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Biofrontera AG

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Employees 51-200
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FY2021 Annual Report · Biofrontera AG
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Deep in dermatology

Biofrontera AG
 Annual Report 2021

Content 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021

Key figures 2021

Letter to shareholders

Report of the supervisory board of Biofrontera AG for the 
2021 financial year

Corporate Governance Statement of Biofrontera AG pursuant 
to Sections 289f, 315d HGB for the financial year 2021

Highlights 2021

Key figures in accordance with IFRS 

Combined management report for parent company and Group 
as of 31 December 2021

Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 
fiscal year 2021

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the fiscal 
year 2021

Consolidated cash flow statement for the fiscal year 2021

Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of 
December 31, 2021

Responsibility statement

Auditor‘s Report

page I

page II

page IV

page XI

page XII 

page XII

page 1

page 46

page 48

page 49

page 50

page 51

page 91

page 92

Key figures 2021

Results and development 2021

Sales revenues

EUR 28.8 million

Loss from 
operations

Loss before 
income tax

compared to EUR 30.4 million in 2020

EUR -35.3 million

compared to EUR -7.6 million in 2020

EUR 35.7 million

compared  to EUR -12.7 million in 2020

Non-finacial key performance indicators

Employees

167

149

60%

63%

40%

37%

2021

2020

2021

2020

2019

2020

Percentage of women at management level 

2021

70

2020

55%

54%

Expenses for training and education 
per employee

2021

2020

238

202

Quality management 

Standard operating procedures  

2021

70

2020

683

591

Trainings and audits/inspections 

External 
trainings

SOPs

47

19

Audits/
inspections

8

9

Internal  
inspections

103

70

2021

2020

 
Since March, I have been a part of the highly committed team at Biofrontera that 
is contributing their hearts and minds to make your company an even greater 
success story. I have been appointed to the Board of Directors in a  company 
that aims to improve the skin health of so many patients and that has launched 
a fantastic product that has the potential to become the global standard of care 
and market leader in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer.  

With a capital raise successfully completed at the beginning of 2021, Biofrontera 
AG had a solid financial base on which I was able to build my activities as Chief 
Financial Officer when I started my position.  Also the negative effects of the 
pandemic became smaller so that Biofrontera was able to recover sales to pre-
pandemic levels.  

At  the  same  time,  it  became  evident  that  the  pharmaceutical  market  is 
becoming an increasingly highly regulated market segment, and that development times and regulatory procedures are becoming 
more and more difficult to predict.  Furthermore, significant capacities were tied up in non-operating activities, such as the ongoing 
litigations, which limited our capabilities to focus our resources in further growth activities to an extent.  

As soon as we noticed a clear growth momentum in the USA in the middle of the year, it we took the opportunity to position our 
company in such a way to allow us to be able to grow even more aggressively in our largest sales market in the future. The IPO of 
Biofrontera Inc. was key and the listing on Nasdaq, as one of the most liquid stock exchanges for a US company, was the right place 
to do so. The successful IPO and the private placement shortly thereafter have shown that this step was the appropriate way to go 
to be able to develop both companies, Biofrontera Inc. as well as Biofrontera AG, in a rapid and sustainable fashion.  

Biofrontera Inc. now has a solid financial base so that it can continue to invest massively in the growth of its commercial activities, 
both by an expansion of the sales activities as well as by significantly higher marketing investments. The clear and predetermined 
clinical development schedule will support its market expansion in the mid-term by expanding the therapeutic indications.  

We were already able to start the clinical program in the reporting period accordingly, such that three clinical studies are currently 
ongoing in parallel. For a rather small biopharmaceutical company, this is a remarkable success. The label extension of the existing 
US approval to include moderate to severe acne also represents a unique milestone for Biofrontera, as this is a completely new 
therapeutic area. The highly positive feedback from US-dermatologists shows us that Ameluz®-PDT has great potential as a novel 
treatment approach. 

Having focused management attention strongly on developing the US market in recent years, Biofrontera AG will now concentrate 
entirely on the European market. PDT is still underrepresented in the overall market for Actinic Keratosis treatments. However, with 
daylight therapy, we have a therapeutic solution to offer this highly effective therapy with the associated reimbursement to an even 
larger patient population. Ameluz® is the product of choice for actinic keratosis. The efficacy, the preventive nature of the treatment 
and the  excellent medical and cosmetic therapeutic results clearly speak for themselves. We are therefore  aiming for dynamic 
development in the European market as well. 

II 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recently, the stock market seemed to have focused exclusively on potential risks for the Biofrontera Group, unfortunately. The 
positive sales development in the 2021 financial year, however, was apparently almost completely ignored, as was the future sales 
potential offered by the expansion of the market share of Ameluz® in Germany and  

the  other  European  markets  it  seems.  In  addition,  we  have  achieved  substantial  savings  on  the  cost  side  as  a  result  of  the 
restructuring, primarily through the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. and are, thus, even better positioned to focus on the EU market and 
additional markets.  

On the other hand, Biofrontera Inc. can expand its market through significantly higher investments, which were only made possible 
by the capital raises, from which Biofrontera AG will in turn benefit directly through increasing licensing income.  

As a result of the changes brought about in this 2021 financial year, we feel very well positioned to take advantage of the further 
opportunities resulting from these changes for Biofrontera AG. I would like to thank our former as well as our current Supervisory 
Board for the professional and constructive cooperation, our employees in the Group for their passion and daily commitment, and 
you, our shareholders, for your trust and support.  

We at Biofrontera AG look forward to an exciting 2022 and beyond. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

III 

 
 
 
 
Report of the Supervisory Board of Biofrontera AG for the financial 

year 2021 

Dear shareholders, 

With the year 2021, another year of business has passed which again was significantly influenced by the COVID 19 pandemic. We 
succeeded  in  further  overcoming  the  pandemic-related  restrictions.  Revenues  from  product  sales  developed  very  positively, 
increasing by around 20%  overall compared to the previous year. All regional  markets contributed to this sales growth, which 
amounted to around 22% in the USA and around 17% in the European countries (including Germany). 
Further progress was also made in the areas of regulatory approval and clinical development. In particular, we received approval 
for the new BF-RhodoLED® XL red light source for photodynamic therapy (PDT) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
The new PDT lamp can be used to illuminate larger areas, enabling the simultaneous treatment of multiple, distant areas of skin. And 
we also made further progress in the studies for broader label and applications for Ameluz®. 

We would like to thank the employees of the Biofrontera Group for their contribution, which increased the value of Biofrontera AG. 

It is worth to mention that the material litigation with DUSA was settled, however associated with substantial settlement payments 
of $22.5 million and EUR 8.5 million in legal fees. The settlement payments will be paid by Biofrontera Inc. and will be shared in half 
by Biofrontera AG internally. The settlement served to end the risks associated with the litigation and the tie up of internal resources 
with this matter. 

By far the most significant development in 2021 was the restructuring of Biofrontera AG through the independence of the previously 
wholly owned subsidiary Biofrontera Inc., its IPO and the loss of majority stake in Biofrontera Inc. through the shares issued in the 
IPO, a further placement of shares in Biofrontera Inc. and the exercise of options on shares in Biofrontera Inc. issued in the share 
placements. Biofrontera AG's stake in Biofrontera Inc. was below 50% at the end of 2021. 

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Biofrontera AG, Biofrontera Inc. has built up its sales organization in the USA over the past 5 years 
at a cost of approximately $50 million, with the corresponding start-up costs borne by the Biofrontera Group. In addition, Biofrontera 
Inc. acquired from Maruho Co, Ltd, the second largest shareholder of Biofrontera AG, its subsidiary Cutanea with its products Xepi® 
and Aktipak® in 2019. 
In 2018, the listing of Biofrontera AG shares in the form of ADS on NASDAQ took place. After the introduction of Biofrontera Inc. 
shares in 2021, the NASDAQ listing of Biofrontera AG has become redundant, it is confusing for investors when two companies list 
Biofrontera on NASDAQ. For this reason, the Management Board and Supervisory Board have decided to terminate the NASDAQ listing 
in the first quarter of 2022.  

This will also lead to significant cost savings in the future, as not only a major reporting requirement according to NASDAQ rules and 
the NASDAQ fees will be eliminated, but also the insurance fees for the D&O insurances can be reduced quite significantly. In 2021, 
Biofrontera AG alone paid an annual premium of almost EUR 1.5 million for its D&O insurance, and Biofrontera Inc. also paid an annual 
premium of approximately EUR 1.8 million for its own D&O insurance as part of the IPO. 

The  extensive  reduction  of  these  costs  by  almost  10%  of  consolidated  sales  in  the  current  and  next  financial  year  will  bring 
Biofrontera AG significantly closer to break-even.  
We wish our former fully consolidated subsidiary Biofrontera Inc. great success in the commercialization of Ameluz® in the USA, in 
which Biofrontera AG would also participate through the agreements concluded with Biofrontera Inc. 

Supervision and advice 

The Supervisory Board fulfilled the duties assigned to it by law, the Articles of Association, the German Corporate Governance Code 
(the Code) and the Rules of Procedure. The Supervisory Board's activities included monitoring and advising the Executive Board on 

IV 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

the  management  of  the  Company  and  the  Group.  In  the  reporting  year,  the  Supervisory  Board  monitored  the  activities  of  the 
Executive Board and discussed forward-looking business decisions and plans with it.  
The Executive Board submitted reports to the Supervisory Board on the situation of the Company. The Supervisory Board was kept 
continuously  informed  by  the  Executive  Board,  both  in  meetings  and  outside  meetings,  about  the  current  development  of  the 
Company. On the basis of written and oral reports by the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board discussed the development of 
business and the situation of the Company in its meetings. In addition, there was an exchange of information and ideas between the 
Chairman of the Executive Board and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board was involved in decisions of 
fundamental importance to the Company in particular.  
In the case of management decisions, the Supervisory Board also monitored in particular their legality, regularity and suitability as 
well as their economic efficiency. Deviations in the course of business from plans were explained to the Supervisory Board by the 
Executive Board and discussed with it. The extent to which the resolutions, suggestions and recommendations of the Supervisory 
Board were subsequently taken into account or implemented by the Executive Board in the management of the company was also 
reviewed.  
Where  the  approval  of  the  Supervisory  Board  was  required  for  decisions  by  the  Board  of  Management  or  where  the  Board  of 
Management requested approval for certain transactions, the Supervisory Board was provided in advance with information and 
documents relevant to the decision. A resolution on the approval was then passed after discussion. 

Meetings and their main topics of discussion 

In performing its duties, the Supervisory Board held eight meetings in the reporting year. With the exception of the Supervisory 
Board meeting on November 4, 2021, all meetings were held by telephone or video conference due to the COVID 19 pandemic to 
protect health, but also due to travel restrictions. In addition, it made decisions outside of meetings. 

At the meeting on March 1, 2021, the Executive Board reported on the current business situation. In particular, the Executive Board 
explained the effects of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, which had continued to have an adverse impact since the beginning of the 
fiscal year. In addition, the Executive Board reported on the successful implementation of the capital increase resolved by the Annual 
General Meeting on May 28, 2020. 

At the meeting on March 18/19, 2021, the Executive Board reported on the current business development, in particular on the sales 
and earnings development and the liquidity situation and provided an updated outlook. In  addition, the future financing of the 
Biofrontera Group was discussed. At the meeting on April 12, 2021, the auditor reported on the timing, structure and results of the 
audit for the 2020 financial year. After discussion with the Supervisory Board, Biofrontera AG had already communicated that in the 
future possibilities of raising capital at the regional level of subsidiaries could also be examined, considerations were made with 
regard to an initial public offering (IPO) of Biofrontera Inc. in the USA. The Supervisory Board therefore requested the Management 
Board to provide further information in this regard. The conclusion of a D&O insurance policy was also discussed.  

At the meeting on April 12, 2021, the auditor reported on the timing, structure and results of the audit for the 2020 financial year. 
After discussing the 2020 annual financial statements, the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report, 
the Supervisory Board approved the auditor's reports, raised no objections following the final results of its own review, and approved 
the annual and consolidated financial statements. It thus followed the recommendation of its Audit Committee, which had previously 
held a meeting on April 12, 2021 in the presence of the auditor and discussed the 2020 annual financial statements, the consolidated 
financial  statements  and  the  combined  management  report,  as  well  as  the  audit  reports.  The  annual  financial  statements  of 
Biofrontera Aktiengesellschaft for the 2020 financial year were thus approved. The target achievement of the Management Board 
members with regard to the variable remuneration for the 2020 financial year was discussed. Subsequently, the Management Board 
gave  an  overview  of  the  current  business  development  and  the  intended  succession  planning  for  the  Management  Board  was 
discussed. 
At the meeting on July 6, 2021, the Supervisory Board again discussed a possible IPO of Biofrontera Inc. In particular, the legal aspects 
of whether an S-1 filing in this context was a measure requiring the approval of the Annual General Meeting were discussed, which 
was rejected on the basis of two expert opinions obtained. The Supervisory Board decided that an IPO of Biofrontera Inc. should be 
pursued. In addition, the future management structure of Biofrontera Inc. was discussed and resolved.  

In the meeting on November 4, 2021, the Management Board reported on the successful IPO together with the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. 
The Management Board reported on the current business development, in particular on the development of sales and earnings and 
the liquidity situation, as well as on the status and progress of ongoing development projects. In addition, the budget for 2022 was 
discussed. In addition, the Supervisory Board focused on preparations for the Annual General Meeting and the status of legal disputes 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

V 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and their possible settlement. At the meeting, the Supervisory Board also addressed the efficiency of its activities (efficiency review), 
without consulting an external advisor. In particular, it discussed fundamental issues of cooperation, the frequency of meetings, 
communication, the nature and scope of reporting to the Supervisory Board, as well as the existing control instruments and the 
possible need for adjustments. Overall, the Supervisory Board came to the conclusion that the cooperation adequately reflects the 
tasks of the Supervisory Board and the needs of the Company.  

At  the  meeting  on  November  26,  2021,  the  Executive  Board  reported  on  a  possible  settlement  of  the  legal  disputes  with  DUSA 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Supervisory Board approved a settlement amount of USD 22.5 million. Furthermore, the allocation of 
the expected settlement amount and further costs between Biofrontera Inc. and Biofrontera AG was resolved.  

At the meeting on December 14, 2021, the Supervisory Board constituted itself following its re-election by the Annual General Meeting 
of the same date and elected Mr. Wilhelm K.T. Zours as its Chairman and Dr. Jörgen Tielmann as Deputy Chairman. In addition, the 
Executive Board gave the newly elected members an initial overview of the current situation of the Company.  

At the meeting on December 21, 2021, the Supervisory Board discussed the 2022 budget with the Executive Board. In this context, the 
Executive Board and Supervisory Board discussed in detail the issue of the financial situation and possible risk factors in this respect. 
In addition, the Supervisory Board also discussed potential candidates for expansion of the Executive Board on the basis of the 
preliminary work of the members who left the Supervisory Board on December 14, 2021. 

Activities outside meetings 

Outside of meetings, the Supervisory Board circulated resolutions concerning, among other things, the initial public offering and IPO 
of Biofrontera Inc., the settlement agreement with DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the termination of legal disputes in mediation 
with Mr. Zours and Deutsche Balaton AG and other companies in which Mr. Zours holds a majority interest. 

Committees of the Supervisory Board 

In fiscal year 2021 (until December 14, 2021) there was an Audit Committee, a Nominations Committee and a Personnel Committee. 
The Supervisory Board appointed one Supervisory Board member to chair each committee. According to the Rules of Procedure of 
the Supervisory Board, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board should also be Chairman of the committees that handle Executive 
Board contracts and prepare the Supervisory Board meetings. He should not chair the Audit Committee. These requirements were 
taken into account in the appointments. The committee chairmen report to the Supervisory Board on the work of the committees. 
The Supervisory Board newly elected on December 14, 2021 formed the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee in fiscal year 
2021.  

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee addresses in particular accounting and risk management issues, the necessary independence of the auditor 
and the granting of the audit mandate to the auditor and monitors the audit of the Company's annual financial statements. In the 
case  of  companies  within  the  meaning  of  Section  264d  of  the  German  Commercial  Code,  i.e.  also  in  the  case  of  Biofrontera 
Aktiengesellschaft, the proposal of the Supervisory Board for the election of the auditor shall be based on the recommendation of 
the Audit Committee. In the case of companies that are public interest entities pursuant to Section 316a sentence 2 of the German 
Commercial Code, at least one member of the Supervisory Board must also have expertise in the areas of accounting and at least 
one other member of the Supervisory Board must have expertise in the area of auditing. These requirements must also be met by 
two members of the Audit Committee. The committee met six times in the reporting year, namely with the auditors in preparation 
for the Supervisory Board's financial statements meeting on April 12, 2021, and subsequently on May 10, June 22, August 19, 2021, 
November 15, 2021 and December 21, 2021. 
The Audit Committee comprised the following members in the reporting year to December 14, 2021: Mr. Jürgen Baumann, Mr. John 
Borer and Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel. Prof. Dr. Ruhwedel was Chair of the Audit Committee. 
Since December 14, 2022, the members of the Audit Committee have been: Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel (Chair), Dr. Helge Lubenow and 
Mr.  Karlheinz  Schmelig.  Prof.  Dr. Franca  Ruhwedel  resigned  from  the  Supervisory  Board  effective  February  22, 2022. Dr.  Jörgen 
Tielmann replaced her as a member of the Audit Committee. Karlheinz Schmelig has taken over as Chairman of the Audit Committee.  

VI 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personnel Committee 

The Personnel Committee prepares Supervisory Board decisions on the appointment and dismissal of Executive Board members. As 
the Supervisory Board as a whole is also responsible for compensation decisions, the Personnel Committee also acts exclusively in 
a  consultative  role  in this  respect.  In  the  reporting  year,  the  committee  dealt  in particular  with the  target  achievement  of  the 
Executive Board members in 2020, the resignation of Mr. Schaffer and Prof. Dr. Lübbert, and the appointment of Mr. Lutter to the 
Executive Board. At the Supervisory Board meeting on April 12, 2021, target achievement and succession planning were discussed 
with  the  full  Supervisory  Board  following  internal  preliminary  consultation.  Succession  planning  for  the  Executive  Board  was 
subsequently discussed with the  Supervisory Board after internal preparation on July 6, 2021, November 4, 2021. The Personnel 
Committee and Supervisory Board elected until December 14, 2021 identified further potential Executive Board candidates with a 
pharmaceutical background. 
The Personnel Committee included the following persons until December 14, 2021: Mr. Jürgen Baumann, Mr. John Borer and Dr. Ulrich 
Granzer. Mr. Baumann held the position of Chairman. Since December 14, 2021, the members of the committee have been: Dr. Helge 
Lubenow (Chair), Mr. Wilhelm K.T. Zours and Dr. Heikki Lanckriet. 

Nomination Committee 
In addition to the Chairman, the Nomination Committee comprises two further members of the Supervisory Board who are to be 
elected. The role of the Nomination Committee is to propose suitable candidates to the Supervisory Board for its election proposals 
to the Annual General Meeting. In doing so, the Nomination Committee takes into account the balance and diversity of knowledge, 
skills  and  experience  of  all  members  of  the  Supervisory  Board  and  draws  up  candidate  profiles.  In  addition,  the  Nomination 
Committee shall make proposals to the Supervisory Board and communicate the results of a regular assessment of the knowledge, 
skills and experience of both the individual members and the Supervisory Board as a whole. In fulfilling its tasks, the Nomination 
Committee may rely on resources of the Company which it considers appropriate and may also involve external consultants to the 
necessary extent. The Nomination Committee discussed the mediation process with Wilhelm K. T. Zours, Deutsche Balaton AG and 
other companies affiliated with Deutsche Balaton AG on several occasions and prepared the resolution proposal of the Supervisory 
Board to the Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021 for the elections to the Supervisory Board. Possible election proposals 
were discussed with the Supervisory Board after internal preparation on July 6, 2021 and November 4, 2021. 
The members of the Nomination Committee up to December 14, 2021 were: Mr. John Borer, Dr. Ulrich Granzer and Mr. Reinhard Eyring. 
Dr. Ulrich Granzer was currently Chairman of the Nomination Committee. After December 14, 2021, the Nomination Committee was 
initially not replaced in fiscal year 2021, as the new Supervisory Board was elected by the Annual General Meeting on December 14, 
2021 until the Annual General Meeting that resolves on the ratification of the actions of the Supervisory Board for 2025. The new 
appointments, which will be identical to those to the Personnel Committee, were resolved on April 20, 2022. 

Other committees 
Reference is made to the following section "Conflicts of interest". 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

VII 

 
 
 
 
 
Individualized  disclosure  of  Supervisory  Board  members'  attendance  at 
Supervisory Board and committee meetings in fiscal year 2021 

Name 

Jürgen Baumann 
(Member until December 14, 2021) 
John Borer 
(Member until December 14, 2021) 
Reinhard Eyring 
(Member until December 14, 2021) 
Dr. Ulrich Granzer 
(Member until December 14, 2021) 
Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 
Kevin Weber 
(Member until December 14, 2021) 

Dr. Heikki Lanckriet  
(Member since December 14, 2021) 
Dr. Helge Lubenow  
(Member since December 14, 2021) 
Karlheinz Schmelig  
(Member since December 14, 2021) 
Dr. Jörgen Tielmann  
(Member since December 14, 2021) 
Wilhelm K. T. Zours  
(Member since December 14, 2021) 

Supervisory  Board 
meetings/ 
attendance 
6/6 

attendance 
in % 

100% 

Committee 
meetings/ 
attendance 
8/8 

6/6 

6/6 

6/6 

8/8 
6/6 

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

100% 

10/10 

100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

2/2 

5/5 

6/6 
1)* 

- 

1/1- 

1/1- 

1)* 

- 

attendance 
% 

in 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
1)* 

- 

100% 

100% 

1)* 

- 

1)* No membership of a committee in the reporting year 

Annual and consolidated financial statements 2021 

Warth & Klein Grant Thornton AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Düsseldorf, was appointed auditor and group auditor for the fiscal 
year 2021 by the Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021 and subsequently commissioned accordingly by the Supervisory 
Board. The auditor's independence declaration has been obtained. Warth & Klein Grant Thornton AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 
audited the annual and consolidated financial statements of Biofrontera Aktiengesellschaft prepared by the Management Board and 
the combined management report for the 2021 financial year and issued unconditional audit opinions. The auditor also found that 
the Management Board has set up an appropriate information and monitoring system, the design and operation of which are suitable 
for the early identification of developments that could threaten the continued operation of the company.  
The consolidated financial statements were prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  
The financial statement documents were discussed by the Audit Committee on April 29, 2022 in the presence of the auditors. The 
Audit Committee dealt in particular with the key audit matters described in the respective auditors' report, including the audit 
procedures performed. At the subsequent Supervisory Board meeting on the same day to approve the financial statements, the 
documents relating to the financial statements were discussed in the presence of  and after the auditors' report. All Supervisory 
Board members received the financial statement documents and the auditors' reports in good time before the financial statement 
meeting and discussed these documents. The annual financial statements and consolidated financial statements were also discussed 
with the Executive Board at the financial statements meeting. The auditors reported on the audit, commented on the main points of 
the audit and were available to the Supervisory Board to answer questions and provide information. The auditors reported on the 
scope, main  aspects and  main findings of their audit, focusing in particular on the key audit  matters and the audit procedures 
performed. The auditors were available to the Supervisory Board to answer questions and provide further information. Questions 
from the Supervisory Board were answered by the Executive Board and the auditors. The auditors also provided information on their 
findings regarding internal control and risk management in relation to the financial reporting process.  

VIII 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Supervisory Board noted and approved the audit reports, the annual financial statements, the consolidated financial statements 
and the combined management report. After discussing the annual financial statements, the consolidated financial statements and 
the combined management report, the Supervisory Board approved the auditor's reports and the results of the audit, raised no 
objections following the final results of its own review, and approved the annual and consolidated financial statements. The annual 
financial statements of Biofrontera Aktiengesellschaft were thus adopted.  
The Supervisory Board's report was adopted at the balance sheet meeting on April 29, 2022, as well as the corporate governance 
statement. 

Auditor and responsible auditor 

Warth & Klein Grant Thornton AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Düsseldorf, has been the auditor for Biofrontera AG and the Group 
since the  2007 financial year.  Mr. Arndt Krüger  has been supporting Biofrontera AG in the context of the audit of the financial 
statements as the auditor responsible for the engagement since the financial year 2021. 

Corporate Governance and Declaration of Conformity pursuant to § 161 of the 
German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) 

Information on corporate governance is presented in the Annual Report and on the internet at www.biofrontera.com in the section 
"Investors" / "Corporate Governance" and in the Declaration on Corporate Governance. Details are also provided there in particular 
on the objectives of the Supervisory Board with regard to its composition and the status of implementation.  

Training and development measures 

The Company supports the members of the Supervisory Board to an appropriate extent in their induction into office and in training 
and development measures. For ongoing training and continuing education, the Company provides the members of the Supervisory 
Board with access to a portal of a third-party provider (Arbeitskreis deutscher Aufsichtsrat e.V. (AdAR)) and bears the costs incurred 
in this respect. In this context, the  members of the Supervisory Board  are  also  offered  opportunities to attend congresses and 
specialist events.  

Conflicts of interest 

Each member of the Supervisory Board is obliged to act in the interests of the company. They may not pursue personal interests in 
their decisions or take advantage of business opportunities to which the company is entitled for themselves without a resolution of 
the Supervisory Board. The Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board specify that each member of the Supervisory Board must 
disclose conflicts of interest to the Supervisory Board. This applies in particular to conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of 
a consultancy or board position with customers, suppliers, creditors or other business partners. Material and not only temporary 
conflicts of interest in the person of a member of the Supervisory Board shall lead to the termination of the mandate.  
Deutsche Balaton AG, Heidelberg, filed a declaratory lawsuit against Biofrontera AG with the Cologne Regional Court on December 
13, 2021. Mr. Wilhelm K.T. Zours indirectly holds the majority of shares in Deutsche Balaton AG via VV Beteiligungen AG and is Chairman 
of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Balaton AG. A de-entitlement agreement exists between VV Beteiligungen AG and Deutsche 
Balaton AG. Since December 14, 2021, Mr. Zours has also been a member of the Supervisory Board of Biofrontera AG and its Chairman.  
In principle, the lawsuit is based on the fact that Deutsche Balaton AG is of the opinion that the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. would have 
required the approval of the Annual General Meeting of Biofrontera AG.  
The lawsuit was served on Biofrontera AG on February 9, 2022.  
The lawsuit is directed against Biofrontera AG, represented by the Management Board and represented by the Supervisory Board.  
The Supervisory Board then decided, after the lawsuit was served, that a committee consisting of Dr. Helge Lubenow, Mr. Karlheinz 
Schmelig and Dr. Jörgen Tielmann would be formed to make further decisions in respect of the lawsuit. Mr. Zours has not and will 
not participate in any discussions or resolutions in relation to the lawsuit. The Supervisory Board has resolved that the Company 
should defend itself against the lawsuit. In the view of the Supervisory Board, the conflict of interest has thus been adequately 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

IX 

 
 
 
 
 
 
addressed  for the time being; moreover, the  work of the Supervisory Board and Mr. Zours is not  endangered by the conflict of 
interest. From today's perspective, it cannot be determined that this is a material and not only temporary conflict of interest that 
would require termination of the mandate. 

Changes in the Supervisory Board 

At the end of the Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021, Dr. Ulrich Granzer, Jürgen Baumann, John Borer, Reinhard Eyring 
and Kevin Weber stepped down from the Supervisory Board due to the ordinary expiry of their terms of office. Dr. Heikki Lanckriet, 
Dr. Helge Lubenow, Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel, Mr. Karlheinz Schmelig, Dr. Jörgen Tielmann and Mr. Wilhelm K. T. Zours were elected 
as members of the Supervisory Board by the Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021 by rotation. Prof. Dr. Ruhwedel then 
resigned from her position with effect from February 22, 2022. The Supervisory Board would like to thank the departing members of 
the Supervisory Board for their dedicated commitment to the Biofrontera AG company, in some cases over many years, and regrets 
in particular the resignation of Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel.    

Changes in the Management Board 

Effective March 01, 2021, Mr. Ludwig Lutter has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Biofrontera AG. He replaced 
Mr. Thomas Schaffer, who left the company on February 28, 2021. Prof. Dr. Hermann Lübbert resigned from the Management Board 
on December 13, 2021. Mr. Lübbert is the founder of Biofrontera AG and has intensively shaped the company. Through his new role at 
Biofrontera Inc. as Executive Chairman, Prof. Dr. Lübbert will continue to be committed to the commercialization of Ameluz® on the 
US market, for which we wish him success and a happy hand. 

Future 

The division of the operational activities of the Biofrontera Group in 2021 into an independent U.S. sales company on the one hand 
and the (former) parent company Biofrontera AG on the other hand is, in the opinion of the newly elected Supervisory Board, not 
sustainable  value-creating  for  the  Biofrontera  AG  Group,  because  of  the  need  for  independent  functions  in  both  entities.  This 
consequence of the IPO of Biofrontera Inc., which primarily serves to further finance the expansion of sales in the USA, appears to 
require correction. 
The Supervisory Board considers discussions between Biofrontera AG and Biofrontera Inc. on a possible further step of restructuring 
with the aim of optimally combining the operating businesses to be reasonable, and the Management Board and the Chairman of the 
Supervisory Board of Biofrontera AG have made initial contacts.   
The development of the Biofrontera share price in 2021 was unsatisfactory. The Supervisory Board and the Management Board want 
to work together in a constructive and results-oriented manner to improve the economic situation of Biofrontera AG and its valuation 
on the capital market again.  

We kindly invite all shareholders to participate in the capital increase resolved by the Annual General Meeting of Biofrontera AG on 
April 7, 2022.  
Finally, we would again like to thank you, dear shareholders, for your commitment and trust!  

Heidelberg, Germany, April 29, 2022  

Wilhelm K. T. Zours  
Chairman of the Supervisory Board  

X 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance Statement of Biofrontera AG pursuant to 
Sections 289f, 315d HGB for the financial year 2021 

The Company has made use of the option not to include the corporate governance statement pursuant to Sections 289f, 315d of the 
German Commercial Code (HGB) for the financial year 2021 in the (combined) management report for the financial year 2021, but 
refers  to  the  publication  of  this  statement  as  well  as  the  statement  of  the  Management  Board  and  the  Supervisory  Board  of 
Biofrontera AG (the Company) on the German Corporate Governance Code pursuant to Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation 
Act (AktG) on the Company's website at www.biofrontera.com in the section "Investors", subsection "Corporate Governance" with 
the corresponding labels. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

XI 

Highlights 2021 

•
•

•

•
•
•
•

•
•

•

Capital raise in February 2021 with gross proceeds of approximately EUR 24.7 million.
Change  in  the  composition  of  the  Management  Board  with  Ludwig  Lutter  as  the  new  Chief  Financial  Officer  of
Biofrontera AG.
Licensing  and  supply  agreement  signed  with  Medac  Gesellschaft  für  klinische  Spezialpräparate  mbH  for  the
commercialization of Ameluz® in Poland.
FDA-approval of the new red-light lamp RhodoLED® XL.
Successful IPO of Biofrontera Inc. on the US Nasdaq stock exchange.
Early repayment of the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan.
Consensus  reached  in the  mediation process  with Deutsche  Balaton Group  on the  candidates  for  the  designated
Supervisory Board of Biofrontera AG and the termination of all legal proceedings between both parties.
Out of court settlement with DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notification  of  grant  and  subsequent  receipt  of  two  U.S.  patents  a)  on  an  innovative,  pain-reducing  illumination
protocol for photodynamic therapy (PDT), and b) for the new RhodoLED® XL and PDT treatment protocol
Start of patient recruitment for a) a safety study on the use of three tubes of Ameluz® in PDT treatment, as well as
b) a phase IIb study on the treatment of acne with Ameluz®.

Key figures in accordance with IFRS 

Results of operations 

Sales revenue 

Gross profit on sales 

Profit/loss on operations 

EBITDA 

EBIT 

Profit/loss before income tax 
Profit/loss for the period 

in EUR thousands 

Net assets 

Total assets 

Non-current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other current assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 
Equity 

01.01.-31.12.2021 

01.01.-31.12.2020 

28,787 

24,873 

(35,341) 

27,950 

24,661 

35,683 
33,857 

100.00% 

86.41% 

(122.77)% 

97.09% 

85.67% 

123.96% 
117.61% 

30,346 

26,810 

(7,611) 

(4,696) 

(10,029) 

(12,697) 
(13,023) 

100.00% 

88.35% 

(25.08)% 

(15.47)% 

(33.05)% 

(41.84)% 
(42.92)% 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

76,699 

62,322 

6,908 

7,469 

17,467 

1,235 
57,997 

56,391 

30,264 

16,546 

9,580 

8,286 

40,730 
7,375 

XII 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

Number of employees 

Biofrontera Shares 

Number of shares outstanding 
Share price (Xetra closing price in EUR) 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

99 

0 

0 

56,717,385 
1.00 

149 

0 

0 

47,747,515 
3.00 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

XIII 

 
 
 
 
Consolidated management and group management report for the 
fiscal year 2021 

Basis of the Biofrontera Group 

Group structure 

As  of  December  31,  2021,  the  Biofrontera  Group  (hereinafter  also  called  "Biofrontera",  "Biofrontera  Group",  “Group”  or  the 
“Company”) consists of a parent company, Biofrontera AG and 4 (December 31, 2020: 5(including Biofrontera Inc., USA)) wholly owned 
subsidiaries in germany. The parent company’s head office is located in Leverkusen, Germany. 

Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, Biofrontera Pharma GmbH, Biofrontera Development GmbH and Biofrontera Neuroscience GmbH are 
located at the parent company's headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.  

The IPO of Biofrontera Inc., headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, at the end of October 2021 resulted in changes to the 
Group structure due to the associated dilution of the AG's shareholding. Biofrontera AG's stake in Biofrontera Inc. in the amount of 
8 million shares corresponded to an ownership share of approximately 69% after the IPO. After the further issuance of shares as 
well as the exercise of warrants, the shareholding decreased to approximately 47% by December 29, 2021. The control criteria  of 
IFRS 10 are therefore no longer met, so that Biofrontera Inc. is no longer considered a subsidiary of Biofrontera AG. Accordingly, 
deconsolidation took effect as of December 31, 2021; the investment in Biofrontera Inc. as of the reporting date is reported under 
“Investments in associated companies”  using the at-equity method.  

Business model 

The  publicly  listed  entity  Biofrontera  AG  assumes the  holding  function within  the  group  of  companies.  It  is responsible  for  the 
management,  strategic  planning,  internal  control  and  risk  management  and  ensures  the  necessary  financing  needs  are  met. 
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH carries out research and development tasks as well as all regulatory functions for the Biofrontera 
Group  and  holds  the  patents  and  approvals  for  Ameluz®  as  well  as  BF-RhodoLED®  and  RhodoLED®  XL.  According  to  a  license 
agreement  with  Biofrontera  Bioscience  GmbH,  Biofrontera  Pharma  GmbH,  which  is  also  the  holder  of  the  CE  certificate  of  BF-
RhodoLED®, bears the responsibility for the production, further licensing and marketing of Biofrontera Group’s approved products.  

The Biofrontera Group has its own sales organizations to distribute Ameluz® and the BF-RhodoLED® lamp in Germany, Spain and 
the United Kingdom. In some other European countries, sales are handled by independent license partners. Following separation, 
Biofrontera Inc. is now the licensee responsible for marketing Ameluz® and the RhodoLED® lamp series in the USA. The licensing of 
Xepi® as part of the acquisition of Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. in March 2019 was carried out directly via Biofrontera Inc. so that 
Xepi® will no longer be part of the Biofrontera Group's product portfolio in the future. 

Production of Ameluz® for all markets is carried out by a contract manufacturer in Switzerland. The PDT-lamp series is manufactured 
at Biofrontera's headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.  

Ameluz® and the RhodoLED® lamp series are supplied to Biofrontera Inc. under a license and supply agreement with Biofrontera 
Pharma GmbH and Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Biofrontera AG. Xepi® is provided to Biofrontera 
Inc. directly by the licensor Ferrer Internacional S.A. 

Biofrontera  Development  GmbH  and  Biofrontera  Neuroscience  GmbH  were  founded  in  December  2012  and  are  additional  wholly 
owned subsidiaries of Biofrontera AG. These two companies are intended for the development of pipeline products that are not part 
of Biofrontera's core business at this point in time and therefore currently cannot be sufficiently financed within the normal business 
activities. The product BF-derm1 (without patent protection since 2009) for the treatment of severe chronic urticaria is owned by 
Biofrontera  Development  GmbH,  the  product  BF-1  (patent  protection  until  2034)  for  the  prophylactic  treatment  of  migraine  by 
Biofrontera Neuroscience GmbH. Both products are currently not being pursued any further, as the corporate strategy focuses on 
the further development and marketing of Ameluz®. By outsourcing the development projects, a structure has been created which 
allows to separate the financing of the development of these two products from the general financing of the Biofrontera Group. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

1 

Group strategy 

The strategic goal of the Biofrontera Group is to optimize the positioning and market potential of Ameluz®, and in doing so to 
develop the Company into a leading innovative specialty pharma company in dermatology. Activities are currently focused on the 
continued sales growth of our products and the development of further market potential through label extensions of Ameluz®.  

Biofrontera has received a centralized approval for its own self-developed drug, which is marketed under the brand name Ameluz®. 
Since  the  market  launch  in  February  2012,  Biofrontera  has  been  selling  Ameluz®  with  its  own  sales  force  to  dermatologists  in 
Germany and since March 2015 also in Spain. Ameluz® has been available in the UK for several years, but has only been actively 
promoted  by  Biofrontera's  own  sales  force  since  May  2018.  Distribution  in  several  other  countries  of  the  European  Union  and 
Switzerland is carried out through licensing partnerships. 

The US-subsidiary, Biofrontera Inc., was set up as the commercial arm of Biofrontera in the USA. Upon its IPO at the end of October 
2021, Biofrontera Inc. became an independent company. Under a license and supply agreement with Biofrontera Pharma GmbH and 
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Biofrontera AG, and Biofrontera Inc. the responsibilities between 
the companies are regulated. The agreement was entered into for a period of 15 years and will be extended for another 5 years 
provided  that  a  sales  volume  in  the  USA  of  more  than  USD  150  million has been achieved  in the  preceding  5  years.  Under  this 
agreement, Biofrontera Inc. acquires Ameluz®and the PDT lamps BF-RhodoLED and RhodoLED XL from Biofrontera AG. Up to annual 
Ameluz® sales of USD 30 million, Biofrontera Inc. will pay 50% of sales as a transfer price. This share decreases in two steps to 30% 
with sales in excess of USD 50 million, thus taking into account the associated higher distribution costs of Biofrontera Inc. Biofrontera 
AG  has  committed  to  maintaining  the  FDA  approval,  manufacturing  the  products,  providing  a  pharmacovigilance  database  and 
conducting previously defined clinical trials. 

Products 

Ameluz® and PDT-lamps BF-RhodoLED® and RhodoLED® XL 

In December 2011, Ameluz® 78 mg/g gel (Spanish for "love the light", development name BF-200 ALA) received its first centralized 
European approval for the treatment of mild and moderate actinic keratoses (AK) on the face and scalp. It's significant superior 
effect in combination with an LED lamp compared to the direct competitor product Metvix® for AK was proven during phase III 
development. Actinic keratoses are superficial forms of skin cancer with a risk of spreading to deeper skin layers and thus developing 
into potentially fatal squamous cell carcinoma. The combination of Ameluz® with light treatment is an innovative form of treatment 
that is classified  as photodynamic therapy (PDT). The product information authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) 
expressly states the significant superiority of Ameluz® in the removal of keratosis compared to the direct competitor product, both 
in conventional light treatment with a special lamp and in application with ordinary daylight.  

The overall advantages of Ameluz® in terms of efficacy, handling, user-friendliness and skin rejuvenation as well as the high healing 
and comparatively low recurrence rates of PDT in the treatment of actinic keratoses lead to the expectation that this treatment 
option will attract even more attention from dermatologists in the years to come. Contributing to this is also the label extension to 
include basal cell carcinoma in 2017.  

In 2017, Biofrontera submitted an application for approval for daylight-PDT with Ameluz® and was granted approval by the European 
Commission in March 2018. The label extension now includes the treatment of actinic keratoses and field cancerization with daylight-
PDT. Daylight-PDT is a cost-effective and painless alternative to traditional PDT treatment with a special lamp. The topically applied 
drug is activated by natural or artificial daylight. As daylight-PDT does not require the treatment to be carried out in a doctor's 
office, it competes directly with self-applied topical drugs, which are used much more widely in Europe. As a result, Ameluz® is also 
reimbursed by the statutory health insurers in Germany for use with daylight-PDT, whereas use of the drug with conventional PDT 
is generally not reimbursed. The results of the follow-up phase of the clinical comparison study on daylight-PDT with Ameluz® and 
Metvix®  were  included  in  the  product  information  (SmPC)  in  March  2020. It  is  expected  that  the  significantly  superior  efficacy 
compared to Metvix® one year after treatment will further enhance the market positioning of Ameluz®.  

In March 2020, the European Commission granted a label extension for Ameluz® to cover the treatment of mild and moderate actinic 
keratoses by photodynamic therapy with Ameluz® not only on the head, but also on the extremities and trunk/neck. The extension 
of the approval by the European Commission followed a positive vote by the European Medicines Agency EMA and is based on the 
results of a Phase III study involving 50 patients. The patients were treated with Ameluz® on one randomized side of the body and 
placebo on the other side. If lesions remained on both sides of the body, PDT was repeated three months later. The results for the 
primary regulatory endpoint show that Ameluz® was highly significantly superior (p<0.0001) to placebo based on a mean total lesion 

2 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
clearance rate of 86% versus 33%. The high superiority of Ameluz® was also demonstrated for all secondary parameters studied. 
In this study, the average lesion recurrence rate 12 months after Ameluz® treatment was 14.1% compared to 27.4% after placebo. 
These results in treating AK on all areas of the body further confirm the excellent efficacy of PDT with Ameluz®. The Company 
expects that this label extension will also further strengthen the market position of Ameluz® in Europe. 

In May  2016,  Biofrontera  received  the  marketing  approval  for  Ameluz® in the  USA.  The  approved  indication is "lesion and  field 
directed PDT in combination with the BF-RhodoLED® lamp of mild and moderate actinic keratoses on the face and scalp". As the 
approval in the USA includes a combination of drug and lamp according to FDA guidelines, Biofrontera has developed its own PDT 
lamp,  the  BF-RhodoLED®.  In  order  to  meet  the  strict  requirements  of  the  FDA  for  the  production  of  a  Class  III  medical  device, 
production of the lamp was transferred to Biofrontera Pharma GmbH in 2016 as part of the FDA approval process and is now carried 
out at the Company's headquarters in Leverkusen. This makes Biofrontera the responsible manufacturer from the perspective of 
the regulatory authorities. In the EU, this lamp has already been CE-certified in 2012, which also required ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 
certifications  for  the  entire  company.  The  ISO  certification  was  renewed  in  2019  at  regular  intervals.  In  October  2021,  the  FDA 
approved the new, more advanced RhodoLED XL. The approval was granted in accordance with FDA specifications as a combination 
approval  together  with  the  flagship  prescription  drug  Ameluz®.  With  the  new  RhodoLED®  XL,  larger  areas  can  be  illuminated, 
enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple interspersed lesions.  The new lamp is protected by several patents, which may also 
help to protect the drug Ameluz® in the U.S. market due to the s combination approval. 

Both RhodoLED® lamps emit light with a wavelength of approx. 635 nm via their LEDs. Light at this wavelength, which is optimal for 
illumination in PDT with ALA or methyl ALA containing drugs, emits red light, but is still below the warming infrared range. The 
RhodoLED® lamp series combines controlled and constant light output in the desired wavelength with simple and clear operability 
and energy efficiency. Light energy and fan power can be changed during PDT treatment to respond to treatment-related pain. No 
other lamp on the market offers comparable performance and flexibility. The BF-RhodoLED® can be distributed throughout the EU 
as well as the USA. The use of the RhodoLED® XL is currently only planned for the US market. 

Xepi®  

Through the acquisition of Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. in March 2019, Biofrontera Inc. became the licensee of Xepi® and has since 
been marketing the drug, which has been approved by the FDA and launched on the US market, in the USA. Until the end of the year, 
Xepi® was still part of Biofrontera AG's product portfolio. 

Xepi® (ozenoxacin cream, 1%) contains a non-fluorinated quinolone that not only inhibits bacterial growth but also kills the bacteria 
directly. This  results in  an  unusually  rapid  and  sustained  efficacy  of  the  drug. It  is  the  first  new  topical  antibiotic  to  enter  the 
American market in 10 years. The approved indication is impetigo, a common skin infection. Xepi® has an excellent safety profile 
that even allows for use on infants from the age of two months. To date, no antibiotic resistance to Xepi® is known and it has been 
specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  

The drug Xepi® in-licensed by Biofrontera Inc. is protected by two patent families in the USA and other countries. With regard to the 
USA, patent protection applies to the composition of Xepi® until January 29, 2032 and for the approved treatment of impetigo until 
December 15, 2029. Thus, approval of generic drugs is not expected before 2032. 

Belixos®  

Belixos® is a modern active cosmetic product specially developed for irritated and sensitive skin. Biofrontera's patented biocolloid 
technology, which optimizes epidermal penetration, makes the products unique: pure herbal biocolloids combine with medicinal 
plant extracts to form an extraordinary combination of active ingredients with a proven depth effect.  

Belixos®  products  are  manufactured  according  to  stringent  quality  and  environmental  regulations.  They  are  free  of  paraffins, 
parabens, ethyl alcohol, animal products, dyes and fragrances that may have negative dermatological effects. Its skin compatibility 
was  certified  as  "very  good"  by  the  independent  “Dermatest”  Institute.  Belixos®  is  obtainable  in  selected  pharmacies, 
dermatological institutes and from the online retailer Amazon. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing 

USA 

In the USA, Ameluz® was launched by Biofrontera in October 2016. The distribution of Ameluz® in the USA is handled by Biofrontera 
Inc., which was founded in March 2015. The IPO of Biofrontera Inc., headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, at the end of 
October 2021 has resulted in changes to the Group structure due to the associated dilution of the AG shareholding: On December 29, 
2021, Biofrontera AG announced the reduction of its shareholding in Biofrontera Inc. under 50%. The control criteria of IFRS 10 are 
therefore no longer met, so that Biofrontera Inc. is no longer considered a subsidiary of Biofrontera AG. Since the IPO of Biofrontera 
Inc., the latter has been the licensee responsible for marketing Ameluz® and the RhodoLED® lamp series in the USA. Since its launch, 
we have sold Ameluz® worth almost EUR 80 million in the United States, thus establishing the product in the market.  

Germany and Europe 

With  its central  European  approval,  Ameluz®  can  be  sold  and  distributed  in  all  EU  countries  as  well  as  in  Norway,  Iceland  and 
Liechtenstein. In many European countries, however, the price and reimbursement status have to be determined before market 
launch, which can be a lengthy process. This process involves reference pricing and re-imports, that might result in low prices in 
individual EU countries, which in return can have a negative impact on the entire EU market. This is one of the reasons why the drug 
is only available in certain EU countries. In these countries the drug is available at pharmacy retail prices ranging from EUR 150 to 
approximately EUR 220 per 2g tube. In Spain, the price was reduced by decree of the Ministry in 2020, against which the company 
successfully filed an administrative appeal. Since April 1, 2022, the price in Spain has returned to EUR 150 per tube. 

In Europe, Ameluz® and BF-RhodoLED® are marketed in Germany (since 2012), Spain (since 2015) and Great Britain (since May 2018) 
by  our  own  sales  forces  whereby  Germany  is  by  far  the  largest  European  market  for  Ameluz®.  In  other  EU  countries  and  in 
Switzerland, the products are distributed with the help of distribution partners. In Switzerland, independent approval procedures 
were  required,  which  were  carried  out  by  our  local  marketing  partner  in  collaboration  with  Biofrontera.  The  contracts  with 
distribution partners were concluded in such a way that Biofrontera received no or only a moderate down payment and the regional 
partners buy Ameluz® from Biofrontera at a price that is linked to their own sales price. Depending on the market conditions  of a 
country, Biofrontera's share of the sales price varies somewhat, but averages 50% of net sales. Overall, however, marketing through 
Biofrontera's own sales force has proven to be much more successful in recent years, so that sales to distribution partners now only 
account for a small percentage of total sales.  

In December 2020, the Biofrontera Group was able to cover sales in Scandinavia through an exclusive license and supply agreement 
for the marketing of Ameluz® and BF-RhodoLED® with Galenica AB, Malmö, Sweden. Sales of the products in the Scandinavian region 
started with the delivery of the first batch of Ameluz® in June 2021. 

In  July  2021,  Biofrontera  announced  that  it  had  signed  a  license  and  supply  agreement  with  Medac  Gesellschaft  für  klinische 
Spezialpräparate  mbH,  for  the  commercialization  of  Ameluz®  and  BF-RhodoLED®  in  Poland.  The  commencement  of  product 
commercialization in Poland is expected in 2022. 

Other regions 

In April 2020, Biofrontera signed an exclusive license and supply agreement with Maruho Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan (Maruho) for the 
development and commercialization of Ameluz® for all indications in East Asia and Oceania. The agreement has a term of 15 years 
from the start of distribution in the countries covered by the agreement. More information on the license and supply agreement can 
be found in Biofrontera AG's Annual Report 2020. 

Market overview 

Actinic keratosis 

Non-melanoma skin cancer and its precursor actinic keratosis (AK) is the main market for our flagship prescription drug Ameluz®. 
Actinic keratoses are superficial potentially pre-cancerous skin lesions caused by chronic sun exposure that may, if left untreated, 
develop into a form of potentially life-threatening skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratoses typically appear 
on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, bald scalp, arms or the back of the hands, and are often elevated, flaky, and rough in texture, 
and appear on the skin as hyperpigmented spots.  

4 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
These  skin  lesions  occur  not  only  isolated,  but  in  many  cases  also  over  a  large  area.  Such  an  area  of  the  skin  is  called  field 
cancerization. In this case, visible and not yet visible skin damage can be in direct proximity to each other on the affected skin areas. 
In about one in ten patients with AK, a malignant form of non-melanoma skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) can develop from a 
skin lesion or in its vicinity. Even AK that are not yet visible already carry a high risk of transitioning into squamous cell carcinoma. 

Lifetime dose of UV radiation plays an important role in the development of AK. Over many years, UV radiation damages the skin 
cells, which then mutate and proliferate, which can lead to abnormal keratinization (hyperkeratosis). This is why AK occurs most 
frequently in older people: in Germany, for example, more than 11 out of every 100 people between the ages of 60 and 70 are affected. 
Men are more frequently affected than women, as, among other things, it is not uncommon for men to work outdoors and thus be 
exposed  to  the  sun,  usually  without  protection.  Particularly  at  risk  are,  for  example,  farmers  and  forestry  workers,  roofers, 
carpenters, gardeners and lifeguards. In addition to age and gender, other factors can promote the development of AK. These include 
a fair skin type, severe sunburns, or treatment with medications that weaken the immune system. 

Therapy options for the treatment of actinic keratosis 

Because actinic keratosis can develop into squamous cell carcinomas, actinic keratosis is classified by The European Academy  of 
Dermatology and Venereology and other international treatment guidelines as a tumor that requires treatment. In order to minimize 
the risk of developing cancer, AK must be detected and treated early.  

Actinic keratoses are treated using a wide range of methods. The traditional methods of treating actinic keratoses are cryotherapy 
(or the deep freezing  of skin with liquid nitrogen); simple curettage; self-administered prescription topical medications (usually 
creams, gels, or solutions containing active ingredients that must be applied to the damaged areas of the skin, usually regularly 
over an extended period of time); and combining a drug with photodynamic therapy (PDT). When deciding on the treatment option, 
the physician takes into account the disease progression to date, the extent of the existing skin damage, and the patient's condition 
(age, possible existing concomitant diseases, medications to be taken).  

The international treatment guidelines list photodynamic therapy as the "gold standard" for the treatment of actinic keratoses, 
especially  for  patients  with  large  areas  of  actinic  keratoses.  In  this  process,  a  gel  containing  the  active  ingredient,  such  as 
Biofrontera’s Ameluz®, is first applied to the affected areas of skin. The active ingredient is preferentially absorbed by cells with 
high metabolic activity, such as cancer cells and their precursors, and converted into its light-activatable form. As a result, they 
become  more  light-sensitive  and  are  destroyed  within  a  few  hours  by  targeted  illumination,  while  healthy  skin  cells  remain 
unharmed. The dead cells are broken down and the skin renews itself. Usually, no scarring remains and the appearance of the skin 
visibly improves over the next weeks and months. There are two forms of PDT: one using an artificial light source (conventional PDT) 
and one using natural/simulated  daylight (daylight PDT). Compared to conventional  PDT with red light or another suitable light 
source, the treatment time for daylight PDT is shorter at about two and a half hours and the treatment is associated with less pain. 

Market overview and competitive landscape in Germany 

Germany  is  Biofrontera's  single  largest  European  sales  market.  In  Germany,  around  1.7  million  people  annually  are  treated  by 
dermatologists for AK, which represents around 2 to 3% of the total population. However, the number of people suffering from the 
disease is probably higher. In 2021, a total of 851,143 prescriptions were issued for the treatment of AK (previous year: 814,410). Self-
applied topicals such as prescription creams and gels containing active ingredients were used most widely, taking a market share 
of 93.3%, followed by PDT (the combination of a surface-applied medication with light therapy) at 6.7% (previous year: 92.9% and 
7.1%, respectively). The overall AK market increased 4% in 2021 primarily due to the market launch of an additional topical drug. PDT 
treatments did not continue to grow (-2%), but this is mainly attributable to the loss of sales of PDT competitor drug. 

Although the total number of cryotherapy or simple curettage treatments for actinic keratosis in Europe is not publicly accessible, 
we assume that only a small number of patients with actinic keratosis are treated with cryotherapy or simple curettage treatments.  

In Germany, the largest European market for Ameluz®, the market share for PDT drugs segment was approximately 64% in 2021 
compared to approximately 62% in 2020. The continued uptake of daylight PDT has allowed Ameluz® to continue to prove itself as 
a strong leader in the PDT market compared to competing products. We estimate that daylight PDT will continue to capture additional 
market share previously reserved for self-applied topical creams. This is mainly due to the fact that daylight PDT is reimbursable by 
statutory health insurers, which has multiplied the number of patients who in principle have access to treatment with Ameluz®. Due 
to the still ongoing Corona restrictions, the Ameluz® market share in Germany was only able to grow by around 1% in the reporting 
year compared to 2020.  

Actinic keratosis has been recognized as an occupational disease by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Germany 
since 2013. As a result of such recognition, occupational insurance associations in Germany must cover, for the duration of the 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
patients’ lives, the treatment costs of patients who have worked predominantly outdoors for extended periods of time and who meet 
Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 6 certain other criteria. In Germany since March 2016, photodynamic therapy has been included 
as an approved treatment option for occupational actinic keratosis, which means it can be reimbursed by the government. 

Market overview and competitive situation in the USA 

The USA is the most important pharmaceutical market in the world and also Biofrontera's largest sales market. According to the 
Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 58 million people in the US are affected by actinic keratosis. In 2021, an estimated 13.2 million 
AK treatments were performed in the U.S., representing a total addressable market of approximately $4 billion for Ameluz with its 
current  FDA-approved  indication.  The  U.S.  market  for  the  treatment  of  actinic  keratosis  differs  significantly  from  the  European 
market.  In  the  U.S.,  cryotherapy  represents  the  most  common  AK  treatment.  Our  internal  market  research  puts  cryotherapy 
treatment at approximately 11.4 million in 2021, representing an 86.4% market share. Thus, there have been no major shifts from 
2020, where the market share was 86.3%. Topical drugs for the treatment of AK had a market share of about 11.8% in 2021 (2020: 
11.9%), followed by PDT drugs at about 1.8%, also unchanged from the previous year.  

The overall AK market grew by 4% compared to 2020, but still has not reached pre-pandemic levels, still registering a 12.2% decline 
compared to 2019. Rising infection rates with the Corona virus towards the end of the year and the official recommendation by the 
American Academy of Dermatology to have patients diagnosed and treated remotely whenever possible again led to significant 
declines in patient numbers and widespread, albeit temporary, physician office closures.  

In the PDT preparations segment, we were able to further expand our market share and increase our own sales, with the result that 
the share of Ameluz® PDT now stands at 25.6%, compared with around 24.5% in the previous year. Considering that our sales of 
Ameluz® tubes increased by 23% year on year, the market share estimate of just under 26%, which is based on publicly available 
figures, may represent too low a market share. The slight but steady increase in market share nevertheless clearly shows that, 
despite the Corona crisis, we have been able to improve our market positioning compared with the competitor product PDT.  

Our goal is to leverage this growth momentum and make Ameluz® the leading PDT product for the treatment of AK in the US.  

We also believe that PDT has clear advantages over cryotherapy, which currently still dominates the market. Therefore, the ability 
to take market share from cryotherapy is an important focus of our commercial efforts. In particular, the treatment of more than 15 
lesions using cryotherapy holds great potential to expand the PDT market. Revising treatment guidelines so that the pressure is 
increased towards field-based therapy as opposed to single-lesion therapy could lay the foundation for sustained market expansion. 

Market overview for topical antibiotics in the USA 

As described in the section "Products," through the acquisition of Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. in March 2019, Biofrontera Inc. became 
the licensee of Xepi® and has since been marketing the FDA-approved drug launched in the U.S. market. The IPO of Biofrontera Inc., 
headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, at the end of October 2021 has resulted in changes to the Group structure due to the 
associated dilution of the AG shareholding: On December 29, 2021, Biofrontera AG announced the reduction of its shareholding in 
Biofrontera  Inc.  under  50%.  The  control  criteria  of  IFRS  10  are  therefore  no  longer  met,  so  that  Biofrontera  Inc.  is  no  longer 
considered a subsidiary of Biofrontera AG and thus, Xepi® will no longer be part of the Biofrontera AG’s product portfolio. 

The approved indication is impetigo,  a common skin infection primarily in children. Xepi® has an  excellent safety profile,  even 
allowing its use in infants as young as two months of age. To date, there is no known antibiotic resistance to Xepi® and it has been 
specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  

Personnel matters 

Management Board 

As of December 31, 2021, the Management Board consisted of Ludwig Lutter (CFO). 

6 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Name 

Nationality 

Age 

Position 

Date of first 
appointment 

Term 

Ludwig Lutter 

Prof. Dr. Hermann Lübbert* 

Thomas Schaffer* 

German 

German 

German 

55 

65 

58 

CFO 

March 01, 2021 

Chairman and CEO 

CFO 

2000 

2013 

February 29, 
2024 

December 13, 
2021 

February 28, 
2021 

* Thomas Schaffer resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective February 28, 2021. Effective March 1, 2021, 
Ludwig Lutter was appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Biofrontera AG.  Prof. Dr. Hermann Lübbert resigned as Chief 
Executive Officer (CEO) effective December 13, 2021. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2021 the Biofrontera Group had 99  employees (previous year: 149 ) who were distributed as follows: 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Total number of employees 

Full-time 
With academic degree 

By business segments 

Production 

Research and development 

Clinical and regulatory tasks 

Marketing and sales 

Quality management 
Management, business development, finance, HR and administration 

By countries 

Germany 

USA 

Spain 
United Kingdom 

99 

76 
24 

99 

15 

5 

15 

29 

7 
28 

99 

88 

0 

8 
3 

149 

127 
22 

149 

16 

5 

16 

60 

7 
45 

149 

81 

56 

9 
3 

Due to the IPO of Biofrontera Inc., headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, at the end of October 2021, changes have occurred 
in the Group structure as a result of the associated dilution of the AG shareholding. On December 29, 2021, Biofrontera AG announced 
the reduction of its shareholding in Biofrontera Inc. below 50%. After legal review, Biofrontera Inc. is thus no longer considered a 
subsidiary of Biofrontera AG in accordance with IFRS 10. As of the reporting date of December 31, 2021, the employees of the former 
US subsidiary are therefore no longer listed. 

In order to remain attractive as an employer in the competition for employees in the future, the Company must continue to be in a 
position to offer attractive compensation benefits and employment conditions in line with the market. This includes, among other 
things, the share- or securities-based compensation under our employee option program and the compensation from our stock 
appreciation rights program. 

Supervisory Board 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2021, the Supervisory Board comprised the following members as representatives of the shareholders: 

Name 

Nationality 

Age 

Position 

Dr. Ulrich Granzer 

Jürgen Baumann 

John Borer 

Reinhard Eyring 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 
Kevin Weber 

Germna 

German 

USA 

German 

German 
USA 

60 

66 

63 

62 

48 
63 

Chairman 

Vice Chair 

Member 

Member 

Member 
Member 

Date of first 
appointment 

May 12, 2006 

May 24, 2007 

May 31, 2016 

February 7, 2018 

July 10, 2019 
May 31, 2016 

At the Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021, the Supervisory Board of Biofrontera AG was appointed as follows: 

Name 

Nationality 

Age 

Position 

Wilhelm K. T. Zours 

Dr. Jörgen Tielmann 

Dr. Heikki Lanckriet 

Dr. Helge Lubenow 

German 

German 

Belgian 

German 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

German 

Karlheinz Schmelig 

German 

60 

66 

63 

62 

48 

63 

Research and development projects 

Date of first 
appointment 

December 14, 2021 

December 14, 2021 

December 14, 2021 

December 14, 2021 

Chairman 

Vice Chair 

Member 

Member 

Member 

December 14, 2021 

Member 

December 14, 2021 

February 22, 
2022 
(resignation 
from mandate) 
2026 

Term 

2021 

2021 

2021 

2021 

2021 
2021 

Term 

2026 

2026 

2026 

2026 

All  research  and  development  activities of  the  Biofrontera  Group  regarding  the  nanoemulsion  and  Ameluz® are  carried  out  by 
Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, which is responsible for clinical studies as well as for the granting, maintenance and expansion of our 
approvals. Responsibility for the project management of all development activities is assumed internally; individual tasks such as 
data management and statistics are partially or completely outsourced. The development of the new red-light lamp RhodoLED® XL 
was  the  responsibility  of  Biofrontera  Pharma  GmbH.  All  our  ongoing  clinical  studies  are  carried  out  in  the  USA.  Research  and 
development costs for both Ameluz®, the approved drug, and the other research and development projects, with the exception of 
the further development of the  new RhodoLED® XL red light lamp, are recognized as expenses in the period in which they  are 
incurred. In the reporting period, 20 people were employed in research and development as well as regulatory affairs (previous year: 
21). 

The following studies were completed or newly started during the reporting period: 

Development and FDA-approval of the RhodoLED® XL 

The future use of the RhodoLED® XL will allow the application of Ameluz® on larger areas as well as the simultaneous illumination 
of  several  interspersed  lesions.  Furthermore, the  RhodoLED®  XL  will  offer  a  significantly  improved  user  experience  with  highly 
customizable settings. Combined with a modern and high-quality design, we expect strong customer acceptance, especially in the 
USA, and consequently an increase in PDT in general and thus in Ameluz® sales. Following submission of the application for approval 
to the FDA in the first half of the year, the Group received US approval for the new RhodoLED® XL red light lamp in October 2021. As 
with the predecessor model BF-RhodoLED®, this was granted in accordance with FDA requirements as a combination approval with 
Ameluz®. 

8 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Phase I safety study and pharmacokinetics study with Ameluz®-PDT 

In December 2021, the Biofrontera Group commenced patient enrollment for its Phase I safety study to evaluate the safety and 
tolerability of PDT for the treatment of mild-to-severe AK on the face and scalp using three tubes of Ameluz® together with the new 
RhodoLED® XL lamp. The non-randomized, open-label, multicenter study evaluates the safety and tolerability of Ameluz® in the 
treatment of AK located on the face and scalp with PDT together with the new RhodoLED® XL lamp. The study includes 100 patients 
with mild to severe AK. Each patient will receive the content of three tubes of Ameluz® for a field-directed treatment of AK. A total 
of eight clinical sites are participating in the study. 

The Phase I study follows a maximal-usage pharmacokinetics (PK) clinical study that was completed in October 2020 and the results 
were submitted to the FDA in early 2021. After consultation with the FDA in June 2021, the regulatory agency requested another 
safety study focusing on short-term side effects before the product information can be amended to include the concurrent use of 
up to three tubes of Ameluz®. 

Phase II trial for the treatment of moderate to severe acne 

In December 2021, patient recruitment began for the phase IIb trial to test the safety and efficacy of Ameluz® in combination with 
the BF-RhodoLED® red light lamp in the treatment of moderate to severe acne with photodynamic therapy (Ameluz®-PDT). 

The multicenter, randomized, double blind phase II study with four arms uses conventional Ameluz®-PDT and includes 126 adult 
patients  suffering  from  moderate  to  severe  acne,  which  will  be  treated  with  Ameluz®-PDT  or  placebo.  Efficacy  and  safety  of 
Ameluz®-PDT will be tested with respect to incubation periods of one and three hours compared to placebo. The primary endpoint 
of the study is the absolute change in the number of inflammatory lesions and an improvement in acne severity scoring. To ensure 
collection of  highly consistent data across all participating sites, the study  will combine clinical assessments performed by the 
physicians conducting the study with a cutting-edge, FDA-approved, artificial intelligence analysis platform that will provide a lesion 
count along with a severity assessment. A total of seven sites are participating in the study. 

Phase III trial for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) with Ameluz®-PDT in the USA 

To further increase the growth potential in the US market in the medium term, the Company is currently conducting a clinical trial 
in the USA for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) with Ameluz® in combination with our BF-RhodoLED® lamp. 
Patient recruitment has been ongoing since September 2018. To date, more than 70% of the planned 186 patients have been 
enrolled in the study. Due to the demanding study protocol, patient recruitment has been very time-consuming and was 
additionally slowed down by the pandemic last year but has recently picked up again. Following successful FDA approval, Ameluz® 
would be the on 

Patent development 

The  Company  maintains  five  different  company-owned  patent  families  worldwide.  The  Group's  patents  are  held  by  Biofrontera 
Bioscience GmbH and Biofrontera Pharma GmbH.  

The patent families refer to our  technologies related to our nanoemulsion, our red-light lamp for  photodynamic therapy (PDT), 
photodynamic therapy itself and migraine prophylaxis.  

Nanoemulsion 

Patents have been issued for our nanoemulsion technology in Europe (for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland/Liechtenstein, 
and the UK), Australia, Belarus, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russian Federation, South Africa, 
Singapore, and Ukraine. Patent protection in these jurisdictions will expire on December 21, 2027. A corresponding patent application 
has been filed and is pending in the United States.  

On  November  12,  2019,  protection  for  the  patent  family  describing  the  combination  of  nanoemulsions  with  aminolevulinic  acid 
hydrochloride,  the  active  ingredient  in  Ameluz®,  expired.  However,  Ameluz®  continues  to  be  protected  by  the  nanoemulsion 
technology patent family, which continues until December 2027, although the corresponding patent application in the USA is still 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
pending. This patent has not yet been and possibly may never be granted in the USA and thus will not provide patent protection for 
Ameluz®  in  this  market.  However,  we  believe  that  the  risk  presented  by  future  generic  competition  is  mitigated  by  specific 
challenges  in  developing  generic  topical  dermatological  products.  As  part  of  Biofrontera's  patent  strategy  to  further  protect 
Ameluz®, patent applications have been submitted for photodynamic therapy itself as well as our red-light lamp (see below).  

Red-light lamp for photodynamic therapy 

An  international  patent  application  titled  "Illumination  for  photodynamic  therapy"  (PCT/EP2019/064642)  was  filed  with  the  EPO 
(European Patent Office) on June 5, 2019. All countries that were members of the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) on the filing date 
were designated in the application. On November 17, 2020, the national phase was initiated in the USA.  In addition, a continuation-
in-part application was filed in the USA on April 19, 2021, for which the notice of allowance was issued by the USPTO on November 12, 
2021. The formal patent grant was received at the beginning of February 2022. This protection runs until June 5, 2039. In addition, 
the national phase of the original application was initiated in Australia, China, Europe (excluding extension & validation states), Hong 
Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore. 

Another new patent application “Illumination device for photodynamic therapy, method for treating a skin disease and method for 
operating an illumination device” was filed in the USA on October 15, 2020, for which a continuation-in-part application was also filed 
in the USA on March 29, 2021. For this continuation-in-part application, the notice of allowance was issued by the USPTO on November 
10, 2021. The formal patent was granted  at the beginning of  February 2022  and is  valid until October 15, 2040. Furthermore,  an 
international application (PCT/EP2021/078045) was filed with the EPO on October 11, 2021.  

In order to protect the recently FDA-approved RhodoLED® XL red-light lamp against imitations, a design application for certain key 
design aspects of the lamp was filed as a continuation-in-part application of the previously mentioned patent on October 19, 2021. 

Photodynamic therapy 

An international patent application "Photodynamic therapy comprising two light exposures at different wavelengths" was filed with 
the EPO on August 23, 2018. Entry into the regional/national phases was initiated for the EU, USA, Japan, Australia, China, Hong Kong, 
New Zealand and Singapore, and examination requests were made in each case.  

Migraine prophylaxis BF-1 

An  international  patent  application  regarding  anti-migraine  compounds  and  their  use  was  submitted  to  the  EPO.  Patents  were 
granted  to  the  Group  in  Europe  (nationalized  for  Germany,  Spain,  France,  United  Kingdom,  Italy)  and  in  the  United  States.  The 
Company has decided not to renew the patents in Europe, resulting in protection expiring on January 31, 2022. 

Xepi® 

The drug product Xepi®, in-licensed by Biofrontera, is protected by two patent families in the USA as well as other countries. As far 
as the USA is concerned, patent protection exists for the active ingredient molecule ozenoxacin contained in Xepi® until November 
09, 2023, for the composition of Xepi® until January 29, 2032, and for the treatment of impetigo, for which it is approved, until 
December 15, 2029. 

Patent transfers under the license agreement with Maruho Co., Ltd. 

Limited to use under the existing license agreement with our partner Maruho Co., Ltd. the patent assignment of the following patents 
in Japan has been initiated: 

• 
• 
• 

Nanoemulsion 
Illumination for photodynamic therapy 
Photodynamic therapy comprising two light exposures at different wavelengths. 

Internal controls 
Biofrontera AG is managed by its Management Board. The Management Board is responsible for and supervises the operational 
business. To this end, the Management Board regularly receives and reviews internal management reports.  

10 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key performance indicators are compiled monthly, while the budget planning for the current financial year is revised and updated 
quarterly. In addition, medium-term planning is prepared once a year. In-depth cost analyses are performed on an ongoing basis. 

Key financial performance indicators 
Until and including 2020, the key financial performance indicators for the Group's operating performance were revenue and liquidity 
as well as the result from operating activities. 

In the context of internal reporting, the Group's sales revenues are the key performance indicator, which are reported by region and 
by  product. On  a  consolidated  basis,  revenue  includes sales  to  wholesalers as well  as to  physicians and  hospitals,  sales  to  our 
licensing partners, and revenue from research contracts. 

In addition, liquidity trends are used as a key performance and management metric for the Group as well as for Biofrontera AG. 
These are monitored daily. Liquidity is defined as the sum of cash and cash balances in bank accounts and is described as cash and 
cash equivalents. 

Starting in fiscal year 2021, EBITDA and EBIT were introduced as key performance indicators in our reporting. Both have become 
established internationally as key performance indicators and will replace the previously reported result from operating activities. 

Group EBITDA includes earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets. EBIT 
includes earnings before interest and taxes. These key performance indicators are suitable for describing and comparing operating 
performance, as they do not include non-operating fluctuation variables such as valuation adjustments and amortization of acquired 
assets. 

The key financial performance indicators are calculated as follows: 

Result from operating activities 
+ Depreciation and amortization 
+ /- Other expenses and income 
EBITDA 
- Depreciation and amortization 
EBIT 
+/- Interest expense and interest income 
Earnings before income taxes 

Non-financial performance indicators  
The maintenance and further development of our regulatory approvals is essential to secure and strengthen Biofrontera's market 
positioning and is, among other things, reflected in research and development costs. Consequently, both the maintenance of our 
regulatory approvals and the expansion of our labels as well as the number of external and internal audits are important nonfinancial 
control parameters for the Company.  

Biofrontera’s employees are an important success factor and therefore also represent a central control parameter. With respect to 
personnel, particular emphasis is placed on the qualifications and the necessary know-how of the employees to achieve the set 
goals in the operational and administrative areas. We therefore measure the annual expenditure on training and professional 
development as well as the number of training activities. Personnel costs are always assessed in line with the salary levels 
customary in the industry. 

Management report for the 2021 fiscal year 

Business performance 

On the back of a significant upturn in business towards the middle of 2021, Biofrontera AG achieved encouraging revenue growth 
from product sales of 20%. The company was able to overcome the Corona-related constraints on business growth for the most 
part over the course of the year, so that both the sales teams and the employees in the subsidiaries were less affected by the 
pandemic containment measures. Despite this relief, the impact was still felt in the summer months, and with the emergence of the 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Omicron variant in December and the resulting infection outbreak, restrictions on office visits returned significantly towards the 
end of the financial year.  

Biofrontera generated total sales of EUR 28.8 million in the period from January 1 to December 31, 2021, compared to EUR 30.4 million 
in 2020, a decrease of about 5%. However, total revenue in the prior-year period included a one-time payment of EUR 6.0 million 
received by the company under a licensing agreement. Revenues from product sales alone amounted to EUR 28.7 million in 2021, 
representing an increase of around 20% for the reporting year compared to the prior-year period.  

Commercialization of Ameluz® in the USA 

In Biofrontera's largest market, USA, sales of around EUR 20.2 million were generated in the reporting period, an increase of 22% 
compared to the pandemic year 2020, which had set the company back significantly in terms of sales. In 2021, however, new sales 
momentum was created in the U.S., with marketing gradually picking up over the reporting year. A strong second and third quarter 
in 2021 compensated for the decline in sales in the first three months, which were far more affected by the pandemic. In the fourth 
quarter, sales of EUR 7.9 million were still higher than in the fourth quarter of 2020 but could not reach the pre-pandemic 2019 level. 
In addition to the emergence of the Omicron variant as a driver of a new wave of infection, Biofrontera Inc. had not  scheduled a 
price increase for Ameluz at the end of the year. In the previous years' year-end quarters, this was an additional sales driver, along 
with seasonal sales strength.  

The USA remains the largest sales market for Ameluz®, with more than 70% of total sales generated there in 2021. 

Xepi®, the second product in the Biofrontera Inc. portfolio, could only be promoted to a limited extent during the past fiscal year, 
due to a delay in product delivery. The time was used to work on the product positioning and to prepare a new campaign. However, 
Xepi will not be of any importance to Biofrontera AG in the future, as it is a product in the portfolio of Biofrontera Inc. and the 
revenues generated will not be transferred to Biofrontera AG. 

Initial Public Offering of Biofrontera Inc. 

The third quarter of 2021 was also characterized by preparations for the initial public offering (IPO) of Biofrontera Inc. in the USA. 
On October 29, the IPO went ahead and the resulting access to one of the largest capital markets now secures Biofrontera Inc. the 
opportunity for further financing independent of Biofrontera AG, within the framework of the more growth-oriented U.S. corporate 
law. As the past has shown, similar financing opportunities cannot be created by Biofrontera AG, which is restricted in many respects 
by the German capital market and corporate law framework. Biofrontera AG continues to hold its shares in Biofrontera Inc. which, 
however, have become valuable through the IPO and may be sold if financing is required. At the end of December 2021, the exercise 
of previously issued Biofrontera Inc. warrants increased the total number of Biofrontera Inc. shares outstanding. As a result, on 
December 29, 2021, Biofrontera AG's stake in Biofrontera Inc. of 8,000,000 shares now corresponds to approximately 47% of the 
current outstanding shares. As a result, Biofrontera Inc. is no longer considered a subsidiary of Biofrontera AG in accordance with 
IFRS 10. 

Irrespective of the ownership structure of Biofrontera Inc., Biofrontera AG benefits directly from the growing Ameluz® sales in the 
USA. Under a license and supply agreement, Biofrontera AG will receive up to 50% of Ameluz® sales in the form of a transfer price. 
This percentage applies to annual sales of up to $30 million and decreases to 40% between annual sales of $30 million and $50 
million and to 30% above this level. The sliding scale considers Biofrontera Inc.'s sales and marketing costs, which increase with 
higher sales. At the same time as introducing the sliding scale into the license and supply agreement between the German companies 
and Biofrontera Inc., Biofrontera AG and its German subsidiaries are, contrary to previous agreements, only obligated to conduct a 
clearly  defined  clinical  trial  program.  For  the  time  being,  Biofrontera  Inc.  is  not  entitled  to  any  share  in  the  results  of  further 
developments by the German Biofrontera Group and would have to acquire a license for these. Therefore, with growing sales, the 
costs associated with sales and marketing in the USA will increase in the German Biofrontera companies significantly less than the 
sales and marketing costs of Biofrontera Inc. which is why the staggering of the transfer price is justified. 

Litigation 

On November 29, 2021, Biofrontera AG and its wholly owned German subsidiaries and Biofrontera Inc. entered into an out-of-court 
settlement with DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("DUSA"). The settlement was reached on the basis that Biofrontera Inc. and the 

12 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company and its defendant subsidiaries agreed to pay DUSA USD 22.5 million in settlement of potential claims. In addition, claims 
were mutually waived. One half of the settlement amount was due upon execution of the agreement, and thereafter one quarter 
on each of the first and second anniversaries of the execution of the agreement. Of this amount, 50% will be borne by the 
Company and 50% by Biofrontera Inc. Due to its comfortable financial position, Biofrontera Inc. has assumed payment of the 
entire 1st installment of USD 11.25 million, leaving Biofrontera AG with a liability of approximately USD 5.63 million to Biofrontera 
Inc. as of the balance sheet date.   

In November 2021, the Company announced in the mediation process with Mr. Zours and Deutsche Balaton AG to have found a 
solution for the settlement of legal disputes and further differences. The mediation agreement does not include a review of the 
background to the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. in the USA. In the run-up to the Annual General Meeting in December 2021, Deutsche 
Balaton had already attempted to force a resolution of the Annual General Meeting on the IPO and the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. by 
means of legal proceedings pursuant to Section 122 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). In its decision of December 2, 
2021, the Cologne Local Court rejected this claim and confirmed the Company's approach. Deutsche Balaton AG then filed a 
corresponding declaratory action with the Cologne Regional Court on December 13, 2021, the day before the Annual General 
Meeting, of which the Company only learned by court service on February 9, 2022. The content of the action is again the legal 
review and determination of so-called unwritten jurisdiction of the Annual General Meeting. 

Further information on the legal disputes can be found in the opportunities and risks report. 

Early and full repayment of the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan 

In November 2021, the Company terminated the loan of nominally EUR 15 million granted by the EIB in full, including interest  and 
other fees, ahead of schedule (see ad hoc announcement dated November 3, 2021) and repaid the loan before the end of the financial 
year 2021. The total volume of the payment to the EIB amounted to around EUR 20 million, with the early repayment reducing future 
expenses for interest and other fees. 

Change in the composition of the Management Board 

On February 2, 2021, the Company announced a change in the composition of the Company's Management Board. Effective March 1, 
2021, Mr. Ludwig Lutter was appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Biofrontera AG. He took over from Thomas Schaffer 
and is responsible for Finance, Administration, Controlling and Human Resources within the Company. Thomas Schaffer left the 
Company  on  February  28,  2021,  to  devote  himself  to  new  personal  endeavors  outside  the  Company. The  change  in the  finance 
department was a result of the succession planning by the Supervisory Board and the Management Board already announced in 
summer 2020. 

On November 10,2021, the Company announced that Prof. Dr. Lübbert would be exercising the termination and resignation option 
and has requested the Supervisory Board to release him from his duties at Biofrontera AG and the German subsidiaries as soon as 
possible. On December 2, 2021, the Supervisory Board and Prof. Dr. Lübbert agreed that Prof. Dr. Lübbert would resign from the 
Executive Board of Biofrontera AG and from the management of the German subsidiaries as of December13, 2021. Since then, he has 
been serving as Executive Chairman of Biofrontera Inc. 

Change in the composition of the Supervisory Board 

On December 14, 2021, the Company announced the results of the  election to the new Supervisory Board  at the Annual General 
Meeting held on December 14, 2021. As reported by the Company on November 19, 2021, agreement was reached on the Supervisory 
Board  candidates  for  election,  as  part  of  the  mediation  process  between  the  Deutsche  Balaton  Group  and  the  then  incumbent 
Supervisory Board of Biofrontera AG. 

The five new members, Dr. Heikki Lanckriet, Dr. Helge Lubenow, Karlheimz Schmelig, Dr. Jörgen Tielmann and Wilhelm K. T. Zours, 
were elected to the Supervisory Board by the Company's Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021, replacing the departing 
members Dr. Ulrich Granzer, Jürgen Baumann, Dr. John Borer, Reinhard Eyring and Kevin Weber. Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel was re-
elected to the Supervisory Board. At its constituting meeting on December 14, 2021, the Supervisory Board elected Wilhelm K. T. Zours 
as its Chairman and Dr. Jörgen Tielmann as Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel resigned her seat on 
the Supervisory Board on February 22, 2022. At the time this report was prepared, the Supervisory Board therefore consisted of five 
members. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic 

Following the challenges resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic, Biofrontera Group was able to look back on a significant business 
recovery at mid-year with revenue growth from product sales of 20%. The Company also experienced a sales recovery in our key 
market, the USA, from mid-March onwards. 

The coronavirus crisis led to a declining number of treatments and thus to strong sales declines in our most important sales market, 
the USA, especially in the comparative year 2020. On March 20, 2020, shortly after the pandemic spread of the virus became known, 
the Company announced that it would take comprehensive cost-cutting and cost-control measures on a precautionary basis. 

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the challenging business environment in 2020 has impacted the valuation of some of the Company's 
assets and liabilities. The reduced sales of Xepi® led to a reassessment of the medium-term business and earnings prospects for 
Xepi® as well as the liability to Maruho in the first quarter of 2020 and thus to an impairment of the Xepi® license.  

Evaluation of the business performance of the Biofrontera Group 

Comparison of actual and forecast business performance 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting planning uncertainty, the company's ability to forecast in 2021 continued to be 
impaired. Nevertheless, the Biofrontera Group generated revenues of around EUR 29 million in the 2021 financial year, thus meeting 
the revenue forecast of EUR 25 to 32 million. 

Group EBITDA amounted to EUR 28.0 million in the financial year. However, this figure includes significant special and one-off effects 
from the settlement with DUSA Pharmaceuticals Inc. already announced in December and from the deconsolidation of Biofrontera 
Inc. totaling EUR minus 39.7 million. EBITDA for 2021 adjusted for these special and one-off effects amounted to EUR minus 11.8 million. 
Taking into account these special effects, adjusted EBIT for the financial year accordingly amounts to EUR minus 15.1 million. Both 
figures are thus within the forecast range of EUR minus 11 to minus 14 million for EBITDA and EUR minus 13 to minus 16 million for 
EBIT. 

Evaluation of the business performance by the Management Board 

After initial pandemic-related start-up difficulties, business performance was positive overall in the first quarter. As expected, sales 
and thus business activity continued to be heavily dependent on the infection situation and the related relaxation of regulatory 
containment measures in our sales markets, particularly in the USA. During the course of the year, there was a clear rebound in 
business in the USA, although the Omikron wave was noticeable in the sales development towards the end of the year.   

Group EBITDA improved to EUR 27,950 thousand in the financial year 2021 (previous year: EUR -4,696 thousand). This includes the 
special effects from the settlement with DUSA (EUR minus 19,457 thousand) and from the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. (EUR 
59,180 thousand) and from the receipt of the down payment from Maruho in 2020 (EUR 6,000 thousand). Adjusted for these effects, 
the development of EBITDA is as follows: 

in EUR thousands 

EBITDA 

One-off effects 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Ammortizatiion and depreciation 

One-off effects 
Adjusted EBITDA (loss) 

2021 

27,950 

(39,723) 

(11,772) 

(3,290) 

0 
(15,062) 

2020 

(4,696) 

(6,000) 

(10,696) 

(5,333) 

2,001 
(14,028) 

Depreciation and amortization in fiscal year 2021 was lower at EUR 3,290 thousand than in the previous year at EUR 5,333 thousand, 
resulting  from  the  impairment  loss  due  to  the  Xepi®  impairment  (EUR  2,001  thousand)  included  in  the  previous  year's  figure. 

14 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accordingly, EBIT in the reporting year amounts to EUR 24,661 thousand compared to a loss of EUR 10,029 thousand in the previous 
year.   

Biofrontera reports consolidated earnings before income taxes of EUR 35,683 thousand (previous year: loss of EUR 12,697 thousand). 
In the separate financial statements of Biofrontera AG, a net loss of EUR 4,130 thousand is reported, compared to a loss of EUR 3,196 
thousand in the previous year.   

Due to the capital measure resolved in May 2020 and implemented in February 2021, the Group was in a solid financial position in 
the reporting year. With the successful IPO of Biofrontera Inc. in October 2021, the capital raised can be invested in further growth 
to further expand the presence in the US market. Through the license and supply agreement, Biofrontera AG also benefits from a 
strengthening of Biofrontera Inc. in the largest market without having to finance the largest cost block in the past, namely sales and 
marketing in the USA, itself.  

In addition, the company has prematurely terminated the loan of nominally EUR 15 million granted by the EIB in full, including interest 
and fees, and repaid this before the end of the 2021 financial year. The total volume of the payment to be made to the EIB amounted 
to around EUR 20 million. 

With the FDA approval of the new RhodoLED® XL lamp in October 2021 and the performance or start of several clinical studies, the 
company was also able to report encouraging progress on the regulatory and clinical side. In addition, the patent strategy  was 
strengthened with the receipt of two U.S. patents (see section "Patent Development"). 

Biofrontera Group financial position and performance 

Results of operations of the Biofrontera Group 

The results of operations as of December 31, 2021 are as follows: 

Sales revenue 

Gross profit on sales 

Research and development costs 

General administrative costs 

Sales and marketing costs 

Loss from operations 

Other expenses and income 

EBITDA 

EBIT 

Financial result 

Loss before income tax 
Loss after income tax 

2021 

28,787 

24,873 

(7,009) 

(30,781) 

(22,423) 

(35,341) 

60,001 

24,661 

11,022 

35,683 
33,857 

2020 

30,346 

26,810 

(4,789) 

(9,150) 

(20,482) 

(7,611) 

(2,418) 

-10,029 

-2,668 

-12,697 
-13,023 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales revenue 

The Biofrontera Group generated total sales of EUR 28,787 thousand in the reporting year 2021, a decrease of 5% compared to the 
previous year's figure (previous year: EUR 30,346 thousand), whereby the previous year's sales included a one-time payment of EUR 
6,000 thousand, which the company received as part of a licensing agreement. Revenues from product sales improved by 20% year-
on-year to EUR 28,737 thousand (previous year: EUR 23,852 thousand). This includes sales of EUR 89 thousand with the product Xepi® 
(previous year: EUR 279 thousand).  

Sales in  Germany  improved  by  2%  year-on-year  to  EUR  5,263  thousand  (previous year:  EUR  5,159  thousand).  In other  European 
countries, product sales increased by a total of 55% to EUR 3,270 thousand (previous year: EUR 2,104 thousand). There were no sales 
from other regions in the fiscal year (previous year: EUR 6,493 thousand); the previous year's figure included sales from a down 
payment as part of a license payment in the amount of EUR 6,000 thousand. 

Gross profit on sale 

Gross profit decreased by EUR 1,937 thousand in the reporting year 2021 to EUR 24,873 thousand compared to EUR 26,810 thousand 
in the prior-year period. The gross margin decreased from 88% in 2020 to 86% in fiscal year 2021. This is mainly due to the revenues 
from licenses (one-time payment) of EUR 6,000 thousand included in the prior-year figure, which are not offset by any directly 
attributable cost of sales. 

Research and development costs 

Research and development costs increased by 46% to EUR 7,009 thousand in the reporting period compared to EUR 4,789 thousand 
in the previous year, mainly due to increased clinical research activities. In addition to clinical trial costs, research and development 
costs also include regulatory expenses, i.e., for the granting, maintenance, and extension of our marketing authorizations.  

16 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative costs 

General and administrative expenses amounted to EUR 30,781 thousand in fiscal year 2021 (previous year: EUR 9,150 thousand) and 
thus increased by a total of EUR 21,631 thousand compared to the previous year. This was mainly due to the costs for the settlement 
payment in connection with the out-of-court settlement of the legal dispute with DUSA Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the amount of EUR 
19,457 thousand (USD 22.5 million).  

Sales and marketing costs 

Sales and marketing expenses amounted to EUR 22,423 thousand in fiscal year 2021, an increase of EUR 1,941 thousand compared 
with the previous year (EUR 20,482 thousand), mainly due to the cost-cutting measures implemented in the previous year as a result 
of the COVID 19 pandemic. Selling expenses include the costs of our own sales force in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the 
United States, as well as marketing expenses.   

EBITDA and EBIT 

In the 2021 financial year, EBITDA and EBIT were introduced as management-relevant indicators in reporting. Both have become 
established internationally as target figures and replace the previously reported figure of profit from operating activities.  

The Group's EBITDA includes earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of 
intangible assets and improved by EUR 32,646 thousand to EUR 27,950 thousand in fiscal year 2021 compared with the prior-year 
period  (EUR  minus  4,696  thousand).  However,  this  figure  includes  special  or  one-off  effects  from  the  settlement  with  DUSA 
Pharmaceuticals Inc. already communicated in December and from the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. totaling EUR minus 39.7 
million. EBITDA for 2021 adjusted for these special or one-time effects amounted to EUR minus 11,772 thousand and thus decreased 
by EUR minus 1,077 thousand compared to the likewise adjusted EBITDA of the previous year of EUR minus 10,696 thousand. The main 
reason for this is the partial reversal of the cost-cutting measures introduced in 2020 due to the COVID 19 pandemic. 

EBIT includes earnings before interest and taxes and improved year-on-year to EUR 24,661 thousand (prior-year period: EUR -10,029 
thousand). Taking into account the above-mentioned special effects and the impairment loss recognized in 2020 for the Xepi license, 
adjusted EBIT for the fiscal year was accordingly EUR minus 15,062 thousand, a decrease of EUR minus 1,034 thousand compared to 
EUR minus 14,028 thousand in the previous year.. 

Financial result  

In addition to the interest result, the financial result totaling EUR 11,022 thousand (previous year: loss of EUR 2,668 thousand) mainly 
includes income from the fair value change in the carrying amount of the investment in Biofrontera Inc. amounting to EUR 14,729 
thousand (previous year: EUR 0 thousand). 

The interest result amounts to a loss of EUR 3,707 thousand (previous year: loss of EUR 2,668 thousand) and mainly includes interest 
expenses for the EIB loan (EUR 2,128 thousand, previous year: EUR 1,765 thousand) and the fair value change of the purchase price 
liability for Cutanea in the amount of EUR 1,396 thousand (previous year: EUR 750 thousand).  

Other income and expenses 

Other expenses and income totaled EUR 60,001 thousand in the reporting period (previous year: loss of EUR 2,418 thousand) and 
mainly include the deconsolidation gain of EUR 58,773 thousand from the withdrawal of Biofrontera Inc. from the Group.  In addition, 
expenses and income from currency translation amounting to EUR 160 thousand (previous year: loss of EUR 3,601 thousand) are 
reflected here. 

Income taxes 

This item includes actual income taxes of EUR 47 thousand (prior-year period: income of EUR 56 thousand), as well as deferred tax 
expenses  of  EUR  1,778  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  269  thousand)  from  the  reduction  of  tax-deductible  loss  carryforwards  at 
Biofrontera Pharma GmbH. 

Net assets of the Biofrontera Group 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

17 

 
 
The net assets position as of December 31, 2021 is as follows. Due to the effects from the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. included 
in the financial year, comparability with the previous year is only possible to a limited extent. Please refer to our presentation of 
the pro forma balance sheet in the notes. 

in EUR thousands 

Non-current assets 

Current financial assets 

Other current assets 

Total assets 

Equity 

Non-current liabilities 

Current financial liabilities 

Other current liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

Non-current assets 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

62,322 

8,171 

6,206 

76,699 

57,997 

1,235 

10,478 

6,990 
76,699 

30,264 

20,579 

5,547 

56,391 

7,375 

40,730 

2,852 

5,434 
56,391 

Non-current assets as of December 31, 2021, totaling EUR 62,322 thousand (previous year: EUR 30,264 thousand) include recognized 
deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards at Biofrontera Pharma GmbH in the amount of EUR 5,747 thousand (previous year: EUR 
7,525  thousand), property, plant  and  equipment  in the  amount  of  EUR  2,281  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  5,051  thousand),  and 
intangible assets (EUR 1,139 thousand; previous year: EUR 17,689 thousand). In the previous year, this included the acquired  Xepi® 
license  in  the  amount  of  EUR  16,720  thousand,  which  was  not  recognized  in  the  financial  year  due  to  the  deconsolidation  of 
Biofrontera Inc. In addition, the investment in Biofrontera Inc. valued at equity is reported here at EUR 53,154 thousand (previous 
year: EUR 0 thousand).  

Current financial assets 

Current financial assets totaled EUR 8,171 thousand as of December 31, 2021 (previous year: EUR 20,579 thousand). This includes cash 
and cash equivalents of EUR 6,908 thousand (previous year: EUR 16,546 thousand), trade receivables of EUR 793 thousand (previous 
year: EUR 3,501 thousand), and other current financial assets of EUR 57 thousand (previous year: EUR 531 thousand).  

Other current assets 

Other current assets mainly contain inventories. This increased to EUR 4,814 thousand (previous year: EUR 4,673 thousand) due to 
higher inventories of raw materials and supplies as a result of the initial stocking of an additional contract manufacturer. In the 
reporting year, impairment losses of EUR 172 thousand (previous year: EUR 414 thousand) were recognized on inventories 

Equity 

In accordance with IFRS, the Group reported equity of EUR 57,997 thousand (previous year: EUR 7,375 thousand). The equity ratio 
improved from 13% to 76%, due to the repayment of the EIB loan and the disposal of the purchase price liability to Maruho in the 
course of the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. 

Non-current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities include financial liabilities (EUR 851 thousand; previous year: EUR 22,736 thousand) and other non-current 
financial liabilities (EUR 384 thousand; previous year: EUR 17,994 thousand). In addition to liabilities under the SAR program (EUR 384 
thousand; previous year: EUR 183 thousand), this item also includes the purchase price liability for Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. (EUR 
0 thousand; previous year: EUR 17,811 thousand).  

18 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current financial liabilities include liabilities from leases to be reported in accordance with IFRS 16 in the amount of EUR 851 
thousand (previous year: EUR 2,657 thousand), as well as the loan from the EIB, including the performance component, totaling EUR 
0 thousand (previous year: EUR 18,076 thousand). The unconverted shares of the convertible bond 2017/2022 in the amount of EUR 
2,003 thousand reported in this item in the previous year were reclassified to current financial liabilities.  

Current financial liabilities 

Current financial liabilities include in particular trade accounts payable of EUR 2,735 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,623 thousand) 
and liabilities to associated companies of EUR 5,279 thousand (previous year: EUR 0 thousand) as well as current financial liabilities 
of EUR 2,449 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,139 thousand). 

Current financial liabilities mainly include current liabilities from leases under IFRS 16 amounting to EUR 357 thousand (previous 
year:  EUR  1,057  thousand)  and  the  unconverted  portions  of  the  2017/2022  convertible  bond  amounting  to  EUR  2,031  thousand 
(previous year: EUR 2,003 thousand). 

Other current liabilities 

Other current liabilities amounted to EUR 6,990 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,434 thousand) and include in particular accruals of 
EUR  1,012  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  3,042  thousand)  and  other  accruals  of  EUR  5,840  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  2,392 
thousand).  

Financial position of the Biofrontera Group 

The Company's capital management body regularly reviews the equity ratio of both the Biofrontera Group and the parent company. 
The  objective  is  to  ensure  an  appropriate  equity  base,  within  the  framework  of  the  expectations  of  the  capital  market,  and 
creditworthiness with respect to national and international business partners. The Group's Management Board ensures that all Group 
companies have sufficient liquidity at their disposal. 

in EUR thousands 

Cash flow from operating activities 

Cash flow from operating activities 

Cash flow from financing activities 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Non-current financial liabilities 

Current financial debt 
Net liquidity 

2021 

30,439 

(42,259) 

2,182 

6,908 

851 

2,449 
3,609 

2020 

(2,849) 

2,873 

5,948 

16,546 

22,736 

1,139 
(7,328) 

Net cash flow from operating activities of EUR 30,439 thousand (previous year: minus EUR 2,849 thousand) increased mainly due to 
the improved earnings before taxes of EUR 35,683 thousand (previous year: minus EUR 12,697 thousand). 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased from EUR 2,873 thousand to minus EUR 42,259 thousand in fiscal year 2021 and, in 
addition  to  investments  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets  of  EUR  629  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  774 
thousand), primarily includes the effect  of the deconsolidation of  Biofrontera Inc. in the  amount  of minus EUR 41,630 thousand 
(previous year: EUR 0 thousand). The previous year's figure includes, at EUR 3,547 thousand, the start-up costs of Maruho incurred 
as part of the acquisition of Cutanea.  

Net cash flow from financing activities amounted to EUR 2,182 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,948 thousand) and mainly includes 
the proceeds from the capital increase carried out in February and the cash outflows from the repayment of the EIB loan.  

The convertible bond 2017/2022 in the amount of EUR 2,031 thousand (previous year: EUR 2,003 thousand) matures in 2022.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents in the Group amount to EUR 6,908 thousand as of December 31, 2021 (previous year: EUR 16,546 thousand).  

From today's perspective, both the Group and Biofrontera AG have sufficient liquidity and short-term liquid funds available for the 
next 12 months from the date of preparation of the consolidated financial statements, taking into account the earnings expectations, 
the capital increase resolved on April 7, 2022, a level of cash and cash equivalents of EUR 6.9 million in the Group as of December 31, 
2021, and the ownership of 8 million liquid shares in Biofrontera Inc. with a stock market value of around USD 30 million. If, contrary 
to expectations, the resolved capital increase cannot be implemented, the Company will secure interim financing either through 
borrowing or a partial sale of Biofrontera Inc. shares. Although the Company expects lower sales and marketing costs in the future 
due to the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. and an overall improving earnings development in 2022, liquidity at year-end 2022 is 
nevertheless expected to be below the level at year-end 2021, as the first installment of the liability from the DUSA settlement has 
to be settled. 

Biofrontera AG financial position and performance 

Results of operations of Biofrontera AG 

in EUR thousands 

Sales revenue 

Other operating income 

Personnel costs 

Depreciation and amortization 

Other operating expenses 

Other interest and similar income 

Interest and similar expenses 

Other taxes 

Net loss 

2021 

3,698 

12,362 

(3,325) 

(28) 

(16,647) 

1,748 

(1,937) 

(1) 

(4,130) 

2020 

4,220 

1,409 

(3,008) 

(23) 

(8,142) 

3,943 

(1,594) 

(1) 

(3,196) 

The sales reported in the separate financial statements under German commercial law include income from intragroup services.  
Other operating income mainly relates to the intra-Group recharging of expenses from the settlement payment to DUSA. 

Personnel expenses were lower in the previous year due to the temporary introduction of short-time working for all employees in 
2020 in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Other operating expenses increased in particular due to the EUR 9,428 thousand increase in costs for legal advice to EUR 10,499 
thousand, primarily as a result  of the termination of the legal dispute with DUSA  Pharmaceuticals, Inc. through an out-of-court 
settlement. Likewise, financing costs increased to EUR 2,385 thousand (previous year: EUR 749 thousand) due to the capital increase 
carried out in February 2021. Expenses for insurance also increased by EUR 737 thousand to EUR 1,234 thousand. In contrast, expenses 
from currency translation fell sharply by EUR 33 thousand (previous year: EUR 3,636 thousand) due to the discontinuation of the 
loan granted to the former subsidiary Biofrontera Inc.  

The decrease in interest and similar income is mainly explained by the discontinuation of the loan granted to the then subsidiary 
Biofrontera Inc. Interest expenses increased in particular due to interest payments on the loan provided by the EIB.   

The net loss for the year amounts to minus EUR 4,130 thousand (previous year: minus EUR 3,196 thousand). 

Net assets of Biofrontera AG 

20 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

Non-current assets 

Receivables due from affiliated companies 

Cash and cash balances with banks 

Other assets 

Total assets 

Equity 

Provisions 

Bonds 

Liabilities to banks 

Other liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

70,689 

72,126 

6,516 

1,052 

150,383 

135,879 

5,866 

2,031 

0 

6,607 
150,383 

70,690 

59,000 

9,201 

187 

139,078 

115,200 

3,572 

2,031 

17,722 

553 
139,078 

Non-current assets relate almost exclusively to shares in affiliated companies and associated companies.  

Cash and cash equivalents decreased from EUR 9, 210 thousand in the previous year to EUR 6, 516 thousand in 2021. For further 
details on the financial position, please refer to the presentation of the Group's financial position.  

Biofrontera  AG  has  equity  under  commercial  law  of  EUR  135,879  thousand  as  of  December  31,  2021  (previous  year:  EUR  115,200 
thousand). In particular, the capital increase in February 2021 increased equity by EUR 20,679 thousand.   

Provisions mainly include settlement payments of EUR 4,970 thousand (previous year: EUR 0 thousand), while provisions for litigation 
costs have ceased to exist (previous year: EUR 1,979 thousand). Provisions for the performance component of the EIB loan also 
ceased to exist (previous year: EUR 768 thousand) due to early termination and full repayment.  

The bonds include the convertible bond 2017/22. The liabilities to banks are omitted completely due to the early termination and full 
repayment. 

Assessment of the financial position of Biofrontera AG and the Group  

In the individual financial statements of Biofrontera AG, liquidity amounts to EUR 6,516 thousand compared to EUR 9,201 thousand in 
the previous year, the main influencing factors in the 2021 financial year for this were the capital increase carried out in February 
with gross issue proceeds of EUR 24,667 thousand and, counteracting this, the repayment of the EIB loan in the amount of EUR 19,958 
thousand. The Group's liquidity decreased by EUR 9,638 thousand to EUR 6,908 thousand in fiscal year 2021. In addition to the factors 
already mentioned, the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. was the main factor here. 

From today's perspective, both the Group and Biofrontera AG have sufficient liquidity and short-term liquid funds available for the 
next 12 months from the date of preparation of the consolidated financial statements, taking into account the earnings expectations, 
the capital increase resolved on April 7, 2022, a level of cash and cash equivalents of EUR 6.9 million in the Group as of December 31, 
2021, and the ownership of 8 million liquid shares in Biofrontera Inc. with a stock market value of around USD 30 million. If, contrary 
to expectations, the resolved capital increase cannot be implemented, the Company will secure interim financing either through 
borrowing or a partial sale of Biofrontera Inc. shares. Although the Company expects lower sales and marketing costs in the future 
due to the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. and an overall improving earnings development in 2022, liquidity at year-end 2022 is 
nevertheless expected to be below the level at year-end 2021, as the first installment of the liability from the DUSA settlement has 
to be settled. 

Outlook and forecast 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
General conditions 

We expect the global economy to continue to grow robustly in 2022 despite the coronavirus, although the speed of recovery is likely 
to vary from region to region. In this regard, the recovery of the economy will continue to depend heavily on the course of the 
pandemic and the measures taken by governments to contain it.  

The German government's (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) Annual Economic Report 2022, published on January 
26, 2022, indicates a 2.7% decline in German gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To 
date, the German federal government has assumed a recovery in economic activity in 2022 with an increase in GDP of 3.6%. In this 
context, the federal government assumes that the German economy will not experience a significant economic recovery until later 
in the year due to the course of the pandemic. 

According to a January 22, 2022 publication by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) 1, U.S. gross domestic product increased 
by 5.7% in 2021. In its economic forecast, which covers the period from 2021 to 2031, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) assumes 
that the positive economic development that has begun will continue. For 2022, the CBO2 expects GDP to increase by 2.4%. 

Guidance 

The Biofrontera Group provides the following outlook for the full year 2022, which reflects the Group's assessment of the pace of 
further recovery from the pandemic. We expect that due to the progressing immunization of the population, the pandemic will slowly 
subside in our key sales markets, so that growth momentum should build momentum in the second half of 2022. 

Forecast of key performance indicators relevant to management  

The Group expects sales of EUR 24 to 27 million in fiscal 2022. Sales by our own sales teams as well as our licensing partners in the 
U.S. and Europe, and thus business activity, are highly dependent on further regional recovery from the pandemic and the effects 
resulting from the Ukraine crisis.  

In  the  USA  in  particular,  the  main  sales  market  for  our  flagship  product  Ameluz®  ,  we  expect  to  see  a  noticeable  increase  in 
momentum and a rise in demand over the course of the year. As a result of the pandemic experience, we expect personal patient 
visits to doctors to increase again. This should lead to more prescriptions and higher demand for treatments performed in a doctor's 
office. To the extent that potential pandemic-related travel restrictions and mobility limitations, as well as bans on office visits, limit 
our licensing partner's sales team, these may now be partially offset by virtual interactions with physicians. We also expect that the 
FDA approval of the new RhodoLED® XL lamp in October 2021, together with far-reaching marketing measures to support sales by 
our U.S. license partner, will lead to increased growth momentum in the U.S. market.  

In Germany, the most important European sales market, the company expects the continued steady expansion of the PDT market by 
gaining market share. Daylight PDT approved in Europe is also expected to be a growth driver in 2022. In Europe, we expect growing 
sales in Scandinavia from our new licensing partner Galenica AB, as well as initial sales from the licensing and supply agreement 
with Medac Gesellschaft für klinische Spezialpräparate mbH in Poland starting in the second half of the year. 

However, as mentioned at the outset, sales growth is heavily dependent on the further recovery from the pandemic and the Ukraine 
crisis. This still results in uncertainty with regard to the sales revenue that can be achieved in the current year.  

As  described  in  the  section  "Internal  Control,"  EBITDA  and  EBIT  have  been  introduced  as  management-relevant  indicators  in 
reporting from 2021. Both have become established internationally as target figures and have replaced the previously reported key 
figure of profit from operating activities.  

Group EBITDA includes earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible 
assets.  EBIT  includes  earnings before  interest  and  taxes. These  indicators  are  suitable  for  describing  and  comparing  operating 
performance, as they do not include non-operating fluctuation variables such as valuation adjustments and amortization of acquired 
assets.   

1 Source: https://www.bea.gov/news/2022/gross-domestic-product-fourth-quarter-and-year-2021-advance-estimate 
2 Source: https://www.cbo.gov/publication/56970 

22 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
Based on the above assumptions, Biofrontera AG expects EBITDA to be close to break-even in 2022 and negative EBIT to be in the 
low single-digit million range. If the markets continue to recover, the Company further expects to generate further revenue increases 
as well as positive EBITDA and EBIT in the low single-digit million range from 2023 onwards. 

From today's perspective, both the Group and Biofrontera AG have sufficient liquidity and short-term liquid funds available for the 
next 12 months from the date of preparation of the consolidated financial statements, taking into account the earnings expectations, 
the capital increase resolved on April 7, 2022, a level of cash and cash equivalents of EUR 6.9 million in the Group as of December 31, 
2021, and the ownership of 8 million liquid shares in Biofrontera Inc. with a stock market value of around USD 30 million. If, contrary 
to expectations, the resolved capital increase cannot be implemented, the Company will secure interim financing either through 
borrowing or a partial sale of Biofrontera Inc. shares. Although the Company expects lower sales and marketing costs in the future 
due to the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. and an overall improving earnings development in 2022, liquidity at year-end 2022 is 
nevertheless expected to be below the level at year-end 2021, as the first installment of the liability from the DUSA settlement has 
to be settled. 

For the separate financial statements of Biofrontera AG, we continue to expect a loss, which is likely to be at the level of the previous 
year. 

Forecast of further key figures 

In order to continue to adequately push and support the company's growth, Biofrontera expects a slight increase in the number of 
employees in 2022. Staff appointments and replacements have been delayed due to the pandemic-related cost reduction measures 
and  are now being implemented. We  expect  annual training and development  expenses and the number  of training sessions to 
increase in 2022 compared to 2021 due to the slight increase in headcount as well as necessary relaxations of cost-cutting measures. 

The maintenance and further development of our approvals is essential for securing and strengthening Biofrontera's market position 
and is reflected in our quality management, among other things. Thus, among other things, the number of external and internal 
audits represent important non-financial control parameters for the company. We expect the number of audits to be higher in 2022 
compared to the number in 2021.  

Planned regulatory progress 

Patient enrollment in the Phase III trial for regulatory expansion in the U.S. to include the indication of superficial BCC has already 
started in September 2018. To date, over 70% of the planned 186 patients have been enrolled in the study. The company expects 
patient enrollment to be completed by the end of 2022.  

In order to ensure reimbursement of multiple tubes for the treatment of larger body regions in the USA in the future, Biofrontera 
has been conducting a Phase I safety study since December 2021, following consultation with the FDA, to evaluate the safety and 
tolerability of PDT for the treatment of mild to severe actinic keratosis on the face and scalp with the simultaneous use of  three 
tubes of Ameluz® together with the new RhodoLED® XL lamp. The product information currently specifies only one tube of Ameluz® 
per treatment. The company expects to be able to complete patient recruitment by the end of 2022. 

Patient recruitment for the phase IIb trial to test the safety and efficacy of Ameluz® in combination with the BF-RhodoLED® red 
light lamp in the treatment of moderate to severe acne with photodynamic therapy has been ongoing since December 2021. The 
company also expects patient recruitment to be completed by the end of 2022. 

In the course of the approval extension for Ameluz® in the EU, which took place in March 2020, Biofrontera has also consulted with 
the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a corresponding approval extension for Ameluz® for the treatment of AK on the 
extremities and trunk/neck. Patient recruitment for the phase III trial is scheduled to begin in 2022.   

Risk and opportunity report 

Each industry has its own specific characteristics that give rise to specific risks. The health industry, in particular, is in a state of 
constant change, with the ensuing risks and opportunities being shaped by a wide variety of influences.  

As an internationally biopharmaceutical company, the Biofrontera Group is exposed to a large  number of risks arising from its 
business  activities,  which can  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  achievement  of  the  targets.  Deviations  from  the  plan  are  to  be 
understood as opportunities (positive deviations) and risks (negative deviations). 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

23 

 
 
Risk management system 

Biofrontera's management counters the risks existing in the Group with a comprehensive risk management system. Due to its holding 
function,  Biofrontera AG controls all legally independent  entities within the Biofrontera Group. Therefore, a  uniform group-wide 
assessment of risks and opportunities within the group is necessary. 

The primary objective of the Biofrontera Group is to grow sustainably and thus to steadily increase the value of the company. Risk 
management makes a significant contribution to achieving this goal. Risk management at Biofrontera involves the identification of 
risks that could lead to a permanent or significant impairment of the Biofrontera Group's net assets, financial position and results 
of operations, the responsible analysis and monitoring of these risks, and the taking of appropriate countermeasures. This requires 
defined  principles,  organizational  structures,  and  measurement  and  monitoring  processes  that  are  specifically  geared  to  the 
activities of the Biofrontera Group. 

Appropriately detailed risk prevention measures are the prerequisite for fully exploiting the opportunities arising from Biofrontera's 
business activities. The existing risk management structures at Biofrontera within the framework of the quality management system 
required for pharmaceutical manufacturers and entrepreneurs as well as for medical device manufacturers are constantly being 
further developed. The marketing and sales activities as well as the international responsibilities that a marketing authorization 
holder has for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics are included in this system. 

The Biofrontera Group's risk management is integrated into the business processes and entrepreneurial decisions, and thus into the 
Group-wide planning and controlling processes. Risk management and control mechanisms are coordinated with each other. They 
ensure that risks relevant to the company are identified and assessed at an early stage. At the same time, it serves to quickly seize 
potential opportunities. 

Risk management at Biofrontera is organized both decentrally and centrally. The Executive Board has overarching responsibility for 
this. The coordinated subsystems are the responsibility of the specialist departments. Opportunities and risks are regularly identified 
and evaluated across all hierarchical levels. All executives of the Group and the Audit Committee are involved in Groupwide risk 
monitoring and the associated reporting. This includes both the Executive Board and the managing directors of the Group companies 
as well as the process and project managers. 

Risk management reports to the risk management team headed by the Chairman of the Executive Board. The risk management team 
coordinates the individual management bodies and ensures they are kept informed at an early stage and on an ongoing basis. In 
addition, the team is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the risk profile, the initiation of risk prevention measures and the 
corresponding control instruments. Within the framework of regular meetings, the management of the Biofrontera Group comes 
together to exchange and evaluate risk management-relevant information between the operational and central divisions across all 
levels. 

The Group-wide contact person is the risk officer, who is also a member of the risk management team. If unforeseen risks arise, he 
immediately initiates the necessary steps to counter them. On the one hand, he is responsible for the further development of the 
risk management system and its documentation. In addition, the risk officer defines uniform standards and ensures that similar risk 
management processes are applied within the Biofrontera Group. For example, the regular analysis of key figures relating to the 
course  of  business  serves  to  identify  and  evaluate  possible  deviations  from  expected  developments  in  terms  of  potential 
opportunities or risks at an early stage and to initiate necessary measures. Overall monitoring of the relevant control parameters 
and business processes is carried out. Risk planning and identification are carried out in cooperation with the respective department 
heads. 

Accounting risk management system and internal controls 

The accounting process of the Group as well as of Biofrontera AG pursues the presentation of correct and complete figures and 
disclosures in the instruments  of external  accounting (bookkeeping, annual and consolidated financial statements, summarized 
management report) as well as compliance with the relevant legal and statutory provisions. The structures and processes in place 
for  this  purpose  integrate  detailed  internal  control  measures  with  regard  to  the  accounting  process.  In  connection  with  the 
increasing  business  activities,  the  accounting-related  internal  control  system  is  subject  to  a  continuous  monitoring  and 
improvement process. 

The aim of the internal control system is to identify, assess and manage all risks that could prevent the preparation of our annual 
and consolidated financial statements in accordance with the rules. Identified risks must be assessed with regard to their impact on 

24 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
the annual and consolidated financial statements. It is the task of the accounting-related internal control system to ensure that the 
closing  process  complies  with  the  rules  by  implementing  appropriate  principles,  procedures  and  controls.  The  internal  control 
system covers all departments that are important for the annual and consolidated financial statements and all processes relevant 
to the preparation of the financial statements. 

Significant aspects of risk management and control in accounting are the clear allocation of responsibilities and  controls in the 
preparation  of  the  financial  statements  and  transparent  accounting  policies.  The  dual  control  principle  and  the  separation  of 
functions are further important control principles in the accounting process. 

Risk reporting concerning financial instruments 

In the ordinary course of business, the Group is exposed to risks that may have an impact on its net assets, financial position and 
results of operations. 

Market risk 

As of the reporting date, the Biofrontera Group was exposed to foreign currency risks, in particular due to the transfer price in US-
Dollar  agreed  with  the  former  100%-owned  subsidiary  Biofrontera  Inc.  The  Company  does  not  enter  into  any  specific  currency 
hedging transactions. Exchange rate fluctuations are recognized in profit or loss.  . 

Credit risk 

The Group is exposed to credit risk if transaction partners are unable to meet their obligations within the usual payment periods. 
The  maximum  default  risk  is  represented  in  the  balance  sheet  by  the  carrying  amount  of  the  respective  financial  asset.  The 
development of the receivables portfolio is monitored in order to identify potential default risks at an early stage and to initiate 
appropriate measures. Biofrontera's financial instruments bear a minimal risk of default. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk refers to the inability to meet existing or future payment obligations as they become due. To ensure the ability to pay 
at all times and to avoid financial shortages, Biofrontera has established a central cash management system that monitors liquidity 
requirements in the short, medium and long term. Refinancing for all Group companies is mainly provided by Biofrontera AG. 

Liquidity is monitored and managed on the basis of short- and long-term corporate planning. Liquidity risks are identified at an early 
stage by simulating various scenarios. Current cash and cash equivalents are recorded and monitored on a daily basis.    

For further information, please refer to the section "Liquidity, profitability and capital markets access". 

Risks and opportunities relating to future business development and growth 

The business  strategy  of Biofrontera  AG is based to  a large extent on establishing the current products, in particular the drug 
Ameluz®, on the relevant sales markets in the long term. In order to exploit market potential, it is necessary to obtain and expand 
the existing approvals in the USA and Europe. In addition, the aim is to broaden the product pipeline. The protection of our intellectual 
property  is  to  be  secured  by  a  suitable  patent  strategy.  The  prerequisite  for  achieving  these  targets  is  ensuring  sustained 
profitability and sufficient liquidity. 

Risks may arise from deviations from targets in the form of negative developments, the insufficient realization of targeted and 
already recognized opportunities or potentials, or the failure to take advantage of new opportunities. Biofrontera's risk management 
takes this into account through continuous analysis of relevant influencing factors. 

External influences and global risks 

The  increasing  integration  of  the  global  economy  due  to  globalization  and  digitalization can  exert  a  negative  influence  on  the 
achievement of Biofrontera's targets in the context of macroeconomic developments. Furthermore, political developments in our 
sales markets can have an influence on the structures relevant to Biofrontera in the respective healthcare sector.   

In addition to effects on individual markets, global crises may arise in this context that could have a significant impact on Biofrontera.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

25 

 
 
The ongoing COVID 19 pandemic may have further negative effects on the Biofrontera Group's business operations. The maintenance 
of business processes may be impaired by, among other things, the ordering of (regional) regulatory measures that do not allow full 
business operations or by employees of the Biofrontera Group or of relevant suppliers becoming infected with COVID-19. However, 
the Executive Board currently expects to be able to counteract these potential effects by taking appropriate measures.   

To this end, the company had already taken appropriate measures immediately after the start of the pandemic to counter these 
risks  and  safeguard  business  operations  through  comprehensive  cost  reductions,  contingency  planning  to  maintain  central 
processes, and activities to protect employees. These could be implemented again if required.  

For further risks in connection with the ongoing pandemic, please refer to the comments in the section on "Liquidity, profitability 
and capital market access". 

Although the war in Ukraine that broke out at the end of February currently has no direct impact on Biofrontera, as the company is 
not active in either Ukraine or Russia. However, there are negative indirect factors influencing the company's performance, such as 
price increases in procurement markets and further impairment of supply chains that have already been impacted in the context of 
the COVID 19 pandemic. There is also the possibility of further escalations and the resulting beyond-regional economic risks. 

Since February 1, 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer a member state of the European Union. As the regulatory framework for 
pharmaceutical products in the United Kingdom, which covers quality, safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, clinical trials, 
marketing authorization, commercial distribution and sales of pharmaceutical products, is derived from European Union directives 
and regulations, this could impact the future regulatory regime which applies to products and the approval of product candidates 
in the United Kingdom. It remains to be determined how, if at all, withdrawal will affect the regulatory requirements for products in 
the United Kingdom. Due to the immaterial volume of revenues from product sales in the United Kingdom, the Company considers 
this risk to be low.  

These risks cannot be influenced by Biofrontera. In the past, however, the monitoring processes and standards implemented in the 
company have enabled Biofrontera to always adapt external effects or risks appropriately and successfully.  

Liquidity, profitability and capital markets access 

Liquidity risks can arise from the company's current loss situation and uncertainties regarding future business development,  or 
from not being able to exploit market potential in line with Biofrontera's business strategy due to insufficient liquidity. 

Biofrontera offsets this risk with a long-term capital market strategy. In addition, potential risks are regularly identified and assessed 
as part of our short-, medium- and long-term liquidity planning across the Group in order to enable us to take timely measures to 
achieve our goals, if necessary. 

The Biofrontera Group might not be able to meet existing or future payment obligations due to insufficient availability of cash and 
cash equivalents. To date, the Group has been able to meet its payment obligations at all times. Through the injection of equity or 
debt capital, Biofrontera has so far always succeeded in providing the financing necessary for its business operations. Due to the 
capital measures carried out in the past, and especially due to the capital measure executed in February 2021, the company has had 
sufficient liquidity available throughout the reporting period. Following the initial public offering (IPO) of Biofrontera Inc. in the USA 
and  the  current  investment  of  Biofrontera  AG  with  8,000,000  shares in  Biofrontera  Inc.,  the  Group  also  has  additional  liquidity 
potential available in the possible sale of the shares. The main objectives of the Biofrontera Inc. IPO included raising additional 
capital to finance the growth of its business, creating a public market for its shares and facilitating future access to the capital 
market. 

Law and compliance 

The Group may be exposed to litigation or legal proceedings in the future. These include in particular risks from the areas of product 
liability, antitrust law, competition law, patent law, tax law and environmental protection. Risks may also arise in connection with 
disclosure and information requirements on the capital market. Investigations and inquiries into possible infringements of statutory 
provisions  or  regulatory  requirements  may  result  in  criminal  and  civil  sanctions,  including  considerable  fines,  as  well  as  other 
financial disadvantages, could cause  harm to the Company's reputation and ultimately have a  negative impact on our business 
success or our access to the capital markets. 

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Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
In the lawsuit filed by DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (DUSA) filed in March 2018 in the District Court of Massachusetts against Biofrontera 
Group, further proceedings were referred to decision by a jury in October 2020. The lawsuit included alleged infringement of DUSA 
patents No. 9,723,991 and No. 8,216,289 through the sale of BF-RhodoLED® in the U.S., claims regarding unauthorized use of alleged 
trade secrets, and tortious interference with contractual relations and deceptive and unfair trade practices. In these proceedings, 
DUSA had asserted claims for damages in an unassessable amount. An out-of-court settlement was reached with DUSA on November 
29, 2021, before the start of proceedings. The settlement was reached on the basis of the following key points: The Company as well 
as its defendant subsidiaries have agreed to pay DUSA an amount of USD 22.5 million in settlement of potential claims. Additionally, 
claims are mutually waived. One half of the settlement amount is due after the conclusion of the settlement agreement, thereafter 
one quarter on each of the first and second anniversaries after the conclusion of the settlement agreement. Of this amount, 50% 
will be assumed internally by the Company and 50% by Biofrontera Inc. 

Further information on litigation is provided separately in the section "Litigation".  

Regulatory approvals 

Restrictions on existing approvals in Europe and the United States would jeopardize the ability to market the Company's products. 
The risk also exists that strategically relevant marketing authorization extensions may not be approved, or may be approved with 
delays or only to a limited extent, which could impair the Company's ability to compete with its competitors. 

The Company compensates for these risks through consistent compliance with regulatory requirements and an effective quality 
management system. 

Research and development 

The  Company  is  also  exposed  to  a  further  risk  in  the  context  of  product  development  processes  or  indication  expansions.  No 
guarantee exists that a product can be brought to market after the end of the clinical development process of a project - on average 
6 to 10 years. Due to a lack of success in individual study phases, for example in study design, patient recruitment, possible quality 
deficiencies or the documentation of study results, studies can prove to be more cost-intensive than planned, be delayed or even 
come to a complete standstill. Invested funds may not be recovered, or only partially recovered, through the revenues generated. 

The  Company  seeks  to  mitigate  these  risks  to  some  extent  by  selecting  projects  with  relatively  appealing  risk  profiles  and  by 
establishing a project control and reporting system. The project control system maps the entire development process up to approval 
in detail and enables analysis of the impact that even small changes or delays, for example in clinical trials, have on the development 
process and its costs. In this way, the risk of individual projects can be closely monitored and the necessary steps can be taken to 
minimize development risk. 

Product portfolio 

With Ameluz® , the company currently has only one approved product, which is sold in some European countries and the USA with 
its own sales force or by license partners. The risk exists that Ameluz® may not be sufficiently or sustainably established on the 
market.  

Another potential risk is that the company may be at a competitive disadvantage compared with its competitors due to advantages 
in terms of the range of indications for competing products. For this reason, for example, indication extensions are initiated in order 
to gain competitive advantages. 

A further risk is that the company's own product pipeline cannot  be broadened and that  successor or supplementary products 
cannot be brought to market maturity. 

Biofrontera counters these risks by constantly monitoring the market with regard to the activities of known competitors or the 
market entry of new competitors, and carries out extensive research and development activities to broaden the indication base. In 
addition, cooperation opportunities to expand the product portfolio are evaluated.  

Through the acquisition of Cutanea Life Sciences, Inc. in March 2019, Biofrontera Inc. became a licensee of Xepi® and has since been 
marketing the FDA-approved drug launched in the U.S. market. Prior to the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. at the end of the 
reporting  period,  Xepi  was  still  part  of  Biofrontera  AG's  product  range.    For  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  risk  of 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

27 

 
 
impairment for the acquired Xepi® license in the event of insufficient or sustained establishment on the market thus no longer 
exists.  

Patent protection 

The Company may be subject to patent protection risks. If our products are marketed successfully, the resulting profits can be 
deployed for sustainable ongoing investment in research and development activities. Due to the long time gap between the patent 
application and the launch of a product, Biofrontera generally has only a few years to earn a suitable income from its intellectual 
work. If a patent expires or cannot be successfully defended, increased competition is usually to be expected. A lack of patents can 
jeopardize the market position of the Company's products and facilitate the market entry of competitors. In order to avoid these 
risks, Biofrontera's patent portfolio is continuously reviewed and its patent strategy adjusted. Further information on individual 
patents can be found in the section on patent and trademark development.  

Moreover, third-party claims regarding Biofrontera's potential infringement of patents or  other protective rights may hinder or 
completely prevent the development or manufacturing of certain products and may obligate us to pay damages or royalties to third 
parties.  Our  patent  department  regularly  reviews  the  current  patent  situation,  in  cooperation  with  the  relevant  operational 
departments, and monitors possible patent infringement attempts, so that it can take suitable legal steps if necessary.  

On November 12, 2019, protection for the patent family, describing the combination of  nanoemulsions with aminolaevulinic acid 
hydrochloride,  the  active  ingredient  in  Ameluz®,  expired.  However,  Ameluz®  continues  to  be  protected  by  the  nanoemulsion 
technology patent family, which also continues until December 2027, although the corresponding patent application in the USA is 
still pending. This patent has not yet been and may never be granted in the US and thus would not provide patent protection for 
Ameluz®  in  this  market.  However,  we  believe  that  the  risk  presented  by  future  generic  competition  is  mitigated  by  specific 
challenges  in  developing  generic  topical  dermatological  products,  including  regulatory  hurdles.  As  part  of  Biofrontera's  patent 
strategy  to  further  protect  Ameluz®,  additional  patent  applications  have  been  filed  in  recent  years  to  protect  the  use  of  the 
combination of Ameluz® and BF-RhodoLED®. With the granting of these patents in December 2021, a substantial contribution has 
been made to limiting this risk. 

Further information on patent development is provided in the section "Patent development”. Further information on patent litigation 
is provided separately in the "Litigation" section. 

Products and product stewardship 

As an  international  biopharmaceutical  company,  Biofrontera is  subject  to  the  highest  requirements  and  associated  risks  in the 
quality and safety areas. Biofrontera assesses potential environmental and health risks associated with a product along the entire 
value chain. This includes every stage from research and development to disposal, including production, marketing and customer 
use. Despite extensive studies, the possibility exists of previously unknown and unexpected side effects from Biofrontera products. 
The Company may be exposed to a cost risk due to product safety deficiencies if, for example, our products are recalled voluntarily 
or as a result of legal or regulatory action. Possible payments of damages associated with the aforementioned risks could exert a 
considerable negative effect on the Company's financial results. These risks are offset by established pharmacovigilance processes 
in the Company and ensure that potential side effects or other product-related problems are quickly identified. As no previously 
unknown side effects of our drugs have appeared, we consider it highly improbable that risks of this kind will arise. 

Both regulatory requirements and standards applied beyond them are guaranteed by a wide variety of processes integrated into 
the Company. The Company's product-related risks  are countered  with a functioning quality management system.  Biofrontera's 
focus on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), which are mandatory in the 
pharmaceutical  industry,  ensures  the  quality  and  safety  requirements  for  products  and  processes.  Regular  internal  audits  of 
standards  at  suppliers  and  subcontractors  contribute  in  this  context.  Regular  checks  and  inspections  are  also  carried  out  by 
regulators. 

Markets 

Biofrontera operates in regulated competitive markets. The Company's sales and revenue targets could be jeopardized by measures 
taken by competitors with an impact on sales and revenue with regard to the fields of application of their products, the pricing 
strategy or the marketing strategy, but also by new products from competitors. If the sales targets are not achieved, this could also 
have a negative  effect  on the Company's earnings and liquidity targets,  as well as impairments on product inventories already 
produced. 

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Realignments  in  the  respective  healthcare  systems  and  changes  in  the  reimbursement  behavior  of  drug  reimbursement 
organizations, as well as market barriers in the relevant markets, may result in the risk of insufficient or unsustainable market 
penetration. The competitive position of  our products may also be negatively impacted by product characteristics that are not 
perceived as optimal compared to competitive products in the respective market. In addition, our products compete with other 
therapies such as simple curettage and, particularly in the United States, cryotherapy, which do not require the use of a drug but 
have gained significant market acceptance due to their long history of use. 

To  avoid  these  risks,  Biofrontera's  sales  and  marketing  organization closely  monitors the  market  and  conducts  regular  market 
analyses. The marketing instruments used and the communication with our customers are subject to constant further development 
in this context in order to be able to identify opportunities and risks and to strengthen the company's competitive position.  

Procurement and production 

As a pharmaceutical manufacturer, the Company is exposed to various risks in connection with the procurement and production of 
its products. Biofrontera relies on individual manufacturers or suppliers for the production of its finished products as well as raw 
materials, whose exchange would entail lengthy regulatory approval processes. Difficulties regarding procurement prices, quality, 
delivery reliability or quantity at or with these suppliers may affect the Company's revenue and results targets. By establishing 
alternative suppliers, changing production sizes and actively managing contracts and inventories, Biofrontera seeks to minimize 
these dependencies and ensure the supply of the required goods and services.  

Risks associated with the manufacturing, bottling, storage and transportation of products may result in personal injury or material 
or  environmental  damage  and  may  give  rise  to  an  obligation  to  pay  damages.  Using  our  own  audit  and  monitoring  system, 
Biofrontera regularly ensures that the manufacturing conditions at its most important suppliers meet the required standard. This 
enables us to avoid such risks and damages. We have also established our own production facilities for in-house production quality 
control of the BF-RhodoLED® lamp to reduce our dependence on suppliers in this area, too. 

Business strategy 

Due to changing framework conditions, the strategy chosen by the Company to guarantee its sales, growth and profitability targets 
may not be sufficiently effective in the future. As part of the risk management process, management uses ongoing analyses to 
counteract current and potentially future influencing variables or developments in order to initiate suitable measures if necessary. 

Staff 

The recruitment of qualified and dedicated staff is a key prerequisite for the Company's success. A high staff turnover rate could 
jeopardize the achievement of corporate goals and the safeguarding of the Company's know-how. In order to counter these risks, 
motivate employees and retain key personnel, the Company offers competitive compensation, participation in option programs and 
extensive  training  and  professional  development  opportunities  for  employees.  Furthermore,  the  Group  pursues  a  diversity-
orientated personnel policy in order to leverage the labor market's full potential. To date, Biofrontera has always succeeded in 
recruiting the qualified staff the Company requires. For this reason, the Company regards this risk as low. However, this assessment 
could change significantly in the case of a change of control. 

Information technology and data protection 

The Group's business processes and internal and external communication are increasingly based on global IT systems. A significant 
technical malfunction or total failure of IT systems could result in severe impairment of our business processes. It is of fundamental 
importance to us that both internal and external data remain confidential. If the confidentiality, integrity or authenticity of data or 
information were to be lost, the manipulation and/or uncontrolled outflow of data and know-how could arise. We have adopted 
appropriate measures to mitigate this risk, such as an authorization concept. However, while we have IT security measures and 
disaster recovery plans in place, they may prove to be inadequate or ineffective. Our IT systems may be vulnerable to cyberattacks, 
unauthorized  access,  computer  viruses,  system  failures,  human  error,  natural  disasters,  fire,  power  failure,  communication 
disruptions or acts of sabotage. The measures adopted by the Company have always proven adequate to date, so such risk is to be 
regarded as low. 

As a pharmaceutical company, Biofrontera is exposed to additional risks in the area of data protection. A large volume of person-
related data is generated, particularly in the area of clinical trials and drug safety reports and must be protected in particular under 
the new Basic Data Protection Regulation (EU-DSGVO). Violations or violations of these regulations may result in severe penalties 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

29 

 
 
against the Company. Biofrontera counteracts these risks with continuous data protection processes and the implementation of 
legal guidelines. 

Insurance coverage 

The Company may be subject to the risk of insufficient insurance coverage for the continuation of business operations in the event 
of  damage, for  events  affecting  the  Company's  assets or  claims for  damages due  to  product  defects as well  as  actions  by  the 
Company and its employees. Biofrontera mitigates these risks as part of its risk analysis with regular reviews of the adequacy of the 
relevant insurance coverage. 

Taxes 

The future use of the tax loss carryforwards accrued to date in the consolidated group of companies may not be realized or may not 
be optimized due to the organizational structure of the Company. To this end, Biofrontera carries out regular analyses to make 
appropriate adjustments, if necessary. 

However, the Company cannot influence the risk of limited use of the tax loss carryforwards due to changes in tax law or as a result 
of a tax-relevant change in the shareholder structure. 

Opportunities 

The company considers opportunities in the expansion of the indications of its products, particularly in the extension of the approval 
of Ameluz® in our important sales markets, especially in the USA to expand and exploit market potential. For example, at the time 
of publication of the annual report, the company is conducting a phase III clinical trial for the treatment  of superficial basal cell 
carcinoma (BCC) with Ameluz® , a phase IIb trial to expand the approval of Ameluz® for moderate to severe acne in the U.S., and a 
phase I safety trial to amend the product information,which currently limits use to one tube of Ameluz® per treatment, to three 
tubes. In addition, a Phase III trial is in preparation for approval of the US approval extension for Ameluz® for the treatment of AK 
also on the extremities and trunk/neck, which is expected to start at the end of 2022. To complement this progress with an optimized 
illumination source, the Group has also achieved development and FDA approval of a larger RhodoLED® XL lamp. In addition, there 
is  a  medium-  and  long-term  opportunity  for  portfolio  expansion  through  the  development  of  new  products  based  on  our 
nanoemulsion technology.  

We also see further long-term revenue opportunities in the form of milestone and royalty payments through licensing and supply 
agreements with our licensing partners in Europe, Asia, and the United States. 

Overall opportunity and risk situation at Biofrontera 

The  Management  Board  of  Biofrontera  believes  that  the  current  COVID-19  crisis  is  still  significantly  impacting  Biofrontera  AG's 
forecasting ability at this point in time. We currently assume that the general conditions will continue to normalize in the financial 
year 2022. 

The Management Board considers the overall risks that are not related to the current crisis to be manageable. The Management 
Board trusts the effectiveness of the risk management system with regard to the positive and negative changes of the business 
environment and the requirements of its current business. The assessment is based on various factors, which are summarized below: 

▪ 

Since March 2020, the Company has been directly affected by the global COVID-19 crisis. The Company has taken immediate 
steps to safeguard its business processes through comprehensive cost reductions, emergency plans to maintain central 
processes and measures to protect its employees.  

▪ 

To date, the Group has been able to meet its payment obligations at all times.  

However, without the capital increase resolved on April 07, 2022 and including the obligations from the settlement with 
DUSA Pharmaceuticals Inc. the current liquidity position is not sufficient until the operating break-even is reached. For 
this purpose, the Company is considering several alternative financing measures at its disposal. The additional capital 
requirements can be met through the resolved capital increase, the sale of shares held in Biofrontera Inc. or through an 
external provision of debt capital. 

30 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
▪ 

▪ 

▪ 

▪ 

The market position was further strengthened by the EU approval extensions received in recent years  - the approval of 
daylight PDT with Ameluz® , as well as photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses on the extremities and the trunk and 
neck in the EU. In this regard, we continue to see an increase in the market potential of Ameluz® in the EU.  

To further increase growth opportunities in the US market, we are currently conducting a phase III clinical trial for the 
treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with Ameluz® , a phase IIb trial for the approval extension of Ameluz® 
for moderate to severe acne in the US, and a phase I - safety trial to amend the product information, which currently limits 
use to one tube of Ameluz® per treatment, to three tubes. In addition, a phase III trial is in preparation for approval of the 
US approval extension for Ameluz® for the treatment of AK also on the extremities and trunk/neck. 

To further strengthen its competitive position, Biofrontera has also achieved development and FDA approval in October 
2021 of a larger RhodoLED® XL lamp, which will allow Ameluz® to be applied to larger areas. With the market launch of 
this new medical product, the Group expects a further increase in sales of Ameluz® , particularly in the US market. 

Also,  in  the  medium  and  long  term,  there  is  an  opportunity  for  portfolio  expansion  through  the  development  of  new 
products based on our nanoemulsion technology. 

▪  With the IPO of Biofrontera Inc., the capital raised by Biofrontera Inc. can be invested in further growth to further expand 
its presence in the US market.  Under a license and supply agreement, Biofrontera AG will receive up to 50% of Ameluz® 
sales in the form of a transfer price. This share applies up to $30 million in annual sales and decreases to 40% between 
$30 million and $50 million in annual sales and to 30% above that. With the license and supply agreement, Biofrontera AG 
also benefits from a strengthening of Biofrontera Inc. in the US market without having to fund the largest cost block of 
the past, sales and marketing in the US. A sufficiently financed Biofrontera Inc. is the only way for both companies to grow 
and develop successfully, both together and independently of each other. 

▪  With regard to litigation, which has preoccupied the company for the last few years, Biofrontera considers itself excellently 
positioned. The out-of-court settlement with DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("DUSA") eliminated potential future litigation 
costs and any unquantifiable claims for damages. In addition, as part of the mediation process, Biofrontera AG, on the one 
hand, and Mr. Zours and the companies of the Deutsche Balaton Group, on the other hand, agreed to terminate all lawsuits 
pending between them at that time by withdrawing their claims. 

Litigation 

DUSA v. Biofrontera 

On November 29, 2021, Biofrontera AG and its wholly owned German subsidiaries and Biofrontera Inc. entered into an out-of-court 
settlement with DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("DUSA").  

The  Company  and  its  defendant  subsidiaries  and  Biofrontera  Inc.  were  sued  in  the  U.S.  by  DUSA  alleging  patent  infringement, 
unauthorized use of alleged trade secrets, tortious interference with contractual relations and alleged deceptive and unfair trade 
practices. DUSA has asserted claims for significant damages in this action.  

The settlement was reached on the basis that Biofrontera Inc. and the Company and its defendant subsidiaries agreed to pay DUSA 
USD 22.5 million in settlement of potential claims. In addition, claims were mutually waived. One half of the settlement amount was 
due upon execution of the agreement, and thereafter one quarter on each of the first and second anniversaries of the execution of 
the agreement. Of the settlement amount, 50% will be borne by the Company and 50% by Biofrontera Inc. 

Biofrontera v. Deutsche Balaton et. al. 

An action for annulment and rescission was brought by Deutsche Balaton AG, Heidelberg, as plaintiff, against resolutions of the 
Annual General Meeting of Biofrontera AG held on May 24, 2017. The action was most recently pending before the Cologne Higher 
Regional Court under file number 18 U 182/17.  

As plaintiff, Deutsche Balaton AG filed an action for rescission  and nullity against resolutions of the Annual  General  Meeting of 
Biofrontera AG held on July 11, 2018. In addition, positive action for a declaratory judgment was filed. The action was last pending 
before the Regional Court of Cologne under file number 82 O 91/18.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DELPHI Unternehmensberatung AG, Heidelberg, as plaintiff, filed an action for rescission and nullity against resolutions of the Annual 
General Meeting of Biofrontera AG on July 10, 2019. In addition, positive action for a declaratory judgment was filed. The action was 
last pending before the Cologne Regional Court under file number 82 O 75/19.  

ABC Beteiligungen AG, Heidelberg, as plaintiff, filed an action for rescission and annulment against resolutions of the Company's 
Annual General Meeting on May 28, 2020. In addition, positive action for a declaratory judgment was filed. The action was last pending 
before the Cologne Regional Court under file number 82 O 53/20.  

On June 11, 2018, Biofrontera AG as plaintiff had filed suit (Case 1:18-cv-05237-LAP) in the United States District Court for the Southern 
District  of  New  York  against  Mr.  Wilhelm  Konrad  Thomas  Zours,  Deutsche  Balaton  AG,  Delphi  Unternehmensberatung  AG,  VV 
Beteiligungen AG, Heidelberg, ABC Beteiligungen AG and Deutsche Balaton Biotech AG, Heidelberg (U.S. action), alleging violations of 
U.S. securities laws and other regulations.  

Biofrontera  AG,  on  the  one  hand,  and  Deutsche  Balaton  AG,  Delphi  Unternehmensberatung  AG,  VV  Beteiligungen  AG  and  ABC 
Beteiligungen  AG,  on  the  other  hand,  have  each  agreed  as  plaintiffs  in  an  out-of-court  settlement  dated  November  19,  2021,  to 
withdraw the aforementioned lawsuits filed by them. 

In November 2021, the Company announced that it had found a solution for the settlement of the aforementioned legal disputes and 
other differences in the mediation proceedings with Mr. Zours and the Deutsche Balaton Group.  With the conclusion of the mediation 
agreement, all of the aforementioned legal disputes have been settled through the out-of-court settlement of November 19, 2021. 
The mediation agreement does not include a review of the background to the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. in the USA. On December 13, 
2021, the day before the Annual General Meeting, Deutsche Balaton AG then filed a corresponding action for a declaratory judgment 
with the Cologne Regional Court, of which the Company only learned by court service on February 9, 2022. The content of the action 
is again the legal examination and determination of the so-called unwritten competence of the Annual General Meeting. 

Biofrontera v. Automattic Inc. 

Biofrontera  AG  has  applied  for  and  obtained  various  preliminary  injunctions  against  Automattic  Inc,  San  Francisco,  USA,  at  the 
Hamburg  Regional  Court.  These  legal  proceedings  could  be  terminated  in  the  appellate  instance  before  the  Hanseatic  Higher 
Regional Court by settlement in 2021.  

Compensation Report 

Remuneration system for the members of the Management Board: 

Principles of the system for the remuneration of the members of the Management Board of Biofrontera AG. 

The remuneration system for the Management Board aims to remunerate the members of the Management Board appropriately in 
accordance with their duties and responsibilities, taking into account the performance of each member of the Management Board 
and the success of the company. The structure of the remuneration system for the Management Board of Biofrontera AG aims to 
achieve a sustainable increase in the value of the company and success-oriented corporate governance. The remuneration system 
will apply to new contracts and contract extensions from December 2021. The performance of the Management Board members is 
appropriately taken into account through adequately and ambitiously set performance criteria within the variable remuneration 
components (pay for performance). Current market practice is taken into account when designing the compensation system. 

In  principle,  the  Supervisory  Board  is  guided  by  the  following  guidelines  when  determining  compensation  levels  and  the 
compensation system: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

32 

The compensation system in its entirety makes a significant contribution to promoting the business strategy. 

To this end, the variable compensation components in particular should also be linked to the achievement of strategic 
goals. 

The  remuneration  system  and  the  performance  criteria  of  its  variable  components  incentivize  the  long-term  and 
sustainable development of the Biofrontera Group. 

In this context, the strategic  objectives formulated  as part of the variable remuneration components are intended to 
ensure long-term and sustainable growth of the company.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
• 

Furthermore, variable remuneration components with a multi-year character are intended to contribute to ensuring long-
term developments, which are based on the price development of Biofrontera AG shares and thus link remuneration to 
the increase in earnings and to the interests of shareholders.  

The remuneration system consists of  

• 

• 

• 

a fixed basic remuneration, payable monthly, which takes into account the tasks and performance of the members of the 
Management Board ("basic remuneration"),  

a short-term variable compensation dependent on the achievement of the Company's annual performance targets in the 
form of an annual performance-related bonus ("Short-Term Variable Compensation"; "STI"), and  

long-term compensation in the form of a stock appreciation rights program ("SAR program"), which is therefore directly 
linked to the Company's performance and is intended to create an incentive for sustained commitment to the Company 
("long-term variable compensation"; "LTI"),  

together.  The  targets  for  short-  and  long-term  variable  remuneration  are  derived  from  Biofrontera  AG's  corporate  strategy.  In 
addition, fringe benefits customary in the market are granted.  

Overall, the remuneration thus contributes to the long-term development of the company. 

Target total compensation 

The target total compensation for the individual Management Board members is calculated on the basis of 100% target achievement 
and comprises the basic compensation, the short-term variable compensation and the long-term variable compensation. 

The Supervisory Board determines the level of target total compensation for each Management Board member in accordance with 
the compensation system. 

In doing so, it shall take into account the economic situation as well as the success and future prospects of the Company in addition 
to an appropriate relationship to the duties and performance of the Management Board member. The Supervisory Board shall ensure 
that the target total compensation does not exceed the customary compensation without special justification. 

The  assessment of customary compensation is carried out both horizontally (external comparison/peer group comparison) and 
vertically (internal comparison). 

Horizontal comparison 
The peer group for assessing the marketability of total compensation is selected on the basis of the requirements of the Stock 
Corporation Act (in particular sector and size as well as international orientation). 

The composition of the peer group is based on a peer group of listed companies in terms of sales, EBIT, number of employees and 
market capitalization. Furthermore, the peer group is selected as far as possible from a peer group of listed sector companies.  

Vertical comparison 
The compensation and employment conditions of employees are taken into account in the vertical comparison. This analysis is also 
carried out over the course of the last three years. 

Compensation components in detail 

Fixed compensation components 
The fixed compensation components granted to the members of the Management Board under the compensation system comprise 
basic compensation and fringe benefits. The members of the Management Board do not receive a pension commitment.  

Basic compensation 
The members of the Management Board receive basic compensation, which is paid in twelve equal monthly installments. 

Fringe benefits 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

33 

 
 
Fringe benefits are granted on the basis of service contracts with the individual members of the Management Board and may include, 
for example: Private use of company cars, special payments such as payment of tuition, housing, rent and relocation expenses, 
subsidies for pension insurance (with the exception of the pension commitments presented here), subsidies for accident, life and 
health insurance or other insurances. Fringe benefits may be provided on a one-time or recurring basis. Fringe benefits shall not 
exceed an annual value of 10% of annual base compensation. 

Short-term variable compensation (Short Term Incentives; "STI"). 
Members of the Management Board are entitled to short-term variable compensation which may result in an annual bonus payment. 
The short-term variable compensation is linked to the achievement of performance targets, the specific target values of which are 
agreed at the end of a fiscal year. 

The  STI  payment  is  generally  due  one  month  after  approval  of  the  annual  financial  statements  and  the  consolidated  financial 
statements for the relevant fiscal year by the Company's Supervisory Board. If the Company terminates the employment relationship 
for good cause within the meaning of section 626 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the STI payment shall lapse for the fiscal year in 
which the termination takes effect. 

Target amounts 
Target amounts  are  agreed with the Management Board  members in their service contracts, which are granted to them if they 
achieve 100% of their targets ("STI target amounts"). The amount of the STI target amounts is not to exceed 50% of the basic 
compensation in the case of 100% target achievement. The amount of short-term variable compensation depends on the degree of 
achievement of the agreed targets and can range from 0% to 200%. The exact payout is determined by multiplying the degree of 
target achievement by the STI target amount for the individual Management Board member. If the target is exceeded, an increase 
up to a maximum of 200% of the STI target amount (cap) takes place. If the target is achieved by up to 70%, the short-term variable 
compensation is reduced on a straight-line basis; if the target is achieved by less than 70%, the STI payment is cancelled completely.  

Performance targets 
In determining the annual target agreement, the Supervisory Board is guided by the following performance targets:  

The assessment factors to be determined for the STI comprise financial and non-financial performance criteria and are mutually 
agreed at the end of each fiscal year for the following fiscal year in a target agreement. If no agreement is reached between the 
Management Board member and the Supervisory Board, the Supervisory Board shall decide on the assessment factors at its due 
discretion. 

In addition to the Company's sales, earnings and profitability indicators shall be used as financial performance criteria (e.g. EBITDA 
(earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), EBITDA margin). The Supervisory Board has the option of adjusting 
the earnings figure used for the valuation for extraordinary components. 

In  addition  to  criteria  such  as  integrity,  employee  satisfaction  and  diversity  as  well  as  sustainability/environmental  social 
governance (ESG) aspects, which should account for at least 10% of the overall target achievement, strategic criteria should  be 
included in the target agreement as non-financial performance criteria. These can be, for example: the achievement of regulatory 
approvals, the successful completion of studies, the conclusion of important contracts, or the execution of financing.  

A non-financial, strategic component is intended to take into account the contribution of the entire Management Board as well as 
the  individual  Management  Board  members  to  the  implementation  of  the  corporate  strategy  and  thus  also  to  the  long-term 
development of the Company. 

For  the  non-financial,  strategic  targets,  the  target  agreement  should  comprehensibly  define  the  conditions  under  which  the 
respective target is fully met (100% target achievement of the individual criterion) and which parameters are used to assess  the 
degree of target achievement.  

Calculation of target achievement 
The  total  target  achievement  of  the  short-term  variable  compensation  is  calculated  as  the  weighted  average  of  the  individual 
performance criteria and the degree of target achievement for each criterion. In the weighting of target achievement, the financial 
performance criteria should generally account for up to 55%, the non-financial criteria for up to 45%. 

34 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
Short-term variable compensation in the event of exceptional developments and performance by a member of the Management 
Board 
In justified exceptional cases, the Supervisory Board may also grant members of the Management Board a special bonus, the amount 
of which shall be  at the discretion of the Supervisory Board, but  which may not  exceed EUR 50,000 (gross) per  fiscal year and 
Management Board member. The resolution on the existence of an exceptional case, which shall indicate the scope and quality of 
the extraordinary performance of the Management Board member, shall also specify in more detail the concrete amount of a special 
bonus and the time of payment by the Supervisory Board. 

Long-term variable compensation (long-term incentive; "LTI") 
Stock appreciation rights ("SARs") are granted to Management Board members as a long-term performance component. An annual 
target amount of 150% of the STI target amount ("LTI target amount") is agreed with the Management Board members. The number 
of SARs granted  each year is equal to the  LTI target  amount divided by the  economic value  of the SARs at the grant date. The 
economic value per SAR to be used corresponds to the intrinsic value determined on the basis of the non-weighted average closing 
prices of the Company's shares in the closing auction in Xetra trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange or a corresponding successor 
system on the 15 trading days prior to the grant date. Upon exercise of the SARs, the Management Board members receive a payment 
based on the Company's share price performance.  

Exercise requirements 
SARs can only be exercised,  

(i) if the reference price at the beginning of the respective exercise window exceeds the issue price by at least 20%, and  

and 

(ii) if, in addition, the reference price has performed as well as or better than the "MSCI World Health Care Index TR" or a 
comparable successor index ("reference index") on a percentage basis compared with the issue price in the period from 
the last trading day before the issue date to the 5th trading day (in each case the last calculation of the index on a day 
after USA Eastern Standard Time (EST)) before the start of the respective exercise window ("reference period"). If the 
reference index is a total return index, dividends and other distributions paid by the Company to shareholders during the 
reference period shall be taken into account in the calculation of the performance in the amount of their gross amount. 

The "issue price" corresponds to the non-weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company between the 15th and the 
last trading day preceding the issue date (inclusive). 

The "Reference Price" shall correspond to the non-weighted average closing price of the shares of the Company between the 15th 
and the 5th trading day (each inclusive) prior to the beginning of the respective exercise window. 

"Closing prices" are the prices determined in the daily closing auction in Xetra trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange or in a 
corresponding successor system. If a closing auction does not take place on relevant trading days or if no closing price is determined 
there, the last price determined in continuous trading shall be used as the closing price, provided that such a price was determined 
on the relevant trading day.  

"Trading days" shall mean all days on which the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is open for securities trading. 

Payout amount 
The payout amount is calculated as follows: 

Reference price - base amount = payout amount per SAR (gross). 

The "base amount" corresponds to the lowest issue price for Biofrontera AG shares pursuant to Section 9 (1) of the German Stock 
Corporation Act (AktG). 

Limitation of the amount paid out (cap) 
SARs for which exercise conditions otherwise exist cannot be exercised if and to the extent that the gross proceeds from all exercised 
SARs granted to the Management Board member would exceed the basic compensation plus fringe benefits actually received by the 
Management Board member since the first grant of SARs by more than 300% without this cap. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

35 

 
 
 
Restriction periods 
SARs may be exercised for the first time after a vesting period.  

a) The vesting period for 15% of SARs granted on an issue date is one year after the respective issue date; 

b) The vesting period for a further 25% of the SARs granted on an issue date is two years after the respective issue date; 

c) The vesting period for an additional 25% of the SARs granted on an issue date is three years after the respective issue date; 

d) The vesting period for the remaining 35% of the SARs granted on an issue date is four years after the respective issue date. 

After expiration of the respective vesting period, the SARs may be exercised until the end of six years after the respective issue 
date. After this period, the right to exercise the SARs ends and the SARs not exercised by then expire without replacement. 

Personal investment  
Under the SARs terms and conditions, Management Board members are also required to make a personal investment in shares of 
the Company in such a way that the personal investment must be made within six months of the exercise date of the SARs in the 
amount of 25% of the payment amount (gross) and that the acquired shares of the Company may not be sold until at least four 
years after the SARs have been granted.  

Share Ownership Guidelines 
In order to further increase the long-term incentive effect of the variable compensation and thus its focus on sustainable corporate 
development, the Management Board members are also obligated in their Management Board contract to acquire a number of shares 
in the Company to be determined by the Supervisory Board and to hold them until the end of this service contract ("Share Ownership 
Guideline"). However, the total acquisition expense (including incidental acquisition costs) to be borne by the Management Board 
member is limited per fiscal year to an amount equivalent to 25% of the STI payment (gross) granted to him for the previous fiscal 
year. 

Blocking periods 
Blocking periods relating to acquired shares in the Company imposed on Management Board members end prematurely if, after the 
Management Board member has left the Company, the Company announces that the listing of the shares on the regulated market 
in Germany will be terminated. 

Possibilities of the Company to reclaim variable compensation components 

The Supervisory Board may determine that variable compensation components of the STI and/or LTI that have not yet been paid out 
are to be retained in full or in part and not paid out ("claw back") in the event of serious misconduct by the Management Board 
member.  The  Supervisory  Board  decides  on the  claw-back  at  its  due  discretion.  Serious  misconduct  by  the  Management  Board 
member in this sense is to be assumed in particular,  

a) if he at least grossly negligently breaches his duties under § 93 AktG or 

b) if he has at least grossly negligently violated internal standards of conduct or internal guidelines laid down in text form 
which have or had serious consequences for the Company, or 

c) in the event of at least grossly negligent conduct relevant under criminal law in the exercise of his office as a member 
of the Board of Management, or  

d) in the event of a deliberate violation of other statutory provisions in the exercise of the office as a member of the Board 
of Management.  

e) The same applies in the event of serious misconduct by employees of the Company or the Group, in particular at least 
grossly negligent violations of provisions of criminal law or compliance-relevant provisions, which was recognized by the 
Management Board member in his capacity as the employee's supervisor and was not immediately prevented or which 
should have been recognized and immediately prevented by exercising the due care of an Management Board member.  

36 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
With regard to payments from the STI, clawback is only permissible for the fiscal year in which the misconduct occurred, but not for 
previous or subsequent years. With regard to payments from the LTI, a clawback is permissible if and to the extent that the serious 
misconduct occurred within the four years following the granting of the entitlement from the LTI (i.e. since the SARs were granted). 

A claw back of the STI is also permissible in the event of grossly negligent misconduct that was discovered after the relevant annual 
financial  statements  were  approved  and  audited  and  that  led  to  a  subsequent  correction  of  the  Company's  annual  financial 
statements. In this case, the claw back is allowed to the extent that the STI was overstated on the uncorrected basis. 

If there is a case of claw back in accordance with the above provisions, amounts of the STI and/or the LTI that have already  been 
paid out and could therefore have been retained may also be reclaimed. Such a claim for repayment is permissible for the year in 
which the claim was made and the previous three fiscal years, calculated from the date on which the Supervisory Board became 
aware of the facts triggering the claim for repayment. 

Amounts withheld under the claw-back or repaid by the Management Board member shall be offset against any claim for damages 
by the Company resulting from the misconduct of the Management Board member. 

Commitments to members of the Board of Management in the event of resignation 

The  Supervisory  Board  may  determine  exit  regulations  for  each  compensation  component  and  for  each  case  in  which  the 
employment relationship of a member of the Management Board or the appointment as a member of the Management Board ends. 
This includes cases such as retirement or full or partial reduction in earning capacity, death, ordinary termination of the service 
contract or termination of the service contract for good cause, dismissal from office for good cause, transfer of a service contract 
to the major shareholder of the Company or to a company affiliated with the major shareholder of the Company. For each of these 
cases,  the  Supervisory  Board  may  determine  in  advance  what  requirements  apply  in  order  for  individual  or  all  compensation 
components to be paid either in full or in part, early or delayed, to the members of the Management Board or - in the event of death 
- to the heirs of the member of the Management Board concerned, or to lapse.  

In this context, any payment of variable compensation components shall be made exclusively in accordance with the agreed targets 
and comparison parameters and the due dates or holding periods specified in the respective plan conditions. 

Payments to a member of the Management Board on premature termination of his contract shall not exceed the value of two years' 
compensation assuming 100% target achievement (severance payment cap) and shall not compensate more than the remaining 
term of the employment contract. 

Commitments for benefits in the event of premature termination of the employment contract by the Management Board member as 
a result of a change of control should not be agreed. 

The Supervisory Board may agree a post-contractual non-competition clause with members of the Management Board for a period 
of up to two (2) years. If such a post-contractual non-competition clause takes effect, the members of the Management Board may 
receive compensation amounting to up to half of their respective basic compensation per year of the respective period of validity 
of the post-contractual non-competition clause. Payments under a post-contractual non-competition clause are to be offset against 
any severance payments. 

Compensation system in the event of special and exceptional circumstances 

In special and exceptional circumstances (e.g. in the event of a severe financial or economic crisis), the Supervisory Board has the 
right to temporarily deviate from the compensation system pursuant to Section 87a (2) sentence 2 AktG and to amend the rules 
relating  to  the  compensation  structure  and  the  individual  compensation  components  as  well  as  the  rules  on  the  respective 
procedure, provided this is necessary in the interests of the long-term welfare of the Company. Unfavorable market developments 
shall not be deemed to be special and exceptional circumstances permitting a deviation from the compensation system. 

Maximum compensation 

The following maximum amounts apply: 

In Euro 

Chairman of the Management Board 

Other members of the Management Board 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
Basic remuneration 

500.000 p.a. 

350.000 p.a. 

Max. 10 % of basic compensation 
200%  of  the  STI  target  amount  p.a.,  which 
should  not  exceed  50%  of  the  basic 
compensation  if  100%  of  the  target  is 
achieved 
SARs  for  which  exercise  requirements  are 
otherwise met cannot be exercised if and to 
the  gross  proceeds 
the  extent 
generated from all exercised SARs granted to 
the  Management  Board  member  would 
exceed  the  basic  compensation  plus  fringe 
benefits 
the 
Management  Board  member  since  the  first 
grant  of  SARs  by  more  than  300%  without 
this limit. 
50.000 p.a. 

received 

actually 

that 

by 

Max. 10 % of basic compensation 
200%  of  the  STI  target  amount  p.a.,  which 
should  not  exceed  50%  of  the  basic 
compensation  if  100%  of  the  target  is 
achieved 
SARs  for  which  exercise  requirements  are 
otherwise met cannot be exercised if and to 
the  gross  proceeds 
the  extent 
generated from all exercised SARs granted to 
the  Management  Board  member  would 
exceed  the  basic  compensation  plus  fringe 
benefits 
the 
Management  Board  member  since  the  first 
grant  of  SARs  by  more  than  300%  without 
this limit. 
50.000 p.a. 

received 

actually 

that 

by 

Fringe benefits 
STI 

LTI 

Potential  additional  short-
term variable compensation 
in the event of  exceptional 
developments 
and 
performance  by  a  member 
of the Management Board 

Relative share of individual compensation components 

The Supervisory Board observes an appropriate ratio of the individual compensation components to the target total compensation. 
The share of the Management Board members' compensation components in the target total compensation based on 100% target 
achievement in the STI and payment of the LTI in the amount of the respective LTI target amount is as follows:  

Basic compensation 

STI compensation  

LTI compensation  

44 % 

22% 

33% 

The share of the Management Board members' compensation components in the target total compensation based on 200% of the 
STI target amount and 300% of the LTI target amount is as follows: 

Basic compensation 

STI compensation  

LTI compensation  

23,5% 

23,5% 

53% 

The above percentages are based on the assumptions made. The actual percentages may deviate in future fiscal years and in the 
event of the appointment of new members of the Management Board. The deviations may result in particular from the achievement 
of STI and LTI targets and from annual expenses relating to fringe benefits. 

Procedures for determining, reviewing and implementing the compensation system 

The compensation of the Board  of Management is determined by the Supervisory Board  as a  whole. To this  end, the Personnel 
Committee of the Supervisory Board prepares corresponding recommendations. If necessary, independent external advisors are 
consulted. In accordance with the Rules of Procedure for the Supervisory Board, the members of the Supervisory Board are required 
to report any conflicts of interest without delay. The Supervisory Board designs the system for the compensation of Management 
Board members taking into account applicable laws and regulations, in particular the requirements of the German Stock Corporation 

38 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Act  (AktG)  as  amended,  regulatory  requirements  and  the  provisions  of  the  German  Corporate  Governance  Code.  In  doing  so, it 
ensures clarity and comprehensibility. The Supervisory Board determines the specific target total compensation on the basis of the 
compensation system. The Management Board compensation system thus adopted by the Supervisory Board is submitted to the 
Annual General Meeting for a resolution on its approval. 

The  Supervisory  Board  regularly  reviews  the  Management  Board  compensation  system  and  the  appropriateness  of  the 
compensation. The Personnel Committee of the Supervisory Board also prepares corresponding recommendations. At the end of a 
fiscal year, the Supervisory Board also agrees with the Management Board on the specific target values for the short-term variable 
Management Board compensation for the following fiscal year in a target agreement. In accordance with the requirements of Section 
120a (1) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), the Supervisory Board will submit the compensation system for the members 
of the Management Board to the Annual General Meeting for approval in the event of significant changes, but at least every four 
years. 

In accordance with the statutory provision (Section 87a (2) AktG), the  Supervisory Board may, at the proposal of the Personnel 
Committee, temporarily deviate from the components of the compensation system described below in exceptional circumstances if 
this is necessary in the interests of the long-term welfare of the Company. 

Consideration of employees' remuneration and employment conditions when determining the compensation system 

When determining the remuneration system and the specific amount of remuneration, the Supervisory Board also takes into account 
the employment conditions of the employees in the Biofrontera Group. For this purpose, the Supervisory Board has defined the 
senior management circle in the Biofrontera Group and distinguished it from the Management Board on the one hand and the total 
workforce in the Biofrontera Group on the other. As part of the regular review of the appropriateness of the remuneration of the 
Management Board, the Supervisory Board examines in particular whether any need for adjustment of the remuneration of the 
Management  Board  arises  from  changes  in  the  relations  between  the  remuneration  of  the  Management  Board,  the  senior 
management  and  the  total  workforce.  In  doing  so,  the  Supervisory  Board  also  takes  into  account  the  development  of  the 
compensation of the groups described over time. 

Conflicts of interest 

The  Supervisory  Board  shall  take  appropriate  measures  to  ensure  that  potential  conflicts  of  interest  of  the  Supervisory  Board 
members involved in the deliberations and decisions on the compensation system are avoided and, if necessary, resolved. In this 
context, each member of the Supervisory Board is obliged to disclose conflicts of interest to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. 
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board shall disclose any conflicts of interest affecting him to his deputy. A decision on how to deal 
with an existing conflict of interest shall be made on a case-by-case basis. In particular, a Supervisory Board member affected by a 
conflict of interest may not attend a meeting or individual deliberations and decisions of the Supervisory Board or may abstain from 
voting. 

Terms of Management Board employment contracts 

The  agreed  term  of  the  employment  contracts  of  the  Management  Board  members  corresponds  to  the  term  of  the  intended 
appointment as a member of the Management Board. In the case of an initial appointment, the Supervisory Board shall determine 
the duration of the appointment in a manner appropriate to the individual case and oriented to the welfare of the Company, whereby 
the term of appointment shall in principle not exceed three years. The reappointment period shall be a maximum of five years, taking 
into account the provision of § 84 AktG. In the event of a reappointment of the Management Board member, the employment contract 
shall be extended in line with the duration of a reappointment; otherwise it shall end automatically, without the need for notice of 
termination, on expiry of the scheduled regular term of appointment. Any extension of the employment contract or reappointment 
shall be finally discussed with the Management Board member no later than 15 months before the expiry of the employment contract 
or term of appointment and a decision taken 10 months before expiry. 

Compensation system in the event of special and exceptional circumstances 

In special and exceptional circumstances (e.g. in the event of a serious financial or economic crisis, restructuring of the Group under 
company law such as spin-offs, acquisitions or sales of companies, or similar significant M&A transactions), the Supervisory Board 
has the right to temporarily deviate from the compensation system in accordance with Section 87a (2) Sentence 2 AktG and to amend 
the rules relating to the compensation structure and individual compensation components as well as the rules on the respective 
procedure, provided this is necessary in the interests of the long-term well-being of the Company. A deviation from the compensation 
system is only possible by a corresponding resolution of the Supervisory Board and after careful examination of the necessity. The 
components  of  the  compensation  system  from  which  deviation  is  possible  in  the  above  circumstances  are  the  procedure,  the 
compensation structure, the individual compensation components and their performance criteria. Furthermore, in this case the 
Supervisory Board may temporarily grant additional compensation components or replace individual compensation components 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

39 

 
 
with other compensation components to the extent necessary to restore the appropriateness of Management Board compensation 
in the specific situation. 

Compensation in fiscal year 2021 

The total compensation for members of the Management Board in the 2021 financial year and the total number of stock options 
issued to members of the Management Board at December 31, 2021 are as follows: 

Ludwig Lutter 
CEO 

Prof. Dr. Hermann Lübbert 
CFO 

Thomas Schaffer 
CFO 

Term 
in EUR thousands (unless otherwise inidcated) 

March 01, 2021 
2021 

incubent 

2020 

February 01, 1998  December 13, 2021  June 01, 2013  February 28, 2021 
2020 

2020 

2021 

2021 

Fixed component of compensation 

Compensation in kind  

Severance pay 

Total fixed compensation 

Short-term incentive (variable, STI) 

Long-term incentive (variable, LTI), thereof from 

Stock options (maturity May 13, 2025) 

Fair value of options granted 

Income from exercising stock options 

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) (maturity May 3, 
2030) 

Fair value of SARs  

Income from exercising SARs 

Total LTI 

Total performance-based compensation 

Total compensation 

Number of stock options (Dec 31) 

Number of stock options granted 

Fair value when granted 

Number of SARs (Dec 31) 

Number of SARs granted 
Fair value when granted 

231 

11 

0 

242 

0 

0 

0 

45 

0 

45 

45 

287 

0 

0 

0 

132,353 

132,353 
45 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

372 

7 

0 

379 

177 

0 

0 

65 

0 

65 

242 

621 

322 

9 

0 

331 

0 

0 

86 

290 

0 

376 

376 

707 

70,000 

164,495 

0 

0 

0 

0 

46 

2 

210 

258 

123 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

123 

381 

0 

0 

0 

30,000 

191,176 
65 

200,000 

200,000 
290 

83,327 

0 
0 

244 

13 

0 

257 

0 

0 

54 

218 

0 

272 

272 

529 

100,000 

0 

0 

150,000 

150,000 
218 

The non-performance-related compensation component amounts to 84% of total compensation for Mr. Lutter and 61% for Prof. Dr. 
Lübbert (previous year: 47%). The non-performance-related compensation of Mr. Schaffer amounts to 68% (prior year: 49%).  

The maximum compensation of the Management Board members from the non-performance-related and the one-year performance-
related compensation (bonus) amounts to EUR 780 thousand for Prof. Dr. Lübbert and EUR 540 thousand for Ludwig Lutter. With 

40 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
regard to the maximum compensation from the multi-year variable compensation, we refer to the following explanations on the 
stock option program and SAR program.  

The existing service agreements provide that - depending on the achievement of targets to be agreed - an annual bonus is to be 
granted. The assessment factors are mutually agreed at the end of each fiscal year for the following fiscal year in a target agreement. 
The 2020 target agreement provided for the following: Sales amount (40%), Profit after tax (15%), Achievement of break-even in Q4-
2020  (15%),  Approval  FDA  for  acne  study  (10%),  Completion  of  PK  study  (10%),  Conclusion  of  a  contract  with  a  new  Ameluz® 
manufacturer (10%) are mutually agreed at the end of each fiscal year for the following fiscal year in a target agreement.  

The aforementioned performance criteria set for 2020 were achieved at a rate of 93.35%, resulting in a bonus payment of 93,350.00 
for Prof. Hermann Lübbert and 65,345.00 for Mr. Thomas Schaffer) in fiscal 2021.   

The  benchmark  for  target  achievement  for  revenue  and  earnings  after  tax  was  revenue  and  earnings  after  tax,  respectively, 
according to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 2020 as approved by the Supervisory Board; for break-even 
in Q4-2020, target achievement  was defined as positive operating result according to the  unaudited consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income for Q4 2020. Approval of the acne study by the FDA was deemed to have been achieved upon submission and 
deadline extension without objections by the FDA for implementation. Closure of the database for the PK study was considered 
finalized. Finalized is considered the contract with a new manufacturer of Ameluz with signature of both parties. 

In addition, Prof. Lübbert and Mr. Schaffer received a special bonus for successfully completed financing measures (amounting to 
83,500 euros for Prof. Lübbert and 58,000 euros for Thomas Schaffer).  Here, the cash inflow from financing activities in accordance 
with the consolidated cash flow statement for 2020 adopted by the Supervisory Board formed the benchmark for the achievement 
of the target. 

In order to further increase the long-term incentive effect of the variable compensation and thus its focus on sustainable corporate 
development, the members of the Management Board have undertaken to hold ordinary shares in the Company as private assets 
for stock options granted under the 2015 stock option program, thus entering into a personal commitment, for a period of three 
years beginning one month after the issue date of the options ("blocked shares"). The amount of the personal commitment differs 
in detail for the respective Management Board members. If restricted shares are sold prematurely, which must be reported to the 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board without delay, the Company may demand the retransfer of a corresponding number of stock 
options free of charge within one month of notification of the sale, whereby the options granted last are always to be retransferred 
(last in first out). A retransfer is not possible if the Management Board member can demonstrate that the sale of the restricted 
shares was necessary to meet urgent financial obligations. The range of exercise prices for outstanding options is between EUR 
2.237 and EUR 6.695, the range of fair value of outstanding options is between EUR 1.00 and EUR 2.55. The exercise price of the 
options is between EUR 1.00 and EUR 2.55. The exercise price of the options is between EUR 2.237 and EUR 6.695. After expiry of the 
respective vesting period, the option rights may be exercised until the end of six years after the respective issue date (exclusive). 

As a long-term performance component, the Management Board member will be granted stock appreciation rights ("SARs") as part 
of the service contract, starting with the 2020 financial year (long-term incentive, "LTI"). An annual target amount of 150% of the 
STI target amount ("LTI target amount") has been agreed. The number of SARs granted each year is equal to the LTI target amount 
divided by the economic value of the SARs at the grant date. SARs for which vesting conditions otherwise apply cannot be exercised 
if and to the extent that the gross proceeds from all exercised SARs granted to the Management Board Chairman would exceed the 
Management Board member's gross fixed compensation actually received since the first grant of SARs by more than 300% without 
this limit. 

To the extent that terms and conditions of the SAR program provide for a personal investment, it is agreed, in derogation of any SAR 
terms and conditions, that the personal investment must necessarily be made within six months of the exercise date in the amount 
of 25% of the payout amount (gross) and that the acquired shares in the Company may not be sold for at least four years after the 
granting of the SARs. 

To  further  increase  the  long-term  incentive  effect  of  the  variable  compensation  and  thus  its  focus  on  sustainable  corporate 
development, the Management Board member undertakes to acquire up to 100,000 shares in the Company and to hold them until 
the  end  of  this  service  agreement  (share  ownership  guideline).  However,  the  total  acquisition  expense  (including  incidental 
acquisition costs) to be borne by the Management Board member is limited per fiscal year to an amount equivalent to 25% of the 
target achievement bonus granted to him for the previous fiscal year. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

41 

 
 
Compensation Report Supervisory Board 

Compensation system for members of the Supervisory Board 

Pursuant to Section 113 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), the compensation of the members of the Supervisory Board 
shall be commensurate with the tasks of the Supervisory Board members and the situation of the Company. The  members of the 
Supervisory  Board  are  not  involved  in  operational  activities.  Rather,  the  Supervisory  Board  contributes  to  the  long-term 
development  of  the  Company  through  its  monitoring  activities.  Recruiting  outstanding  members  of  the  Supervisory  Board  is  a 
prerequisite for providing the best possible supervision and advice to the Management Board, which in turn makes a significant 
contribution to a successful business strategy and the long-term success of the Company. The compensation should therefore also 
make the assumption of a mandate appear sufficiently attractive from an economic point of view to be able to attract and retain 
outstanding mandate holders, which also requires consideration of the compensation arrangements of other comparable listed 
companies (the compensation and employment conditions of the employees, on the other hand, are not of material importance for 
the compensation system of the Supervisory Board).  

The Management Board and Supervisory Board are of the opinion that purely fixed compensation for the members of the Supervisory 
Board is best suited to ensure independent fulfillment of the Supervisory Board's monitoring function, as variable compensation, 
particularly in matters relevant to monitoring, could otherwise create a convergence of interests between the Management Board 
and the Supervisory Board with regard to their own compensation. The granting of purely fixed compensation seems preferable in 
this respect. Differentiated compensation for the individual functions on the Supervisory Board generally takes into account the 
workload incurred by the Supervisory Board member in each case. Experience has shown that the workload is particularly high for 
the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and his deputy, as well as for the chairmen and members of the committees, so that higher 
compensation is  envisaged  in  this  respect.  According  to  Recommendation  C.  13  of  the  German  Corporate  Governance  Code  (as 
amended on December 16, 2019) ("Code"), the higher time expenditure of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board as well as the Chairman and members of committees should be appropriately taken into account in the compensation of 
Supervisory Board members. According to suggestion G. 18 of the Code, the compensation of the Supervisory Board should consist 
of a fixed compensation. These aspects are appropriately reflected in the determination of Supervisory Board compensation in the 
current version of Art. 18 of the Articles of Association. 

The  compensation  is  payable  after  the  end  of  each  quarter.  There  are  no  deferral  periods  for  the  payment  of  compensation 
components. 

Supervisory Board members who are members of the Supervisory Board or a committee for only part of the fiscal year, or who chair 
or vice-chair the Supervisory Board or chair a committee, receive compensation on a pro rata basis. 

There are no promises of compensation for dismissal, retirement or early retirement.  

The Company reimburses the members of the Supervisory Board for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, including 
any value-added tax payable on the compensation and the reimbursement of expenses, and includes the performance of the duties 
of the members of the Supervisory Board in the coverage of a pecuniary loss liability insurance policy taken out by the Company. 

The compensation system for the Supervisory Board is adopted by the Annual General Meeting on the basis of a proposal by the 
Management Board and the Supervisory Board, in the same way as a compensation regulation in the Articles of  Association. At 
regular  intervals,  at  the  latest  every  four  years,  the  Management  Board  and  Supervisory  Board  review  whether  the  level  and 
composition of Supervisory Board compensation still appears to be in line with the market and appropriate and, if necessary, submit 
proposals for adjustments to the Annual General Meeting.  

As the members of the Supervisory Board are involved in the structuring of the compensation system relevant to them and must 
also submit resolution proposals in this respect to the Annual General Meeting in accordance with § 124 AktG, an unavoidable conflict 
of interest arises from the application of the law. However, this is effectively counteracted by the fact that the decision on the 
ultimate determination of compensation is assigned to the Annual General Meeting. 

Pursuant to Section 113 (3) sentences 1 and 2  of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), the Annual General Meeting  of listed 
companies  must  pass  a  resolution  on  the  compensation  of  Supervisory  Board  members  at  least  every  four  years,  whereby  a 
resolution confirming the compensation is permissible. The compensation of Supervisory Board members is governed by § 18 of the 

42 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
Company's Articles of Association. Section 18 of the Company's Articles of Association was adopted in its current version by the 
Annual General Meeting on December 14, 2021 and reads: 

" § 18 Compensation of the Supervisory Board 

(1) Each member of the Supervisory Board shall receive an annual fixed remuneration of EUR 20,000. The Chairman shall receive 
twice this amount, the Deputy Chairman 1.5 times this amount. 

(2) The members of the Supervisory Board shall additionally receive the following compensation for serving on committees of the 
Supervisory Board: 

a. Each member of the Audit Committee shall receive EUR 3,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee shall receive twice this 
amount. 

b. Each member of another committee receives EUR 2,000, the chairman of another committee receives double this amount. 
Membership of the Nomination Committee is not taken into account. 

Committee activities are taken into account for a maximum of two committees. If this number is exceeded, the two highest-paid 
memberships shall be decisive. 

(3) Supervisory Board members who are members of the Supervisory Board or a committee for only part of the fiscal year or who 
chair or vice-chair the Supervisory Board or chair a committee shall receive pro rata remuneration. 

(4) In addition, the members of the Supervisory Board shall receive an attendance fee of EUR 1,000 for each participation in a meeting 
of the Supervisory Board or its committees. Participation in telephone and video conferences or participation in a meeting by means 
of connection by telephone and video conference shall be remunerated accordingly with an attendance fee. For several meetings - 
whether of the Supervisory Board or of committees - held on one calendar day, an attendance fee shall be paid only once in total. 

(5) Furthermore, the members of the Supervisory Board, with the exception of the Chairman and his Deputy, shall receive a 
remuneration of EUR 4,000 for chairing a General Meeting. 

(6) The remuneration shall be paid after the end of each quarter. 

(7) The Company shall reimburse the members of the Supervisory Board for expenses incurred in the exercise of their office, 
including any value-added tax (VAT) payable on the remuneration and the reimbursement of expenses. 

(8) The Company shall include the performance of duties by the members of the Supervisory Board in the coverage of a pecuniary 
damage liability insurance policy taken out by the Company." 

Compensation in fiscal year 2021 

The total compensation of the members of the Supervisory Board in fiscal year 2021 is as follows: 

in EUR thousands 

Fixed compensation 

Committee activity 

Attendance fee 

Total 

in TEUR 

in % 

in TEUR 

in % 

in TEUR 

in % 

in TEUR 

in % 

Dr. Ulrich Granzer (Supervisory Board: 
chair) ** *** 
Jürgen Baumann (Supervisory Board: 
vice chair; Personnel Committee: chair)* 
** 
John Borer* ** *** 
Reinhard Eyring *** 
Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel (Audit 
Committee: Chair)* 
Kevin Weber 
Gesamt 
* Member Audit Committee 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

38 

29 

19 
19 

19 
19 
143 

73 

59 

55 
63 

41 
70 
0 

2 

7 

5 
0 

6 
0 
20 

4 

14 

14 
0 

13 
0 
0 

12 

13 

11 
11 

22 
8 
77 

23 

26 

32 
37 

47 
30 
0 

52 

49 

35 
30 

47 
27 
240 

100 

100 

100 
100 

100 
100 
0 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
** Member Personnel Committee 
*** Member Nominating Committee 
(unremunerated) 

in EUR thousands 

Fixed compensation 

Committee activity 

Attendance fee 

Total 

in TEUR 

in % 

in TEUR 

in % 

in TEUR 

in % 

in TEUR 

in % 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 
7 

100 

40 

40 

40 

39 

40 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 
8 

0 

60 

60 

60 

61 

60 
0 

2 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 
15 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 
0 

Wilhelm K.T. Zours (Supervisory Board: 
Chair) ** 
Dr. Jörgen Tielmann (Supervisory 
Board: Vice Chair) 
Dr. Heikki Lanckriet** 
Dr. Helge Lubenow (Personnel 
Committee: Chair)* ** 
Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel (Audit 
Committee: Chair)* 
Karlheinz Schmelig* 
Gesamt 
* Member Audit Committee 
** Member Personnel Committee 

Vertical comparison 

Compensation of Management Board members 
Prof. Dr. Herman Lübbert 
Thomas Schaffer 
Ludwig Lutter* 

Compensation Supervisory Board members 
Dr. Ulrich Granzer 
Jürgen Baumann 
John Borer 
Reinhard Eyring 
Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 
Kevin Weber 

Wilhelm K.T. Zours* 
Dr. Heikki Lanckriet* 
Dr. Helge Lubenow* 
Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel* 
Karlheinz Schmelig* 
Dr. Jörgen Tielmann* 

Average compensation of employees 
Employees in Europe 
*First payment in reporting year 
**Corona-related short-time working in base year 2020 

Change 2021 vs. 2020 

68% 
48% 
- 

48% 
114% 
132% 
58% 
122% 
81% 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

8%** 

In the presentation of average employee compensation, all employees of the European Group companies (excluding the Executive 
Board) were included. In addition to wages and salaries, average compensation also includes expenses for retirement benefits; 
social security contributions were not included. The compensation of part-time employees was extrapolated to full-time 
equivalents. 

Takeover information 

44 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading platforms 

Biofrontera shares are traded under ticker symbol B8F and ISIN DE0006046113 in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock 
Exchange and on all other German stock exchanges. In the USA, shares of Biofrontera AG are traded as American Depositary Shares 
(ADS) on the U.S. Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BFRA. One ADS securitizes the right to two ordinary shares of 
Biofrontera AG. 

Shareholder structure 

The detailed presentation of the positions held by the shareholders as of December 31, 2021 on the basis of the mandatory disclosures 
by the shareholders can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements under  9 Equity and in the notes to the 
individual financial statements of Biofrontera AG under item "III. Information on the balance sheet and income statement" under "5 
Subscribed capital, capital reserve, conditional capital". 

Share capital and existing capital 

The detailed presentation of share capital as of December 31, 2021 is included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements 
under 9 Equity and in the notes to the single-entity financial statements of Biofrontera AG under "III. Information on the balance 
sheet and income statement" under "5 Subscribed capital, capital reserves, conditional capital". 

Articles of association 

The Articles of Association of  Biofrontera comply with the applicable statutory requirements. There  are no  stipulations beyond 
Sections 84, 85 and Sections 133, 179 of the German Stock Corporation Act regarding the appointment and dismissal of members of 
the Management Board. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

45 

 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 

Consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 

Assets 

in EUR thousands 

Non-current assets 

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax 

Investments accounted for using the equity method 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 

Financial assets 

Trade receivables 

Receivables from associated companies 

Other financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total financial assets 

Other assets 

Inventories 

Income tax 

Other assets 

Total other assets 

Total current assets 
Total assets 

(1) 

(1) 

(9) 

(2) 

(4) 

(33) 

(5) 

(8) 

(3) 

(7) 

(6) 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

2,281 

1,139 

5,747 

53,154 

62,322 

793 

413 

57 

6,908 

8,171 

4,814 

0 

1,392 

6,206 

14,377 
76,699 

5,051 

17,689 

7,525 

0 

30,264 

3,501 

0 

531 

16,546 

20,579 

4,673 

5 

869 

5,547 

26,126 
56,391 

46 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

Equity and liabilities 

in EUR thousands 

Equity 

Subscribed capital 

Capital reserve 

Capital reserve from foreign currency conversion adjustments 

Loss carried forward 

Loss for the period 

Total equity 

Non-current liabilities 

Financial debt 

Other financial liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables 

Liabilities to associated companies 

Current financial debt 

Other financial liabilities 

Total financial liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Income Tax 

Other provisions 

Other liabilities 

Total other liabilities 

Total current liabilities 
Total equity and liabilities 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(33) 

(11) 

(12) 

(7) 

(14) 

(15) 

December 31 , 2021 

December 31 , 2020 

56,717 

137,332 

0 

(169,909) 

33,857 

57,997 

851 

384 

1,235 

2,735 

5,279 

2,449 

14 

10,478 

0 

1,012 

5,977 

6,990 

17,467 
76,699 

47,748 

123,493 

1,866 

(152,709) 

(13,023) 

7,375 

22,736 

17,994 

40,730 

1,623 

0 

1,139 

90 

2,852 

0 

3,042 

2,392 

5,434 

8,286 
56,391 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

47 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the fiscal year 2021 

in EUR thousands 

Sales revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit from sales 

Operating expenses 

Research and development costs 

General administrative costs 

Sales costs 

Result from operations 

Depreciation and amortization 

Other Expenses 

Other Income 

EBITDA 

Depriciation and amortization 

EBIT 

Effective interest expenses 

Interest expenses 

Interest Income 

Income from investments accounted for using the equity method 

Profit/loss before income tax 

Income tax 

Profit/loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income after income taxes 

Items which may in future be regrouped into the profit and loss 
statement under certain conditions. 

Translation differences resulting from the conversion of foreign 
business operations 

Total profit/loss for the period 

Basic earnings per share in EUR 

Diluted earnings per share in EUR 

(17) 

(18) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(27) 

(24) 

(24) 

(27) 

(22) 

(22) 

(22) 

(23) 

(25) 

(26) 

(26) 

01.01.-31.12.2021 

01.01.-31.12.2020 

28,787 

-3,913 

24,873 

-7,009 

-30,781 

-22,423 

-35,341 

3,290 

-214 

60,215 

27,950 

-3,290 

24,661 

-28 

-3,692 

13 

14,729 

35,683 

-1,826 

33,857 

-4,461 

38,318 

-1,866 

31,991 

0.69 

0.68 

30,346 

-3,536 

26,810 

-4,789 

-9,150 

-20,482 

-7,611 

5,333 

-3,836 

1,417 

-4,696 

-5,333 

-10,029 

-546 

-2,534 

411 

0 

-12,697 

-326 

-13,023 

-13,023 

2,155 

-10,868 

-0.24 

-0.24 

48 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the fiscal year 2021 

Ordinary 
shares 

Subscribed 
capital 

Capital 
reserve 

Reserve from 
foreign 
currency 
conversion 
adjustment 
(OCI) 

Loss carried 
forward 
Loss for the 
period 

Total 

Balance as of January 01, 2020 

Loss for the period 
Foreign currency conversion 

Total loss for the period 

Conversion from convertible bond 
2017/2022 

Conversion of stock options from 
the stock option program 

Cost of equity procurement 

Increase in capital reserve from 
the stock option program 
Balance as of December 31, 2020 

Number of 
shares 

44,849,365 

0 
0 

0 

in EUR 
thousands 

in EUR 
thousands 

in EUR 
thousands 

in EUR 
thousands 

in EUR 
thousands 

44,849 

118,103 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

-289 

0 
2,155 

44,849 

-152,709 

-13,023 
0 

44,849 

2,638,150 

2,638 

5,179 

260,000 

0 

0 

260 

0 

0 

325 

-407 

293 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

9,954 

-13,023 
2,155 

-10,868 

7,817 

585 

-407 

293 

(10) 

47,747,515 

47,748 

123,493 

1,866 

-165,732 

7,375 

Ordinary 
shares 

Subscribed 
capital 

Capital 
reserve 

Number of 
shares 
47,747,515 

in EUR 
thousands 
47,748 

in EUR 
thousands 
123,493 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

8,969,870 

8,970 

15,697 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

-2,000 

142 

Balance as of December 31, 2020 

(10) 

Loss for the period 

Foreign currency conversion 

Total loss for the period 

Conversion from convertible bond 
2020/2021 

Conversion of stock options from 
the stock option program 

Cost of equity procurement 

Increase in capital reserve from 
the stock option program 

Balance as of December 31, 2021 

(10) 

56,717,385 

56,717 

137,332 

Reserve from 
foreign 
currency 
conversion 
adjustment 
(OCI) 

in EUR 
thousands 
1,866 

0 

-1,866 

-1,866 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Loss carried 
forward 
Loss for the 
period 

Total 

in EUR 
thousands 
-165,732 

in EUR 
thousands 
7,375 

33,857 

0 

33,857 

0 

0 

0 

0 

33,857 

-1,866 

31,991 

24,667 

0 

-2,000 

142 

-136,052 

57,997 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

49 

Consolidated cash flow statement for the fiscal year 2021 

in EUR thousands 

01.01.-31.12.2021 

01.01.-31.12.2020 

Cashflows from operations 
Loss before income tax 
Adjustments to reconcile loss before income tax to cash flow into operations 

Income tax 
Financial result 
Depreciation 
Other non-current provisions 
Losses from disposal of assets 
Non-cash (income) and expenses 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities 

Trade receivables 
Other assets and income tax assets 
Inventories 
Trade payables 
Provisions 
Other liabilities 

Net cash flow used in operational activities 

Cash flow from investment activities 

Purchase of intangible and tangible assets 
Business combination (incl. cash and start-up costs) 
Loss of control over subsidiaries 
Proceeds from sale of intangible and tangible assets 

Net cash flow from investment activities 

Cashflows from financing activities 
Proceeds from the issue of shares 
Costs of equity procurement 
Proceeds from draw down of EIB loan 
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options 
Leasing payments 
Interest paid 

Net cash flows provided by financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Changes from exchange rate differences 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

(30) 

35,683 

-1,826 
-11,022 
3,290 
0 
3 
259 

-788 
-683 
-5,938 
8,250 
-1,735 
4,946 
30,439 

-629 
0 
-41,630 
0 
-42,259 

24,667 
-2,000 
-15,000 
0 
-624 
-4,861 
2,182 

-9,638 
0 
16,546 
6,908 

-12,697 

-57 
2,669 
5,333 
0 
-85 
3,771 

1,514 
871 
-1,023 
-2,573 
-563 
-9 
-2,849 

-774 
3,547 
0 
100 
2,873 

7,914 
-406 
0 
585 
-1,363 
-782 
5,948 

5,972 
-545 
11,119 
16,546 

50 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 
2021 

Information about the Company 

Biofrontera AG (www.biofrontera.com), registered in the Commercial Register of the Local Court of Cologne, Department B under no. 
49717, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, Biofrontera Pharma GmbH, Biofrontera Development GmbH, 
and Biofrontera Neuroscience GmbH, all with registered offices at Hemmelrather Weg 201, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany, as well as the 
Spanish branch Biofrontera Pharma GmbH sucursal en España with registered offices in Cornellá de Llobregat and Biofrontera Inc. 
headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, research, develop and market dermatological products. 

The IPO of Biofrontera Inc., headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, at the end of October 2021 has resulted in changes to the 
Group structure due to the associated dilution of the AG shareholding. Biofrontera AG's stake in Biofrontera Inc. in the amount of 8 
million shares corresponded to an ownership share of approximately 69% after the IPO. After the further issuance of shares as well 
as the exercise of warrants, the shareholding decreased to approximately 47% by December 29, 2021. The control criteria of IFRS 10 
are therefore no longer met, so that Biofrontera Inc. is no longer considered a subsidiary of Biofrontera AG. Accordingly, the company 
was deconsolidated, with December 31, 2021 selected as the date of deconsolidation for reasons of materiality. The time lag between 
the actual loss of control and deconsolidation has no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.  The investment in 
Biofrontera Inc. as of the reporting date is reported under investments in associates using the equity method.  

Segment reporting 

Biofrontera's  main  business  activity  is  the  sale  of  pharmaceuticals  and  medical  products  and  the  associated  research  and 
development  activities  to  optimize  their  market  potential.  The  Biofrontera  Group  is  essentially  a  single-product  company. 
Accordingly, segmentation is based exclusively on geographical aspects and only with regard to sales revenues, as internal reporting 
to  the  company's  management  and  corporate  management  are  also  based  exclusively  on  these  criteria.  Internal  reporting  to 
management is a condensed presentation of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The results of the companies 
are monitored separately by management in order to be able to measure and assess their performance. 

For further information, please refer to our comments in the notes on „Sales revenue“ (Note 17). 

Summary of significant accounting policies 

Basis for preparation of the consolidated financial statements 

The consolidated financial statements of Biofrontera AG for the financial year from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 have been 
prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of the International Accounting Standards Board 
(IASB) and the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) valid at the 
reporting date and recognized by the European Union (EU). In addition, the provisions of German commercial law applicable under 
Section 315e (1) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) have been observed.  

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. 

Biofrontera  AG  is  the  ultimate  controlling  company  preparing  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  group  of  consolidated 
companies.  

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 are prepared in EUR or EUR thousand. Rounding differences may occur 
in the tables due to commercial rounding.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

51 

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 were authorized for issue and forwarding to the Supervisory Board 
by the Executive Board on April 29, 2022. 

Changes in accounting standards 

The accounting policies applied are consistent with those used as of December 31, 2020, with the exception of the new and revised 
standards and interpretations described below, the application of which was mandatory for the first time as of fiscal year 2021. 

Standard 

Description 

Mandatory application  Expected effects 

Amendment to IFRS 4 and IFRS 9 

"Insurance contracts" : postponement of the application 
of IFRS 9 

January 1, 2021 

No effects 

Amendment to IFRS 4,7,9,16  and 
IAS 39 

Amendment to IFRS 16 

IFRS 9 "Financial instruments", IFRS 4 "insurance 
contracts" IFRS 7 "Financial instruments: Disclosures", 
IFRS 16 "Leases", IAS 39 "Financial instruments: 
Recognition and measurement" Interest rate 
benchmark reform (phase 2) 
“Leases" 

January 1, 2021 

No effects 

April 1, 2021 

No effects 

Future changes in accounting standards 

Biofrontera  has  not  implemented  early  adoption  or  does  not  intend  to  implement  early  adoption  of  the  following  standards, 
interpretations and amendments to the set of regulations approved by the IASB: 

Standard 

Description 

Mandatory 
application 

Expected effects 

Amendment to IFRS 3 

Amendment to IAS 16 

Amendment to IAS 37 

“Business combinations IFRS 3” References to the 
Conceptual Framework 

"Property, plant and equipment IAS 16": Revenues 
before the intended use 

"Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent 
assets": Adverse contracts - costs of contract 
fulfillment 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 

IFRS 17 

Annual improvements to IFRSs 
Cycle 2018-2020 

Insurance contracts 

January 1, 2022 

No effects 

January 1, 2022 

No effects 

January 1, 2022 

No effects 

January 1, 2022 

No effects 

January 1, 2023 

No effects 

Amendments to IFRS 17 

Insurance contracts: Initial Application of IFRS 17 

January 1, 2023* 

Amendment to IAS 1 

Amendment to IAS 8 

Amendment to IAS 12* 

* Adoption by the EU still pending 

"Presentation of financial statements” Classification of 
liabilities as current or non-current; disclosure of 
accounting policies 

"Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates 
and Errors”:  Definition of accounting estimates 

January 1, 2023 

No effects 

January 1, 2023 

No effects 

"Income taxes": deferred taxes relating to assets and 
liabilities arising from a single transaction 

January 1, 2023* 

Effects not reliably 
estimable 

52 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 include the financial statements of the parent company, Biofrontera 
AG, and the subsidiaries in which the parent company holds a direct majority of the voting rights. The companies listed below have 
been included in the consolidated financial statements. The shareholdings are unchanged from the previous year: 

1. Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, Leverkusen, with a direct shareholding of 100%. 

2. Biofrontera Pharma GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany, in which the company holds a direct interest of 100%. 

3. Biofrontera Development GmbH, Leverkusen, with a direct investment of 100%. 

4. Biofrontera Neuroscience GmbH, Leverkusen, with a direct shareholding of 100%. 

The  basis  for  the  consolidation  of  the  companies  included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  was  the  annual  financial 
statements (or HBII according to IFRS) of these companies as of December 31, 2021, prepared in accordance with uniform principles. 
The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 were prepared on the basis of standard accounting and valuation 
principles (IFRS).  

The subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition. The date of acquisition is the date on which the parent company 
obtained control of these group companies. Subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements until control of these 
entities is lost. 

All intercompany receivables and payables as well as income and expenses have been eliminated in the course of consolidation, as 
have intercompany profits and losses.  

Deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. 

Since the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Biofrontera Inc., headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, in the third quarter of 2021, 
Biofrontera Inc. has been managed as an independent company. The IPO then took place on October 29, and the associated access 
to one of the largest capital markets now ensures Biofrontera Inc. the opportunity for further financing independent of Biofrontera 
AG against the backdrop of the  more growth-oriented  US corporate law.  As the past has shown,  similar financing opportunities 
cannot  be  created  by  Biofrontera  AG,  which  is  restricted  in  many  respects  by  the  German  capital  market  and  corporate  law 
framework.  Biofrontera AG's investment in Biofrontera Inc. in the amount of 8 million shares corresponded to an ownership share 
of  approximately 69% after the IPO. After the further issuance of shares as well as the  exercise  of warrants, the shareholding 
decreased to approximately 47% by December 29, 2021, and also amounted to 47% as of the balance sheet date. The control criteria 
of IFRS 10 are therefore no longer met, so that Biofrontera Inc. is no longer considered a subsidiary of Biofrontera AG. Accordingly, 
deconsolidation  took  place  in  the  financial  year.  The  investment  in  Biofrontera  Inc.  as  of  the  reporting  date  is  reported  under 
investments in associates using the equity method.  

The basis for the deconsolidation was the balance sheet of Biofrontera Inc. prepared in accordance with IFRS as of December 31, 
2021.  As  part  of  the  deconsolidation,  all  assets  and  liabilities  as  well  as  the  equity  of  Biofrontera  Inc.  were  removed  from  the 
consolidated balance sheet. The resulting deconsolidation gain amounted to EUR 59,180 thousand and also includes the reversal of 
the equity component "Reserve from currency translation" in the amount of EUR 1,866 thousand. 

Due to the deconsolidation date of December 31, 2021, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income includes all remaining 
expenses and income of Biofrontera Inc. after consolidation of expenses and income; the share of profit or loss attributable to the 
minority  shareholders  of  Biofrontera  Inc.  amounts  to  EUR  -4,461  thousand  and  is  reported  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
comprehensive income for 2021. 

The consolidated statement of financial position that would have resulted from the continued full consolidation of Biofrontera Inc. 
is as follows: 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

53 

 
 
 
 
Assets 

in EUR thousands 

Non-current assets 

Tangible assets 

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax 

Investments accounted for using the equity method 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 

Financial assets 

Trade receivables 

Receivables from associated companies 

Other financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total financial assets 

Other assets 

Inventories 

Income tax 

Other assets 

Total other assets 

Total current assets 
Total assets 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

3,943 

17,370 

5,747 

0 

27,060 

7,436 

0 

292 

28,769 

36,497 

5,705 

0 

2,246 

7,951 

44,448 
71,507 

5,051 

17,689 

7,525 

0 

30,264 

3,501 

0 

531 

16,546 

20,579 

4,673 

5 

869 

5,547 

26,126 
56,391 

54 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity and liabilities 

in EUR thousands 

Equity 

Subscribed capital 

of which attributable to non-controlling interests 

of which attributable to the owners of the parent company 

Capital reserve 

of which attributable to non-controlling interests 

of which attributable to the owners of the parent company 

Capital reserve from foreign currency conversion adjustments 

Loss carried forward 

Loss for the period 

of which attributable to non-controlling interests 

of which attributable to the owners of the parent company 

Total equity 

Non-current liabilities 

Financial debt 

Other financial liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Financial liabilities 

Trade payables 

Payables to associated companies 

Current financial debt 

Other financial liabilities 

Total financial liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Income Tax 

Other provisions 

Other liabilities 

Total other liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

December 31 , 2021  December 31 , 2020 

8 

56,717 

37,006 

137,333 

(4,461) 

(35,581) 

56,725 

47,748 

174,339 

123,493 

1,757 

-165,732 

-40,042 

1,866 

-152,709 

-13,023 

27,047 

7,375 

1,869 

25,940 

27,809 

3,968 

0 

2,938 

64 

6,970 

0 

1,670 

8,012 

9,681 

16,651 

71,507 

22,736 

17,994 

40,730 

1,623 

0 

1,139 

90 

2,852 

0 

3,042 

2,392 

5,434 

8,286 

56,391 

This presentation is intended solely to enhance comparability and does not represent the actual consolidated balance sheet of the 
Biofrontera Group. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Translation of amounts in foreign currencies 

The consolidated financial  statements as  of December 31, 2021 are presented in EUR (or  EUR thousand), which is the functional 
currency of the German entities included in the consolidated financial statements, and the presentation currency of the Group.  

For subsidiaries whose functional currency is the local currency of the respective country in which this company is domiciled, assets 
and liabilities that are recognized in foreign currency in the balance sheets of the foreign economically independent subsidiaries 
are translated into euros at the respective closing rate (2021: 1.1318 USD/EUR, prior year: 1.2230 USD/EUR). Revenue and expense items 
are translated at the  average foreign currency  exchange rates (2021: 1.1830  USD/EUR, previous year: 1.1410  USD/EUR) during the 
underlying period. The difference resulting from the valuation of equity at the historical exchange rate and the closing rate was 
recognized as a change in equity within other components of equity with no effect on profit or loss until the deconsolidation of 
Biofrontera Inc. in fiscal year 2021 (2021: EUR 0 thousand, previous year: EUR 2,155 thousand); as part of the deconsolidation, this 
item was reversed through profit or loss.  

Transactions denominated in currencies other than EUR are recognized at the current exchange rate on the date of the transaction. 
Assets and liabilities are revalued at each balance sheet date using the closing rate. Gains and losses resulting from such translation 
are recognized in profit or loss in the amount of EUR 160 thousand (previous year: EUR -3,601 thousand). 

Application of estimates 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 has been made in accordance with the estimates 
and assumptions by management required by IFRS, which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet 
date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  

Main areas of application for significant assumptions, estimates and the exercise of discretion arise for the following matters: 

• 

Assessment of the recoverability of non-current assets 

Biofrontera is required to assess external and internal sources of information for non-current assets that are subject to 
amortization,  based  on  which  possible  indications  of  impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  can  be  identified.  When 
assessing whether there are indications of impairment or a reversal of impairment losses and - if such indications exist - 
when determining the fair values required in this case as part of an impairment test, management must make assumptions 
and estimates about the expected future cash flows from the use of the non-current assets and a determination of the 
cost of capital. 

• 

Income taxes 

Biofrontera  is  required  to  calculate  the  expected  current  income  tax  for  each  group  company,  as  well  as  to  assess 
temporary differences arising from the different treatment of certain balance sheet items between the IFRS consolidated 
financial statements and the financial statements prepared for tax purposes. Where temporary differences exist, these 
generally  result  in  the  recognition  of  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements. 
Management  must  make  assumptions  and  estimates  when  calculating  actual  and  deferred  taxes.    The  recognition  of 
deferred tax assets of Biofrontera is subject to higher requirements due to the loss history. Deferred tax assets are only 
recognized if it can be substantiated that taxable profits will be generated in the future and that it is then probable that 
the deferred tax item to be capitalized can be offset against future taxable profits. In order to assess the probability of 
the future utilization of deferred tax assets, various factors have to be taken into account, such as the earnings situation 
in the past and operational planning. If actual results differ from these estimates, or if these estimates have to be adjusted 
in future periods, this could have an adverse effect on the Group's net assets, financial position and results of operations. 
If there is a change in the assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets, the recognized deferred tax assets  - 
corresponding  to  the  original  recognition  -  are  to  be  written  down through  profit  or  loss  or  recognized  in  equity, or 
impaired deferred tax assets are to be recognized through profit or loss or in equity. 

56 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
• 

Provisions for litigation risks 

Provisions  are  recognized  for  pending  legal  proceedings  on the  basis  of  current  estimates.  The  outcome  of  the  legal 
proceedings cannot be determined or is subject to uncertainties. In assessing the risks arising from litigation, management 
must  make  assumptions  and  estimates  as  to  whether  and  to  what  extent  provisions  for  litigation  risks  should  be 
recognized. Actual claims arising from legal proceedings may therefore differ from the amounts accrued. 

• 

Estimates in connection with financial instruments 

In connection with the measurement of liabilities arising from the stock appreciation program, estimates are made to 
determine the fair value. The determination requires management to make assumptions regarding the valuation models 
used. 

• 

Development costs 

At Biofrontera, research and development costs include expenses for clinical trials as well as for the granting, maintenance 
and extension of approvals. Both for the approved drug Ameluz® and for the other research and development projects, 
with the exception of the further development of the new BF-RhodoLED® XL red light lamp, research and development 
costs are recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. In the opinion of management, the criteria 
prescribed by IAS 38.57 for the recognition of development costs as assets are not met due to the uncertainties associated 
with the development of new products by the Biofrontera Group until approval in the target markets has been obtained 
and it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company. The BF-RhodoLED® XL red light lamp is a further 
development of the existing lamp, from which Biofrontera expects a future economic benefit. 

Estimates are based on experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the  circumstances. They are 
reviewed on an ongoing basis but may differ from actual values.  

Changes in previous estimates due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic did not occur in fiscal year 2021.  

The carrying amounts of the items affected by estimates can be found in the respective explanations of the items in the notes to 
the consolidated financial statements. 

Tangible assets and leases 

In accordance with IAS 16, property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less depreciation. Depreciation of property, 
plant and equipment is generally charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (generally between 
three and thirteen years). The main useful lives are unchanged: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

IT equipment 3 years, linear 
Other equipment, furniture and fixtures 4 years, linear 
Office and laboratory equipment 10 years, linear 
Laboratory equipment 13 years, linear 

Since January 1, 2018, low-value assets with acquisition costs between EUR 250 and EUR 1,000 are posted in the year of acquisition 
to a collective item for the respective year, which is fully depreciated over 5 years.  

Biofrontera is a lessee mainly for buildings and motor vehicles used for operational and administrative purposes. The lease liability 
to be recognized is calculated as the present value of the highly probable payments to be made to the lessee. It is amortized using 
the effective interest method. The right-of-use asset to be recognized in return is measured at cost at the inception of the lease. In 
addition to the lease payments, any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee and dismantling costs are included in the calculation. 
Incentive payments granted by the lessor are to be deducted. The capitalized right-of-use asset must be depreciated on a straight-
line basis and tested for impairment if there are indications of impairment.  

The main useful lives of leases are determined by the term of the lease and are as follows: 

• 
• 

- Motor vehicles 3 years, straight-line 
- Buildings 6 years, straight-line 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

57 

 
 
Future lease payments are to be discounted at the lessor's imputed interest rate or, if this is not available, at the marginal borrowing 
rate on the date of initial application.   

For expenses from leases with a remaining term of no more than one year and from leases with a low value, Biofrontera has decided 
to make use of the simplification of IFRS 16.6 and to immediately recognize the monthly lease payments in profit or loss, unchanged 
from the accounting treatment under IAS 17. 

Intangible assets 

Purchased software is recognized at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over a useful life of 3 years.  

Acquired intangible assets consist of purchased licenses and other rights. They are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. 
These intangible assets are capitalized and generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of between 
4 and 12 years.   

Intangible assets under development relate to the further development of BF-RhodoLED®. Beyond this, no development costs are 
capitalized, as the requirements for the capitalization of internally generated intangible assets are not met.  

There are no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.  

Borrowing costs are not recognized as part of the cost of the acquired assets, but as an expense in the period in which they are 
incurred because the Group does not have any significant qualifying assets as defined by IAS 23.5. 

Impairment of assets 

The Company reviews non-current tangible and intangible assets for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying 
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. A possible impairment of assets held for use is determined by comparing its carrying 
amount with the future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Biofrontera measures an impairment to be recognized at 
the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount.  

Financial assets 

Financial assets are recognized if Biofrontera has a contractual right to receive cash or other financial assets from another party. 
Customary purchases and sales of financial assets are generally recognized on the settlement date. Financial assets are assigned 
to the "hold" category and measured at amortized cost. Non-interest-bearing or low-interest-bearing receivables are recognized at 
present value.  

Impairment of financial assets  

Biofrontera  determines  the  credit  risk  of  trade  receivables  as  the  probability-weighted  amount  of  the  expected  shortfall  in 
collections compared to the contractual payment claims. The basis for the estimation of expected credit losses is, in addition to 
individual factors, the general experience with the collection of receivables in the past. The Company adjusts the fixed allowance 
rates derived from these, which are based on the extent to which the receivables are past due, in the event of significant changes 
in economic conditions.  

Trade receivables  

Trade receivables are recognized at their nominal value. In the case of adjustments, these are booked directly against the receivable 
in question.  

Cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and checks as well as bank balances with a term of up to three months at the 
time of acquisition and short-term investments. These are measured at amortized cost.  

Non-financial assets  

Non-financial assets are recognized at cost. 

58 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
Inventories  

Raw materials and supplies as well as finished goods and work in progress are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. 
Borrowing  costs  are  not  capitalized.  Cost  is  determined  using  the  first-in,  first-out  (FIFO)  method.  An  allowance  is  made  for 
inventories  at  the  balance  sheet  date  if  the  net  realizable  value  is lower  than the  carrying  amount. BF-RhodoLED®  held  in  the 
company's own inventory for sales activities are carried at a fixed value.  

Financial liabilities  

Financial liabilities include original liabilities. Original liabilities are recognized if there is a contractual obligation to transfer cash 
or other assets to another party. The initial recognition of  a  non-derivative financial liability is at fair value. In the subsequent 
measurement of financial liabilities measured at amortized cost, any discount between the amount received and the repayment 
amount is amortized over the term of the liability using the effective interest method.  

Trade payables  

Trade payables and other liabilities are recognized at their repayment amount. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amount 
reported reflects the fair value.   

Convertible bonds  

The convertible bond is a compound financial instrument which must be divided into the liability (bond) and equity (conversion right) 
components on initial recognition. The liability component (bond) must be recognized at its fair value at the inception of the contract. 
The fair value is determined by discounting the contractually agreed future payments at a market interest rate for a comparable 
bond without conversion rights. In this context, the issuer's default risk must also be taken into account. The equity component 
(conversion right) is to be determined as the difference between the issue proceeds and the present value of the liability (equity 
derivative, residual value method).  

In  subsequent  accounting  for  the  convertible  bond,  a  distinction  is  made  as  follows:  The  liability  component  is  subsequently 
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The equity component is not subject to subsequent measurement.  

Non-financial liabilities  

Non-financial liabilities are recognized at the repayment amount.  

Provisions  

Provisions are recognized if an obligation to a third party resulting from a past event exists, and it is probable that an outflow of 
assets will be required to settle the obligation in the future, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.  

Stock options  

Stock options (equity-settled share-based payment transactions) are recognized at fair value at the time of granting. The fair value 
of the obligation is recognized as personnel expense over the vesting period. Obligations arising from cash-settled share-based 
payment transactions are recognized as a liability and measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. If Biofrontera AG has the 
option to settle in cash or in shares when the option is exercised, the capital reserve is initially increased in accordance with IFRS 
2.41 and IFRS 2.43. The expense is recognized over the vesting period.  The fair value of cash-settled and equity-settled share-based 
payment transactions is generally determined using internationally accepted valuation techniques. 

Stock Appreciation Rights  

Obligations under Biofrontera's stock appreciation rights program are cash-settled share-based payments that are recognized at 
fair value. Changes in the fair value during the term are recognized in profit or loss. The fair value is determined using internationally 
recognized valuation techniques. 

Income taxes  

Biofrontera recognizes deferred taxes in accordance with IAS 12 for valuation differences between the IFRS carrying amounts and 
the tax base. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

59 

 
 
The recognition of deferred tax assets is subject to more stringent requirements due to the loss history. Deferred tax assets are 
only recognized if there are substantial indications that taxable profits will be generated in the future and that the deferred tax item 
to be capitalized can then probably be offset against future taxable profits.  

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is not 
probable  that  sufficient  taxable  profit  will  be  available  against  which  the  deferred  tax  asset  can  be  at  least  partially  utilized. 
Previously unrecognized deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and are recognized to the extent 
that it has become probable, from a current perspective, that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.  

Deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets are offset if a right of set-off exists and they are levied by the same taxation authority.  

Current taxes are calculated on the basis of the Company's taxable income for the period. The tax rates of the respective company 
applicable on the balance sheet date are used as a basis.  

Earnings per share  

Earnings per share are calculated in accordance with IAS 33 ("earnings per share") by dividing net income by the weighted average 
number of shares outstanding during the year. 

Revenue recognition  

The Company recognizes as revenue all income from product sales and the granting of licenses. The completed customer contracts 
each comprise only one performance obligation. The Company is entitled to a fixed consideration for the products sold and licenses 
granted.  To  the  extent  that  return  obligations  for  expired  products  have  been  agreed  with  customers,  Biofrontera  recognizes 
revenue only in the amount that is most likely to be recoverable, taking into account the proportion of the products that are expected 
to be returned. The timing and amount of revenue to be recognized in the consolidated income statement is determined by the 
extent to which Biofrontera transfers control of the products to be delivered or rights to be granted to the customers.  

The majority of revenue is generated from product sales. In accordance with the respective local laws on the sale of pharmaceuticals 
and medical devices, Ameluz® is sold in Germany exclusively via pharmaceutical wholesalers or directly to hospitals, and in other 
European countries also directly to pharmacies or hospitals. In the United States, Ameluz® is reimbursed as a "buy and bill drug" 
and is therefore sold directly to physicians.   

Xepi® is sold directly to specialty pharmacies in the USA. Sales are recognized net of sales deductions when power of disposal and 
control is transferred to the customer. Sales deductions include expected returns, rebates and incentives such as payments under 
patient assistance programs. These allowances are estimated at the time of sale based on the amounts incurred or expected to be 
collected on the related sales.  

Revenue is recognized on a point-in-time basis as products are shipped to the respective customers.  

License revenues received by Biofrontera as down payments for the conclusion of license agreements granting customers a right 
of use are recognized on a point-in-time basis.   

In the case of direct sales of BF-RhodoLED® , the deliveries and services owed are only provided after installation has taken place. 
The installation service represents a purely ancillary service because, for legal reasons, the lamp may only be used after it has been 
installed by the customer. This is a uniform performance obligation. In the United States, lamps are sometimes made available to 
physicians for a fee for an evaluation period of up to six months, and a final purchase decision does not have to be made until the 
end of this period. The Company generates revenue from monthly fees during the evaluation period and from the sale of lamps.  

Belixos® is sold through Amazon and through pharmaceutical wholesalers. Revenue is recognized through Amazon upon delivery 
and payment by the customer and through pharmaceutical wholesalers upon delivery. Experience has shown that customers make 
only insignificant use of the rights of return granted on sales.  

Sales are recognized net of sales-related taxes and sales deductions. For expected sales deductions, such as rebates and discounts, 
amounts estimated at the time of revenue recognition are taken into account accordingly. The payment terms for Ameluz® include 
short-term payment terms with the possibility of cash discounts. 

60 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
Cost of sales  

Cost  of  sales  includes  cost  of  materials  for  products  sold,  payments  to  third  parties  for  services  directly  attributable  to  the 
generation  of  sales  or  production  of  the  products,  as  well  as  directly  attributable  personnel  expenses  and  depreciation  and 
amortization, and a proportion of overheads.  

Research and development expenses  

Pursuant to IAS 38, development costs are recognized as "intangible assets" under certain conditions. Research costs are expensed 
as incurred.  Development  costs  are  capitalized  if  the  criteria  of  IAS  38.57  are  met, depending  on the  potential  outcome  of  the 
development activities.  

Research and development costs for both the approved drug Ameluz® and the Company's other research and development projects 
are therefore recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. The intangible assets under development relate to 
the further development of BF-RhodoLED® , as the recognition criteria of IAS 38.57 are fulfilled. 

Notes to the consolidated balance sheet 

1.  Intangible and tangible assets 

As in the previous year, no impairment losses were recognized on property, plant and equipment in fiscal year 2021, impairment 
losses of EUR 0 thousand (previous year: EUR 2,001 thousand)  were recognized on intangible assets. The impairment losses on 
intangible assets in the previous year were included in selling expenses.  

The expense for short-term leases and those of low value amounts to EUR 151 thousand (previous year: EUR 374 thousand). The 
income from a sublease agreement amounts to EUR 33 thousand (previous year: EUR 33 thousand). The rights of use reported under 
property, plant and equipment relate to rights of use from leases accounted for in accordance with IFRS 16.  

Biofrontera uses external and internal sources of information to determine at each reporting date whether there are any indications 
of impairment or a reversal of impairment losses.  

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets break down as follows:  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of changes in non-current assets for 2021 

in EUR thousands 

Purchase and production cost 

Accumulated depreciation 

Carrying amounts 

Tangible assets and leases 
Operating and business equipment 
Right-of-use leasing properties 
Right-of-use leasing tangible assets 
Tangible assets and leases 

Intangible assets 
Software and licenses 
Right-of-use assets 
Self-generated intangible assets 
Intangible assets under development 
Intangible assets 

Financial assets 

Total 

01.01. 
2021 

Currency 
translatio
n 

Additions 

Change of 
consolidat
ion group 

Disposals  Transfers  31.12.2021  01.01. 
2021 

Currency 
translatio
n 

Additions 

Change of 
consolidat
ion group 

Disposals  31.12.2021  31.12.2021  01.01. 
2021 

3,958 
4,213 
1,778 
9,949 
0 
0 
227 
22,336 
0 
916 
23,480 
0 
0 
0 
33,429 

14 
2 
1 
17 
0 
0 
0 
1,073 
0 
0 
1,073 
0 
0 
0 
1,090 

224 
0 
175 
399 
0 
0 
55 
19 
0 
156 
230 
0 
53,154 
0 
53,784 

-544 
-1,115 
-325 
-1,983 
0 
0 
-23 
-22,541 
0 
0 
-22,564 
0 
0 
0 
-24,548 

-101 
-390 
-681 
-1,172 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
-1,172 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
1,073 
-1,073 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

3,551 
2,710 
949 
7,210 
0 
0 
260 
887 
1,073 
0 
2,219 
0 
53,154 
0 
62,583 

-2,574 
-1,227 
-1,098 
-4,898 
0 
0 
-201 
-5,590 
0 
0 
-5,791 
0 
0 
0 
-10,689 

-4 
0 
0 
-4 
0 
0 
-1 
-507 
0 
0 
-508 
0 
0 
0 
-512 

-281 
-803 
-389 
-1,472 
0 
0 
-25 
-1,775 
-18 
0 
-1,817 
0 
0 
0 
-3,290 

320 
-89 
46 
277 
0 
0 
23 
7,013 
0 
0 
7,037 
0 
0 
0 
7,314 

98 
390 
681 
1,169 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
1,169 

-2,441 
-1,728 
-760 
-4,928 
0 
0 
-203 
-859 
-18 
0 
-1,079 
0 
0 
0 
-6,008 

1,110 
982 
189 
2,281 
0 
0 
57 
28 
1,055 
0 
1,139 
0 
53,154 
0 
56,575 

1,385 
2,986 
681 
5,051 
0 
0 
27 
16,746 
0 
916 
17,689 
0 
0 
0 
22,740 

62 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of changes in non-current assets for 2020 

in EUR thousands 

Purchase and production cost 

Tangible assets and leases 
Operating and business equipment 
Right-of-use leasing properties 
Right-of-use leasing tangible assets 
Tangible assets and leases 

Intangible assets 
Software and licenses 
Right-of-use-assets 
Intangible asset under development 
Intangible assets 
Total 

01.01. 2020  Currency 

translation  Additions 

Change of 
consolidatio
n 
group 

Disposals  31.12.2020  01.01. 2020  Currency 

translation  Additions  Disposals  31.12.2020  31.12.2020 

01.01. 
2020 

3,647 
3,560 
1,612 
8,819 

206 
24,474 
716 
25,396 
34,215 

-46 
0 
0 
-46 

-2 
-2,138 
0 
-2,140 
-2,186 

548 
653 
166 
1,367 

25 
0 
201 
226 
1,593 

#REF! 
#REF! 
#REF! 
#REF! 

#REF! 
#REF! 
#REF! 
#REF! 
#REF! 

-191 
0 
0 
-191 

-1 
0 
0 
-1 
-192 

3,958 
4,213 
1,778 
9,949 

227 
22,336 
916 
23,480 
33,429 

-2,492 
-505 
-592 
-3,590 

-190 
-2,356 
0 
-2,546 
-6,136 

18 
0 
0 
18 

2 
582 
0 
583 
601 

-275 
-722 
-505 
-1,503 

-14 
-3,815 
0 
-3,830 
-5,333 

176 
0 
0 
176 

1 
0 
0 
1 
178 

-2,574 
-1,227 
-1,098 
-4,898 

-201 
-5,590 
0 
-5,791 
-10,689 

1,385 
2,986 
681 
5,051 

1154,62 
3055,15 
1019,83 
5229,6 

27 
16,746 
916 

16,51 
22117,13 
715,79 
17,689  22849,43 
22,740  28079,03 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2020 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
1. Financial assets 

Financial assets include the carrying amount of the investment in Biofrontera Inc. measured at fair value of EUR 53,154 thousand 
(previous year: EUR 0 thousand). The income from the increase in the carrying amount of the investment amounts to EUR 14,729 
thousand in the financial year 2021 (previous year: EUR 0 thousand) and is recognized in the financial result.  

2.  Inventories 

in EUR thousands 

Raw materials 

Unfinished goods 

Finished goods and products 
Total 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

2,861 

315 

1,638 
4,814 

1,557 

390 

2,727 
4,673 

In the reporting year, impairment losses of EUR 42 thousand (previous year: EUR 414 thousand) were recognized on finished goods.  

Finished  goods  and  merchandise  include  PDT  lamps  provided  to  physicians  for  a  fee  as  part  of  a  6-month  evaluation  phase 
(Biofrontera Inc.: EUR 0 thousand; previous year: EUR 145 thousand). 

3.  Trade receivables 

Trade receivables mainly relate to the sale of Ameluz®, the PDT lamp BF- RhodoLED®, Xepi® and the medical cosmetic product 
Belixos®. It is expected that all trade receivables will be settled within twelve months of the balance sheet date. 

Allowances for doubtful accounts were made in the amount of EUR 0 thousand (previous year: EUR 36 thousand (Biofrontera Inc.)). 
As in the previous year, there were no overdue, unimpaired receivables as of the balance sheet date. 

Of the receivables, EUR 0 thousand (previous year: EUR 100 thousand (Biofrontera Inc.)) relate to finance leases of PDT lamps. 

4.  Other financial assets 

Other financial assets mainly comprise security deposits, primarily for rented premises, credit cards and leased vehicles (EUR 23 
thousand; previous year: EUR 267 thousand), as well as advance payments for studies (EUR 0 thousand; previous year: EUR 220 
thousand) and services (EUR 19 thousand; previous year: EUR 30 thousand). As in the previous year, there was no impairment in the 
year under review. 

5.  Other assets 

Other assets mainly comprise prepaid expenses (EUR 1,060 thousand; previous year: EUR 817 thousand) and VAT receivables of EUR 
316 thousand (previous year: EUR 43 thousand). As in the previous year, no impairment losses were recognized in the reporting year. 

6.  Income tax 

64 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax reimbursement claims result from the withheld capital gains tax plus solidarity surcharge (EUR 0 thousand; previous 
year: EUR 5 thousand). As in the previous year, there are no income tax liabilities.  

7.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and checks, bank balances, and cash deposits with a maturity of up to three months 
at the time of acquisition totaling EUR 6,908 thousand (previous year: EUR 16,546 thousand).  

8.  Deferred income tax 

Deferred tax assets amount to EUR 5,747 thousand (previous year: EUR 7,525 thousand) and relate exclusively to Biofrontera Pharma 
GmbH.   

The  reduction  in  deferred  tax  assets  in  the  amount  of  EUR  1,778  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  269  thousand)  results from  the 
reduction in the recognizable tax loss carryforwards of Biofrontera Pharma GmbH, whereby the amount of the recognizable tax loss 
carryforwards was reduced to the expected utilization during the planning period. 

Biofrontera Pharma GmbH generated profits in the past two financial years 2019 and 2020 and, despite the negative tax result in 
2021, it can be assumed that Biofrontera Pharma GmbH will continue to generate positive results in the future and thus utilize its tax 
loss carryforwards.   

Although Biofrontera AG generated a profit this year due to the special effect from the deconsolidation of EUR 59,170 thousand, tax 
losses are still expected to be incurred in the coming years according to the planning calculation; therefore, no capitalization of the 
tax loss carryforwards will be made for Biofrontera AG. Deferred taxes on loss carryforwards at Biofrontera AG amounting to EUR 0 
thousand (previous year: EUR 74 thousand) were capitalized to the extent that these are offset by deferred tax liabilities in the same 
amount.  

The following table explains the deferred tax assets arising from tax loss carryforwards, as they have developed within the Group: 

in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Corporation tax including Solidarity 
Surcharge 

Business tax 

U.S. corporation tax 
Total 

Loss carried 
forward 

Deferred 
tax assets 

Loss carried 
forward 

Deferred 
tax assets 

152,367 

134,909 

0 

24,112 

11,805 

0 
35,917 

134,606 

118,599 

32,172 

21,301 

10,377 

8,365 
40,043 

These loss carryforwards have an unlimited carryforward period under current German law.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Loss carried forward 

Non-current assets 

- Intangible assets 

- Tangible assets 

Current assets 

- Receivables and other assets 

Non-current and current financial liabilities 

Current liabilities 

- Liabilities and other 

Total 

Netting of deferred tax assets and liabilities 

As recognized on balance sheet 

Deferred tax 
assets 

6,006 

Deferred tax 
liabilities 

Deferred tax 
assets 

7,824 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

288 

6,294 

(547) 

5,747 

0 

(259) 

0 

0 

0 

0 

(547) 

547 

0 

789 

15 

0 

812 

0 

9,440 

(1,915) 

7,525 

Deferred tax 
liabilities 

0 

0 

(656) 

0 

0 

0 

(279) 

(1,915) 

1,915 

0 

Deferred taxes on loss carryforwards are capitalized to the extent that there are substantial indications that they can probably be 
offset against future profits or that they are offset by deferred tax liabilities to the same extent. Due to the lack of predictability of 
future taxable profits, taking into account the loss history, the remaining deferred tax assets from loss carryforwards of EUR 29,911 
thousand (previous year: EUR 32,220 thousand) and deferred tax assets of EUR 1,687 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,812 thousand) 
have not been recognized in accordance with IAS 12.34.  

The following is a reconciliation of the expected income tax  expense to the income tax expense actually recognized, using the 
applicable income tax rate of 24.575% (previous year: 24.575%) of the parent company as the starting point. 

66 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Consolidated loss before tax 

Expected income tax reimbursement 

Differences arising from different tax rates 

Tax increases due to non-deductible expenses 

Changes in unrecognized deferred tax assets 

- from active temporary differences 

- from loss carryforwards 

Tax-free income (badwill) 

Other effects 

Income taxes per statement of comprehensive income 

9.  Equity 

Share capital 

20,957 

(5,150) 

260 

0 

468 

0 

0 

124 

(5,971) 

0 

8,455 

(12) 

(1,826) 

(12,697) 

3,120 

146 

0 

(982) 

0 

0 

188 

(2,627) 

0 

0 

(170) 

(326) 

The fully paid-in share capital of the parent company, Biofrontera AG, amounted to EUR 56,717,385.00 as of December 31, 2021. It 
consisted  of  56,717,385  registered  shares  with  a  nominal  value  of  EUR  1.00  each.  On  December  31,  2020,  the  share  capital  had 
amounted to EUR 47,747,515.00.   

The shares of Biofrontera AG were listed on the Regulated Market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange in 2006. In August 2012, at the 
request of the Company, admission to trading on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange was also granted. The shares 
are also traded on the Xetra computer trading system and on all other German stock exchanges. On June 03, 2014, the shares were 
admitted to the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.   

The listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market in the USA took place on February 14, 2018, where Biofrontera AG share certificates are 
traded as American Depositary Shares (ADS) under the ticker symbol BFRA. One ADS certifies the right to two ordinary shares of 
Biofrontera AG.  

The share capital was held as follows on December 31, 2021: 

Maruho Deutschland Co., Ltd., Osaka Japan 
The total share of voting rights is assigned to Maruho Co., Ltd, Osaka, through the 
company Maruho Deutschland GmbH, Düsseldorf, which is controlled by the former. 

Wilhelm Konrad Thomas Zours 
The voting rights through the chain os subsidiaries listed below are attributed to 
Mr. Zours: 

• DELPHI Unternehmensberatung AG 
• VV Beteiligungen AG 
• Deutsche Balaton AG 
• Deutsche Balaton Biotech AG 
• Prisma Equity AG 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2020 

13,399,965 

13,399,965 

16,990,199 

14,218,773 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• Sparta AG 
• ABC Beteiligungen AG 
• AEE Ahaus-Enscheder AG  
•MARNA Beteiligungen AG 
•Youbisheng Green Paper AG 
•Strawtec Group AG 

Free float 
Total 

26,327,221 
56,717,385 

20,128,777 
47,747,515 

Only those shareholders are listed who are subject to reporting requirements under the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG) and 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and have made a corresponding notification. This includes all shareholders who hold 
at  least  3%  of  the  outstanding  shares  or  voting  rights.  The  number  of  shares  listed  here  refers  to  the  last  notification  of  the 
respective shareholders, since then they may have changed their holdings within the respective notification thresholds without 
informing the Company. 

In the event of the Company achieving an annual surplus, the Management and Supervisory boards are authorized to transfer all or 
part of the annual surplus that remains, after deduction of the sums to be placed in the legal reserves and of a loss carried forward, 
to retained earnings. It is not permissible to transfer more than half of the annual surplus to retained earnings if, after such a 
transfer, the other retained earnings would exceed half of the share capital. The shareholders' share of profits is calculated based 
on the size of their holding of the share capital. 

Authorized/conditional capital 

The Company had no authorized capital as of the reporting date. 

The conditional capital consisted of three share capital amounts. 

The conditional increase in the share capital (Conditional Capital I) of EUR 6,434,646 was approved on August 28, 2015, of which is 
EUR 1,359,864 available as at December 31, 2021. Conditional Capital I serves to secure the granting of option rights and the agreement 
of option obligations in accordance with the bond terms and conditions. 

The conditional increase in the share capital (Conditional Capital III) of EUR 542,400 was approved on February 28, 2015, of which is 
EUR 249,050 available as of December 31, 2021, and serves exclusively to fulfill option rights (2010 share option program) granted on 
July 1, 2015 on the basis of the annual general meeting (“AGM”) of July 2, 2010. 

The conditional increase in the share capital (Conditional Capital V) of EUR 1,814,984 approved on February 28, 2015. of which is EUR 
1,554,984 available as at December 31, 2021 and serves exclusively to fulfill option rights (2015 share option program) granted until 
August 27, 2020 on the basis of the AGM on August 28, 2015. 

Convertible bond 2017/2022 

On December 23, 2016, the Company's Management Board approved the issue of a convertible bond, which was placed in full in an 
amount of EUR 5.0 million in January 2017. The individual bonds will bear interest of 6% per year from February 1, 2017 on their 
nominal amount. The interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1 of each year, for the first time on July 1, 2017. The fair 
value of the convertible bond was calculated on the basis of an interest rate of 7.6% in the initial valuation. The term of the 2017/2022 
convertible bond begins on the day of its initial issue ("issue date") and ends on December 31, 2021 and is due for repayment on 
January 01, 2022. 

As of December 31, 2020, bonds in a nominal amount of EUR 2,030,800 were converted into the Company's shares. In 2020, no bonds 
were converted (previous year: nominal amount EUR 564,500; 118,841 shares). 

2015 stock option program 

At the AGM on August 28, 2015, the Management Board and Supervisory Board proposed a new share option program for employees 
to  the  AGM,  which  approved  the  initiative.  Accordingly,  the  Management  Board  or,  to  the  extent  that  the  beneficiaries  are 
Management Board members, the Supervisory Board, are entitled until August 27, 2020 to issue up to 1,814,984 subscription rights 
to up to EUR 1,814,984 of the Company's ordinary registered shares, whose exercise is tied to certain targets.  

68 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
The program has a total nominal value of EUR 1,814,984 and a term of five years from the issue date, in other words, until August 27, 
2020. Eligibility for the 2015 share option program was granted to members of the Management Board and employees of the Company 
as well as to members of management bodies and employees of affiliates of Biofrontera AG. The granting of options is made without 
any payment being provided in return.  

In accordance with the associated conditions, each subscription right that is granted entitles the beneficiary to acquire one new 
registered no par value unit share in the Company. The exercise price is equal to the arithmetical average (unweighted) of the 
closing prices on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in floor trading and in Xetra trading for the Company's shares on the ten trading 
days  prior  to  the  issuing  of  the  share.  However,  the  minimum  exercise  price  shall  amount  to  the  proportionate  share  of  the 
Company's  share  capital  allocated  to  each  individual  no  par  value  unit  share,  pursuant  to  Section  9  (1)  of  the  German  Stock 
Corporation Act (AktG). 

The options granted can only be exercised after expiry of a vesting period. The vesting period is four years from the respective date 
of issue. A prerequisite for the whole or partial exercising of the options is that the following performance target is achieved:  

Exercising the options from a tranche is possible, if at the beginning of the respective exercise period, the price (hereinafter referred 
to as the "reference price") of a share in Biofrontera Aktiengesellschaft exceeds the exercise price by at least 20%, and a minimum 
reference price of EUR 5.00 is reached (hereinafter referred to as the "minimum reference price"). The reference price is equal to 
the arithmetical average (unweighted) of the closing prices on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in floor trading and Xetra trading for 
the Company's shares between the 15th and the 5th stock market day (in each case inclusive) before the start of the respective 
exercise window. The minimum reference price is adjusted in the following cases to align the specified performance target with 
changed circumstances: 

• 

• 

In the event of a capital increase from company funds being implemented by issuing shares, the minimum reference price 
is reduced by the same ratio as new shares issued compared to existing shares. If the capital increase is implemented 
from company funds without issuing new shares (Section 207 (2) Clause 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act [AktG]), 
the minimum reference price is not changed.  

In the case of a capital reduction, no adjustment of the minimum reference price is implemented, provided that the total 
number of shares is not changed by the capital reduction, or if the capital reduction is connected to a capital repayment 
or  purchase  of  treasury  shares.  In the  case  of  a  capital  reduction  performed  by  consolidating  shares  without  capital 
repayment and in the case  of increasing the  number  of shares with no associated change in capital (share  split), the 
minimum reference rate increases in line with the capital reduction or share split. 

Other adjustments to the minimum reference price are not implemented.  

The exercising of options is limited to the following time periods (hereinafter "exercise windows"), in other words, only declarations 
of exercising of rights submitted to the Company within an exercise window will be considered: 

a)  on the 6th and subsequent 20 banking days after the date of the AGM (exclusive),  
b)  on the 6th and subsequent 20 banking days after the date of submission of the semi-annual or quarterly report or an 

c) 

interim statement by Biofrontera AG (exclusive)  
in the period between the 15th and 5th banking day prior to the expiration of the option rights of the respective 
expiration day (exclusively). 

After the vesting period, the options can be exercised up until the expiry of six years from the date of issue (exclusive). For the 
valuation of the employee share options, we have assumed an average holding period of 5 years. 

Any claim by the beneficiaries to receive a cash settlement in the event of non-exercise of the options is invalid even in the event 
of  the  existence  of  the  above  exercise  prerequisites.  An  option  may  only  be  exercised  if  the  holder  has  a  current  service  or 
employment  contract  with  the  Company  or  another  Company  affiliated  with  the  Company  or  if  the  holder  is  a  member  of  the 
Management Board or the management team of another company affiliated with the Company. 

In the event of the exercising of a subscription right, the Company is generally and in specific cases permitted to choose between 
granting the registered share in exchange for payment of the exercise price, or fulfilling its debt by paying a cash settlement to the 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

69 

 
 
 
holder of the subscription right. The cash settlement per subscription right is equal to the difference between the exercise price per 
share and the share price on the exercise date, minus due taxes and fees. 

As this stock option scheme entails share-based payment transactions in which the terms of the arrangement provide the Company 
with a choice of settlement, the Company has decided, in accordance with IFRS 2.41 and IFRS 2.43, to recognize the transactions 
pursuant to the provisions for equity-settled share-based payments (IFRS 2.10-29). 

Number of options issued 
End of vesting period 
Exercise price 
Adjusted exercise price March 2018 
End of vesting period 
End of exercise window 
Fair value per option 
Share price volatility 
Dividend yield 
Share price yield 
Risk-based interest rate 
Fluctuation rate 

Tranche 1 

Tranche 2 

Tranche 3 

Tranche 4 

Tranche 5 

Tranche 6 

425,000 
18.04.2016 
2.49 EUR 
2.25 EUR 
18.04.2020 
18.04.2022 
1.00 EUR 
50.59% 
0% 
2.31% 
5.92% 
12% 

130,500 
01.12.2016 
3.28 EUR 
3.04 EUR 
01.12.2020 
01.12.2022 
1.30 EUR 
49.00% 
0% 
7.00% 
13.26% 
12% 

329,000 
28.04.2017 
4.02 EUR 
3.78 EUR 
28.04.2021 
28.04.2023 
1.56 EUR 
47.00% 
0% 
7.50% 
13.94% 
12% 

300,500 
28.11.2017 
3.33 EUR 
3.09 EUR 
28.11.2021 
28.11.2023 
1.48 EUR 
46.00% 
0% 
7.60% 
14.05% 
12% 

180,000 
07.05.2022 
5.73 EUR 
0 
07.05.2022 
07.05.2024 
2.35 EUR 
47.00% 
0% 
7.60% 
14.03% 
9% 

333,485 
14.05.2019 
6.710 EUR 
0 
14.05.2023 
14.05.2025 
2.55 EUR 
47.30% 
0% 
7.60% 
13.35% 
9% 

The fair value of a stock option under this option program is determined on the basis of a Monte Carlo risk simulation. The pro rata 
amounts are recognized ratably over the vesting period as personnel expenses and an increase in the capital reserves. 

2015 stock option program 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Outstanding at the beginning of the period 

Granted during the period 

Forfeited during the period 

Exercised during the period 

Expired during the period 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

Exercisable at the end of the period 

Range of exercise prices for outstanding options 

Weighted average of remaining contractual life 
Cost during the period 

1,021,485 

0 

327,495 

0 

0 

693,990 

0 

1,496,985 

0 

215,500 

260,000 

0 

1,021,485 

0 

2,25-6,708 EUR 

2,25-6,708 EUR 

35 months 
142 TEUR 

44 months 
293 TEUR 

Due to the non-fulfillment of the exercise conditions, no options were exercisable as of December 31, 2021. 

Capital reserves 

The capital reserves shown on the balance sheet comprise the capital reserve, the reserves from currency translation, the loss 
carried forward and the result of the period. The consolidated statement of changes in equity provides further information about 
the development of equity. 

In accordance with IAS 32.37, equity procurement costs in connection with capital increases are deducted from the capital reserve 
in an amount of EUR 407 thousand (previous year: EUR 2 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

70 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
Capital management 

The Group's equity calculated in accordance with IFRS is managed as capital. The Company's capital management regularly reviews 
the Group's equity and liquidity position. The objective is to provide adequate financing in line with capital market expectations and 
to  ensure  creditworthiness  in  relation  to  national  and  international  business  partners  in  order  to  secure  the  Group's  business 
operations  for  at  least  12  months.  The  Company's  Management  Board  ensures  that  sufficient  capital  is  available  to  all  Group 
companies in the form of equity and debt, with the aim of achieving Group equity of at least 20% of total assets. 

The development of the liquidity of the Group and of Biofrontera AG is used as an important key figure and control parameter. This 
is monitored on a daily basis and reported to the company's Management Board. In addition, the liquidity status is reviewed in 
regular target/actual variance analyses and communicated to the Management Board. 

The Group's equity calculated in accordance with IFRS is managed as capital. The Company's capital management regularly reviews 
the Group's equity and liquidity position. The objective is to provide adequate financing in line with capital market expectations and 
to  ensure  creditworthiness  in  relation  to  national  and  international  business  partners  in  order  to  secure  the  Group's  business 
operations  for  at  least  12  months.  The  Company's  Management  Board  ensures  that  sufficient  capital  is  available  to  all  Group 
companies in the form of equity and debt, with the aim of achieving Group equity of at least 20% of total assets. 

The development of the liquidity of the Group and of Biofrontera AG is used as an important key figure and control parameter. This 
is monitored on a daily basis and reported to the company's Management Board. In addition, the liquidity status is reviewed in 
regular target/actual variance analyses and communicated to the Management Board. 

10. 

Financial liabilities 

In November 2021, the Company prematurely terminated the loan of nominally EUR 15 million granted by the EIB in full, including 
interest and other charges (see ad hoc announcement dated November 3, 2021), and repaid the loan before the end of the financial 
year 2021. The total volume of the payment to be made to the EIB amounted to around EUR 20 million, the early repayment reducing 
future expenses for interest and other charges. 

The repayment of the convertible bond 2017/2022 in the amount of EUR 2,031 due on January 3, 2022 is reported under current 
financial debt in fiscal year 2021 and was included in non-current financial debt in the amount of EUR 2,003 thousand in the previous 
year. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

Non-current financial liabilities 

Convertible bond 2017/2022 

EIB loan 2017 

EIB loan 2019 

Leasing liabilities 

Total non-current financial liabilities 

Current financial liabilities 

Leasing liabilities 

Other current liabilities 
Total current financial liabilities 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

0 

0 

0 

851 

851 

357 

2,092 
2,449 

2,003 

12,484 

5,591 

2,657 

22,736 

1,057 

82 
1,139 

in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

Convertible bond 2017/2022: 

Principal repayment 

Interest payment 

Leasing liabilities 

Principal repayment 

Interest payment 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

Total 

2,031 

61 

358 

17 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

324 

296 

221 

11 

6 

1 

0 

0 

9 

0 

2,031 

61 

1,208 

35 

72 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

Total 

Convertible bon 2017/2022: 

Principal repayment 

Interest payment 

EIB loan 2017 

Principal repayment 

Interest payment 

EIB loan 2019 

Principal repayment 

Interest payment 

Leasing liabilities 

Principal repayment 

Interest payment 

Leasing liabilities 

2,031 

122 

61 

10,000 

461 

4,354 

5,000 

204 

214 

227 

1,874 

2,031 

183 

10,000 

4,815 

5,000 

2,519 

1,138 

577 

603 

630 

459 

3,407 

148 

85 

59 

33 

6 

331 

The carrying amount of current and non-current lease liabilities is EUR 1,208 thousand (previous year: EUR 3,715 thousand). Future 
lease payments are discounted at the lessor's imputed interest rate or, if this is not available, at the marginal borrowing rate.   

For further details, please refer to the section on significant accounting policies.  

11.  Other financial liabilities 

in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Non-current other financial liabilities 

Purchase price liability (earn-out and start-up costs) 

Liability 
from SAR program 

Current financial liabilities 

Stock Appreciation Rights Program 2019 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

0 

384 
384 

14 

17,811 

183 
17,994 

90 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In April 2019, the Executive Board, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, established a stock appreciation rights plan  under 
which  the  Company  grants  virtual  options  ("stock  appreciation  rights"  or  "SARs")  entitling  the  "beneficiary"  to  receive  cash 
payments in accordance with the specific terms of the SAR plan. However, SARs do not confer any right to subscribe to shares  of 
the  Company.  SARs  may  be  issued  to  members  of  the  Management  Board  of  the  Company, to  members of  the  management  of 
affiliated  companies  as  well  as  to  employees  of  the  Company  and  affiliated  companies  (hereinafter  collectively  referred  to  as 
"beneficiaries"). The exact number of beneficiaries and the number of SARs to be granted to them are determined by the Company's 
Management Board. To the extent that members of the Management Board are to receive SARs, the Supervisory Board alone is 
responsible for determining and deciding on the issue of the SARs. In accordance with the SAR Plan, a maximum of 4,000,000 SARs 
may be issued until March 31, 2024, of which a maximum of 1,600,000 SARs may be granted to members of the Management Board 
and a maximum of 2,400,000 SARs to other beneficiaries. The SAR Plan sets the dates for the payment of cash in connection with 
the SARs, unless there are legally binding regulations that conflict with the payout for the beneficiary.  In addition, the eligible party 
must meet certain conditions for the grant of SARs and must enter into a written contract ("SAR Agreement") with the Company 
prior to exercise and delivery. Finally, SARs are subject to regulations on vesting periods, expiry and forfeiture. In particular, the 
SARs may be exercised for the first time after a "vesting period" has expired: 

d)  The vesting period for 15 % of the SARs granted on an issue date is one year after the issue date;  
e)  The vesting period for an additional 25% of the SARs granted on an issue date is two years after the issue date;  
The vesting period for an additional 25% of the SARs granted on an issue date is three years after the issue date;  
f) 
g)  The vesting period for the remaining 35% of the SARs granted at an issue date is four years after the issue date. 

After expiry of the respective vesting period, SARs may be exercised until six years after the respective issue date, unless mandatory 
legal  provisions stipulate  otherwise  in individual  cases.    If  the  SARs have  not  been exercised  by  that  date, they  expire  without 
replacement. The beneficiary has no claim to payment if the SARs are not exercised on time and no further compensation will be 
granted.    

SARs may only be exercised as long as their holder is in an ongoing employment or service relationship with the Company or with 
an affiliated company or as a member of the Company's Management Board.  

SARs may only be exercised if the reference price at the beginning of the respective exercise window exceeds the issue price by at 
least  20%. Furthermore, the reference price must be at least as  high as the  MSCI  World Health Care Index TR or  a comparable 
successor index in the time between the last trading day before the issue date and the 5th trading day before the beginning of the 
respective exercise window.    

Upon effective exercise of the SARs, the Company is obligated, subject to certain adjustments, to make a payment (gross) for each 
SAR exercised as follows: reference rate - base amount = payout amount per SAR (gross). 

SAR program 2019 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Outstanding at the beginning of the period 

Granted during the period 

Forfeited during the period 

Exercised during the period 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

Exercisable at the end of the period 

Fair value at the end of the period 
Cost during the period 

727,750 

429,529 

588,074 

0 

569,205 

0 

102 TEUR 
-81 TEUR 

0 

755,750 

28,000 

0 

727,750 

0 

183 TEUR 
183 TEUR 

The fair value of a stock option under this option program is determined on the basis of a Monte Carlo risk simulation. The pro rata 
temporis amounts are recognized ratably as personnel expense over the vesting period until the end of the blocking period and are 
reported under other financial liabilities. 

74 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
12. 

Trade payables 

As of December 31, 2021, trade payables amount to EUR 2,735 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,623 thousand). 

13.  Other provisions 

The development of other provisions of the Biofrontera Group is as follows: 

in EUR thousands 

December 31, 
2020 

Utilized 

Released 

Added 

change of 
consolidation group 

December 31, 
2021 

Outstanding invoices 

Auditing costs 

Provisions for litigation 
costs 

Other provisions 

Total 

311 

501 

1,940 

290 

3,042 

(295) 

(361) 

(1,940) 

(104) 

(2,700) 

(2) 

0 

0 

(4) 

(6) 

496 

383 

0 

92 

971 

0 

(140) 

0 

(155) 

(295) 

510 

383 

0 

119 

1,012 

Other provisions relate to various identifiable individual risks and uncertain obligations. The provisions classified as current are 
expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits within the subsequent financial year. 

At the time of reporting, the companies included in the consolidated financial statements of Biofrontera AG are exposed to pending 
legal proceedings, the outcome of which either cannot be determined or cannot be predicted due to the uncertainty associated with 
such legal proceedings. No claims are initially being asserted against Biofrontera from the declaratory action that would have to be 
recognized as liabilities. No provisions have been recognized for the costs of defending the action, as the Company expects to win 
the litigation. 

14.  Other current liabilities 

in EUR thousands 

Accrual for employee bonuses 

Accrual for outstanding vacation 

Payroll tax 

Wages and salaries 

Social security 

Other 
Total 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

706 

112 

98 

0 

0 

91 
5,977 

1,350 

372 

395 

196 

38 

41 
2,392 

Employees entitled to receive stock options whose vesting period has not yet expired are entitled to a severance payment in the 
event that an affiliated company leaves the Group in accordance with §10 of the option conditions for  employee stock options. A 
liability of EUR 33 thousand is therefore included under other accruals for the settlement of employees of Biofrontera Inc. entitled 
to receive stock options. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.  Reporting on financial instruments 

The financial assets and liabilities can be broken down into measurement categories with the following carrying amounts and net 
gains and losses: 

Financial assets 

in EUR thousands 

Fair value 
as of 

Carrying 
amount 
as of 

Fair value 
as of 

Carrying 
amount 
as of 

Net gains 
or 
(losses) 

Net gains 
or 
(losses) 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2020 

December 31, 
2020 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2020 

Category: Held 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade receivables 

Other financial asstes 

Total 

6,908 

1,206 

57 

8,171 

6,908 

1,206 

57 

8,171 

16,546 

3,501 

531 

20,579 

16,546 

3,501 

531 

20,579 

82 

1 

- 

- 

(125) 

(53) 

- 

(178) 

Fair value 
as of 

Carrying 
amount 
as of 

Fair value 
as of 

Carrying 
amount 
as of 

Net gains 
or 
(losses) 

Net gains 
or 
(losses) 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2020 

December 31, 
2020 

December 31, 
2021 

December 31, 
2020 

2,449 
8,014 

14 

851 

11,328 

2,449 
8,014 

14 

851 

11,328 

384 

384 

384 

384 

1,139 
1,623 

90 

21,561 

24,413 

1,174 

17,994 

19,169 

1,139 
1,623 

90 

21,561 

24,413 

1,174 

17,994 

19,169 

0 
(10) 

(1) 

(11) 

(1,282) 

(21) 

(1,303) 

0 
53 

53 

288 

(750) 

(462) 

financial liabilities at amortized 
cost 

Financial liabilities, current 
Trade payables 

Other financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities, non-current 

Total 

Financial liabilities at fair value 
through profit or 
loss 

Financial liabilities, non-current 

Other financial liabilities, non-
current 
Total 

Under other operating expenses, Biofrontera reports value adjustments to trade receivables and miscellaneous financial obligations 
allocable to the "held" category.  

The net gains and losses generally include currency translation effects as well as impairments and write-ups. Fair value changes of 
liabilities recognized at fair value are included in interest expense. Interest income is not included in net income.  

Based on the input factors used at the valuation methods fair values are divided into different steps of the fair value hierarchy:  

Level 1: Fair value valuations using prices listed on active markets (not adjusted) for identical assets or liabilities.  

Level  2:  Fair  value  valuations  using  inputs  for  the  asset  or  liability  that  are  either  directly  observable  (as  prices)  or  indirectly 
observable (derived from prices), but which do not constitute listed prices pursuant to Level 1.  

76 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3: Fair value valuations using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable input 
data). 

Biofrontera has level 3 financial instruments. In previous years, these mainly related to the performance component of the EIB loans 
included in  non-current financial  liabilities (EUR 0 thousand, previous year: EUR 1,174 thousand) and  the purchase price liability 
arising in 2019 from the acquisition of Cutanea (EUR 0 thousand, previous year: EUR 17,811 thousand). In the current year, liabilities 
from the SAR program in the amount of EUR 384 thousand (previous year: EUR 183 thousand) remain in this item. No reclassifications 
were made between the individual levels of the fair value hierarchy during the 2021 financial year. For further details, please refer 
to  the  disclosures  in  the  general  accounting  policies  and  the  notes  to  the  statement  of  financial  position  and  statement  of 
comprehensive income (Notes 10 and 11).  The gains and losses included in the statement of net income are presented in interest 
income and interest expense. 

Principles of risk management 

In the ordinary course of business, the Group is exposed to risks that may have an impact on its net assets, financial position and 
results of operations. 

In general, Biofrontera's market risk consists primarily of foreign currency risk. 

• 

Foreign  currency  risk:  As  of  the  balance  sheet  date,  the  Biofrontera  Group  was  exposed  to  foreign currency  risks,  in 
particular as a result of the intercompany loan granted to the subsidiary Biofrontera Inc. Trade receivables arise to a 
greater extent than in the past due to the business expansion in  the USA and are regularly reviewed with regard to a 
potential default risk. Trade payables denominated in foreign currencies are insignificant. The Company does not enter 
into any specific currency hedging transactions. Exchange rate fluctuations are recognized in profit or loss.  

The Group incurs a credit risk if transaction partners are unable to meet their obligations within the ordinary payment periods. The 
maximum default risk on the balance sheet is represented by the book value of the respective financial asset. The development of 
receivables is monitored in order to identify possible default risks at an early stage and initiate appropriate measures. Biofrontera's 
financial instruments bear minimal risk of default. No specific bad debt allowances were recognized on trade receivables in fiscal 
year 2020 (previous year: EUR 43 thousand). Cash and cash equivalents assets are invested with banks and insurance companies 
with adequate deposit protection. All financial assets are due in the short term. As in the previous year, there are no material overdue 
financial assets. 

Credit risk: The Group is exposed to credit risk if counterparties are unable to meet their obligations within the customary payment 
periods. The maximum default risk is represented in the balance sheet by the carrying amount of the respective financial asset. The 
development of the receivables portfolio is monitored in order to identify potential default risks at an early stage and to initiate 
appropriate measures. Biofrontera's financial instruments have a low default risk.  

Individual  valuation  allowances  on  trade  receivables  were  not  recognized  in  fiscal  year  2021  (previous  year:  EUR  0  thousand). 
Similarly, due to the very low default rate in the past and the lack of overdue receivables, it was not necessary to recognize portfolio-
based allowances. Cash and cash equivalents are invested with banks and insurance companies with adequate deposit protection. 
All financial assets are due in the short term. As in the previous year, there are no material overdue financial assets.  

Liquidity risk refers to the inability to meet existing or future payment obligations as they become due. To ensure the ability to pay 
at all times and to avoid financial shortages, Biofrontera has established a central cash management system that monitors liquidity 
requirements in the short, medium and long term. Refinancing for all Group companies is mainly provided by Biofrontera AG. 

Liquidity is monitored and managed on the basis of short- and long-term corporate planning. Liquidity risks are identified at an early 
stage by simulating various scenarios. Current cash and cash equivalents are recorded and monitored on a daily basis. 

For information on the (undiscounted) payments from financial debt due in the next few years and other financial liabilities, please 
refer to the corresponding notes on this balance sheet item. All other financial liabilities are current and are expected to be settled 
within one year. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

77 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

16. 

Sales revenue 

01.01.-31.12.2021 

01.01.-31.12.2020 

in EUR 
thousands 

Product 
revenues 

Development 
revenues 

Licensing 
revenues 

Product 
revenue 

Development 
revenues 

Licensing 
revenues 

Germany 

Europe 

U.S. 

Other regions 
Total 

5,263 

3,270 

20,204 

- 
28,737 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

50 

- 

- 
50 

5,159 

2,104 

16,589 

- 
23,852 

- 

- 

- 

493 
493 

- 

- 

- 

6,000 
6,000 

Revenues from other regions in the previous year include EUR 6,000 thousand in license revenues received from Maruho from a 
down payment under the license agreement; in the current fiscal year, license revenues of EUR 50 thousand were received from 
down payments of license agreements. 

Revenues from product sales in the United States include revenues from finance and operating leases of BF-RhodoLED® lamps.  

In fiscal year 2021, we generated revenues from operating leases in the amount of EUR 39 thousand (previous year: EUR 75 thousand). 
We generated revenues of EUR 16 thousand from finance leases (previous year: EUR 91 thousand). 

17. 

Cost of sales, gross profit 

The cost of materials included in the cost of sales amounted to EUR 2,942 thousand in fiscal year 2021 (previous year: EUR 2,927 
thousand).  

The  gross  profit  decreased  by  EUR  1,937  thousand  in  the  reporting  year  2021  to  EUR  24,873  thousand  compared  to  EUR  26,810 
thousand in the prior-year period. 

18.  Research and development costs 

Research and development costs amounted to EUR 7,009 thousand (previous year: EUR 4,789 thousand). They include costs for 
clinical trials, but also regulatory expenses, i.e., for the granting, maintenance, and extension of our marketing authorizations.  The 
increase in research and development costs is mainly due to increasing activities in our clinical trials. 

19.  General administrative costs 

General and administrative expenses amounted to EUR 30,781 thousand (previous year: EUR 9,150 thousand) in fiscal year 2021 and 
thus increased  by  a  total  of  EUR  21,631  thousand  compared  to  the  previous  year. The  main  reason for  this  was the  cost  of  the 
settlement  payment  in  connection  with  the  out-of-court  settlement  of  the  legal  dispute  with  DUSA  Pharmaceuticals  Inc.  in  the 
amount of EUR 19,457 thousand (USD 22.5 million).    

78 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20. 

Sales and marketing costs 

Selling expenses amounted to EUR 22,423 thousand (previous year: EUR 20,482 thousand) in fiscal year 2021. Selling expenses include 
the costs of our own sales force in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, marketing expenses, and amortization 
of the Xepi® license in the amount of EUR 1,758 thousand (previous year: EUR 3,802 thousand). 

21. 

Interest expenses and income 

in EUR thousands 

Convertible bond 2017/2022 

EIB loan 2017 
EIB loan 2019 

Purchase price liability (earn-out and 
start-up costs) 

Leasing 

Other 
Total 

2021 

Effective interest 
expenses 

2021 

Interest 
expenses 

2020 

Effective interest 
expenses 

2020 

Interest 
expenses 

28 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
28 

122 

1,436 
713 

1,396 

23 

2 
3,692 

26 

269 
33 

- 

- 

218 
546 

122 

975 
488 

750 

179 

20 
2,534 

Interest income amounts to EUR 13 thousand (previous year: EUR 411 thousand) and results mainly from the fair value measurement 
of the performance component of the EIB loan at EUR 0 thousand (previous year: EUR 288 thousand) and from interest income under 
finance lease agreements amounting to EUR 14 thousand (previous year: EUR 25 thousand). 

22.  Result from investments 

The result from investments exclusively contains income from the fair value change in the carrying amount of the investment in 
Biofrontera Inc. amounting to EUR 14,729 thousand (previous year: EUR 0 thousand). 

23.  Other expenses and income 

Other expenses and income totaled EUR 60,001 thousand in the reporting period (previous year: loss of EUR 2,418 thousand) and 
mainly include the deconsolidation gain of EUR 59,180 thousand from the withdrawal of Biofrontera Inc. from the Group.  In addition, 
expenses and income from currency translation amounting to EUR 155 thousand (previous year: loss of EUR 3,601 thousand) are 
reflected here. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. 

Income tax 

in EUR thousands 

Deferred taxes 

Actual income taxes 
Total income taxes 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

(1,778) 

(47) 
(1,825) 

(269) 

(56) 
(326) 

The  deferred  tax  expense  of  EUR  1,778  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  269  thousand)  results  from  the  reduction  of  the  tax  loss 
carryforwards of Biofrontera Pharma GmbH; the amount of the tax loss carryforwards was reduced to the expected utilization during 
the planning period. As in the previous year, there were no tax effects from entries in other comprehensive income after taxes (OCI). 

25. 

Earnings per share (EPS) 

Earnings per share are calculated on the basis of the net loss for the year of the Biofrontera Group and the average ordinary shares 
in circulation in the financial year, in accordance with IAS 33. 

Number of weighted ordinary shares in circulation (on average) 

Result attributable to owners of the parent in EUR 

Basic earnings per share in EUR 

Number of weighted ordinary shares in circulation (on average) 

Result attributable to owners of the parent in EUR 

Diluted earnings per share in EUR 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

55,390,336 

38,317,708 

0.69 

56,717,385 

38,317,708 

0.68 

54,179,685 

(13,023,031) 

(0) 

54,179,685 

(13,023,031) 

(0.24) 

As part of the capital increase in February 2021, Biofrontera issued 8,969,870 new ordinary shares with subscription rights from 
January 1, 2020. After registration of the capital increase in the commercial register, the number of shares outstanding increased 
to 56,717,385. The capital increase has therefore been included in the calculation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding. 

26.  Additional information to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Other  comprehensive  income  only  includes  exchange  differences  from  the  conversion  of  foreign  currency  from  our  foreign 
operations into the Group currency.   

Depreciation and amortization expense 

The amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of tangible assets are included in the following items of the statement of 
comprehensive income:   

80 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

Research and development costs 

General administrative costs 

Cost of sales 

Sales and marketing 

Depreciation and amortization expense 

Personnel costs 

in EUR thousands 

Wages and salaries 

Social security charges 

Cost for pension schemes 
Total 

27. 

Staff 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

56 

1,298 

133 

1,803 

3,290 

37 

1,352 

91 

3,854 

5,333 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

16,925 

2,527 

263 
19,715 

14,067 

2,016 

257 
16,340 

In 2021 the Biofrontera Group had an average of 99 salaried employees (previous year: 149 ). 

28.  Other information 

In the United States, the BF-RhodoLED® lamps are also offered under lease agreements. In the first six months, these contracts are 
accounted for as operating leases. After six months, the customer has the option to either return or purchase the lamp. The agreed 
purchase price can then be paid in full immediately or over a period of a further 24 months. If payment is made over a further 24 
months, the contracts are accounted for as financing leases. In fiscal year 2021, we generated income of EUR 39 thousand from 
operating leases (previous year: EUR 75 thousand). We generated income of EUR 16 thousand from finance leases (previous year: 
EUR 91 thousand). 

Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement 

29. 

Composition and change 

The cash flow statement is presented in accordance with IAS 7. The net result is adjusted for the effects of non-cash transactions, 
accruals  or  deferrals  of  past  or  future  operating  cash  receipts  or  payments,  and  items  of  income  and  expense  attributable  to 
investing or financing activities.   

In the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and checks as well as bank balances 
and cash deposits with a maturity of up to three months. Current account liabilities are included in cash and cash equivalents where 
appropriate.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The change in cash and cash equivalents in the fiscal year amounted to EUR -9,637 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,972 thousand). 
The outflow of cash and cash equivalents due to the deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. as of December 31, 2021 amounted to EUR 
21,861 thousand, which included the proceeds from the IPO in the fourth quarter of 2021 with gross issue proceeds of approximately 
USD  33  million.  In total,  Biofrontera  lost  control  over  non-current  assets in  the  amount  of  EUR  17,892  thousand, current  assets 
(excluding cash) in the amount of EUR 13,894 thousand, non-current liabilities in the amount of EUR 26,575 thousand and current 
liabilities in the amount of EUR 4,877 thousand. 

Interest  paid  amounted  to  EUR  4,861  thousand  (previous  year:  EUR  782  thousand).  Taxes  paid  amounted  to  EUR  -47  thousand 
(previous year: EUR 57 thousand). Interest payments received amounted to EUR 13 thousand (previous year: EUR 26 thousand). 

in EUR thousands 

January 1, 2021 

Cash 
effective 

Addition/ 
retirement 

Fair value 
change 

December 31, 
2021 

Convertible bond 2017/2022 

EIB loan 2017 

EIB loan 2019 

Interest convertible Bond 
2017/2022, 
Convertible Bond 2017/22 

Interest EIB loan 2017 

Interest EIB loan 2019 

Leasing liabilities 
Total financial liabilities 

2,003 

12,484 

5,591 

61 

(8) 

28 

3,715 
23,874 

- 

(13,596) 

(6,143) 

(122) 

(315) 

(190) 

(624) 
(20,990) 

28 

1,107 

536 

122 

323 

162 

(1,883) 
395 

- 

5 

16 

- 

- 

- 

- 
21 

2,031 

- 

- 

61 

- 

- 

1,208 
3,300 

in EUR thousands 

January 1, 2020 

Cash 
effective 

Addition/ 
retirement 

Fair value 
change 

December 31, 
2020 

Convertible bond 2017/2022 

EIB loan 2017 

EIB loan 2019 

Interest convertible Bond 
2017/2022, 
Convertible Bond 2017/22 

Interest EIB loan 2017 

Interest EIB loan 2019 

Leasing liabilities 

Total financial liabilities 

1,977 

11,845 

5,301 

61 

84 

29 

4,025 

23,322 

- 

- 

- 

(122) 

(456) 

(184) 

(1,363) 

(2,125) 

26 

879 

338 

122 

365 

183 

1,053 

2,965 

- 

(240) 

(48) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(288) 

2,003 

12,484 

5,591 

61 

(8) 

28 

3,715 

23,874 

82 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other explanatory notes 

30.  Members of the Management Board 

The Management Board in 2021 consisted of Prof. Dr. Hermann Lübbert, biologist, (Chairman, until December 13, 2021), Mr. Ludwig 
Lutter,  MBA,  (Chief  Financial  Officer,  since  March  01,  2021)  and  Mr. Thomas  Schaffer, businessman,  (Chief  Financial  Officer,  until 
February 28, 2021).  

Management Board compensation 

in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Short-term benefits 

Performance-based compensation 

Total compensation 

1,179 

110 
1,289 

662 

508 
1,170 

Further information on individualized compensation of the Management Board can be found in the "Compensation Report" in the 
Management Report. 

The Management Board members held the following supervisory board positions and positions on comparable domestic and foreign 
boards during the reporting period: 

Name 

Company 

Board 

Position 

Thomas Schaffer 

Industrial Tracking Systems AG, Fürstenfeldbruck 

Hermann Lübbert 

Biofrontera Incorporated, Woburn, USA 

Supervisory 
Board 

Supervisory 
Board 

Chair 

Chair 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.  Members of the Supervisory Board 

Name 

Dr. Ulrich Granzer 

Nationality 

German 

Age 

60 

Position 

Chair 

Date of first 
appointment 

May 12, 2016 

Term until 

2021 

Curriculum vitae 

Dr. Ulrich Granzer, Supervisory Board Chairman, is a founder and owner of Granzer Regulatory Consulting & 
Services and has been a Supervisory Board member since 2006. Previously, he was Head of Regulatory Affairs 
at Glaxo, and VP Global Regulatory Centers BASF Pharma and VP Global Regulatory Affairs at Bayer Pharma. 
He is a proven expert in the drug approval area. He studied pharmaceutical at Phlilips University Marburg 
before receiving his doctorate from Tübingen University. 

Jürgen Baumann 

German 

66 

Vice Chair 

May 24, 2007 

2021 

Curriculum vitae 

Mr. Jürgen Baumann, Deputy Supervisory Board Chairman, is an independent management consultant. He has 
held various management positions, including on the Management Board of Schwarz Pharma AG, where he 
was responsible for sales and marketing in Europe. 
Mr. Baumann studied economic sciences at Wuppertal University. 

John Borer 

U.S. 

63 

Member 

May 31, 2016 

2021 

Curriculum vitae 

Dr. John Borer is Senior Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at The Benchmark Company, LLC. 
He was previously CEO and Head of Investment Banking at Rodman & Renshaw and held management 
positions at Pacific Business Credit as well as at Barclays American Business Credit. His law doctorate was 
awarded by the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. 

Reinhard Eyring 

German 

62 

Member 

February 7, 2018 

2021 

Curriculum vitae 

Reinhard Eyring is a partner and Head of Germany at Ashurst LLP. He studied law at the University of 
Freiburg/Breisgau. Prior to joining Ashurst in 2000, Mr. Eyring was a partner at another internationally active 
law firm. From 2008 until 2015 he was a member of Ashurst's international board. He has had seats on the 
supervisory board of various German companies. 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

German 

48 

Member 

July 10, 2019 

2021 

Curriculum vitae 

Franca Ruhwedel is Professor of Finance & Accounting at the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences in 
Kamp-Lintfort. At the same time, she has many years of experience as a supervisory board member and 
member of audit committees. After a banking apprenticeship and studies in Münster, she completed her 
doctorate in Bochum and then worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions department of the thyssenkrupp Group. 
She has been a university professor since 2007; her research focuses on the capital market and corporate 
governance. 

Kevin Weber 

USA 

63 

Member 

May 31, 2016 

2021 

Curriculum vitae 

Mr. Kevin Weber is a principal at Skysis, LLC. He was previously CEO at Paraffin International Inc., and has 
extensive experience in pharmaceutical marketing as well as worldwide commercialization strategies. He 
previously held senior roles at Depomed, Hyperion Therapeutics and Medicis Pharmaceuticals.He holds a 
degree in management and marketing from Western Michigan University. 

84 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name 

Wilhelm K.T. Zours 

Lebenslauf 

Dr. Jörgen Tielmann 

Lebenslauf 

Dr. Heikki Lanckriet 

Lebenslauf 

Nationality 

German 

Age 

60 

Position 

Date of first 
appointment 

Term until 

Chair 

December 14, 2021 

2026 

Mr. Zours is shareholder and managing director of DELPHI Unternehmensberatung AG as well as chairman of 
the supervisory boards of Deutsche Balaton AG, Beta Systems Software AG, Strawtec Group AG and SPARTA 
AG. Since 1985, Mr. Zours has held various management and supervisory board mandates and founding 
participations in various companies, including Balaton Ungarn Beteiligungen AG, Sparta Beteiligungen AG and 
Elsö Nemet Ertekpapirkereskedelmi Kft (co-founder of the Budapest Stock Exchange in 1990). 
Vice Chair 

December 14, 2021 

German 

2026 

52 

Dr. Jörgen Tielmann studied law at the Universities of Tübingen and Göttingen and received a Master of Laws 
from the University of Manchester. He has been advising companies and entrepreneurs on corporate law 
since his admission to the bar in Hamburg in 1998 and has been practicing this activity as a partner at Luther 
since 2006. Dr. Jörgen Tielmann was head of Luther's Stock Corporation, Banking and Capital Markets Law 
department from 2008 - 2018. 
44 

December 14, 2021 

Member 

Belgian 

2026 

Dr. Lanckriet is Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer at 4basebio Plc and CEO & CSO of Expedeon 
Ltd. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lanckriet was Chief Executive Officer & Chief Scientific Officer at 2invest AG, 
Principal at Puratos NV and Principal at the University of Cambridge.Dr. Lanckriet holds a Bachelor's and 
Master's degree in Biochemical Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium and a PhD in Biochemical 
Engineering from Cambridge University, UK. 

Dr. Helge Lubenow 

German 

53 

Member 

December 14, 2021 

2026 

Lebenslauf 

Dr. Helge Lubenow studied biology and received her doctorate in genetics from the University of Cologne and 
the Max Planck Institute. Following her doctorate, Dr. Lubenow joined the diagnostics company Qiagen in 1997. 
In the course of her professional career at Qiagen, Dr. Lubenow held various management positions. From 2011 
to 2015, Dr. Lubenow led the molecular diagnostics business as Senior Vice President. In 2016, Dr. Lubenow 
founded her own consulting company, AGOS Consulting. From 2018 to 2019, she was managing director of tesa 
Labtec GmbH. Since January 2020, Dr. Lubenow has been appointed Managing Director of Proteomedix AG, 
Zurich, Switzerland. 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

German 

49 

Member 

July 10, 2019 

2026 

Lebenslauf 

Franca Ruhwedel is Professor of Finance & Accounting at the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences in 
Kamp-Lintfort. At the same time, she has many years of experience as a supervisory board member and 
member of audit committees. After a banking apprenticeship and studies in Münster, she completed her 
doctorate in Bochum and then worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions department of the thyssenkrupp Group. 
She has been a university professor since 2007; her research focuses on the capital market and corporate 
governance. 

Karl-Heinz Schmelig 

German 

56 

Member 

December 14, 2021 

2026 

Lebenslauf 

Karlheinz Schmelig is managing partner of Creathor Venture Management GmbH, where he has been 
responsible for investments in the life sciences sector since 2004. At the beginning of his career, Mr. Schmelig 
worked for Boehringer Mannheim and later for Roche Diagnostics in Germany and the USA. His responsibilities 
there included supply chain management, global marketing and business development. Mr. Schmelig holds a 
Bachelor's degree from the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Mannheim and an MBA from 
the Kelley School of Business, USA. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supervisory Board compensation 

in EUR thousands 

Dr. Ulrich Granzer 

Jürgen Baumann 

John Borer 

Reinhard Eyring 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

Kevin Weber 

Total 

in EUR thousands 

Wilhelm K.T. Zours 

Dr. Heikki Lanckriet 

Dr. Helge Lubenow 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

Karlheinz Schmelig 

Dr. Jörgen Tielmann 

Gesamt 

2021 

52 

49 

35 

30 

47 

27 

240 

2021 

2 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

15 

2020 

35 

23 

15 

19 

21 

15 

128 

2020 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

The payments are short-term payments within the meaning of IAS 24.17 (a). 

The Supervisory Board members held the following other supervisory board positions and positions on comparable domestic and 
foreign boards during the reporting period: 

Name 

Company 

Board 

Position 

Reinhard Eyring 

DESTAG Deutsche Steinindustrie AG 

Supervisory Board 

Chair 

John Borer 

Biofrontera Inc. 

Board of Directors 

Member 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

NATIONAL-BANK AG, Essen 

VTG AG, Hamburg 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Member 

Member 

86 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name 

Company 

Board 

Position 

Wilhelm K.T. Zours 

Deutsche Balaton AG 

Beta Systems Software AG 

SPARTA AG 

YVAL Idiosynkratische Investments SE 

Dr. Heikki Lanckriet 

4basebio UK limited, Cambridge, UK 

4basebio Discovery Ltd., Cambridge, UK 

4basebio SLU, Madrid, ES 

Neophore Ltd., Cambridge, UK 

I2i capital Ltd., Cambridge, UK 

Kither Biotech s.r.I., Italy 

Heqet Therapeutics s.r.l., Italy 

Dr. Helge Lubenow 

Epigenomics AG 

Human Gesellschaft für Biochemika und Diagnostika 
mbH 

Neracare GmbH 

Evorion Biotechnologies GmbH 

Tesa Labtec GmbH 

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel 

NATIONAL-BANK AG, Essen 

VTG AG, Hamburg 

Karl-Heinz Schmelig 

Phenex Pharmaceuticals AG, Heidelberg 

Prostatype Genomics AB, Stockholm, Schweden 

CryoTherapeutics S.A., Awans, Belgien 

Cevec Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Köln 

Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Board of Directors 

Chair 

Chair 

Chair 

Chair 

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors 

Board of Directors 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Supervisory Board 

Member 

Advisory Board 

Member 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Advisory Board 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Member 

Member 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Supervisory Board 

Advisory Board 

Advisory Board 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

32.  Related party disclosures 

As a result of the IPO of Biofrontera Inc. and the associated change in the Group structure, the company was deconsolidated as of 
December 31, 2021; the investment in Biofrontera Inc. as of the reporting date is reported under investments in associates using the 
equity method. The following relationships exist with Biofrontera Inc: 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in EUR thousands 

Sales revenues* 

Clinical trial expenses* 

Other expenses* 

Trade receivables 

Trade payables 

Payables from DUSA settlement 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

8,602 

263 

86 

413 

302 

4,977 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

* The income statement items mentioned here have been eliminated in the course of consolidation. 

Biofrontera Inc. was established to market our products in the USA. Under a license and supply agreement between Biofrontera 
Pharma  GmbH  and  Biofrontera  Bioscience  GmbH,  both  wholly  owned  subsidiaries  of  Biofrontera  AG,  and  Biofrontera  Inc.  the 
responsibilities between the companies are regulated. The agreement was concluded for a period of 15 years and will be renewed 
for another 5 years, provided that a sales volume in the USA of more than USD 150 million has been achieved in the preceding  5 
years.  Under  this  agreement,  Biofrontera  Inc.  acquires  Ameluz®  and  the  PDT  lamps  BF-RhodoLED®  and  RhodoLED®  XL  from 
Biofrontera AG. Up to annual Ameluz® sales of USD 30 million, Biofrontera Inc. pays 50% of sales as a transfer price. This share 
decreases in two steps for higher sales, down to 30% for sales in excess of USD 50 million. Biofrontera AG has agreed to maintain 
FDA approval, to manufacture the products, to provide a pharmacovigilance database and to conduct predefined clinical trials. 

Additionally, services that were previously invoiced as part of intercompany billing are now performed and invoiced on the basis of 
corresponding service agreements with Biofrontera Inc. This relates primarily to services in the areas of pharmacovigilance, quality 
management, IT and investor relations. 

The following relationships exist with the Maruho Group from the license agreement and a sublease agreement:   

in EUR thousands 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Revenue from research collaborations 

Revenue from license agreements 

Income from the reimbursement of costs by Maruho 

Income from subleases 

Purchase price liability Cutanea (earn-out and start-up costs) 

0 

0 

0 

33 

0 

493 

6,000 

659 

33 

17,811 

In  April  2020,  Biofrontera  entered  into  an  exclusive  license  agreement  with  Maruho  Co,  Ltd,  Osaka,  Japan  (Maruho)  for  the 
development and commercialization of Ameluz® for all indications in East Asia and Oceania. The agreement has a term of 15 years 
from the start of sales in the countries covered by the agreement. Under the agreement, Maruho receives exclusive development 
and marketing rights, including permission to sublicense Ameluz® in Japan, China, Korea, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, 
Australia,  New  Zealand,  and  surrounding  countries  and  islands  (territory  of  applicability). Maruho  is entitled,  with Biofrontera's 
consent, to conduct its own research and development under the license agreement. Maruho will grant to Biofrontera a royalty-free 
and perpetual license to any results of such research and development conducted by Maruho for commercialization outside the 
Territory. Under the License Agreement, Biofrontera will supply Ameluz® to Maruho at cost plus 25%, while Maruho has an obligation 
to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop, register and commercialize Ameluz® in all countries in the Applicable Territory. 
Under the license agreement, Maruho has made a one-time payment of EUR 6 million to Biofrontera AG in the previous year. Further 
future payments will be due upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales milestones. Maruho will also pay royalties of 

88 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
initially 6% of net sales in the countries of the scope, which may increase to 12% depending on sales volumes and will decrease in 
the event of generic launches in these countries. No payments were made under this license agreement in the reporting year. 

In  December  2021,  Biofrontera  Pharma  GmbH  and  Maruho  Ltd.  agreed  in  a  license  agreement  that  the  patent  "Illumination  for 
photodynamic therapy" in Japan will be transferred to Maruho Ltd. The patent transfer and the resulting revenue recognition are 
expected to take place in 2022. 

The Benchmark Company, LLC, acted as underwriter in connection with the capital increase on the Nasdaq Exchange and received 
an amount of EUR 711 thousand in this capacity. John Borer, who was a member of our Supervisory Board at the time, is Senior 
Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at The Benchmark Company, LLC. 

In the 2021 financial year, there were no further reportable transactions or relationships with related parties beyond those described 
above or in sections 31 and 32.  

The group of related parties is limited to the group of persons and companies mentioned there. The group of  key management 
personnel is limited to the Management Board and Supervisory Board. 

In the context  of the underlying holding structure, Biofrontera AG is responsible for the  administrative and  management tasks. 
Biofrontera AG is also responsible for the financing of the currently still loss-making business areas, as it is a listed company and 
consequently enjoys optimal access to the capital market.  

Due to the close cooperation between the Group companies, intercompany billing is applied, which is adjusted annually according 
to requirements. 

33.  Auditor's fees and services 

The total fee invoiced by the auditor Grant Thornton AG for the 2021 financial years consist of: 

in EUR thousands 

Auditing services 

[of which for the previous year] 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

426 
[24] 

530 
[54] 

The auditing services includes, in addition to the mandatory audit of the annual and consolidated financial statements of Biofrontera 
AG and Biofrontera Pharma GmbH, the review of the condensed interim financial statements and interim management report, as 
well as the audit of the consolidated financial statements according to PCAOB standards.  

34. 

Subsequent events 

Delisting der ADS von der Nasdaq 

Biofrontera AG has decided on February 14, 2022 that its American Depositary Shares ("ADS") should be delisted from the Nasdaq 
Capital  Market  ("Nasdaq"),  its  registration  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  ("SEC")  should  be  cancelled  and  its 
reporting  obligations  should  be  terminated.  The  main  purpose  of  the  delisting  is  to  reduce  financial  reporting  complexity  and 
administrative costs. Biofrontera AG intends to maintain an adjusted ADS program on a Level I basis to allow investors to continue 
to hold its securities in the form of ADSs and to trade the ADSs in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market. The ADSs will automatically 
transition to the new ADS program in connection with the delisting and will be tradable under a new ticker to be determined. 

The ordinary shares of Biofrontera AG will continue to be traded on the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange under the 
symbol B8F. Holders of ADSs have the option to exchange their ADSs for ordinary shares listed on Deutsche Börse. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the Supervisory Board 

On February 22, 2022, the Company announced that Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel has resigned from her position as a member of the 
Supervisory Board with immediate effect for important cause.  

War in Ukraine 

The war that erupted in Ukraine at the end of February does not currently have a direct impact on Biofrontera, as the company is 
not active in Ukraine or Russia. However, there are negative indirect factors influencing the company's success, such as price 
increases on the procurement markets and a further impairment of supply chains that have already been impaired in the context 
of the COVID 19 pandemic. There is also the possibility of further escalations and the resulting supraregional economic risks 

No other events occurred after the balance sheet date. 

Leverkusen, den 29. April 2022 

Ludwig Lutter 

CFO 

90 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Responsibility statement 

Responsibility  statement  pursuant  to  section  297  (2)  sentence  4  HGB  and 
section 315 (1) sentence 5 HGB 

We affirm that, to the best of our knowledge and in accordance with the applicable accounting principles, the consolidated financial 
statements give a true and fair view of the Group assets, financial position and results of operations of the Group and that  the 
combined  management  and  group  management  report  presents  the  course  of  business, including  the  business  results  and  the 
position of the Biofrontera Group and Biofrontera AG, in such a way that a true and fair view is given and that the main opportunities 
and risks of the expected future development of the Biofrontera Group and Biofrontera AG are described. 

Leverkusen, April 29, 2022 

Biofrontera AG 

Ludwig Lutter 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

91 

Independent Auditor's Report 

To Biofrontera AG, Leverkusen, Germany 

Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements 
and the combined management report 

Audit Opinions 

We have  
audited the consolidated financial statements of Biofrontera AG, Leverkusen, and its subsidiaries (the 
Group), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as of  
December 31, 2021, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement  
of cash  
flows for the  
fiscal year from January 1, 2021 to December  
31, 2021, and the  
notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant  
accounting policies. We have also audited  
the  
combined management report of Biofrontera AG, Leverkusen, for the fiscal year from January 1, 2021 to 
December 31, 2021. We did not perform a substantive audit of the corporate governance statement 
pursuant to Section 289f and Section 315d of the German Commercial Code (HGB) , to which reference 
is made in the combined management report, or of the compensation report pursuant to Section 162 of 
the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) contained in the combined management report as part of our 
audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with German legal requirements.  

In our opinion, based on the findings of our audit, the consolidated financial statements are as follows 

• the accompanying consolidated financial statements comply in all material respects with IFRSs as

adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German law pursuant to § 315e (1) HGB and
give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as of
December 31, 2021 and of its financial
performance for the fiscal year from
January 1, 2021
to December 31, 2021 in accordance with these requirements and

• the accompanying combined management report as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group's

position. In all material respects, this combined management report is consistent with the consolidated
financial statements, complies with German legal requirements, and accurately presents the
opportunities and risks of future development. Our audit opinion on the combined management report
does not cover the content of the aforementioned corporate governance statement and the
aforementioned compensation report .

In accordance with § 322 (3) sentence 1 HGB, we declare that our audit has not led to any reservations 
concerning the propriety of the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report. 

92 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

Basis for the audit judgments 

We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report in 
accordance with Section 317 HGB and the EU Regulation on Auditors (No. 537/2014; hereinafter "EU-
APrVO") and German generally accepted standards for the audit of financial statements promulgated by 
the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (IDW). Our responsibility under those regulations and standards is 
further described in the section "Auditor's Responsibility for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and the Combined Management Report" of our auditor's report. We are independent of the 
Group companies in accordance with European law and German commercial and professional 
regulations and have fulfilled our other German professional obligations in accordance with these 
requirements. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 10 (2) (f) EU-APrVO, we declare that we have not 
performed any prohibited non-audit services as defined in Article 5 (1) EU-APrVO. We believe that the 
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions on 
the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report. 

Particularly important audit matters in the audit of the consolidated 
financial statements 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment,  
were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year from 
January 1, 2021 to  
December 31, 2021. These matters were considered in the context of our audit of the consolidated 
financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon; we do not provide a separate opinion 
on these matters. 

We have structured our presentation of these key audit matters as follows: 

 Risk to the financial statements 
 Audit procedure  
 Reference to related disclosures  

Deconsolidation of Biofrontera Inc. , Woburn, USA 

 Risk to the financial statements 

Due to the IPO of Biofrontera Inc., Woburn, USA, on October 29, 2021, there have been changes in the 
proportion of shares held by the parent company Biofrontera AG as a result of the associated dilution of 
the shares. Biofrontera AG's shareholding in Biofrontera Inc. of 8 million shares corresponded to 
approximately 69% after the IPO. After the further issuance of shares as well as the exercise of warrants, 
the proportion of shares decreased continuously to approximately 47% until December 29, 2021. For 
reasons of materiality and simplification, the parent company deconsolidated Biofrontera Inc. two days 
later as of the reporting date December 31, 2021, and recognized the remaining investment at fair 
value. The carrying amount of the investment will be amortized in the future using the equity method in 
accordance with IAS 28. The deconsolidation gain recognized in the consolidated financial statements of 
Biofrontera AG amounts to EUR 59,180 thousand. 

In particular, the legal representatives of Biofrontera AG had to assess whether and when this situation 
resulted in the loss of control over the former subsidiary as a whole in accordance with IFRS 10 and in 
what amount a deconsolidation gain arose.  

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

93 

 
 
 
The assessment of the control criteria by the legal representatives of Biofrontera AG in accordance with 
IFRS 10 over the course of an ongoing dilution of the parent company's shareholding and the 
determination of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities to be disposed of at the time of 
deconsolidation are complex and involve judgment. Against this background and due to the significance 
of the transaction for the Group's financial position and results of operations, this matter was of 
particular importance in the context of our audit.  

 Audit procedure 

As part of our audit, we first obtained an understanding of the implemented process for determining the 
development of the shareholding in Biofrontera Inc. and analyzed possible sources of error. In addition, 
we obtained an understanding of the implemented process for determining the deconsolidation income 
with regard to Biofrontera Inc. and analyzed possible sources of error here as well. Against the 
background of the regulations of IFRS 10, we critically discussed with the legal representatives which 
activities were significant for managing the business of Biofrontera Inc. and at what point Biofrontera 
AG could no longer determine decisions regarding these activities. We thus assessed whether and from 
when the conditions for deconsolidation according to IFRS 10 were met and the parent company 
correctly determined the date of loss of control according to IFRS 10. For this purpose, we also inspected 
and verified records of the Company. Furthermore, we used the Company's records to understand how 
the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities disposed of were determined in order to present the 
gain or loss on deconsolidation.  

 Reference to related information 

The disclosures on the assessment of the control criteria and on the accounting consequences are 
included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the sections "Information on the 
Company," "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the subsection "Principles of Consolidation," 
and in the section "Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income" in subsection "22. 
Other Income and Expenses."  

Other information 

The legal representatives or the Supervisory Board are responsible for the other  
responsible for the other information. The other information comprises 

•  the corporate governance statement pursuant to § 289f and § 315d HGB, 

•  the compensation report under stock corporation law pursuant to Art. 162 AktG contained in the 

combined management report, 

•  the responsibility statement by the legal representatives pursuant to Section 297 (2) sentence 4 HGB 
and Section 315 (1) sentence 5 HGB on the consolidated financial statements and the combined 
management report, and 

•  the other parts of the annual report expected to be made available to us after the date of this auditor's 

report,  

•  but not the consolidated financial statements, the audited content of the combined management report 

and our audit opinion thereon.  

The declaration pursuant to Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) on the German 
Corporate Governance Code, which forms part of the corporate governance statement, and the 

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Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
 
 
compensation report under stock corporation law are the responsibility of the legal representatives and 
the Supervisory Board; the report of the Supervisory Board contained in the annual report is the 
responsibility of the Supervisory Board. In all other respects, the legal representatives are responsible for 
the other information.  

Our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report do not 
cover the other information, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of 
conclusion on it. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we have a responsibility to read the 
other information referred to above and, in doing so, assess whether the other information is 

•  are materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements, the content of the audited 
disclosures in the combined management report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 

•  otherwise appear to be materially misrepresented. 

If, based on our work performed on the other information obtained before the date of this auditor's report, 
we conclude that there has been a material misstatement of such other information, we are required to 
report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibility of the legal representatives and the Supervisory Board for 
the consolidated financial statements and the combined management 
report 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German 
law pursuant to Section 315e (1) HGB and for such internal control as management determines is 
necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Furthermore, management is responsible for such internal 
control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group's 
ability to continue as a going concern. They are also responsible for disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern. Furthermore, they are responsible for preparing the financial statements on a 
going concern basis unless there is an intention to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or there is 
no realistic alternative but to do so. 

In addition, management is responsible for the preparation of the combined management report that as a 
whole provides a suitable view of the Group's position and is consistent in all material respects with the 
consolidated financial statements, complies with German legal requirements, and suitably presents the 
opportunities and risks of future development. Furthermore, management is responsible for the 
arrangements and measures (systems) that it determines are necessary to enable the preparation of the 
combined management report in accordance with the applicable German legal requirements and to 
provide sufficient appropriate evidence for the statements made in the combined management report. 

The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Group's financial reporting process for the 
preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report. 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

95 

 
 
 
Auditor's Responsibility for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and the Combined Management Report 

Our objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a 
whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and whether the combined 
management report as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group's position and is consistent, in all 
material respects, with the consolidated financial statements and the audit findings, complies with 
German legal requirements, and suitably presents the opportunities and risks of future development, and 
to issue an auditor's report that includes our audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements and 
the combined management report. 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with § 317 HGB and the EU-APrVO and in compliance with German generally accepted 
standards for the audit of financial statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (IDW) will 
always detect a material misstatement. 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 consolidated financial statements and combined 
management report. 

During the audit, we exercise professional judgment and maintain a critical attitude. Furthermore 

•  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements and the 
combined management report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures 
responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our audit opinion. The risk of not detecting material misstatements is higher in the case of 
noncompliance than in the case of inaccuracy, as noncompliance may involve fraud, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misleading representations, or the override of internal controls. 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit of the consolidated financial 

statements and of the arrangements and actions relevant to the audit of the combined management 
report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the 
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of those systems. 

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made by management. 

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of the going concern basis of accounting used by management and, 

based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. If we 
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to 
the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report 
or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our respective audit opinions. We draw our 
conclusions based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our audit opinion. However, future 
events or conditions may result in the Group being unable to continue as a going concern. 

•  we assess the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, 

including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying 
transactions and events in a manner that the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view 
of the net assets, financial position and results of operations of the Group in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU, and the additional requirements of German law pursuant to § 315e Abs. 1 HGB. 

•  obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the accounting information of the entities or 

business activities within the Group to express opinions on the consolidated financial statements and 
the combined management report. We are responsible for directing, supervising and performing the 
audit of the consolidated financial statements. We are solely responsible for our audit opinions. 

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Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
•  we assess the consistency of the combined management report with the consolidated financial 

statements, its legality and the overall presentation of the Group's position in the consolidated financial 
statements. 

•  We perform audit procedures on the forward-looking statements made by management in the 

combined management report. Based on sufficient appropriate audit evidence, we in particular verify 
the significant assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made by management and 
evaluate the appropriateness of the information derived from these assumptions. We do not express 
an independent opinion on the forward-looking statements or on the underlying assumptions. There is 
a significant unavoidable risk that future events may differ materially from the forward-looking 
statements. 

We discuss with those charged with governance, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any deficiencies in internal control that we identify during 
our audit. 

We make a declaration to those charged with governance that we have complied with the relevant 
independence requirements and discuss with them all relationships and other matters that may 
reasonably be thought to bear on our independence and the safeguards that have been put in place to 
address them. 

From the matters we discussed with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that 
were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and 
are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or 
regulation precludes public disclosure of the matter. 

Other statutory and other legal requirements 

Report on the Audit of the Electronic Reproductions of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements and the Combined Management Report Prepared for 
the Purposes of Disclosure Pursuant to Section 317 (3a) of the German 
Commercial Code (HGB) 

Audit opinion 

In accordance with Section 317 (3a) of the German Commercial Code (HGB), we have performed a 
reasonable assurance audit to determine whether the data contained in the file biofronteraag-2021-12-31-
en.zip, with the hash value 
B021A545B774BD1B7444C7B48CDF3060EAF834ED01EA37457F4886D829D88AC9, calculated using 
SHA-256 and prepared for the purpose of disclosure of the consolidated financial statements and the 
combined management report (hereinafter also referred to as "ESEF documents") comply in all material 
respects with the requirements of section 328 (1) HGB on electronic reporting format ("ESEF format"). In 
accordance with German legal requirements, this audit extends only to the conversion of the information 
in the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report into the ESEF format and 
therefore neither to the information contained in these reproductions nor to any other information 
contained in the aforementioned file.  

In our opinion, the reproductions of the consolidated financial statements and the combined management 
report contained in the aforementioned file and prepared for disclosure purposes comply, in all material 
respects, with the electronic reporting format requirements of Section 328 (1) HGB. Beyond this audit 
opinion and our audit opinions on the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the 
accompanying combined management report for the fiscal year from  
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 contained in the preceding "Report on the audit of the 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

97 

 
 
consolidated financial statements and the combined management report",  
we do not express any audit opinion on the information contained in these reproductions or on the other 
information contained in the above-mentioned file.  

Basis for the audit opinion 

We conducted our audit of the reproductions of the consolidated financial statements and the combined 
management report contained in the above-mentioned file in accordance with Section 317 (3a) HGB and 
IDW Auditing Standard: Audit of Electronic Reproductions of Financial Statements and Management 
Reports Prepared for Disclosure Purposes in Accordance with Section 317 (3a) HGB (IDW PS 410 
(10.2021)). Our responsibility thereafter is further described in the section "Auditor's Responsibility for the 
Audit of the ESEF Documents". Our auditing practice has met the quality assurance system requirements 
of the IDW Quality Assurance Standard: Requirements for Quality Assurance in the Auditing Practice 
(IDW QS 1) applied. 

Responsibility of the legal representatives and the supervisory board for the ESEF 
documents 

The Company's management is responsible for the preparation of the ESEF documents containing the 
electronic reproductions of the consolidated financial statements and the combined management report in 
accordance with section 328 (1) sentence 4 no. 1 HGB and for the award of the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with section 328 (1) sentence 4 no. 2 HGB. 

Furthermore, management is responsible for the internal controls as they deem necessary to enable the 
preparation of ESEF documents that are free from material non-compliance, whether due to fraud or 
error, with the requirements of Section 328 (1) HGB regarding the electronic reporting format. 

The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the process of preparing the ESEF documents as 
part of the financial reporting process. 

Auditor's Responsibility for the Audit of the ESEF Documents 

Our objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the ESEF documents are free from 
material non-compliance, whether due to fraud or error, with the requirements of Section 328 (1) HGB. 
During the audit we exercise professional judgment and maintain a critical attitude. Furthermore 

•  Identify and assess the risks of material non-compliance with the requirements of Section 328 (1) HGB, 

whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit of ESEF documents in order to design 
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of those controls. 

•  we assess the technical validity of the ESEF documents, i.e. whether the file containing the ESEF 

documents complies with the requirements of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 as amended at the 
reporting date regarding the technical specification for this file. 

•  we assess whether the ESEF documentation provides a consistent XHTML representation of the 

audited consolidated financial statements and the audited combined management report. 

•  we assess whether the markup of the ESEF documents with inline XBRL technology (iXBRL) in 
accordance with Articles 4 and 6 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815, as applicable on the 
reporting date, provides an adequate and complete machine-readable XBRL copy of the XHTML 
rendering. 

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Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

 
 
Other information according to Article 10 EU-APrVO 

We were elected as auditors of the consolidated financial statements by the Annual General Meeting on 
April 26, 2021. We were  
appointed by the Audit Committee of the  
Supervisory Board on January 14, 2022. 
 We have served as the group auditors of Biofrontera AG, Leverkusen, without interruption since fiscal 
2007.  

We declare that the audit opinions contained in this audit opinion are consistent with the additional report 
to the Audit Committee pursuant to Article 11 EU-APrVO (Audit Report).  

Other matters - use of the audit opinion 

Our audit opinion should always be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements 
and the audited combined management report and the audited ESEF documents. The consolidated 
financial statements and combined management report converted to ESEF format - including the versions 
to be published in the Federal Gazette - are merely electronic reproductions of the audited consolidated 
financial statements and the audited combined management report and do not replace them. In particular, 
the ESEF opinion and our audit opinion contained therein can only be used in conjunction with the 
audited ESEF documents provided in electronic form. 

Responsible auditor 

The auditor responsible for the audit is Arndt Krüger. 

Düsseldorf, April 29, 2022 

Grant Thornton AGAuditing Company 

Eckhard Lewe 
Certified Public Accountant 

Arndt Krüger 
Certified Public Accountant 

Biofrontera AG Annual Report 2021 

99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Biofrontera AG
Hemmelrather Weg 201
51377 Leverkusen, Germany
Telephone: + 49 (0) 214 87 63 2 0
E-mail: ir@biofrontera.com
www.biofrontera.com