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C4X Discovery

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FY2020 Annual Report · C4X Discovery
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C4X Discovery Holdings plc
Annual report and accounts 2020

Harnessing the power  
of Drug Discovery

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Using cutting-edge Drug Discovery 
technologies and expertise, C4X 
Discovery (“C4XD”) aims to efficiently 
deliver world-leading medicines which 
are developed by our partners for 
the benefit of patients.

Creating value through discovery for:

PARTN E R S

PATIE N T S

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AREH O L D E

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Strategic report

01  Highlights

02 What sets C4XD apart?

03 Our business model

04 Our discovery programmes

05 Our discovery platform

06 Our path to value

Corporate governance

18  Board of Directors

20 How the Board communicates with 

key stakeholders

22  The C4XD team

24 Corporate governance statement

28 Directors’ remuneration report

08 Non-Executive Chairman’s statement

31  Directors’ report

09 CEO’s statement

13  Financial review

14  Principal risks and uncertainties

33 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Financial statements

34 Independent auditor’s report to the 

members of C4X Discovery Holdings plc

39 Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

40 Consolidated statement of changes 

in equity

41  Company statement of changes in equity

42 Statements of financial position

43 Cash flow statements

44 Notes to the financial statements

IBC Corporate information

Stay up to date with the latest investor 
news and information at c4xdiscovery.com

STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Highlights

A year of progress across key 
Drug Discovery programmes

Loss for the year (£m)

£7.8m

2020

2019

2018

7.8

10.9

1.1

Net cash at year end (£m)

£5.6m

2020

2019

2018

2.4

5.6

5.6

Cash at 30 November 2020 (£m)

£17.3m

Investment (£m)

£24.2m

Operational highlights
 z Post-period end: Indivior commenced Phase 1 clinical trial for C4XD’s 
Orexin-1 antagonist, C4X_3256 (also known as INDV-2000), for the 
treatment of opioid dependence, with first subject dosed

 z NRF-2 lead activator molecule C4X-6746 shown to significantly inhibit 

disease score in pre-clinical model of inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”). 
Candidate nomination studies continue

 z IL-17 oral inhibitor programme for treatment of psoriasis has been shown 

to significantly reduce inflammation in vivo, and is being optimised 
towards candidate shortlist

 z α4β7 integrin inhibitor programme for the treatment of IBD demonstrated 
significant selectivity vs α4β1 in vitro and oral bioavailability in PK studies. 
Discussions with several potential partners under CDA continue

 z LifeArc risk-share collaboration continues to progress well. C4XD and 

LifeArc have completed the initial phase of the collaboration to progress 
a small molecule MALT-1 inhibitor programme, with three novel series 
identified. Optimisation studies continue

 z Post-period end: new collaboration with GEN-COVID Consortium 
to investigate the role genetics play in the susceptibility, severity 
and prognosis between different individuals with COVID-19

 z Conformetrix technology patent was granted in the USA

Financial highlights
 z Revenue was £nil (2019: £nil)

 z Total loss after tax of £7.8 million or 8.10 pence per share 

(2019: £10.9m or 18.82 pence per share)

 z R&D expenses reduced by 35% to £6.9 million (2019: £10.6m), reflecting 

focused investment in key Drug Discovery programmes

 z Net assets of £8.1 million (2019: £7.0m)

 z Total fundraising of £24.2 million (before expenses) in three tranches, 

one post-period end:

 | October 2019 – fundraise of £7.6 million (before expenses) with a 

total of 50,573,808 shares issued to both new and existing investors

 | May 2020 – £1.6 million investment (before expenses) by key strategic 

shareholder Polar Capital with total of 10,836,700 Shares issued 

 | Post-period end: October 2020 – fundraise of £15.0 million 

(before expenses) with a total of 107,142,858 Placing Shares and 
99,169,286 Warrants issued to new and existing shareholders

 z Cash:

 | Net cash as at 31 July 2020: £5.6 million (31 July 2019: £2.4m)

 | Net cash as at 30 November following fundraise: £17.3 million

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

01

What sets C4XD apart?

Harnessing Drug Discovery 
to build a high value portfolio

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Significant market opportunity
 z Demand from big pharma for high quality, early 
stage molecules continues to grow – the real 
source of innovation in pharmaceuticals

 z Focused commercial team proactively monitors 

the pharma landscape for licensing opportunities

Read more about our path to value on page 6

Commercially attractive portfolio
 z First partnered product in Phase 1 clinical trials

 z Data packages building across the portfolio

Read more about our portfolio on page 4

3

Leadership team
 z Big pharma and biotech backgrounds

 z Track record of proven delivery

 z World class Drug Discovery science

Find our Board of Directors on page 18

4

Cutting-edge technology
 z Proprietary technologies across the 

Drug Discovery process

 z Network of expert partners to maximise data value 

from platforms and programmes

Read more about our Drug Discovery expertise on page 5

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6

Robust pre-clinical commercialisation 
process
 z Establish clear line of sight on licensing potential 

from start of project

 z Dedicated commercialisation team and process 

to maximise value

Find our business model on page 3

Targeting high value indications 
 z Efforts focused on high value indications where the 
C4XD approach can bring real benefit – truly novel, 
small molecule drugs in inflammation, oncology 
and neurology

Read more about our portfolio on page 10

02

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Our business model

Promoting long-term value 
for stakeholders

Our goal is to drive returns through early stage revenue-generating licensing deals 
for our high value pre-clinical assets with the pharmaceutical industry, which will be 
reinvested into our Drug Discovery portfolio to maximise value for shareholders.

Investors

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Drug Discovery

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INTELL E C T U A L

Out-licensing

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our discovery programmes

A commercially 
attractive portfolio

We have carefully built a commercially attractive portfolio ranging from early 
stage novel target opportunities to late stage Drug Discovery programmes 
ready for out-licensing to partners. 

Drug Discovery studies

Target ID 
& validation

Hit to  
lead

Lead 
optimisation

IND 
enabling

Clinical 
studies

Partners/strategic 
collaborators

Programmes

Proposed indications

Orexin-1 antagonist

Addictive disorders

NRF-2 activator

Inflammation
(SCD, IBD, PAH)

IL-17 inhibitor

Inflammation
(Psoriasis)

MALT-1 inhibitor

Oncology
(Haematological 
malignancies)

α4β7 integrin inhibitor Inflammation

(IBD)

Other Conformetrix 
opportunities

Various

Taxonomy3® 
novel targets

Inflammation and 
Neurodegeneration

Synthetic lethal 
novel targets

Oncology 
(Lung and Colorectal)

SCD: Sickle Cell Disease
PAH: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

  In-house

  Risk share

  Out-licensed

04

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORT 
STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Our discovery platform

A highly valuable and 
differentiated platform

We have a highly valuable and differentiated approach to Drug Discovery through 
our enhanced DNA-based target identification and candidate molecule generation 
capabilities, generating differentiated candidates across multiple disease areas.

C4XD  T E A M

OUR TECHN O L O G I E

S

STRATEGIC COL L A B O R A T O R S

C4XD Team
C4XD has a highly experienced scientific team with 
expertise across core areas of Drug Discovery. 
The depth and breadth of knowledge in our 
team enables us to create industry-leading 
small molecule programmes which meet critical 
unmet needs for the industry and patients.

Our technologies
Our proprietary chemistry tools (Conformetrix 
and 4sight) enable our scientists to “see” the shape 
and behaviour of molecules in a revolutionary new 
way, delivering unprecedented insights and 
fuelling innovation.

Our target identification platform (Taxonomy3®) 
is uncovering the next generation of novel targets, 
based on human genetics, which have been found 
to double the probability of successful clinical 
development and product realisation.

Strategic collaborators
We work in collaboration with our partners to 
access their complementary expertise and 
technologies and we continue to seek opportunities 
to build alliances with organisations that have 
capabilities synergistic to our own.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

05

Our path to value

A rigorous approach 
to commercialisation

Right data
Following programme initiation, 
we apply our discovery expertise to 
generate high quality data packages 
which demonstrate the potential 
of our compounds to progress 
into clinical studies. 

As programmes progress through discovery, we 
rigorously review the emerging scientific data and 
identify critical inflection points that will enable 
initiation of advanced partnering discussions. 

Where appropriate, we will also engage with 
potential partners to allow them to test our 
compounds in their proprietary disease models, 
providing the partner with evidence first hand 
of the profile and quality of the proprietary 
molecules C4XD has generated. 

Right target
The pharmaceutical industry’s 
demand for high quality, early stage 
drug candidates continues to grow 
and we are poised to take advantage 
of these opportunities with a strong 
portfolio of small molecule assets.

To ensure that we only advance programmes 
against high value targets that offer significant 
commercial out-licensing potential, we undertake 
a detailed assessment of potential targets ahead 
of initiation of a C4XD Drug Discovery programme 
or collaboration. 

We only pursue new Drug Discovery programmes 
in areas of high unmet medical need that are 
commercially attractive and offer the potential 
to deliver meaningful returns to our investors.

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C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Right time
The pharma industry focus is 
constantly evolving in the search for 
new innovative drugs for diseases 
with no current treatments or 
where treatments exist but provide 
inadequate efficacy, safety or dosing 
and where new drugs could improve 
patient adherence.

We monitor the pharma landscape to 
continually assess what the industry will 
be looking for in a few years’ time when a 
discovery programme can be partner ready. 
This may follow a specific industry trend, 
indications with high unmet need or a new 
scientific discovery.

For certain Drug Discovery programmes, such 
as where the pharma partner has strategically 
prioritised the biology of the drug target and 
generating active molecules in-house is unlikely, 
there is potential to partner with very early 
stage data and progress towards the clinic in 
partnership. For other high value discovery 
programmes, a more mature Drug Discovery 
programme may be needed to provide 
additional de-risking for the path to the clinic, 
sometimes through to IND enabling studies, 
making the partnering process longer.

Right partner
We focus on generating long-term 
partnerships with licensees. 
Partnering can happen at any stage 
of the Drug Discovery process, and 
partnering with the right partner for 
the programme is critical. A successful 
licensing transaction will not just be 
defined by any near-term revenue, 
but matched by the commitment of 
the partner to the therapeutic area in 
question so that the programme will 
be advanced as fast as possible 
towards the market.

We have validated our model with the licensing 
of our Orexin-1 programme to Indivior in March 
2018 for $10 million upfront and potential further 
payments of up to $284 million for development, 
regulatory and commercialisation milestones in 
addition to royalties.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

07

Non-Executive Chairman’s statement
Eva-Lotta Allan, Non-Executive Chairman

Building for success

Company routinely assesses the partnering landscape to identify 
the right opportunities for out-licensing of our other lead programmes. 

I am happy to say we have a diverse Board, which continues to be 
closely aligned with the Company’s strategy and has been particularly 
supportive during recent months when working practices have had 
to change. The Company is tracking the COVID-19 pandemic 
situation closely and is continuously monitoring for any potential 
challenges that may arise. To date there are no significant 
implications to our core operations due to the pandemic and we 
continue to focus on creating long-term value for our shareholders. 

In addition, I would like to say how proud we are at C4XD of the work 
our CEO, Clive Dix, is doing in the fight against COVID-19. His role in 
the UK Vaccines Taskforce is important for our country. I believe that 
his appointment reflects his commitment to our industry as a whole, 
and the respect the industry has for his expertise. Whilst supporting 
the efforts to find a vaccine for COVID-19, Clive continues to be 
dedicated to C4XD and I am impressed by his professionalism 
and drive to build a successful company. 

We have completed three successful financings, including an 
additional £15 million raise in October 2020 supported by our 
key existing shareholders as well as new shareholders, enabling 
the Company to further advance its portfolio of unique assets to 
near term inflection points and to strengthen the balance sheet 
as partnering discussions and strategic collaborations progress.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our dedicated 
employees and management team for their ongoing commitment, 
creativity and hard work to make C4XD a successful global Drug 
Discovery player. I would like to thank our shareholders for their 
continued support and belief in our vision, and I am thrilled to 
welcome our new shareholders to the Company. 

We are poised for a new and exciting year ahead. 

Eva-Lotta Allan
Non-Executive Chairman
9 December 2020

We are now in a strong position to generate 
significant value to our shareholders by 
advancing our proprietary portfolio of 
programmes and translating some of 
our key programmes into partnerships.

The financial year ended 31 July 2020 was a year of significant 
and focused progress with some key milestones achieved for 
C4XD. The commitment and dedication of the C4XD team, 
together with our unique technologies, mean our portfolio 
of assets has matured significantly during the year.

We have made great strides advancing our early stage Drug 
Discovery programmes by applying our cutting-edge technologies, 
which has resulted in a solid portfolio of novel, pre-clinical, 
small molecule programmes. While our proprietary portfolio is 
predominantly focused in the area of inflammation, we are actively 
pursuing other therapeutic areas including oncology and neurology. 

The Board fully supports the current business strategy of 
out-licensing programmes at the pre-clinical stage through 
partnerships with pharmaceutical companies who have 
development and commercial capabilities, as well as significant 
expertise in the relevant therapeutic area. We were therefore 
pleased to see our first candidate CX_3256 (now INDV-2000), 
out-licensed to Indivior, entering Phase I clinical trials during the 
year. This is great news for C4XD and, as we continue to drive 
forward potential partner discussions across the portfolio, the 

08

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

CEO’s statement
Clive Dix, Chief Executive Officer

Portfolio continues to deliver 
strong value potential

focused on studying the genetics of COVID-19 patients with the 
GEN-COVID consortium in Italy. The understanding of COVID-19 
is still very naïve and we do not fully understand how it affects 
the human physiology and why it affects people differently, such 
as some ethnic minority patient groups or those with underlying 
health issues such as obesity. Therefore, understanding the role 
of genetics in this disease, which our Taxonomy3® platform does, 
may be key to understanding this disease better. This project 
has the potential to produce exciting data that may explain the 
way different people react to the disease and subsequently 
influence not only how they are treated for COVID-19, but 
diseases of this type in the future.

What we do is early stage work, but it is at the forefront of the 
next generation of medicines. Our scientists’ expertise in the 
Drug Discovery process, combined with our cutting-edge 
technologies, enable us to seek out and investigate potential 
targets, and to undertake complex chemistry and biological 
studies to create what are the beginnings of future drugs. 
This places us in a strong position to fulfil the pharmaceutical 
industry’s demand for high quality early stage drug candidates.

Whilst 2020 has presented challenges for all companies that no 
one could have foreseen, we have been able to adapt quickly 
and efficiently in how we work. As a result of our decisive 
initiatives, we have seen limited impact to our day-to-day 
activities from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where we work with partners who have been impacted due 
to COVID-19, we have seen nothing but determination and 
commitment to enable work to progress. To this effect, our 
timelines may have been stretched in some cases but as the 
majority of our work is in the earlier non-clinical stages, 
we remain on track.

We thank our shareholders for their continued support that 
enables us to do this important work. The pharmaceutical 
industry has an opportunity, right now, to demonstrate its value 
to world health, and with the recent fundraise, we can use our 
Drug Discovery expertise to support our partners, for the benefit 
of patients. Polar Capital increased its investment with us earlier 
this year, and again in a post-period fundraise along with new 
investors, demonstrating confidence in our strategy. In total 
we raised £24.2 million which we will use to advance our key 
programmes towards out-licensing and this money sets us in 
good stead for the coming year.

Finally, I would like to thank our employees for their continued 
hard work and flexibility, despite the challenges this year has 
presented. Without their dedication, we could not have made 
the progress we have and because of that progress, received the 
investment that will allow us to drive our programmes forward. 

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

09

It is in challenging times such as these that you 
understand the importance of building a strong, 
talented and motivated team and it is due to their 
resilience and fortitude that we have continued 
to make great progress across the C4XD Drug 
Discovery portfolio throughout 2020.

Progress across our portfolio and, in particular, our key Drug 
Discovery programmes has continued apace. Each of our 
programmes has advanced, with new data and key milestones 
met. We were delighted to see our first molecule reach the 
clinic, with the first subject dosed in Indivior’s Phase 1 clinical 
trial for opioid dependence. This is a huge milestone for the 
Company and clearly demonstrates C4XD’s scientific expertise 
and capabilities to generate, develop and deliver new molecules 
that the pharmaceutical industry wants and needs to create new 
medicines. We look forward to the results of this trial next year.

Our oral NRF-2 programme for the treatment of inflammatory 
diseases continues to make progress, with compounds now 
showing promise in a number of indications including Sickle Cell 
Disease, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and, more recently, 
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. More work is underway to identify 
the right candidate molecule to progress into IND enabling 
studies. We have also seen important scientific developments in 
both our IL-17 and α4β7 integrin inhibitor programmes, with our 
novel oral series of IL-17 inhibitors being optimised towards a 
candidate shortlist and commercial discussions with potential 
partners continuing. Whilst at an earlier stage, our α4β7 integrin 
inhibitor programme has made significant progress in 2020 and 
we aim to shortly move the lead series into in vivo studies. 
Furthermore, the identification of a second series of α4β7 
integrin inhibitors underlines the value that our Conformetrix 
technology offers in the Drug Discovery process.

Our partnership with LifeArc® developing novel MALT-1 
inhibitors for haematological cancer is progressing nicely and 
there is now external commercial evidence that validates this as 
a target in oncology. We have also entered a new partnership 

CEO’s statement continued
Portfolio review

We are making significant 
headway across our portfolio

Despite the challenges across the pharmaceutical 
industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we 
have continued to make significant headway 
across our portfolio. Our first potential drug, 
discovered by harnessing our Conformetrix 
technology, has entered the clinic with our partner, 
Indivior, for the treatment of opioid dependence. 
In November 2019, C4XD’s Conformetrix 
technology patent was granted in the USA. 

The team at C4XD has worked hard to ensure all discovery 
programmes remain on track where possible and as a result, 
our key programmes continue to demonstrate progress and 
generate positive data. We also entered into a new partnership 
with the GEN-COVID consortium to study the role genetics 
plays on how COVID-19 affects different individuals through 
utilising our proprietary Taxonomy3® platform. 

Entering the clinic

C4XD completed its first licensing deal in March 2018 with Indivior 
UK Limited (“Indivior”) to further develop and commercialise 
C4XD’s oral Orexin-1 receptor antagonist C4X_3256, also known 
as INDV-2000, for the treatment of addiction. Under the terms 
of the agreement, C4XD received an upfront payment of 
US$10 million and could receive up to US$284 million in 
development, regulatory and commercialisation milestones 
in addition to royalties. In turn, Indivior received a global and 
exclusive licence to C4X_3256 and all other compounds in the 
same patent family and is responsible for the cost and execution 
of the development of C4X_3256 in multiple indications. 

In September 2019, Indivior announced that it had been 
awarded a NIH HEAL grant for “Clinical Evaluation of 
C4X_3256, a non-opioid, highly-selective Orexin-1 Receptor 
Antagonist for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder”, 
providing funding for key Phase I and Phase II enabling 
studies. In July 2020, Indivior commenced a Phase I clinical 
trial for C4X_3256, for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, 
with the first subject now dosed. This single ascending 
dose study in healthy volunteers is anticipated to complete 
by the end of 2020, with topline data expected next year. 
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04413552

Expanding into new markets

In October 2019, the Company announced progression of 
a series of novel potent activators of the NRF-2 pathway for the 
treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. The identified 
series of keap-1 inhibitors has been found to significantly activate 
NRF-2 following oral dosing, providing anti-inflammatory and 
anti-oxidant activity. 

In C4XD studies, multiple lead compounds show greater than 
a 12-hour duration of action following low oral dosing on 
activation of NRF-2 in key tissues such as the lung and the 
liver and in blood. More recently, one of C4XD’s lead NRF-2 
activator molecules has also been shown to significantly 
inhibit the disease score in a pre-clinical model of IBD in 
a dose-dependent manner. 

The Company has received non-binding term sheets for 
SCD and IBD indications and is currently under CDA for PAH, 
however, progression into IND enabling studies is now 
considered to be required in order to increase value and 
further differentiate from competitor molecules.

Addictive 
disorders
(Orexin-1)

Inflammation
(NRF-2  
Activator)

10

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Exciting early progress

In August 2020, the Company announced that significant 
progress has been made on C4XD’s early oral inhibitor 
programme targeting α4β7 integrin for the treatment of IBD. 
Effective antibody therapy against this target is already 
approved, removing the clinical target risk, but effective 
oral therapy remains highly sought after. C4XD has identified 
a second series of novel, potent and selective inhibitors 
providing a further competitive edge for this programme. 
This reaffirms the capability of C4XD’s Conformetrix 
technology to discover novel chemical scaffolds for 
high value challenging drug targets. 

Both series have recently demonstrated oral bioavailability in 
PK studies with the current focus on improving PK properties 
to demonstrate functional inhibition of α4β7 integrin in vivo 
following oral dosing. The Company is currently generating 
improved molecules to move to in vivo studies and, despite 
being early stage, the Company is in confidential discussions 
with several potential partners.

Progressing towards commercialisation

In October 2019, C4XD announced it had identified small 
molecules in its oral IL-17 inhibitor programme that can 
selectively block IL-17 activity whilst maintaining molecular 
size of the molecule in the traditional “drug-like” range.

A novel, potent oral series of IL-17 inhibitors that significantly 
reduce IL-17 induced inflammation in vivo is being optimised 
towards candidate shortlist. A recently filed IND by a 
pharmaceutical company for the first oral IL-17 inhibitor 
has intensified the Company’s commercial discussions with 
potential partners. The oral IL-17 inhibitor programme is 
a significant opportunity across multiple indications.

Inflammation
(IL-17 Inhibitor)

Inflammation
(α4β7 Integrin 
Inhibitor)

Haematological 
Cancer
(MALT-1  
Inhibitor)

COVID-19

Major milestones met

In November 2018, C4XD entered into a discovery collaboration 
with LifeArc®, a UK medical research charity, to progress 
medicinal chemistry efforts on a MALT-1 inhibitor programme 
with applicability across oncology and inflammation indications. 
Despite being impacted by COVID-19, the collaboration 
continues to progress well with the initial phase successfully 
completed. We note that Johnson & Johnson has progressed 
its small molecule MALT-1 inhibitor into Phase 1 clinical trials 
for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s 
lymphoma, with potential to provide the first clinical 
validation for MALT-1 as a target in oncology. 

Three novel series have been identified by harnessing C4XD’s 
Conformetrix technology and data obtained in 2020 has 
demonstrated functional cell activity and oral bioavailability. 
Optimisation studies continue to increase cellular potency 
with the aim of showing in vivo inhibition of the target for 
a prototype molecule.

Applying Taxonomy3® to understand 
the genetics of COVID-19

In August 2020, C4XD announced that it had entered a new 
collaboration with the GEN-COVID consortium, a network of 
more than 20 hospitals in Italy led by Professor Alessandra 
Renieri of the University of Siena. The collaboration will use 
the unique mathematical genetic analysis methodology of 
Taxonomy3® to investigate the role genetics plays in the 
widely varied disease susceptibility, severity and prognosis 
observed between individuals with COVID-19.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

11

CEO’s statement continued

Outlook and summary

Overall, we have made significant headway across the portfolio. 
Our focus for the coming year is to drive our key Drug Discovery 
programmes, particularly those in our inflammation franchise, to 
the next milestone. We will continue to build out our network of 
partnerships and progress our pipeline of proprietary and 
partnered projects to a strong commercial position.

With robust finances now in place, we can continue to advance our 
portfolio and deliver shareholder value through the generation of 
high quality data packages that will be commercially attractive to 
future partners in the pharmaceutical industry. We remain confident 
that through the delivery of the next generation of high quality 
out-licensing opportunities, we can deliver significant value for 
all our shareholders.

Clive Dix 
Chief Executive Officer 
9 December 2020

Orexin-1 case study
Indivior’s announcement that the first subject 
has now been dosed with C4XD’s novel selective 
Orexin-1 antagonist, C4X_3256, represents a 
major milestone for the Company in delivering 
on our aim to create world-leading medicines 
for the benefit of patients.

Right data
C4XD had demonstrated 
that C4X_3256 attenuated 
cocaine-induced brain 
dopamine elevation and 
reinstatement following 
cocaine-induced dependence, 
supporting its potential in this 
important therapeutic area 
and adding to the compelling 
pre-clinical efficacy data 
already achieved in nicotine 
addiction showing reductions 
in self-administration and 
reinstatement.

Right time
The nascent sate of the 
addictive disorders market 
in 2018 and limited clinical 
pipeline for Orexin-1 specific 
inhibitors meant that it was 
important to take the 
programme into IND-enabling 
studies to attract interest 
from the right partners and 
demonstrate that C4X_3256 
had the right balance of 
properties as a potential first 
in class treatment for 
addictive disorders.

Right partner
Prior to our successful 
out-licensing deal with 
Indivior, C4XD ran a rigorous 
commercial process to 
identify the right partner to 
take the programme forward. 
Indivior is a world leader in 
advancing treatments for 
opioid use disorders, and its 
success in securing a highly 
competitive NIH HEAL grant 
to progress C4X_3256 into 
Phase 1 demonstrates both its 
commitment and capability to 
drive the programme through 
clinical studies and ultimately 
deliver a much-needed 
treatment for patients.

Right target
The substance use disorder 
(“SUD”) market remains 
chronically underserved, 
with approximately 1.2 billion 
potential SUD patients that 
could benefit from novel 
treatment. Selective 
inhibition of Orexin-1 offers 
the opportunity to meet this 
significant outstanding need, 
with efficacy across multiple 
SUDs, proven safety for 
chronic dosing and a restricted 
competitive landscape. In 
addition, competitor small 
molecules in the public 
domain were highly amenable 
to analysis by C4XD’s 
Conformetrix technology, 
offering a competitive 
edge in molecular design. 

12

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Financial review
Brad Hoy, Chief Financial Officer

Continued support from our 
investors to execute our strategy

Net assets (£m)

£8.1m

2020

2019

2018

7.0

8.1

8.1

Net cash at year end (£m)

£5.6m

2020

2019

2018

2.4

5.6

5.6

Cash at 30 November 2020 (£m)

£17.3m

Loss after tax (£m)

£7.8m

2020

2019

2018

7.8

10.9

1.1

The strong support from our shareholders will enable 
us to drive forward our portfolio of proprietary assets 
and to ultimately deliver shareholder value through 
partnerships and out-licensing opportunities.

Revenue for the 12 months ended 31 July 2020 was £nil (2019: £nil). 
Grants secured are accounted for as a reduction to research and 
development expenses and not included in revenue. 

R&D expenses, which comprise invoiced material costs, payroll 
costs and software costs, have decreased by 35% to £6.9 million 
for the year ended 31 July 2020 (2019: £10.6m). This reflects 
focused investment in key Drug Discovery programmes as 
outlined in the Non-Executive Chairman’s and CEO’s Statements.

Administrative expenses reduced during the year to £2.7 million 
(2019: £3.0m). 

The loss after tax for the year ended 31 July 2020 was £7.8 million 
or 8.10 pence per share (2019: £10.9m or 18.82 pence per share). 

The Group had net assets at 31 July 2019 of £8.1 million (2019: £7.0m) 
and cash and cash equivalents of £5.6 million (2019: £2.4m). 

In November 2019 the Company raised £7.6 million before 
expenses on the issue of ordinary shares at 15 pence each via 
a placing, subscription by Directors and open offer. In May 2020, 
Polar Capital and other shareholders increased their investment 
in the business by £1.6 million before expenses through a Placing 
of ordinary shares at 15 pence each. Post-period, in October 2020, 
the Company raised £15.0 million before expenses on the issue 
of ordinary shares at 14 pence each via a placing. In total, the 
Company has raised £24.2 million (before expenses) this year 
including the post-period fundraise.

Both cash and costs continue to be prudently and tightly managed. 

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

13

Principal risks and uncertainties

Understanding and 
managing risk

The Group remains committed to understanding, analysing 
and addressing risk and has developed a robust risk 
management framework to facilitate this process.

Business risks are monitored and updated on a regular basis, together 
with appropriate controls and plans for mitigation. Conducting open and 
robust reviews ensures that mitigations remain appropriate and activities 
continue to be aligned to the risk appetite agreed by the Board.

C4XD has strong corporate governance principles that focus specifically 
on risk management; the ability to understand and control risk enables 
the Group to be more confident in business decisions, enabling us to 
meet business objectives.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s internal controls, but the 
philosophy of risk management is embedded throughout every level of the 
business. The processes and procedures in place are designed to manage 
rather than eliminate risk and can therefore only provide a reasonable and 
not an absolute assurance against material misstatements or losses.

As with all businesses, the Group is affected by a number of risks and 
uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. The table below 
highlights the principal risks and uncertainties which could impact the 
Group. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be risks and 
uncertainties of which the Board is not aware, or which are believed 
to be immaterial, which could have an adverse effect on the Group.

Risk

Scientific risks

Management

Risk management structure

Board
Read about corporate 
governance from 
page 24

Overall responsibility for the Group’s 
risk management.

Sets strategic objectives and risk appetite.

Accountable for the effectiveness of 
the Group’s internal control and risk 
management processes.

Audit Committee
Find the Audit Committee 
Report on page 25

Delegated responsibility from the Board to 
oversee the risk management processes 
and evaluate the effectiveness of the 
internal controls.

Assess the performance of the 
external auditor.

Executive 
Directors
Find the Board of 
Directors on 
pages 18 and 19

Implement the Board’s policies on risk 
and control and provide assurance on 
compliance with these policies.

Support management and project teams 
to identify and review business risks, the 
controls needed to minimise those risks 
and the effectiveness of controls in place.

Trend vs 
previous year

Drug Discovery success

There is a risk that the Group may fail to 
successfully identify viable potential drug 
candidates from our Drug Discovery 
programmes – potential drug candidates can 
fail due to a variety of reasons including lack 
of efficacy, potency, selectivity, insurmountable 
challenges in medicinal chemistry, or 
unacceptable safety/toxicology results.

Drug Discovery programmes are carefully selected; they are 
evaluated from both a commercial and a scientific perspective to 
ensure resource is only deployed when a robust business case exists. 

NONE

Lack of efficacy can be mitigated by choosing pre-clinically or 
clinically validated targets or by choosing genetically validated drug 
targets, e.g. identified by Taxonomy3®.

Issues with potency, selectivity or challenges in chemical ligand 
design are actively assessed as the programme progresses and 
additional investment is only provided where this risk is low or has 
been overcome. 

Target-based toxicology can be de-risked by working on clinically 
validated or precedented targets. Off-target toxicology can be 
de-risked by examining this at various stages in the programme and 
by using Conformetrix technology to maximise selectivity, reducing 
“off-target” liabilities. In addition, surrogates for safety assessment 
are actively utilised as the programmes progress for early detection 
of unexpected specific risks.

14

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Risk

Management

Trend vs 
previous year

Scientific risks continued

Technology

There is an inherent risk that C4XD’s 
technologies will not enable its scientists to 
obtain the results required to generate 
meaningful value in its internal Drug 
Discovery programmes. The Group cannot 
guarantee in advance that its technologies 
will meet internal demands or those of its 
partners. External technological advances 
could overtake the technologies being 
developed by the Group.

Timing

It may take longer than anticipated for 
the Group’s proprietary programmes to 
progress, and for the Group’s technology 
to identify drug candidates that are 
commercially and technically attractive to 
pharmaceutical company collaborators.

The Group works closely with its collaborators and partners to 
ensure that the potential of C4XD’s output continues to meet their 
expectations. The C4XD technical development team continues to 
develop and improve the core technology in terms of functionality 
and efficiency of output. C4XD reviews the commercial landscape to 
assess competitor technologies, and know-how and intellectual 
property are protected. C4XD believes this strategy to be effective 
based upon the progression of its programmes and partnerships.

C4XD has established a project management process to ensure that 
the Company’s projects are resourced appropriately and progressed, 
assessed and managed to try to avoid roadblocks. Furthermore, 
C4XD has developed a proactive commercial function to ensure that 
only programmes with sufficient commercial opportunity to warrant 
partner interest are initiated and executed. C4XD regularly takes 
part in multiple partnering conferences each year to present and 
discuss its Drug Discovery programmes to assess and confirm future 
customer interest. C4XD believes this strategy to be effective based 
upon the timely success of its Indivior programme and ongoing 
progress and commercial interest with its other programmes.

Intellectual property

The success of C4XD depends in part upon 
the Group’s ability to protect and defend its 
rights over current and future intellectual 
property in the form of products, processes 
or technologies. The Group may be unable 
to adequately protect itself from intellectual 
property infringement or effectively enforce 
its rights in certain jurisdictions.

C4XD has developed a robust IP strategy which, to date, has 
provided adequate protection for its portfolio of technologies and 
discovery programmes. Several patents have been filed during the 
year to protect the novel composition of matter on our key discovery 
programmes. The external IP landscape is continually monitored, 
such that when new patents are published, the project teams can 
actively assess the relevance to ongoing projects. External IP counsel 
is sought when required.

Commercialisation risks

Market and competition 

Alternative competing technologies and 
products could emerge that might displace 
the market opportunity for drug candidates 
discovered by the Group. 

Commercial delivery 

Business resources may not be 
appropriately deployed, or strategies 
may be inadequately planned; failure 
to identify partnering opportunities leads 
to no revenue-generating deals.

C4XD has developed a proactive commercial function to monitor 
competition and develop strategies to mitigate competitive risk. 
Furthermore, C4XD’s team of experienced scientists continues to 
monitor the state-of-the-art technology via conference attendance 
and literature reviews. C4XD believes this strategy to be effective, 
based upon its portfolio of competitive projects and technologies.

A strategic review is performed regularly to establish plans for 
revenue generation. Performance is tracked against the plan and 
appropriate action is taken. Drug Discovery programmes are 
continually assessed for commercial appetite which is regularly 
reviewed at Executive and Board level. In addition, the commercial 
team actively works with the discovery teams to ensure full alignment. 
The business is focusing on the most impactful allocation of resources.

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

NONE

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

15

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Risk

Management

Commercialisation risks continued

Trend vs 
previous year

Future revenue streams 

C4XD’s out-licensing agreements are 
structured with milestones that the 
programme must reach to trigger further 
payments to C4XD. There is a risk that 
partners will not reach these milestones 
and C4XD will not therefore receive 
further revenue payments.

Finance and operations

Raising capital

An alliance manager is assigned to all out-licensed programmes to 
liaise with the partner and co-ordinate support and expertise from 
C4XD as required. 

NONE

Partners are required to provide C4XD with regular reports summarising 
the progress and planned activities for the programme. The Executive 
Team reviews these reports to ensure that partners are using 
commercially reasonable efforts to progress C4XD programmes as 
required in the out-licensing agreement and regularly monitors any 
changes in the financial or strategic position of our partners.

The Group aims to execute revenue-generating 
deals to sustain the business; to achieve this, 
reliance falls on investors or potential M&A 
opportunities. The Group may not be able 
to raise sufficient capital to be able to 
achieve the strategic objectives. 

The Group has prepared a detailed budget and performance 
forecasts covering several scenarios over a period covering >12 
months from the date of the approval of these financial statements. 
Costs are carefully controlled across all activities to ensure the 
resources are deployed optimally to facilitate delivery of the 
commercial goals.

DECREASE

Following the year end a share placing raised ~£15 million of gross 
proceeds. We maintain close relationships with our principal and 
potential providers of finance and continue to review the need for 
additional or alternative funding. 

The Directors believe that the Executive Team is appropriately 
structured for the size of C4XD and is not overly dependent on any 
one individual. Training and incentive plans are in place, with the 
introduction of C4XD Total Rewards, to ensure that the Group can 
attract and retain talent. Total Rewards focuses on the culture and core 
values in C4XD, as well as development pathways and short, medium 
and long-term financial rewards, to provide a full incentives package.

The Group has a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment in 
place, as well as an IT disaster recovery plan to reduce business 
disruption in the event of a technological failure. Attempted data 
breaches are reported to the Executive Committee and employee 
policies are reviewed annually. A number of security measures have 
been implemented including two factor authentications, hardware 
encryption, file protections, an audit trail, incident logs and 
information asset registers.

There have been no significant incidents and no cyber breaches 
during the year.

NONE

INCREASE

Significant IP and know-how are legally protected. Furthermore, 
confidentiality is explicitly detailed in employees’ contracts, and 
additional training is provided to staff to mitigate the risk of 
inadvertent data leaks.

NONE

Talent retention

A high degree of dependence on key 
personnel, or the inability to recruit and 
retain employees with the required skill 
sets at an acceptable cost.

Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks could threaten the integrity 
of our core technology or IP and lead to a 
misappropriation of our data. The Group is 
increasingly exposed to cybersecurity risks 
as the profile of the Company increases 
and by the increasing sophistication of 
cyber criminals.

Data breach confidentiality

Confidential information may leak from 
the business. Threats arise not only from 
hackers, malware or known third parties, but 
can unfortunately also arise from employees, 
whether intentional or not.

16

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

STRATEGIC REPORTSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Risk

Management

External factors

Brexit

The ability of the Company to quickly adapt 
to Brexit may impact the delivery of our 
strategic goals and financial targets.

COVID-19

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has 
resulted in public health responses including 
travel bans and restrictions and social 
distancing requirements. This could lead to 
a global slowdown of economic activity that 
could negatively affect the business’s 
operations and financial performance.

The Executive Team carefully monitors the situation, particularly 
regarding drug approval regulations and patent law, and devises 
and implements mitigating strategies. The risk is perceived to be 
minimal. The Operations and HR teams continue to review the 
potential impact on existing staff and planned recruitment caused 
by any changes in immigration legislation, and foreign exchange 
cost implications.

From a project perspective, key operational actions are being 
addressed including planning for additional inventory stock for 
scale-up campaigns and screening cascades, and reviewing 
shipping processes to consider potential customs tariffs. 

The situation is rapidly changing and difficult to predict. However, 
our priority is the safety of our employees and we have already 
successfully invoked a working from home policy in line with our 
business continuity management framework. All business travel has 
been cancelled, and all meetings are being held virtually. There was 
a strict review of non-essential expenditure. The Board, however, 
does not consider there to be a material uncertainty for the next 
12 months, with a significant fundraise post-year end. Certain 
scientific activities have been delayed due to the closure of lab 
facilities at third parties. However, deployment of resources to 
prioritise project-critical activities has minimised the impact of 
any time delays.

Trend vs 
previous year

NONE

INCREASE

Section 172(1) Companies Act 2006

The Directors confirm that they have acted in good faith in the way they consider what would be most likely to promote the success 
of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole. In doing so they have considered, among other matters, those set out in 
section 172(1) (a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006: the likely consequences of any decision in the long term; the interests of the 
Company’s employees; the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others; the impact of 
the Company’s operations on the community and the environment; the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high 
standards of business conduct; and the need to act fairly as between members of the Company. This statement applies equally to 
the Directors individually and when acting collectively as the Board.

The Directors have considered points a to f:

a)  the interests of the Company’s employees;

b)  the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

c)  the impact of the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

d)  the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment; 

e)  the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and

f)  the need to act fairly between members of the Company.

For further information, see page 19 of the Corporate Governance Report which considers of each of the points above in greater detail.

By order of the Board

Brad Hoy  
Chief Financial Officer  
9 December 2020   

Clive Dix
Chief Executive Officer
9 December 2020

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

17

 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

C4XD is guided by a Board 
with extensive expertise

N

Eva-Lotta Allan 
Non-Executive Chairman 

Clive Dix PhD 
Chief Executive Officer 

Craig Fox PhD 
Chief Scientific Officer 

Brad Hoy 
Chief Financial Officer 

Experience and qualifications

Experience and qualifications

Experience and qualifications

Experience and qualifications

Brad has more than 20 years’ 
experience in the pharmaceutical 
and biotechnology industries 
and has held a number of 
senior financial and general 
management positions in both 
the UK and the US. Previously, 
Brad was Chief Financial Officer 
of Plethora Solutions Holdings 
plc, an AIM-listed specialty 
pharmaceutical company, Chief 
Executive Officer of Xcellsyz 
Limited, a UK venture capital-
backed life science company, 
and Senior Director of Geron 
Corporation’s stem cell-focused 
UK subsidiary. Brad was formerly 
a Non-Executive Director on 
the Board of Directors for 
e-Therapeutics plc.

External appointments

None.

Craig is an experienced biologist 
and NIH funded Principal 
Investigator who has worked 
on and managed many Drug 
Discovery and development 
projects over more than 20 years 
in the industry, from initial target 
selection right through to 
investigating clinical efficacy and 
safety in Phase 2 patient studies. 
Craig joined C4XD as Head 
of Biology in June 2015 before 
becoming Chief Scientific Officer 
in October later that year. 

Prior to joining C4XD, Craig was 
Director of Respiratory Research 
at Pulmagen Therapeutics, a 
clinical stage company spun out 
of Argenta in 2010. At Pulmagen, 
Craig managed several of its 
collaborations and partnerships, 
including those with AstraZeneca, 
Chiesi, Domantis, Dr Reddy’s, 
Skyepharma and Teijin Pharma. 
Craig was part of the Etiologics 
team that merged with Argenta 
Discovery in 2004 and prior to 
this he worked for Bayer as a 
Research Scientist. Craig has a 
PhD in Respiratory Medicine 
from Birmingham University and 
a first-class Biochemistry degree 
from the University of Surrey.

External appointments

None.

Eva-Lotta has more than 30 years’ 
experience in the healthcare 
industry. During this time, she has 
been a senior executive and Board 
member at both public and private 
companies. Most recently, 
Eva-Lotta was Chief Business 
Officer (and previously a Board 
member) at Immunocore, where 
she held full responsibility for all 
aspects of business development 
and played an instrumental role in 
the $320 million fundraising in 
2015. Prior to this, Eva-Lotta 
served as Chief Business Officer 
and member of the Executive 
Committee and Euronext IPO 
team for Ablynx NV, as well as 
senior positions at Vertex 
Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd, 
Oxford Asymmetry International 
plc, Oxford Glycosciences and 
Amersham International.

External appointments

Eva-Lotta currently serves 
as Non-Executive Director 
and member of the Corporate 
Governance Committee and the 
R&D Sub-Committee of Oslo-
listed company Targovax ASA 
and is a Non-Executive Director 
and member of the dermatology 
commission of Almirall, and a 
Non-Executive Director of 
Crescendo Biologics and Aleta 
Biotherapeutics. Eva-Lotta was 
also a Board member of the UK 
BioIndustry Association (“BIA”).

18

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

Clive has more than 30 years’ 
experience in life science research, 
with over 20 years in senior 
pharmaceutical industry positions 
and a degree and PhD in 
Pharmacology. His expertise 
includes an in-depth understanding 
of all facets of Drug Discovery and 
development, a broad knowledge 
of the science and commercial 
landscape of a variety of 
therapeutic areas and solid 
experience of the pharmaceutical 
business and finance community 
supporting the sector. 

Clive was Co-Founder and Chief 
Executive of Convergence 
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which was 
acquired by Biogen in January 
2015. Clive was previously 
Co-Founder and Chief Executive 
of PowderMed Ltd, a vaccines 
development company acquired 
by Pfizer in November 2006. 
Before that he was Senior 
Vice President, Research and 
Development and a Board 
member of PowderJect 
Pharmaceuticals plc until its 
acquisition by Chiron Vaccines 
in 2003. Clive began his career in 
industry at Ciba-Geigy and then 
GlaxoWellcome, where he left 
as UK Research Director in 2001. 

External appointments

Clive, a recent past Chairman 
of the BioIndustry Association, 
is currently Non-Executive 
Chairman of Centauri Ltd and a 
Non-Executive Board member 
of the Medicines Discovery 
Catapult. Clive was appointed 
Deputy Chair of the UK Vaccines 
taskforce in June 2020, the group 
set up by the Government to 
tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

R

AN

R

A

Harry Finch PhD 
Non-Executive Director 

Alex Stevenson PhD 
Non-Executive Director 

Natalie Walter
Non-Executive Director 

Experience and qualifications

Experience and qualifications

Experience and qualifications

Harry has significant experience 
within the pharmaceutical 
industry, specialising in 
medicinal chemistry, Drug 
Discovery and development. 

After attaining a PhD in Organic 
Chemistry, Harry worked at 
Ciba-Geigy AG (now Novartis 
AG) and Roche Allen & 
Hanburys Limited, before joining 
GlaxoWellcome plc, where he 
became Director of Chemistry. 
Harry is an expert in the respiratory 
area of the pharma industry and 
is co-inventor of GSK’s successful 
asthma drug salmeterol (Serevent). 
In addition, he has worked across a 
range of therapeutic areas and at 
several biotechnology companies, 
including Ribotargets, Vernalis, 
Argenta and Pulmagen.

External appointments

Currently he is an independent 
consultant working with a variety 
of small biotech companies and 
investors, many of which are in 
the oncology arena. 

Alex began his career as a 
microbiologist, working in 
research for a number of years 
before joining an NYSE-quoted 
drug development company. 
He subsequently moved into 
pharmaceutical and healthcare 
investment and has fulfilled a 
number of board-level investment 
and operational management 
roles. He was a Director and 
shareholder in Aquarius Equity 
from 2008, where he was 
responsible for identifying new 
investments and developing and 
implementing scientific strategies 
both pre and post-investment. 
These included Tissue Regenix 
Group plc, C4X Discovery 
Holdings plc and Brabant Pharma 
(subsequently sold to Zogenix, 
Inc.). Alex joined the Board 
of C4XD as a Non-Executive 
Director following Aquarius’ 
investment in the Company.

Prior to joining Aquarius, Alex 
worked for IP Group plc, where 
he specialised in life sciences 
investments identifying, 
developing and advising a number 
of companies in its portfolio, some 
of which went on to list on AIM. 

External appointments

He joined IP Group following its 
acquisition of Techtran Group 
Limited in 2005 and Alex is a 
Co-Founder of 4D pharma plc 
and has served as Chief 
Scientific Officer since 2014.

Natalie is a corporate finance 
lawyer with more than 20 years 
of experience advising on 
international equity capital 
markets transactions in the 
healthcare sector. 

External appointments

Natalie is currently General 
Counsel to Oxford Biomedica 
plc, a FTSE 250 gene and cell 
therapy company. Prior to joining 
Oxford Biomedica, Natalie was 
an Equity Partner at Covington & 
Burling LLP advising Boards on a 
range of strategic, transactional 
and general corporate finance 
matters, with particular expertise 
in advising on deals in the life 
sciences sector. Prior to this, 
Natalie had been an Equity 
Partner at Morrison & Foerster 
LLP and had spent part of her 
career as a Director and Legal 
Counsel on the ECM desk at 
Lehman Brothers. Natalie was a 
Board member of RSA (Holdings) 
Limited until March 2020.

Committee membership

A   Audit Committee

N   Nomination Committee

R   Remuneration Committee

  Committee Chair

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

19

How the Board communicates with key stakeholders

Maintaining a dialogue 
with key stakeholders

Partners
Partners play a key role in the development, 
growth and commercial strategy of our business. 
We seek strategic collaborations that allow us to 
access the right technologies and resources to 
efficiently identify the right targets to progress 
into Drug Discovery. Alongside our internal 
programmes, we also work with partners to unlock 
challenging chemistry for their high value targets 
and expand our portfolio through risk-share 
arrangements, and we identify market-leading 
partners to license our programmes and progress 
them into clinical studies and beyond.

 z Direct feedback via our commercial team

 z Regular meetings and conference calls

 z Industry events

 z Promoting C4XD through our Drug Discovery 

Network, headed by Robin Carr

 z All employees play an important role 

as ambassadors

People
The C4XD team are our biggest asset. Without 
their hard work we would not be able to drive 
our Drug Discovery programmes and we are 
committed to providing the environment to 
allow them to succeed.

We have a culture of open communication, 
transparency, teamwork, accountability and 
innovation. C4XD actively engages its employees 
through communication of Company news and 
information in a variety of formats. Management 
encourages feedback from all employees and 
engages in dialogue across all levels of the 
business through an open door policy for all staff.

 z Direct access to key management

 z Monthly all-staff meetings

 z Quarterly newsletter

 z Scientific meetings

 z Events and socials

20

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

S

H

AREHO L D E

S

R

C

4XD B O A R

D

PARTN E R S

PEO P L E

C

O

MMU N I T I

S

E

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

COVID-19
Operating during a global pandemic

In addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, C4XD is proactively 
monitoring and assessing potential impacts, and working 
to avoid or minimise any interruption or delay in our plans. 
The health and safety of our employees is paramount and we 
intend to do everything reasonably possible to reduce potential 
exposure to the virus causing COVID-19. Employees who need 
to maintain facility-dependent research are reporting to work 
under strict protocols designed to ensure they remain healthy 
and, where possible, we have enabled employees to work 
remotely. C4XD has suspended all international business 
and non-essential domestic business travel.

To date, C4XD has not seen a material impact on its business 
and the overall context of the business and the landscape in 
which we operate has not materially changed. However, C4XD 
works on a partnership model and with the duration of the 
outbreak unknown, its impact on C4XD’s partners’ working 
situation and the prospects of additional development of the 
Drug Discovery portfolio remain unclear. 

COVID-19 has caused some disruption to business development 
activities with scientific conferences cancelled and travel restricted. 
However, as the duration of the pandemic prolongs, the industry is 
finding new ways of creating a virtual space for these important 
networking events and partners have demonstrated ongoing 
commitment to progressing discussions virtually. We remain 
confident with industry licensing deals continuing to progress 
throughout 2020.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

21

Shareholders
Shareholder support is critical to the success of 
our business. They are the ultimate owners of 
C4XD and provide the investment needed as we 
build our portfolio of Drug Discovery programmes 
for out-licensing.

We believe it is important to maintain regular and 
transparent dialogues with shareholders to ensure 
they understand the strategic objectives, financial 
and operational performance governance of the 
Company and ultimately the value of what we do.

 z The CEO and CSO meet with major institutional 

investors twice a year

 z Financial results twice a year

 z Annual General Meeting

 z Regular business updates as C4XD 

programmes progress

 z CEO interviews via Proactive Investor to talk 

about latest news

 z Social media updates

Communities
We aim to have a positive impact in healthcare, 
beyond our scientific innovation, by engaging with 
local communities, caring for the environment and 
improving access to and the reputation of the 
healthcare industry.

We believe that by behaving as a good corporate 
citizen we can reflect our values and aspirations in 
our working environment which will not only 
position C4XD as a good company to work for, 
and with, but will ultimately drive value for our 
business as a whole. 

 z Practising reduce, recycle and reuse

 z Social and charitable events such as working 

with local schools

 z Promoting the C4XD positive culture to our 

associates within our communities

 z Fundraising for local communities and charities

The C4XD team

An inspirational team – founded 
on science, working together 
to succeed

At C4XD we are committed to recruiting, developing, retaining and rewarding highly motivated 
people who are talented, creative and focused on delivering excellence.

Innovation

Integrity

Collaboration

C4XD 
values

Creativity

Inclusivity

Courage

Our values
Individually our values may seem obvious. But bring them together 
and we create the C4XD culture. Our values are part of who we are, 
what we stand for and how we act. For all our stakeholders – our 
investors, partners and staff alike – we embrace the highest ethics and 
morals to deliver professional, open and transparent relationships to 
drive excellence, responsibility and integrity in all that we do.

Building a talented team
At C4XD, we recognise that our most important resource is our 
employees and we are committed to the development of the entire 
workforce to enable everyone to reach their full potential. We 
believe in an inclusive culture and aim to create an organisation 
where everyone belongs, and together, we aim to build a culture 
of creativity and innovation, where we value trust and flexibility 
to optimise work-life balance. 

We recognise that diverse teams achieve greater performance, so 
we look to celebrate and support our differences, so that all our 
employees can contribute in their own right. We want to ensure 
that every single employee feels appreciated and is fairly rewarded. 

We truly believe that C4XD is a great place to work and we feel 
proud of the contribution the C4XD team makes to diverse scientific 
programmes that will ensure the long-term growth of the Company.

Our environmental and social commitments
Our purpose is to provide world-leading medicines of the future 
in a responsible and efficient manner.

We aspire to apply sustainability management standards equal to 
our business ambitions and we expect the same values of those 
we choose as our suppliers. At C4XD, we are committed to the 
conservation principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, as seen by 
our latest move to supply information digitally. 

Every day we strive to make a difference in the communities 
in which we operate by maintaining sound business practices, 
acting as a good corporate citizen and a valued employer.

Creating space for our highly skilled workforce to innovate and create

Fostering an inclusive culture

Empowering flexible working

Rewarding with compelling incentives

Encouraging diversity and inclusion is 
fundamental to the culture at C4XD. We 
aim to maintain a secure environment that 
enables us to attract and support highly 
talented people from all backgrounds.

22

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

We proactively encourage flexible 
working for our staff, empowering them 
to deliver exceptional innovation without 
compromising on their personal goals. 

To motivate and reward our people, 
C4XD has built both a financial incentives 
package that enables employees to share 
in the Company’s financial success, and a 
professional development framework that 
promotes long-term career progression. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Talking business 
development in 
a virtual world

with Bhavna Hunjan 
Head of Corporate Strategy and Development

Q What is your role at C4XD?  

What does it incorporate?

My overall responsibility at C4XD is to seek out external opportunities 
that will make a positive, and material, impact to the Company. 
That could be financial impact to the balance sheet or P&L 
statement via deals or financing, or operational impact of adding 
exciting technologies or capabilities through strategic partnerships 
or M&A. These opportunities are aligned with our Company strategy, 
which I also have a hand in crafting as part of the Executive Team. 

Q How did you come to work at C4XD and how has 

your role evolved since you first joined? 

I grew up in a close, business-minded family and always wanted to 
combine my passion for business with my love for the life sciences. 
I studied Biochemistry at Oxford University where I achieved a First 
– the experience was challenging but formative, and it sparked a 
lifelong interest in the life sciences. Over my almost 15 year career, 
I have been driven to gain the experience, skills and knowledge that 
form the foundation of the type of role I’m in at C4XD. 

My first job was at Lehman Brothers on the fixed income trading 
floor. This was a baptism of fire – I leaped from my day-to-day 
language focusing on glycosphingolipids and nucleocapsids to 
swaptions and Basel II! I lived through the bank’s insolvency (an 
experience in itself) prior to joining Nomura Plc (who acquired 
Lehman Brothers Europe). My experience in banking greatly 
influenced me. I learnt to thrive in high pressure situations, build 
productive business relationships, negotiate, and execute bespoke 
transactions. I also experienced fast-paced city life, which drove me 
to a proactive, impact-led mindset.

Subsequently, I worked in strategic advisory at PwC and then 
in-house at Cancer Research UK. I delivered a huge variety of 
projects from new product launch, regulatory affairs, digital 
investment NHS reform, precision medicine and clinical research. 
Here I learnt how to be solution, rather than problem, focused, the 
importance of a well-informed point of view, and how to utilise the 
resources around me to explore options and identify a route forward. 

Together these experiences have proved to be vital to my role at C4XD.

Q  

Has COVID-19 affected business development?

Since March 2020, I have witnessed business development activities 
continuing, albeit digitally. Companies on the hunt for innovation have 
made efforts to ensure their needs are heard. Some fantastic deals 
have been signed during this period, and I hope this trend continues.

Q How are you currently communicating with potential 

partners during this time? What has worked well? 

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors are truly global 
businesses. Prior to the pandemic, numerous business interactions 
already took place via digital conferencing. Face-to-face meetings 
were particularly helpful for building rapport quickly so the 
well-established partnering conferences have historically 
been invaluable to licensors and licensees alike.

Since the pandemic, these conferences have taken place digitally 
and I have been pleased to see the positive spirit and engagement 
within the sector. Despite some of the inevitable initial glitches, 
business development communication continues close to normal. 

Q What are the main challenges that businesses are 

facing during this time and are there any activities 
that are impossible in a virtual world?

Finance and liquidity, crisis management and protection of business 
growth are likely to be challenges felt across businesses both within 
our sector and other industries. Personally, I believe a long-term 
transformative challenge is the way in which companies will need to 
adapt interactions with their workforces. The pandemic has forced 
companies to consider how to protect their people with a renewed 
level of empathy. Getting it right now is likely to have a hugely 
positive impact on future generations. 

In terms of “impossible virtual activities”, I tend to think positively, so 
I don’t believe there are any. Business interactions continue, licences 
executed, financing rounds and IPOs completed, and successful 
recruitment continues. Technology, coupled with more human 
patience and adaptation, has enabled this.

Q What do you think the lasting effects will be to 

business development in the future?

Business development is long-term strategy for growth. For example, 
if a company in-licenses a pre-clinical asset, it is committing to 
multi-million pound spend for multiple years before it may start 
to reap returns. It’s a risky business. In a scenario of repeated 
lockdowns and a continuously stagnating or declining economy, 
companies may shrink back from these higher risk activities. In an 
alternate scenario of an effective vaccine being made available 
quickly and risk appetite returning, there may be material uplift in 
licensing activities as positive investment sentiment drives sector 
buoyancy. It’s not possible to predict right now.

Q What advice do you have for those who are working 

in strategic decision making and business development 
at this time?

Firstly, protect your workforce and your clients. Their health and 
wellbeing supersedes the bottom line, but it is likely to also drive 
greater loyalty long term. 

Secondly, focus on long-term competitive positioning and building 
future shareholder value. This includes continuing to invest in R&D, 
keeping an eye on acquisition opportunities, and prudently 
managing current cash to maintain the Company’s financial health.

Finally, communicate with your loyal investors clearly and reassure 
them of your long-term growth, revenue potential and market 
positioning. In these volatile times, being transparent and honest 
is likely to generate longer-term trust and allow investors to make 
more fact-based decisions on their own portfolios.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

23

Corporate governance statement

C4XD’s Directors believe that strong Corporate Governance 
is fundamental to the medium and long-term success of the 
business and have adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance 
Corporate Governance Code (the “QCA Code”), to establish 
a robust and effective governance framework. The QCA Code 
identifies ten principles to be followed to enable companies 
to deliver growth in long-term shareholder value; the following 
link sets out how C4XD complies with these principles:

https://www.c4xdiscovery.com/investors/governance.html

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the strategy, 
operations, financial reporting and risk management are all 
underpinned by robust processes, and promote a culture of 
openness, transparency and responsibility throughout all levels 
of the organisation.

The Board 

The Group is controlled through its Board of Directors, 
comprising the Non-Executive Chairman, the Chief Executive 
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Scientific Officer 
and three Non-Executive Directors. The names of the current 
Directors together with their biographical details, skills, experience 
and any other directorships are set out on pages 18 and 19. 
All Directors are subject to election by the shareholders at the 
general meeting immediately following their appointment to 
the Board and to re-election at intervals of not more than three 
years. The contracts of the Non-Executive Directors are available 
for inspection by shareholders at the AGM.

Roles and responsibilities

The division of responsibilities is clearly defined:

The Chairman leads the Board in the determination of its strategy 
and in the achievement of its objectives, with responsibility for 
organising the business of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness, 
and setting its agenda. The Chairman also facilitates the effective 
contribution of Non-Executive Directors and constructive 
relations between Executive and Non-Executive Directors. 
They also facilitate effective communication with shareholders.

The Chief Executive Officer has direct charge of the Group on a 
day-to-day basis and is accountable to the Board for the financial 
and operational performance of the Group.

The Non-Executive Directors constructively challenge and help 
develop proposals on strategy and bring strong, independent 
judgement, knowledge and experience to the Board’s deliberations. 

The Company Secretary reports to the Board. The principal role 
of the Company Secretary is to liaise with the Group’s legal 
advisers and registrars in connection with the maintenance of 
the statutory registers, the filing of statutory forms and financial 
statements, the provision of notice of meetings to members 
and the auditors, and the filing of copies of resolutions and 
agreements with the registrar. This role is now fulfilled by 
the Chief Financial Officer.

Board of Directors

Executive Team

Responsible for the long-term success of the Company, 
agreeing the overall strategy, implementation plan and 
risk management. Matters reserved for the Board also 
include budget approval, acquisitions and disposals, 
major capital expenditure, legal and insurance issues, 
Board structure and the appointment of advisers. It 
provides leadership and is responsible for the overall 
corporate governance of the Company.

Operates under the direction and authority of the CEO, 
CSO and CFO. Additional members include the Head 
of Corporate Strategy and Development, and the VP 
Operations. The Executive Team is responsible for the 
day-to-day management of the Group’s operations 
and making recommendations to the Board on strategy 
and subsequent implementation.

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

Responsible for monitoring the quality of 
internal controls, ensuring that the financial 
performance of the Group is properly 
measured and reported on and reviewing 
reports from the Group’s auditors relating to 
the Group’s accounting and internal controls.

Responsible for reviewing and amending the 
remuneration of Executive Directors and the 
senior leadership team, as well as reviewing 
proposals and making recommendations for 
the grants of options under the Long Term 
Incentive Plan.

Responsible for reviewing the size and 
composition of the Board and considering 
succession planning, making recommendations 
for Board appointments as and when they arise.

24

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Independence

Board Committees 

In accordance with best practice, the Group has established Audit, 
Remuneration and Nomination Committees with written terms 
of reference for each which deal with their authorities and duties. 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee is chaired by Alex Stevenson with Natalie 
Walter as an additional member. The Committee normally meets 
twice a year and is responsible for reviewing and monitoring: 

 z The Annual Report and Accounts, preliminary and interim 

results, and statements of the Group: 

 | the appropriateness of accounting policies and the critical 

judgements and estimates; 

 | the relevance of developments in accounting and 

reporting requirements; 

 | the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management 

systems; and 

 | the auditor’s plan for the year-end audit. 

 z The formal engagement terms, performance, objectivity 
and independence of the auditors, including the extent 
of non-audit work undertaken by the auditors; and 

 z The audit and non-audit fees of the auditors. These are set out 

in note 5 to the financial statements. 

The Audit Committee reports to the Board on its activities and 
recommendations. The Committee has recommended to the 
Board that a resolution reappointing KPMG LLP as external 
auditors be put to the shareholders at the AGM. 

C4XD prides itself on honesty, integrity and high professional 
standards, and a framework of internal policies and procedures 
has been established to clarify these standards. The Audit 
Committee is responsible for ensuring that any concerns raised 
through the Company’s Whistleblowing Policy are followed up 
in an effective and timely manner, to address any areas where 
conduct or activities fall short of expectation.

The Board considers that two Non-Executive Directors, Harry 
Finch and Natalie Walter, together with the Non-Executive 
Chairman, Eva-Lotta Allan, bring an independent judgement 
to bear. The Board does not consider Alex Stevenson to be 
independent: he is a Director of Aquarius, and holds shares (8%) 
in Aquarius Equity Holdings Ltd. The Aquarius IV Fund LLP 
remains a major shareholder with C4XD. However, the Board 
believes that the contribution of Alex is in the best interests of 
the Company and all of its shareholders.

No Non-Executive Director has been an employee of the Group; 
has had a material business relationship with the Group; receives 
remuneration other than a Director’s fee and share options (save 
as disclosed); has close family ties with any of the Group’s advisers, 
Directors or senior employees; or holds cross-directorships. 

The Board is aware of the other commitments of its Directors 
and changes to these commitments must be reported to the 
Board. The Group has effective procedures in place to deal 
with conflicts of interest; the Directors are not permitted to 
participate in any vote in which they have a conflict of interest, 
and in most cases, they should not contribute to discussions 
involving such interests.

Also under procedure, the Group has adopted a model code for 
Directors’ dealings in securities of the Group which is appropriate 
for a company quoted on AIM. The Directors comply with Rule 21 
of the AIM Rules relating to Directors’ and applicable employees’ 
dealings. All share purchases, sales and grant of options are 
disclosed in the Shareholding RNS releases and are published 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 28 to 30 of 
the Annual Report.

Professional development

On appointment, each Director takes part in an induction 
programme in which they receive comprehensive information 
about the Group, and the role of the Board and the matters 
reserved for its decision, the terms of reference and membership 
of the Board and Committees and the powers delegated to 
those Committees, the Group’s corporate governance practices 
and procedures, including the powers reserved to the Group’s 
most senior executives, and the latest financial information 
about the Group. Throughout their period in office the Directors 
are updated on the Group’s business, the competitive environment 
in which it operates, corporate social responsibility matters and 
other changes affecting the Group and the industry it operates 
in as a whole.

The Directors are given access to independent professional 
advice at the Group’s expense, when the Directors deem it is 
necessary in order for them to carry out their responsibilities.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

25

Corporate governance statement continued

Board Committees continued

Nomination Committee 

The Nomination Committee comprises Alex Stevenson, who is 
Chair of the Committee, and Eva-Lotta Allan. The Committee is 
responsible for identifying and nominating, for the approval of 
the Board, candidates to fill Board vacancies as and when they 
arise. The Committee meets as required; other Directors may 
attend the meetings at the Committee’s invitation and third-party 
advice may be sought where appropriate.

Succession planning is regarded by the Board as vitally 
important for the future success of the business. The Nomination 
Committee considers the balance of skills, knowledge and 
experience on the Board and makes recommendations for 
change where appropriate. The whole Board reviews the 
objective criteria against which potential candidates will be 
measured to ensure the Board composition remains diverse, 
appropriate and balanced. 

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee comprises Natalie Walter, who is 
Chair of the Committee, and Harry Finch. The Committee may 
invite anyone it deems appropriate to attend and advise at 
meetings. Meetings are held at least twice a year.

The Committee is responsible for establishing a formal and 
transparent procedure for developing policy on Executive 
remuneration and for setting the remuneration of the Directors 
and certain senior managers, as well as reviewing the 
performance of the Executive Directors of the Group. The 
Remuneration Committee takes into account the remuneration 
practices adopted in similar businesses and best practice in 
other AIM-listed businesses as well as in the general market.

The overall policy of the Board is to ensure that Executive 
management are provided with appropriate incentives to 
encourage enhanced performance and are, in a fair and 
responsible manner, rewarded for their contribution to the 
success of the Group, including, where appropriate, bonuses, 
pension contributions and the award of share options. 

The Board as a whole is responsible for approving the 
recommendations made by the Remuneration Committee. 
No Director may be involved in any discussion relating to 
their own remuneration.

Board meetings

The Board meets at least six times a year, with Audit, Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee meetings being held as required.

The number of Board and Committee meetings attended by 
each of the Directors during the year is shown below.

The Board is satisfied that both the Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors devote sufficient time to the Company’s business through 
attendance at relevant Board and Committee meetings throughout 
the year.

The Board receives appropriate and timely information prior to 
each meeting, with a formal agenda and Board and Committee 
papers being distributed several days before meetings take 
place. From time to time, these papers are supplemented by 
information specifically requested by the Directors. Any Director 
may challenge Group proposals and decisions are taken 
democratically after discussion. Any Director who feels that a 
concern remains unresolved may ask for that concern to be 
noted in the minutes of the meeting. Any specific actions arising 
from such meetings are agreed by the Board and then followed 
up by management. Minutes of Board and Committee meetings 
are circulated to all Board members.

The Group maintains, for its Directors and Officers, liability 
insurance for any claims against them in that capacity.

Performance evaluation

The Board has implemented a structured and rigorous process 
for the evaluation of its own performance, that of its Committees 
and individual Directors, including the Chairman. A performance 
evaluation questionnaire is completed by each member of the 
Board to explore whether:

 z the Board is suitably equipped to explore strategic, financial 

performance, operational and governance matters;

 z sufficient challenge is given to the Executive Directors in their 

leadership of the Company; and

 z Board and Committee meetings were conducted and 

administrated effectively.

Full Board

Audit 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

6

6
6
6

6
6
6
6

2

—
—
—

—
—
2
2

0

—
—
—

0
—
0
—

4

—
—
—

—
4
—
4

Number of meetings in year

Executive Directors
Clive Dix
Brad Hoy
Craig Fox
Non-Executive Directors
Eva-Lotta Allan
Harry Finch
Alex Stevenson
Natalie Walter

26

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

The Chairman consolidates the responses, highlighting 
significant improvements or deteriorations in any area, leading 
to actions being agreed for any areas requiring improvement.

Additionally, annual appraisals of the Executive Directors take 
place; the appraisal of the Chief Executive Officer is performed 
by the Chairman and the appraisal of the other Executive 
Directors is performed by the Chief Executive Officer. The 
performance appraisals assess how effectively the Executive 
Directors are leading the organisation to deliver results in the 
short and longer term, considering their strategic planning, 
people management and relationships, financial management 
and conduct of business. The appraisal will conclude by summarising 
the goals for the coming year, job-related strengths and plans to 
strengthen performance.

The Non-Executive Directors appraise the Chairman’s 
performance after consultation with the other Directors.

Internal controls and risk management 

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of 
internal controls, including reviewing the effectiveness of these 
controls and the processes in place for risk management. The 
role of the Executive Directors is to implement the Board’s 
policies on risk and control and provide assurance on 
compliance with these policies. 

Listed below are some key features of the internal control system: 

i) 

ii) 

 annual budgets and rolling forecasts are reviewed 
and approved by the Board;

 monthly management accounts information is compared and 
reconciled with budgets; 

iii)   the Group has written operational, accounting 

and employment policies in place;

iv)   the Board actively identifies and evaluates the risks inherent 
in the business and ensures that appropriate controls and 
procedures are in place to manage these risks; 

v) 

 the Group has well established financial reporting and 
approval systems and procedures which cover all key 
transactional processes and Group commitments; and

vi)  the Group has a uniform system of investment appraisal. 

Details of the technical, product, market and operational risks 
of the business are disclosed in the Strategic Report. 

Business risks are monitored and updated on a regular basis. 
Insurance is in place where appropriate. 

Details of the Group’s financial risk management objectives and 
policies are disclosed in note 26 to the financial statements. 

The Directors do not consider that the business is, at this time, 
significantly exposed to credit or interest risk and as such these 
risks are not considered to be material for an assessment of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and results. 

The Group seeks to manage liquidity by ensuring funds are 
available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets 
safely and profitably. The Group had cash and cash equivalents 
of £5.6 million at 31 July 2020 (2019: £2.4m). Cash deposits are 
spread across a range of financial institutions with investment 
grade credit status. Deposits are invested in a mixture of 
fixed-term and notice accounts. The Board approves all financial 
institutions before deposits are placed and regularly reviews the 
level of funds allocated to each institution.

Investor relations

The Board believes that maintaining regular and transparent 
dialogue with shareholders is important in order to ensure that 
there is a clear understanding of strategic objectives, financial 
and operational performance and governance of the Group.

The Chairman and other Non-Executive Directors are available 
to shareholders to discuss strategy and governance issues 
at a shareholder’s request. In accordance with AIM Rule 26, 
there is an Investors section on the Group’s website, 
https://www.c4xdiscovery.com, which is kept up to date. 
Information is provided regarding our business, results and 
financial performance, investor news and copies of our 
Annual Reports and Accounts.

Annual General Meeting (“AGM”)

The Board actively encourages participation at the AGM, which 
is the principal forum for dialogue with shareholders. The Notice 
of AGM and Form of Proxy are issued with the Annual Report 
and are made available on the Company website. At the AGM, 
separate resolutions will be proposed for each substantially 
different issue. The outcome of the voting on AGM resolutions 
is disclosed by means of an announcement on the London 
Stock Exchange.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

27

Directors’ remuneration report

As a company listed on AIM, the Group is not required by the 
Companies Act 2006 to prepare a Directors’ Remuneration 
Report. The Board has, however, provided certain information 
in relation to the remuneration policy of the Group as set out 
in this report. 

Basic annual salary 

The base salary is reviewed annually. The review process is 
undertaken by the Remuneration Committee and takes into 
account several factors, including the current position and 
development of the Group, individual contributions and 
market salaries for comparable organisations.

Other taxable benefits 

The Group provides an occupational pension scheme for employees, 
including Directors. The Group provides a private health insurance 
scheme for employees, including Executive Directors, as a benefit 
in kind, along with critical illness insurance. 

The Group does not provide any other taxable benefits for Executives.

Discretionary annual bonus 

All Executive Directors and employees are eligible for a 
discretionary annual bonus. This takes into account individual 
contribution, business performance and technical and 
commercial progress, along with financial results. 

Discretionary share option schemes 

All Directors and employees are eligible to receive discretionary 
share options to be granted in accordance with the Group’s 
approved share option scheme. Details of the grants made 
under the scheme are provided in note 20 to the financial 
statements. This takes into account the need to motivate and 
retain key individuals. Details of share option grants made to 
Directors are shown in the table on page 30. 

Remuneration policy for Non-Executive Directors 

Non-Executives receive a fixed fee and are eligible to receive 
pension payments or other benefits and to participate in the share 
option scheme at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. 

Service contracts 

Eva-Lotta Allan (Non-Executive Chairman) entered into a letter of 
appointment with the Group on 4 July 2018. The appointment will 
continue for an initial term of three years (subject to re-election by 
shareholders as required by the Articles) and is terminable earlier 
by the Group in various specified circumstances and in any event 
by either party on three months’ notice.

Harry Finch (Non-Executive Director) entered into a letter of 
appointment with the Company on 17 October 2014. The 
appointment will continue for a period of three years from 
admission to the AIM market (subject to re-election by 
shareholders as required by the Articles) and is terminable 
earlier by the Group in various specified circumstances and in 
any event by either party on six months’ notice. 

In addition to his duties as a Non-Executive Director, Harry Finch 
acts as a consultant on certain technical matters, for which he is 
remunerated at the rate of £1,500 per day (2019: £1,500 per day), 
which the Board (excluding Harry Finch) has determined to be 
an arm’s length commercial rate. 

Alex Stevenson (Non-Executive Director) entered into a letter 
of appointment with the Group on 17 October 2014. The 
appointment will continue for a period of three years from 
admission to the AIM market (subject to re-election by 
shareholders as required by the Articles) and is terminable 
earlier by the Group in various specified circumstances and 
in any event by either party on six months’ notice. 

Natalie Walter (Non-Executive Director) entered into a letter of 
appointment with the Group on 4 July 2018. The appointment will 
continue for an initial period of three years (subject to re-election 
by shareholders as required by the Articles) and is terminable 
earlier by the Group in various specified circumstances and in 
any event by either party on three months’ notice. 

28

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Directors’ shareholdings 

Directors’ interests in the shares of the Group, including family and beneficial interests, at 31 July 2020 were: 

Ordinary shares of 1p each

31 July 
2020
Number

 31 July 
2020
%

31 July 
2019
Number

 31 July 
2019
%

Eva-Lotta Allan
Clive Dix
Brad Hoy
Craig Fox
Harry Finch
Alex Stevenson*
Natalie Walter

—
1,588,920
—
14,538
388,098
485,403
66,666

—

—
1.30% 1,455,586
—
7,183
321,425
485,403
—

—
0.01%
0.30%
0.40%
0.10%

—
2.52%
—
0.01%
0.56%
0.84%
—

* 

 Alex Stevenson’s interest is by way of shares held on his behalf by Aquarius Equity Partners Limited and his participation in The Aquarius Origin Fund Co-investment LLP and The 
Aquarius IV Fund Co-investment LLP.

Directors’ remuneration 

The remuneration of the Directors, who served on the Board of C4X Discovery Holdings plc during the year to 31 July 2020, is as follows:

Table 1

Executive Directors
Clive Dix
Brad Hoy
Craig Fox

Non-Executive Directors
Eva-Lotta Allan
Harry Finch*
Alex Stevenson**
Natalie Walter

31 July 2019 comparative

Table 2

Executive Directors
Clive Dix
Brad Hoy
Craig Fox

Non-Executive Directors
Eva-Lotta Allan
Harry Finch*
Alex Stevenson**
Natalie Walter

Base salary 
& fees
£000

Other
£000

Annual 
bonus
£000

Pension 
costs
£000

Benefits
 in kind
£000

Gain on 
exercise of 
options
£000

162
152
129

80
30
16
30

599

—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—

—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—

—
1
16

1
—
—
1

19

—
—
2

—
—
—
—

2

—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—

Base salary 
& fees
£000

Other
£000

Annual 
bonus
£000

Pension 
costs
£000

Benefits
 in kind
£000

Gain on 
exercise of 
options
£000

159
148
126

76
30
15
30

584

—
—
—

—
2
—
—

2

—
11
11

—
—
—
—

22

—
1
16

—
—
—
—

17

—
—
2

—
—
—
—

2

—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—

Total
£000

162
153
147

81
30
16
31

620

Total
£000

159
160
155

76
32
15
30

627

*  Harry Finch’s other earnings comprise remuneration in connection with the services he provided as a technical consultant.

**  Alex Stevenson’s remuneration takes the form of monitoring fees paid to Aquarius Equity Partners Limited.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

29

 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Directors’ share options 

Directors’ interests in share options to acquire ordinary shares of 1 pence in the Group as at 31 July 2020 were:

Share options

Clive Dix

Harry Finch
Brad Hoy

Craig Fox

Date granted

8 Jun 2015
8 Dec 2015
16 Oct 2018
29 Nov 2019
28 Jul 2020
8 Jun 2015
23 Nov 2016
16 Oct 2018
29 Nov 2019
28 Jul 2020
8 Jun 2015
1 Feb 2017
16 Oct 2018
29 Nov 2019
28 Jul 2020

Exercise 
price

At 31 July 
2019

Exercised 
during 
the year

£1.00
£0.77
£0.892
£0.162
£0.16
£1.00
£1.05
£0.892
£0.162
£0.16
£1.00
£0.91
£0.892
£0.162
£0.16

20,000
125,000
50,000
—
—
20,000
300,000
50,000
—
—
150,000
50,000
50,000
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

Replaced 
during 
the year

(20,000)
(125,000)
(50,000)
—
195,000
—
(300,000)
(50,000)
—
350,000
(150,000)
(50,000)
(50,000)
—
250,000

Granted 
during 
the year

At 31 July 
2020

—
—
—
250,000

—
—
—
250,000
— 195,000
20,000
—
—
—
—
—
250,000
250,000
— 350,000
—
—
—
—
—
—
250,000
250,000
— 250,000

The options granted on 8 June 2015 were exercisable at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted.

The options granted on 8 December 2015 were exercisable, subject to meeting certain performance criteria, at any time between 
three years and 10 years of them being granted.

The options granted on 23 November 2016 were exercisable at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted.

The options granted on 1 February 2017 were exercisable at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted.

The options granted on 16 October 2018 were exercisable at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted.

The options granted on 29 November 2019 are exercisable at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted.

The options granted on 28 July 2020 are exercisable at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. 

On 28 July 2020, a number of unexpired existing share options were cancelled and reissued to staff and Directors. The regrant 
brought the strike price of the share options into line with the current market price of the Company’s shares and should now deliver 
a viable incentive and reward package to the employees and Directors of the Company. 

The market price for C4XD shares as at 31 July 2020 was 18.5 pence per share; the highest and lowest prices during the year 
were 47.0 pence and 8.0 pence respectively.

No options were granted during the year below market value. 

Natalie Walter 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
9 December 2020

30

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Directors’ report

The Directors present their report and the audited financial 
statements for the Group and parent company for the year 
ended 31 July 2020.

Details of shares under option are provided in note 20 to the 
financial statements.

Financial instruments

Details of the Group’s financial risk management objectives and 
policies are disclosed in note 26 to the financial statements.

Research and development

The principal activity of the Group is research and development 
through the identification, assessment and validation of Drug 
Discovery targets ahead of early commercial partnering or 
initiation of a C4XD Drug Discovery programme to develop a 
small molecule for future out-licensing. In addition, we work in 
collaboration with partners to access expertise and technologies 
complementary to our own. A review of which is included in the 
Chairman’s and CEO’s Statements on pages 8 to 12.

Total research and development spend was £6,858,000 
(2019: £10,585,000). No development expenditure was 
capitalised in the period (2019: £nil) for the reasons provided 
in note 3(f) to the accounts.

Dividends

The Directors do not recommend payment of an ordinary 
dividend (2019: £nil).

Share capital and funding

As at 31 July 2020 share capital comprised 119.2 million 
ordinary shares of 1p each (2019: 57.8 million ordinary shares) 
and 2.0 million deferred shares of £1 each (2019: 2.0 million 
shares). Full details of the Group’s and Company’s share capital 
movements during the period are given in note 19 to the 
financial statements.

During November 2020, £15.0m (before expenses) was raised 
via a placing of 99,169,286 ordinary shares and an open offer 
for 7,973,572 ordinary shares at 14 pence each.

Directors and their interests

The following Directors held office throughout the year: 

Ms Eva-Lotta Allan
Dr Harry Finch
Dr Alex Stevenson
Ms Natalie Walter
Dr Clive Dix
Mr Brad Hoy
Dr Craig Fox

Biographies of the Directors can be found on pages 18 and 19.

Details of Directors’ remuneration and interests in the share 
capital of the Group are shown in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 28 to 30. 

No Director had an interest in any contract that was significant 
in relation to the Group’s business at any time during the year.

Directors are subject to re-election at intervals of not more than 
three years.

Directors’ indemnity insurance

The Group has maintained insurance throughout the year for 
its Directors and Officers against the consequences of actions 
brought against them in relation to their duties for the Group. 
Such provision remains in force as at the date of approval of the 
Directors’ Report.

Substantial shareholders

The Company is aware that the following had an interest in 3% 
or more of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company 
at 31 July 2020 and following the placing and open offer on 
11 November 2020 respectively:

Mr Richard I Griffiths (Guernsey)
Polar Capital (London)
Lombard Odier Asset Mgt (London)
Baillie Gifford & Co (Edinburgh)
Calculus Capital (London)
Octopus Investments (London)
Canaccord Genuity Wealth Mgt (Jersey)
Canaccord Genuity Wealth Mgt (London)
Aquarius Equity Partners (Manchester)

*  This includes notifications of major interests in shares received by 9 December 2020.

30 Nov 2020
No shares*

41,044,547
35,000,000
22,610,411
14,314,028
9,510,331
9,300,000
8,173,171
7,501,521
7,156,161

31 Jul 2020
No shares

%

18.1
—
15.5 16,000,000
—
10.0
5,028,328
6.3
4.2
9,510,331
4.1 10,000,000
4,888,888
3.6
7,501,521
3.3
8,772,672
3.2

%

—
13.4
—
4.2
8.0
8.4
4.1
6.3
7.4

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

31

Directors’ report continued

Donations

Disclosure of information to the auditor

No charitable or political donations were made in the year 
(2019: £nil).

The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this 
Directors’ Report confirm that:

 z  so far as they are each aware there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware; and

 z each Director has taken all the steps that they ought to have 
taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Group’s auditor is 
aware of that information.

Auditor

Ordinary resolutions to reappoint KPMG LLP as auditor and to 
authorise the Directors to agree its audit fee will be proposed 
at the forthcoming AGM.

AGM notice

The AGM of the Company will be held on 19 January 2021. 
The notice convening the AGM which will confirm the details of 
the AGM format, together with an explanation of the resolutions 
to be proposed at the meeting, is contained in the Notice of 
Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Clive Dix
Chief Executive Officer
9 December 2020

C4X Discovery Holdings PLC
Manchester One
53 Portland Street
Manchester
M1 3LD

Employment policies

The Company handbook summarises the policies and working 
practices to be adopted by all employees in the Company. The 
Board is committed to providing a safe working environment 
and has a clear and robust Health and Safety Policy. 

The Company also has a Whistleblowing Policy to allow staff to 
raise any concerns in confidence. Additionally, the Company has 
policies in Bioethics, Data Processing, Anti-corruption and 
Bribery, Dignity at Work, Equal Opportunities and Social 
Networking, which highlight the expected behaviours of staff.

The Group supports the employment of disabled people where 
possible through recruitment, by retention of those who become 
disabled and generally through training, career development 
and promotion.

The Group is committed to keeping employees as fully informed 
as possible with regard to the Group’s performance and prospects 
and seeks their views, wherever possible, on matters which affect 
them as employees.

Corporate governance statement

The Group’s statement on corporate governance can be found 
in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 24 to 27.

Going concern

The Chairman’s and CEO’s Statements on pages 8 to 12 outline 
the business activities of the Group along with the factors which 
may affect its future development and performance. The Group’s 
financial position is discussed in the Financial Review on page 12 
along with details of its cash flow and liquidity. Note 26 to the 
financial statements sets out the Group’s financial risks and the 
management of those risks. 

Having prepared management forecasts and made appropriate 
enquiries, the Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate 
resources for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they have 
continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
Group and Company financial statements. Please also refer 
to the disclosures made in note 2c. 

32

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the parent company and enable them to 
ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal control as they 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such 
steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of 
the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic Report and a Directors’ 
Report that complies with that law and those regulations. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation 
in other jurisdictions.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Group and parent company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and 
parent company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange they are 
required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by 
the EU (“IFRSs as adopted by the EU”) and applicable law and 
they have elected to prepare the parent company financial 
statements on the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and 
of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the 
Group and parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

 z select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently; 

 z make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant 

and reliable; 

 z state whether they have been prepared in accordance with 

IFRSs as adopted by the EU; 

 z assess the Group and parent company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to 
going concern; and 

 z use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

33

Independent auditor’s report
to the members of C4X Discovery Holdings plc

1. Our opinion is unmodified

 z the parent Company financial 

We have audited the financial statements of 
C4X Discovery Holdings plc (“the Company”) 
for the year ended 31 July 2020 which 
comprise the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the Consolidated 
statement of changes in equity, the 
Consolidated and Company statements 
of financial position, the Consolidated and 
Company statements of cash flows, and the 
related notes, including the accounting 
policies in note 1.

In our opinion:

 z the financial statements give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and 
of the parent Company’s affairs as at 
31 July 2020 and of the Group’s loss 
for the year then ended;

 z the group financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European 
Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU);

Overview

statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the EU and as applied 
in accordance with the provisions of 
the Companies Act 2006; and

 z the financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance 
with International Standards on Auditing 
(UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities are described below. 
We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities 
under, and are independent of the Group 
in accordance with, UK ethical requirements 
including the FRC Ethical Standard as 
applied to listed entities. We believe 
that the audit evidence we have obtained 
is a sufficient and appropriate basis for 
our opinion.

Materiality: group financial statements 
as a whole

£75,000 (2019: £73,000)

0.8% (2019: 0.5%) of total expenses

Coverage

100% (2019: 100%) of total expenses

Key audit matters 

vs 2019

Recurring risks

Going concern

Recoverability of group goodwill 
and intangible assets and the 
parent’s investment in and loans 
to subsidiaries 

34

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

2. Key audit matters: including our assessment of risks of material misstatement 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements 
and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including 
those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts 
of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in 
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In arriving at our audit opinion above, 
the key audit matters, in decreasing order of significance, were as follows:

The risk

Our response

Going Concern 

Disclosure quality: 

Our procedures included: 

Refer to page 44 
(financial 
disclosures). 

The financial statements explain how the 
Directors have formed a judgement that it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
preparation for the Group and parent Company.

That judgement is based on an evaluation of 
the inherent risks to the Group’s and Company’s 
business model and how those risks might affect 
the Group’s and parent Company’s financial 
resources or ability to continue operations over a 
period of at least a year from the date of approval 
of the financial statements.

The risks most likely to adversely affect the Group’s 
and parent Company’s available financial resources 
over this period were:

 z The forecast level of overhead expenses; and

 z The value and timing of receipts from research 

and development tax credits.

There are also less predictable but realistic 
second order impacts, such as the impact of 
COVID which could result in a reduction of 
available financial resources.

The risk for our audit was whether or not those 
risks were such that they amounted to a material 
uncertainty that may have cast significant doubt 
about the ability to continue as a going concern. 
Had they been such, then that fact would have 
been required to have been disclosed.

The risk has reduced compared to prior year as a 
result of the funds raised post year end providing 
larger cash headroom compared to the prior year.

 z Historical comparisons: Considered the Group’s 
historical budgeting accuracy, by assessing actual 
performance against budget and analysing the 
Group’s explanations for variances between actual 
and budgeted results.

 z Key dependency assessment: Assessed the Group’s 
cash flow forecasts to identify key inputs for further 
enquiry. The key inputs included the forecast level 
of overhead expenses and the value and timing 
of receipt of research and development tax credits.

 z Sensitivity analysis: Considered sensitivities over the 
level of available financial resources indicated by the 
Group’s financial forecasts taking account of severe 
but plausible downside sensitivities that could arise 
including a delay to the receipt of the research and 
development tax credit receipt.

 z Our sector experience: Used our experience of the 
sector to challenge management’s assumptions over 
these key inputs.

 z Assessing transparency: Assessed the completeness 

and accuracy of the matters covered in the going concern 
disclosure by assessing the reasonableness of the risks 
and uncertainties specified by the disclosure against our 
findings from our evaluation of the directors’ assessment 
of going concern.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

35

Independent auditor’s report continued
to the members of C4X Discovery Holdings plc

2. Key audit matters: including our assessment of risks of material misstatement continued

Recoverability of 
group goodwill 
and intangibles 
assets and 
the parent’s 
investment in 
and loans to 
subsidiaries

(Group £1.4m; 
2019: £1.5m) 
(Parent £36.2m; 
2019: £2.6m)

Refer to page 50 
(financial 
disclosures).

The risk

Our response

Forecast based assessment: 

Our procedures included: 

Goodwill and intangible assets in the group and 
the parent’s investment in and loans to subsidiaries 
are at significant risk of impairment due to the 
current loss making position of the group. The 
estimated recoverable amount is subjective due 
to the inherent uncertainty involved in forecasting 
and discounting future cash flows.

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our 
risk assessment, we determined that the value in 
use of goodwill and intangible assets and the 
parent’s investment in and loans to subsidiaries 
has a high degree of estimation uncertainty, with 
a potential range of reasonable outcomes greater 
than our materiality for the financial statements 
as a whole, and possibly many times that amount.

The financial statements (notes 11-13) disclose the 
sensitivity estimated by the Group/Parent Company.

 z Our sector experience: Critically assessed the 

reasonableness of the key assumptions being timing 
of signing future license deals, upfront and milestone 
licence payments discount rate in comparison to 
external and internal evidence.

 z Sensitivity analysis: Performed breakeven analysis 
on each of the key assumptions being timing of 
signing future licence deals, upfront and milestone 
licence payments and discount rate.

 z Comparing valuations: Compared the sum of 

the discounted cash flows to the group’s market 
capitalisation to assess the reasonableness of 
those cash flows.

 z Assessing transparency: Assessed whether the 

group and parent company’s disclosures describing 
the sensitivity of the impairment assessment to 
changes in key assumptions accurately reflect the 
risks inherent in the group’s valuation of goodwill and 
intangible assets and the parent company’s valuation 
of investment in and loans to subsidiaries. 

We continue to perform procedures over the impact of uncertainties due to Brexit. However, following further analysis of the impact 
on Brexit on the Group we have not assessed this as one of the most significant risks in our current year audit and, therefore, it is not 
separately identified in our report this year.

36

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS3. Our application of materiality and 
an overview of the scope of our audit 

Materiality for the group financial 
statements as a whole was set at £75,000 
(2019: £73,000, 2018: £73,000), determined 
with reference to a benchmark of total 
expenses (of which it represents 0.8% 
(2019: 0.5%, 2018: 0.75%)). We consider 
total expenses to be the most appropriate 
benchmark as it provides a more stable 
measure year on year than group loss 
before tax.

Materiality for the parent company 
financial statements as a whole was set 
at £42,000 (2019: £60,000) representing 
component materiality. In 2020, this is 
lower than the materiality we would 
otherwise have determined by reference 
to parent company total assets, and 
represents 0.1% (2019: 2.3%) of the 
Company’s total assets.

We agreed to report to the Audit 
Committee any corrected or uncorrected 
identified misstatements exceeding 
£3,750, in addition to other identified 
misstatements that warranted reporting 
on qualitative grounds.

Of the group’s two (2019: two) reporting 
components, one of which is the parent 
company, we subjected two (2019: two) to 
full scope audits for group purposes using 
component materialities that ranged from 
£42,000 to £70,000 (2019: £60,000 to 
£70,000) having regard to the mix of size 
and risk profile of the group across the 
components. The group audit team 
performed the audit of both components.

The components within the scope of our 
work accounted for the percentages 
illustrated opposite.

STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Total Expenses

£9.6m

(2019: £13.6m)

Group Materiality

£75,000

(2019: £73,000)

99+

£75,000

Whole financial statements 
materiality (2019: £73,000)

£70,000

Range of materiality at two 
components (£42,000–£70,000)
(2019: £60,000–£70,000)

 Total expenses

 Group materiality

£3,750

Misstatements reported to the 
audit committee (2019: £3,650)

Group loss before tax 

100%
(2019: 100%)

100+
100+

100
100

100
100

Group total expenses

100%
(2019: 100%)

100+
100+
100+
100+

100%
(2019: 100%)

Group total assets

100
100

  Full scope for group audit purposes 2020

  Full scope for group audit purposes 2019

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

37

I
I
I
I
I
I
1
+
I
Independent auditor’s report continued
to the members of C4X Discovery Holdings plc

4. We have nothing to report 
on going concern 

The Directors have prepared the financial 
statements on the going concern basis 
as they do not intend to liquidate the 
Company or the Group or to cease their 
operations, and as they have concluded 
that the Company’s and the Group’s 
financial position means that this is 
realistic. They have also concluded that 
there are no material uncertainties that 
could have cast significant doubt over 
their ability to continue as a going 
concern for at least a year from the date 
of approval of the financial statements 
(“the going concern period”).

Our responsibility is to conclude on 
the appropriateness of the Directors’ 
conclusions and, had there been a 
material uncertainty related to going 
concern, to make reference to that in 
this audit report. However, as we cannot 
predict all future events or conditions 
and as subsequent events may result 
in outcomes that are inconsistent with 
judgements that were reasonable at the 
time they were made, the absence of 
reference to a material uncertainty in this 
auditor’s report is not a guarantee that 
the Group and the Company will 
continue in operation.

We identified going concern as a key 
audit matter (see section 2 of this report). 
Based on the work described in our 
response to that key audit matter, we 
are required to report to you if we have 
concluded that the use of the going 
concern basis of accounting is 
inappropriate or there is an undisclosed 
material uncertainty that may cast 
significant doubt over the use of that 
basis for a period of at least a year 
from the date of approval of the 
financial statements.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

5. We have nothing to report on the 
other information in the Annual Report 

The directors are responsible for the other 
information presented in the Annual Report 
together with the financial statements. 
Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information and, 
accordingly, we do not express an audit 
opinion or, except as explicitly stated 
below, any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

38

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

Our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider 
whether, based on our financial statements 
audit work, the information therein is 
materially misstated or inconsistent with 
the financial statements or our audit 
knowledge. Based solely on that work we 
have not identified material misstatements 
in the other information.

Strategic report and directors’ report 

Based solely on our work on the 
other information: 

 z we have not identified material 

misstatements in the strategic report 
and the directors’ report;

 z in our opinion the information given in 
those reports for the financial year is 
consistent with the financial statements; 
and

 z in our opinion those reports have been 

prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

6. We have nothing to report on 
the other matters on which we are 
required to report by exception 

Under the Companies Act 2006, we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 z adequate accounting records have not 
been kept by the parent Company, or 
returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

 z the parent Company financial 

statements are not in agreement with 
the accounting records and returns; or

 z certain disclosures of directors’ 

remuneration specified by law are not 
made; or

 z we have not received all the information 
and explanations we require for our audit.

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

7. Respective responsibilities 

Directors’ responsibilities 

As explained more fully in their statement 
set out on page 33, the directors are 
responsible for: the preparation of the 
financial statements including being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view; such internal control as they 
determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that 
are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error; assessing 

the Group and parent Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to going 
concern; and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless they either 
intend to liquidate the Group or the 
parent Company or to cease operations, 
or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial 
statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error, and to issue our opinion in 
an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance, but does not 
guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it 
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud 
or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the 
basis of the financial statements.

A fuller description of our responsibilities 
is provided on the FRC’s website at  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

8. The purpose of our audit work and 
to whom we owe our responsibilities 

This report is made solely to the 
Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work 
has been undertaken so that we might 
state to the Company’s members those 
matters we are required to state to them 
in an auditor’s report and for no other 
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 
by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the 
Company and the Company’s members, 
as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Anna Barrell 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants  
One Snowhill
Snowhill Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6GH
9 December 2020

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 July 2020

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Research and development expenses
Administrative expenses

Operating loss
Finance income
Finance costs

Loss before taxation
Taxation 

Notes

4

5
7
7

8

2020
£000

—
—

—
(6,858)
(2,708)

(9,566)
5
(18)

(9,579)
1,790

2019
£000

—
—

—
(10,585)
(3,052)

(13,637)
15
—

(13,622)
2,710

Loss for the year and total comprehensive loss for the year

(7,789)

(10,912)

Loss per share
Basic and diluted loss for the year

9  

(8.10)p  

(18.82)p

The loss for the year arises from the Group’s continuing operations and is attributable to the equity holders of the parent.

There were no other items of comprehensive income for the year (2019: £nil) and therefore the loss for the year is also the total 
comprehensive loss for the year. 

The basic and diluted loss per share are the same as the effect of share options issued is anti-dilutive.

The notes on pages 44 to 68 form an integral part of these financial statements.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

39

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 July 2020

At 31 July 2018
Loss for the year and total comprehensive 
loss for the year

Issue of share capital
Expenses of placing
Share-based payments

Transactions with owners

At 31 July 2019
Impact of change in accounting policy

At 31 July 2019 adjusted
Loss for the year and total comprehensive 
loss for the year

Issue of share capital 
Expenses of placing
Share-based payments

Transactions with owners

Issued
equity
capital
£000

2,490

—

112
—
—

112

2,602
—

2,602

—

614
—
—

614

Share
premium
£000

22,844

—

9,978
(566)
—

9,412

32,256
—

32,256

—

8,598
(547)
—

8,051

Share-based
payment
reserve
£000

509

—

—
—
227

227

736
—

736

—

—
—
206

206

Merger
reserve
£000

920

Capital 
contribution
reserve
£000

Revenue
reserve
£000

195

(18,784)

Total
£000

8,174

—

—
—
—

—

920
—

920

—

—
—
—

—

—

—
—
—

—

195
—

195

—

—
—
—

—

(10,912)

(10,912)

—
—
—

—

(29,696)
(28)

10,090
(566)
227

9,751

7,013
(28)

(29,724)

6,985

(7,789)

(7,789)

—
—
—

—

9,212
(547)
206

8,871

At 31 July 2020

3,216

40,306

942

920

195

(37,513)

8,066

The notes on pages 44 to 68 form an integral part of these financial statements.

40

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 July 2020

At 31 July 2018
Loss for the year and total comprehensive loss for the year

Issue of share capital 
Expenses of placing
Share-based payments

Transactions with owners

At 31 July 2019
Impact of change in accounting policy

At 31 July 2019 adjusted
Profit for the year and total comprehensive profit for the year

Issue of share capital 
Expenses of placing
Share-based payments

Transactions with owners

At 31 July 2020

Issued
equity
capital
£000

2,490
—

112
—
—

112

2,602
—

2,602
—

614
—
—

614

Share
premium
£000

22,844
—

9,978
(566)
—

9,412

32,256
—

32,256
—

8,598
(547)
—

8,051

Share-based
payment
reserve
£000

480
—

—
—
227

227

707
—

707
—

—
—
206

206

Revenue
reserve
£000

—
(32,987)

—
—
—

—

(32,987)
—

(32,987)
24,752

—
—
—

—

Total
£000

25,814
(32,987)

10,090
(566)
227

9,751

2,578
—

2,578
24,752

9,211
(547)
206

8,871

3,216

40,306

913

(8,235)

36,200

The notes on pages 44 to 68 form an integral part of these financial statements.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

41

Statements of financial position
at 31 July 2020 

Assets
Non-current assets
Tangible fixed assets
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Investments in and loans to subsidiaries

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Income tax asset
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other liabilities
Lease liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued equity capital
Share premium
Share-based payment reserve
Merger reserve 
Capital contribution reserve
Revenue reserve

Total equity 

31 July
2020
Group
£000

31 July
2020
Company
£000

31 July
2019
Group
£000

31 July
2019
Company
£000

Notes

10
11
12
13

14
15
16

17
18

18

19
19
20
21
22
23

424
157
1,192

—
—
—
—   36,200

1,773   36,200

438
1,780
5,648

7,866

—
—
—

—

9,639   36,200

1,166
189

1,355

218

218

1,573

—
—

—

—

—

—

8,066   36,200

78
295
1,192
—

1,565

641
4,076
2,383

7,100

8,665

1,652
—

1,652

—

—

1,652

7,013

3,216
40,306
942
920
195
(37,513)

3,216
40,306
913
—
—
 (8,235)

2,602
32,256
736
920
195
(29,696)

—
—
—
2,578

2,578

—
—
—

—

2,578

—
—

—

—

—

—

2,578

2,602
32,256
707
—
—
(32,987)

8,066   36,200

7,013

2,578

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 9 December 2020.

The notes on pages 44 to 68 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Clive Dix
Chief Executive Officer
9 December 2020

Registered number: 09134041

42

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Cash flow statements
for the year ended 31 July 2020

(Loss)/profit after interest and tax
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Amortisation of intangible assets

Reversal of impairment of investments in and loans to subsidiaries 
Share-based payments
Finance income
Finance costs
Taxation
Changes in working capital:

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Cash outflow from operating activities
Research and development tax credit received

Net cash outflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Increase in investment in and loans to subsidiaries
Purchases of tangible fixed assets
Finance income

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of lease liabilities
Proceeds from issues of ordinary share capital
Expenses of share capital issue

31 July
2020
Group
£000

31 July
2020
Company
£000

31 July
2019
Group
£000

31 July
2019
Company
£000

Notes

(7,789)  

 24,752

(10,912)

(32,987)

10
10
11

19
7
24

14
17

10
7

24
19
19

45
302
138

—  

206
(5)
18
(1,790)

203
(486)

(9,158)
4,086

(5,072)

—
—
—

(24,752)
—
—
—
—

53
—
138

—
227
(15)
—
(2,710)

—
—

—
—

(253)
786

(12,686)
—

—
—
—

32,987
—
—
—
—

(9,525)
—

(9,525)
—

(12,686)

(9,525)

(8,664)
—
—

—

(14)
5

(9)

(48)
15

(33)

—
—

—

(319)
9,212
(547)

—
9,211
(547)

—
10,090
(566)

—
10,090
(566)

Net cash inflow from financing activities

8,346

8,664

9,524

9,524

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

3,265
2,383

5,648

Cash, cash equivalents and deposits at the end of the year

16

5,648

—
—

—

—

(3,195)
5,578

2,383

2,383

(1)
1

—

—

The notes on pages 44 to 68 form an integral part of these financial statements.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

43

 
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 July 2020

1. Reporting entity 

C4X Discovery Holdings plc (the “Company”) is an AIM listed company incorporated, registered and domiciled in England and 
Wales within the UK.

These Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ”Group” 
and individually as ”Group entities”) for the year ended 31 July 2020.

The financial statements of the Company and the Group for the year ended 31 July 2020 were authorised for issue by the Board of 
Directors on 9 December 2020 and the statement of financial position was signed on the Board’s behalf by Clive Dix.

The Company has elected to take the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent company’s 
statement of comprehensive income. The parent company’s profit for the year ended 31 July 2020 was £24,752,000 (2019: loss of £32,987,000).

The significant accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out in note 3.

2. Basis of preparation

(a) Statement of accounting compliance

The Group’s and parent company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union (“IFRS”) and International Financial Reporting Committee (“IFRIC”) interpretations 
as they apply to the financial statements of the Group for the period ended 31 July 2020.

(b) Basis of measurement 

The Company and Group financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.

The methods used to measure fair values of assets and liabilities are discussed in the respective notes in note 3 below.

(c) Going concern 

Notwithstanding a consolidated operating loss for the year ended 31 July 2020 of £9.6 million (2019: £13.6 million), revenues of 
£nil (2019: £nil) and net cash used in operating activities of £5.1 million (2019: £12.7 million), the Directors have prepared both the 
consolidated and Company financial statements on a going concern basis, which the Directors believe to be appropriate for the 
following reasons.

The Board has prepared cash flow forecasts for the period to 31 July 2022, being 19 months from the date of signing the financial 
statements, including consideration of a severe but plausible downside scenario which takes into consideration the anticipated 
impact of COVID-19. The downside sensitivity considered reflects a delay of six months in the receipt of forecast research and 
development tax credits from HMRC. 

The Group completed a £14.5 million fundraising with new and existing investors in November 2020. The base case and sensitised 
cash flow forecasts, which include this fundraise but assume no revenue generation during the forecast period, show that the Group 
and Company have sufficient cash resources to meet their liabilities as they fall due during the forecast period. 

The Board have a reasonable expectation they will be able to raise further equity or debt financing to support their ongoing research 
activities if required. The Board also have a reasonable expectation that a new licencing deal will be signed and that a further milestone 
payment on the Orexin-1 contract will be achieved within the forecast period, although there can be no guarantees that either of 
these events will occur, and they are not reflected in the Board’s base case or sensitised cash flow forecasts. 

The Group has cash and cash equivalents at 31 July 2020 of £5.6 million (2019: £2.4 million) and at 30 November 2020 had cash 
resources of £17.3 million. In the event that a cash shortfall arises in the forecast period, the Board consider they are able to take 
reasonable mitigating action, which includes but is not limited to a reduction in expenditure on certain discretionary research 
programmes to focus purely on commercialising earlier stage drug molecules, and reducing other discretionary administrative 
expenditure, which would enable the Group and Company to continue to operate within its existing cash resources during the 
forecast period without the need for additional funding. 

The Directors have considered the potential impact of Brexit and consider the risk to be minimal.

Based on the above factors the Board are satisfied that the Group and Company have adequate resources to enable the Group 
and Company to continue discharging their liabilities and realising their assets for at least 12 months from the date of approval 
of these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group and Company 
financial statements.

(d) Functional and presentational currency 

These financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, which is also the functional currency of the Company and its 
subsidiaries. All financial information presented has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

44

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

2. Basis of preparation continued

(e) Use of judgements and estimates 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgements that affect the amounts reported 
for assets and liabilities as at the reporting date and the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year. The nature of 
estimation means that actual amounts could differ from those estimates. Estimates and judgements used in the preparation of the 
financial statements are continually reviewed and revised as necessary. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

Judgements

Judgements made in applying the Group’s accounting policies that have the most significant impact on the amounts recognised 
in the financial statements are:

Research and development

Careful judgement by the Directors is applied when deciding whether the recognition requirements for capitalisation of research and 
development costs have been met. In particular, judgement is required over whether technical viability is proven and whether economic 
benefits will flow to the entity. The Directors consider that these factors are uncertain until such time as commercial supply agreements are 
considered likely to be achieved. Judgements are based on the information available at each reporting date which includes the progress with 
testing and certification and progress on, for example, establishment of commercial arrangements with third parties. In addition, all internal 
activities related to research and development of new products are monitored by the Directors. Further information is included in note 3.

Estimates

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets 
and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Revenue contracts

The determination of the transaction price requires judgement over whether the variable consideration in a contract with a customer is 
constrained. If the variable consideration is judged to be constrained then an estimate is required of the amount of the variable consideration 
to be included within the transaction price. The key variables giving rise to the estimation uncertainty for the Group are the achievement of 
milestones by the licensee as set out within the licence agreement and described in note 4. The Group has fulfilled all performance 
obligations under the licenced Orexin-1 receptor antagonist. The variable consideration for the Group’s licensed Orexin-1 receptor antagonist 
is currently estimated to be constrained to £nil; however, the range of possible outcomes is from £nil to £216 million (US$284 million).

Intangible fixed assets and goodwill

The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment. The Group also tests other intangible assets for impairment 
when indicators of impairment arise. The potential recoverable amounts of intangible fixed assets and goodwill have been determined 
based on a value in use model. These calculations require the use of estimates both in arriving at the expected future cash flows and 
the application of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of these flows. The assumptions used and related 
sensitivity analysis in these calculations are included in notes 11 and 12. 

Investments in and loans to subsidiaries

The recoverable amount of investments in subsidiaries are tested for impairment when indicators of impairment arise. The potential 
recoverable amounts have been determined based on a value in use model. These calculations require the use of estimates both in 
arriving at the expected future cash flows and the application of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of 
these flows. The assumptions and related sensitivity analysis in these calculations are included in note 13.

Loans to subsidiaries are tested for impairment using an expected credit loss model. This requires estimation of the probability of 
default, the exposure at default and the loss given default in order to calculate the expected credit loss of the loans to subsidiaries. 

3. Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies set out below are consistent with those of the previous financial year and are applied consistently by Group entities. 

(a) Basis of consolidation

The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of C4X Discovery Holdings plc and the entities it controls 
(its subsidiaries) drawn up to 31 July each year. 

All business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on 
which control is transferred to the Group. 

The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

 z the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus 

 z the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus

 z the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less

 z the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

45

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(a) Basis of consolidation continued

Transaction costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group 
incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

Subsidiaries are all entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. All C4X 
Discovery Holdings plc’s subsidiaries are 100% owned. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date control passes.

All intragroup transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on 
consolidation. Subsidiaries’ accounting policies are amended where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted 
by the Group.

(b) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the spot rate ruling at the date of 
the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency rate 
of exchange ruling at the reporting date. All differences are taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

(c) Segmental reporting

An operating segment is a component of an entity that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur 
expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the entity’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about 
resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. As 
at the reporting date the Group operated with only a single segment.

(d) Revenue

Revenue from right-to-use licences is recognised at the point in time that the performance condition is satisfied which is when the 
licence agreement is signed by both parties as this is the date that the customer can begin to use and benefit from the licence. 

The transaction price is determined as the consideration the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange for licensing the IP to the 
customer. It includes variable consideration only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of 
cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. 
The Group updates the estimated transaction price at the end of each year based on the circumstances present at the end of that 
year and accounts for any change in transaction price in the period in which the change occurs. 

The royalties based on sales of drugs are recognised in revenue when the subsequent sale occurs. 

The Group has no revenues in either the current or prior year. 

Revenues received from development programmes are recognised on a straight-line basis over the period that the development 
work is being performed as measured by contractual milestones. Revenue is not recognised where there is uncertainty regarding 
the achievement of such milestones and where either revenue has not been paid, or where the customer has the right to recoup 
advance payments. 

(e) Government grants

Government grants are recognised when it is reasonable to expect that the grants will be received and that all related conditions are 
met, usually on submission of a valid claim for payment. 

Government grants of a revenue nature are deducted from research and development expenses in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income in line with the terms of the underlying grant agreement.

Government grants relating to capital expenditure are deducted in arriving at the carrying amount of the asset.

(f) Research and development

Research costs are charged in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as they are incurred. Development costs will 
be capitalised as intangible assets when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group. Such intangible assets will 
be amortised on a straight-line basis from the point at which the assets are ready for use over the period of the expected benefit, 
and will be reviewed for impairment at each reporting date based on the circumstances at the reporting date.

The criteria for recognising expenditure as an asset are:

 z it is technically feasible to complete the product;

 z management intends to complete the product and use or sell it;

 z there is an ability to use or sell the product;

 z it can be demonstrated how the product will generate probable future economic benefits; 

 z adequate technical, financial and other resources are available to complete the development, use and sale of the product; and

 z expenditure attributable to the product can be reliably measured.

46

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(f) Research and development continued

Development costs are currently charged against income as incurred since the criteria for their recognition as an asset are not met.

The Group utilises the government’s R&D tax credit scheme for all qualifying UK R&D expenditure. The credits are accounted for 
under IAS 12, and presented in the profit and loss as a deduction from current tax expense to the extent that the entity is entitled 
to claim the credit in the current reporting period. 

(g) IFRS 16 Leases (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 Leases from 1 August 2019. 

IFRS 16 introduced a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees. As a result, the Group, as a lessee, has recognised 
right-of-use assets representing its rights to use the underlying assets and lease liabilities representing its obligation to make lease 
payments. Lessor accounting remains similar to previous accounting policies, however, the Group does not act as a lessor.

As a lessee

The Group initially applied IFRS 16 Leases from 1 August 2019. The Group applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective 
approach, under which the cumulative effect of initial application is recognised in retained earnings at 1 August 2019. Accordingly, 
the comparative information presented for 2019 is not restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 and related interpretations. 
The details of the changes in accounting policies are disclosed below. Additionally, the disclosure requirements in IFRS 16 have not 
generally been applied to comparative information.

On transition to IFRS 16, the Group elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which transactions are 
leases. The Group applied IFRS 16 only to contracts that were previously identified as leases. Contracts that were not identified as 
leases under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 were not reassessed for whether there is a lease under IFRS 16. Therefore, the definition of a lease 
under IFRS 16 was applied only to contracts entered into or changed on or after 1 August 2019.

As a lessee, the Group leases assets including property and IT equipment. The Group previously classified leases as operating or finance 
leases based on its assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the 
underlying asset to the Group. The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. 
The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease 
payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle 
and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives 
received. Under IFRS 16, the Group recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most of these leases. At commencement or 
on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease 
component on the basis of its relative stand-alone price. However, for leases of property the Group has elected not to separate 
non-lease components and account for the lease and associated non-lease components as a single lease component.

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the 
lease term, unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost of the 
right-of-use asset reflects that the Group will exercise a purchase option. In that case the right-of-use asset will be depreciated over 
the useful life of the underlying asset, which is determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the 
right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.

Leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17 

Previously, the Group classified property leases as operating leases under IAS 17. On transition, for these leases, lease liabilities 
were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate as at 
1 August 2019. 

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:

 z Fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments;

 z Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement 

date; and

 z Lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option and penalties for 

early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in 
future lease payments arising from a change in index or rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable under 
a residual value guarantee, or as appropriate in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension option is reasonably certain to 
be exercised or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

47

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(g) IFRS 16 Leases (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019) continued

Leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17 continued

Right-of-use assets are measured at either: their carrying amount as if IFRS 16 had been applied since the commencement date, 
discounted using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application – the Group applied this approach to its 
largest property lease; or an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments 
– the Group applied this approach to all other leases. The Group has tested its right-of-use assets for impairment on the date of 
transition and has concluded that there is no indication that the right-of-use assets are impaired. 

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

The Group used a number of practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 to leases previously classified as operating leases under 
IAS 17. In particular, the Group did not recognise right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases of low value assets (e.g. IT equipment); 
excluded initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application; and used hindsight 
when determining the lease term.

Impacts on transition

On transition to IFRS 16, the Group recognised right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, recognising the difference in retained 
earnings. The impact on transition is summarised below.

Right-of-use assets – property, plant and equipment
Lease liabilities
Retained earnings

1 August 2019

432
(460)
(28)

When measuring lease liabilities for leases that were classified as operating leases, the Group discounted lease payments using its 
incremental borrowing rate at 1 August 2019. The weighted average rate applied is 4.25%.

Operating lease commitments
Discounted lease payments
Right-of-use assets

(h) Finance income

1 August 2019

668
(236)
432

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested. Interest income is recognised as interest accrues using the effective 
interest rate method.

(i) Income tax

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered 
from, or paid to, the tax authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or 
substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their 
carrying amounts in the financial statements with the following exceptions:

 z where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a 

business combination, that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss; and

 z in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries where the timing of the reversal of the temporary 

differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis using the tax rates and tax laws that have been 
enacted or substantially enacted by the reporting date and which are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is 
realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
differences can be utilised. An asset is not recognised to the extent that the transfer or economic benefits in the future are uncertain.

48

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(j) Tangible fixed assets

Owned assets

Property, plant and equipment assets are recognised initially at cost. After initial recognition, these assets are carried at cost less any 
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of 
any other consideration given to acquire the asset and includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating 
as intended.

Leased assets

Policy applicable before 1 August 2019

Assets funded through finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts are capitalised as tangible fixed assets where the Group 
assumes substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at the lower 
of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Future instalments under such leases, net of financing costs, 
are included within interest bearing loans and borrowings. Rental payments are apportioned between the finance element, which 
is included in finance costs, and the capital element, which reduces the outstanding obligation for future instalments so as to give 
a constant charge on the outstanding obligation. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rental charges are 
charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Lease incentives are credited to the profit 
and loss account on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

Legal fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of a leasehold interest are capitalised as other assets within fixed assets. 
These costs are amortised over the life of the lease.

Policy applicable from 1 August 2019

Assets funded through finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts and those previously classified as operating leases are now 
recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position under IFRS 16 Leases as a right-of-use asset. Note (g) illustrates the 
recognition and subsequent measurement of leased assets under IFRS 16.

Depreciation is computed by allocating the depreciable amount of an asset on a systematic basis over its useful life and is applied 
separately to each identifiable component.

The following bases and rates are used to depreciate classes of assets:

Building improvements 

Office equipment, fixtures and fittings  

Right-of-use assets  

– 

– 

– 

straight-line over remainder of lease period 

straight-line over three years

straight-line from the commencement date to the end of the lease term

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying value may not be recoverable, and are written down immediately to their recoverable amount. Useful lives and residual 
values are reviewed annually and where adjustments are required these are made prospectively.

A property, plant and equipment item is derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from 
the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on the derecognition of the asset is included in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income in the period of derecognition.

(k) Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired either as part of a business combination or from contractual or other legal rights are recognised separately 
from goodwill provided they are separable and their fair value can be measured reliably. This includes the costs associated with 
acquiring and registering patents in respect of intellectual property rights.

Where intangible assets recognised have finite lives, after initial recognition their carrying value is amortised on a straight-line basis over 
those lives. The nature of those intangibles recognised and their estimated useful lives are as follows:

Patents 

IP assets   

Software   

(l) Goodwill

– 

– 

– 

straight-line over 20 years

straight-line over five years

straight-line over five years

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not amortised 
but is tested annually for impairment.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

49

 
 
 
 
 
3. Significant accounting policies continued

(m) Impairment of assets

At each reporting date the Group reviews the carrying value of its plant, equipment, intangible assets and goodwill to determine 
whether there is an indication that these assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, or when annual 
impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group makes an assessment of the asset’s recoverable amount.

An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use 
and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those 
from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered 
impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted 
to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, an appropriate valuation model is used, these calculations 
are corroborated by valuation multiples, or other available fair value indicators. Impairment losses on continuing operations are 
recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in those expense categories consistent with the function of 
the impaired asset.

An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognised impairment losses 
may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. A previously recognised 
impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount 
since the last impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable 
amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had 
no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income unless the asset is carried at revalued amount, in which case the reversal is treated as a valuation increase. 
After such a reversal the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any 
residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

The carrying values of plant, equipment, intangible assets and goodwill as at the reporting date have not been subjected to 
impairment charges.

(n) Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries are stated in the Company’s statement of financial position at cost less provision for any impairment.

(o) Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables, which generally have 30 to 60 day terms, are measured at amortised cost. Loss allowances for trade receivables 
are measured at an amount equal to a lifetime expected credit loss (“ECL”). Lifetime ECLs are the ECLs that result from all possible 
default events over the expected life of the receivables. ECLs are a probability weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are 
measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls. The gross carrying amount of trade receivables are written off to the extent that 
there is no realistic prospect of recovery.

(p) Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and cash on deposit

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at hand and deposits with maturities of three months or less. Short-term investments 
and cash on deposit comprise deposits with maturities of more than three months, but no greater than 12 months.

(q) Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are initially recognised at fair value. They are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

(r) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event and it is probable 
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made 
of the amount of the obligation.

The expense relating to any provision is presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, net of any expected 
reimbursement, but only where recoverability of such reimbursement is virtually certain.

Provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risk specific to the liability. Where discounting 
is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

There were no provisions at 31 July 2020 (2019: £nil).

50

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(s) Financial instruments

i) Recognition and initial measurement

At the year end, the Group had no financial assets or liabilities designated at fair value through the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income (2019: £nil).

Trade receivables and debt securities are initially recognised when they are originated. All other financial assets and liabilities are 
initially recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions in the instrument.

A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component) or a financial liability is initially measured 
at fair value plus, for items not measured at fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”), transaction costs that are directly attributable 
to its acquisition or issue. A trade receivable without a significant financing component is measured at the transaction price.

ii) Classification and subsequent measurement

Financial assets

On initial recognition a financial instrument is classified as measured at: amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive 
income (“FVOCI”) or FVTPL. Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Group changes 
its business model for managing financial assets.

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it meets both the following conditions and is not designated as FVTPL:

 z it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

 z its contractual terms give rise on a specified date to cash flows that are solely the payment of principal and interest on the 

principal outstanding.

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent 
changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment by investment basis.

Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The amortised 
cost is reduced by impairment losses.

Financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortised cost or FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as FVTPL if it is held-for-
trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense is recognised in profit or loss.

At the year end, the Group had no financial assets or liabilities designated at FVOCI (2019: £nil).

(t) Share capital

Proceeds on issue of shares are included in shareholders’ equity, net of transaction costs. The carrying amount is not remeasured 
in subsequent years.

(u) Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions are measured with reference to the fair value at the date of grant, recognised on 
a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest. Fair value is measured 
using a suitable option pricing model.

At each reporting date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period 
has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions and the number of equity 
instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous reporting date is recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, 
the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is 
recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference 
between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the 
modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative.

Where awards are granted to the employees of a subsidiary company, the fair value of the awards at grant date is recorded in the 
Company’s financial statements as an increase in the value of the investment with a corresponding increase in equity via the 
share-based payment reserve.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

51

3. Significant accounting policies continued

(v) Defined contribution pension scheme

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group 
in an independently administered fund. The amounts charged against profits represent the contributions payable to the scheme in 
respect of the accounting period.

(w) New accounting standards and interpretations 

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been endorsed by the EU and are effective for 
annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2020 or ending 31 July 2021 or thereafter and have not been applied in preparing 
these consolidated financial statements and those are summarised below. None of these are expected to have a significant effect on 
the consolidated financial statements of the Group in the period of initial application.

The following standards and interpretations have an effective date after the date of these financial statements. 

Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations 

EU effective date

1 January 2020

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 17: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (issued on 26 September 2019) 

1 January 2020

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material

1 January 2020

Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards (issued on 29 March 2018)

1 January 2020

(x) Research partnerships

The costs and revenues related to research partnerships are shared between the parties in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

4. Revenue

Revenue from contracts with customers

Revenue recognised at a point in time
– Right-to-use licence revenue
– Joint development agreements
Revenue recognised over time

Total revenue

Receivable balances in respect of contracts with customers are as follows:

Trade receivables

2020
£000

2019
£000

—
—
—

 —

2020
£000

—

—
—
—

 —

2019
£000

—

There were no contract asset or liability balances related to contracts with customers at either the current or prior year end. 
No amounts were recognised in revenue in the year that were recorded in contract liabilities in the prior year. 

Impairment losses recognised on receivables arising from contracts with customers are £nil (2019: £nil).

Typical payment terms are 60 days after the occurrence of the relevant milestone.

Revenue relates to the Group’s only reportable segment and arises in the UK. The Group had no revenue during the current 
financial year (2019: £nil).

52

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

5. Operating loss

The Group

Operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (see note 10)
Depreciation on right-of-use assets (see note 10)
Amortisation of tangible assets (see note 11)
Interest on lease liabilities
Research and development expense*
Grant income
Rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases for:
Land and buildings

Auditor’s remuneration
Audit services:
– Fees payable to Company auditor for the audit of the parent and the consolidated accounts
Fees payable in respect of the audit of subsidiary companies:
– Auditing the accounts of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
– Other services

Total auditor’s remuneration

* 

Included within research and development expense are staff costs totalling £2,335,000 (2019: £2,685,000) also included in note 6.

6. Staff costs and numbers

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
Share-based payments

Directors’ remuneration (including benefits in kind) included in the aggregate remuneration 
above comprised:
Emoluments for qualifying services

31 July 
2020
£000

31 July 
2019
£000

45
302
138
18
6,858
(34)

53
—
138
—
10,585
(443)

—

142

52

26
22

100

50

25
6

81

31 July 
2020
£000

31 July 
2019
£000

2,725
304
428
206

3,665

3,273
411
394
227

4,305

620

627

Directors’ emoluments (excluding social security costs, but including benefits in kind) disclosed above include £162,000 paid to 
the highest paid Director (2019: £160,000). 

Retirement benefits are accruing to two Directors (2019: two Directors).

The average number of employees during the year (including Directors) was as follows:

The Group

Directors
Technological staff
Administrative staff

31 July 
2020
Number

31 July 
2019
Number

7
32
7

46

7
34
7

48

Additional information on the emoluments and compensation, including cash or non-cash benefits, of the Directors, together with 
information regarding the share options of the Directors, and details of contributions paid to a pension scheme on their behalf, 
is included within Tables 1 and 2 on page 29, which forms part of these audited financial statements.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

53

7. Finance income and costs

The Group

Finance income
Bank interest receivable

Interest on lease liabilities

8. Income tax

The tax credit is made up as follows:

The Group

Current income tax
UK corporation tax on losses in the year
Research and development income tax credit receivable
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Total current income tax

The tax assessed for the year varies from the standard rate of corporation tax as explained below:

The Group

Loss before taxation

Tax at standard rate of 19% (2019: 19%)
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Movement in unprovided net deferred tax asset
Research and development tax credit receivable, net of R&D relief surrendered
Share options exercised (CTA 2009 Pt 12 deduction)
Tax losses carried forward/(utilised) for which no deferred tax asset is recognised
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Tax credit in income statement

31 July 
2020
£000

31 July 
2019
£000

5

5

18

18

15

15

—

—

31 July 
2020
£000

31 July 
2019
£000

(1,780)
(10)

(2,700)
(10)

(1,790)

(2,710)

31 July
2020
£000

31 July
2019
£000

(9,459)

(13,622)

(1,797)

(2,588)

1
69
(760)
—
707
(10)

4
(7)
(1,165)
(4)
1,060
(10)

(1,790)

(2,710)

The Group has accumulated losses available to carry forward against future trading profits. The estimated value of the deferred tax 
asset, measured at a standard rate of 19% (2019: 17%) is £3,265,000 (2019: £2,287,000), of which £nil (2019: £nil) has been recognised. 
Tax losses have not been recognised as an asset as it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
unused tax losses can be utilised.

The Group also has a deferred tax liability being accelerated capital allowances, for which the tax, measured at a standard rate 
of 19% (2019: 17%) is £24,000 (2019: £49,000).

The Group has a deferred tax asset for share-based payments, for which the tax, measured at a standard rate of 19% (2019: 17%), 
is £179,000 (2019: £125,000). 

The net deferred tax asset of £155,000 (2019: £76,000) has not been recognised.

54

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

9. Earnings per share

The Group

Loss for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders

Weighted average number of shares
Ordinary shares in issue

Basic loss per share (pence)

31 July
2020
£000

31 July
2019
£000

(7,790)

(10,912)

96,123,309

57,978,890

(8.10)

(18.82)

Basic and diluted loss per share are the same as the effect of share options issued is anti-dilutive.

10. Tangible fixed assets

The Group

Cost
At 31 July 2018
Additions
Disposals

At 31 July 2019
Recognition of right-of-use assets

Adjusted balance at 31 July 2019
Additions
Disposals

At 31 July 2020

Depreciation
At 31 July 2018
Provided during the year
Eliminated on disposal

At 31 July 2019
Recognition of right-of-use assets

Adjusted balance at 31 July 2019
Provided during the year
Eliminated on disposal

At 31 July 2020

Net book value

At 31 July 2020

At 31 July 2019

Office 
equipment, 
fixtures 
and fittings
£000

Building
 improvements
£000

Right-of-use
 assets
£000

188
48
—

236
—

236
13
—

249

117
46
—

163
—

163
40
—

203

46

73

38
—
—

38
—

38
—
—

38

26
7
—

33
—

33
5
—

38

—

5

—
—
—

—
432

432
248
(137)

543

—
—
—

—
—

—
302
(137)

165

378

—

Total
£000

226
48
—

274
730

706
261
(137)

830

143
53
—

196
—

196
347
(137)

406

424

78

The Company has no property, plant and equipment.

The Company adopted IFRS 16 as at 1 August 2019 and therefore now recognises right-of-use assets with respect to its property leases.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

55

11. Intangible assets

The Group

Cost
At 31 July 2018
Additions

At 31 July 2019
Additions

At 31 July 2020

Amortisation
At 31 July 2018
Provided during the year

At 31 July 2019
Provided during the year

At 31 July 2020

Net book value

At 31 July 2020

At 31 July 2019

Patents
£000

IP assets
£000

Software
£000

Total
£000

138
—

138
—

138

45
8

53
8

61

77

85

600
—

600
—

600

290
120

410
120

530

70

190

50
—

50
—

50

20
10

30
10

40

10

20

788
—

788
—

788

355
138

493
138

631

157

295

Patents are amortised on a straight-line basis over 20 years. Amortisation provided during the period is recognised in administrative 
expenses. The Group does not believe that any of its patents in isolation are material to the business.

IP assets and software are amortised on a straight-line basis over five years. Amortisation provided during the period is recognised in 
administrative expenses. 

The recoverable amount of goodwill and intangible assets for the Group financial statements are determined by a value in use calculation. 
This calculation takes into account cash flows from expected future licence agreements at each expected contract milestone, and the 
costs incurred in securing those licence agreements, discounted to present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 25% (2018: 25%). 
The cash flows are projected until 2034 which reflects the early stage of a number of the research programmes and the time period 
over which cash inflows are expected to occur. The model includes expected licence agreements in relation to the Group’s four core 
research programmes, with initial payments assumed for prudent modelling purposes by FY23 along with additional milestone 
payments on the Orexin-1 licence agreement. 

The key assumptions used in the net present value calculation are the timing of signing future licence agreements, the upfront and 
milestone licence payments and the discount rate used. These assumptions have been benchmarked against the Group’s own experience 
of such deals and external sources of information within the industry. The model does not assume any future royalties are received.

The recoverable amount exceeds the carrying value of the combined intangible assets and goodwill by £34.9 million.

The key assumptions considered most sensitive for the net present value calculations are those regarding the timing of signing future 
licence agreements and the value of up front and milestone licence payments. The sensitivity analysis shows that all licensing opportunities 
could slip by 10 years before an impairment is triggered and all except one of the Group’s licensing opportunities could fail compared to 
the base case before an impairment would be triggered. No impairment charge was recorded during the period.

The Company has no intangible assets.

56

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

12. Goodwill

The Group

Cost

Purchased 
goodwill
£000

Total
£000

At 31 July 2018, 31 July 2019 & 31 July 2020

1,192

1,192

Impairment
At 31 July 2018
Provided during the year

At 31 July 2019
Provided during the year

At 31 July 2020

Net book value

At 31 July 2020

At 31 July 2019

—
—

—
—

—

—
—

—
—

—

1,192

1,192

1,192

1,192

Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s only cash-generating unit (“CGU”) which is the UK operations. 

Management assesses goodwill for impairment annually. 

The recoverable amount of goodwill and intangible assets for the Group financial statements are determined by a value in use calculation. 
This calculation takes into account cash flows from expected future licence agreements at each expected contract milestone, and the 
costs incurred in securing those licence agreements, discounted to present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 25% (2018: 25%). 
The cash flows are projected until 2034 which reflects the early stage of a number of the research programmes and the time period 
over which cash inflows are expected to occur. The model includes expected licence agreements in relation to the Group’s four core 
research programmes, with initial payments assumed for prudent modelling purposes by FY23 along with additional milestone 
payments on the Orexin-1 licence agreement. 

The key assumptions used in the net present value calculation are the timing of signing future licence agreements, the upfront and 
milestone licence payments and the discount rate used. These assumptions have been benchmarked against the Group’s own experience 
of such deals and external sources of information within the industry. The model does not assume any future royalties are received.

The recoverable amount exceeds the carrying value of the combined intangible assets and goodwill by £34.9 million.

The key assumptions considered most sensitive for the net present value calculations are those regarding the timing of signing future 
licence agreements and the value of up front and milestone licence payments. The sensitivity analysis shows that all licensing opportunities 
could slip by 10 years before an impairment is triggered and all except one of the Group’s licensing opportunities could fail compared 
to the base case before an impairment would be triggered. No impairment charge was recorded during the period.

The Company has no goodwill.

13. Investment in and loans to subsidiaries

The Company

At 31 July 2019
Cash advance to subsidiary
(Impairment charge)/reversal of past impairments
Increase in respect of share-based payments

At 31 July 2020

By subsidiary

C4X Discovery Limited
C4X Drug Discovery Limited
Adorial Limited

At 31 July 2020

Total
£000

2,578
8,664
24,752
206

36,200

36,200
—
—

36,200

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

57

 
13. Investment in and loans to subsidiaries continued

Subsidiary undertakings

Country of incorporation

Principal activity

Class of shares held

C4X Discovery Limited*
C4X Drug Discovery Limited**
Adorial Limited*
Adorial Technologies Limited*
Adorial Pharma Limited*

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

Research and development
Dormant company
Dormant company
Dormant company
Dormant company

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

31 July 
2020

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

*  The registered office address is Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3LD.

**  The registered office address is C/O Schofield Sweeney Springfield House, 76 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2AY.

There are no formal terms for the repayment of inter-company loans, none of which bear interest and all of which are repayable on 
demand however the Directors do not expect this amount to be settled within the next 12 months therefore have classified this as 
a non-current receivable.

The recoverable amount of investments in subsidiaries in the parent company financial statements are determined by a value in 
use calculation. This calculation takes into account cash flows from expected future licence agreements at each expected contract 
milestone, and the costs incurred in securing those licence agreements, discounted to present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 
25% (2018: 25%). The cash flows are projected until 2034 which reflects the early stage of a number of the research programmes and 
the time period over which cash inflows are expected to occur. The model includes expected licence agreements in relation to the 
Group’s four core research programmes, with initial payments assumed for prudent modelling purposes by FY23 along with 
additional milestone payments on the Orexin-1 licence agreement.

The key assumptions used in the value in use calculation are the timing of signing future licence agreements, the upfront and milestone 
licence payments and the discount rate used. These assumptions have been benchmarked against the Company’s own experience 
of such deals and external sources of information within the industry. The model does not assume any future royalties are received.

The recoverable amount of loans to subsidiaries is determined by using an expected credit loss model which takes into account the 
probability of default, the exposure at default and the loss given default. The Directors have also considered the value in use of the 
Group. The model demonstrates that the combined recoverable amount of the investments in and loans to subsidiaries is £36.2m 
which has resulted in a net impairment reversal of £24.8m. The carrying amount of the investment in and loans to subsidiaries is 
sensitive to assumptions about the future.

The gross amounts granted to the subsidiary, before impairment, are £2.8m of investment and £41.7m of loans. 

14. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Prepayments
Inter-company short-term loan to subsidiary
VAT receivables

31 July 
2020
Group
£000

31 July 
2020
Company
£000

31 July 
2019
Group
£000

31 July
 2019
Company
£000

14
329
—
95

438

—
—
—
—

—

31
377
—
233

641

—
—
—
—

—

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value. 

There were no revenue-related contract assets or liabilities (2019: £nil).

All trade receivables are denominated in Sterling. 

15. Income tax asset

Research and development income tax credit receivable

58

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

31 July 
2020
Group
£000

31 July 
2020
Company
£000

1,780

1,780

—

—

31 July 
2019
Group
£000

4,076

4,076

31 July 
2019
Company
£000

—

—

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

16. Cash, cash equivalents and deposits

Cash and cash equivalents

31 July
 2020
Group
£000

5,648

5,648

31 July 
2020
Company
£000

—

—

31 July 
2019
Group
£000

2,383

2,383

31 July 
2019
Company
£000

—

—

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 July 2020 include deposits with original maturity of three months or less of £nil (2019: £nil).

An analysis of cash, cash equivalents and deposits by denominated currency is given in note 24.

17. Trade and other payables

Current payables
Other payables
Accruals

18. Lease liabilities

Current liabilities
Lease liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities

31 July 
2020
Group
£000

31 July 
2020
Company
£000

31 July 
2019
Group
£000

31 July 
2019
Company
£000

558
134
474

1,166

—
—
—

—

671
88
893

1,652

—
—
—

—

31 July 
2020
Group
£000

31 July 
2020
Company
£000

31 July 
2019
Group
£000

31 July 
2019
Company
£000

189

189

218

218

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

When measuring lease liabilities for leases that were classified as operating leases, the Group discounted lease payments using its 
incremental borrowing rate at 1 August 2019. The weighted average rate applied is 4.25%.

At 31 July 2019
Operating lease commitments 
Adoption of IFRS 16
Cash outflow
New leases 
Fair value movement recorded in finance costs

At 31 July 2020

£000

—
668
(208)
(319)
248
18

407

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

59

Total
£000

25,334
10,000
89
(566)
1

Total
£000

25,334
10,000
89
(566)
1

19. Issued equity capital

The Company

Deferred 
shares
Number

Ordinary 
shares
Number

Share 
capital
£000

Deferred 
shares
£000

Share 
premium
£000

Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p
At 31 July 2018
Issue of share capital on placing
Issue of share capital on open offer
Expenses of placing and open offer
Shares issued on exercise of options

At 31 July 2019

Issue of share capital on placing
Issue of share capital on open offer
Issue of share capital on subscription by Directors
Expenses of placing, open offer and subscription 
by Directors

2,025,000

46,555,087
— 11,111,111
99,563
—
—
—
26,875
—

2,025,000

57,792,636

— 57,303,367
3,907,141
—
200,000
—

—

—

465
111
1
—
—

577

573
39
2

—

2,025
—
—
—
—

22,844
9,889
88
(566)
1

2,025

32,256

34,858

—
—
—

—

8,022
547
28

8,595
586
30

(547)

(547)

Ordinary and deferred shares at 31 July 2020

2,025,000

119,203,144

1,191

2,025

40,306

43,522

The Group

Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p
At 31 July 2018
Issue of share capital on placing
Issue of share capital on open offer
Expenses of placing and open offer
Shares issued on exercise of options

At 31 July 2019

Issue of share capital on placing
Issue of share capital on open offer
Issue of share capital on subscription by Directors
Expenses of placing, open offer and subscription by Directors

Share
 capital
£000

Deferred 
shares
£000

Share
 premium
£000

465
111
1
—
—

577

573
39
2
—

2,025
—
—
—
—

22,844
9,889
88
(566)
1

2,025

32,256

34,858

—
—
—
—

8,022
547
28
(547)

8,595
586
30
(547)

Ordinary and deferred shares at 31 July 2020

1,191

2,025

40,306

43,522

During November 2019, £7.6 million (before expenses) was raised via a placing of 46,466,667 ordinary shares, a subscription by 
Directors for 200,000 ordinary shares and an open offer for 3,907,141 ordinary shares at 15 pence each.

During November 2020 £15.0 million (before expenses) was raised via a placing of 99,169,286 ordinary shares and an open offer for 
7,973,572 ordinary shares at 14 pence each.

The deferred shares of £1 carry no right to participate in dividends in respect of any financial year, until there shall have been paid to 
the holders of the ordinary shares £1 per ordinary share in respect of the relevant financial year; subject thereto, the deferred shares 
and the ordinary shares shall rank equally in respect of any further dividends in respect of the relevant financial year as if they 
constituted one class of share.

60

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

£000

509
227

736
206

942

 £000

480
227

707
 206

913

20. Share-based payment reserve

The Group 

At 31 July 2018
Share-based payments 

At 31 July 2019 
Share-based payments

At 31 July 2020 

The Company

At 31 July 2018
Share-based payments 

At 31 July 2019 
Share-based payments 

At 31 July 2020 

The share-based payment reserve accumulates the corresponding credit entry in respect of share-based payment charges. 
Movements in the reserve are disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. 

A charge of £206,000 has been recognised in the statement of comprehensive income for the year (2019: £227,000). This includes 
£427 of incremental fair value on replacement of options, £152,508 relating to the original options which were replaced, with the 
balance of the charge in respect of new options issued during the year.

On 28 July 2020, a number of unexpired existing share options were cancelled and reissued to staff and Directors. The regrant 
brought the strike price of the share options into line with the current market price of the Company’s shares and should now deliver 
a viable incentive and reward package to the employees and Directors of the Company. The fair value of the replacement options is 
greater than the value of the existing options at the date of grant and therefore the incremental fair value at date of modification will 
be recognised over the modified vesting period. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued.

Share option schemes

The Group operates the following share option schemes all of which are operated as Enterprise Management Incentive (“EMI”) 
schemes insofar as the share options being issued meet the EMI criteria as defined by HM Revenue & Customs. Share options issued 
that do not meet EMI criteria are issued as unapproved share options, but are subject to the same exercise performance conditions.

C4X Discovery Holdings plc Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)

Grant in September 2009

Share options were granted to a staff member on 29 September 2009. The options granted are exercisable in the event of the listing 
of the Company, its acquisition or at the absolute discretion of the Board. The exercise price was set at 2.05 pence (the original 
exercise price of £22.00 was adjusted for a subdivision of 1,075 share options in C4X Discovery Holdings plc for each share option 
originally held in C4X Discovery Limited), being the estimated fair value of the shares on the day preceding the issue of the share 
options. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which 
the share options were issued. 

Grant in August 2012

Share options were granted to staff on 28 August 2012. The options granted are exercisable in the event of the listing of the 
Company, its acquisition or at the absolute discretion of the Board. The exercise price was set at 5.58 pence (the original exercise 
price of £60.00 was adjusted for a subdivision of 1,075 share options in C4X Discovery Holdings plc for each share option originally 
held in C4X Discovery Limited), being the estimated fair value of the shares on the day preceding the issue of the share options. 
The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share 
options were issued.

Grant in July 2013

Share options were granted to staff on 4 July 2013. The options granted are exercisable in the event of the listing of the Company, 
its acquisition or at the absolute discretion of the Board. The exercise price was set at 5.58 pence (the original exercise price of £60.00 
was adjusted for a subdivision of 1,075 share options in C4X Discovery Holdings plc for each share option originally held in C4X 
Discovery Limited), being the estimated fair value of the shares on the day preceding the issue of the share options. The fair value 
benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options 
were issued.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

61

20. Share-based payment reserve continued

Share option schemes continued

C4X Discovery Holdings plc Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) continued

Grant in May 2014

Share options were granted to staff on 27 May 2014. The options granted are exercisable in the event of the listing of the Company, 
its acquisition or at the absolute discretion of the Board. The exercise price was set at 5.58 pence (the original exercise price of 
£60.00 was adjusted for a subdivision of 1,075 share options in C4X Discovery Holdings plc for each share option originally held in 
C4X Discovery Limited), being the estimated fair value of the shares on the day preceding the issue of the share options. The fair 
value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options 
were issued.

Grant in June 2015

Share options were granted to staff and Directors on 8 June 2015. The options granted are exercisable at any time between three 
years and 10 years of them being granted. There are no performance criteria attached to the options. The exercise price was set at 
100.0 pence, being the price at which shares were placed in the IPO in October 2014. The fair value benefit is measured using a 
Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued. Options which had 
not been cancelled or lapsed were replaced on 28 July 2020.

Grant in December 2015

Share options were granted to a Director on 8 December 2015. The options granted are exercisable, subject to meeting certain 
performance criteria, at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 77 pence, 
being the average of the mid-market closing price over the three days prior to 8 December 2015. The fair value benefit is measured 
using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued. Options which 
had not been cancelled or lapsed were replaced on 28 July 2020.

Grant in November 2016

Share options were granted to staff and a Director on 23 November 2016. The options granted are exercisable, at any time between 
three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 105 pence, being the average of the mid-market closing 
price over the three days prior to 23 November 2016. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into 
account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued. Options which had not been cancelled or lapsed were 
replaced on 28 July 2020.

Grant in February 2017

Share options were granted to staff and a Director on 1 February 2017. The options granted are exercisable, at any time between 
three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 91 pence, being the average of the mid-market closing price 
over the three days prior to 1 February 2017. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms 
and conditions upon which the share options were issued. Options which had not been cancelled or lapsed were replaced on 28 July 2020.

Grant in May 2017

Share options were granted to staff on 17 May 2017. The options granted are exercisable, at any time between three years and 
10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 90 pence, being the average of the mid-market closing price over the 
three days prior to 17 May 2017. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and 
conditions upon which the share options were issued. Options which had not been cancelled or lapsed were replaced on 28 July 2020.

Grant in September 2017

Share options were granted to staff on 26 September 2017. The options granted are exercisable, at any time between three years 
and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 77 pence, being the average of the mid-market closing price over 
the three days prior to 26 September 2017. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the 
terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued.

Grant in October 2018

Share options were granted to staff and Directors on 16 October 2018 pursuant to the EMI 2014 Plan. The options granted are 
exercisable, at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 89.2 pence, being 
the average 30 day closing price of the ordinary shares to 16 October 2018. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes 
model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued. Options which had not been 
cancelled or lapsed were replaced on 28 July 2020.

62

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

20. Share-based payment reserve continued

Share option schemes continued

C4X Discovery Holdings plc Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) continued

Grant in November 2019

Share options were granted to staff and Directors on 29 November 2019 pursuant to the EMI 2014 Plan. The options granted are 
exercisable, at any time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 16.2 pence, being 
the average five day volume weighted average price of the ordinary shares to 29 November 2019. The fair value benefit is measured 
using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued.

Grant in December 2019

Share options were granted to staff on 1 December 2019 pursuant to the EMI 2014 Plan. The options granted are exercisable, at any 
time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 42.0 pence, based on the last 200 day 
moving average prior to 1 December 2019. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the 
terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued.

Grant in February 2020

Share options were granted to staff on 10 February 2020 pursuant to the EMI 2014 Plan. The options granted are exercisable, at any 
time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 27.8 pence, based on the last 200 day 
moving average prior to 10 February 2020. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the 
terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued.

Grant in June 2020

Share options were granted to staff on 2 June 2020 pursuant to the EMI 2014 Plan. The options granted are exercisable, at any 
time between three years and 10 years of them being granted. The exercise price was set at 15.5 pence, based on the last 200 day 
moving average prior to 2 June 2020. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms 
and conditions upon which the share options were issued.

Cancellation and regrant of existing options in July 2020

A number of unvested share options were cancelled and reissued to staff and Directors on 28 July 2020. The regrant brings the strike 
price of the share options into line with the current market price of the Company’s shares and should now deliver a viable incentive 
and reward package to the employees and Directors of the Company. The regrant options have an exercise price of 16 pence, being 
the closing price of the Ordinary Shares on 28 July 2020. The options can be exercised at any time between three years and 10 years 
of them being granted. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes model, taking into account the terms and conditions 
upon which the share options were issued.

The Group designated the new equity instruments as replacements for the cancelled equity instruments and as such, modification 
accounting has been applied. As the new options have an increased fair value compared to the previous awards, the incremental fair 
value of £154,571 is recognised over the modified three year vesting period, in addition to the amount recognised based on the 
grant date fair value of the original instruments, which continues to be recognised over the remainder of the original vesting period. 
The charge in the current year on the new options amounted to £427.

Share options are awarded to management and key staff as a mechanism for attracting and retaining key members of staff. The 
options are granted at no lower than either: (i) market price on the day preceding grant; or (ii) in the event of abnormal price 
movements at an average market price for the week preceding grant date. Options may be granted at prices higher than the market 
price on the day preceding grant where the Board believes it is appropriate to do so. These options vest over a three year period 
from the date of grant and are exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the award. Exercise of the award is subject to the employee 
remaining a full time member of staff at the point of exercise. The fair value benefit is measured using a Black Scholes valuation 
model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the share options were issued. 

The following tables illustrate the number and weighted average exercise prices of, and movements in, share options during the year.

The Group and Company

Outstanding at 1 August
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Lapsed/cancelled

Outstanding at 31 July

Exercisable at 31 July

 2020
Number

 2019
Number

3,786,853
6,387,447
—
(3,116,778)

3,185,414
960,000
(26,875)
(331,686)

7,057,522

3,786,853

795,075

1,282,075

During the year ended 31 July 2020, no options were exercised (2019: 26,875).

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

63

20. Share-based payment reserve continued

Weighted average exercise price of options

The Group and Company

Outstanding at 1 August
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year

Outstanding at 31 July

2020
Pence

76.58
18.53
—

2019
Pence

75.67
89.20
5.58

17.34

76.58

A total of 6,387,447 share options were granted during the year (2019: 960,000). These included 2,714,298 of replacement 
options (2019: nil). The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was 2.05 pence–83.50 pence 
(2019: 2.05 pence–105.00 pence).

For the share options outstanding as at 31 July 2020, the weighted average remaining contractual life is 8.8 years (2019: 6.8 years).

The following table lists the inputs to the models used for the years ended 31 July 2020 and 31 July 2019.

The Group and Company

Expected volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of options (year’s average)
Weighted average exercise price (pence)
Weighted average share price at date of grant (pence)

2020

2019

52.5%
0.35%–1.00%
3 years
n/a
18.53

52.5%
0.50%–1.00%
3 years
n/a
89.20

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. 
The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not necessarily 
be the actual outcome.

No other features of options granted were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.

21. Merger reserve 

The Group 

At 31 July 2018, 31 July 2019 and 31 July 2020

The merger reserve arises as a result of the reverse acquisition requirements of IFRS 3 meaning the consolidated accounts are 
presented as a continuation of the C4X Discovery Limited accounts along with the share capital structure of the legal parent 
company (C4X Discovery Holdings plc). 

22. Capital contribution reserve

The Group 

At 31 July 2018, 31 July 2019 and 31 July 2020

23. Revenue reserve

The Group 

At 31 July 2018
Loss for the year

At 31 July 2019
Impact of change in accounting policy

At 31 July 2019 adjusted
Loss for the year

At 31 July 2020

64

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

£000

920

£000

195

£000

(18,784)
(10,912)

(29,696)
(28)

(29,724)
(7,789)

(37,513)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

£000

—
(32,987)

(32,987)
(8,664)

(41,651)

23. Revenue reserve continued

The Company 

At 31 July 2018
Loss for the year

At 31 July 2019
Loss for the year

At 31 July 2020

24. Leases

Leases as lessee (IFRS 16)

The Group leases premises under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. 

Right-of-use assets related to leased properties that do not meet the definition of investment property are presented as property, 
plant and equipment (note 10).

  Land and
  Buildings
Group

Total
   Group
£000

£000  

31 July 2020
Recognition of right-of-use assets
Depreciation charge for the year
Additions to right-of-use assets
Derecognition of right-of-use assets

Amounts recognised in income statement

31 July 2020
Interest on lease liabilities

Amounts recognised in statement of cash flows

31 July 2020
Lease payments

25. Commitments

432
(302)
248
—

378

432
(302)
248
—

378

18

18

18

18

319

319

319

319

At 31 July 2020, the Group had capital commitments amounting to £nil in respect of orders placed for capital expenditure (2019: £nil).

26. Financial risk management 

Overview

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to various kinds of financial risks, the Group’s objectives, policies and 
processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Group’s management of capital.

The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. The Executive 
Directors report regularly to the Board on Group risk management.

Capital risk management

The Group reviews its forecast capital requirements on a half-yearly basis to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue 
as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders.

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued share capital, 
reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in notes 19 to 23 and in the Group statement of changes in equity. Total equity was 
£8,066,000 at 31 July 2020 (£7,013,000 at 31 July 2019).

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

65

 
 
 
26. Financial risk management continued

Capital risk management continued

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Liquidity risk

The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that, as far as possible, it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities 
when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation.

The Group manages all of its external bank relationships centrally in accordance with defined treasury policies. The policies include 
the minimum acceptable credit rating of relationship banks and financial transaction authority limits. Any material change to the 
Group’s principal banking facility requires Board approval. The Group seeks to mitigate the risk of bank failure by ensuring that it 
maintains relationships with a number of investment grade banks.

At the reporting date the Group was cash positive with no outstanding borrowings.

Categorisation of financial instruments

Financial assets/(liabilities)

31 July 2020
Trade receivables
Inter-company short-term loan to subsidiary
Cash, cash equivalents and deposits
Trade and other payables*

Financial assets/(liabilities)

31 July 2019
Trade receivables
Inter-company short-term loan to subsidiary
Cash, cash equivalents and deposits
Trade and other payables*

*  Excluding accruals.

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£000

Loans and 
receivables
£000

 Group 
£000

Company
£000

14
—
5,648
—

5,662

—
—
—
(692)

14
—
5,648
(692)

(692)

4,970

—
—
—
—

—

Loans and 
receivables
£000

Financial 
liabilities 
£000

 Group 
£000

Company
£000

31
—
2,383
—

2,414

—
—
—
(759)

(759)

31
—
2,383
(759)

1,655

—
—
—
—

—

The values disclosed in the above table are carrying values. The Board considers that the carrying amount of financial assets and 
liabilities approximates to their fair value.

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are credit risk and foreign currency risk. The Board of Directors reviews 
and agrees policies for managing each of these risks which are summarised below.

Credit risk

The Group’s principal financial assets are cash, cash equivalents and deposits. The Group seeks to limit the level of credit risk on the 
cash balances by only depositing surplus liquid funds with multiple counterparty banks that have investment grade credit ratings.

The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result 
that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant. The Group’s maximum exposure is the carrying amount of trade receivables as 
disclosed in note 14, which was neither past due nor impaired. All trade receivables are ultimately overseen by the Chief Executive Officer 
and are managed on a day-to-day basis by the finance team. Credit limits are set as deemed appropriate for the customer.

The maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to cash, cash equivalents and deposits is the carrying value at the balance sheet date.

Foreign currency risk

The Group is exposed to currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the respective functional 
currency of the Company and its subsidiaries. Other than Pounds Sterling (“GBP”), the currencies that sales and purchases most often 
arise in are US Dollars (USD) and Euros. Transactions in other foreign currencies are limited.

66

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

26. Financial risk management continued

Foreign currency risk continued

The Group may use forward exchange contracts as an economic hedge against currency risk, where cash flow can be judged with 
reasonable certainty. Foreign exchange swaps and options may be used to hedge foreign currency receipts in the event that the 
timing of the receipt is less certain. 

There were no open forward contracts as at 31 July 2020 or at 31 July 2019 and the Group did not enter into any such contracts 
during 2020 or 2020.

The split of Group assets between Sterling and other currencies at the year end is analysed as follows:

The Group

Cash, cash equivalents and deposits
Trade receivables
Trade payables

GBP
£000

5,623 
14
(654)

4,983

USD
£000

16 
—
(3)

13

EUR
£000

9 
—
(35)

(26)

2020 
Total
£000

 5,648
14
(692)

GBP
£000

2,219 
31
(645)

4,970

1,605

USD
£000

125 
—
—

125

EUR
£000

39 
—
(26)

13

2019 
Total
£000

 2,383
31
(671)

1,743

Sensitivity analysis to movement in exchange rates

Given the immaterial net asset balances in foreign currency, the exposure to a change in exchange rate is negligible.

Interest rate risk

As the Group has no borrowings the risk is limited to the reduction of interest received on cash surpluses held at bank which receive 
a floating rate of interest. The principal impact to the Group is the result of interest-bearing cash and cash equivalent balances held 
as set out below:

The Group

31 July 2020

Fixed 
rate
£000

Floating
 rate
£000

Total
£000

31 July 2019

Fixed
 rate
£000

Floating 
rate
£000

Cash, cash equivalents and deposits 

 —

5,648

5,648

 —

 2,383

Total
£000

2,383

The Company

Cash, cash equivalents and deposits 

 —

—

—

 —

—

—

As the majority of cash and cash equivalents are held on floating deposit and the overall level of interest rates is low, the exposure to 
interest rate movements is immaterial.

Maturity profile

Set out below is the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 July 2020 based on contractual undiscounted payments 
including contractual interest.

2020

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables*
Lease liabilities

2019

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables*

Less than
one year
£000

One to 
five years
£000

692
189

 881

—
218

218

Less than 
one year
£000

One to 
five years
£000

759

759

—

—

Total
£000

692
407

1,099

Total
£000

759

759

*  Excluding accruals. Trade and other payables are due within three months.

C4X DISCOVERY HOLDINGS PLC  ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020

67

 
26. Financial risk management continued

Maturity profile continued

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of the financial liabilities approximates to their fair value.

As all financial assets are expected to mature within the next 12 months an aged analysis of financial assets has not been presented.

27. Related party transactions

During the year there was a subscription by Directors for 200,000 ordinary shares at 15 pence each (2019: £nil).

During the year, shareholder Aquarius Equity Partners Limited charged the Group £15,450 (2019: £15,450) for monitoring fees 
and was owed £nil at 31 July 2020 (2019: £1,288).

During the year, The Aquarius IV Fund LLP, a fund managed by shareholder Aquarius Equity Partners Limited, held 2,025,000 
deferred shares of £1 each (2019: £2,025,000).

During the year, Director Harry Finch charged the Group £nil (2019: £2,200) for services which he provided as a technical consultant 
and was owed £nil at 31 July 2020 (2019: £nil).

The Group

There were no sales to, purchases from or, at the year end, balances with any related party.

The Company

The following table summarises inter-company balances at the year end between C4X Discovery Holdings plc and subsidiary entities:

Short-term loans owed to C4X Discovery Holdings plc by:
C4X Discovery Limited
C4X Drug Discovery Limited
Adorial Limited 

Notes

14

31 July
2020
£000

31 July
2019
£000

—
—
—

—

—
—
—

—

There are no formal terms of repayment in place for these loans and it has been confirmed by the Directors that the long-term loans 
will not be recalled within the next 12 months.

None of the loans are interest bearing.

28. Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors)

Short-term employee benefits
Pension costs
Benefits in kind
Share-based payments

29. Post-balance sheet events

2020
£000

1,199
164
2
100

2019
£000

1,296
141
2
121

 1,465

 1,560

On 11 November 2020, the Company raised £15.0m before expenses via a placing of 99,169,286 ordinary shares and an open offer 
for 7,973,572 ordinary shares at 14 pence each.

Following the issue of these shares, the Company’s ordinary share capital increased to 228,371,002 ordinary shares.

68

C4XDISCOVERY.COM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 July 2020Corporate information

Directors

Ms E-L Allan 
Dr H Finch 
Dr A Stevenson 
Ms N Walter 
Dr C Dix 
Mr B Hoy 
Dr C Fox 

Secretary

Mr B Hoy

(Non-Executive Chairman)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Chief Executive Officer)
(Chief Financial Officer)
(Chief Scientific Officer)

Nominated adviser and broker

Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited

One New Change
London
EC4M 9AF

Auditor

KPMG LLP

One St Peter’s Square
Manchester 
M2 3AE

STRATEGIC  
REPORT

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL  
STATEMENTS

Legal adviser

Schofield Sweeney

76 Wellington Street
Leeds 
LS1 2AY

Financial PR consultants

Consilium Strategic Communications

41 Lothbury
London 
EC2R 7HG

Registrar

Link Group

The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent 
BR3 4TU

Registered office

Manchester One
53 Portland Street
Manchester 
M1 3LD

Website

www.c4xdiscovery.com

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C4X Discovery Holdings plc

Manchester One 
53 Portland Street 
Manchester 
M1 3LD

www.c4xdiscovery.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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