatory (PDE4) effects in a single molecule - it will be the first dual 
action product and the first new class of bronchodilator for many years. 
The aim is to treat respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive 
pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) where there is a 
need for incremental lung function improvement. 

The company continued to make solid clinical progress in 2018 for 
maintenance treatment of COPD, with the nebulizer formulation 
achieving positive top-line data in a four-week Phase 2b placebo-
controlled clinical trial in 403 patients. Reporting initial results in March, 
ensifentrine met the primary endpoint at all doses (P<0.001), showing 
a clinically meaningful and statistically significant bronchodilator effect 
after four weeks of dosing and encouraging performance on other 
measures of the disease. 

Post year end, Verona reported mixed top line data from its 79-patient 
Phase 2a COPD trial evaluating nebulized ensifentrine treatment 
over three days on top of dual therapy of a long-acting muscarinic 
antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting ßeta2-agonist (LABA). With a 
challenging trial design that promoted a large response to underlying 
standard of care of LAMA plus LABA, ensifentrine added some further 
lung function improvement, but the effect for the primary endpoint was 
not statistically significant. However, the combination of all 13 clinical 
studies completed to date, including this equivocal Phase 2, has 
prepared the way for a six-month Phase 2b study due to start in 2019 
that will set the programme up for a pair of pivotal Phase 3 trials. The 
company is positioning ensifentrine as an add-on to first line therapy in 
COPD, which is generally a LAMA. 

Advanced Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) and Metered Dose Inhaler 
formulations of ensifentrine are also in development, with the potential 
to reach a substantially larger number of COPD patients than via 
nebulizer administration. The first DPI clinical trial in COPD patients was 
initiated in December 2018; initial results expected in the first quarter of 
2019. The company calculates the market for nebulised therapy on top 
of LAMA alone or dual LAMA/LABA to be 280,000 patients in the USA; 
the DPI/MDI inhaler market in moderate-to-severe COPD is 1.72million 
people in the US. 

In March 2018 Verona also released positive top-line data from a small, 
ten patient Phase 2a clinical trial in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Development in 
CF will build upon the upcoming COPD Phase 2b.

Pharmaxis
•  Positive Phase 1 LOXL2 data

• 

Initiated Phase 1 LOX-oral (cancer) trial 

Pharmaxis is a research and development company working on new 
therapies to treat inflammatory and fibrotic diseases such as NASH, 
pulmonary fibrosis, kidney and liver fibrosis, inflammatory bowel 
diseases and cancer.

In 2018 Pharmaxis consolidated its position as a significant competitor 
in the NASH market as the Company’s LOXL2 inhibitor completed 
phase 1 studies, demonstrating a best in class profile for two 
compounds. Positive Phase 1 clinical trial results were reported on 
both compounds, confirming long lasting inhibition of the target 
LOXL2 enzyme. In January 2019 Pharmaxis announced that, following 
completion of 13 week toxicity studies, the programme was ready 
to enter phase 2 clinical studies for diseases such as NASH, IPF and 
cardiac fibrosis.

In addition, Pharmaxis announced the dosing of the first patient in 
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Phase 2a clinical trial in patients with diabetic 
retinopathy (DR), triggering a €10 million (~A$15million) milestone 
payment to Pharmaxis. DR is the second disease to be targeted with 
the drug known as BI 1467335 which was discovered by Pharmaxis. 

Post year end, Pharmaxis made further clinical progress, launching a 
Phase 1 clinical trial of a new compound targeting pancreatic cancer. 
Dosing of the first subjects has begun, trialling an anti-fibrotic Lysyl 
Oxidase (LOX) inhibitor which has delivered positive results in pre-
clinical testing. The compound is an oral once-a-day drug that inhibits 
all lysyl oxidase family members (LOX, LOXL1, 2, 3 & 4). It has shown 
significant reductions in fibrosis in in-vivo models of kidney fibrosis, 
lung fibrosis, myelofibrosis and pancreatic cancer. It is potentially suited 
to the treatment of severe fibrosis as well as cancer with prominent 
stroma (connective tissue) or fibrotic metastatic niches.

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Imara
•  Expands breadth of portfolio with investment in sickle cell disease 

via a later-stage clinical asset in phase 2 

•  Phase 2 data in 2019

Post year end, we co-led the $63m Series B for Imara; we committed to 
invest $15.0 million (£11.3m) for a 10% stake on a fully diluted basis. 

Imara is a company dedicated to developing novel therapeutics 
for chronic treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (‘SCD’) and other 
hemoglobinopathies. Imara’s lead programme, IMR-687, is designed 
to be a disease-modifying therapy that acts on both red and white 
blood cells with the potential to help healthcare providers create better 
treatment outcomes for patients. Its profile is attractive as it has a dual 
mechanism of action on red and white blood cells, once daily dosing, 
very clean safety profile, and potential impact on fetal hemoglobin.

Imara adds a new therapeutic area and expands the breadth of our 
portfolio into non-oncology haematology and also adds another later-
stage clinical asset to the portfolio. Imara’s lead programme, IMR-687, 
is at an exciting point in clinical development and is currently being 
evaluated in a Phase 2a study in sickle cell patients. We expect to see 
Phase 2a data soon; initial data in 2H 2019 and full data in Q1 2020.

Artios
•  Oversubscribed Series B attracting interest from big pharma

•  Arix became the largest shareholder following the Series B

Artios a leading DNA Damage Response (DDR) company developing 
innovative treatments for cancer. The company closed an 
oversubscribed $84m Series B in August in a round pulled together 
by Arix, co-led by Andera Partners (Paris) and LSP (Amsterdam). New 
investors included Novartis and Pfizer venture funds. 

As part of the Financing, Arix, committed to invest £8m over two 
tranches; completed its remaining £1.5m Series A commitment and 
invested a further £0.6m by purchasing a stake from an existing 
shareholder. Following this investment, Arix became the largest 
shareholder in Artios, retaining a 12.4% stake on a fully diluted basis.

The financing recognised a 26% uplift in the book value of Arix’s Series 
A investment in Artios. Arix’s total interest in Artios, including current 
commitments, has risen to £15.3m, from £5.1m at December 2017.

Artios is now funded through five proof of concept studies – three 
for lead asset Polymerase Theta, and two for additional assets. The 
company has four first-in-class, highly differentiated assets in pipeline 
and a leading position on Pol Theta – the hottest target after PARP in 
DDR. We expect to select clinical candidates in the first half of 2019 
and to start clinical testing in 2020

LogicBio
•  Successful NASDAQ IPO, raising $80m

•  Clinical trials commencing in 2019

LogicBio Therapeutics is a genome editing company focused on 
developing medicines to durably treat rare diseases in patients with 
significant unmet medical needs using GeneRide™, its proprietary 
technology platform. 

Logic completed a key milestone in 2018 following its successful 
NASDAQ IPO in October. The company raised gross proceeds of 
$80 million and is now well positioned to develop ground-breaking 
solutions for patients with severe genetic diseases. Arix retains a stake 
of 12.9% in LogicBio following the IPO; at year-end the total value of 
Arix’s shareholding in LogicBio is £24.3m, a £14.1m increase on total 
cash invested by Arix. We expect Phase 1 clinical trials to commence 
in Q4 2019.

VelosBio
•  Co-investment with pharmaceutical partner Takeda

•  Experienced team with a track record in generating value

•  Phase 1 trial initiated in 2019

VelosBio, is a next-generation oncology company, developing novel 
antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat haematological cancers 
and solid tumours. ADCs are highly potent drugs designed as a 
targeted therapy for the treatment of people with cancer. In contrast to 
traditional chemotherapeutic drugs, ADCs only target cancer cells so 
that healthy cells are less affected. Velos was founded by the former 
Acerta team, which developed the approved blood cancer treatment, 
CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib), acquired by AstraZeneca for up to $7bn 
in 2015. This is a team with extensive experience in M&A, navigating 
clinical pathways and mitigating risk to get a drug to market.

Velos is a new portfolio company for 2018; we co-led the Series A 
with Sofinnova Ventures, investing $11m (£8.4m) for an 11.2% stake. 
Importantly this is a company sourced through our pharmaceutical 
partner Takeda, illustrating the importance of these partnerships, as 
not only potential acquirers and partners of our companies, but also as 
a further source of investment opportunities. 

This investment broadens our oncology portfolio adding ADCs 
alongside a range of different therapeutic modalities including CAR-T, 
DNA damage response / synthetic lethality, bi-specific antibodies, and 
targeted viruses (Harpoon, Aura, Autolus, Artios). 

Discovery Portfolio
Our discovery portfolio contains our earliest stage companies: 
Depixus, Mitoconix, PreciThera, OptiKira and a new seed company 
sourced through our relationship with The Max Planck Lead Discovery 
Center. These investments collectively are valued at £6.2m, accounting 
for 3.5% of gross portfolio value. 

These investments offer exciting opportunities, but also carry higher 
risk. We invest small amounts at this stage, until milestones are 
met. We take a conservative approach to valuation, with a focus on 
preserving shareholder capital. To this end, OptiKira was written down 
by £0.3 million in the period to reflect slower than expected progress 
on delivering pre-clinical proof-of-concept and a pharmaceutical lead 
candidate. We have not reached the level of conviction in Mitoconix’s 
lead programme necessary to justify maintaining its current valuation 
in our portfolio; as result our holding was written down by £0.6 million 
in 2018.

There remains cause for optimism about the portfolio more broadly, 
notably Depixus, which raised significant non dilutive funding in 2018 
and is well poised for its next stage of development. In addition, we 
co-founded our first company, based on novel discoveries in the innate 
immune system emerging from the Max Planck Lead Discovery Center.

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportOutlook & catalysts 
The year ahead will be important for a number of our portfolio 
companies as they reach significant clinical and development 
milestones during the year. We also continue to see a strong pipeline 
of opportunities through our global networks and partnerships, and 
expect to invest in new and existing portfolio companies over the 
course of the year. New investments will continue to be guided by the 
quality of the science, the commercial opportunity and, importantly, the 
potential benefits for patients. 

Catalysts expected in 2019:

Data readouts: 19

Trial initiations: 8+

Over the next 12 months, we expect to see 19 data readouts across 
the core portfolio, including four pivotal Phase 3 trials. Additionally we 
expect a further eight new trials to initiate within the next 12 months, 
including first clinical trials from LogicBio. 

PHASE 2
Data readouts:

7

1.  Amplyx : APX001 (Invasive 

fungal infections)

2.  Aura: AU-011 (Ocular 

melanoma) – additional update

3.  Verona: RPL554 COPD (DPI)

4.  Verona: RPL554 COPD (MDI)

5.  Verona: RPL554 COPD (as 
add onto LAMA+LABA)

6.  Pharmaxis: SSAO (NASH)

7.  Imara: IMR-687 (Sickle Cell 

Disease)

PHASE 1
Data readouts:

8

1.  Harpoon: HPN424 (Prostate 

Cancer )

2.  Autolus: AUTO1 (Adult ALL)

3.  Autolus: AUTO1 (Pediatric 

ALL)

4.  Autolus: AUTO2 (Multiple 

Myeloma)

5.  Autolus : AUTO 3 (Adult 

DLBCL) 

6.  Autolus : AUTO 3 (Pediatric 

ALL)

7.  Autolus: AUTO4 (T Cell 

Lymphoma) 

8.  Pharmaxis: Lox-oral 

(Cancer)

PHASE 1/2
trial initiations:

7

1.  Autolus: AUTO5 (Peripheral TCL)

2.  Harpoon: HPN536 (MSLN/ Ovarian 
Cancer and other solid tumours)

3.  Harpoon: HPN127 (Multiple 

Myeloma)

4.  Logic Bio: Methylmalonic acidemia 

(MMA) 

5.  Pharmaxis : LOX (oral) – 

myelofibrosis 

6.  Pharmaxis: LOX (oral) for 

pancreatic cancer 

7.  Verona RPL1554 COPD (MDI) 

PHASE 3
Data readouts:

4

1.  AtoxBio- ACCUTE 

(Necrotising Soft Tissue 
Infections)

2.  Iterum - SURE 3 

(Complicated Intra-
Abdominal Infections )

3.  Iterum - SURE 2 

(Complicated Urinary 
Tract Infections)

4.  Iterum - SURE 1 

(Uncomplicated Urinary 
Tract Infections)

PHASE 3
initiations: 1

1+

Autolus data could result in 
up to three Phase 2-3 trials 
commencing in H2 2019

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Continued

Core Portfolio

Focus area: Anti-infectives
Value: £4.3m
Cost: £13.0m
% of gross portfolio: 2.5% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Developing novel anti-infectives aimed 
at combatting the global crisis of multi-
drug resistant pathogens

Focus area: Immunology/anti-
inflammatory
Value: £3.2m
Cost: £3.0m
% of gross portfolio: 1.7% 
Remaining commitment: £3.1m

Novel immunomodulators for acute, 
life-threatening conditions resulting 
from severe acute inflammation caused 
by severe infections

Focus area: Oncology
Value: £3.9m
Cost: £3.8m
% of gross portfolio: 2.2% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Novel, selective treatment for ocular 
melanoma

Focus area: Immunology/anti-
inflammatory
Value: £2.5m
Cost: £3.6m
% of gross portfolio: 1.4% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Development and commercialisation 
of innovative prescription medicines 
to treat respiratory diseases with 
significant unmet medical needs

Focus area: Anti-infectives
Value: £3.2m
Cost: £2.8m
% of gross portfolio: 1.8% 
Remaining commitment: £1.9m

Novel small molecule therapy, APX001, 
for life-threatening fungal infections

Focus area: Immunology/anti-
inflammatory
Value: £6.4m
Cost: £8.0m
% of gross portfolio: 3.6% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Australian pharmaceutical R&D 
company focused on inflammation and 
fibrosis with a portfolio of products at 
various stages of development and 
approval

Focus area: Oncology
Value: £81.5m
Cost: £20.8m
% of gross portfolio: 46.5% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Developing next-generation, 
programmed T-cell therapies for the 
treatment of cancer

Focus area: Oncology
Value: £23.9m
Cost: £14.5m
% of gross portfolio: 13.6% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Antibody-derived T-Cell Engaging 
Platform targeting solid tumours

Focus area: Rare diseases
Value: N/A – acquired post year-end
Cost: N/A
% of gross portfolio: N/A 
Remaining commitment: N/A

Developing an orally-administered, 
highly potent and selective inhibitor 
developed to treat the underlying 
causes of the pathology of sickle cell 
disease

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportFocus area: Oncology
Value: £5.2m
Cost: £5.1m
% of gross portfolio: 3.0% 
Remaining commitment: £3.4m

Next-generation oncology company, 
developing novel antibody-drug 
conjugates (‘ADCs’) to treat 
haematological cancers and solid 
tumours

Discovery Portfolio

Focus area: Oncology
Value: £10.9m
Cost: £9.6m
% of gross portfolio: 6.2% 
Remaining commitment: £4.3m

A precision oncology medicine 
company targeting DNA damage 
response pathways in defined cancer 
populations

Focus area: Gene therapy/rare 
diseases
Value: £24.3m
Cost: £10.3m
% of gross portfolio: 13.9% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Gene therapy & editing for early-onset 
rare diseases

Focus area: Epigenetic Sequencing
Value: £1.4m
Cost: £1.3m
% of gross portfolio: 0.8% 
Remaining commitment: £0.1m

Completely novel approach for 
epigenomic sequencing & analysis

Focus area: Rare diseases
Value: £1.1m
Cost: £1.2m
% of gross portfolio: 0.6% 
Remaining commitment: £4.6m

Precision medicine for orphan bone 
diseases

Focus area: Rare diseases
Value: £0.2m
Cost: £0.8m
% of gross portfolio: 0.1% 
Remaining commitment: £0.8m

Developing disease-modifying 
therapeutics for neurodegenerative 
diseases

New SeedCo

Focus area: Rare diseases
Value: £1.0m
Cost: £1.3m
% of gross portfolio: 0.6% 
Remaining commitment: £nil

Developing drugs that inhibit the 
unfolded protein response (UPR)

Focus area: Imunology/anti-
inflammatory
Value: £2.5m
Cost: £2.4m
% of gross portfolio: 1.4% 
Remaining commitment: £2.8m

Inhibiting highly inflammatory processes 
in the innate immune system

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INVESTMENT TEAM

Joe Anderson, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Joe has over 30 years experience in the life sciences industry with a successful track record of 
generating investment returns. He was a partner at Abingworth LLP for 12 years, where he led venture-
capital style investments in public companies. He has founded and managed public equities funds and 
been a director of Algeta (acquired by Bayer AG for $2.9 billion), Amarin plc, Cytos (merged with Kuros) 
and Epigenomics AG, and is currently a director of Autolus Therapeutics plc, which recently listed on the 
Nasdaq.

Joe began his career at the Ciba (now Novartis) Foundation, before joining The Wellcome Trust 
in 1990 where he became head of the strategy team. He then moved to the City of London as a 
pharmaceuticals analyst at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson before being appointed as Head of Global 
Healthcare and Portfolio Manager at First State Investments, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, in 
London. Joe has a PhD in Biochemistry and extensive board level experience of building successful life 
science companies.

Jonathan Tobin, PhD
Investment Director
Jonathan specialises in biotechnology investments. He currently sits on the board of Artios Pharma, 
Atox Bio, Mitoconix Bio and Arix’s New SeedCo. Prior to joining Arix Bioscience, Jonathan spent 
five years at Touchstone Innovations (formerly Imperial Innovations), where he was a Principal in the 
Healthcare Ventures team. He was involved with the formation and investment in a number of early 
stage companies. Jonathan also worked at MRC Technology, sourcing and evaluating new small 
molecule and antibody drug discovery projects.

He has a first-class degree in biology from the University of Oxford, a PhD in Molecular Medicine from 
UCL, carried out postdoctoral research at the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute (now 
Crick Institute), and published research in journals including PNAS, New England Journal of Medicine, 
and Nature Genetics. Jonathan also has an MBA with distinction from Imperial College, and is a Trustee 
of the Autism Research Trust.

Mark Chin
Investment Director 
Mark has over ten years of experience in the life sciences industry. He was previously a principal at 
Longitude Capital, where he focused on investments in both private and public biotechnology and 
medical technology companies. Prior to Longitude, he was a consultant at the Boston Consulting 
Group, where he was responsible for strategy and corporate development projects for pharmaceutical 
and biotechnology companies. Before BCG, Mark worked in corporate development at Gilead Sciences 
and market planning at Genentech. Mark has an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of 
Pennsylvania, an MS in Biotechnology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BS in Management 
Science from the University of California at San Diego.

50

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportChristian Schetter, PhD 
Entrepreneur in Residence
Christian has over 20 years experience in the life science industry. Prior to joining Arix Bioscience 
he was for four years CEO of Rigontec GmbH, a German Biotech start-up company in the immune 
oncology space. Christian led Rigontec to a successful acquisition mid 2017 by MSD valuing EUR 115 
MM in upfront payment and additional EUR 349 MM in potential milestones. Between 2008 and 2014 
Christian was President and CEO of Neovii Biotech, previously Fresenius Biotech. During his tenure one 
antibody product was brought to market and the indication for another product expanded. Christian 
was instrumental in selling Fresenius Biotech to the Neopharm Group, Israel, to form Neovii Biotech and 
positioning it as a successful stand-alone business. Before joining Fresenius, Christian was Senior Vice 
President, European Operations of Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Inc, a pioneer in the development of 
immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, and served as Managing Director of Coley GmbH. He was part of 
the leadership team which built Coley Pharmaceuticals from inception through multiple financing rounds, 
a NASDAQ IPO and, following a number of significant pharma deals, to a trade sale to Pfizer in 2007.

Before entering the life science industry Christian was successfully performing academic research at the 
Max Planck Institute in Martinsried, Germany. He received his undergraduate degree and PhD from the 
University of Cologne and did postdoctoral research in oncology and virology at the Scripps Research 
Institute in La Jolla, California.

Edward Rayner
Investment Director 
Before joining Arix Bioscience at its inception, Ed spent 18 years as an equity analyst and Portfolio 
Manager in Europe and Australia. From 2004 to 2014, he was Head of Research at Alliance Bernstein 
and then a senior portfolio manager at AMP Capital, a leading Australian investment house with over 
A$130bn in funds under management, both in Sydney, Australia. At AMP Capital, he managed the 
growth equity portfolios and launched a small companies fund. As part of his responsibilities he focused 
on the Healthcare sector.

Prior to his move to Australia, Ed analysed European equities at UBS Asset Management and JP 
Morgan Investment Management. He gained an MA in Chemistry and MSc in Management at the 
University of Oxford and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Daniel O’Connell, MD, PhD
Investment Director 
Daniel has over ten years of experience in healthcare. Daniel joined Arix Bioscience from OrbiMed 
Advisors, where he played key roles across investments in both biotherapeutics and medical devices. 
Investments he has supported include CardiAQ (acquired by Edwards), Civitas Therapeutics (acquired 
by Acorda), Relypsa (acquired by Galenica), Cynapsus (acquired by Sunovion), as well as other public 
and private companies. Prior to OrbiMed, Daniel was the Associate Director of Cardiovascular Research 
at Arisaph Pharmaceuticals where he was responsible for pre-IND discovery and development for 
programmes in lipid modulation. He received his MD and PhD in Biochemistry from Tufts University 
School of Medicine, and has undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry from MIT.

John Cassidy, PhD
Investment Associate 
John Cassidy joined Arix Bioscience in February 2018. John previously worked at L.E.K. Consulting 
LLP, as a Senior Life Science Specialist, responsible for strategy and transaction support for pharma, 
biotech and private equity clients. John has a first-class degree in Biochemistry from Imperial College 
London, a PhD in Neuroscience from University College London and has published research in journals 
including PNAS Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Communications and Journal 
of Neuroscience.

51

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportRISK MANAGEMENT

The Group monitors a number of principal risks and uncertainties that may affect the business. 
These include financial, non-financial, internal and external concerns. 

Risk management framework
The Directors are able to manage the business, and achieve its strategic objectives, due to an effective risk management framework which 
features multiple layers.

Board
Managing risk is a key responsibility of the Board, who set a strong 
tone, in line with best practice corporate governance.

Executive management
The management team is responsible for identifying, assessing and 
mitigating the day-to-day operational risks.

Key committees
The Audit and Risk Committee oversees the effectiveness of the risk 
management processes.

The Remuneration Committee ensures incentives and reward are 
balanced and appropriate for achieving the strategy.

The Nomination Committee addresses the need for continuing  
strength at the senior levels of the Company and is responsible for 
succession planning.

Portfolio Company boards and independent assurance
The boards of our Portfolio Companies are responsible for ensuring 
they meet key commercial objectives, and in this they are typically 
supported by senior members of the Arix Bioscience team, who also 
sit on their boards.

Independent assurance is provided by industry experts when 
required. For example, Duff & Phelps is engaged to provide regulatory 
compliance support to the Board of Arix Capital Management, Arix 
Bioscience’s FCA-regulated fund management subsidiary.

THE BOARD
Sets the tone for corporate governance

KEY COMMITTEES
Three committees oversee the effectiveness; they ensure balance and are responsible for succession

Audit & Risk  
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT 
Day-to-day operational risks

PORTFOLIO COMPANY BOARDS AND INDEPENDENT ASSURANCE

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52

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic Report 
 
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks to Arix have been robustly assessed in light of the current environment; these, along with the steps taken by Arix to manage 
such risks, are detailed below.

Risk

1

Arix’s portfolio 
companies may not 
generate the financial 
returns that are 
anticipated

Impact

Mitigation

Arix’s net assets increasingly 
comprise a range of portfolio 
companies; below-forecast 
performance from a portfolio 
company may adversely affect 
Arix’s profitability and ability to 
generate positive cash flows 
from future realisations.

Arix has an experienced team responsible for identifying and developing 
portfolio companies, resulting in a high standard of due diligence before the 
commitment of any money. Post-investment, Arix typically has representatives 
on the company’s board of directors, ensuring it is fully aware of business 
developments, and allowing for mitigation of possible issues as they arise.

Arix funds a range of portfolio companies and continues to develop its portfolio 
across a range of interests. As such, it will achieve a diverse portfolio, with 
financial performance not overly reliant on any one business.

2

Loss of key personnel to 
competitors, or from an 
external event

The financial performance 
of Arix depends on its ability 
to identify and develop 
outstanding portfolio companies 
and, as such, is reliant on its 
key personnel. Loss of key 
individuals could affect Arix’s 
financial performance and future 
prospects.

3

Adverse market 
conditions may impact 
Arix’s operational model

An economic downturn may 
reduce opportunities for Arix 
to realise capital from portfolio 
companies, affecting cash 
flow and financial performance 
if business valuations are 
reduced. The availability 
of capital for any external 
fundraising by Arix or its 
portfolio companies may also 
be affected.

Arix deploys capital to portfolio companies at all stages of a company’s life cycle. 
Therefore, it is exposed not only to very early-stage businesses but also holds 
interests in more mature companies, where risk of failure is reduced.

Arix has a market-appropriate remuneration scheme for its senior employees. This 
includes share incentive schemes which reward personnel for long-term service and 
performance.

Arix has three senior management members making up the Executive Committee 
performing active day-to-day roles who are able to provide emergency cover for 
each other over a short period. The Investment team comprises five individuals who 
offer cross-team support in the event of an absence. 

Therefore, the loss of a single key member of the investment or management team 
would be mitigated by the stature and experience of others within the organization.

Arix’s Nomination Committee is responsible for appropriate succession planning.

Arix’s strategy is to deploy capital into innovative businesses which have unique, 
high impact outcomes; Arix believes that such businesses are less susceptible to 
macroeconomic cycles.

Arix has funded portfolio companies across a range of geographies, including 
the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, Israel and Australia. As such, it is not overly 
reliant on a downturn or market shock in a single geography.

Arix monitors its availability of capital closely, ensuring sufficient balances are 
available for the continuing operation of the business throughout the period 
assessed in the viability statement.

53

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportRISK MANAGEMENT

Continued

Risk

4

Changes to government 
policy or regulation in 
the research, healthcare 
or life sciences 
industries

5

Brexit may have an 
impact beyond the risks 
described above in 
terms of by severity of a 
downturn or the nature 
of the impact

Impact

Mitigation

A change in government 
regulation (for example 
CFIUS in the United States) 
may adversely affect the 
profitability of the healthcare 
and life sciences industry, 
reducing possibly the number 
of investment opportunities, 
availability of external funding 
or potential exit opportunities.

Specific impacts could include:

•  a depressed UK capital 
market that does not 
support the raising of 
capital

•  a reduction in government-
funded research in biotech, 
leading to reduced 
investment opportunities

Arix’s portfolio is diversified by geography, with exposure to the UK, USA, 
Europe, Canada, Israel and Australia. As such, the portfolio is diversified against 
the adverse actions of any one government.

Arix has the ability to withstand a depressed capital market, including the ability 
to dispose of a portion of its listed investments; withhold funds that are reserved 
for the existing portfolio; the ability to issue up to 10% of share capital to a new 
investor; and the possibility to arrange loan finance secured on its balance sheet 
assets. Arix also holds cash reserves to cover two years of operating costs.

Arix’s investment appetite is unconstrained globally resulting in a pipeline with 
a broad geographical spread. This means that a variation in the pipeline of 
opportunities coming from one country would not materially damage Arix’s ability 
to continue its core business.

Viability statement
The Board has assessed the prospects of Arix over a period greater 
than 12 months. We have considered a period of three years from the 
balance sheet date, as the Board expects the majority of Arix’s current 
commitments and new proceeds raised to be committed over the next 
three years.

The Board has carried out a rigorous assessment of the principal risks 
and their mitigants, noted above. The Board assessed Arix’s business 
model, particularly its approach to future cash commitments to existing 
portfolio companies. One key area modelled is the ability to manage 
the risk of over-commitment to portfolio companies by reviewing cash 
flow projections, which included scenarios with differing impacts to the 
cash flow forecast inputs. Key judgements reflected how future cash 
requirements may change from restrictive regulations, and how availability 
of capital may be restricted from the loss of key personnel.

Based on its review, and the consideration of any changes that had 
occurred post year-end, the Board has a reasonable expectation that 
Arix will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due over a three-year period from the date of this report and confirm 
that preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis is 
appropriate.

Jonathan Peacock 
Chairman 
28 March 2019

54

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCStrategic ReportSUSTAINABILITY

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The section below includes our mandatory 
reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. The 
reporting period is the same as the Group’s 
financial year.

Organization Boundary and Scope of 
Emissions
We have reported on all of the emission 
sources required under the Companies 
Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Reports) Regulations 2013. These sources 
fall with the Group’s consolidated financial 
statement.

An operational control approach has been 
used in order to define our organizational 
boundary. This is the basis for determining 
the Scope 1 and 2 emissions for which the 
Group is responsible. 

Methodology
For the Group’s reporting, the Group has 
employed the services of a specialist adviser, 
Verco, to quantify and verify the Greenhouse 
Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the 
Group’s operations.

The following methodology was applied by 
Verco in the preparation and presentation of 
this data:

• 

the Greenhouse Gas Protocol published 
by the World Business Council for 
Sustainable Development and the World 
Resources Institute (the “WBCSD/WRI 
GHG Protocol”); 

•  application of appropriate emission factors 
to the Group’s activities to calculate GHG 
emissions;

• 

• 

implementation of the new scope 2 
reporting methods – application of 
location-based and market-based 
emission factors for electricity supplies;

inclusion of all the applicable Kyoto gases, 
expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents, 
or CO2e;

•  presentation of gross emissions as the 

Group does not purchase carbon credits 
(or equivalents).

Absolute Emissions
The total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the Group’s operations in the year ended 
31 December 2018 were: 

•  29.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) using a ‘location-based’ emission factor methodology 

for Scope 2 emissions;

•  22.0 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) using a ‘market-based’ emission factor methodology 

for Scope 2 emissions.

Intensity Ratio
As well as reporting the absolute emissions, the Group’s GHG emissions are reported below on 
the metrics of tonnes of CO2 equivalent per employee and tonnes of CO2 equivalent per square 
foot of the occupied areas. These are the most appropriate metrics given that the majority of 
emissions result from the operation of the Group’s offices and the day-to-day activities of the 
employees. 

Target and Baselines
Given the comparatively low GHG impact of the Group’s operations, the Group’s objective is to 
maintain or reduce its GHG emissions per employee and per square foot of office space each 
year and will report each year whether it has been successful in this regard.

Key Figures
Breakdown of emissions by scope
2018 (market-based)
14.1

2018 (location-based)

7.9

14.1

15.7

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

 Scope 1 

 Scope 2

GHG emissions

Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
Total GHG emissions 
(Location-based Scope 2)
Total GHG emissions 
(Market-based Scope 2)

Tonnes 
CO2e

14.1
15.7
7.9

2018
tCO2e / 
emp.4

tCO2e /  
sq. ft.5 

Tonnes 
CO2e

0.88
0.98
0.49

0.002
0.002
0.001

14.1
18.5
7.0

2017
tCO2e / 
emp.4

0.88
1.15
0.44

tCO2e /  
sq. ft.5 

0.002
0.002
0.001

29.8

1.86

0.003

32.6

2.04

0.004

 22.0 

1.37

0.003

21.2 

1.32

0.003

1 Scope 1 being emissions from the Group’s combustion of fuel and operation of facilities.
2  Scope 2 being electricity (from location-based calculations), heat, steam and cooling purchased for the 

Group’s own use.

3  Scope 2 being electricity (from market-based calculations), heat, steam and cooling purchased for the 

Group’s own use.

4 Employee numbers: 16.
5    Occupied office space: 8,239 sq.ft.

Understanding the Indirect Environmental Impacts of our Business Activities
The Group’s day-to-day operational activities have a limited impact on the environment. We do, 
however, recognise that the more significant impact occurs indirectly, through the investment 
decisions we make and the operation of the companies we choose to invest in. The Group 
therefore considers it important to establish and invest in businesses that comply with existing 
applicable environmental, ethical and social legislation. It is also important that these businesses 
can demonstrate that an appropriate strategy is in place to meet future applicable legislative and 
regulatory requirements and that these businesses can operate to specific industry standards, 
striving for best practice.

arixbioscience.com

ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLC

55

Stock code: ARIX.LStrategic Report 
GOVERNANCE

Management Team  

Board of Directors 

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance Report 

Report of the Nomination Committee 

Report of the Audit and Risk Committee 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

58

59

61

64

68

70

74

MANAGEMENT TEAM 

Joe Anderson, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Joe has over 30 years experience in the life 
sciences industry with a successful track record 
of generating investment returns. He was a 
partner at Abingworth LLP for 12 years, where 
he led venture-capital style investments in public 
companies. He has founded and managed 
public equities funds and been a director of 
Algeta (acquired by Bayer AG for $2.9 billion), 
Amarin plc, Cytos (merged with Kuros) and 
Epigenomics AG, and is currently a director of 
Autolus Therapeutics plc, which recently listed 
on the Nasdaq.

Joe began his career at the Ciba (now Novartis) 
Foundation, before joining The Wellcome Trust 
in 1990 where he became head of the strategy 
team. He then moved to the City of London as 
a pharmaceuticals analyst at Dresdner Kleinwort 
Benson before being appointed as Head of 
Global Healthcare and Portfolio Manager 
at First State Investments, Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia, in London. Joe has a PhD 
in Biochemistry and extensive board level 
experience of building successful life science 
companies.

Robert Lyne
Chief Operating Officer
Robert has over 10 years’ experience working 
with high growth technology companies. In 
addition to his role as Chief Operating Officer, 
Robert acts as the Company’s General Counsel 
and Company Secretary. 

He began his career as a lawyer at international 
law firm Bird & Bird LLP in London. He has 
advised on over 60 venture capital financings 
in Europe and North America as well as 
multiple trade exits and IPOs, working with 
both company boards and investors to execute 
complex cross-border transactions.

Robert Joined Arix in 2017 from Touchstone 
Innovations plc where he worked with a number 
of venture-backed biotechnology companies, 
both private and public.

Robert has a BA from the University of Oxford 
and an LLB from Oxford Brookes University.

James Rawlingson
Chief Financial Officer 
James has over 20 years experience at board 
and senior management level gained across 
financial services, investment companies and 
public companies. His former roles include 
Group CFO of Coutts, the red carpet UK bank 
and wealth management division of RBS, where 
he held global responsibility for the finance 
function, and Group CFO of Charles Stanley plc, 
a leading UK wealth manager and fund manager.

In 1991 James joined Chase Manhattan Bank 
where he restructured the UK finance division 
following a merger with Chemical Bank. He 
joined UBS Investment Bank as CFO of SG 
Warburg & Co in 1996 where he de-authorised 
the UK bank ahead of a merger of UBS and 
SBC banks.

In 2001 James became the UK CFO of UBS 
Wealth Management and in 2004 moved into 
a global role with UBS Wealth based in Zurich. 
During his time at UBS he was also a director of 
UBS Hedge Funds Solutions Ltd. 

In 2005 James joined Coutts and became global 
CFO whilst also serving on the boards of Coutts 
Finance Co, Adam & Company plc (a Scottish 
private bank) and was also a Non Executive 
Director of RBS Collective Investments Ltd 
where he chaired the Audit Committee. 

In 2011 he moved to Charles Stanley plc, a 
leading wealth manager and fund manager, as 
Group CFO.

James qualified as a chartered accountant whilst 
with Deloitte and is a Chartered Member of the 
Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment.

58

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meghan Fitzgerald
Non-Executive Director 
Meghan has broad experience in the US 
healthcare industry, with a strong emphasis 
on operations, health policy and business 
development. She is a Partner at L1 Health, with 
a focus on investing in healthcare services. She 
is also an Assistant Professor of Health Policy 
and Management at Columbia University. Prior to 
joining L1 Health, Meghan served as Executive 
Vice President of Strategy and Health Policy at 
Cardinal Health, the global integrated healthcare 
services and products provider, and before then 
was President of Cardinal’s Specialty Solutions 
division. She holds a DrPh in Healthcare Policy 
from New York Medical College, a BSN in 
Nursing from Fairfield University, and a Master of 
Public Health from Columbia University.

Committee memberships – Audit and Risk 
Committee 

Franz Humer
Senior Independent Director
Franz has over 25 years of experience as an 
executive director of global blue chip companies. 
He was the managing director of Glaxo 
Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, was elected to 
the board of Glaxo Holdings plc, and became 
the chief operating director for its worldwide 
operations, in 1992. In 1995, he joined Hoffman- 
La Roche as a member of its Board and the 
head of its pharmaceuticals division, progressing 
to become Chairman and CEO in 2001, and 
between 2008 and 2014 the Chairman of Roche 
Holding Limited. Franz joined the board of 
Diageo in 2005, became Chairman in 2008 and 
resigned in 2016. He is also Chairman of PCI 
Services; a non-executive director of Citigroup, 
Inc., Bial Pharmaceuticals of Portugal and 
Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.; and an Advisor to 
Temasek Holdings. From 2015 to 2017, he was 
a non-executive director of Kite Pharma, until the 
company’s acquisition by Gilead Sciences for 
$11.9bn in August 2017.

Dr Humer has a PhD in law from the University 
of Innsbruck and an MBA from INSEAD in 
Fontainbleau, France. He is the Chairman of the 
Board of the International Centre for Missing and 
Exploited Children. Franz has been awarded 
the Singapore Public Service Star and Austria’s 
‘Grosses goldenes Ehrenzeichen mit dem Stern 
für Verdienste’.

Committee memberships – Nomination 
Committee and Remuneration Committee 

Jonathan Peacock
Chairman
Jonathan has 35 years global experience in 
operations, strategy and business development. 
He is the former CFO of Amgen Inc. based 
in California, USA and prior to that was the 
CFO of the Pharmaceuticals Division of 
Novartis AG, based in Switzerland with global 
responsibilities including business development 
and strategy. During Jonathan’s tenure as CFO 
of Amgen, Amgen Inc.’s share price increased 
by approximately 125%. Novartis Pharma AG’s 
operating profit increased over 40% during his 
tenure as CFO of that company. Before joining the 
pharmaceutical industry, Jonathan was a partner 
at McKinsey & Company where he was co-head 
of the European Corporate Finance practice.

He was also a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers 
in London and New York from 1993 to 1998. 
He has a Masters degree in Economics from the 
University of St Andrews in Scotland. Jonathan 
has extensive expertise in strategy, finance and 
operations within the biopharma industry. He 
has raised over $20bn in new capital and has 
been engaged throughout his career in business 
development and mergers and acquisitions on 
both the buy-side and sell-side globally. Jonathan 
was the CEO of NASDAQ-listed Bellerophon 
Therapeutics until November 2016 and is 
currently the Chairman; he also sits on the board 
of Avantor, Inc. He was formerly a non-executive 
director of Kite Pharma from 2014 to 2017 where 
he sat on the Board’s Transaction Committee 
for the successful acquisition of Kite by Gilead 
Sciences for $11.9bn in August 2017. He 
brings to the company hands-on experience in 
managing large and small biopharma companies, 
and a unique perspective on the factors driving 
successful partnerships or investments by bigger 
biopharma companies.

59

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Professor Trevor Jones, CBE 
Non-Executive Director
Trevor has led a distinguished career in both 
the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, 
as well as in academia. He was Group R&D 
director at The Wellcome Foundation Limited, 
responsible for the development of AZT, Zovirax, 
Lamictal, Malarone and other medicines. He was 
a director of Allergan Inc. (USA) for ten years, 
until 2015, and was formerly Director General 
of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical 
Industry (ABPI), served for 12 years as a 
member of the UK Government Regulatory 
Agency Medicines Commission and Chairman of 
the UK Government Advisory Group on Genetics 
Research.

He is a visiting professor at King’s College, 
London and holds honorary degrees and Gold 
Medals from six universities. In 2004, he was 
appointed to the World Health Organization 
Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, 
Innovation and Public Health. In 2003 he 
was awarded the CBE for services to the 
pharmaceutical industry.

Committee memberships – Remuneration 
Committee

Giles Kerr
Non-Executive Director
Giles has over 35 years experience in finance 
across a broad range of industrial sectors with 
a particular focus on life sciences. He was 
formerly CFO of the University of Oxford and 
during his tenure he established a successful 
investment office with £4bn under management 
and a £650m early-stage investment fund. 
Through his role on the board of the University 
of Oxford’s technology transfer company, 
Oxford University Innovation Ltd., he has gained 
considerable experience of establishing and 
growing technology-based companies. Prior to 
joining the University of Oxford he was CFO of 
Amersham plc and during his time at Amersham 
the share price increased seven-fold. Giles has 
extensive experience as chairman and senior 
independent director, and as chairman of UK 
and US listed company audit committees. He is 
currently Chairman of the audit committees of 
Senior plc, Paypoint plc and a member of the 
audit committees of Abcam plc and Adaptimune 
Therapeutics plc. Prior to joining Amersham plc 
he was an audit partner with Arthur Anderson 
& Co.

Committee membership – Audit and Risk 
Committee 

Art Pappas
Non-Executive Director
Art Pappas has over 30 years experience as 
a pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry 
executive, and venture capital investor in life 
science companies. He is the founder and 
managing partner of Pappas Capital, a leading US 
venture firm. Prior to founding Pappas Capital in 
1994, Art was an executive member of the board 
of directors of Glaxo Holdings plc (NYSE: GLX, 
now GSK), and served as Glaxo’s chief executive 
responsible for international operations, including 
research, development and manufacturing. 
Prior to Glaxo, Art held various senior executive 
positions with Abbott International, Merrell 
Dow Pharmaceuticals, and the Dow Chemical 
Company. He previously served as Chairman 
and founding CEO of CoLucid Pharmaceuticals 
(NASDAQ: CLCD) (acquired by Eli Lilly), and on 
the boards of Afferent Pharmaceuticals (acquired 
by Merck), Chimerix (NASDAQ: CMRX), Quintiles 
Transnational Corp. (NASDAQ: QTRN, now 
NASDAQ: IQV), TYRX (acquired by Medtronic), 
Syntonix Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Biogen), 
LEAD Therapeutics (acquired by BioMarin), and 
Embrex (NASDAQ: EMBX) (acquired by Pfizer). 
Art is a member of the Board of Directors of the 
North Carolina Biotechnology Center, where 
he was a past chair, and the Medical University 
of South Carolina Foundation for Research 
Development. He is a member of the Board of 
Trustees of The Wistar Institute (a National Cancer 
Institute centre), and the Board of Advisors of 
the Duke Cancer Institute. He previously served 
on the Board of Directors of the National Venture 
Capital Association. Art is a decorated Vietnam 
veteran, having served as an officer in the US 
Army 101st Airborne Division and the 2nd PSYOP 
Airborne Group JFK Special Warfare Center.

Committee membership – Nomination 
Committee and Remuneration Committee 

60

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceDIRECTORS’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 December 2018

The Directors present their report for the year ended 31 December 2018. Additional information which is incorporated by reference into this 
Directors’ Report, including information required in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, can be found as follows: 

Disclosure

Location

Important events affecting the Company since the year-end, future 
business developments and research and development activities

Strategic Report pages 08 to 55

Financial risk management objectives and policies (including hedging 
policy and use of financial instruments)

Notes to the financial statements pages 106 to 120

Going concern

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Diversity Policy

Details of long-term incentive schemes

Waiver of emoluments by a Director

Compensation for loss of office arrangements

Strategic Report page 54

page 63

 Report of the Nomination Committee pages 68 to 69

Note 18 to the financial statements pages 106 to 120

Directors’ Remuneration Report pages 74 to 93

Directors’ Remuneration Report pages 74 to 93

For the purposes of LR 9.8.4CR, the information required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4R can be found in the following locations:

Disclosure

Interest capitalised

Publication of unaudited financial information 

Location

Not applicable

Not applicable 

Details of long-term incentive schemes

Directors’ Remuneration Report pages 74 to 93

Waiver of emoluments by a Director

Directors’ Remuneration Report pages 74 to 93

Waiver of future emoluments by a Director

Directors’ Remuneration Report pages 74 to 93

Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash

Not applicable

Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash in relation to major subsidiary 
undertakings 

Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary

Contract of significance in which a director is interested

Contract of significance with a controlling shareholder

Provision of services by a controlling shareholder 

Shareholder waiver of dividends 

Shareholder waiver of future dividends 

Agreements with controlling shareholder 

Not applicable 

Not applicable

Not applicable 

Not applicable 

Not applicable 

Not applicable 

Not applicable 

Not applicable

Compensation for loss of office arrangements

Directors’ Remuneration Report pages 74 to 93

The Strategic Report on pages 08 to 55 and this Directors’ Report have been drawn up and presented in accordance with, and in reliance upon, 
applicable English company law and any liability of the Directors in connection with these reports shall be subject to the limitations and restrictions 
provided by such law

61

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceDIRECTORS’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Directors
The Directors of the Company who held office 
during the year are:

  The Right Hon. 
Lord Hutton of 
Furness 
Resigned 31 May 
2018
  David U’Prichard 
Resigned 12 
September 2018

 Non-independent  
 Independent 
 Past Directors 

  Jonathan 
Peacock
  Professor Sir 
Chris Evans**
 Joe Anderson*
  James 
Rawlingson
 Dr Franz Humer
  Professor Trevor 
Jones
 Giles Kerr
 Meghan Fitzgerald
  Art Pappas 
Appointed 12 
September 2018

* 

 Resigned 4 Septemeber 2018, re-appointed 
19 February 2019

**   Resigned 19 February 2019

Results and Dividend 
The results for the year ended 31 December 
2018 are set out in the Consolidated Statement 
of Comprehensive Income on page 102.

The Board’s intention during the current 
phase of the Group’s development is to 
retain any Group earnings for the foreseeable 
future to finance growth and expansion and 
to invest in the infrastructure of portfolio 
companies. Accordingly, the Board is not 
recommending a dividend for the year ended 
31 December 2018. 

Articles of Association
The rules governing the appointment and 
replacement of Directors are set out in the 
Company’s Articles of Association. The Articles 
of Association may be amended by a special 
resolution of the Company’s shareholders. 

Share capital
Details of the Company’s share capital, 
including changes during the year, are set out 
in note 17 to the financial statements. As at 
31 December 2018, the Company’s share 
capital consisted of:

•  134,823,243 Ordinary Shares of £0.00001 
each (99.96% of total share capital by 
number, 2.64% by nominal value)

•  49,671 C Shares of £1.00 each (0.04% of 
total share capital by number, 97.36% by 
nominal value)

Ordinary shareholders are entitled to 
receive notice of, and to attend and speak 
at, any general meeting of the Company. 
On a show of hands every shareholder 
present in person or by proxy (or being a 
corporation represented by a duly authorised 

62

representative) shall have one vote, and on a 
poll every shareholder who is present in person 
or by proxy shall have one vote for every 
share they hold. The Notice of Annual General 
Meeting specifies deadlines for exercising 
voting rights and appointing a proxy or proxies. 
Ordinary Shares held as Restricted Shares 
pursuant to the Restrictive Share Agreement 
are disenfranchised and, accordingly, holders of 
such Restricted Shares are not entitled to vote, 
attend the meetings of the Company or receive 
dividends or other distributions made or paid 
on the Ordinary Share capital of the Company.

No voting rights attach to the C Shares and 
their holders are not entitled to receive notice 
of, or to attend and speak at, any general 
meeting of the Company. Holders of C Shares 
are not entitled to receive any dividend or 
distributions made or paid on the Ordinary 
Share capital of the Company.

Other than the general provisions of the 
Articles of Association (and prevailing 
legislation), there are no specific restrictions 
of the size of a holding or on the transfer of 
any class of shares in the Company except as 
follows:

•  Prior consent of the Directors is required 

for the transfer of C Shares;

•  Holders of Restricted Shares may not 
dispose of Restricted Shares until and 
unless the relevant Restricted Shares are 
released from their respective undertakings 
pursuant to the Restrictive Share 
Agreement;

•  Pursuant to lock-up arrangements under 
the Placing Agreement dated 2 February 
2017, each of the Directors agreed not 
to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or 
otherwise dispose of any Ordinary Shares 
which they hold directly or indirectly 
for a period of 365 days from the then 
anticipated date of admission (subject to 
certain usual and customary exemptions 
and exceptions on the transfer of shares); 
these agreements ended on 22 February 
2018.

•  Pursuant to a lock-up deed, certain 

shareholders agreed not to offer, sell, 
pledge or otherwise dispose of any of 
their interests for specified periods up to 
a maximum of 365 days from the date of 
Admission (subject to certain usual and 
customary exceptions, for example, when 
the Company has given its consent to any 
such transfer); all such agreements ended 
by 22 February 2018.

•  Pursuant to a lock-up deed dated 15 
August 2018, Christopher Chipperton 
agreed following a sale of Ordinary Shares 
not to offer sell, pledge or otherwise 
dispose of any further Ordinary Shares 

held by him until 15 August 2019 (subject 
to usual and customary exceptions, for 
example when the Company has given 
consent to any such transfer). Christopher 
Chipperton further agreed that any 
disposals made in the 12 months after 15 
August 2019 would be effected through 
the Company’s broker to ensure an orderly 
market in the Ordinary Shares.

Other than as set out above, the Directors are 
not aware of any other agreements between 
holders of the Company’s shares that may 
result in the restriction of the transfer of 
securities or on voting rights. No shareholder 
holds securities carrying any special rights or 
control over the Company’s share capital.

Authority for the Company to 
purchase its own shares
Subject to authorisation by shareholder 
resolution, the Company may purchase its own 
shares in accordance with the Act. Any shares 
which have been bought back may be held as 
treasury shares or cancelled immediately upon 
completion of the purchase.

At the AGM on 17 May 2018, the Company 
was generally and unconditionally authorised 
by its shareholders to make market purchases 
(within the meaning of section 693 of the 
Companies Act 2006) of up to a maximum 
of 13,476,401 of its Ordinary shares. The 
Company has not repurchased any of its 
Ordinary shares under this authority, which is 
due to expire on the date of this year’s AGM 
or 30 June 2019.

Directors’ interests
The number of Ordinary Shares of the 
Company in which the Directors were 
beneficially interested at 31 December 2018, 
is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on page 90.

Directors’ indemnities
The Company’s Articles of Association (the 
‘Articles’) provide, subject to the provisions 
of UK legislation, an indemnity for Directors 
and officers of the Company and the Group 
in respect of liabilities they may incur in the 
discharge of their duties or in the exercise of 
their powers. The Company has made qualifying 
third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of 
its Directors during the period and these remain 
in force at the date of this report.

The Company maintains Directors’ and 
officers’ liability insurance cover and this is in 
place for all the Company’s Directors at the 
date of this report. The Company will review 
its level of cover annually.

Overseas offices
Arix Bioscience, Inc. has an office in New 
York, USA.

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceSignificant interests
The table below shows the interests in shares notified to the Company in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules as at 
31 December 2018:

Name of Shareholder 

Woodford Investment Management
Fosun International
Ruffer
Takeda Ventures
Christopher Evans (including restricted shares)
Christopher Chipperton (incl. restricted shares)
Ipsen
Barclays Wealth
UCB
FIL Investment International
Wicklow Family Office

Political donations
The Group did not make any political 
donations during the year.

Change of control – significant 
agreements
There are a number of agreements that may 
take effect, alter or terminate on a change of 
control of the Company, such as commercial 
contracts and property lease agreements.

None of these are considered to be significant 
in their likely impact on the business as a 
whole.

Audit information
At the date of the approval of this report, 
each Director confirms that:

•  so far as they know, the Company’s 

auditors are aware of all relevant audit 
information;

•  each Director has taken all the reasonable 
steps to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s auditors are aware of 
the information.

The confirmation is given and should be 
interpreted in accordance with the provisions 
of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have indicated 
their willingness to continue in office and a 
resolution seeking to reappoint them will be 
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held 
at the offices of Brown Rudnick, 8 Clifford 
Street, London W1S 2LQ on 3 June 2019 
at 10.30am. The Notice of Annual General 
Meeting is contained in a separate letter from 
the Chairman accompanying this report.

As at 31 December 2018

As at 21 March 2019

Number of Ordinary 
Shares of 0.001 
pence each held 

Percentage of total 
voting rights held

Number of Ordinary 
Shares of 0.001 
pence each held 

Percentage of total 
voting rights held

33,093,560
11,111,111
8,221,088
7,497,583
7,316,039
7,037,914
6,666,666
5,922,694
5,647,679
5,008,727
4,607,999

24.5%
8.2%
6.1%
5.6%
5.4%
5.2%
5.0%
4.4%
4.2%
3.7%
3.4%

33,093,560
11,111,111
8,221,088
7,497,583
7,316,039
7,037,914
6,666,666
5,865,446
5,647,679
4,736,462
4,607,999

24.5%
8.2%
6.1%
5.6%
5.4%
5.2%
5.0%
4.4%
4.2%
3.5%
3.4%

Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities 
The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report, the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare financial statements for each financial 
year. Under that law the Directors have 
prepared the Group financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by 
the European Union (EU), and the Company 
financial statements in accordance with 
United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards and applicable law). 
Under company law the Directors must not 
approve the financial statements unless 
they are satisfied they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group 
and the Company and of the profit or loss 
of the Group for that period. In preparing 
these financial statements, the Directors are 
required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently

•  make reasonable and prudent judgements 

and accounting estimates

•  state whether IFRS as adopted by 

the EU and applicable UK Accounting 
Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the Group and Company 
financial statements respectively

•  prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis, unless it is 
inappropriate to presume the Company 
will continue in business

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records sufficient 
to show and explain the Group’s and 

Company’s transactions, and to disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the Company and the Group 
and enable them to ensure that the financial 
statements and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report comply with the Companies Act 
2006 and, as regards the Group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 
They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and the Group and 
hence for taking reasonable steps to prevent 
and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and 
functions are listed on pages 58 to 60, 
confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

• 

• 

the Group financial statements, which 
have been prepared in accordance with 
IFRS as adopted by the EU, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit of the Group;

the Strategic Report includes a fair review 
of the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the Group, 
together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that it faces.

By order of the Board

James Rawlingson
Chief Financial Officer 
28 March 2019

63

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Chairman’s Introduction to Corporate Governance

Dear Shareholders,
Following the listing of the company’s ordinary shares on the London Stock 
Exchange Main Market in February of 2017, the Board has focused on both 
supporting the company to achieve its strategic goals set out during the listing 
process and on high standards of corporate governance. At listing we appointed a 
number of highly experienced Non-Executive Directors. This year there have been 
further changes which I believe have strengthened the Board and the executive 
governance of the Company in preparation for the further growth. In February 2019 
we clarified the executive governance of the Company when the Board confirmed 
Dr Joe Anderson in the CEO role and at the same time I stepped into a Non-
Executive Chairman role and Sir Chris Evans stepped off the Board but remains 
a consultant to the Company. Three years after founding the company and with 
important contributions by all three founders to building Arix, this was an important 
and natural evolution of our governance model. Also in September 2018, the Board 
welcomed Mr Art Pappas, who joined the Board as an independent Non-Executive 
Director. Mr Pappas has extensive experience both as a senior executive in the 
pharmaceutical industry and in building his own leading life sciences firm in the 
United States, Pappas Capital. Mr Pappas has already made a great contribution in 
his short tenure so far, and I’m sure he will continue to do so.

During the year Lord Hutton and David U’Prichard retired from the Board. Both 
helped to oversee the Company’s growth as a private company and since its 
successful IPO. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Lord Hutton and 
David, I would like to thank them both for their invaluable contribution to the 
successful creation and early development of Arix Bioscience.

This report includes a description of the Company’s governance structure, how it 
has applied the principles and the extent of compliance with the provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code throughout 2018. We also discuss our focus for 
the coming year with reference to the revised UK Corporate Governance Code, 
published in July 2018 (the “New Code”). 

Jonathan Peacock
Chairman

UK Corporate Governance Code – Compliance Statement
As a company admitted to the standard segment of the Official List, the Company 
is not required to adopt the UK Corporate Governance Code but it has voluntarily 
chosen to observe the requirements of the Code. During the year the Company has 
applied all of the main principles of the Code and provides below explanations of its 
non-compliance with the Code provisions:

A.3.1 – The Chairman was not independent on appointment. Due to the nature of 
the strategic objectives of the Company and its recent incorporation, the Company 
has a highly experienced Chairman, Jonathan Peacock.

B.6.1 – The Board has not carried out a performance evaluation to date. Since the 
IPO in February 2017 there have been a number of changes to the membership of 
the Board, some of which took place more recently. In 2018, the Board considered 
a performance evaluation and it has been agreed it would be most appropriate to 
conduct a review towards the end of 2019, which would then be reported on in 
the following year’s Annual Report and Accounts. A high level review process of 
the Board’s processes and governance practices is also planned to be carried out 
internally during the course of 2019. 

Jonathan Peacock
Chairman

64

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceThe Board structure
The role of the Board is to provide entrepreneurial leadership to the Group, set strategy and monitor performance, and to ensure that the 
necessary financial and human resources are in place to enable the Group to meet its objectives. In addition, the Board ensures the appropriate 
financial and business systems and controls are in place to safeguard shareholders’ interests and maintain effective corporate governance.

The Board operates in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association and its own written terms of reference. The Board has established a 
number of committees. Each has its own terms of reference, which are reviewed at least annually. A summary of the matters reserved for decision 
by the Board is set out below:

Key Board roles and responsibilities
The Board currently consists of eight Directors (including the Chairman), five of whom are considered to be independent.

Senior Independent Director
Franz Humer is the Senior Independent Director (SID). The SID’s role is to act as a sounding board for the Chairman and serve as an intermediary 
for the other Directors when necessary. The SID will meet other Non-Executive Directors without the Chairman present at least once a year, 
to appraise the Chairman’s performance, taking into account the views of Executive Directors, plus on such other occasions as are deemed 
appropriate. The SID is also available to shareholders should they wish to discuss concerns they have failed to resolve through the normal 
channels of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Executive Directors or for which such contact is inappropriate.

Responsibilities of the Board

Focus

Operation

Leadership, 
strategy and 
management

Structure and 
capital

•  Providing leadership and setting values and standards

•  Approving the Company’s strategic aims and objectives

•  Overseeing operations

•  Changes to the Group’s capital or corporate structure

•  Changes to the Group’s management and control structure

Financial 
reporting

•  Approval of financial statements

•  Approval of the dividend policy

•  Approval of material changes in accounting policies

•  Approval of major capital expenditure

Risk 
management 
and internal 
controls

Board 
membership

•  Ensuring maintenance of a sound system of internal control and risk management

•  Determining the principal risks of the Company and how they are managed and mitigated

•  Reviewing the effectiveness of the risk and controls processes

•  Changes to the structure, size and composition of the Board

•  Ensuring adequate succession planning

•  Appointment or removal of the Chairman, CEO, SID and Company Secretary

Corporate 
governance

•  Review of Group’s overall governance framework

•  Determining the independence of Directors

•  Considering the balance of interests between shareholders and other stakeholders

•  Authorising any conflicts of interest

Remuneration

•  Determining the policy for remuneration of Chairman, the Executive Directors, Company Secretary and other  

senior executives

•  Determining the remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors

• 

Introducing new share incentive plans or major changes to existing plans

Other

•  Approval and monitoring of the share dealing code

•  Approval and monitoring of CSR

•  Approving policies and political and charitable donations

•  Approval of the overall levels of insurance for the Group

65

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Commitment
The Board expects Non-Executive Directors 
to commit sufficient time to allow them to 
meet their obligations to the Company. The 
Non-Executive Directors are required to 
confirm, on acceptance of the role, that they 
have sufficient time to meet the expectations 
of their role. Non-Executive Directors will 
need to attend scheduled and emergency 
Board meetings, and committees as well as 
the AGM, as well as allowing appropriate 
preparation time ahead of each meeting. The 
Board reviewed and considered the feedback 
received from the proxy voting advisers 
during the year, particularly around the 
external directorship of Jonathan Peacock on 
the board of Bellorophon Therapeutics, Inc. 
and the Board is satisfied that Mr Peacock 
devotes sufficient time to his role with the 
Company.

Conflicts of interest
The Company’s Articles of Association set out 
the policy for dealing with Directors’ conflicts 
of interest, in line with the Companies Act 
2006. The Articles permit the Board to 
authorise conflicts and potential conflicts, 
as long as the potentially conflicted Director 
is not counted in the quorum and does not 
vote on the resolution to authorise. A record 
of Directors’ interests is kept and Directors 
are reminded at the beginning of each Board 
meeting to notify the Board of any further 
conflicts of interest, in accordance with 
Sections 175, 177 and 182 of the Companies 
Act 2006.

Board independence

Board process
The Board meets formally at least four times 
a year, with ad hoc meetings called as and 
when circumstances require at short notice. 
The table below shows the attendance of 
each Director at formal meetings of the Board 
and the committees of which they are a 
member.

All Directors are expected to attend all 
meetings of the Board, and any committees 
they are members of, and to devote sufficient 
time to the Company’s affairs to fulfil their 

duties as Directors. Where Directors are 
unable to attend a meeting, they will be 
encouraged to submit to the Chairman any 
comments on papers to be considered at the 
meeting in advance, to ensure their views are 
recorded and taken into account.

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors 
have met without the Executive Directors 
present on a number of occasions throughout 
the year.

Board attendance

Jonathan Peacock

Professor Sir Chris Evans

Joe Anderson

James Rawlingson

Dr Franz Humer

David U’Prichard

Lord Hutton

Professor Trevor Jones 

Meghan Fitzgerald 

Giles Kerr 

Art Pappas

Board 

Audit 

Remuneration Nomination

5/5

4/5

4/4

5/5

5/5

3/3

2/3

4/5

5/5

5/5

2/2

1/2

2/3

3/3

2/2

1/1

5/5

3/3

5/5

2/2

1/1

Attendance is expressed as the number of scheduled meetings attended out of the number of such meetings 

possible or applicable for the Director to attend

Non-independent 

Independent 

Jonathan Peacock

Franz Humer

Joe Anderson

Giles Kerr

James Rawlingson

Art Pappas

Trevor Jones

Meghan Fitzgerald

*  As at 27 March 2019. Meghan Fitzgerald stepping down 1 April 2019;  

Mark Breuer joining 25 April 2019

 Read more about the Board of Directors on page 58 to 60

Non-independent 

Independent 

Jonathan Peacock

Franz Humer

Joe Anderson

Giles Kerr

James Rawlingson

Art Pappas

66

Trevor Jones

Meghan Fitzgerald

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernance 
Training and development
The Company Secretary regularly provides 
the Board with updates on Corporate 
Governance and regulatory matters at Board 
meetings. A formal and tailored induction 
is also provided to Directors on joining the 
Board.

Information and support
An agenda and accompanying detailed 
papers are circulated to the Board well in 
advance of each Board meeting. These 
include reports from Executive Directors and 
other members of senior management, and 
all Directors have direct access to senior 
management should they require additional 
information on any of the items to be 
discussed.

The information supplied to the Board and 
its committees will be kept under review to 
ensure it is fit and proper for purpose, and 
that it enables sound decision-making.

The Company has adopted a formal 
procedure through which Directors may 
obtain independent professional advice at 
the Company’s expense. The Directors also 
have access to the services of the Company 
Secretary.

Performance evaluation
All of the current Directors have either been 
appointed since the Company commenced 
trading in January 2016; or appointed as 
part of further changes in 2017 and 2018. 
Accordingly, the Board has considered 
the evaluation and has concluded that a 
meaningful evaluation of the Board will be 
conducted towards the end of 2019. The 
Board will consider an annual evaluation 
policy during 2019, alongside its high-level 
internal review of Board processes and 
governance practices.

Dialogue with shareholders
The Company has a Head of Investor 
Relations. As part of its investor relations 
programme, the Group maintains a 
dialogue with its key stakeholders, including 
institutional investors, to discuss issues 
relating to the performance of the Group, 
including strategy and new developments. 
The Non-Executive Directors are available to 
discuss any matter stakeholders might wish 
to raise, and the Chairman attends meetings 
with investors and analysts as required.

During the year the Company presented at a 
number of investor attended conferences. 

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s Annual General Meeting will 
take place on 3 June 2019 at the offices of 
Brown Rudnick, 8 Clifford Street, London 
W1S 2LQ at 10.30am.

To encourage shareholders to participate 
in the AGM process, we propose to offer 
electronic proxy voting through the CREST 
service and all resolutions will be proposed 
and voted on at the meeting individually 
by shareholders or their proxies. Results 
will be announced through the Regulatory 
News Service and made available on the 
Company’s website as soon as practicable 
after the meeting.

Consideration of the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code 
(the “New Code”)
The Board has considered the New Code, 
which applies to financial years commencing 
on or after 1 January 2019.

The Board will carriy out a detailed analysis 
of the impact of the New Code during 2019. 
We will report further on any changes to the 
Company’s governance framework in next 
year’s Annual Report and Accounts. 

Jonathan Peacock
Chairman

67

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceREPORT OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Nomination Committee 
report for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Role and responsibilities
The role of the Nomination Committee is set out in its terms of reference, 
available on the Company’s website.

The Nomination Committee assists the Board in discharging its 
responsibilities relating to the composition and make-up of the Board and 
its committees.

Specific duties of the Nomination Committee include:

Meetings 
The Nomination Committee has met twice during the year. Only members 
of the Nomination Committee have the right to attend meetings, but we 
may invite other Directors, executives or advisers to attend all or part 
of any meeting as appropriate. In practice, the Chairman attends most 
meetings.

The Nomination Committee has met this year to discuss the following 
matters:

•  To review the composition of the Board and the Board’s committees

•  To review the balance of skills required by the Board and its committees 

and the business as a whole

•  To discuss and set the process for the search for new Non-Executive 

Directors

•  To recommend for approval new Directors to be appointed to the Board

•  To consider the re-election of Directors at the AGM

Board changes 
There were a number of Board changes during the year as explained in the 
Corporate Governance Report. Following the appointment of Art Pappas, 
the Committee also recommended his appointment as a member of the 
Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee. The Committee 
continues to monitor the membership of the Board’s Committees to ensure 
that each Committee has a suitable balance of skills as well as taking into 
consideration the length of service of the members. 

The Committee chose to use an independent external search consultant, 
Korn Ferry, for new Non-Executive Director appointments. The Committee 
set the profile and criteria to be used in the search.

Art Pappas 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

68

CompositionArt Pappas (Chairman) Franz Humerarixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceBoard and Committee Composition
•  Review structure, size and 

composition of the Board regularly

•  Evaluate the balance of skills, 

knowledge, experience and diversity 
on the Board

•  Recommend changes to membership 

of the Board’s committees

•  Recommend suitable candidates for 
the role of the Senior Independent 
Director

•  Consider and review the Board’s 

policy on diversity

Effectiveness and Succession 
Planning
•  Review the results of the Board 

performance evaluation process that 
relate to the composition of the Board

•  Ensure all members of the Board are 
devoting sufficient time to fulfil their 
duties

•  To assist with succession planning, 

and to keep informed about strategic 
and commercial changes affecting the 
Company

•  Satisfy itself that processes and plans 
are in place for succession planning

KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES

Appointments
•  Prepare role description for Board 

appointments

• 

Identify and nominate to the Board 
candidates to fill Board vacancies

•  Make recommendations to the Board 
regarding the reappointment of NEDs  
at the end of their term of office

•  Make recommendations to the Board 
regarding the re-election of Directors  
by shareholders

Annual evaluation
As explained in the Corporate Governance Report, the Board and its 
Committees have not yet conducted a formal performance evaluation. 
An externally facilitated evaluation of this Committee’s performance is 
planned to be carried out during 2019. 

Art Pappas
Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
28 March 2019

Diversity
During 2018 the Company has had a Diversity Policy in place. The 
Company’s policy is that recruitment, promotion and any other 
selection exercises will be conducted on the basis of merit against 
objective criteria that avoid discrimination. No individual should be 
discriminated against on the ground of race, colour, ethnicity, religious 
belief, political affiliation, gender, age or disability, and this extends to 
Board appointments. The Board recognises the benefits of diversity, 
including gender diversity, on the Board, although it believes that all 
appointments should be made on merit, while ensuring there is an 
appropriate balance of skills and experience within the Board. The 
Board currently consists of 12.5% (one) female and 87.5% (seven) 
male board members. The Group consists of 71% (10) male employees 
and 29% (four) female employees; no employees other than board 
members are classified as senior managers. The Board intends to 
formally adopt a Gender Diversity Policy during the course of 2019 and 
we will report on this in our next Annual Report and Accounts.

69

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceREPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Audit and Risk Committee 
report for the year ended 31 December 2018.

All members of the Committee are Independent Non-Executive Directors. 
The Board considers that I have recent and relevant financial experience as 
recommended under provision C.3.1 of The UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the Code) as it applies to the Company. In line with the Code, the Audit and Risk 
Committee as a whole is deemed to have competence relevant to the sector in 
which the Company operates. 

The Committee’s role is to assist the Board with the discharge of its responsibilities 
in relation to internal and external audits and controls, including reviewing the 
Group’s annual financial statements, considering the scope of the annual audit and 
the extent of the non-audit work undertaken by external auditors, advising on the 
appointment of external auditors and reviewing the effectiveness of the internal control 
systems in place within the Group.

The Committee has met three times during the year. Further details on the activities 
of the Committee during the year and how it has discharged its responsibilities are 
provided in the report below. 

Giles Kerr
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee 
28 March 2019

Giles Kerr 
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee

70

CompositionGiles Kerr (Chairman)Meghan Fitzgeraldarixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceDuties and responsibilities
The Audit and Risk Committee’s duties and responsibilities are set out in its terms of reference which are available on the Company’s website.

Internal controls and risk management
•  Monitor and review the adequacy and effectiveness 
of the Company’s internal financial controls and risk 
management systems

•  Review and recommend to the Board the 

disclosures in the annual report concerning internal 
controls and risk management

•  Promote sound risk management and internal 

control systems

•  Monitor and keep under review the policies and 
overall process for identifying and assessing 
business risk

External audit
•  Recommend the appointment, reappointment or removal of the auditors

•  Oversee the relationship, make recommendations on their remuneration, 
approve terms of engagement and review independence and objectivity

•  Meet regularly without management present

•  Develop policy on the supply of non-audit services

•  Ensure the audit contract is tendered at least every ten years

•  Review and approve the audit plan

•  Review the findings of the audit

DUTIES AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES

Whistleblowing, fraud, bribery  
and other compliance
•  Review the Company’s arrangements 
for its employees and contractors to 
raise concerns in confidence

•  Review procedures for detecting fraud 

and preventing bribery

•  Review the Company’s code of 

corporate conduct/business ethics

Financial and narrative reporting
•  Monitor the integrity of the financial statements

•  Review and report to the Board on significant financial issues 

and judgements

•  Review and challenge accounting policies, methods used to 
account for significant or unusual transactions, clarity and 
completeness of disclosure

Internal audit
•  To review the need for an internal 

audit function

• 

If an internal audit function is 
appointed:

  –  Approve the appointment or 

termination of the head of internal 
audit

  –  Consider and approve the Terms 
of Reference for the internal audit

  –  Monitor and review the operation 

and the effectiveness

  –  Review and assess the internal 

audit plan and reports

•  Ensure access to the Board and 
Committee Chairmen, review the 
findings of the audit

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arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceREPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE
continued

Meetings and attendees
The Audit and Risk Committee has met three times during the year. The Audit and Risk Committee will normally meet no fewer than three times a 
year with further meetings being called as required.

The external auditors are invited to attend the majority of the meetings. Outside of the formal meeting programme, the Audit and Risk Committee 
chairman maintains a dialogue with key individuals involved in the Company’s governance, including the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the 
Chief Financial Officer and the external audit lead partner.

Activity during the year:
The Audit and Risk Committee has met three times during the year. Matters discussed have included:

•  Reviewing the Committee’s terms of reference and recommending changes to the Board

•  Reviewing the Company’s internal controls environment

•  Reviewing the Company’s Whistleblowing Policy

•  Reviewing the Company’s Treasury Policy for recommendation to the Board 

•  Considering the Group’s policy on the provision of non-audit services by the external auditors

•  Reviewing the Audit Plan, process and scope

•  Reviewing the independence of the External Auditor

•  Reviewing the significant issues in the External Audit report

•  Reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts and recommending their approval by the Board

Significant issues considered in relation to the financial statements
Significant issues and accounting judgements are identified by the finance team and are considered and reviewed by the Audit and Risk 
Committee. The significant issues considered by the Committee in respect of the year ended 31 December 2018 are set out in the table below:

Significant issues and judgements

How the issues were addressed

Valuation of unquoted Investments

Calculation of share-based payment 
expense

Presentation of the Annual Report

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed management’s determination of the valuations of 
the unquoted investments, including the valuation methodology applied. The Committee 
concluded that the valuations of the unquoted investments were properly prepared in 
accordance with the stated accounting policy and the evidence available.

The Audit and Risk Committee also reviewed and considered the key assumptions for 
the valuation of the financial interest in The Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund, noting 
also that both the valuation of investment in carried interest and the valuation of the fund’s 
unquoted investments are determined at the reporting date by management’s appointed 
independent, external experts. The Audit and Risk Committee was satisfied that procedures 
and assumptions used were appropriate and both the carried interest valuation and fund 
interest valuation were in the appropriate range.

The Audit and Risk Committee considered management’s calculation of the share-based 
payment expense relating to founder shares, founder options, management options and the 
Executive Incentive Plan, including the assumptions made regarding volatility and the risk-free 
interest rate. The Committee was satisfied that the expense had been calculated appropriately.

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed management’s presentation of the Annual Report. 
The Committee noted that the inputs into, and disclosures and accounting policies 
included, in the annual report are reviewed by people with relevant financial experience 
and knowledge of the business, up to and including the Audit and Risk Committee. The 
Committee concluded that management has presented the report in a suitable manner, and 
that it is fair, balanced and understandable.

Risk management and internal control
The Board has overall responsibility for setting the Group’s risk appetite and ensuring there is an effective risk management framework to maintain 
levels of risk within this risk appetite. The Board has, however, delegated responsibility for reviewing the risk management methodology and 
effectiveness of internal control to the Audit and Risk Committee. The Audit and Risk Committee provides oversight and advice to the Board on 
current risk exposures and future risk strategy. Further details of the Group’s risk management approach, structure and principal risks are set out 
in the Strategic Report on pages 52 to 54.

72

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceThe Group’s system of internal control comprises entity-wide high 
level controls, controls over business processes and centre level 
controls. Policies and procedures are clearly defined. Levels of 
delegated authority have been communicated across the Group 
and management has identified the key operational and financial 
processes which exist within the business and implemented internal 
controls over these processes, in addition to the higher level review 
and authorisation based controls. Policies cover defined lines 
of accountability and delegation of authority; financial reporting 
procedures; and preparation of monthly management accounts; these 
facilitate the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting and govern 
the preparation of financial statements.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s system of internal 
controls and risk management. Having discharged its duties in this 
area by:

•  holding regular Board meetings to consider the matters reserved for 

its consideration;

• 

receiving regular management reports which provide an 
assessment of key risks and controls;

•  scheduling annual Board reviews of strategy, including reviews of 

the material risks and uncertainties facing the business;

•  ensuring there is a clear organizational structure, with defined 

responsibilities and levels of authority;

•  ensuring there are documented policies & procedures in place; and

• 

reviewing regular reports containing detailed information regarding 
financial performance, rolling forecasts, actual and forecast 
covenant compliance and financial and non-financial KPIs;

no significant failings or weaknesses were identified.

In reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal controls, the 
Audit and Risk Committee:

• 

• 

• 

reviews the risk register compiled and maintained by senior 
managers within the Group and questions and challenges where 
necessary

reviews the system of financial and accounting controls regularly

reports to the Board on the risk and control culture within the 
Group.

Internal audit
The Group does not have an internal audit function. The Audit and 
Risk Committee reviews the need for an internal audit function at least 
annually but following the most recent review in December 2018 feels 
it is not currently required given the Group’s size.

External auditors
The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for overseeing 
the Group’s relationship with its external auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). This includes the ongoing 
assessment of the auditors’ independence and the effectiveness of 
the external audit process, by regular meetings and assessment of 
non-audit engagements. The results of this inform the Committee’s 
recommendation to the Board as to the auditors’ appointment (subject 
to shareholder approval) or otherwise.

Appointment and tenure
PwC was first appointed as the external auditors of the Group in 
December 2016. The current lead audit partner, Richard McGuire, has 
been in place for three years.

PwC require the rotation of the lead audit partner every five years for 
a listed client. Therefore, we expect a new lead audit partner to be 
selected for the 2021 audit. In accordance with EU legislation, the 
Committee intends to put the external audit out to tender at least every 
ten years.

Non-audit services
The engagement of the external audit firm to provide non-audit 
services to the Group can affect the independence assessment, and 
the Group has therefore adopted a policy which conforms to the 
Revised Ethical Standard 2016 published by the Financial Reporting 
Council. Under the policy the engagement of the external auditors 
to provide statutory audit services, certain assurance, taxation and 
certain advisory services with fees of less than £5,000 is pre-approved. 
Any engagement of the external auditors to provide permitted services 
above £5,000 is subject to the specific approval of the Audit and Risk 
Committee. The policy recognises that certain non-audit services may 
not be carried out by the external auditors (in accordance with the EU 
Statutory Audit regime).

During the year ended 31 December 2018, PwC was engaged to 
provide certain non-audit services as Reporting Accountant for the 
Company’s capital raising in March 2018. This included the preparation 
of reports on the Company’s financial position and prospects, working 
capital and reporting to the Company’s sponsors on the Company’s 
business and operations. PwC also provided reward services during 
the year in which they reviewed the Company’s post-IPO reward 
structure and remuneration policies. In approving the use of PwC to 
provide these services, the Board took the view that PwC’s knowledge 
of the Company and its operations meant it was best placed to 
provide the services, and was comfortable that PwC’s independence 
would not be compromised.

The fees paid to PwC for non-audit services during the period totalled 
£195,000, representing 115% of the total audit fee.

Whistleblowing
The Group has adopted procedures where employees may, in 
confidence, raise concerns relating to possible improprieties in 
matters of financial reporting, financial control or any other matter. The 
whistleblowing policy applies to all Group employees. The Audit and 
Risk Committee is responsible for monitoring the Group’s whistleblowing 
arrangements and the Board reviews the policy periodically. The Audit 
and Risk Committee, on behalf of the Board, reviewed the Group’s 
whistleblowing arrangements in December 2018 and it was considered 
that they were still appropriate in their current form.  

Giles Kerr
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee 
28 March 2019

73

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Annual Statement by the Chairman of the  
Remuneration Committee
Dear Shareholders,
As Chairman of the Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) I am pleased to 
introduce our 2018 Directors’ Remuneration Report.

As discussed elsewhere in the Annual Report, Arix made significant progress during 
2018, with significant increase in net asset value, driven by solid portfolio growth. 
The Company also underwent a period of management transition, culminating in 
the reappointment of Joe Anderson as CEO in February 2019, Jonathan Peacock 
becoming Non-Executive Chairman and Sir Chris Evans retiring from the Board.

The Committee has had a busy year. Early in 2018 we finalised our approach 
to the Executive Directors’ pay arrangements for the year. We embarked on a 
detailed review of the Directors’ remuneration policy to ensure that it remains fit 
for purpose in the context of Arix’s development over the period since IPO and 
to take into account developments in corporate governance good practice. Korn 
Ferry were appointed as independent advisers to assist with this review and with 
other Committee matters. The appointment was made after a competitive selection 
process, and they have been retained on a clear mandate to provide objective and 
independent advice to the Committee.

After the year end we met to agree bonus outcomes in respect of 2018 and 
among other things set the parameters of the long-term Executive Incentive Plan 
(“EIP”) award to be made in 2019. We also agreed the remuneration packages 
of Joe Anderson and Jonathan Peacock in their new roles and the termination 
arrangements for Sir Chris Evans.

Business Performance and Remuneration Outcomes for 2018
During the year, Arix’s gross portfolio value increased by £122m, while four portfolio 
companies successfully listed on Nasdaq during or just after the year-end. Taking 
into account the performance achieved, the Committee determined that bonuses 
for the Executive Directors should be paid at levels of 75% of the maximum. A full 
breakdown of the performance conditions and level of performance achieved can 
be found on page 88. The Committee considered whether to require a portion of 
the bonus to be deferred into shares but agreed that this was not necessary at the 
current time given the significant shareholdings of the majority of the management 
team.

No shares vested under the EIP in respect of 2018 as the first grant under this 
three-year plan was made in 2017.

EIP grants are made to reflect performance in the preceding year and we made a 
further EIP grant in June 2018. Vesting of this award will take place in 2021 subject 
to the satisfaction of performance targets based on the growth in Arix’s share 
price over the three-year vesting period. Share price remains a key barometer of 
Arix’s success and is clearly aligned with shareholder interests. The award starts 
to vest for compound growth of 7% per annum, rising to full vesting for compound 
growth of 20% per annum. These targets are lower than those which applied to 
the 2017 EIP grant to recognise the impact of the capital raise in early 2018 which 
introduced a substantial amount of cash onto the balance sheet, thus potentially 
limiting the growth in the share price in the immediate term. The Committee 
believes that those targets remain very challenging.

Changes to the Board of Directors
During 2018 the Committee also agreed the termination of employment 
arrangements for Joe Anderson at the time of his change of role from CEO to CIO, 
a non-Board position. In early 2019 the Committee agreed new arrangements 
for Joe in light of his reappointment as CEO. Full details of what was agreed are 
set out on page 89. In brief, we have reappointed Joe on similar terms to those 
under which he served as CEO prior to moving to the CIO role. His basic salary 
and annual bonus opportunity remain the same and he will continue to be eligible 
for annual grants under the EIP. We considered carefully the appropriate treatment 

Franz Humer
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

74

CompositionFranz Humer (Chairman) Trevor JonesArt Pappasarixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernancefor his outstanding equity awards, and decided to preserve the 
arrangements which were entered into in good faith at the time Joe left 
the Board in 2018. A portion of the awards, therefore, retain the good 
leaver status we assigned to Joe in 2018 so that he has not been 
penalised for agreeing to return to the CEO role. As part of negotiating 
Joe’s return as CEO and to provide a further incentive to him to drive 
performance at Arix over the coming years, the Committee also 
agreed an amendment to his Founder Options such that the exercise 
price for these options will reduce on a gradual basis over the next 
five years. The Founder Options were a legacy arrangement granted 
prior to Arix’s IPO in 2017 and are not part of the remuneration policy 
approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM. The Committee believes 
that these arrangements are fair and appropriate in the context of Joe’s 
return to the Board and will help ensure his ongoing alignment with 
shareholder interests.

We also agreed new remuneration terms for Jonathan Peacock 
following his move from Executive to Non-Executive Chairman in 
February 2019. In his new role, Jonathan will receive an annual fee of 
£100,000. He will not be eligible for a bonus for any part of 2019 or 
in any future year. He will receive an EIP award in 2019 as the grant 
of this award is considered by the Committee to be an element of his 
compensation in respect of 2018, when he served as an Executive 
Director. The award will be made at a level of 100% of the basic salary 
he received as an Executive Director in 2018. He will receive no further 
grants under the EIP. 

Jonathan received a payment of £200,000 (less than his contractual 
entitlement) in respect of the termination of his executive service 
agreement without the notice being served. This was deemed 
appropriate in light of the other Board changes taking place at the 
time. The Committee has deemed Jonathan to be a good leaver for 
the purposes of his outstanding EIP awards; these will vest in the 
normal course, subject to the satisfaction of the relevant performance 
conditions. His unvested Founder Options will continue to vest 
provided that he remains a Director.

As also announced in February 2019, Sir Chris Evans stepped down 
from the Board although remains as a consultant to the Company. 
He received a payment in lieu of notice of £250,000, equivalent to 12 
months’ basic salary, in connection with the termination of his service 
agreement with the Company. The Committee took the view that a 
payment in lieu of notice was appropriate given the other changes 
taking place and the desire to move forward with a new Board 
structure. We also agreed how Sir Chris’s outstanding share awards 
would be treated. In addition, he will be engaged on an amended 
consultancy agreement after April 2019 at a rate of £4,166 per month 
(equivalent to £50,000 per annum), which is significantly lower than 
his current consultancy fee. We look forward to continuing to having 
access to Sir Chris’s expertise in his new role.

Full details of the above arrangements are included later in this report.

Our Revised Remuneration Policy and Its 
Implementation in 2019
As noted above, we have reviewed the Directors’ remuneration 
policy during the year and we will be asking shareholders to approve 
a revised policy at the AGM on 3 June 2019. The policy remains 
based on the key principles agreed prior to approval of the current 
policy in 2017. These principles include ensuring strong alignment 
with shareholder interests, supporting a high-performance culture 
with appropriate rewards for superior performance and providing 
competitive remuneration which is set at an appropriate level to attract, 
retain and motivate high-quality executive management.

We are not proposing radical changes to the policy, and nor are we 
asking shareholders to approve any material increases to the current 
limits on incentive opportunities within the policy. The only change to 
quantum is to increase the individual annual bonus opportunity from 
100% to 125% of basic salary. The purpose of this is to provide an 
appropriate level of flexibility for the Committee during the three-year 
period covered by the new remuneration policy. There is no current 
intention to apply a bonus limit beyond 100% of salary, which will be 
the maximum opportunity for 2019. We are also proposing a number 
of changes to reflect developments in corporate governance best 
practice, to increase the level of alignment with shareholders and to 
ensure that the policy is up to date. The changes include formally 
introducing a two-year post-vesting holding period to EIP awards 
(applying with effect from the awards granted in 2019), reducing the 
amount of an EIP award which vests for threshold performance from 
66.7% to 25% of an award and introducing a provision which permits 
the Committee to use its discretion to override the formulaic outcomes 
of incentive schemes. A full list of the changes is set out on page 77. 

At the time of writing, the Committee is in the process of consulting 
with major shareholders on these changes. In the notice to be 
published in advance of the AGM we will confirm whether any 
amendments to the policy have been agreed following the shareholder 
consultation exercise. 

The Committee has considered carefully how the remuneration policy 
should apply throughout the organization and has determined that the 
principles and the overall structure of reward should be the same for 
other employees as for Executive Directors. 

For 2019, it is our intention to implement the remuneration policy for 
Directors as follows:

•  Joe Anderson’s salary as CEO is set at £500,000, the same as he 
was paid prior to moving to the role of CIO in 2018. The salary of 
the CFO, James Rawlingson, has been increased by 3% with effect 
from 1 January 2019 and is now set at £278,100. This increase is 
consistent with (and in some cases less than) increases across the 
workforce as a whole.

•  The annual bonus scheme will operate in the same way as in 
previous years. Bonuses for Executive Directors will be limited 
to 100% of basic salary and will be based on the achievement 
of tailored performance targets which are clearly linked to the 
short-term priorities of the business. Given the stage of Arix’s 
development, the Committee continues to believe that this is 
more appropriate than using financial metrics. The specific bonus 
objectives and performance against them will be disclosed next 
year.

•  Awards under the EIP will be granted to the Executive Directors 
at levels of 200% of basic salary for the CEO and 150% of basic 
salary for the CFO. For 60% of the award, we will apply a similar 
share price performance condition as used for the 2018 grant. The 
level of share price growth required for threshold vesting will remain 
at 7% per annum compound and the growth required for maximum 
vesting will be 15% per annum compound. The Committee has 
considered these targets carefully and believes that they are 
suitably challenging for a company at Arix’s stage of development, 
particularly in the context of the current market environment and in 
recognition of the material reduction in the proportion of the award 
vesting for threshold performance under the revised remuneration 
policy. For the remaining 40% of the award, we have decided to 
introduce a new performance condition based on growth in NAV 
per share. This will require 7% per annum compound growth over 

75

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
continued

the three-year period for threshold vesting, rising to 15% per annum 
compound growth for full vesting. The purpose of introducing this 
new measure is to incentivise and reward management for growing 
the value of Arix’s assets, a critical measure of business performance. 
NAV per share growth will be calculated based on audited accounts. 
The Committee will exclude the funds raised during the performance 
period and their associated investment returns. The performance 
will be a true assessment of the performance of the assets including 
cash within the business at the start of each three-year period. Future 
fund raising will impact future award cycles. This approach reflects 
the significant lead time that typically exists between fund raising, 
investment and the first valuation change on the investment. Full 
disclosure will take place of this NAV performance calculation. To the 
extent that the 2019 EIP awards vest, they will be subject to a two-
year post-vesting holding period.

•  As noted above, the fee for Jonathan Peacock as Non-Executive 
Chairman has been set at £100,000. It has also been agreed 
that the fee for the Senior Independent Director role will reduce to 
£80,000. We will continue to pay additional fees for chairing the key 
Board Committees but, in line with common practice for companies 
of a similar size, we will no longer pay extra fees for membership of 
the Committees. 

Legislative and Regulatory Developments
The Committee has considered the changes to the reporting 
regulations on Directors’ remuneration which were finalised in 2018. 
These changes will apply to the 2019 Directors’ remuneration report 
published next year and we will comply with the changes where 
relevant. The Committee is also aware of the changes brought about 
by the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code. As a company with 
a standard listing, Arix is not required to adhere to the Code but the 
Board feels that it is entirely appropriate to do so. As a result, the 
Committee will adopt the new provisions in the Code or will explain 
where it does not feel that to comply would be in the interests 
of shareholders. The Committee will continue to make sure that 
our executives’ pay reflects performance achieved and corporate 
governance best practice as it develops, while ensuring that an 
exceptional management team is appropriately retained and motivated. 

I hope that you find the information contained in this report helpful, 
thoughtful and clear. I welcome any feedback from shareholders and 
look forward to answering any questions at the Company’s AGM, 
where we will be asking shareholders to approve resolutions on the 
revised Directors’ Remuneration Policy and, separately, the Annual 
Report on Remuneration. I look forward to your continued support.

Franz Humer
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
28 March 2019

REMUNERATION SNAPSHOT

Topic

Base salary

Benefits

Description

The base salaries for the Executive Directors for 2019 are as follows:
•  Joe Anderson £500,000

•  James Rawlingson £278,100

The Executive Directors are eligible to receive private health cover, life assurance, income protection and a 
company car or car allowance.

Pension contribution

A maximum contribution of 10% gross base salary for UK employees

Annual bonus

•  100% of salary for the Executive Directors

•  Bonuses for 2019 will be based on a range of challenging strategic measures aligned with the company’s KPIs

•  Up to 50% of the annual bonus can be deferred and invested into shares which must be held for a period of 

3 years

Long term incentive

•  For 2019, the Committee intends to grant awards to the Executive Directors at a level of 200% of basic 

salary for the CEO and 150% of basic salary for the CFO.

•  For awards to be granted in 2019, awards will vest after three years subject to performance conditions 

based on share price (60% of the award) and NAV per share growth (40% of the award).

•  Any awards which vest will be subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period

Shareholding guidelines

200% of salary for all Executive Directors

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY
Introduction
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy as set out below will be put to a 
binding shareholder vote at the AGM to be held on 3 June 2019 and 
will apply for a period of three years from the date of approval. Subject 
to shareholder approval, the policy replaces the policy approved at the 
AGM on 5 June 2017.

At the time of writing, the Remuneration Committee is in the process 
of consulting with major shareholders on the principal terms of the 
new Remuneration Policy. In the notice to be published in advance of 
the AGM we will confirm whether any amendments to the policy have 
been agreed following the consultation exercise and, if so, the resulting 
changes to the policy as set out below.

The table on the following pages sets out each element of 
remuneration for Executive Directors and how it supports the 
Company’s short and long-term strategic objectives.

Policy summary
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining the 
Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors, the Chairman and 
other senior executives for current and future years. In setting the 
policy, the Committee has sought to ensure that it is sufficiently 
flexible to take account of future changes in the Company’s business 
environment and in executive remuneration practices. The policy is 
designed around the following key principles:

•  Alignment with the long-term interests of shareholders;

•  Competitive remuneration which is set at an appropriate level to 
attract, retain and motivate executive management of the quality 
required to help ensure growth and success as the Company 
enters its next stage of development operating in a listed company 
environment;

•  Strategic alignment, having regard to the risk appetite of the 

Company and alignment to the Company’s long-term strategic 
goals;

•  Encourage and support a high performance culture with appropriate 

reward for superior performance; and

•  Avoid creating incentives that will encourage excessive risk-taking 

or unsustainable Company performance.

The Remuneration Committee will review annually the remuneration 
arrangements for the Executive Directors and key senior management, 
drawing on trends and adjustments made to all employees across the 
Group and taking into consideration:

•  Business strategy over the period;

•  Overall corporate performance;

•  Market conditions affecting the Company;

•  The recruitment market;

•  Changing practice in the markets where the Company competes for 

talent; and

•  Changing views of institutional shareholders and their representative 

bodies.

Changes to the policy
The policy as set out below incorporates a number of changes to the 
policy approved by shareholders in 2017. These changes are listed 
below:

•  The maximum individual opportunity under the annual bonus 

scheme has been increased to 125% of basic salary to provide an 
appropriate level of flexibility over the period covered by the new 
policy. As set out in the Annual Statement by the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee, bonuses for the Executive Directors for 
2019 will be limited to 100% of basic salary.

•  We have amended the wording around grant levels under the EIP 

to avoid any confusion about potential maximum vesting levels. The 
normal maximum level of EIP grant is confirmed at 225% of basic 
salary. We no longer refer to 150% vesting levels on base awards.

• 

In line with standard market practice, we no longer include the 
specific EIP performance targets within the policy table. The specific 
targets are disclosed within the Annual Report on Remuneration.

•  The amount of an EIP award which vests for threshold performance 

has been reduced from 66.7% to 25% of an award, which is 
consistent with standard investor expectations and market practice. 

•  A post-vesting holding period has been introduced to EIP awards 

(applying with effect from the EIP awards granted in 2019) such that 
any shares which vest must be held for a further two-year period. 
During this period the shares cannot be sold (other than as required 
for tax purposes). 

•  We have added wording to the policy to ensure that the 

Remuneration Committee has the ability to use its discretion to 
override the formulaic outcomes of incentive schemes.

•  Malus and clawback provisions have been reviewed and we 
have expanded (in the Annual Report on Remuneration) the 
circumstances in which they apply.

•  We have taken the opportunity to review the full policy statement 

and ensure that the wording is up to date and aligned with 
expected market practice.

•  The section on share ownership guidelines has been streamlined. 
We make it clear in the Annual Report on Remuneration that the 
share ownership guidelines are now set at 200% of basic salary for 
all Executive Directors (previously, the level of ownership guideline 
varied from 100-200% of salary depending on the individual 
Director’s shareholding).

•  The policy reflects amendments to the service agreements for 

the Executive Directors. Joe Anderson entered into a new service 
agreement with the Company following his reappointment as CEO 
which is terminable on 12 months’ notice by the Company and 
six months’ notice by the Director. James Rawlingson’s service 
agreement has been amended and is now terminable on 12 
months’ notice by the Company or the Director. 

•  For Non-Executive Directors, we have reflected Arix’s previous 

practice of awarding shares up to the value of the annual fee at the 
time of appointment. This is intended to help create alignment with 
shareholders and to cover the duration of the Director’s time on the 
Board.

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Remuneration policy table

How it supports the Company’s 
short and long-term strategic 
objectives

Operation

Opportunity and Performance 
metrics

An Executive Director’s basic salary is set on 
appointment and reviewed annually or when 
there is a change in position or responsibility.

The Committee ensures that 
maximum salary levels are 
positioned with consideration for:

Element of 
Remuneration

Salary

Provide salaries that support the 
Company to acquire and retain 
the highly qualified Executive 
Directors who are needed to 
develop and implement the 
Group’s strategy.

When determining an appropriate level of 
salary, the Committee considers:

• 

• 

• 

• 

individual degree of responsibility;

the general operational performance of 
the Group and individual performance (if 
applicable);

the economic environment and the 
sustainable development of the Group;

remuneration structures in companies 
that are comparable in terms of business 
activities, complexity and size;

•  any change in scope, role and 

responsibilities; and

• 

remuneration practices within the Group.

The Executive Directors are eligible to 
receive private health cover, life assurance, 
income protection and a company car or car 
allowance.

The Committee recognises the need to 
maintain suitable flexibility in the benefits 
provided to ensure it is able to support the 
objective of attracting and retaining personnel 
in order to deliver the Group strategy. 
Additional benefits may therefore be offered, 
such as relocation allowances on recruitment 
and reasonable tax advice and filing support.

Benefits

Provides a benefits package in 
line with standard market practice 
to enable the Group to recruit 
and retain Executive Directors 
with the experience and expertise 
to deliver the Group’s strategy.

Pensions

Provides a pension provision in 
line with standard market practice 
to enable the Company to recruit 
and retain Executive Directors 
with the experience and expertise 
to deliver the Group’s strategy.

The Group operates a defined contribution 
(DC) scheme for UK employees and US 
employees contribute into the Arix 401(k) 
pension scheme (which is open to all 
employees) with a contribution made by Arix 
alongside an employee’s contribution.

78

• 

the need to acquire and retain 
Executives with the skills and 
experience to develop and 
implement the Company’s 
strategy;

•  companies that are comparable 
in terms of business activities, 
complexity and size to Arix, 
which we would compete for 
talent against.

In general, increases for Executive 
Directors will be in line with the 
increase for employees.

The Group will set out in the 
section headed Implementation 
of Remuneration Policy, in the 
following financial year, the salaries 
for that year for each of the 
Executive Directors.

The maximum will be set at the cost 
of providing the benefits described.

The maximum contribution for 
UK employees into a defined 
contribution plan or a salary 
supplement in lieu of pension will be 
10% of gross basic salary.

US employees contribute into the 
Arix 401(k) pension scheme with a 
matching contribution made by Arix 
on their contributions up to the US 
government limits imposed on the 
401(k) Plan.

The Group will set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration 
the pension contributions for the 
Executive Directors within the above 
limits. No Executive Directors have a 
prospective entitlement to a Defined 
Benefit Pension.

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceElement of 
Remuneration

Annual bonus

How it supports the Company’s 
short and long-term strategic 
objectives

Operation

The bonus plan provides a 
significant incentive to the 
Executive Directors linked to 
achievement in delivering goals 
that are closely aligned with the 
Company’s strategy and the 
creation of value for shareholders.

In particular, the plan supports 
the Company’s objectives 
allowing the setting of annual 
targets based on the business 
strategy at the time, meaning that 
a wider range of performance 
metrics can be used that are 
relevant and achievable.

The Board will determine the bonus to be 
delivered following the end of the relevant 
financial year.

The Committee can require part of any bonus 
(up to 50% of the maximum bonus earned) to 
be deferred on a post-tax basis and invested 
into shares. These shares must be held for a 
minimum period, normally three years.

The Group will set out in the Remuneration 
Report in the following financial year the 
decisions taken around any requirement to 
invest in shares.

The bonus plan includes malus and clawback 
provisions which can be used in certain 
specific circumstances.

Opportunity and Performance 
metrics

The maximum bonus deliverable 
under the plan will not exceed 
125% of a participant’s annual base 
salary.

Bonus targets and weightings are 
set each year and will take into 
account the strategic priorities of 
the business at the time. The Group 
will set out in the Remuneration 
Report in the following financial year, 
the nature of the targets and their 
weighting for the year.

Details of the performance 
conditions, targets and their level 
of satisfaction for the year being 
reported on will be set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

Percentage of bonus maximum 
earned for levels of performance:

Threshold: 0%

On target: 50%

Maximum: 100%

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Element of 
Remuneration

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan 
(“EIP”)

How it supports the Company’s 
short and long-term strategic 
objectives

Operation

The purpose of the EIP is to 
incentivise and reward Executive 
Directors in relation to long-term 
performance and achievement of 
Group Strategy.

This will better align Executive 
Directors’ interests with the 
long-term interests of the Group 
and will also act as a retention 
mechanism.

The Award is designed to 
incentivise Executive Directors to 
grow the investment portfolio and 
value creation by successfully 
delivering the Group’s strategy.

Awards are granted annually to Executive 
Directors in the form of a conditional share 
award, nil cost option or restricted share 
award.

Details of the performance conditions for 
grants made in the year will be set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

These awards will vest after three years 
subject to:

• 

the Executive Director’s continued 
employment at the date of vesting; and

•  satisfaction of the performance conditions.

The Committee may award dividend 
equivalents on awards in either shares or cash 
to the extent that these vest.

With effect from the EIP awards granted in 
2019, a post-vesting holding period will apply 
to awards such that any shares which vest 
must be held for a further two-year period. 
During this period the shares cannot be sold 
(other than as required for tax purposes).

Opportunity and Performance 
metrics

Normal maximum value of 225% 
of salary p.a. based on the market 
value at the date of grant set in 
accordance with the rules of the 
Plan.

In exceptional circumstances the 
Committee may grant an award 
with a maximum of 300% of salary.

The amount payable for threshold 
performance is 25% of maximum of 
the award.

EIP awards will be subject to 
the achievement of challenging 
performance conditions set by the 
Remuneration Committee prior 
to each grant. Awards granted in 
2019 will be subject to performance 
measures based on absolute share 
price and NAV per share growth.

The Remuneration Committee 
retains discretion in exceptional 
circumstances to change 
performance measures and targets 
and the weightings attached 
to performance measures part 
way through a performance 
period if there is a significant and 
material event which causes the 
Remuneration Committee to believe 
the original measures, weightings 
and targets are no longer 
appropriate. Any changes made 
and the exceptional circumstances 
will be clearly disclosed to 
shareholders in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration

Minimum 
Shareholding 
Requirement

The Committee has adopted formal shareholding guidelines that will encourage the Executive Directors to build up and then 
subsequently hold a shareholding equivalent to a percentage of base salary. Adherence to these guidelines is a condition 
of continued participation in the equity incentive arrangements. This policy ensures that the interests of Executive Directors 
and those of shareholders are closely aligned.

The Committee will determine the relevant shareholding guideline on an annual basis.

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceOpportunity and Performance 
metrics

In general, the level of fee increase 
for the Non-Executive Directors 
will be set taking account of any 
change in responsibility and will 
take into account the general rise in 
salaries across the UK workforce.

The Company will pay reasonable 
business-related expenses incurred 
by the Non-Executive Directors 
and may settle any tax incurred in 
relation to these.

Element of 
Remuneration

Non-Executive 
Director Fees

How it supports the Company’s 
short and long-term strategic 
objectives

Operation

Provides a level of fees to support 
recruitment and retention of high- 
calibre Non-Executive Directors 
with the necessary experience 
to advise and assist with 
establishing and monitoring the 
Group’s strategic objectives.

The Board as a whole is responsible for 
setting the remuneration of the Non-Executive 
Directors. The Remuneration Committee 
is responsible for setting the pay of the 
Chairman. Non-Executive Directors are paid an 
annual fee and additional fees for chairmanship 
of committees.

Fees are normally paid in cash. In addition, 
to create alignment with shareholders and to 
cover the duration of their time on the Board, 
Non-Executive Directors may be issued with 
shares up to the value of their annual fee at 
the time of their appointment. The Company 
may settle any tax incurred in relation to these 
shares. The shares must be held for the 
duration of their period on the Board.

Fees are reviewed annually based in line with 
the review policy for the Executive Directors. 
With the exception of an EIP award to be 
made to the Chairman in 2019 (as disclosed 
in the Annual Statement from the Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee), Non-Executive 
Directors do not participate in any variable 
remuneration arrangements. Non-Executive 
Directors may be eligible for benefits such as 
use of secretarial support or other benefits 
which may be appropriate for performing their 
duties.

Performance conditions and target-setting
Performance measures applying to the annual bonus plan and the EIP are chosen by the Remuneration Committee on an annual basis taking 
into account the strategic priorities of the business. The chosen measures and the specific targets are designed to be consistent with the policy 
principles as set out on page 79. Full details of the performance conditions applying to any year’s awards are set out in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration.

Legacy arrangements
Any historic awards that were granted under any previous share schemes operated by the Group but remain outstanding, remain eligible to vest. 
See the Annual Report on Remuneration for details of outstanding share awards.

Malus and Clawback
The annual bonus plan and the EIP include malus and clawback provisions. Malus is the adjustment of unpaid bonus awards under the bonus 
plan and outstanding EIP awards as a result of the occurrence of one or more specific circumstances. The adjustment may result in the value 
being reduced to nil. Clawback is the recovery of payments or vested awards under the bonus plan and vested EIP awards as a result of the 
occurrence of one or more specific circumstances. Clawback may apply to all or part of a participant’s award and may be effected, among other 
means, by requiring the transfer of shares, payment of cash or reduction of awards or bonuses.

The circumstances in which malus and clawback could apply are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration. The table below indicates the 
timeframe over which malus and clawback are applicable.

Annual Bonus

EIP

Malus

Up to the date of payment of a bonus

To the end of the three-year vesting period

Clawback

Three years following determination of bonus

Two years post vesting

The Committee believes that the rules of the Plans provide sufficient powers to enforce malus and clawback where required.

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Discretion
The Remuneration Committee has discretion in several areas of Policy as set out in this report. The Remuneration Committee may also 
exercise operational and administrative discretions under relevant plan rules approved by shareholders as set out in those rules. In addition, the 
Remuneration Committee has discretion to amend the Policy with regard to minor or administrative matters where it would be, in the opinion of 
the Remuneration Committee, disproportionate to seek or await shareholder approval.

In addition, and as set out in the Annual Statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, the Committee retains the discretion 
to override the formulaic outcomes of incentive schemes. The purpose of this discretion is to ensure that the incentive scheme outcomes are 
consistent with overall Company performance and the experience of shareholders. 

Recruitment Policy
The Group’s principle is that the remuneration of any new recruit will be assessed in line with the same principles as for the Executive Directors, 
as set out in the Remuneration policy table above. The Committee is mindful that it wishes to avoid paying more than it considers necessary to 
secure a preferred candidate with the appropriate calibre and experience needed for the role.

In setting the remuneration for new recruits, the Committee will have regard to guidelines and shareholder sentiment regarding one-off or 
enhanced short-term or long-term incentive payments as well as giving consideration for the appropriateness of any performance measures 
associated with an award.

The Group’s detailed policy when setting remuneration for the appointment of new Directors is summarised in the table below.

Remuneration element

Recruitment policy

Salary, Benefits and Pension

These will be set in line with the policy for existing Executive Directors.

Annual Bonus

EIP

“Buy Out” of incentives 
forfeited on cessation of 
employment

Maximum annual participation will be set in line with the Group’s policy for existing Executive Directors and 
will not exceed 125% of salary.

Maximum annual participation will be set in line with the Group’s policy for existing Executive Directors and 
will not exceed 225% of salary in normal circumstances and 300% of salary in exceptional circumstances.

Where the Committee determines that the individual circumstances of recruitment justifies the provision of 
a buyout, the equivalent value of any incentives that will be forfeited on cessation of an Executive Director’s 
previous employment will be calculated. This will take into account, among other things, the performance 
conditions attached to the vesting of these incentives, the likelihood of vesting and the vehicle of awards. 
The Committee may then grant up to the same value as the lapsed value, where possible, under the 
Company’s incentive plans. To the extent that it was not possible or practical to provide the buyout within 
the terms of the Company’s existing incentive plans, a bespoke arrangement would be used.

Where an existing employee is promoted to the Board, the policy set out above would apply from the date of promotion but there would be no 
retrospective application of the policy in relation to subsisting incentive awards or remuneration arrangements. Accordingly, prevailing elements of 
the remuneration package for an existing employee would be honoured and form part of the ongoing remuneration of the person concerned.

These would be disclosed to shareholders in the remuneration report for the relevant financial year.

The Company’s policy when setting fees for the appointment of new Non-Executive Directors is to apply the policy which applies to current Non-
Executive Directors.

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernancePayment for Loss of Office
The Committee will honour Executive Directors’ contractual entitlements. Service contracts do not contain liquidated damages clauses. If a contract 
is to be terminated, the Committee will determine such mitigation as it considers fair and reasonable in each case. There is no agreement between 
the Company and its Executive Directors providing for compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs because of a takeover bid. 

The Committee reserves the right to make additional payments where such payments are made in good faith in discharge of an existing legal 
obligation (or by way of damages for breach of such an obligation); or by way of settlement or compromise of any claim arising in connection with 
the termination of an Executive Director’s office or employment.

Remuneration 
element

Salary, Benefits and 
Pension

Treatment on Cessation of Employment

These will be paid over the notice period. The Company has discretion to make a lump sum payment in lieu.

Joe Anderson’s contract provides that, if terminated by the Company, he will receive a payment in lieu of notice for 
a minimum of six of the months of his 12-month notice period.

Annual Bonus

Good Leaver Reason
•  Performance conditions will be measured at the bonus measurement date. Bonus will normally be prorated for 

the period worked during the financial year.

Other Reason:
•  No bonus payable for year of cessation

Discretion:
The Committee has the following elements of discretion:

•  To determine that an executive is a good leaver. It is the Committee’s intention to only use this discretion in 

circumstances where there is an appropriate business case which will be explained in full to shareholders; and

•  To determine whether to prorate the bonus to time. The Remuneration Committee’s policy is that it will prorate 
bonus for time. It is the Remuneration Committee’s intention to use discretion to not prorate in circumstances 
where there is an appropriate business case which will be explained in full to shareholders.

EIP

Good Leaver:
•  Prorated to time and performance in respect of each subsisting EIP award

Other Reason:
•  Lapse of any unvested EIP awards.

Discretion:
The Committee has the following elements of discretion:

•  To determine that an executive is a good leaver. It is the Committee’s intention to only use this discretion in 
circumstances where there is an appropriate business case which will be explained in full to shareholders;

•  To measure performance over the original performance period or at the date of cessation. The Committee will 

make this determination depending on the type of good leaver reason resulting in the cessation; and

•  To determine whether to prorate the maximum number of shares to the time from the date of grant to the date 
of cessation. The Remuneration Committee’s policy is that it will prorate awards for time. It is the Remuneration 
Committee’s intention to use discretion to not prorate in circumstances where there is an appropriate business 
case which will be explained in full to shareholders.

Other contractual 
obligations

There are no other contractual provisions other than those set out above agreed prior to 27 June 2012, the date at 
which the new regime of Directors’ Remuneration Report obligations applies.

A good leaver reason is defined as cessation in the following circumstances:

•  death;

• 

• 

• 

ill health;

injury or disability;

retirement;

•  employing company ceasing to be a Group company;

• 

transfer of employment to a company which is not a Group company; and

•  at the discretion of the Committee (as described above).

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Cessation of employment in circumstances other than those set out above is cessation for other reasons.

Change of Control

Name of Incentive Plan

Change of Control

Discretion

Annual bonus

Normally prorated to time and performance to the date 
of the change of control.

The Committee has discretion regarding whether to 
prorate the bonus to time.

EIP

The number of shares subject to subsisting EIP awards 
will vest on a change of control, normally prorated to 
time and performance.

The Committee’s policy is that it will prorate the bonus 
for time. It is the Committee’s intention to use its 
discretion to not prorate in circumstances only where 
there is an appropriate business case which will be 
explained in full to shareholders

The Committee will determine the proportion of the EIP 
Award which vests taking into account, among other 
factors, the period of time the EIP Award has been 
held by the participant and the extent to which any 
applicable performance conditions have been satisfied 
at that time.

The Committee has discretion regarding whether 
to prorate the EIP Award for time. The Committee’s 
policy is that will prorate the EIP Award for time. It 
is the Committee’s intention to use its discretion to 
not prorate in circumstances only where there is an 
appropriate business case which will be explained in 
full to shareholders. 

Service agreements and letters of appointment
The Executive Directors’ service agreements are for a rolling term and may be terminated by the Company by giving 12 months’ notice.

Name
Joe Anderson
James Rawlingson

Date of service agreement
26 March 2019
6 September 2016

Notice periods by 
Company (months)
12
12

Notice periods by 
Director (months)
6
12

The Non-Executive Directors of the Company do not have service contracts, but are appointed by letters of appointment. Each Non-Executive 
Director’s term of office runs for an initial period of three years unless terminated earlier upon written notice or upon their resignations.

The terms of the Non-Executive Directors’ appointments are subject to their re-election by the Company’s shareholders at the AGM scheduled to 
be held on 3 June 2019 and to re-election at any subsequent AGM at which the Non-Executive Directors stand for re-election.

The details of each Non-Executive Director’s current term are set out below:

Name
Jonathan Peacock
Franz Humer
Professor Trevor Jones
Meghan FitzGerald
Giles Kerr
Art Pappas

Date of appointment
8 February 2016
7 June 2016
8 February 2016
21 July 2017
17 October 2017
12 September 2018

Current term  
(full years)
3
3
3
3
3
3

Notice periods 
by Company 
(months)
3
3
3
3
3
3

Notice periods  
by Director 
(months)
3
3
3
3
3
3

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceIllustrations of the application of the remuneration policy

C F O
£ ’ 0 0 0

£1,500k

£1,000k

£2,575k

£1,225k

48%

£2,075k

£690k

41%

£1,016k

£1,375k

40%

£575k

18%

24%

100%

42%

28%

£500k

£321k

33%

20%

27%

100%

47%

32%

£-

Fixed

On target

Maximum

Fixed

On target

Maximum

Fixed

Annual Bonus

LTIP

LTIP value with 50% share price growth

C E O
£ ’ 0 0 0

£3,000k

£2,500k

£2,000k

£1,500k

£1,000k

£500k

£-

Notes:

The charts above illustrate the potential remuneration payable to each of the Executive Directors under different performance scenarios. In all 
three scenarios the fixed pay elements of the charts are based on 2019 basic salary levels, pension contributions at the standard rate of 7.5% of 
salary and benefits provision at a broadly similar level to 2018. Minimum performance assumes no bonus payment and no EIP vesting. On-target 
performance assumes a bonus payment at a level of 50% of maximum and EIP vesting at a level of 55% of the maximum opportunity. Maximum 
performance assumes a bonus payment at a level of 100% of maximum and EIP vesting at a level of 100% of the maximum opportunity. The EIP 
maximum opportunity is the level of EIP awards to be made in 2019, i.e. 200% of basic salary for the CEO and 150% of basic salary for the CFO.

In line with the new UK reporting requirements, the Maximum column has been extended to reflect the potential impact of 50% share price 
appreciation on the shares which vest.

Exceptions to Remuneration Policy for Executive and Non-Executive Directors
Notwithstanding the restrictions set out in the Policy, where the Group has made a commitment to a Director which:

•  was in accordance with the then prevailing Remuneration policy at the time the commitment was made; and/or

•  was made before the Director became a Director;

the Company will continue to give effect to it, even if it is inconsistent with the policy which is in effect at that time. For example, earlier 
remuneration policies of the Group may continue to apply in relation to awards under bonus or share incentive plans in operation pre-IPO which 
were made pre-IPO but which may vest or be exercised, or may have vested and been exercised, post-IPO.

Statement of conditions elsewhere in the Company
The Remuneration Committee considers pay and employment conditions across the Company when reviewing the remuneration of the Executive 
Directors and other senior employees. In particular, the Remuneration Committee considers the range of base pay increases across the Group. 
The key components of pay for the Executive Directors are similar to those available to other employees, although the levels of pay for the 
Directors and their maximum variable opportunity are higher in light of their role and level of responsibilities. While the Company does not directly 
consult with employees as part of the process of reviewing executive pay and formulating the Remuneration Policy set out in this report, the 
Company does receive updates from the Executive Directors on their discussions and reviews with senior management and employees.

Consideration of shareholder views
The Company welcomes dialogue with its shareholders; shareholder views are considered when evaluating and setting the remuneration strategy 
and the Remuneration Committee will consult with key shareholders prior to any significant changes to its Remuneration Policy. The Committee is 
in the process of consulting its major shareholders on the details of the changes to the policy which are explained in this report. 

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION
This section sets out details of the remuneration of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors received during the financial year ended 31 
December 2018 and also describes the operation of the Remuneration Committee.

Remuneration Committee
Membership
Franz Humer is Chairman of the Committee. The other members of the Committee are Professor Trevor Jones and Art Pappas (appointed to the 
Committee on 12 September 2018). Lord Hutton also served as a member of the Committee until his retirement from the Board on 31 May 2018.

The Committee met five times during the year under review. Meeting attendance is shown on page 66.

The Board considers each of the members of the Committee to be independent in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code (“the 
Code”). The Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive will also attend meetings of the Committee by invitation, but will not be present when 
matters relating to their own remuneration are discussed.

Role of the Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee’s responsibilities are set out in its Terms of Reference which are available on request to shareholders and on the 
Company’s website.

 Visit us online at 
www.arixbioscience.com

The Committee’s role includes:

•  Setting the remuneration policy for all executive Directors of the Company, the Chairman of the Board and senior management (being the first layer 
of management below Board level (including the Company Secretary) and all personnel receiving an annual basic salary of £250,000 or more).

•  Within the terms of the remuneration policy and in consultation with the Chairman of the Board and/or Chief Executive, as appropriate, 
determining the total individual remuneration package of each Executive Director, the Chairman and other designated senior executives 
including bonuses, incentive payments and share option or other share awards.

•  Approving the design of, and determining targets for, any performance-related pay schemes operated by the Company and approving total 

annual payments made under such schemes.

•  Ensuring that contractual terms on termination, and any payments made, are fair to the individual and the Company, that failure is not rewarded, 

that the duty to mitigate loss is fully recognised and that any payments are consistent with the shareholder-approved remuneration policy.

In carrying out its duties the Remuneration Committee takes into account any legal and regulatory requirements, including the Code and the 
UK Listing Rules, as well as good practice guidance issued by investors and investor representative bodies. Determining the fees of the Non-
Executive Directors is a matter for the Executive Directors and the Chairman as a whole.

Key matters considered by the Remuneration Committee
Key issues reviewed and discussed by the Remuneration Committee during 2018 included:

•  Review of the Directors’ remuneration policy, ahead of the presentation of a new policy for shareholder approval at the 2019 AGM;

•  Review of Executive Director and senior manager bonuses and equity incentive awards for 2018; and

•  Appointment of new independent advisers to the Committee.

Advisers to the Committee
During 2018 the Committee appointed Korn Ferry as independent advisers to the Committee. Korn Ferry advises the Committee on all aspects 
of the Directors’ remuneration policy and its implementation, and assisted the Committee in its review of the remuneration policy. The Committee 
is satisfied that the advice received was objective and independent. Korn Ferry is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group. Korn Ferry 
received fees of £30,429 for its advice during the year (fees charged on a costs incurred basis). A separate practice within Korn Ferry provided 
recruitment advisory services to the Company during the year.

The General Counsel and Company Secretary, Robert Lyne, acts as Secretary to the Committee, ensures that the Committee fulfils its duties 
under its terms of reference and provides regular updates to the Committee on relevant regulatory developments in the UK. He is not present 
when matters relating to his own remuneration are discussed. 

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceSingle Figure Table – Executive Directors (audited)

Basic salary
2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

Benefits

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

Annual bonus
2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

LTIP

Pension

Other*

Total 

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

Jonathan Peacock
Sir Chris Evans
Joe Anderson**
James Rawlingson

400
250
333
270

400
250
500
270

14
15
25
22

11
19
39
20

300
–
250
203

320
–
400
216

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

22
18
25
20

22
18
37
20

–

500
454 1,052
750
337

–
–

736 1,253
737 1,339
633 1,726
863
515

*  2017 figures include one-off awards of share options issued to Executive Directors upon the Company’s Initial Public Offering in February 2017; these have a two-

year vesting period but for disclosure purposes are recognised in the period in which they are awarded.

** Stepped down from the Board on 4 September 2018 and employed by the Company as Chief Investment Officer for the remainder of 2018. Figures reflect service 
as a Director only. Reappointed as CEO and as a Director on 19 February 2019.

•  Base salary: amount earned for the year. 

•  Benefits: the taxable value of benefits received in the year, including life assurance, long-term sickness insurance, private healthcare and 

company car cash allowance

•  Pension: the value of the Company’s contribution during the year: 7.5% or, in the case of Jonathan Peacock, 6.0% Company contributions to 

401(k) plan

•  Annual Bonus: see separate section below for explanation of determination of bonus amounts. 

•  Other: Sir Chris Evans’ balance includes amounts paid via Merlin Scientific LLP, a limited liability partnership wholly owned and controlled by Sir 

Chris Evans

•  Subject to Board approval, the Company allows its Executive Directors to hold non-executive positions outside of the Company that 

complement and enhance their current role. Any fees may be retained by the Director. Non-Executive Director positions in exchange-listed 
companies held by the Company’s current Executive Directors are: Joe Anderson (Autolus Therapeutics plc, Nasdaq-listed). 

Single Figure Table – Non-Executive Directors (audited)

Fees

Benefits

Pension

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

Annual bonus
2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

LTIP

Other*

Total 

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

2018 
£’000

2017 
£’000

Franz Humer
Professor Trevor Jones
Meghan FitzGerald
Giles Kerr
Art Pappas
Lord John Hutton (retired)**
David U’Prichard (retired)**
Sir John Banham (retired)**

118
58
58
60
20
24
45
–

88
43
27
13
–
43
44
26

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

70
34
23
24
–
34
34
20

118
58
58
60
20
24
45
–

158
77
50
37
–
77
78
46

* Other amounts principally relate to additional one-off share awards made to Non-Executive Directors as previously disclosed

**  Lord Hutton stepped down from the Board on 31 May 2018; David U’Prichard stepped down on 12 September 2018; Sir John Banham stepped down on 10 

November 2017

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continued

Annual Bonus Payout Table (audited)
For the Executive Directors, the annual bonus objective outcomes were as follows (certain outcomes not listed due to commercial sensitivity):

Category

Performance Outcome

Bonus 
Contribution

Rationale

Portfolio companies

• 

Increase number of portfolio 
companies

• 

IPOs by portfolio companies

•  Positive revaluations in three 

portfolio companies

Business building

•  Create academic business 

building partnership

•  Hire Entrepreneur in Residence 
(EiR) for the EU and for the US

•  Create new companies

Europe

•  Hire Investment Director for EU

•  Source and close on EU 

investments

US

•  Progress plans for potential US 

funding opportunities

•  Undertake non-deal roadshows 

in US

• 

Increase research coverage by 
US analysts

Fund management

•  Progression of WLSIF

Total

Goals achieved. Three new portfolio companies 
(Pharmaxis, New SeedCo, Velos). Three IPOs by 
portfolio companies (Autolus, Iterum, LogicBio). 
Four positive revaluations (Autolus, Artios, 
Harpoon, LogicBio)

Goals partially achieved. Partnership signed 
with Fred Hutch. EiR hired for the EU; ongoing 
discussions with US candidates. One EU 
company created (New SeedCo)

Goals partially achieved. One European deal 
closed (New SeedCo). EU Investment Director 
not required given recruitment of EU EiR and 
appointment of CIO

Goals partially achieved. Funding opportunities 
under consideration. Three non-deal roadshows 
in US. Analyst interest cultivated

Goals achieved. Simbec performance improved. 
Significant fund distribution post-year-end

30%

15%

10%

10%

10%

75%

Taking into account the achievements against the bonus targets as set out above, the Remuneration Committee awarded bonuses to the 
Executive Directors at a level of 75% of the maximum. This resulted in bonus payments at levels of 75% of basic salary. The bonuses will be paid 
in cash.

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceLTIPs Vesting in the Year (audited)
During 2017, no shares vested under the EIP. The first grant of LTIP options was made in 2017 and are not eligible to vest until 2020, subject to 
performance conditions.

Scheme Interests Awarded in 2018 (audited)
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Executive Directors were awarded nil-cost options (conditional share awards for Jonathan 
Peacock) under the EIP, details of which are summarised below.

Director
Jonathan Peacock
Joe Anderson
James Rawlingson

Date of Grant
17/05/2018
17/05/2018
17/05/2018

Number 
Awarded
298,507
373,134
201,492

Award Price 
£
2.01
2.01
2.01

Face Value £
600,000
750,000
405,000

% of Base 
Salary
150%
150%
150%

Vesting Date
07/06/2021
07/06/2021
07/06/2021

Performance Measure

Weighting

Performance Period

Compound share price growth

100% 

Grant to 17 May 2021

Performance
<7% per annum
7% per annum
≥20% per annum

% Vesting
0%
66.7%
100%

The market share price used to determine the size of awards was £2.01, being the 30-day trading average prior to the grant date. 

Payments for Loss of Office (audited)
Joe Anderson, Arix’s CEO, stepped down from the Board on 4 September 2018 and transitioned to the role of Chief Investment Officer to focus 
on new investments and work with existing Group companies to build and realise value. He entered into new remuneration arrangements with the 
Company in the role of CIO. His base salary was set at £360,000 and he had an entitlement to an annual bonus of up to 100% of base salary (pro-
rated to his period of service as CIO during 2018). In connection with his transition from the CEO role, the following arrangements were agreed:

•  The Board determined that Joe Anderson would be treated as a good leaver for incentive scheme purposes. This recognised his contribution 

to Arix since the Company’s formation and his ongoing commitment to Arix’s success as CIO. As set out in the Single Figure Table on page 87 
above, he was eligible for an annual bonus for 2018, pro-rated to the date of his departure from the Board.

•  2,000,000 of Joe Anderson’s 3,036,309 Founder Options were treated as having vested as at 3 September 2018. It was agreed with Joe 

Anderson that he will be entitled to exercise these options over the lifetime of the options, i.e. up to 4 February 2026. All other Founder Options 
will vest and remain exercisable in connection with their original terms, although the exercise period for these Founder Options has also been 
extended to 4 February 2026. None of the Founder Options were granted with performance conditions attached.

•  His IPO Awards vested pro-rata as at 3 September 2018. The vested awards are exercisable from 21 February 2019 to 21 February 2027 and 
exercise is not conditional on continued employment. The remaining IPO Awards will continue to vest in line with their original terms. None of 
the IPO Awards were granted with performance conditions attached.

•  His 2017 EIP Awards were pro-rated as at 3 September 2018 and will be eligible to vest in May 2020, subject to the Company having 

achieved the relevant performance condition. This applies to 242,192 of the 569,619 shares subject to the 2017 EIP Awards. The remaining 
2017 EIP Awards will continue to vest in accordance with their original terms.

Following the decision to reappoint Joe Anderson as CEO and as a Director with effect from 19 February 2019, new remuneration arrangements 
were entered into. He was reappointed on the same basic salary and annual bonus opportunity as applied to his former employment as CEO, and 
he remains eligible for grants under the EIP. With regards to his outstanding equity awards, it was agreed that the arrangements as set out above 
which were entered into in good faith at the time he left the Board in 2018 should be preserved. As a result, a portion of his IPO Awards and EIP 
Awards will retain the good leaver status which they were accorded in 2018, with the remainder of the awards continuing to vest in line with their 
original terms. 

As part of negotiating Joe’s return as CEO and to provide a further incentive to him to drive performance at Arix over the coming years, the 
Committee also agreed an amendment to his Founder Options such that the exercise price will reduce on a gradual basis over the next five years. 
The Founder Options were granted with an exercise price of £1.80 per Founder Option. This price will be reduced by 18 pence (i.e. 10% of the 
original exercise price) each year for five years while Joe Anderson remains in full-time employment with Arix. As set out above, the Founder 
Options are exercisable up to 4 February 2026.

The Founder Options were granted in 2016 prior to Arix’s IPO and are a legacy arrangement for the purposes of the Directors’ remuneration policy.

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continued

Jonathan Peacock
On 19 February 2019 Jonathan Peacock moved from the role of Executive Chairman to Non-Executive Chairman. The following arrangements 
were agreed in connection with his termination as an Executive Director:

•  He received a payment of £200,000 in respect of the termination of his executive service agreement. This amount was less than his contractual 

entitlement.

•  His 2017 EIP Award and 2018 EIP Award were pro-rated as at 19 February 2019 and will be eligible to vest in May 2020 and May 2021 

respectively, subject to the Company having achieved the relevant performance conditions. The remaining 2017 EIP Award and 2018 EIP 
Awards will continue to vest in accordance with their terms.

•  His unvested Founder Options will continue to vest for the duration of his service as a Director. Similar to the treatment agreed for the Founder 
Options held by Joe Anderson (see above), all Founder Options which vest will be exercisable up to February 2026. This is in recognition of his 
ongoing involvement with Arix.

Sir Chris Evans
Sir Chris Evans stepped down from the Board on 19 February 2019. The following arrangements were agreed in connection with his termination:

•  He received a payment in lieu of notice of £250,000, equivalent to 12 months’ basic salary.

•  His outstanding IPO Awards, which had a vesting date of 22 February 2019, vested in full, taking into account the notional 12-month notice 

period in Sir Chris’s contract. The IPO Awards do not have performance conditions attached.

•  The final tranche of the Founder Incentive Shares held by Sir Chris and Ectoplasm Limited which had a vesting date of 8 February 2020 were 
deemed to have vested in full, taking into account the notional 12-month notice period in Sir Chris’s contract. All of the Founder Incentive 
Shares are released subject to the payment of a fee of £1.80 per Founder Incentive Share. It was agreed as part of the termination discussions 
that Sir Chris and Ectoplasm will now have until 8 February 2026 to pay this fee. The Founder Incentive Shares were created in 2016 prior to 
Arix’s IPO and are a legacy arrangement for the purposes of the Directors’ remuneration policy.

•  The Board has agreed to retain the services of Sir Chris as a consultant to the Company. Until April 2019 he will continue to receive his existing 
consultancy fee of £20,000 per month. After this time he will be engaged by the Company on a lower fee of £4,166 per month (equivalent to 
£50,000 per annum).

There were no payments to past Directors in 2018.

Executive Directors’ Shareholdings and Share Interests (audited)
Executive Directors’ interests in the Company as at 31 December 2018 are shown in the table below. Only the EIP Awards (2017 and 2018) 
are subject to performance conditions. As set out in the Annual Statement from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, shareholding 
guidelines are now set at 200% of salary for all Executive Directors.

No options were exercised during the year.

Ordinary 
Shares Held
#
685,056
354,310
7,316,039
37,484

C Shares
Held
#
49,671
–
–
–

Shareholding 
as % of Base 
Salary
298%
126%
4,872%
23%

IPO 
Awards* 
(unvested)
#
241,545
362,318
295,893
163,043

2017 EIP
Awards* 
(unvested)
#
379,746
569,619
–
205,062

2018 EIP 
Awards*
(unvested)
#
298,507
373,134
–
201,492

Founder 
Options (not 
exercised)
#
1,966,699
2,403,746
–
–

Founder 
Options 
(unvested)
#
517,551
632,563
–
–

Director
Jonathan Peacock
Joe Anderson**
Sir Chris Evans***
James Rawlingson

* Awards are nil-cost options, other than for Jonathan Peacock, which are conditional share awards

**  Share position for Joe Anderson stated as at 4 September 2018, the date he stepped down from the Board. Joe Anderson holds 138,889 Ordinary Shares through 

PAL Trustees Limited, the trustee of his SIPP.

***  Sir Chris Evans holds part of his interest through Ectoplasm Limited as to 6,096,699 Ordinary Shares. Ectoplasm Limited is wholly owned by Abacus Trust 

Company Limited as Trustee of the Ectoplasm Settlement, of which the discretionary beneficiaries include C Evans and members of his close family

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arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceNon-Executive Directors’ Shareholdings (audited)
Non-Executive Directors are not subject to a shareholding requirement. Details of their interests in Ordinary Shares in the Company are set out below:

Non-Executive Director
Franz Humer
Lord Hutton*
Professor Trevor Jones
David U’Prichard*
Meghan FitzGerald
Giles Kerr
Art Pappas

Shareholding as at  
31 December
2018
74,503
27,777
37,312
38,318
35,545
35,746
–

* Note: The stated shareholdings for Lord Hutton and David U’Prichard reflect the position as at the date of their departure from the Board (31 May 2018 and 12 
September 2018 respectively).

Comparison of Overall Performance and Pay
The graph below shows the value of £100 invested in the Company’s shares since listing in February 2017 compared to the FTSE SmallCap 
index. Although Arix is not a member of the FTSE SmallCap index, the index has been chosen as a broad equity market index, the constituents of 
which include companies of a similar size and scale to Arix. 

Total Shareholder Return

S O U R C E :   D A T A S T RE A M   ( T H O M S O N   R E U T E R S )

)

D
E
S
A
B
E
R

(

)

£

(

E
U
L
A
V

120

115

110

105

100

95

90

85

80

75

70

3 1 / 1 2/ 2 0 1 6

3 0 / 0 6/ 2 0 1 7

3 1 / 1 2/ 2 0 1 7

3 0 / 0 6/ 2 0 1 8

3 1 / 1 2/ 2 0 1 8

Arix Bioscience plc

FTSE SmallCap

CEO – Historic Remuneration Information (audited)

Single Figure Total
Annual Variable against maximum opportunity
EIP vesting rates against maximum opportunity

2018
£’000

633
75%
N/A

2017
£’000

1,726
80%
N/A

2016
£’000

1,228
N/A
N/A

Note: Arix Bioscience plc was incorporated in 2015; it listed on the London Stock Exchange in February 2017; as such, only three periods of data are included above. 
No shares have yet vested under the EIP (the first awards were granted in 2017). 

Percentage Change in Remuneration of CEO (audited)
Percentage change in 2018 remuneration compared with remuneration in 2017

Base Salary
Annual Bonus
Benefits

All 
employees 
excl. CEO

12%
(2%)
0%

CEO

0%
(6%)
0%

CEO: reflects the percentage change in the single figure amounts for basic salary, annual bonus and benefits, assuming a full 12 months of service in 2018 
Employees: changes in salaries and bonuses consider all employees who completed a full year of service in each year

91

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
continued

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay

Underlying operating profit/(loss)
Dividends/share buybacks
Total company spend on remuneration

2018
£’000
40,803
–
6,537

2017
£’000
(3,589)
–
5,933

The table above shows the relative importance of total spend on pay in the 2018 and 2017 financial years compared with distributions to 
shareholders. The Company did not pay a dividend or undertake a share buyback programme in either 2018 or 2017. Underlying operating profit/
(loss) is considered the most appropriate metric given the current stage of the Group. 

Total Group spend on remuneration increased by 10% compared to the previous year.

Statement of Voting on Remuneration
The results of the voting on the Annual Report on Remuneration at the AGM held on 17 May 2018 are set out below:

Votes 
For
#

Votes 
For
%

Votes 
Against
#

To approve the Annual Report on Remuneration

50,988,886

90.12%

5,591,495

The results of the voting on the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the AGM held on 5 June 2017 are set out below:

To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy

41,408,348

88.59%

5,333,387

Votes 
For
#

Votes 
For
%

Votes 
Against
#

Votes
 Against
%

9.88%

Votes 
Against
%

11.41%

Votes
Withheld
#

4,020

Votes
Withheld
#

942

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2019 for Executive Directors
Base Salary
Salary reviews normally take place in January of each year, and take effect from February. Joe Anderson was reappointed as CEO in February 
2019 on a base salary of £500,000, the same as his CEO salary prior to his move to CIO in 2018. With effect from 1 January 2019, James 
Rawlingson’s salary was increased by 3% from £270,000 to £278,100. This increase is consistent with increases (and in some cases less than) 
across the workforce as a whole. 

Benefits and Pension
No changes are proposed to benefits or pension arrangements in 2019.

Annual Bonus
The operation of the bonus plan for 2019 will be consistent with the framework detailed in the Policy section of this report. The maximum 
opportunity for the year ending 31 December 2019 will be 100% of salary for all Executive Directors. The Remuneration Committee can require up 
to 50% of the bonus to be deferred and invested in shares. 

Proposed target levels have been set to be challenging relative to the 2019 business plan and the performance conditions comprise of a range 
of strategic measures aligned to the long-term growth of the Group. Specific targets will not be disclosed upfront because the Remuneration 
Committee consider forward looking targets to be commercially sensitive. However, the Committee intends to disclose these retrospectively in 
next year’s Remuneration Report to the extent that they do not remain commercially sensitive.

Long Term Incentive
The Executive Directors will be granted EIP awards in 2019 at a level of 200% of base salary for the CEO and 150% of base salary for the CFO. 
Reflecting performance in 2018 whilst he was Executive Chairman, Jonathan Peacock will be granted an EIP award at a level of 100% of the base 
salary he received as an Executive Director. The grants will be subject to performance targets, measured over a three-year period aligned with 
Arix’s financial years, as set out below.

Performance Measure

Compound share price growth

NAV per share growth

Weighting

60%

40%

Performance

<7% per annum
7% per annum
≥15% per annum
<7% per annum
7% per annum
≥15% per annum

% Vesting

0%
25%
100%
0%
25%
100%

Straight-line vesting will apply between the different performance points.

Any shares which vest will be subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period.

92

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCGovernanceMalus and Clawback
As set out in the Directors’ remuneration policy, the rules of the Company’s incentive schemes include malus and clawback provisions. These will 
continue to apply for 2019 bonuses and EIP awards made in 2019. The provisions apply in the following specific circumstances:

•  discovery of a material misstatement resulting in an adjustment in the audited accounts of the Group or any Group company;

• 

the assessment of any performance condition was based on error, or inaccurate or misleading information;

• 

the discovery that any information used to determine cash or share awards was based on error, or inaccurate or misleading information;

•  action or conduct of a participant which amounts to fraud or gross misconduct; 

•  corporate failure; or 

•  events or the behaviour of a participant have led to the censure of a Group company by a regulatory authority or have had a significant 

detrimental impact on the reputation of any Group company.

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2019 for Non-Executive Directors
The table below includes details of the fees to be paid to the Non-Executive Directors for 2019.

Base Fees
Non-Executive Chairman
Senior Independent Director
Non-Executive Director
Additional Fees
Audit Committee Chair
Audit Committee Member*
Remuneration Committee Chair
Remuneration Committee Member*
Nomination Committee Chair
Nomination Committee Member*

2019 
£’000

100
80
50

10
–
10
–
10
–

* With effect from 2019, no additional fees will be payable to Non-Executive Directors for serving as members of these Committees.

As previously noted, the Non-Executive Chairman will receive an EIP award in 2019 as the grant of this award is considered by the Remuneration 
Committee to be an element of his compensation in respect of 2018 when he served as an Executive Director. He will receive no further grants 
under the EIP.

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STATEMENTS

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of  
Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Company Statement of  
Financial Position 

Company Statement of  
Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Company  
Financial Statements 

Shareholder Information 

Advisers 

96

102

103

104

105

106

121

122

123

124

IBC

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
to the members of Arix Bioscience plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:

•  Arix Bioscience plc’s Group financial statements and Company 

financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair 
view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2018 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows for the 
year then ended;

• 

• 

• 

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as adopted by the European Union;

the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 
101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law); and

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual 
Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: the 
Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position as at 
31 December 2018; the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and the 
Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity for the 
year then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, which 
include a description of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit and Risk 
Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities 
for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements 
in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable 
to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit 
services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to 
the Group or the Company.

Other than those disclosed in the Note 5 to the financial statements 
and page 73 of the Report of the Audit and Risk Committee, we have 
provided no non-audit services to the Group or the Company in the 
period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018.

Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality
• 

 Overall Group materiality: £2.70 million (2017: £1.46 million), based 
on 1% of net assets.

• 

 Overall Company materiality: £2.31 million (2017: £1.45 million), 
based on 1% of net assets.

Audit Scope
• 

 We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the geographic structure 
of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the 
industry in which the Group operates.

•  We audited the Parent Company and the three significant 

subsidiaries of the Group, which together account for 127% of its 
profit before tax, and 99% of its net assets. The three significant 
subsidiaries subject to audit were Arix Bioscience Holdings Limited, 
Arix Capital Management Limited and Arthurian Life Sciences SPV 
GP Limited as they represent a significant portion of the Group 
income, profit before tax or net assets. In addition we have performed 
specified audit procedures over Arix Bioscience, Inc., which made a 
loss and is in a net liability position.

Key Audit Matters
•  Valuation of unquoted investments (Group).

•  Share-based payments expense (Group and Company).

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 
In particular, we looked at where the Directors made subjective 
judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates 
that involved making assumptions and considering future events that 
are inherently uncertain.

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, 
including fraud
Based on our understanding of the Group and its industry, we identified 
that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations 
related to the UK regulatory principles, such as those governed by 
the Financial Conduct Authority, and we considered the extent to 
which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial 
statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that 
have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements 
such as the Companies Act 2006 and the UK tax legislation. We 
evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent 
manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override 
of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to 
posting inaccurate journal entries to increase the value of assets, and 
management bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of 
the financial statements such as the valuation of investments. Audit 
procedures performed by the Group engagement team included:

•  Discussions with management, including consideration of known or 
suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations 
and fraud;

•  Understanding and evaluation of management’s controls designed 

to prevent and detect irregularities;

•  Reviewing the correspondence with regulators and legal advisers in 
so far as it related to non-compliance with laws and regulations and 
fraud;

96

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements•  Reviewing relevant meeting minutes, including those of the Board of 

Directors and the Audit and Risk Committee;

•  Designing audit procedures to incorporate unpredictability around 

the nature, timing and extent of our testing of expenses;

•  Reviewing of tax returns submitted by the Group;

•  Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management 
in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to 
valuation of investments (see related key audit matter below); and

• 

Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries 
posted with unusual account combinations or posted by senior 
management.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above 
and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is 
from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, 
the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of 
not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate 
concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, 
or through collusion.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional 
judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect 
on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and 
any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements 
as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all 
risks identified by our audit. 

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of unquoted investments

Refer to pages 108 and 109 (Accounting Policies), pages 114 and 
115 (notes) and page 72 (Report of the Audit and Risk Committee).

The fair value of the unquoted investments is £ 70.3m as at  
31 December 2018. This is an area of focus due to the fact that 
unquoted investments (‘investee entities’) do not have readily 
determinable prices. The valuation methodology primarily used by the 
Group is based on the ‘price of recent investment’ or a ‘milestone 
approach’. The price of recent investment approach refers to any 
investment in the investee entity that would give an indication of fair 
value. The milestone approach refers to monitoring the fair value 
of the investments for potential adjustments based on meeting 
certain milestones or performance targets. As such, the valuation of 
unquoted investments is judgemental, increasing the risk of material 
misstatement based on the size of the investments held in relation to 
the overall financial statements.

Arix Capital Management Limited (“ACML”) also has a direct 
investment in Wales Life Science Investment Fund (“the WLSIF”). 

The direct investment into the WLSIF is held at Fair Value and was 
valued at £4.5m at the year end. This value is derived from the 
amounts entitled to ACML from WLSIF as at 31 December 2018 
based on its Net Asset Value (“NAV”). This is an area of focus due to 
the fact that WLSIF does not have a readily determinable price and 
the underlying investments consist of unquoted securities. 

The investment in carried interest arises through ACML’s 100% 
interest in the ‘carried interest’ vehicle (Arthurian Life Sciences Carried 
Interest Partner LP) of WLSIF. Carried interest represents a share of 
the profits arising in the WLSIF. The fair value of this carried interest 
investment is determined to be nil. 

The valuation of investment in the carried interest is determined at 
the reporting date through the assistance of a management’s expert 
using a discounted cash flow model which takes into account the 
future carried interest cash flows arising from the WLSIF. The key 
assumptions used in the model include the expected ‘exit values’ 
and ‘exit dates’ for the underlying investments in the WLSIF and the 
discount rate to be applied.

As noted above, this is an area of focus due to the fact that WLSIF 
does not have a readily determinable price and the underlying 
investments consist of unquoted securities. 

We understood and evaluated the valuation methodology applied by 
reference to industry practice and applicable accounting standards, 
and tested the techniques used by management in determining the 
fair value of the investee entities.

We performed the following:

•  Agreed the price of recent investments to supporting 

documentation such as purchase agreements, funding drawdown 
request or bank statements.

•  Held meetings with management to understand the performance 
of each investee entity in relation to its plan and the rationale for 
the valuation methodology applied (including any assumptions 
being used) and then obtained supporting financial information 
and board papers from the investee entities that corroborated 
those discussions held with management and the adjustments 
made to the valuations.

For investment in WLSIF and carried interest:

•  We obtained management expert’s report, the discounted 

cash flow model for the unquoted investments and tested the 
mathematical accuracy of the model and agreed the calculation to 
the supporting documents.

•  We assessed the management expert’s qualifications and 

expertise and read their terms of engagement with the Group 
to determine whether there were any matters that might have 
affected their objectivity. We found no evidence to suggest that 
the objectivity of the management’s expert was compromised.

•  We held meetings with management to understand the 

assumptions made in determining the value of the investments in 
the WLSIF. We obtained supporting information, including board 
papers and financial projections of the investee companies and 
market comparable information to support the values.

•  We applied various sensitivities to the assumptions used by 

management in the valuation model to assess the impact that this 
would have on the overall valuation. 

We found that management’s valuation of investments including 
those relating to the investment in WLSIF and carried interest, and 
in particular that the assumptions used were supported by the audit 
evidence we obtained.

97

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial StatementsINDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
to the members of Arix Bioscience plc continued

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Share-based payments expense

Refer to page 110 (Accounting Policies), page 118 (notes) and page 
72 (Report of the Audit and Risk Committee).

The share-based payment expense is determined to be an area 
of focus given the assumptions used by management, estimates 
made, and the complexity of the Black-Scholes and the Monte Carlo 
valuation models.

These factors increase the risk of material misstatement based 
on the size of the share-based payment charges in relation to the 
financial statements. There is also a risk that due to the complexity 
of some of the incentive and share arrangements that the charge 
is not completely recognised. The share-based payment expense 
amounted to £ 3.3m for the year.

In testing the share-based payment expense, we performed the 
following testing to address the risks identified for the types of share-
based payment transaction:

•  Obtained and read the contracts for new and amended awards 
in the year and shareholder agreements to examine whether all 
share-based payments have been accounted for. We did not 
identify any material omissions.

•  Tested each of the new awards in the period by checking that 
they were appropriately authorised, consistent with scheme 
plans, classified correctly as equity or cash settled and used an 
appropriate share price.

•  Obtained the valuation models for new schemes and grants 

made in the year and tested those models by agreeing key inputs 
(service commencement date, exercise price, share amount, 
vesting period) used to the share agreements in place, and 
examining that the models were appropriate in the context of an 
industry accepted pricing model.

•  Assessed the reasonableness of the estimates in relation to 

performance conditions and/or service conditions for existing 
awards. The key assumptions in calculating the share-based 
payment expense are the share volatility of the Group, the exercise 
date for the shares, the assumed dividend yields of the Group’s 
shares, the forfeiture rates of the share options, the leaver rate and 
performance conditions.

•  Assessed whether all disclosures required by IFRSs as adopted 

by the EU had been made and appropriately reflected the scheme 
agreements and the calculations and estimates made. 

Based on our work, we found that the pricing model used to value 
the awards was in line with accepted market practice and that 
the assumptions made by management were supported by audit 
evidence we obtained.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, 
taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.

We have held a number of early planning discussions with those charged with governance and with management in order to appropriately scope 
and plan the audit.

This has allowed us to adequately capture the areas of focus for the audit. We audited the Company and three significant subsidiaries of the 
Group, which together account for 127% of its profit before tax, and 99% of its net assets. This, together with procedures performed over the 
consolidation, has provided the evidence we need for our opinion on the Group financial statements.

We also performed audit procedures on the Group consolidation adjustments and the financial statement disclosures. The three significant 
subsidiaries subject to audit were Arix Bioscience Holdings Limited, Arix Capital Management Limited and Arthurian Life Sciences SPV GP Limited 
as they represent a significant portion of the Group’s income, profit before tax or net assets. In addition to the Group audit and audit of the three 
subsidiaries, we have performed specified audit procedures over Arix Bioscience, Inc., which holds certain Group investments, which is a specific 
risk and is part of the key audit matter on valuation of unquoted investments.

98

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial StatementsMateriality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together 
with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the 
individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the 
financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

Overall materiality

£2.70 million (2017: £1.46 million).

£2.31 million (2017: £1.45 million).

How we determined it

1% of net assets.

1% of net assets.

Rationale for benchmark applied

Net assets is the primary measure used by the 
shareholders in assessing the performance of 
the Group, and is a generally accepted auditing 
benchmark for businesses such as the Group, 
which invests in other businesses for capital 
appreciation.

Net assets is the primary measure used by the 
shareholders in assessing the performance of the 
Company, and is a generally accepted auditing 
benchmark for businesses such as the Company, 
which invests in other businesses for capital 
appreciation.

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of 
materiality allocated across components was between £20,000 and £2.3m. Certain components were audited to a local statutory audit materiality 
that was also less than our overall Group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £135,000 (Group 
audit) (2017: £73,000) and £115,000 (Company audit) (2017: £72,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

Reporting obligation

Outcome

We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in respect of the Directors’ statement in the financial 
statements about whether the Directors considered it appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
financial statements and the Directors’ identification of any material 
uncertainties to the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern over a period of at least 12 months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements.

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be 
predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. For example, 
the terms on which the United Kingdom may withdraw from the 
European Union are not clear, and it is difficult to evaluate all of 
the potential implications on the Group’s and Company’s trade, 
customers, suppliers and the wider economy.

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. 
The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, 
accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to 
be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to 
conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the 
work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 
nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report, Directors’ Report and Corporate Governance Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required 
by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included. 

99

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
to the members of Arix Bioscience plc continued

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 (CA06) and ISAs (UK) 
require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report. (CA06)

Corporate Governance Report

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Corporate Governance Report (on pages 
58 to 93) about internal controls and risk management systems in relation to financial reporting processes and about share capital structures 
in compliance with rules 7.2.5 and 7.2.6 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the Financial Conduct Authority 
(“DTR”) is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in this information. (CA06)

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Corporate Governance Report (on 
pages 58 to 93) with respect to the Company’s corporate governance code and practices and about its administrative, management and 
supervisory bodies and their committees complies with rules 7.2.2, 7.2.3 and 7.2.7 of the DTR. (CA06)

We have nothing to report arising from our responsibility to report if a corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the 
Company. (CA06)

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity  
of the Group

As a result of the Directors’ voluntary reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”), we are required 
to report to you if we have anything material to add or draw attention to regarding: 

•  The Directors’ confirmation on pages 53 and 54 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks 

facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

•  The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.

•  The Directors’ explanation on page 54 of the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period 

they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, 
including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing to report in respect of this responsibility.

Other Code Provisions

As a result of the Directors’ voluntary reporting on how they have applied the Code, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  The statement given by the Directors, on page 63, that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and 
understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company obtained in the 
course of performing our audit.

•  The section of the Annual Report on pages 70 to 73 describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee does not appropriately address 

matters communicated by us to the Audit and Risk Committee.

We have nothing to report in respect of this responsibility.

Directors’ Remuneration

In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006. (CA06).

100

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial StatementsResponsibilities for the financial statements 
and the audit
Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
set out on page 63, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Directors 
are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible 
for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report 
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ 
report.

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for 
the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do 
not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or 
into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our 
prior consent in writing.

Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in 
our opinion:

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 
branches not visited by us; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are 

not made; or

• 

the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment
Following the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
we were appointed by the Directors on 9 December 2016 to audit 
the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 
and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted 
engagement is three years, covering the period ended 31 December 
2016 to 31 December 2018.

Other voluntary reporting
Going concern
The Directors have requested that we review the statement on page 54 
in relation to going concern as if the Company were a premium listed 
Company. We have nothing to report having performed our review.

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and 
of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or 
liquidity of the Group
The Directors have requested that we perform a review of the Directors’ 
statements on pages 53 and 54 that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group and in relation 
to the longer-term viability of the Group, as if the Company were a 
premium listed Company. Our review was substantially less in scope 
than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering 
the Directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the 
statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the Code; 
and considering whether the statements are consistent with the 
knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their 
environment obtained in the course of the audit. We have nothing to 
report having performed this review.

Richard McGuire (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London

28 March 2019

101

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial StatementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Change in fair value of investments

Revenue

Administrative expenses

Operating profit / (loss)

Net finance income/(expense)

Foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Share-based payment charge

Profit / (loss) before taxation

Taxation

Profit / (loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

Taxation

Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the year

Attributable to
Owners of Arix Bioscience plc

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (p)

Diluted earnings per share (p)

Note

11

3

6

7

11

18

9

9

10

10

2018
£’000

51,173

1,328

(11,698)

40,803

708

4,583

(3,333)

42,761

(5,883)

36,878

1,269

-

38,147

2017
£’000

5,544

1,857

(10,990)

(3,589)

(15)

(432)

(3,654)

(7,690)

221

(7,469)

(1,202)

59

(8,612)

38,147

(8,612)

32.1

29.7

(11.0)

(11.0)

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

102

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2018

ASSETS

Non-current assets
Investments held at fair value

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash on long-term deposit

Trade and other receivables

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Deferred tax liability

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Share capital and share premium

Retained earnings

Other reserves

TOTAL EQUITY

Note

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

11

12

13

15

15

14

16

9

17

183,981

1,770

313

186,064

31,009

60,209

2,174

93,392

71,331

2,057

523

73,911

74,938

–

1,266

76,204

279,456

150,115

(3,399)

(5,883)

(9,282)

(9,282)

(3,670)

–

(3,670)

(3,670)

270,174

146,445

188,585

82,018

(429)

105,125

42,088

(768)

270,174

146,445

270,174

146,445

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements. The financial statements on pages 102 to 123 were approved by the 
Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 28 March 2019, and were signed on its behalf by

James Rawlingson
Chief Financial Officer

103

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
As at 31 December 2018

As at 1 January 2018
Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Share Capital 
and Premium 
£'000

105,125

–

–

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs and tax

83,460

Share-based payment charge

Acquisition of own shares

Issue of own shares to employees

As at 31 December 2018

–

–

–

188,585

For the year ended 31 December 2017

Other
Equity 
£'000

Translation 
Reserve 
£'000

Retained 
Earnings 
£'000

–

–

–

–

–

(1,211)

–

(1,211)

(768)

–

1,550

–

–

–

–

42,088

36,878

(281)

–

3,333

–

–

Total
£'000

146,445

36,878

1,269

83,460

3,333

(1,211)

–

782

82,108

270,174

As at 1 January 2017
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs and tax
Share-based payment charge
As at 31 December 2017

Share
Capital and 
Premium
£'000
51
–
–
105,074
–
105,125

Other Equity
£'000
–
–
–
–
–
–

Translation
Reserve
£'000
434
–
(1,202)
–
–
(768)

Retained
Earnings
£'000
45,844
(7,469)
59
–
3,654
42,088

Total
£'000
46,329
(7,469)
(1,143)
105,074
3,654
146,445

104

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December 2018

Net cash from operating activities
Finance expenses paid

Tax paid

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of equity investments

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net cash placed on long-term deposit

Net cash from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of shares

Purchase of own shares for share schemes
Net cash from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at start of period

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Note

19

2018
£’000

(11,018)

(12)

(28)

2017
£’000

(8,768)

(16)

–

(11,058)

(8,784)

(55,228)

(50,239)

(2)

(60,209)

(115,439)

(5)

–

(50,244)

83,460

(1,211)
82,249

105,074

–
105,074

(44,248)

46,046

74,938

319

31,009

28,929

(37)

74,938

105

arixbioscience.comStock code: ARIX.LARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General Information
The principal activity of Arix Bioscience plc (the ‘Company’) and together with its subsidiaries (the ‘Arix Group’ or ‘the Group’) is to source, finance 
and develop healthcare and life science businesses globally.

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. Arix Bioscience plc was incorporated on 15 September 2015 as Perceptive Bioscience 
Investments Limited and changed its name to Arix Bioscience Limited. It subsequently re-registered as a public limited company and changed its name to 
Arix Bioscience plc. The address of its registered office is 20 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EQ. The registered number is 09777975.

2. Accounting Policies
A. Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Arix Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) applicable to companies reporting under IFRS as adopted by the 
European Union. The financial statements comply with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by  
the European Union.

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial assets which have been measured at fair value. 
The financial statements are presented in British pounds sterling, which is the functional and presentational currency of the Company, and the 
presentational currency of the Group; balances are presented in thousands of British pounds sterling unless otherwise stated.

The Arix Group has applied all standards and interpretations issued by the IASB that were effective at the period end date. The accounting policies 
set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented.

Use of judgements and estimates
In preparing these financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the Arix 
Group’s accounting policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

Significant estimates are made by the Arix Group when determining the appropriate methodology for valuing investments (see Note 2(i)) and 
share-based payments (see Note 2(o) and Note 18).

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors have considered the relationship that the Group has with The Wales Life Sciences 
Investment Fund (the “WLSIF”) and specifically as to whether the Group controls WLSIF. The Directors note that while Arix Capital Management 
Limited (a 100% subsidiary of Arix Bioscience plc), in its role as fund manager to WLSIF, and Arthurian Life Sciences SPV GP Limited (a 100% 
subsidiary of Arix Bioscience plc) in its role as general partner of the WLSIF, both exercise power over the activities of WLSIF, they do not have 
sufficient exposure to variability of returns from WLSIF to meet the definition of control and therefore acts as agents, rather than principals of 
WLSIF. Accordingly, WLSIF has not been consolidated into these financial statements.

B. Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Arix Group has control. The Arix Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has the right to,  
variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are  
fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. The acquisition 
method of accounting is used to account for business combinations by the Group.

The consolidated financial statements comprise a consolidation of the subsidiary entities listed below. This table contains the disclosures required 
by Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 for subsidiaries.

Entity
Arix Bioscience Holdings Limited
Arix Bioscience, Inc
Arix Capital Management Limited
Arthurian Life Sciences GP Limited
ALS SPV Limited
Arthurian Life Sciences SPV GP Limited
Arix Bioscience plc Employee Benefit Trust
Arthurian Life Sciences Carried Interest Partner LP Scotland
Australia
Arix Bioscience Pty Limited

Country of
Registered Address
Incorporation
England and Wales 20 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EQ
United States
250 West 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York NY 10019
England and Wales 3 Assembly Square, Britannia Quay, Cardiff, CF10 4PL
Scotland
England and Wales 20 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EQ
England and Wales 3 Assembly Square, Britannia Quay, Cardiff, CF10 4PL
Jersey

16 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DF

26 New Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RA
16 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DF
Level 27, AMP Centre, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Ownership
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

All companies are involved in the sourcing, financing and development of healthcare and life science businesses, other than Arix Capital 
Management and the Arthurian Life Sciences companies, which are engaged in fund management activity, and Arthurian Life Sciences Carried 
Interest Partner LP, which holds a financial interest in a limited partnership.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also 
eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset.

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Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence, but does not control, generally accompanied by a shareholding of between 
20% and 50% of the voting rights.

No associates are presented on the Statement of Financial Position as the Group elects to hold such investments at fair value through profit 
and loss. This treatment is permitted by IAS 28 Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures, which permits investments held by entities that are 
akin to venture capital organizations to be excluded from its measurement methodology requirements where those investments are designated, 
upon initial recognition, as at fair value through profit or loss and accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement. Changes in fair value of associates are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period in which the change 
occurs. The Group has no interests in associates through which it carries on its business.

The disclosures required by Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 for associated undertakings are included in Note 11 to the financial 
statements. Similarly, those investments which may not have qualified as Associate but fall within the wider scope of significant holdings and  
so are subject to Section 409 disclosure acts are also included in Note 11 to the financial statements.

WLSIF is considered neither a subsidiary nor an associate, as detailed in Note 2(a).

C. Adoption of new and revised standards
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been applied by the Group from 1 January 2018. The Group’s assessment of the 
impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below.

• 

• 

IFRS 9 – ‘Financial Instruments’ addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, 
introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets. The Group has determined that its investments 
are held for long periods of time, and are not held for the benefit of any contractual cash flows. On this basis, such investments are classified 
as financial assets at Fair Value in Profit and Loss under IFRS 9. This is consistent with the Group’s previous treatment under IAS39, so there 
is no change in treatment and no impact on the financial statements. The Group’s cash and receivable balances are held with the expectation 
that these will be realised by collecting the contractual cash flows associated with them. Under IFRS 9, such financial assets are held at 
Amortised Cost. This is consistent with the Group’s previous treatment under IAS 39, so there is no change in treatment and no material 
impact on the financial statements.

IFRS 15 – ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ applies to the recognition of revenue. This has replaced IAS 18, which covered 
contracts for goods and services, and IAS 11, which covered construction contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that 
revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The Group has assessed its sources of revenue, namely 
fund management fees, Non-Executive Director fees receivable, and determined that there was no change in how each revenue source is 
recognised compared to the previous treatment under IAS18; therefore there has been no impact on the financial statements. 

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations are effective for the annual period beginning on or after 1 January 2019, and have not been 
applied in preparing these financial statements.

• 

IFRS 16 – ‘Leases’ This standard replaces the current guidance in IAS 17 – ‘Leases’ and is a far-reaching change in accounting by lessees in 
particular. Under IAS 17, lessees were required to make a distinction between a finance lease (on balance sheet) and an operating lease (off 
balance sheet). IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognise a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a ‘right-of-use asset’ for virtually all 
lease contracts. IFRS 16 includes an optional exemption for certain short-term leases and leases of low-value assets; however, this exemption 
can only be applied by lessees. For lessors, the accounting remains substantially unchanged. IFRS 16 provides updated guidance on the 
definition of a lease (as well as the guidance on the combination and separation of contracts); under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a 
lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The standard 
is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The Group has carried out an assessment of the impact of the standard 
and concluded that there will be no significant impact on the financial statements. As such, the Group intends to apply a simplified transition 
approach and will not restate comparative amounts for years prior to the first application.

D. Revenue recognition
Revenue is generated from fund management fees, transaction fees and from Non-Executive Directors’ fees receivable. Fund management fees 
are earned as a percentage of fund commitments managed and are recognised in the period in which these services are provided. Transaction 
fees are typically earned as a fixed percentage of funds provided and are recognised at the point of completion of the transaction. Non-Executive 
Directors’ fees are recognised on an accruals basis.

E. Foreign currency translation
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to Group’s presentational currency (British pounds sterling) at foreign exchange rates 
ruling at the period-end date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated at an average rate for the period where this rate 
approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign 
operations are reported as an item of other comprehensive income and accumulated in the translation reserve.

F. Leases
Rents payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the lease term, even if payments are not made  
on such a basis.

G. Exceptional items
Items that are material in size and unusual in nature are disclosed separately to provide a more accurate indication of underlying performance.

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2. Accounting Policies continued
H. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes 
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets: 

Office equipment 
Fixtures and fittings   
Office furniture 
Leasehold property   

Three years
Five years
Five years
Five years

I. Financial assets
The Arix Group classifies its financial assets as either at fair value through profit or loss or amortised cost. The classification depends  
on the purpose for which the financial assets have been acquired and is determined on initial recognition.

Amortised cost are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included 
in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period. These are classified as non-current assets. 
The Arix Group’s loans and receivables comprise trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position.

Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date – the date on which the Arix Group commits to purchase or sell 
the asset. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred 
and the Arix Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Equity investments
Those investments in the Arix Group that are held with a view to the ultimate realisation of capital gains are recognised as equity investments 
within the scope of IFRS 9 and are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. This includes investments in associated 
undertakings, as per Note 11. When financial assets are recognised initially they are measured at fair value, plus, in the case of investments not 
at fair value through profit or loss, directly attributable transaction costs. They are subsequently remeasured at their fair value if a valuation event 
occurs. A valuation event may include technical measures, such as product development phases, financial events, such as further injection of 
capital, and sales events, such as product launches.

Fair value hierarchy
The Arix Group classifies financial assets using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the related fair value 
measurements. The level in the fair value hierarchy, within which a financial asset is classified, is determined on the basis of the lowest level input 
that is significant to that asset’s fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1 

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. 
The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price.

Level 2 

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined  
using valuation techniques which maximise the use of observable market data and rely as little as possible on entity-specific estimates.  
If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

Level 3 

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. This is the case  
for unlisted equity securities.

Valuation of investments
The fair value of quoted investments is based on bid prices at the period end date.

The fair value of unlisted securities is established initially at cost. Subsequently, the fair value is determined using the International Private Equity 
and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines December 2015 (‘IPEV Guidelines’). The valuation methodology primarily used by the Arix Group is the 
‘price of recent investment’, a ‘milestone analysis’ approach or the net asset value of a direct investment in a fund.

Investments made in seed, start-up and early stage companies often have no current and no short-term future earnings or positive cash flows; in 
such circumstances, it can be difficult to gauge the probability and financial impact of the success or failure of development or research activities 
and to make reliable cash flow forecasts. Consequently, the most appropriate approach to determine fair value is a methodology primarily based 
on the price of a recent investment.

Where the Arix Group considers that the unadjusted price of investment may no longer be relevant, the Group carries out an enhanced 
assessment based on milestone analysis. In applying the milestone analysis approach to investments in companies in early or development 
stages, the Group seeks to determine whether there is an indication of change in fair value.

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The following factors are considered when calculating the fair value:

•  Where the investment being valued was itself made recently, its cost will generally provide a good indication of fair value, unless there is 

objective observable evidence that the investment has since been impaired;

•  Where there has been a recent investment by a third party, the price of that investment will provide a basis of the valuation;

• 

If there is no readily ascertainable value or recent transaction, the Arix Group considers alternative IPEV Guidelines methodologies, principally 
being discounted cash flows and price-earnings multiples. In these instances, a price to earnings multiple is derived from an equivalent 
business that is considered a suitable proxy. An appropriate discount is applied to the price-earnings multiple for risks inherent to early stage 
businesses;

•  Where a fair value cannot be estimated reliably, perhaps because of a lack of either revenue or earnings, the investment is reported at carrying 
value, unless there is evidence that the investment has been impaired or there has been a ‘milestone’ event. A milestone event may include 
technical measures, such as product development phases and patent approvals, financial measures, such as cash burn rate and profitability 
expectations, and market and sales measures, such as testing phases, product launches and market introductions; indicators of impairment 
might include delayed progress, technical complications or financial difficulties; and

•  Where the equity structure in an investment involves different class rights in a sale or liquidity event, the Arix Group takes these different rights 

into account when forming a view of the fair value of its investment.

The valuation metrics used in these financial statements are discussed in Note 11.

Although the Directors use their best judgement, and cross-reference results of primary valuation models against secondary models in estimating 
the fair value of investments, there are inherent limitations in any estimation techniques. Whilst fair value estimates presented herein attempt to 
present the amount the Arix Group could realise in a current transaction, the final realisation may be different, as future events will also affect the 
current estimates of fair value. The effects of such events on the estimates of fair value, including the ultimate liquidation of investments, could be 
material to the financial statements.

This is particularly significant for the Arix Group’s interest in the carried interest vehicle of The Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund. Carried 
interest is the fund manager’s share of the fund’s profits, once investors have received a return over a specified hurdle. Underlying companies 
within the fund are at an early stage of their lives and are generally held at a value equal to cost until a milestone is reached. This makes the 
valuation of the carried interest sensitive to the assumptions used regarding the size and timing of realisations. This information is then used 
to determine the carried interest valuation, using a discounted cash flow model; further assumptions are made in this calculation, with the final 
balance being particularly sensitive to the choice of discount rate; a liquidity discount is also applied. Any ultimate gain for the Arix Group from  
this holding may be materially different from the current fair value.

From 1 January 2019, the Group will adopt the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines December 2018.

Treatment of gains and losses arising on fair value
Realised and unrealised gains and losses on financial assets at fair value through profit and loss are included in the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income in the period in which they arise.

Recognition of financial assets
Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade-date, the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. 
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and  
the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Impairment of financial assets
At the end of each reporting period the Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that its loans and other receivables are impaired. 
The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash 
flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The asset’s carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance 
account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within administrative expenses. If, in a subsequent 
period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment 
was recognised, the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within 
administrative expenses. The Group’s financial assets that are subject to IFRS 9’s new expected credit loss model are its loans and receivables, 
cash and cash equivalents and cash on long term deposit. The identified impairment loss is considered immaterial.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle 
on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The legally enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and 
must be enforceable in the normal course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Arix Group or the counterparty. 
Where these conditions are met, the net amount is reported in the Statement of Financial Position.

J. Cash and cash equivalents and Cash on long-term deposit
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, call deposits and bank overdrafts. Cash on long-term deposit comprises cash 
held on term deposit for a period of at least three months.

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2. Accounting Policies continued
K. Goodwill and intangible assets
Intangibles were acquired by the Arix Group as part of the acquisition of Arix Capital Management Limited and Arthurian Life Sciences  
SPV GP Limited.

It is the policy of the Arix Group to amortise these fair values over the period in which the Arix Group is expected to obtain economic benefit from 
the related intangible assets. The excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. 
If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the business acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income as a bargain purchase.

L. Share capital
Ordinary shares and Series C Shares are classified as equity. Equity instruments issued by the Arix Group are recorded at the proceeds received, 
net of direct issue costs.

Own shares represent shares of Arix Bioscience plc that are held by an employee share trust for the purpose of fulfilling obligations in respect 
of various employee share plans. Own shares are treated as a deduction from equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of and 
when vest are transferred from own shares to retained earnings at their weighted average cost.

M. Trade payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts 
payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer).

If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade payables are initially recognised at fair value, generally being the invoiced amount and are subsequently measured at amortised cost,  
using the effective interest method.

N. Current and deferred taxation
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, except to  
the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the 
countries where the Arix Group operates and generates taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with 
respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of 
amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying amounts in the balance sheets. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset 
or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or 
loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the Statement of Financial 
Position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities 
and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity  
or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

O. Share-based payments
The Arix Group operates an equity incentive plan and an executive share option plan in which the Group’s founders also participate. Share options 
must be measured at fair value and recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income with a corresponding increase in 
equity. The fair value of the option is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Model and is charged as an expense in the Statement 
of Comprehensive Income over the vesting period. The charge is adjusted each year to reflect the expected and actual level of vesting. Estimation 
uncertainty arises with this balance as the calculation incorporates assumptions for share price, exercise price, expected volatility (based on similar 
quoted companies), risk-free interest rate and share option term. In addition to management share options, the Group has also provided Founders 
Shares, which are classed as a share-based payment. As no service conditions are attached to these shares, the incremental accounting charges 
have been recognised immediately.

P. Financial risk management
The Arix Group is exposed to market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The senior management oversees the management of 
these risks and ensures that the financial risk taking is governed by appropriate policies and procedures and that financial risks are identified, 
measured and managed in accordance with the Arix Group’s policies and risk appetite.

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Market risk
Foreign exchange risk – the Arix Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency  
exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar and euros. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised  
assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations. The Arix Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets  
are exposed to foreign currency translation risk; at period-end the Arix Group held euro-denominated assets valued at €1.5m; Canadian  
dollar-denominated assets valued at C$2.0m; Australian dollar-denominated assets valued at A$11.6m; and US dollar-denominated assets valued 
at $200.6m. The impact of foreign exchange on these holdings is closely monitored.

Price risk – the Arix Group is exposed to equity securities price risk because investments are held at fair value through profit or loss.

The Group’s strategy is to deploy permanent capital into innovative businesses which have unique, high-impact outcomes; Arix believes that such 
businesses are less susceptible to macroeconomic cycles. The Group monitors the availability of its capital closely, ensuring sufficient balances are 
available for the continuing operation of the business throughout the period assessed in the viability statement.

Interest rate risk
Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. 
Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates.

The Arix Group’s income is substantially independent of changes in market interest rates. Interest-bearing assets include only cash and cash 
equivalents, which earn interest at variable rates. The Arix Group has a treasury policy to manage cash and cash equivalents.

Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Arix Group. The major 
classes of financial assets of the Arix Group are cash and cash equivalents (31 December 2018: £31,009k (2017: 74,938k)); cash on long-term 
deposit (£60,209k (2017: £nil)); and trade and other receivables (£2,174k (2017: £960k)).

Risk of counterparty default arising on cash and cash equivalents is controlled within a framework of dealing with high-quality institutions.

As at 31 December 2018, 100% of cash and cash equivalents and cash on long-term deposit was deposited with institutions that have a credit 
rating of at least category A+, according to Fitch ratings.

No counterparty has failed to meet its obligations over the period. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount  
of each asset. Management does not expect any significant counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.

Liquidity risk
The Arix Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash to enable it to meet its operational requirements. The following table details 
the Arix Holdings Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities based on undiscounted contractual payments:

Trade, Other Payables and Accruals (excluding non-financial liabilities)

Within one 
year 
£’000

3,399

Total 
£’000

3,399

Capital risk management
The Arix Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern, whilst also maximising the operating potential of 
the business. The capital structure of the Arix Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the Arix Group, comprising issued capital 
and retained earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The Arix Group is not subject to externally imposed 
capital requirements.

3. Revenue

Fund management fee income

Other income

2018
£’000

866

462

1,328

2017
£’000

1,695

162

1,857

The total revenue for the Arix Group has been derived from its principal activity of sourcing, financing and developing healthcare and life science 
businesses globally. All of this revenue relates to trading undertaken in the United Kingdom.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Segmental Information
Information for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of performance is reported to the Arix Group’s Chief Executive Officer, who 
is considered to be the chief operating decision maker, based wholly on the overall activities of the Arix Group. It has therefore been determined 
that the Arix Group has only one reportable segment under IFRS 8 (‘Operating Segments’), which is that of sourcing, financing and developing 
healthcare and life science businesses globally. The Arix Group’s revenue, results and assets for this one reportable segment can be determined 
by reference to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

5. Profit/loss Before Taxation

Amortisation
Depreciation

Operating leases

Auditors’ remuneration
Statutory audit services

Fees payable for the audit of the Arix Group accounts

Fees payable for the audit of the accounts of subsidiaries of the Arix Group

Non-audit services

Other assurance and advisory services

Total auditors’ remuneration

2018
£’000

(287)
(216)

(642)

135

40

195

370

2017
£’000

(287)
(218)

(598)

152

41

187

380

Non-audit services in the year relate to assurance services provided in relation to the Group’s 2018 follow-on capital raise (£150k), remuneration 
advice (£10k), the Arix Bioscience plc interim review (£29k) and an FCA Client Asset Report (£6k).

6. Administrative Expenses
The administrative expenses charge broken down by nature is as follows:

Employment costs

Recruitment costs

Consultancy fees

Research and development costs

Other expenses

7. Net Finance Income/(Expenses)

Bank interest

Bank charges

8. Employee Costs
Employee costs (including Directors) comprise:

Salary and bonus

Social security costs

Pension and benefits costs

112

2018
£’000

6,537

563

512

–

4,086

11,698

2018
£’000

720

(12)
708

2018
£’000

5,651

580

306

6,537

2017
£’000

5,933

255

999

208

3,595

10,990

2017
£’000

1

(16)
(15)

2017
£’000

5,236

541

156

5,933

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
9. Income Tax

Current year tax charge

Current tax

Deferred tax - current year

Deferred tax - effect of change in tax rates

Total tax charge/(credit)

Reconciliation of tax charge
Profit before tax

Expected tax based on 19.00% (2017: 19.25%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Adjustment in respect of previous periods

Income not taxable

Impact of rate between deferred tax and current tax

Recognition of items previously not recognised

Employee share options

Deferred tax not recognised

Total tax charge/(credit)

Recognised deferred tax provisions
Brought forward

Relating to Profit and loss

Relating to Other comprehensive income

Carried forward

Represented by:
Unutilised tax losses

ACAs

Intangibles

Employee benefits

Investments

Other timing differences

Unrecognised deferred tax provisions
Unutilised tax losses

Employee benefits

Other timing differences

2018
£’000

–

6,665

(782)

5,883

42,761

8,124

3,101

–

(2,926)
(777)

(2,646)

23

984

5,883

–

5,883

–

5,883

(2,835)

(17)

325

(373)

8,784

(1)

5,883

2017
£’000

(59)

(221)

–

(280)

(7,690)

(1,481)

378

(59)

–

(11)

–

–

893

(280)

(280)

221

59

–

(1,076)

(5)

374

(374)

1,081

–

–

(996)

(1,868)

–

–

(79)

(1)

(996)

(1,948)

Changes to the UK corporation tax rates were substantively enacted as part of Finance Bill 2015 (on 26 October 2015) and Finance Bill 2016 (on 
7 September 2016). These include reductions to the main rate to 17% from 1 April 2020. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been 
measured using these enacted tax rates and reflected in these financial statements.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax loss carry-forwards to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable 
profits is probable. The Group did not recognise deferred income tax assets of £996k in respect of losses amounting to £5,859k, which can be 
carried forward against future taxable income.

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10. Earnings per Share
On 20 March 2018, the Group issued 38,610,928 ordinary shares, following a capital raise. On 22 June 2018, the Group issued 59,225 ordinary 
shares, in relation to certain share awards. As at 31 December 2018, the Group had 134,823,243 ordinary shares in issue (31 December 2017: 
96,153,090). At the year-end date, 7,451,521 of the ordinary shares were subject to restrictions. These shares are not entitled to vote, attend 
meetings or to receive dividends or other distributions. Consequently, restricted shares have been excluded from the calculation of the weighted 
average number of shares in issue.

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of Arix Bioscience plc by the weighted average number  
of enfranchised shares (as adjusted for capital subscription in accordance with the terms of the restrictive share agreement) in issue during  
the period. The Arix Group has potentially dilutive ordinary shares, being those share options granted to employees. These have been included in 
the fully diluted earnings per share calculation.

Basic

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of Arix Bioscience plc

Weighted average number of shares in issue

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of Arix Bioscience plc
Fully diluted weighted average number of shares in issue

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

11. Investments
Equity Investments

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Transfers

Capitalisations

Unrealised gain/(loss) on investments

Foreign exchange gains

At 31 December 2018

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

38,147

(8,612)

118,787,412

78,725,677

32.1p

(11.0)p

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

38,147
128,521,402

(8,612)
78,725,677

29.7p

(11.0)p

Level 1- Quoted 
Investments 
£'000

Level 3 - Unquoted 
Investments 
£'000

2,846

22,416

29,312

–

55,154

3,955

113,683

68,485

32,812

(29,312)

234

(3,981)

2,060

70,298

Total 
£'000

71,331

55,228

–

234

51,173

6,015

183,981

Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 reflects companies which have listed during the year. Level 3 investments are valued with reference to either 
price of recent investment (£33.4m, 2017: £58.8m); net asset value (£4.5m, 2017: £5.9m); marked-based write-up (£23.8m, 2017: £nil); 
discretionary write-down (£3.2m, 2017: £nil); or by discounted cash flow (£nil, 2017: £3.8m); the latter used a discount rate of 33.5%, a discount 
for marketability (16.0%) and other assumptions relating to exit values and exit dates (see Note 2(i) for further details).

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11. Investments continued
As permitted by IAS 28 ‘Investment in Associates’ and in accordance with the Arix Group accounting policy, investments are held at fair value 
even though the Arix Group may have significant influence over the companies. Significant influence is determined to exist when the Group holds 
more than 20% of the holding or when less than 20% is held but in combination with a certain level of board representation is deemed to be able 
to exert significant influence. As at 31 December 2018, the Arix Group is deemed to have significant influence over the following entities:

Company

Country of 
Incorporation

Registered 
Address

% of Issued 
Share Capital 
Held

Net Assets/
(Liabilities) of 
Company 
£'000

Profit/(Loss) 
of Company 
£'000

Date of Financial 
Information

Depixus SAS (EUR)

France

OptiKira, LLC

USA

PreciThera, Inc

Canada

Quench Bio, Inc

USA

3-5 Impasse Reille, 75014 Paris
20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 
210, Cleveland, OH 44122
1010 Sherbrooke St West, 
Suite 408, Montreal QC
400 Technology Square, 
Cambridge, MA 02139

18.6%

1,948

(1,439)

31 December 2017

26.0%

20.9%

25.6%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A Not publicly available

N/A Not publicly available

N/A Not publicly available

In addition, at 31 December 2018, the Group held the following investments in companies where it is not considered to have  
significant influence:

Company

Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Artios Pharma Limited
Atox Bio, Inc.

Autolus Therapeutics plc

BioMotiv, LLC

Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc.

Iterum Therapeutics Limited

LogicBio Therapeutics, Inc.

Mitoconix Bio Limited

Pharmaxis Limited

VelosBio, Inc.

Verona Pharma plc

% of Issued 
Share Capital 
Held

2.9%

13.4%
3.7%

7.9%

17.8%

11.3%

12.9%

12.9%

3.4%

11.1%

8.9%

2.5%

The Arix Group has an interest in one structured entity, The Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund (registered address: Life Sciences Hub Wales, 
3 Assembly Square, Britannia Quay, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 4PL). The fund has interests in Welsh life sciences opportunities. A structured entity is an 
entity that is structured in such a way that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity. The Arix Group is 
not deemed to have control over this fund for the reasons disclosed in Note 2(a). The Group’s interest is recognised within Investments, and totals 
£4.5m at year-end (2017: £9.6m); the Group’s exposure is limited to the carrying value within Investments.

12. Intangible Assets

Brought forward
Amortisation

Year Ended 
31 December 
2018

Year Ended 
31 December 
2017

2,057
(287)

1,770

2,344
(287)

2,057

An intangible asset arose on Arix Bioscience plc’s acquisition of ALS, relating to management fees due to Arix Capital Management Limited as a 
result of managing The Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund. These fees are amortised over a nine-year period, being the expected remaining life 
of the fund at the time of acquisition.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. Property, Plant and Equipment
Year ended 31 December 2018

As at 1 January 2018
Exchange translation adjustments

Additions

Depreciation charge

At 31 December 2018

Year ended 31 December 2017

As at 1 January 2017

Exchange translation adjustments

Additions

Depreciation charge

At 31 December 2017

14. Trade and Other Receivables

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Prepayments

VAT receivable

Fixtures and 
Fittings 
£'000

Leasehold 
Improvements 
£'000

Office 
Equipment 
£'000

410

2

–

(154)

258

34

1

–

(10)

25

79

1

2

(52)

30

Fixtures and 
Fittings 
£'000

Leasehold 
Improvements 
£'000

Office 
Equipment 
£'000

577

(10)

–

(157)

410

44

(1)

–

(9)

34

129

(3)

5

(52)

79

Total 
£'000

523

4

2

(216)

313

Total 
£'000

750

(14)

5

(218)

523

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

1,734

–

359

81

2,174

275

571

306

114

1,266

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each asset class listed above. The Arix Group does not hold  
any collateral as security.

15. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash on Long-Term Deposit

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash on long-term deposit

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and cash on long-term deposit approximates to its fair value.

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

31,009

60,209

74,938

–

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16. Trade and Other Payables
The carrying values of trade and other payables approximates their fair value.

Trade payables

Accruals and other payables

Current tax liabilities

17. Share Capital

Allotted and called up

134,823,243 ordinary shares of £0.00001 each (2017: 96,153,090 shares)

49,671 Series C shares of £1 each

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

228

3,171

–
3,399

544

3,098

28
3,670

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

1

50

1

50

On 20 March 2018, the Group issued 38,610,928 ordinary shares, following a capital raise. The shares were issued at a price of £2.25 per share, 
raising gross proceeds of £86.9m. On 22 June 2018, the Group issued 59,225 ordinary shares, in relation to certain share awards. These shares 
were issued at par. As at 31 December 2018, the Group had 134,823,243 ordinary shares in issue (31 December 2017: 96,153,090).

At the year-end date, 7,451,521 of the ordinary shares were subject to restrictions. These shares are not entitled to vote, attend meetings or to 
receive dividends or other distributions. Consequently, restricted shares have been excluded from the calculation of the weighted average number 
of shares in issue. There are no Treasury Shares in issue.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18. Share Options
During 2018, share-based payment expenses have been recognised relating to a range of share schemes operated by the Arix Group.

Executive Share Option Plan
Arix Group operates an Executive Share Option Plan, in which two Directors participate. Options were granted on 8 February 2016 with an 
exercise price of £1.80 per ordinary share. The number of ordinary shares subject to the options totals 5,520,559. The options vest in four equal 
proportions on 8 February of 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The options may not be exercised after the tenth anniversary of the grant date and 
it will lapse on that date if it has not lapsed or been exercised in full before then. All options vest at the end of the vesting period relating to that 
option or on the occurrence of a contingent event; these include a change of control or cessation of employment in accordance with “good 
leaver” provisions.

No options have been exercised to date. In the year ended 31 December 2018, a share-based payment charge of £582k (2017: £985k) was 
recognised in relation to the Executive Share Option Plan, calculated using the Black–Scholes model. Assumptions used in the model relating  
to the risk free interest rate and expected volatility were unchanged from those used in the prior period.

Restricted shares with identical terms, including a £1.80 price for the lifting of restrictions, were offered to the founders of the Company, totalling 
5,080,582 shares. In the year ended 31 December 2018, a share-based payment charge of £348k (2017: £606k) was recognised in relation to 
these Founder Incentive Shares, calculated using the Black–Scholes model. Assumptions used in the model relating to the risk free interest rate 
and expected volatility were unchanged from those used in the prior period.

Executive Incentive Plan
Arix Group operates an Executive Incentive Plan for Executive Directors and certain employees of the Company.

IPO Award
In February 2017, the Executive Directors and certain employees were awarded one-off nil cost options or conditional awards in recognition  
of their contribution to the Company’s initial public offering. The options were granted on 22 February 2017; all options vest after two years,  
on 22 February 2019. Options are conditional upon remaining in employment with the Arix Group during the vesting period. In the year ended  
31 December 2018, a share-based payment charge of £1,470k (2017: £1,261k) was recognised in relation to the IPO Awards. The charge was 
calculated as the total number of options granted, at the IPO share price of £2.07, recognised across the two-year vesting period.

Employee Share Plan
In May 2017, the Executive Directors and certain employees were awarded options or conditional awards which, in case of options will become 
exercisable and in the case of the conditional share awards, will vest on the third anniversary of their grant, on 26 May 2020, subject to 
performance criteria. This requires the share price to have grown by a set percentage over the assessment period, with the quantum of shares 
vesting dependent on the level of share price growth. In the year ended 31 December 2018, a share-based payment charge of £430k (2017: 
£259k) was recognised in relation to the Employee Share Plan.

In May 2018, the Executive Directors and certain employees were awarded options or conditional awards which, in case of options, will become 
exercisable and, in the case of the conditional share awards, will vest on the third anniversary of their grant, on 17 May 2021, subject to 
performance criteria. This requires the share price to have grown by a set percentage over the assessment period, with the quantum of shares 
vesting dependent on the level of share price growth. In the year ended 31 December 2018, a share-based payment charge of £427k (2017: £nil) 
was recognised in relation to the Employee Share Plan. The charge was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following 
assumptions:

Share price at grant
Risk free interest rate
Time to vesting
Expected volatility

£2.09
0.93%
3 years
37%

Non-Executive Director Awards
Pursuant to their respective letters of appointment, the Non-Executive Directors agreed that 50% of their fees will be satisfied by the issue of 
ordinary shares. Shares were awarded in June 2018 for the year to 30 June 2018; as such, a share-based payment charge of £75k (2017: £73k) 
has been recognised in the year. It has been determined that from 1 July 2018 Non-Executive Directors will no longer receive ordinary shares in 
satisfaction of their fees.

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Profit/(loss) before income tax

Adjustments for:

Change in fair value of investments

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses

Share-based payment charge

Depreciation and amortisation

Finance income

Changes in working capital

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Decrease in trade and other payables

Cash used in operations

20. Financial Commitments
Operating Leases
At 31 December 2018, operating leases represent short-term leases for office space.

Future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lease agreements are as follows:

No later than one year

Later than one year but no later than five years

Later than five years

Year Ended
31 December
2018
£’000

Year Ended
31 December 
2017
£’000

42,761

(7,690)

(51,173)

(4,583)

3,333

503

(708)

(908)

(243)

(11,018)

(5,544)

432

3,654

506

(1)

1,996

(2,121)

(8,768)

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

681

865

–

1,546

637

1,492

–

2,129

The Group also has amounts committed to portfolio companies but not yet invested; at 31 December 2018 these totalled £21.0m (2017: 
£28.6m).

21. Financial Instruments
Financial Assets
The Arix Group has other receivables and cash that derive directly from its operations. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are 
measured as either Level 1 or Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 2i and disclosed in Note 11.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Equity investments

Loans and receivables

Other receivables (excluding prepayments)

Long-term cash on deposit

Cash and cash equivalents

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

183,981

71,331

1,734

60,209

31,009

846

–

74,938

The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings (if available) or 
to historical information about counterparty default rates. The Arix Group’s cash and cash equivalents are deposited with A+ rated institutions. 
Investments and other receivables do not have a credit rating. However, the Group does not believe these to be past due nor impaired.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21. Financial Instruments continued
Financial Liabilities
The Arix Group’s principal financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables. The primary purpose of these financial liabilities is to finance  
the operations.

Trade, other payables and accruals (excluding non-financial liabilities)

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

3,399

3,670

22. Guarantees
The Company has provided a rent deposit guarantee in respect of its US office for an amount of $261,657, (£205,474), unchanged from 2017.

23. Related Party Transactions
Consultancy fees plus expenses amounting to £544,336 (inclusive of VAT) (2017: £520,165) were payable to Merlin Scientific LLP during the 
period, a partnership controlled by Sir Chris Evans, a Director and substantial shareholder of the Company. At 31 December 2018, £nil (inclusive 
of VAT) (2017: £841) was owed to Merlin Scientific LLP by the Company. 

Key management comprises solely the Directors of the Arix Group, the emoluments of which are disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

24. Events After the Reporting Date
On 8 February 2019, Arix portfolio company Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market following the 
completion of its Initial Public Offering (IPO), priced at US$14 per share. This resulted in an increase in the value of Arix’s existing holding in 
Harpoon to £26.7m; a £2.8m uplift to the 31 December 2018 value of £23.9m. Additionally, Arix has agreed to invest £4.6m (US$6.0m) in the IPO 
(amounting to 2,892,119 shares of common stock), giving a total new valuation of £31.3m and a new ownership stake in Harpoon of 12.1%.

On 27 February 2019, a further $4.2m (£3.2m) was invested in Atox Bio, Inc. The Arix Group’s fully diluted shareholding in the company now 
stands at 6.4%.

On 15 March 2019, Arix completed its investment in Imara, Inc. Arix committed £11.3m (US$15.0m) for a 9.9% stake on a fully diluted basis. To 
date, Arix has invested £7.9m, and currently holds an 8.1% stake (fully diluted).

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COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2018

ASSETS

Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash on long-term deposit

Trade and other receivables

Deferred tax asset

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Share capital and share premium

Loss for the period

Other components of retained earnings

Other reserves

TOTAL EQUITY

Note

2018
£’000

2017
£’000

2
4

3

3

891
139,849

140,740

30,587

60,209

261

373

891
77,221

78,112

72,574

–

423

–

91,430

72,997

232,170

151,109

(728)

(728)

(1,468)

(1,468)

(728)

(1,468)

231,442

149,641

188,585

105,125

(3,782)

47,850

(1,211)

(6,989)

51,505

–

231,442

149,641

231,442

149,641

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Retained 
Earnings 
£'000

44,516

(3,782)

–
3,334

–

–

Total
£'000

149,641

(3,782)

83,460
3,334

(1,211)

–

44,068

231,442

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

Other 
Reserves 
£'000

–

–

–

–

–

–

Retained 
Earnings 
£'000

47,851

(6,989)

–

–

3,654

44,516

Total
£'000

47,851

(6,989)

–

105,074

3,654

149,641

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
As at 31 December 2018

Share Capital 
and Premium 
£'000

Other
Equity 
£'000

Other 
Reserves 
£'000

As at 1 January 2018
Loss for the period

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs and tax
Share-based payment charge

Acquisition of own shares

Issue of own shares to employees

As at 31 December 2018

As at 1 January 2017

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs and tax

Share-based payment charge

As at 31 December 2017

105,125

–

83,460
–

–

–

188,585

Share Capital 
and Premium 
£'000

51

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

(1,211)

–

(1,211)

Other
Equity 
£'000

–

–

–

105,074

–

51

105,074

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting Policies
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (‘FRS 101’). 
The amendments to FRS 101 (2014/15 Cycle) issued in July 2015 have been applied.

In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘Adopted IFRSs’), but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with the Companies 
Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken.

Under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own profit and loss account.

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following disclosures:  
a Statement of Cash Flows and related notes; disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries; disclosures in respect of 
capital management; the effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs; and disclosures of transactions with a management entity that provides key 
management personnel services to the Company.

As the consolidated financial statements include the equivalent disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions under FRS 101 available 
in respect of the following disclosures: IFRS 2 Share Based Payments; certain disclosures required by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement; and the 
disclosures required by IFRS 7 Financial Instrument Disclosures.

The Company proposes to continue to adopt the reduced disclosure framework of FRS 101 in its next financial statements. The accounting policies set 
out below have been applied consistently. Where relevant, the accounting policies of the Arix Group have been applied to the Company.

Investments in Subsidiary Undertakings
Unlisted investments are held at cost less any provision for impairment.

Amounts Due from Subsidiary Undertakings
All amounts due from subsidiary undertakings are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Amounts 
provided to subsidiaries are intended for use on a continuing basis in the Company’s activities, with no intention of their settlement in the 
foreseeable future; as such, they are presented as fixed assets.

2. Investments in Subsidiary Undertakings

Opening balance

Additions

Impairments

Disposals

At 31 December

The Company’s subsidiary undertakings are detailed in Note 2(b) to the Group financial statements.

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash on Long-Term Deposit

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash on long-term deposit

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and cash on long-term deposit approximates to its fair value.

4. Amounts Due from Subsidiary Undertakings

Opening balance

Additions during the period

Repayments during the period

At 31 December

2018
£’000

891

–

–

–

2017
£’000

891

–

–

–

891

891

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

30,587

60,209

72,574

–

As at
31 December
2018
£’000

As at
31 December 
2017
£’000

77,221

62,628

–

139,849

16,357

60,864

–

77,221

The amounts due from subsidiary undertakings are interest free, repayable on demand and unsecured. Arix Bioscience plc currently has no 
intention to request repayment of any amounts due. Subsidiaries with cash liquidity will support other subsidiaries in meeting cash requirements in 
the event that the repayment of any loan is requested.

123

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Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report has been prepared for, and only for, the members 
of Arix Bioscience plc (‘the Company’) as a body, and for no other 
persons. The Company, its Directors, employees, agents or advisers 
do not accept or assume responsibility to any other person to whom 
this document is shown or into whose hands it may come and any 
such responsibility or liability is expressly disclaimed.

By their nature, the statements concerning the risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group in this Annual Report involve uncertainty since future 
events and circumstances can cause results and developments to 
differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements 
reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation 
of this Annual Report and the Company undertakes no obligation 
to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this Annual 
Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Warning about unsolicited approaches to 
shareholders and ‘boiler room’ scams
In recent years, many companies have become aware that their 
shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence 
concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas-
based ‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what 
often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in UK investments. 
These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’.

These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and persuasive. Arix Bioscience 
plc shareholders are advised to be extremely wary of such approaches 
and are advised to only deal with firms authorised by the FCA. You 
can check whether an enquirer is properly authorised and report scam 
approaches by contacting the FCA on www.fca.org.uk/scams (where 
you can also review the latest scams) or by calling the FCA Consumer 
Helpline: 0800 111 6768.

If you have already paid money to share fraudsters then contact Action 
Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Registrar
The Company’s register of shareholders is maintained by our Registrar, 
Equiniti Limited. All enquiries regarding shareholder administration, 
including lost share certificates or changes of address, should be 
communicated in writing or by calling 0371 384 2030 for callers 
from the UK (lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays, 
excluding Bank Holidays in England and Wales) or +44 (0)121 415 
7047 for callers from outside the UK.

Shareholders can also view and manage their shareholdings online  
by registering at www.shareview.co.uk/myportfolio.

124

arixbioscience.comAnnual Report and Financial Statements 2018ARIX BIOSCIENCE PLCFinancial StatementsADVISERS

Directors, Secretary, Registered Office

Directors
Jonathan Peacock
Joe Anderson, PhD
James Rawlingson
Franz Humer
Professor Trevor Jones CBE
Meghan FitzGerald
Giles Kerr

Company Secretary
Robert Lyne

Registered Office
20 Berkeley Square
London
W1J 6EQ
United Kingdom

Company Number
09777975

Legal advisers
Brown Rudnick LLP
8 Clifford Street
London
W1S 2LQ
United Kingdom

One Financial Center
Boston
MA 02111
United States

Independent Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
7 More London Riverside
London
SE1 2RT
United Kingdom

Registrar
Equiniti Limited 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA
United Kingdom

20 Berkeley Square 
London W1J 6EQ 
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7290 1050

info@arixbioscience.com