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Futura Medical plc

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FY2020 Annual Report · Futura Medical plc
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Futura Medical plc

Annual Report and 
Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
Welcome to the 
Futura Medical 
Annual Report

WHAT WE DO

Futura Medical is a 
pharmaceutical company 
developing a portfolio of 
innovative products based on 
our proprietary, transdermal 
technology DermaSys®. 

These products are optimised 
for clinical efficacy, safety, 
mode of administration and 
patient convenience and are 
developed for the prescription 
and consumer healthcare 
markets as appropriate. 

Current therapeutic areas 
are sexual health and pain 
relief. Development and 
commercialisation strategies 
are designed to maximise 
product differentiation and 
value creation whilst seeking 
to minimise clinical and 
regulatory risk.

“ Our purpose is to 
enhance our patients 
and consumers’ quality 
of life to enable them  
to live their lives to  
the full.”

JAMES BARDER 
Chief Executive

INVESTMENT CASE

Futura has a proven track record in delivery and 
completion of research and development (“R&D”) 
projects up to value inflection points at which they 
are suitable for commercialisation partners.

2.

Advanced proprietary 
technology DermaSys®
We are exploiting the potential of our 
transdermal technology DermaSys® to 
innovate and develop topical treatments 
offering a fast onset of action and low 
systemic side effects. Our long-term 
strategy is to expand the product pipeline 
based on DermaSys®. We are currently 
exploring opportunities with cannabidiol 
in CBD100. Our products are underpinned 
by strong IP, usually specific to each 
product.

4.

De-risked strategy which 
focuses on rapid routes to 
market
We have a late stage pipeline of products, 
developed from well characterised 
molecules and excipients with an 
established safety profile. This means that 
there is a lower development risk and 
potentially shorter regulatory pathway.

6.

Experienced 
management team
The management team has significant 
experience in researching and developing 
innovative products for the global 
consumer healthcare and prescription 
markets, with extensive development and 
regulatory expertise in the US and Europe.

1.

Short and long-term value 
creation from our lead  
product MED3000
We are prioritising the development and 
regulatory approval for MED3000, our 
treatment for erectile dysfunction, owing 
to its significant short and long term value 
creation potential in a large market where 
there is an unmet need for new treatment 
options. In a Phase 3 clinical trial MED3000 
achieved all co-primary clinical endpoints 
against baseline (before treatment). We 
recently received the recommendation by 
the EU Notified Body for the approval of 
MED3000 in the EU as a medical device 
without the need of a doctor’s prescription 
and are commencing a small confirmatory 
Phase 3 clinical trial in preparation for a 
regulatory filing in the US. 

3.

Clinical development of 
treatments for unmet needs
Our focus is on differentiated products, 
addressing areas of two large markets, 
sexual health and pain, seeking to solve 
unmet needs that will help improve 
patients and consumers’ lives.

5.

Strategic relationships and 
partnerships
As a semi-virtual company we value our 
partners and place much emphasis on 
selecting partners who are experts in their 
field and highly motivated, whether this is 
for running our clinical trials, manufacturing 
our clinical supplies and commercial 
stock or indeed for the critical role of 
commercialising our products. We look for 
committed commercial partners who have 
the regulatory and commercial expertise as 
well as the drive and enthusiasm to make 
our products a success.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Investment case 

Highlights 

DermaSys® at a glance

Our business model 

Products and pipeline 

Chairman and Chief Executive’s 
Review

Our strategy 

Key performance indicators 

Portfolio Review – MED3000

01

02

04

06

08

10

18

19

20

Portfolio Review – Other products 30

Financial Review

Key risks and mitigation

Sustainability Review

Our stakeholders

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors 

34

35

38

40

42

Remuneration Committee Report  44

Corporate Governance Statement  
by Non-Executive Chairman

48

Corporate Governance Report

Directors’ Report 

Audit Committee Report

Independent Auditor’s Report 
to the members of Futura 
Medical plc 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of  
Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements 

Parent Company Balance Sheet 

Parent Company Statement of  
Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements 

Company information 

49

53

55

56

66

67

68

69

70

86

87

88

91

01

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020HIGHLIGHTS

Remarkable regulatory progress with MED3000 
during Financial Year 2020 and into 2021

 ■ Specialist corporate advisers 

retained in July 2020 to progress 
commercialisation of MED3000:

  ■■ Joint collaboration agreement 
for China and South East Asia 
with 50/50 share of profits 
signed in March 2021 with 
expected additional R&D costs 
of up to £4 million being fully 
met by Asian partner.

  ■■ Discussions are progressing with 
a number of other parties for 
licensing rights for MED3000 in 
other countries.

CBD100 – FUTURA’S ADVANCED 
PROPRIETARY TRANSDERMAL 
TECHNOLOGY, DERMASYS® FOR 
TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF 
CANNABIDIOL
 ■ Initial laboratory and optimisation 
work on a cannabidiol gel under 
the joint venture collaboration 
agreement with CBDerma 
Technology Limited completed  
in August 2020.

 ■ In vitro studies supported a stable 

formulation with enhanced 
permeation through the skin of 
cannabidiol.

 ■ An intellectual property application 
filed in August 2020 covering a 
novel and inventive formulation 
with recent progression to PCT2 
patent application.

 ■ Advisers recently retained to 

explore commercial opportunities.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
MED3000 – TOPICAL FAST-ACTING 
TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE 
DYSFUNCTION (“ED”)
 ■ Significant progress made with 
recent recommendation by EU 
Notified Body1 for the approval of 
MED3000 as a breakthrough, fast-
acting, clinically proven treatment 
for erectile dysfunction:

  ■■ In February 2020 formal 

proceedings commenced for 
approval as a medical device 
available throughout the EU 
without the need of a doctor’s 
prescription (“OTC”).

  ■■ In July 2020, Futura submitted 

the Technical Dossier for 
MED3000 for marketing 
approval.

  ■■ In August 2020 positive audit 
opinion received for Futura’s 
Quality Management Systems 
(“QMS”).

  ■■ EU certificate expected before 
the end of May 2021 under 
Medical Device Regulation.
 ■ De Novo medical device status for 
MED3000 confirmed by US Food 
and Drug Administration (“FDA”) 
in February 2020 pre-submission 
meeting.

  ■■ Four pre-submission meetings 
held to determine design of 
small supplemental clinical trial 
(known as “FM71”) and Human 
Factors study required by FDA for 
OTC marketing approval in US. 

  ■■ Planning and preparatory 
activities for FM71 have 
commenced following receipt 
of final minutes from the FDA in 
March 2021.

02

TPR100 – FUTURA’S ADVANCED 
PROPRIETARY TRANSDERMAL 
TECHNOLOGY, DERMASYS® FOR 
TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF 
DICLOFENAC FOR THE PAIN AND 
INFLAMMATION ASSOCIATED WITH 
SPRAINS, STRAINS, BRUISES AND 
SOFT TISSUE RHEUMATISM
 ■ Completion of additional 

laboratory work required by the 
UK Medicines and Healthcare 
Products Regulatory Agency 
(“MHRA”) to support the UK 
submission made by partner 
Thornton & Ross supporting 
improved skin permeation of 
TPR100 compared to market 
leading products.

 ■ Scientific advisory meeting held 
with MHRA confirming the need 
of a Phase 3 study to support 
the improved skin permeation 
and potential potency of TPR100 
including potential superior 
efficacy claims.

 ■ Futura is exploring the feasibility of 
a clinical study that would satisfy 
the Phase 3 requirements for both 
UK and US marketing approval.

1.  Notified Bodies are organisations designated by EU 
countries to oversee the approval of medical devices 
within the EU and the UK.

2.  Patent Cooperation Treaty

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 ■ £2.41 million net loss in the period (2019: net loss 

£8.92 million).

 ■ R&D tax credit receipt for 2020 year of £0.52 million 

expected mid-2021. 

 ■ Cash resources of £1.02 million at 31 December 

2020 (2019: £2.51 million).

POST PERIOD FINANCING
 ■ Futura received £1.50 million through the 

issuance of convertible loan notes to Atlantis via 
HT Riverwood Fund, with a three year conversion 
period at a premium price of 20 pence.

 ■ Futura also received £0.50 million following the 

exercise of warrants by Atlantis via HT Riverwood 
Fund, issuing 2,272,727 shares at an exercise price 
of 22 pence per warrant.

CASH BALANCE

£1.02m  -59%

R&D SPEND

£1.93m  -81%

2020

£1.02m

2020

£1.93m

2019

£2.51m

2019

£10.05m

2018

£9.16m

2018

£6.04m

OPERATING LOSS

£2.93m  -74%

R&D TAX CREDIT

£0.52m  -77%

2020

£2.93m

2020

£0.52m

2019

2018

£11.16m

2019

2018

£7.27m

£0.93m

£2.22m

03

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020DERMASYS® AT A GLANCE

Futura Medical is an innovative R&D company. We are 
experts in transdermal delivery and the science of the skin. 
We have developed an advanced proprietary and patented 
transdermal technology, DermaSys®.

APPLYING SKIN SCIENCE TO  
DELIVER NOVEL TOPICAL TREATMENTS

Our core strength lies in our research and development 
capabilities in the field of topical formulations and 
transdermal delivery. Futura’s unique technology, expertise 
and know how, enables targeted and rapid delivery of active 
pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and Generally Recognized 
As Safe (GRAS) pharmaceutical excipients onto and through 
the skin to the required site of action with a high level of 
safety. We take off-patent, generic molecules and excipients 
and offer improvements over existing products or create 
novel indications with compelling commercial potential. 
This means that our products are highly differentiated in 
their markets whilst avoiding the risks normally associated 
with the development of new molecules and with a 
potentially shorter regulatory pathway. We protect this 
valuable IP and ensure that we maximise both the strength 
of our patents’ protection and their duration.

DERMASYS® AND THE PROCESS BEHIND  
OUR UNIQUE FORMULATIONS 
Our unique patented technology DermaSys® is designed 
to deliver clinically proven effective medical treatments via 
the skin. 

DermaSys® is a versatile and bespoke technology. Each 
gel is uniquely formulated using the DermaSys® platform 
with penetration and permeation enhancer components 
tailored for each product to suit the specific therapeutic 
indication and desired speed of onset and duration of 
action. Such targeted delivery offers an optimised profile in 
terms of dose, onset time and duration of effect as well as an 
improved safety profile reducing the risk of side effects. Each 
product is formulated to maximise its benefits for patients 
and consumers. Each new unique formulation offers the 
opportunity for additional patent applications and potential 
patent protection.

The gels we develop are versatile, clear and odourless and 
provide effective and local topical application to the required 
site of action. For our erectile dysfunction treatment, 
MED3000, this translates into a fast-acting treatment for 
erectile dysfunction with an excellent safety profile. For our 
pain relief treatments, TPR100 and TIB200, this translates 
into effective penetration for enhanced therapeutic benefits 
with fast, effective and long-lasting relief.

04

At the core of DermaSys®

Unique combinations 
of skin penetration 
and permeation 
enhancers

DermaSys® process
DermaSys® process

PROPRIETARY 
DERMASYS® 
TECHNOLOGY 

Combined with Futura’s know-
how and expertise in formulation

TARGET PRODUCT PROFILE 

To deliver unique benefits  
to patients and  
consumers

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020With 
active  
drug

Non-
drug 
action

GEL SPECIFICALLY  
TAILORED AND 
FORMULATED 

Targeted and 
rapid delivery 
through  
the skin

The combination of solvent 
components and permeation 
enhancers increases skin 
penetration and permeation 
to drive the active through 
the skin to the site of 
action.

Local targeted 
physical action

The combination of volatile 
solvent components creates an 
evaporative and novel action that 
stimulates nerve sensors and 
creates a physical action.

MED3000

Fast onset of action

Duration of action to suit 
the natural length of 
intercourse

Excellent safety profile

TPR100

Fast delivery of the 
active diclofenac 
through the skin 

Superior absorption

12-hour efficacy for twice 
daily dosing

CBD100

Highly effective skin 
penetration 

Rapid permeation to the 
site of action

Superior stability

05

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020OUR BUSINESS MODEL

KEY 
RESOURCES

HOW WE CREATE VALUE

1

O U T SOURCING

& D   e x p e r t ise combined with a 
a n   o p erating model

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MARKET DYNA M I C S
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PEOPLE
 ■ Highly experienced and 
motivated team focused 
on innovative solutions
 ■ Team of 30 consultants 
used for their specialist 
knowledge and 
leadership in the field
 ■ Strong results driven 
culture and teamwork

EXPERTISE AND 
INNOVATION
 ■ Highly efficient patented 
proprietary transdermal 
technology

 ■ Semi-virtual structure 
with outsourcing 
optimised to maximise 
expertise and minimise 
overhead cost

STRONG LEADERSHIP
 ■ Experienced 

management team 
with background 
in researching and 
developing innovative 
products for global 
consumer healthcare and 
prescription markets

Our resources and 
operating model 
as a semi-virtual 
company has enabled 
us to manage well 
during the COVID-19  
pandemic.

06

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020 
 
 
1

OUTSOURCING – R&D EXPERTISE 
COMBINED WITH A LEAN OPERATING 
MODEL

Semi-virtual model using in-house 
specialist expertise in Clinical Development, 
Regulatory and Chemistry, Manufacturing 
and Controls (CMC) to lead strategy and 
co-ordinate the outsourcing of key activities 
with a range of experienced consultants 
and highly regarded subcontractors.

2

EXPERTISE – PROVEN INNOVATION

Expertise in optimising formulations 
of molecules and excipients to ensure 
a rapid and targeted action and to 
minimise side effects.

3

MARKET DYNAMICS – UNDERSTANDING 
OUR MARKETS

Our lead asset MED3000, as well as 
the rest of our pipeline assets, are 
well positioned to meet the demands 
behind the current market dynamics 
driving chronic disease such as ageing 
populations, obesity, stress and anxiety 
which, combined with increasing 
prosperity and expectations from patients 
and consumers for a high quality of life, 
lead to increased demand. Not only are 
people living longer but they want to live 
an active, pain-free and fulfilled lifestyle 
for longer. Products such as MED3000 
are well placed to accommodate such 
demands.

4

IMPACT – UNDERSTANDING  
PATIENT AND CONSUMER NEEDS

In sexual health, current treatments do 
not meet the needs of many ED sufferers 
who are looking for a fast-acting and well 
tolerated treatment that can help restore 
spontaneity and intimacy back into their 
relationship. ED can also contribute to low 
confidence and self-esteem and have a 
significant impact on male mental health.

MAXIMISING  
VALUE

CREATING VALUE  
FOR OUR KEY 
STAKEHOLDERS

We continue to execute 
our R&D strategy whilst 
evaluating our options to 
maximise value from future 
commercialisation of our 
lead assets with potential 
commercial partners.

COMMERCIALISING  
OUR PRODUCTS

As we expect the EU CE 
mark certificate before the 
end of May for MED3000 
as a medical device and 
are progressing through 
to regulatory approval in 
the US, we are focusing 
our efforts on finding the 
best commercial partners. 
We look for committed 
commercial partners who 
have the regulatory and 
commercial expertise in 
their markets as well as 
the drive and enthusiasm 
to make our products 
a success.

PATIENTS

Erectile dysfunction 
and chronic pain can be 
debilitating and have a 
detrimental impact on day-
to-day life, leading to low 
self-esteem, relationship 
issues and limiting day-to-
day activities. Our products 
focus on improving quality 
of life to enable patients and 
consumers to live their lives 
to the full.

SHAREHOLDERS

Our aim for MED3000 is to 
achieve long-term sustainable 
value for our shareholders. By 
prioritising resources, we aim 
to deliver additional value to 
our shareholders, maximising 
the value that Futura retains 
from our US$1 billion1 sales 
potential erectile dysfunction 
product. This is to be achieved 
by gaining regulatory approval 
as an effective clinically 
proven treatment for erectile 
dysfunction.

Read more information on 
our stakeholders on pages 
40 and 41.

1. 

 Previous market research conducted by 
Cello Health Consulting as a prescription 
product and Ipsos Group as an over-the-
counter product on MED2005 showed 
potential peak sales in excess of US$1 billion. 
Whilst MED3000 is a slightly different 
proposition as it has a different mode of 
action, it offers the same benefits and 
therefore the Group believes that the 
market potential is similar.

07

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PRODUCTS AND PIPELINE

Futura Medical is developing a portfolio of innovative products for two 
large markets, sexual health and pain. We have four products in late-stage 
development, with MED3000 and TPR100 being the lead products.

GLOBAL TRENDS OUR PRODUCTS ADDRESS
AGEING POPULATIONS

INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE

Population ageing is a global phenomenon with virtually 
every country in the world experiencing growth in the 
size and proportion of older people in their population. 
Globally, the share of the population aged 65 years or over 
increased from 6% in 1990 to 9% in 20191. Age is a main 
factor for the incidence of erectile dysfunction as well as 
local pain.

INCREASING PROSPERITY

As of 2016, 3.2 billion people globally are considered 
middle class. A study by the Brookings Institution 
estimates this number to increase by 140 million annually. 
In developed countries people in their older years 
have less financial commitments and therefore more 
disposable income. 

OUR MARKET CATEGORIES

With an increasing prosperity and increasing life 
expectancy, patients and consumers expect to lead  
a full and active life well into their later years and have 
high expectations for an improved quality of life.

INCREASING OVERALL PATIENT DEMAND

With more disposable income and higher expectations 
from consumers and patients towards their sexual 
health and the desire to lead a full and active lifestyle, our 
expectation is that overall patient demand and  
spending will increase. 

SEXUAL HEALTH

PAIN RELIEF

Lead product MED3000 is a unique and highly 
differentiated easy to use topical gel for erectile 
dysfunction which has Phase 3 clinical data 
demonstrating highly statistically significant 
improvement across all ED patient severities 
with potential peak sales of US$1 billion2.

Pain relief gels TPR100 and TIB200 offer 
targeted and long-lasting pain relief and have 
the potential for improved patient benefit by 
offering a fast, highly effective and long-lasting 
(12 hr) relief. CBD100, which is an optimised 
cannabidiol formulation, is in development for 
potential use in a variety of conditions including 
pain, though initially it will likely be marketed as 
a cosmeceutical.

1.  World Population Ageing 2019 report, United Nations. 
2.  Previous market research conducted by Cello Health Consulting as a prescription product and Ipsos Group as an over-the-counter product on MED2005 showed potential 

peak sales in excess of US$1 billion. Whilst MED3000 is a slightly different proposition as it has a different mode of action, it offers the same benefits and therefore the Group 
believes that the market potential is similar.

08

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020OUR PRODUCT PIPELINE

Commercial stage

MED3000

Topical 
treatment for  
erectile 
dysfunction

MED3000 recommended by the EU Notified Body for approval in the EU as a 
medical device. Clear regulatory pathway as a medical device in the US with 
FDA endorsement of Phase 3 clinical study protocol FM71. First deal signed for 
China and South East Asia with discussions ongoing for the licensing rights in 
other territories as part of an agreed process managed by Futura’s advisers.

Development stage

TPR100

Topical 
diclofenac 
pain relief gel

Scientific advisory meeting held with MHRA confirming the need of a Phase 3 
study to support the improved skin permeation, including potential superior 
efficacy claims. Exploring the feasibility of a clinical study to satisfy the Phase 3 
requirements for both UK and US approval. 

CBD100

Topical 
cannabidiol 
formulation

TIB200

Topical 
ibuprofen 
pain relief gel

Joint venture collaboration. Early development stage completed. IP application 
filed. Advisers recently retained to explore commercial opportunities. 

Partnering discussions ongoing.

09

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020 
 
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

A transformational year 
for Futura with MED3000’s value rapidly crystallising

COVID-19 UPDATE

Futura Medical continues to 
monitor closely the constantly 
evolving situation in relation to 
the coronavirus outbreak and 
all necessary steps have been 
taken to maintain the integrity 
of the Company’s assets and 
the health and well-being of our 
employees. We have supported 
our staff to work from home and 
implemented a COVID-secure 
workplace with thorough risk 
assessments updated as and 
when Government guidance 
changes. 

To date we have not seen a 
material impact as the Company 
is used to operating as a semi-
virtual business and we have 
been able to transition quickly 
to a fully remote and flexible 
working model with ease. 

We are currently not conducting 
any trials requiring the use of 
patients or healthy volunteers. 
We continue to monitor ongoing 
developments as we prepare 
to conduct clinical study FM71 
in support of MED3000’s 
regulatory filing in the US. All 
other operational activities can be 
managed using existing internal 
resource and our extensive 
resource of external consultants 
and subcontractors should any 
of our employees become ill. We 
continue to expect limited impact 
from COVID-19 during 2021.

Futura is an innovative R&D company 
with a strategy to develop a pipeline 
of late stage, novel products borne 
out of its proprietary patented 
transdermal technology platform, 
DermaSys®. The Company is currently 
focused on sexual health and 
pain. It seeks to develop products 
with high tolerability, safety and 
convenience of administration 
that solve clinically meaningful 
problems, including dissatisfaction 
with existing treatments, to improve 
health, quality of life and well-being 
for patients worldwide. Whilst we 
apply strict pharmaceutical principles 
and discipline to both the R&D and 
manufacturing process to all our 
product candidates, we also aim to 
ease access to our treatments for 
patients, for example through the 
registration and ultimately availability 
as over-the-counter (“OTC”), non-
prescription, products. 

This year against the backdrop of 
the turbulence and challenges 
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic 
across the world, the team at Futura 
has been resolutely focused on 
execution, particularly the regulatory 
submission for MED3000 in Europe 
(completed H2 2020) and the US (an 
ongoing iterative consultation and 
review process), as well as advancing 
activities for its commercialisation. At 
the same time, we also progressed 
additional pipeline product 
candidates, such as our CBD100 
cannabidiol formulation, that will 
address attractive and substantial 
markets.

These efforts are now starting to bear 
fruit, most recently culminating in 
the March 2021 recommendation for 
approval of MED3000 from the EU 
Notified Body, a transformational 
milestone for us. Once its Medical 
Device Regulation certificate as a 
Class 2B approved medical device 
is received and CE mark is granted, 
expected before the end of May 2021, 
Futura’s breakthrough, fast-acting 
topical gel formulation MED3000, 
will become the first clinically 
proven, pan-European OTC topical 
treatment for erectile dysfunction 
(“ED”) available without a doctor’s 
prescription.

Due to post-Brexit arrangements, the 
EU CE mark can be used to market 
the product in Great Britain1 until  
30 June 2023, by which time a 
specific UKCA mark has to be 
obtained. This will be a streamlined 
process since it is understood the 
UK application can bridge to the EU 
approval.

We look forward to further MED3000 
marketing approvals in multiple 
regions across the world, including 
the US and Asia. Expedited Medical 
Device Registrations may be possible 
in most Middle East, Far East, African 
and Latin American countries based 
on the EU CE mark and we will be 
targeting both further regulatory 
approvals as well as commercial 
launch in a number of countries.

Futura retained specialised corporate 
advisers in Q3 2020 to facilitate 
active commercial discussions for 
MED3000 with potential licensing 
and marketing partners. In early 
March 2021 we announced a joint 
collaboration and investment to 
commercialise MED3000 in China 

10

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020JOHN CLARKE
Chairman

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

and South East Asia, a significant 
market for ED. Our new partners have 
extensive experience, resource, and 
strong pharmaceutical connections 
in the Asia Region which we 
are confident will maximise the 
market reach and opportunities for 
MED3000 in those geographies, 
creating significant long-term value. 
Key components of this partnership 
mean that Futura shares 50% of 
MED3000 profits from the Region 
without further R&D spend (from 
Futura). In addition, the Company 
has received £2 million cash from 
partner investment in Futura. This 
partnership is an example of Futura’s 
strategy to maximise value creation 
by partnering or out-licensing its 
products at key inflection points with 
agreements that look to capture 
long-term and sustainable returns  
for the Company. 

As a small innovative company 
Futura is adaptable and nimble, 
allowing us to take advantage of new 
opportunities and strategies as those 
opportunities arise as well as evolve 
to meet challenges. We would like 
to thank all Futura’s employees for 
their tremendous efforts and focus 
during the year and shareholders for 
their ongoing support. We have been 
able to leverage the lean, semi-virtual 
working processes at Futura to adapt 
to the pandemic efficiently and safely, 
whilst making significant progress for 
our products. Post-pandemic, Futura 
will be adopting a partly remote 
working model moving forward.

MED3000 will be the first 
clinically proven, pan-European 
OTC topical treatment for 
erectile dysfunction available 
without a doctor’s prescription.

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

DermaSys® – Our proprietary 
patented transdermal technology 
platform

Futura’s unique patented technology 
DermaSys® is designed to deliver 
clinically proven effective medical 
treatments via the skin.

DermaSys® is a versatile and 
bespoke technology. Each product 
gel is uniquely formulated 
using the DermaSys® platform 
with partition and diffusion 
component formulations tailored 
for each product to suit the specific 
therapeutic indication and desired 
speed of onset and duration of 
action. Such targeted delivery offers 
an optimised profile in terms of dose, 
onset time and duration of effect as 
well as an improved safety profile 
reducing the risk of side effects. Each 
product is formulated to maximise its 
benefits for patients and consumers. 
Each new unique formulation offers 
the opportunity for additional patent 
applications and potential patent 
protection.

A transformational year with EU 
recommendation for approval of 
MED3000 - Topical gel for erectile 
dysfunction (“ED”)

MED3000 is a formulation of the 
proprietary technology DermaSys®, 
developed specifically for the 
treatment of ED. Data from a Phase 
3 clinical study “FM57” has supported 
the regulatory submission for 
MED3000 as a medical device in 
Europe with clinically proven claims 
for the treatment of ED. The studies 
have demonstrated that MED3000 
has the potential to be a highly 
differentiated product by addressing 
significant unmet needs, across all 
patient severities in the US$5.6 billion 
ED market2, thanks to its rapid 
10 minute speed of onset enabling 
spontaneity for both partners, 
significant clinical benefits alongside 
low side effects and no interactions 
with alcohol or food, as well as 
providing a potential treatment 
option for around 20% of ED3 patients 
contraindicated from using existing 
ED therapies. Futura also believes 
MED3000 data approaches the 
efficacy of current first line therapy 

11

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

but with significantly lower adverse 
events and will be of high interest 
to the medical community for those 
patients who are seeking a treatment 
that provides them and their partners 
spontaneity through MED3000’s 
very rapid onset of action along 
with a very low side-effect profile. 
Its excellent safety profile makes it 
ideally suited to become a unique 
topical formulation available without 
a doctor’s prescription.

ED disrupts the lives of at least one 
in five men globally4, affecting the 
sexual and emotional health of 
around 23 million men and their 
partners in the US, and 20 million 
men in the UK, France, Italy and 
Germany alone. The prevalence of ED 
amongst adult males5 is estimated 
to be 340 million in the key markets, 
with China ranked first and US 
ranked fourth. Of note, the prevalence 
of ED in young men is increasing; 
now as high as 30%6. There has been 
little innovation in ED treatments 
for over ten years and many patients 
continue to suffer dissatisfaction with 
existing treatments, a statement 
frequently made by Key Opinion 
Leaders in the field of sexual 
medicine.

FM57 study

FM57, the Phase 3 study conducted 
with MED3000 was a 1,000-patient 
study including approximately 60 
centres across nine Central and 
Eastern European countries. FM57 
was a dose ranging, randomised, 
double blind, home use, parallel 
group clinical trial. Patients being 
enrolled into FM57 for the initial four 
weeks had to attempt intercourse on 
at least four occasions to establish the 
severity of their ED, known as the pre-
treatment “baseline”.

endpoints in ED) were statistically 
significantly achieved against 
baseline (pre-treatment) data in 
addition to important, supporting 
secondary endpoints in terms of 
efficacy, speed of onset, duration 
of action and clinically meaningful 
differences in patient benefit.

MED3000 – Medical device 
regulatory pathway

During 2020 the Company navigated 
the complex formal regulatory 
proceedings for MED3000 in both 
Europe and the US. Regulatory 
procedures, timelines and 
approaches differ by region.

FM57 demonstrated that MED3000 
has the potential to be a highly 
effective, clinically proven, topical 
treatment for ED. MED3000 has 
a unique evaporative mode of 
action which the Company believes 
stimulates nerve endings in the glans 
penis to cause an erection.

MED3000 results demonstrated 
a highly statistically significant 
improvement (p<0.001) in erectile 
function across “pooled” patient 
severities (mild, moderate, and 
severe) as well as being statistically 
significantly superior within the 
separate mild, moderate and severe 
patient groups, compared to before 
treatment baseline, along with an 
excellent safety profile.

Importantly, MED3000 had a 
significant clinically meaningful 
effect in 60% of patients as calculated 
using the Rosen and Araujo statistical 
method, a standard assessment 
technique for measuring Patient 
Reported Outcomes recognised 
and accepted by leading ED experts. 
Such Patient Reported Outcomes 
in ED are key evaluation criteria for 
regulators as well as physicians and 
their patients. MED3000 begins to 
work immediately in some patients, 
with 60% of patients seeing onset of 
their erection within 10 minutes of 
application, substantially faster than 
PDE5i’s (oral tablets) with significant 
benefits for spontaneous rather than 
pre-planned sexual intercourse. 

Europe: In March 2021, Futura 
announced that the EU Notified 
Body had successfully completed 
its review of the Company’s 
Technical Dossier for MED3000 
with a recommendation to approve 
MED3000 for the medical device 
class and indication as applied for 
in July 2020. A Class 2B approval is 
by definition an approval allowing 
marketing of MED3000 as a non-
prescription treatment across 
the European Union.  European 
approval for MED3000 will be final 
upon issuance of a Medical Device 
Regulation certificate by the panel, 
which is expected before the end of 
May 2021.

In order to obtain pre-marketing 
clearance within the EU under the 
new Medical Device Regulations, 
two requirements have to be 
met: Submission of Technical 
Documentation which includes 
sufficient efficacy, safety and quality 
data; and demonstration that the 
Company can operate to a high 
standard of quality through a Quality 
Management System (“QMS”).

In July 2020, Futura submitted the 
Technical Dossier for MED3000 
for the treatment of ED under the 
European Medical Device Regulation 
for marketing approval in Europe by 
an EU Notified Body as a Class 2B 
medical device. The Technical Dossier 
included data in support of quality, 
safety and efficacy of MED3000.

FM57 results – MED3000 shown 
to be an extremely effective 
treatment for ED with an excellent 
safety profile

In study FM57 all three co-primary 
endpoints (IIEF-EF, SEP2 and SEP3; 
internationally accepted clinical trial 

Overall, the level of efficacy was 
broadly equivalent to lower doses of 
current oral ED treatments. Safety 
and tolerability data were also highly 
positive, with no serious adverse 
events recorded in any patient, or 
their female partners.

12

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020Once EU certification and the 
resultant CE mark is granted, 
MED3000 will become the first pan-
European topical OTC treatment for 
ED. This paves the way for approval 
in many countries around the world, 
including in the Middle East, Africa, 
the Far East and Latin American 
regions which allow “fast-track” 
review based on recognition of the 
EU CE mark. The CE mark will also be 
recognised in Great Britain until 30 
June 2023 and in the period leading 
up to this Futura will secure the new 
post-Brexit UKCA mark. This will 
be a streamlined process since it is 
understood the UK application can 
bridge to the EU approval.

US: FDA’s guidance documents 
indicate that their preference is to 
adopt an interactive and iterative 
approach to data requirements 
through pre-submission meetings 
with sponsors. According to FDA, 
careful considerations of their 
feedback may improve the quality 
of subsequent submissions, shorten 
total review times and facilitate 
the development process for new 
devices. Thus, our productive and 
positive pre-submission meetings 
were held during 2020 and early 2021 
to discuss existing FM57 Phase 3 
clinical data, pathway to OTC status 
and any additional clinical and non-
clinical requirements.

Summarising activity to date: it has 
been established that an application 
may be made for MED3000 as a 
medical device for ED treatment, 
with a De Novo Classification. FDA 
requires an additional six month 
confirmatory clinical study, known as 
“FM71”, with MED3000 taking a “least 
burdensome approach” with detailed 
design now agreed. A short, non-
clinical, Human Factors Study, testing 
ease of patient understanding of an 
OTC label and product administration 
and use is also requested to support 
the regulatory submission and 
facilitate OTC status as well as a 
finalised OTC product label.

A fifth pre-submission meeting with 
FDA is planned for H2 2021 to define 
and confirm the detail of the work 
required for OTC application and 
Futura is targeting completion of the 
FM71 study and Human Factors study 
for Q2 2022.

US confirmatory clinical  
study – FM71

FM71 is a confirmatory clinical study 
with MED3000 designed to provide 
supplementary six-month efficacy 
data with a “least burdensome” 
approach and modest cost. 

FM71 will be of a six-month duration 
(24 weeks) versus three month 
duration for FM57 to reassure the 
FDA that efficacy does not diminish 
over a longer period of time, although 
it is Futura’s belief that this is 
unlikely as in the FM57 study efficacy 
improved from the first to third 
month of patient use.

Approximately 100 patients in 
total will be recruited including a 
mix of mild, moderate and severe 
ED sufferers. Recruited patient 
population will include 20 African 
American patients (from a leading 
US medical centre) and 80 patients 
recruited from Eastern Europe where 
sites include some of the same 
centres used in the FM57 trial. No 
placebo is required hence the study 
is relatively small in size compared to 
FM57 where the Company recruited 
in excess of 1,000 patients. The 
primary endpoints are a significant 
change from baseline and exceeding 
a minimal clinically important 
difference calculated using the Rosen 
et al statistical method, a standard 
assessment technique for measuring 
Patient Reported Outcomes. Both 
endpoints were previously met for 
MED3000 over the 12-week duration 
of study FM57. Additional statistical 
study design has been agreed to 
support a fast speed of onset claim 
of 5, 10 or 15 minutes (10 minutes was 
achieved in FM57).

13

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

A Tadalafil 5mg (the active in Cialis®) 
comparator arm is included for 
informational purposes only to assess 
relative safety, speed of onset and 
overall efficacy; non-inferiority of 
MED3000 against Tadalafil is not 
required to be shown. This will more 
accurately enable FDA to determine 
the relative benefit/risk ratio of 
MED3000 versus a commercially 
available comparator.

MED3000 commercialisation plans

As regulatory processes continue 
Futura has been working with 
retained specialised corporate 
advisers on active commercial 
discussions with potential licensing 
and marketing partners in line with 
an agreed process being managed by 
the advisers.

Futura announced in late October 
2020 that it had given priority to 
certain negotiations for one specific 
region for the exclusive marketing 
rights for MED3000, with certain 
parties. These discussions were 
formalised in early March 2021 with 
the announcement of investment 
and joint collaboration with Co-High 
Investment Management and certain 
subsidiaries of Atlantis Group to 
commercialise MED3000 in China 
and South East Asia.

Futura is making steady progress 
on commercial discussions for 
MED3000 marketing rights in 
multiple other regions. Partnering 
discussions generally follow the path 
of interested parties submitting a 
non-binding offer which is followed 

by an invitation for due diligence of 
full MED3000-related data under a 
Confidential Disclosure Agreement 
and thereafter a formal offer which, 
if accepted contractually by Futura, 
would be binding. Currently a 
number of interested parties have 
made submissions at the non-
binding offer stage with further offers 
expected, although there can be no 
guarantee of deal completion at this 
stage. The Company looks forward 
to providing further updates in the 
coming months. Futura is committed 
to prioritising commercial deals that 
will deliver long-term and sustainable 
value to the Company, allowing 
a long-lasting growth franchise 
to be built around the pipeline of 
DermaSys® formulated products and 
in particular MED3000.

14

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020An initial UK patent was filed in 
December 2019 around MED3000’s 
clinically significant and novel 
findings shown in FM57. This was 
supplemented with a further UK 
patent filing in August 2020 following 
a complete analysis of all the data 
sets provided by FM57 and a head-
to-toe strategic review conducted by 
independent pharmaceutical patent 
specialists retained by Futura. An 
initial examination report conducted 
by the UK patent office, requested at 
the time of the first UK filing by the 
Company, supports the patentability 
of the application which is an 
important first step in the patent 
approval process. In October 2020 
further patent filings were made and 
in particular a Patent Cooperation 
Treaty (“PCT”) application taking 
priority from the two earlier UK 
applications. The PCT currently has 
153 contracting countries where the 
Company can seek patent protection 
claiming priority from an original 
application made in any one of 
the countries that are signatories 
to the PCT, such as the UK. In Q2 
2022 national applications will need 
to be made and the Company, in 
consultation with its commercial 
partners, will decide those countries 
in which to file applications and 
considered necessary to protect the 
commercial interests of MED3000. If 
national applications are successful 
this will provide patent protection 
until 2040.

Co-High Licensing agreement – 
China and South East Asia

In March 2021 Futura entered into 
£1.50 million convertible debt and 
£0.50 million of warrants financing 
transactions with HT Riverwood 
Multi-Growth Fund (“Riverwood”), 
a fund managed by Atlantis 
Investment Management Limited 
(“Atlantis”), a leading asset manager, 
which has provided the Company 
with £2 million in cash.

Atlantis is a 100% owned subsidiary of 
the Atlantis Group and Co-High is a 
60% owned subsidiary of the Atlantis 
Group. Ms Yang Liu, now Atlantis’ 
Chairperson and Chief Investment 
Officer, acquired the Atlantis group 
in 2009.

Additionally, Futura entered 
into a licensing agreement with 
Pride Century Ventures, a special 
purpose vehicle owned by Co-
High Investment Management 
Limited (“Co-High”) for the 
rights to exclusively develop and 
commercialise the Company’s 
topical, gel-based ED treatment 
MED3000 in China and South East 
Asia. Co-High will provide funding 
currently estimated to be up to £4 
million for the expected remaining 
R&D work required to gain approval 
of MED3000 throughout the 
region. Futura will be entitled to 
50% of regional profits from the 
commercialisation of MED3000 (the 
“Joint Collaboration”) including any 
profits derived from local partner 
agreements within the Region.

Atlantis is a leading international 
asset management company with 
a focus in the Greater China Region 
and South East Asia. Co-High is a 
specialist private equity company 
in the Greater China region and 
invests into and collaborates with 
some of the world’s most promising 
companies which are believed to 
be poised to enter a hypergrowth 
phase. Healthcare investment 
and collaboration is targeted at 
companies with a clear scientific 
edge who are working to solve the 
major unmet medical needs of the 
Greater China region.

Under the terms of the agreement, 
Futura and Co-High will work 
together to develop and 
commercialise MED3000 as a 
clinically proven OTC treatment for 
ED throughout South East Asia. 

TPR100 – Futura’s advanced 
proprietary transdermal 
technology, DermaSys® for 
transdermal delivery of diclofenac 
for the pain and inflammation 
associated with sprains, strains and 
bruises and soft tissue rheumatism
TPR100 is a proprietary DermaSys® 
product formulation engineered 
to achieve targeted and controlled 
permeation of diclofenac through 
the skin for local relief of pain and 
inflammation associated with soft 
tissue damage caused by sprains, 
strains, bruises and rheumatism. It 
is partnered for manufacturing and 
distribution in the UK with Thornton 
& Ross, one of the UK’s largest 
consumer healthcare companies and 
a subsidiary of STADA AG.

Futura has completed additional 
laboratory formulation adjustment 
and work specifically around the 
skin permeation characteristics 
of TPR100 in response to the UK 
MHRA’s questions after Thornton & 
Ross’ initial filing of a UK marketing 
authorisation application.

At a recent scientific advisory 
meeting with MHRA by Futura in 
conjunction with its commercial 
partner, the regulator recognised 
the improved skin permeation 
characteristics of TPR100 compared 
to market-leading diclofenac 
formulations. In vitro studies 
demonstrated that a 20% TPR100 
dose relative to certain market-
leading diclofenac formulations 
delivered the same permeation 
of active pharmaceutical 
ingredient through the skin. Due 
to this increased potency, a key 
differentiating characteristic for 
TPR100, MHRA now require data 
from a patient efficacy study with 
TPR100 in support of a marketing 
authorisation and are willing to 
consider superiority claims if the 
study is successful.

15

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Completion of initial laboratory and 
optimisation work on CBD100 was 
announced in August 2020.

As part of a robust formulation 
process using strict pharmaceutical 
development principles, Futura 
carried out extensive DermaSys® 
cannabidiol formulation work 
and initial in vitro tests on human 
epidermis during 2020. The studies 
demonstrated highly efficient 
penetration of cannabidiol into and 
through the skin, superior to an 
established, marketed, comparator 
product. Additionally, cannabidiol 
is known to be unstable with many 
common excipients used in gels 
and other topically applied forms. 
CBD100 was specifically formulated 
to minimise this issue and has shown 
encouraging early stability work, 
which is expected to ensure potency 
is retained during shelf-life.

The Futura R&D team’s development 
work on CBD100 is further evidence 
of the broad utility and power of the 
DermaSys® system for effective and 
controlled transdermal delivery of a 
wide range of active pharmaceutical 
ingredients.

An intellectual property application 
was made in August 2020 covering 
various unique aspects of the 
CBD100 gel formulation. Initial 
patent office examination has 
suggested that CBD100 is a novel 
and inventive formulation and the 
patent application is expected to 
progress into the international Patent 
Cooperation Treaty (PCT) stage in 
summer 2021.

Cannabidiol is a major component of 
the cannabis plant and is generally 
regarded as non-addictive and 
non-psychoactive, making it ideal 
for consideration as a topically 
delivered molecule for local or 
regional (non-systemic) use. The 
market for cannabidiol products is 
growing rapidly. A report by Reports 
and Data estimates that the market 
for cannabidiol products is forecast 
to grow from US$1 billion in 2018 to 
US$16 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 

Since Voltaren® 1% has recently 
gained OTC status in the US a new 
and attractive potential market 
opportunity has arisen in that 
geography for TPR100. Futura is 
therefore exploring designs, funds 
permitting, for a clinical study to 
achieve approval for a superior 
product without a prescription 
in the US as well as fulfilling data 
requirements for UK and EU 
regulatory submissions as a topical 
pain relief and anti-inflammatory 
treatment.

Commercial discussions with several 
potential distribution partners for 
other countries continue however, 
any further licensing deals are 
expected to be after a regulatory 
approval is achieved.

CBD100 – Futura’s advanced 
proprietary transdermal 
technology, DermaSys® for the 
delivery of cannabidiol

CBD100 is part of Futura’s joint 
venture collaboration with CBDerma 
Technology Limited to explore the 
application of Futura’s advanced 
proprietary transdermal technology, 
DermaSys® for the delivery of 
cannabidiol.

CBDerma Technology is a company 
that has been established and 
funded to specifically exploit the 
therapeutic potential of cannabis. 
The company’s management, 
backers and advisers have  
extensive knowledge, expertise  
and investments in plant derived 
product manufacturing.

16

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020The Company is well positioned 
to deliver further positive news 
through 2021. Futura expects the final 
certificate of EU CE mark approval 
for MED3000 by the end of May and 
the team is focused on preparation 
and execution of the confirmatory 
clinical study and non-clinical studies 
to finalise an OTC label for the 
regulatory submission for MED3000 
in the US which the Company aims to 
achieve in 2022. Furthermore, given 
the potential for expedited Medical 
Device Registrations possible in most 
Middle East, Far East, African and 
Latin American countries based on 
EU CE mark Futura looks forward 
to achieving additional progress in 
a worldwide roll out of registrations 
followed by commercialisation of 
MED3000 as a fast-acting topical 
ED treatment without the need for 
a physician prescription. The rapidly 
solidifying potential of MED3000’s 
value also means that the Company 
looks forward to being able to update 
shareholders on the progress of 
commercial licensing discussions in 
the coming months.

JOHN CLARKE
Chairman

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

27.7%, during the forecast period. 
The market is primarily driven by the 
increase in the usage of cannabidiol 
in medical applications, supplements, 
beverages and skin care.

In conjunction with its joint venture 
partner Futura is exploring the 
potential of CBD100 from both 
a development and commercial 
standpoint. External advisers with 
a strong commercial track record, 
experience and credentials in the 
cannabis-derived active ingredients 
market have been appointed. A 
structured process is ongoing for 
validating and understanding 
CBD100’s market potential, where 
the best commercial opportunity lies 
and then development requirements 
prior to planning and execution of 
further work. The finalisation of plans 
will be defined by ongoing regulatory 
changes that are occurring with 
respect to marketing authorisation 
requirements for cannabidiol. For 
example, the EU is set to provide a 
regulatory update for cannabidiol 
use in cosmetics during 2021. Futura 
plans to update shareholders in 
due course. 

In light of increasing regulation, a 
gel that has been formulated using 
strict pharmaceutical development 
principles with strong delivery 
characteristics, stability and high 
quality could be a very attractive 
commercial proposition when 
compared to current market 
incumbents in either cosmetic or 
more traditional pharmaceutical 
markets for cannabidiol such as pain 
and inflammation. Both options 
are being examined however, it is 
likely that a “cosmeceutical” will be 
developed first.

The route to an approved cosmetic 
product is expected to be fastest 
where there is a large existing 
market opportunity but with lower 
barriers to entry where quality and 
differentiated brand attributes are 
important. Whilst a pharmaceutical 
development route for an effective 
cannabidiol gel remains of significant 
potential, it also involves higher risk 
and cost until the clinically proven 
benefits of cannabidiol and specific 
indications to which it is applicable 
are better understood.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The £2.00 million cash investment 
arising from the MED3000 
collaboration agreement for China 
and South East Asia post year end in 
March and April 2021, in addition to a 
year end cash balance of £1.02 million 
and usual refund of R&D tax credits of 
£0.52 million, will fund the Company’s 
working capital through to Q1 2022, 
with a focus on formalising further 
MED3000 partnering and license 
agreements in additional regions, 
particularly where marketing 
approval is near-to-medium term.

OUTLOOK

Futura has achieved major 
milestones in terms of securing 
partnering for the development and 
commercialisation of MED3000 in 
China and South East Asia in a deal 
structured to capture significant 
long-term value, as well as the EU 
Notified Body’s recommendation 
to certificate MED3000 for Class 
2B approval as a medical device for 
ED treatment under the European 
Medical Device Regulations.

1.  Under Brexit terms Northern Ireland is exempt.
2.  Manufacturers’ Selling Prices 2018: Data available for 

75 countries, IQVIA IMS Health.

3.  Cello Health Consulting research conducted in the 
US, France and Germany, commissioned by Futura 
Medical, 2017.

4.  EMA, Withdrawal assessment report for Viagra, 2008.
5.  Data for 16 key markets, Global Data Epidemiological 

Analysis 2020.

6.  Nguyen Sex Med Rev. 2017 Oct, vol 5, 508-520.

17

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020OUR STRATEGY

Our strategy is to develop our portfolio of innovative products for two 
large market categories, sexual health and pain, and then partner at the 
optimum time to generate most value.
This strategy is aligned with the well-publicised demographic changes of ageing populations, increasing prosperity, 
the increased demand from patients and consumers who expect to lead a full and active life well into their later years, 
their natural desire for an improved quality of life and our expectations that overall patient demand and spending 
will increase as a result. The objective is to develop products such that each on its own has the potential to generate 
significant annual revenues.

2020 priorities 
and performance

2021 focus

The regulatory dossier for MED3000 
was submitted in the EU and three 
pre-submission meetings took place 
with the FDA in 2020 with a further 
meeting in February 2021.

Commencement of Phase 3 clinical 
study FM71 required for the US 
submission and licensing agreements 
following the recommendation by 
the EU Notified Body of MED3000 for 
approval as a medical device.

Resources are focused on the 
commencement of FM71 and the 
commercialisation of MED3000.

The regulatory strategy for MED3000 
as a medical device available without 
the need for a doctor’s prescription 
was defined and accepted by both 
the EU and US regulatory authorities, 
with MED3000 having the potential 
to be the first OTC treatment for ED 
in the US and most countries around 
the world.

We raised awareness of the mode of 
action of MED3000 and the unique 
benefits of MED3000 for ED sufferers.

Ensure ED sufferers can have access 
to MED3000 as quickly as possible 
and continue to develop CBD100 with 
our partner CBDerma Technology.

We raised the profile of MED3000 as 
a commercial asset and are in active 
discussions with potential partner(s) 
for the licensing rights.

Out-license the rights to MED3000 
for optimal sustainable long-term 
value for shareholders.

Invest

Innovate

Improve

Increase

18

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020 
 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Directors consider the successful achievement of development, licensing and commercialisation milestones and 
the number of products under development (beyond the evaluation stage) to be the major drivers of value creation for 
the Group. 

There are other financial and non-financial key performance indicators (“KPIs”) which the Directors use as a measure 
of the Group’s performance.

GROUP CASH

ADMINISTRATION AND CENTRAL OVERHEAD SPEND

£1.02m  -59%

£1.00m  -12%

£1.02m*

2020

2019

2020

2019

£2.51m

* A further £2.00 million was raised post year end 

£1.00m

£1.14m

Given the funding requirements of the business to ensure 
completion of the development programmes, cash is 
considered to be a key metric.

We operate as a “semi-virtual” company and keep tight 
control of central costs. The spend was broadly in line with 
the previous year and demonstrates our commitment to 
keep central costs low.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

£1.93m  -81%

2020

£1.93m

2019

£10.05m

We invest in Research and Development (“R&D”) to 
generate future revenue and value from our assets. The 
decrease in 2020 is related to the shift of activities from 
clinical development to regulatory and manufacturing 
activities linked to MED3000.

Non-financial measures – Headcount

R&D

8

(2019: 8)

CENTRAL

2

(2019: 2)

EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS

The Group is focused on the development 
of its lead asset MED3000 and the tight 
control of central costs.

3

(2019: 3)

19

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PORTFOLIO REVIEW – MED3000

MED3000
A topical gel for the treatment  
of erectile dysfunction

MARKET OVERVIEW

One in five men suffers from erectile 
dysfunction worldwide1. Erectile 
dysfunction (ED) is closely linked to 
age and a number of co-morbidities 
associated with obesity such as 
diabetes and heart disease, with the 
incidence of erectile dysfunction 
expected to increase to 322 million 
by 20252. Erectile dysfunction can 
result from organic or psychological 
causes and is increasingly affecting 
younger men who can also suffer 
from performance anxiety due to 
social pressure and false expectations 
from easy access to pornography. 
Erectile dysfunction can lead to low 
self-esteem, lack of confidence and 
depression. The detrimental impact 
on partners and relationships is well 
documented and acknowledged by 
the medical community. The discovery 
and approval of the PDE5i’s to treat ED 
over 20 years ago (such as Viagra® and 
Cialis®) not only revolutionised available 
treatments for men with ED but also 
dramatically increased awareness in 
the general public of this significant 
problem. 

Despite their success PDE5i’s have 
certain limitations. Although proven 

highly efficacious, oral PDE5i’s have 
several adverse effects as well as 
significant drug-drug interactions 
in the target population. The most 
commonly reported adverse events 
include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, 
nasal congestion and impaired vision. 
They are contraindicated for use 
with a number of medications such 
as nitrates, anti-hypertensives and 
alpha blockers. They generally take 
significant time to work requiring 
pre-planning for sexual intercourse. 
Viagra® for example only starts to 
work in 30-60 minutes. As a result 
many men and their partners are 
dissatisfied with PDE5i’s and it has 
been estimated that almost 50% 
discontinue use after one year3. 
In most countries oral PDE5i’s are 
only available as a prescription-only 
product which presents too high a 
barrier for many men who are too 
embarrassed to seek treatment, for 
whom the process is not convenient 
enough or who find the cost of the 
physician and medicine prohibitive in 
countries such as the US.

ED SUFFERERS’ UNMET NEEDS

There has been little effective 
innovation in over ten years for the 
treatment of ED. Today, there remains 
a significant unmet clinical need 
for those men wanting a fast-acting 
treatment that can give greater 

MED3000 IS A 

US$1 
billion

MARKET 
OPPORTUNITY8

The ED prescription market is 
worth US$5.6 billion (2018)4

Oral PDE5i's are the first line of 
treatment. They are effective but 
don’t meet the needs of many 
men with ED. 

	Almost 50% of ED patients 

discontinue therapy after one 
year5 

 Around 20% of ED patients 

cannot take oral PDE5i's as they 
are contraindicated with other 
medicines they take6 

	Only 1 in 4 men diagnosed with 
ED in the US is on treatment7

There has been limited 
innovation in the treatment of  
ED in over ten years.

There are clear unmet medical 
needs.

US$560 million potential 
prescription peak sales at US$5 
per dose8

Research by Cello and model provided by 
Decision Resources for Futura

US$660 million potential 
“over-the-counter” sales at 
US$5 per dose with 70% 
incremental to prescription sales8

Research and forecast provided 
by Ipsos Group for Futura

20

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2020

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMERECTILE DYSFUNCTION –  
AN UNMET MEDICAL NEED
 ■ Erectile dysfunction affects 

around 50% of men between 
40 and 70 years old9. ED is 
an indicator of other serious 
conditions such as diabetes 
and heart disease.

 ■ Both severity and prevalence of 
ED increase with age – a factor 
of great consequence given 
our ageing population.

 ■ The relationship between ED 
and other disorders such as 
obesity and diabetes, which 
are themselves reaching 
epidemic proportions, may 
also contribute to the increase 
in ED worldwide.

 ■ ED is increasingly affecting 
younger men with the 
prevalence of ED in young 
men being as high as 30%10.
 ■ Many ED sufferers do not seek 
treatment. In addition, over 
two thirds of men who have 
discussed their condition with 
their physician are not on 
treatment11.

 ■ For those who go on treatment, 
discontinuation rates for long-
term therapy are high with 
almost 50% of men stopping 
treatment after one year5.

1.  EMA, Withdrawal assessment report for Viagra, 2008
2.  Adapted from McKinlay JB. Int J Impot Res. 2000; 12 

(suppl 4): S6-S11

3.  Corona G., “First-generation phosphodiesterase type 
5 inhibitors dropout: a comprehensive review and 
meta- analysis”, Andrology, 2016, 4, 1002–1009

4.  Manufacturers’ Selling Prices 2018: Data available for 

75 countries, IQVIA IMS Health.

5.  Corona G., “First-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 
inhibitors dropout: a comprehensive review and meta- 
analysis”, Andrology, 2016, 4, 1002–1009

6.  Cello Health Consulting research conducted in the US, 

France and Germany, commissioned by Futura Medical, 
2017.

7.  Frederick L., “Undertreatment of erectile dysfunction: 
claims analysis of 6.2 million patients”, J Sex Med, 2014, 
Oct, (10):2546-53;

8.  Previous market research conducted by Cello Health 
Consulting as a prescription product and Ipsos Group 
as an over-the-counter product on MED2005 showed 
potential peak sales in excess of US$1 billion. Whilst 
MED3000 is a slightly different proposition as it has a 
different mode of action, it offers the same benefits and 
therefore the Group believes that the market potential 
is similar.

9.  Feldman HA et al. J Urol 1994; 151: 54 – 61
10.  Nguyen Sex Med Rev. 2017 Oct, vol 5, 508-520
11.  Jannini J Sex Med 2014 Jan: 11(1).40-50

potential to be the first clinically proven 
treatment available over-the-counter 
in the US, with potential global peak 
sales of over US$650 million8.

KOL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Futura has engaged an outreach 
programme to increase awareness 
in the ED medical community of the 
development and potential benefits 
that our topical treatment could bring 
to ED sufferers. Two advisory boards 
(US and Europe) comprising world 
renowned urologists and researchers 
in erectile dysfunction have been 
formed and convene as needed 
to review data, share information 
and obtain feedback regarding the 
programme. The COVID-19 pandemic 
has hampered our programme 
of face-to-face interactions at 
Conferences but we continue to be 
committed to our KOL engagement 
programme for 2021 and beyond. 
There has been growing interest from 
leading Key Opinion Leaders in our 
topical treatment because it offers 
a novel and unique treatment that 
could address patients’ unmet needs.

spontaneity and can form part of 
sexual foreplay thereby offering 
enhanced intimacy. ED sufferers are 
also looking for a product with a more 
favourable side effects profile which 
can be used safely with some of their 
other medications and which they 
are comfortable using over a period 
of years. Crucially they are looking for 
a treatment which could be available 
without a doctor’s prescription 
normalising their condition and 
removing the financial and practical 
barriers to treatment for men with ED 
and their partners.

MED3000 – AN INNOVATION  
IN THE TREATMENT OF ED

MED3000 is a treatment applied 
directly to the glans or head of the 
penis for 15 seconds. Because it’s a 
gel it means that men with ED or 
their partners can apply it as part of 
foreplay. It is fast-acting with 60% of 
men noticing an erection within 10 
minutes and easy to use helping to 
restore spontaneity and intimacy in the 
relationship. MED3000 works rapidly to 
help achieve and maintain an erection 
whilst offering an excellent safety 
profile. Registration as a medical device 
means MED3000 will be the first pan-
European topical treatment for erectile 
dysfunction available without the need 
of a doctor’s prescription and has the 

ED SUFFERERS PREDICTED TO INCREASE FROM 152 MILLION 
TO 322 MILLION BY 20252

Europe
11.9 million

Asia
113 million

Africa
19.3 million

North 
America
9.1 million

South/ Central 
America 
 & Caribbean

15.6 million

Oceania
0.9 million

21

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PORTFOLIO REVIEW – MED3000

WHAT KEY OPINION LEADERS ARE SAYING  
ABOUT OUR INNOVATIVE TREATMENT FOR  
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MED3000

“ In my humble opinion and as an expert 
in the field of erectile dysfunction 
management, I am very supportive of 
MED3000 and do believe that it offers 
an important and valid addition to 
the armamentarium of treatments 
we can offer our patients for erectile 
dysfunction.”

PROFESSOR ARTHUR BURNETT
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 
Baltimore, US
MD, MBA, FACS, Patrick C Walsh Distinguished 
Professor of Urology
Past President of the Sexual Medicine Society of 
North America

“ The efficacy of MED3000 is 
remarkable and approaches the 
efficacy of current first line therapy 
but with significantly lower adverse 
events. With topical application, it will 
be of particular appeal to patients who 
want a fast onset of action. Lack of 
drug interactions with prescription 
products will enable the product to 
be used with other medications such 
as nitrates and other cardiovascular 
drugs. It can also be used in 
conjunction with other ED products 
to improve overall efficacy to patients. 
As such the product will be of great 
interest to the medical community.”

PROFESSOR DAVID RALPH
Consultant Urologist 
St. Peter’s Andrology Centre & Institute of Urology, 
UCLH, London 
Past President of the European Society of Sexual 
Medicine

22

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020MED3000 – DEVELOPMENT AND 
CLINICAL STUDY

MED3000 is a unique and exciting 
development in the field of erectile 
dysfunction. It is a topical gel applied 
to the glans (head) of the penis using 
the DermaSys® technology. MED3000 
has been shown to be effective in a 
large Phase 3 study and is fast-acting 
with 60% of men noting an erection 
within 10 minutes. The incidence of 
side-effects is very low and its drug-
free formulation means that adverse 
interactions with drug products are 
unlikely. 

MED3000 – FM57 PHASE 3 
CLINICAL TRIAL 

FM57 was a Phase 3 clinical trial 
involving 1,000 patients across 
approximately 60 centres across 
nine Central and Eastern European 
countries. FM57 was a dose ranging, 
randomised, double-blind, placebo-
controlled, home use, parallel group 
clinical trial. FM57 was designed to 
investigate the efficacy and safety of 
a range of topically applied gels using 
IIEF-EF and SEP 2 and 3 as co-primary 
clinical endpoints in mild, moderate 
and severe ED patients. 

MED3000 achieved positive results, 
with a striking consistency in being 
highly significantly statistically 
superior to baseline for all three co-
primary endpoints (using validated 
and globally accepted measurement 
tools), as well as being statistically 
significant in each separate cohort 
of severity (mild, moderate and 
severe). At one, two and three 
months’ treatment time points highly 
statistically superior improvement 
over baseline was achieved. 

MED3000 begins to work immediately 
in some patients, with 60% of patients 
seeing onset of their erection within 10 
minutes of application, substantially 
faster than oral tablets with significant 
benefits for spontaneous rather than 
pre-planned sexual intercourse.

MED3000’S EFFICACY AND SAFETY 
COMPARED TO ORAL PDE5I’S AND 
LOW DOSE CIALIS®

The construct of clinical study FM57 
was very similar to the design used to 
study a variety of PDE5i’s. In particular, 
the main co-primary endpoint, 
the International Index of Erectile 
Function-Erectile Function domain, 
“IIEF-EF”, which is fully validated, 
has been used to compare pre and 
post-treatment ED in many studies. 
Using this assessment, it is possible to 
compare the efficacy achieved with 
MED3000 in FM57 with historical data 
reported in the literature. The scatter 
plot below compares pre and post 
treatment IIEF-EF scores for MED3000 
against the many studies of PDE5i’s 
and the corresponding placebos used 
in these historical studies. From this 
analysis, we conclude that MED3000’s 
efficacy is broadly equivalent to the 
efficacy achieved with lower doses of 
oral PDE5i’s.

MED3000 COMPARATIVE EFFICACY TO PUBLISHED DATA ON PDE5I’S

This scatter plot contains studies of broadly equivalent design measuring 
IIEF-EF but may vary in terms of study design and population groups12. This is 
for illustrative purposes only as the data is derived from different clinical studies.

Treatment

Placebo
Sildenafil
Tadalafil
Vardenafil
Avanafil

MED3000  
(Predicted for FM71) 

MED3000  
MED3000
(Predicted for FM71) 

30.00 –

25.00 –

20.00 –

15.00 –

10.00 –

5.00 –

F
E
-
F
E

I
I

t
n
e
m
t
a
e
r
t

t
s
o
p
n
a
e
M

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

Mean baseline IIEF-EF

12 Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH et al: Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol 2018; 200: 633.

23

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020  
  
 
 
 
PORTFOLIO REVIEW – MED3000

The table below compares the improvement in efficacy 
for MED3000 and low dose Cialis® compared to baseline 
from historical data reported in the literature. The 
parameters include IIEF-EF as well as the validated 
measures the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) Question 2 
and 3. MED3000 shows clinical trial efficacy results that 
are broadly equivalent to those of Cialis® 5mg.

Safety and tolerability data were also highly positive, with 
no serious adverse events recorded in any patient, or 
their female partner, with a highly favourable overall side 
effect profile across all doses against baseline. The second 
table below compares the side effects profile for men 
for MED3000 and reported data for Cialis® 5mg with an 
occurrence over 2%.

PRIMARY 
EFFICACY 
PARAMETERS

MED3000

MED3000 

MED3000 

CIALIS®

CIALIS®

CIALIS®

Baseline

12 weeks

Change from 
Baseline

5mg (tadalafil) 
Baseline (Non-
US Phase 3 
studies)*

5mg (tadalafil) 
12 weeks (Non-
US Phase 3 
studies)*

5mg (tadalafil) 
Change from 
Baseline (Non-
US Phase 3 
studies)*

IIEF

16.5

21.6

5.1

13.1

17.7

4.6

SEP2
(Were you able 
to insert your 
penis into your 
partner’s vagina?)

SEP3
(Did your erection 
last long enough 
for you to have 
successful 
intercourse?)

ADVERSE EVENTS 

Headache

Flushing

Nasal congestion

Back pain 

Myalgia

62%

86%

24%

41%

57%

16%

22%

59%

37%

18%

40%

22%

MED3000**

CIALIS®

(N=250)

5mg (tadalafil) (N= 151)*

3%

–

–

–

–

11%

2%

2%

3%

2%

*   For illustrative purposes only as data is derived from different clinical studies – Cialis® data from 2 non-US Phase 3 studies. Cialis® US Prescribing information, 2018. 

**   Users of MED3000 noticed 1.2% penile burning in men and 0.4% vulvovaginal burning in women.

24

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020MED3000 MECHANISM OF ACTION 
– HOW DERMASYS® WORKS TO 
TREAT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

MED3000 works through a unique 
mode of action. MED3000’s 
combination of volatile solvent 
components creates an evaporative 
action that stimulates nerve sensors 
in the highly innervated glans penis 
by a cooling and recovery warming 
effect, rapidly leading to smooth 
muscle relaxation, tumescence 
and erection as shown on the 
diagram below. 

The glans penis is very highly 
innervated and there are sensors 
which are reactive to a range of 
physical sensations, including touch, 
pressure and temperature. Futura 
conducted further research and 
analysis in 2020 which demonstrated 
the mode of action for MED3000 
as shown in the graph. MED3000 
generates a rapid cooling and 
recovery warming action, promoting 
a sensory stimulation of the nerves 
on the glans penis leading to 
fast smooth muscle relaxation, 
tumescence and erection.

MED3000’S RAPID COOLING AND RECOVERY WARMING ACTION

Projected temperature change when MED3000 is applied to the glans penis.

)
c
(

p
m
e
T

30.5

28.5

26.5

24.5

22.5

20.5

18.5

 Test 1

 Test 2

 Test 3

 Test 4

 Test 5

 Test 6

0

30

60

90

120

150

180

210 240 270 300

Time (seconds)

MED3000 MECHANISM OF ACTION

Endothelial cells

Natural NO 
production

NANC  
neurons

MED3000 
Novel evaporative 
action stimulates 
nerve sensors in the 
highly innervated 
glans penis through 
temperature, touch 
and pressure

NO

GMP

GTP

cGMP-specific  
phosphodiesterase 
type 5

Soluble  
guanylyl cyclase

PDE5i's: PDE5 
inhibition
Oral treatment 
with systemic 
absorption. 
Primarily 
selective  
for PDE5

cGMP

Smooth muscle 
relaxation

NO = nitric oxide
GMP = guanosine monophosphate
cGMP = cyclic guanosine monophosphate
GTP = guanosine triphosphate
NANC = nonadrenergic, noncholinergic

Tumescence  
and penile  
erection

25

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020 
PORTFOLIO REVIEW – MED3000

A YEAR OF GREAT 
PROGRESS 
CULMINATING IN THE 
RECOMMENDATION OF 
MED3000 BY THE EU 
NOTIFIED BODY FOR 
APPROVAL IN THE EU 
POST PERIOD END

2020 has been a year of 
tremendous progress from 
a regulatory perspective.  
In the first quarter Futura 
continued the analysis of 
the data from the clinical 
trial FM57 which completed 
in December 2019 and 
focused on defining the 
regulatory strategy for 
MED3000 which resulted 
in Futura successfully 
making the case to 
EU and US regulatory 
agencies for MED3000 to 
be classified as a medical 
device available without 
the need for a doctor’s 
prescription (OTC). Futura 
has proactively worked 
with EU and US regulatory 
authorities and made 
great progress with 
the recommendation 
of MED3000 by the EU 
Notified Body for approval 
in the EU post period end 
as a Class 2B medical 
device. Registration as a 
medical device means 
MED3000 will be the first 
pan-European topical 
treatment for erectile 
dysfunction available 
without the need of a 
doctor’s prescription (OTC). 
This classification also offers 
the potential for MED3000 
to be the first over the 
counter treatment in the 
US, the largest market. The 
EU CE mark will also enable 
us to fast-track approvals in 
many other geographies, 
including most Middle 
East, Far East, African and 
Latin American countries 
through an expedited 
regulatory process.  

26

MED3000 REGULATORY PROGRESS

EU

2020 
February

July

August

US

February

July

EU

February 
2020

Formal proceedings commenced with EU Notified 
Body*

July 
2020

August 
2020

October 
2020

Confirmation of the classification of MED3000 as a 
Class 2B medical device

Submission of Technical Documentation which 
includes efficacy, safety and quality data specific to 
the MED3000 device 

Submission and review by the relevant EU Notified 
Body* of documentation relating to our Quality 
Management Systems (QMS)

Positive audit opinion for our Quality Management 
Systems (QMS) from the relevant EU Notified Body*

Completeness checks under the new European 
Medical Device Regulation successfully concluded 
with dossier under review

December 
2020

1st 
set of questions received and responses submitted

January  
2021

March 
2021

2nd 
set of questions received and responses submitted

Recommendation by the EU Notified Body for 
approval in the EU as a medical device

*   Notified Bodies are organisations designated by EU countries to oversee the approval of medical devices within the 

EU and the UK.

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020October

December

2021 
January

March

October

US

February 
2020

February

1st 

Pre-submission Meeting with FDA

FDA agrees to a De Novo medical device 
application

July 
2020

2nd 

Pre-submission Meeting with FDA

Pathway to a marketing approval for MED3000 in the 
US has been established, and importantly, potential 
for over-the-counter designation without the need for 
a doctor’s prescription. FDA confirmed requirement 
for a further smaller supplementary study

October  
2020

3rd 

Pre-submission Meeting with FDA

Preliminary agreement on the design and scope 
of the required small supplementary study (100 
subjects), known as “FM71”

February 
2021

4th 
Pre-submission Meeting with FDA

Agreement on outstanding points related to the 
FM71 study and confirmation of next steps.

A 5th pre-submission Meeting with FDA is planned 
for H2 2021 to define and confirm the detail of  
the work required for OTC application

MAKING THE CASE FOR 
OVER-THE-COUNTER 
AVAILABILITY 

Futura has successfully 
made the case with the 
EU Notified Body and the 
US FDA that MED3000, 
thanks to its unique mode 
of action, is a medical 
device. MED3000 is a 
Class 2B medical device in 
the EU and in the US the 
application will be for a 
medical device with a De 
Novo classification. This is 
a unique regulatory 
strategy which gives 
MED3000 a faster 
pathway to regulatory 
approval and paves the 
way for MED3000 to be 
the first treatment 
available for erectile 
dysfunction over-the-
counter (OTC) in the US. A 
short, non-clinical, Human 
Factors Study, testing 
ease of patient 
understanding of an OTC 
label and product 
administration and use is 
also required to support 
the submission and 
facilitate OTC status as 
well as a finalised OTC 
product label.

27

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PORTFOLIO REVIEW – MED3000

CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH FROM FDA

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
has and continues to provide constructive comments 
and has encouraged Futura to continue the dialogue 
throughout the pre-submission process on the 
development of the clinical data, label and other 
regulatory dossier considerations. The FDA favours an 
interactive dialogue through the development process 
which aims to facilitate the approval once the dossier is 
submitted. Futura has had four pre-submission meetings 
with the FDA who expressed a willingness to work with 
Futura to develop the least burdensome design for the 
small supplementary study that they require.

EXTENSIVE WORK TO COMPLY WITH NEW EU 
MEDICAL DEVICE REGULATIONS

In order to obtain pre-marketing clearance within the 
EU under the new Medical Device Regulations (MDR), 
two requirements have to be met: the submission of 
the Technical Documentation which includes sufficient 
efficacy, safety and quality data; and the demonstration 
that the Company can operate to a high standard of 
quality through a Quality Management System (QMS). 
Futura received a positive audit opinion in August 2020 
which means that our QMS meets the required 
standard for the new Medical Device Regulations.

MED3000 – FM71 PHASE 3 CLINICAL STUDY

Futura has worked proactively with the FDA on the 
design of the requested supplemental clinical study 
to provide the FDA with the necessary reassurance of 
MED3000’s efficacy for up to six months. FDA recently 
endorsed the design of this study, FM71 based on the 
“least burdensome approach”. FM71 will be a multi-
centre, randomised, open label, home use, parallel 
group, clinical study of topically applied MED3000 and 
oral tadalafil 5mg tablets for the treatment of erectile 
dysfunction over a 24-week period. The study will 
include one centre in the US and 24 centres in Central 
and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Poland, Georgia and 
Slovakia) where sites include some of the same centres 
used in the FM57 study. The primary objectives will be 
to demonstrate an improvement compared to baseline 
in the EF domain of the IIEF in subjects randomised to 
MED3000 assessed at 24 weeks post randomisation, and 
to show that the magnitude of this effect is a clinically 
important difference. These measures were included 
and exceeded in FM57 although the study duration 
was 12 weeks, not 24 weeks as requested by the FDA. 
A secondary objective is to demonstrate speed of onset 
of action with the time assessed at 5, 10 and 15 minutes. 

*  Notified Bodies are the regulatory authorities that oversee the approval of medical 

devices within the EU for all EU countries.

**  The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that is 
used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and 
Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.

28

RECOMMENDATION OF MED3000 BY THE EU 
NOTIFIED BODY FOR APPROVAL IN THE EU POST 
PERIOD END  

MED3000 was recommended for approval as a 
medical device in the EU by the EU Notified Body in 
March 2021 post period end with the issuance of a 
Medical Device Regulation certificate expected by the 
end of May 2021*. A Class 2B approval will by definition 
be an approval allowing marketing of MED3000 as a 
non-prescription treatment across the European 
Union. Futura is working to bring MED3000 to patients 
in Europe as soon as possible offering them a new and 
exciting treatment option. 

With the EU recommendation for approval and 
expected CE mark certificate, this also paves the way 
for rapid approval in many countries around the world 
including the Middle East, Africa, Far East and Latin 
America who allow “fast-track” review based on their 
recognition of the EU CE mark. The CE marking is also 
recognised in Great Britain until 30 June 2023 and in 
the period leading up to this Futura will secure the 
new post-Brexit UKCA mark. This will be a streamlined 
administrative process since the UK application can 
bridge to the EU approval.

MEANS 
OBSERVED 
CHANGE FROM 
BASELINE 
ACHIEVED

FDA REQUIRED 
MEANS 
OBSERVED 
CHANGE FROM 
BASELINE

IIEF-EF Domain

FM57

FM71

Overall

Mild

Moderate

Severe

5.10

3.15

5.84

12.15

4

2

5

7

The study will include 100 subjects with 50 randomised 
to MED3000 and 50 to tadalafil 5mg tablets. Approximately 
20 subjects will be located in the United States (from a 
leading US medical centre) to provide reassurance that 
data generated outside the US is comparable to the US 
population. As an open-label design the study will be 
neither placebo controlled nor double-blinded. The lowest 
“on demand” dose of tadalafil, 5mg (the active in Cialis®) 
will also be measured against pre-treatment baseline to 
enable the FDA to compare an overall risk/benefit analysis 
of the two treatments for the six month period of the study 
looking at efficacy, speed of onset and safety. This is for 
informational purposes only and it is not a requirement 
for regulatory success that MED3000 is shown to be non-
inferior to tadalafil. Planning and preparatory activities 
for FM71 have commenced and the study is expected to 
complete in Q2 2022.

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FIRST COMMERCIAL DEAL SIGNED 
(POST PERIOD END) 
In March 2021, Futura entered into 
certain financing transactions with 
HT Riverwood Multi-Growth Fund 
(“Riverwood”), a fund managed by 
Atlantis Investment Management 
Limited (“Atlantis”), a leading asset 
manager, which provided Futura with 
£2 million in cash, which has been 
received.

In addition, Futura has entered into 
a licensing agreement with Pride 
Century Ventures, a special purpose 
vehicle owned by Co-High Investment 
Management Limited (“Co-High”) for 
the rights to exclusively develop and 
commercialise Futura’s topical erectile 
dysfunction treatment MED3000 in 
China and South East Asia. Co-High will 
provide funding currently estimated to 
be up to £4 million for the development 
and regulatory approval of MED3000 in 
the region and Futura will be entitled 
to 50% of regional profits from the 
commercialisation of MED3000 (the 
“Joint Collaboration”).

Atlantis is a leading international 
asset management company with a 
focus in the Greater China Region and 
South East Asia. Co-High is a specialist 
private equity company in the Greater 
China region and invests into and 
collaborates with some of the world’s 
most promising companies which 
are believed to be poised to enter a 
significant growth phase. 

Under the terms of the agreement, 
Futura and Co-High will work together 
to develop and commercialise 
MED3000 as a clinically proven 
treatment for ED available without 
the need for a doctor’s prescription 

(“OTC”) throughout South East Asia. 
This includes the People’s Republic 
of China (including for the avoidance 
of doubt, Hong Kong, Macau and 
Taiwan), and South-Eastern Asia 
including Brunei Darussalam, 
Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, 
Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 
Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, 
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam 
(collectively “the Region”). The 
prevalence of ED amongst adult 
males is estimated to be 340 million 
in the top 16 markets worldwide 
with China ranked first. China 
and its neighbouring countries 
which are included in the Region 
represent a significant opportunity 
as the economies of these countries 
continue to outstrip the economic 
growth of many Western economies.

Co-High, along with its local partners, 
will be responsible for all costs related 
to the development and regulatory 
approval of MED3000, which are 
expected to be up to £4 million as well 
as all costs related to the marketing 
of the product. This is expected 
to include a pivotal study in order 
to gain OTC regulatory approval 
within China, whereas Co-High 
believes the EU (inclusive of the UK) 
approval of MED3000, expected this 
year, will facilitate approval in the 
other countries within the Region 
without the need for further clinical 
development. Futura will provide 
reasonable ongoing technical support 
for OTC product development and 
commercialisation. Profits from the 
Joint Collaboration will be shared 50:50, 
including any profits derived from local 
partner agreements within the Region. 

COMMERCIAL PROGRESS IN 2020 
TO ACCELERATE IN 2021
During 2020, in parallel with the 
regulatory processes, Futura 
has been working with retained 
specialised corporate advisers on 
active commercial discussions with 
potential licensing and marketing 
partners. Discussions continue with a 
growing number of parties in line with 
an agreed process being managed 
by Futura’s advisers with the first 
licensing deal signed. Partnering 
discussions generally follow the path 
of interested parties submitting a 
non-binding offer which is followed 
by an invitation for due diligence of 
full MED3000-related data under a 
Confidential Disclosure Agreement 
and thereafter a formal offer which 
if accepted contractually by Futura 
would be binding. Currently a number 
of interested parties have made 
submissions at the non-binding offer 
stage with further offers expected 
although there can be no guarantee 
of deal completion at this stage. 
Futura is committed to prioritising 
commercial deals that will deliver 
long-term and sustainable value to 
the Company allowing a long-lasting 
growth franchise to be built around 
the pipeline of DermaSys® formulated 
products and in particular MED3000.

As part of building the commercial 
proposition for MED3000 and 
supporting its regulatory approval in 
countries such as the US, Futura has 
developed a branding proposition 
“Eroxon®” with an illustrative pack that 
licensing partners can select to use at 
their discretion.

An initial UK patent was filed in 
December 2019 around MED3000’s 
clinically significant and novel findings 
shown in FM57. This was supplemented 
with a further UK patent filing in August 
2020 following a complete analysis of all 
the data sets provided by FM57 and a 
head-to-toe strategic review conducted 
by independent pharmaceutical 
patent specialists retained by Futura.  
In October 2020 further patent filings 
were made and in particular a PCT 
application taking priority from the 
two earlier UK applications which, if 
granted, will provide patent protection 
until 2040.

Futura has developed an illustrative pack that licensing  
partners can select to use at their discretion.

29

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PORTFOLIO REVIEW – OTHER PRODUCTS

TPR100
A diclofenac 1.86% pain relief gel  
targeting pain and inflammation

UNMET NEED

INSIGHTS

 ■ Efficacy can be poor 
due to inadequate 
penetration

 ■ Treatment required 
to be applied 2 to 4 
times daily

Need for a treatment 
that:
 ■ is easy to apply and 
doesn’t stick to 
clothes after it has 
been applied

FUTURA’S 
PROPOSITION

TPR100 is a topical 
1.86% diclofenac gel 
for pain relief using its 
DermaSys® transdermal 
technology

 ■ need for a twice daily 
application regimen 
to improve adherence

MARKET AND OVERVIEW
The rapid skin permeation rate 
offered by our transdermal delivery 
system, DermaSys®, is ideally suited 
for targeted topical pain relief. 
Rapid, targeted and effective skin 
permeation offers potential benefits 
in pain management including: 
improved onset of action, duration 
and degree of pain relief. Futura has 
a portfolio of two pain relief products 
with well characterised active 
ingredients including diclofenac and 
ibuprofen but has prioritised its gel 
containing 1.86% diclofenac known 
as TPR100. TPR100 is a gel that brings 
relief for the pain and inflammation 
associated with sprains, strains, 
bruises and soft tissue rheumatism 
offering long-lasting pain relief. It 
is applied to the local site of pain 
or inflammation. Diclofenac is a 
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 
drug (“NSAID”) used to treat pain and 
inflammatory diseases and can be 
taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Our objective is for TPR100 to be 
considered a major competitor 
to the market-leading topical 
diclofenac treatments such as 
Voltarol® gel. Topical diclofenac 
for the treatment of pain relief is 
widely available throughout the 
world without the requirement of a 
doctor’s prescription. Until recently 
topical diclofenac was only available 
with a prescription in the US, but 
in February 2020 it was switched 
by the US FDA to over-the-counter. 
This opens up a new commercial 
opportunity for TPR100 in the US 
and we will be working with our 
commercial advisers to understand 
the commercial opportunity this 
represents as well as with our 
regulatory consultants and the FDA 
to understand the requirements for 
approval in the US.

30

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PAIN – AN UNDERSERVED MARKET
 ■ Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain and 

stiffness and affecting mobility. It is a degenerative condition with no 
cure affecting the daily lives of millions and causing joint pain.

 ■ Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in the US1.
 ■ Prevalence is high affecting 23% of all adults – 54 million people have 

arthritis in the US1.

 ■ Musculoskeletal conditions range from those that arise suddenly 

and are short-lived, such as sprains and strains to lifelong conditions 
associated with ongoing pain and disability. 

 ■ Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability 
worldwide, with lower back pain being the single leading cause of 
disability globally2.

Global OTC sales of  
topical NSAIDs3

>$2.9bn

US Rx sales of  
topical NSAIDs4

>$1bn

Significant opportunity for 
TPR100

DEVELOPMENT

In 2015, a randomised, double blind, 
crossover clinical proof of concept 
study in 20 healthy volunteers was 
conducted using a model of induced 
pain. The skin of healthy volunteers 
was carefully exposed to a controlled 
amount of ultra-violet light to 
increase the sensitivity of the skin 
to pain stimuli. The effect of TPR100, 
Voltarol® gel and a placebo gel were 
assessed over a six-hour time period 
post dosing using two criteria: the 
primary pain measurement was 
the volunteers’ sensation of pain 

(heat pain tolerance test) and the 
secondary pain measurement 
was the level of inflammation (as 
indicated by erythema, reddening 
of the skin). The study data was 
encouraging, with TPR100 achieving 
efficacy against its clinical endpoints. 

FUTURA DEVELOPMENT AND 
COMMERCIALISATION

In January 2017, Futura announced a 
licensing agreement with Thornton 
& Ross Ltd, the UK subsidiary of 
international healthcare company 
STADA Arzneimittel AG, for the 
commercialisation in the UK of 
TPR100. Under the terms of the 
agreement, Thornton & Ross Ltd will 
conduct the manufacturing scale-
up of TPR100 and hold rights to 
manufacture, market and distribute 
the product in the UK for the lifetime 
of the product’s patents, which run 
to at least 2028 in the UK. Futura 
received an upfront payment and will 
receive a further milestone payment 
upon the product receiving UK 
regulatory marketing authorisation 
along with royalties on product sales.

In July 2018, Thornton & Ross 
Ltd submitted a product licence 
application to the Medicines and 
Healthcare products Regulatory 
Agency (“MHRA”) for the marketing 
authorisation of TPR100 in the UK. In 
February 2019, the MHRA responded 
to Thornton & Ross with a number 

of questions requiring additional 
laboratory work specifically around 
the permeation characteristics of 
TPR100 to be conducted. Futura has 
completed this additional laboratory 
formulation adjustment and work.

At a recent scientific advisory 
meeting with MHRA by Futura in 
conjunction with its commercial 
partner, the regulator recognised 
the improved skin permeation 
characteristics of TPR100 compared 
to market-leading diclofenac 
formulations. In vitro studies 
demonstrated that a 20% TPR100 
dose relative to certain market-
leading diclofenac formulations 
delivered the same permeation 
of active pharmaceutical 
ingredient through the skin. Due 
to this increased potency, a key 
differentiating characteristic for 
TPR100, MHRA now require data 
from a patient efficacy study with 
TPR100 in support of a marketing 
authorisation and are willing to 
consider superiority claims if the 
study is successful.

Since Voltaren® 1% has recently 
gained OTC status in the US a new 
and attractive potential market 
opportunity has arisen in that 
geography for TPR100. Futura is 
therefore exploring designs, funds 
permitting, for a clinical study to 
achieve approval for a superior 
product without a prescription 
in the US as well as fulfilling data 
requirements for UK and EU 
regulatory submissions as a topical 
pain relief and anti-inflammatory 
treatment.

Commercial discussions with several 
potential distribution partners for 
other countries continue however 
any further licensing deals are 
expected to be after a regulatory 
approval is achieved.

1.  CDC website
2.  WHO website
3. 
4. 

IMS Health Estimate 2015
IMS Data source 2015

31

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PORTFOLIO REVIEW – OTHER PRODUCTS

CBD100
DermaSys® for the delivery  
of cannabidiol

Futura announced a joint venture 
collaboration with CBDerma 
Technology Limited in September 
2019 to explore the application 
of Futura’s advanced proprietary 
transdermal technology, DermaSys® 
for the delivery of cannabidiol. 

Derived from both the Hemp and 
Marijuana plants, cannabidiol is one 
of the 113 cannabinoid compounds 
found within the cannabis family. 
Cannabidiol has no effect on one’s 
consciousness or lucidity. It is 
generally regarded as non-addictive 
and non-psychoactive, making it 
ideal for consideration as a topically 
delivered molecule for local or 
regional (non-systemic) use.

MARKET OVERVIEW

In recent years there has been 
significant interest in cannabidiol 
as more data is emerging on its 
potential benefits in a wide range 

of conditions particularly pain and 
epilepsy but also in a range of other 
conditions including skin conditions, 
multiple sclerosis, migraines, arthritis 
and cancer side effects.

While still in its infancy, the consumer 
cannabidiol market has rapidly 
developed over the past five years 
and is widely anticipated to further 
increase in scale. Cannabidiol 
products are now commonplace 
across supermarkets, pharmacies, 
beauty and convenience stores 
in many parts of the world, and a 
significant percentage of the general 
population has at least heard of this 
cannabinoid. As medical cannabis 
access schemes have been rapidly 
adopted across the globe, awareness 
and interest in cannabidiol has risen 
as a result. In combination with 
scientific research, this has created a 
generalised sentiment that cannabis 
is beneficial in a large subsection 

32

of consumers and has led to the 
growth of a significant wellness and 
consumer market for cannabidiol 
products. 

However, products are often 
questionable in quality with little 
thought given to the amount of 
cannabidiol actually contained in the 
product in respect of the intended 
bioavailability other than to be able to 
say “contains cannabidiol”. Regulatory 
and compliance issues have deterred 
large FMCG companies from 
moving rapidly into the space, and 
those which have, have often taken 
cautious steps by introducing hemp 
seed oil rather than cannabidiol in 
their products. However, this is likely 
to change once there is sufficient 
regulatory clarity, with positive recent 
developments in both the US and 
Europe.

CANNABIDIOL’S MARKET 
POTENTIAL

The market for cannabidiol products 
is growing rapidly. A report by Reports 
and Data forecasts that the market 
for cannabidiol products is forecast 
to grow from US$1 billion in 2018 to 
US$16 billion by 2026, at a Compound 
Annual Growth Rate (“CAGR”) of 
27.7% during the forecast period. 
The market is primarily driven by the 
increase in the usage of cannabidiol 
in medical application, supplements, 
beverages and skin care.

A recent independent report 
commissioned by Futura to provide 
market insights into the cannabidiol 
market estimates the European 
market to be worth €1.4 billion in 2020 
of which between one-quarter and 
one-fifth of the total European market 
are made up of the topicals market.

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020Awareness of cannabidiol and market 
penetration are increasing and vary 
by region, in large part depending 
on the regulatory framework of the 
country. Consumer surveys from 
New Frontier Data suggest that use 
rates are lowest in France, Spain 
and Portugal, all three of which 
have restrictions of some kind on 
cannabidiol in their national markets. 
Awareness of cannabidiol is highest 
in the UK at 78% and lowest in France 
at 36%. Consumption of cannabidiol 
varies also greatly by country in 
Europe from 7% in France to 33% in 
Austria.

extensive DermaSys® cannabidiol 
formulation work and initial in vitro 
tests on human epidermis. The 
studies demonstrate highly efficient 
penetration of cannabidiol into and 
through the skin, superior to an 
established, marketed, comparator 
product. Additionally, cannabidiol 
is believed to be unstable with 
many common excipients. The 
DermaSys® cannabidiol gel was 
specially formulated to minimise 
this issue and early stability work is 
showing encouraging results, which 
is expected to ensure potency is 
retained during the shelf-life. 

differentiated from existing, largely 
unregulated, low-tech products 
in the fast growing cannabidiol 
market on the basis of quality, 
stability and efficient delivery to the 
skin for a number of applications 
and indications expected to range 
from cosmeceutical through to 
pharmaceutical dermal and pain 
relief treatments. All Intellectual 
Property will be owned jointly by the 
Company and CBDerma Technology 
Limited. We have now started to 
explore commercialisation options 
for CBD100 with CBDerma as stability 
work continues in parallel.

DERMASYS® CANNABIDIOL 
FORMULATION
DermaSys® may be able to provide a 
rapid and targeted local delivery of 
cannabidiol through the skin to the 
required site of action with a high 
level of safety and more effectively 
than other cannabidiol products. It is 
a versatile and bespoke technology 
that we are currently seeking to 
tailor and adapt for the specific 
requirements of cannabidiol. We are 
seeking to develop our formulation 
to pharmaceutical standards in 
order that any future product could 
potentially be sold as a cosmetic or 
potential pharmaceutical product 
although, in the case of the latter, 
it is likely to require significant 
clinical development. As part of a 
robust formulation process using 
strict pharmaceutical development 
principles, Futura has carried out 

DEVELOPMENT JOINT VENTURE 
WITH CBDERMA TECHNOLOGY

CBDerma Technology is a company 
that has been established and 
funded to specifically exploit the 
therapeutic potential of cannabis. 
The company’s management, 
backers and advisers have 
extensive knowledge, expertise and 
investments in plant derived product 
manufacturing.

As part of the agreement, Futura 
is developing and optimising a 
DermaSys® cannabidiol formulation 
and will establish early ex vivo proof 
of concept studies likely to include 
certain disease states most suited 
for local or regional (non-systemic) 
topical treatment such as pain relief. 
Futura has completed the initial 
laboratory and optimisation work. We 
are aiming for CBD100 to be highly 

AWARENESS AND MARKET PENETRATION OF CANNABIDIOL

Switzerland/
Austria

UK/ 
Ireland

Italy

France

Germany

69%

33%

78%

14%

52%

11%

36%

7%

49%

14%

Spain/
Portugal

44%

10%

Have heard of 
cannabidiol

Have consumed 
cannabidiol

Source: New Frontier Data

33

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL REVIEW

ANGELA HILDRETH
Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer

As outlined in the Chairman and 
Chief Executive‘s Review, during 
the year Futura focused its financial 
resources towards approval and 
commercialisation of its fast-acting 
topical treatment for erectile 
dysfunction (“ED”). As the FM57 study 
was concluded, activities shifted 
toward regulatory and manufacturing. 
With the majority of the work 
conducted or overseen by in-house 
personnel already in place, external 
third party costs were significantly 
lower than in the prior year. 

A fundraise was completed in 
January 2020 resulting in gross 
funds of £3.25 million through the 
combination of subscription for 
shares through PrimaryBid and 
institutional placing to allow the 
Company to proceed with MED3000 
regulatory approval as a medical 
device in the EU and US. 

In addition, in March 2021, the 
Company concluded a further funding 
transaction which resulted in £1.50 
million received upon the issuance of 
convertible loan notes and in April 2021 
the Company received an additional 
£0.50 million following the exercise of 
warrants by HT Riverwood Fund (part 
of the Atlantis Group).

In March 2021 the Company was 
notified that MED3000 had been 
recommended for approval as a Class 
2B medical device in Europe and the 
FDA confirmed that a further, smaller, 
supplementary study was required for 
approval in the US.

REVENUE
The Company continued to focus its 
financial and human resources on late 
stage clinical development of its fast-
acting topical treatment for ED and 
accelerate progress towards achieving 
a significant, continuous revenue 
stream within a few years. No revenue 
was recognised in the period.

34

Focusing our financial 
resources towards approval 
and commercialisation of 
MED3000

RESEARCH AND  
DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Research and development 
(“R&D”) costs for the period ended 
31 December 2020 were £1.93 million, 
compared to £10.05 million for the 
period ended 31 December 2019. The 
decrease of £8.12 million is reflective 
of the focus towards regulatory and 
manufacturing activities, which 
were conducted in-house by existing 
personnel and significantly reducing 
the cost of external third party 
providers. 

There was no capitalisation of R&D 
costs in 2020.

ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS

Administrative costs were £1.00 million 
for the period ended 31 December 
2020 compared to £1.14 million for 
the period ended 31 December 2019 
and were reflective of the Company’s 
strategy to keep central costs lean and 
focus cash resources on delivering the 
R&D programme.

TAX

It is expected that an R&D tax credit 
of £0.52 million will be claimed in 
respect of 2020 and the cash refund 
is expected to be received mid-2021 
from HMRC.

LOSS PER SHARE

The basic loss per share for 2020 was 
0.99p (2019: 4.36p). Details of the loss 

per share calculations are provided in 
Note 10 to the consolidated financial 
statements.

CASH BALANCE 

The cash balance at the end of 2020 
was £1.02 million (2019: £2.51 million). 
Gross proceeds of £3.25 million were 
received in January 2020 and the 
usual refund of R&D tax credits of 
£2.22 million was also received in 
May 2020. Cash burn during the year 
was £6.77 million (2019: £8.01 million) 
primarily in relation to the concluding 
FM57 clinical study and regulatory 
and manufacturing activities 
associated with MED3000. Cash burn 
in relation to R&D activities for 2021 is 
expected to increase as clinical study 
costs relating to FM71 are incurred 
during H2 2021.

POST PERIOD EVENTS

The Company concluded funding 
of £2.00 million in March and April 
2021. The COVID-19 pandemic 
has continued through 2021 and 
Futura expects the pandemic to 
have continued limited impact 
on operations in 2021. Further 
information in relation to COVID-19 
is available in the Key risks and 
mitigation section on pages 35 to 37.

ANGELA HILDRETH
Finance Director and  
Chief Operating Officer

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020KEY RISKS AND MITIGATION

The development of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices requires the necessary safety, quality and efficacy  
to be demonstrated in clinical and technical programmes in order to meet the requirements of the appropriate 
regulatory bodies. Clinical programmes may not achieve their endpoints. The Board considers that the key risks  
of the Group are:

RISK

MITIGATION

  CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT  
AND REGULATORY RISK

There can be no guarantee that any of the 
Group’s products will be able to obtain or 
maintain the necessary regulatory approvals 
in any or all of the countries in respect of 
which applications for such approvals are 
made. 

There can also be no guarantee that the 
approval timelines estimated are accurate. 
The estimates are based on information from 
the Regulators but the time taken to review 
the dossiers is not within our control.

Where regulatory approvals are obtained, 
there can be no guarantee that the 
conditions attached to such approvals will not 
be considered too onerous by the Group or its 
distribution partners in order to be able to 
market its products effectively.

The Group has reduced this risk by developing products using safe, 
well-characterised active compounds and excipients, has sought 
and will continue to seek, where appropriate, advice from 
regulatory advisers, consultations with regulatory approval bodies 
and by working with experienced commercial partners. 

The regulatory pathway for our treatment for erectile dysfunction 
MED3000 has been significantly de-risked with data generated 
from the Phase 3 study FM57 providing a greater level of 
confidence of success:

Efficacy
  Clinical efficacy was demonstrated against a pre-treatment 
baseline in FM57 Phase 3 trial in mild, moderate and severe 
ED sufferers.

Safety
  No treatment related Serious Adverse Events or Reactions were 
observed in FM57 Phase 3 trial in over 10,000 sexual intercourse 
attempts. Very favourable adverse event profile.

  No concerns relating to reactions with other cardiovascular 

medication such as nitrates, alpha-blockers and anti-
hypertensives.

Regulatory position
  Recommendation for approval was received by the EU Notified 
Body in March 2021 to approve MED3000 as a Class 2B medical 
device.

  Feedback has been received from US Regulators with a clear 

route to approval identified.

  COMMERCIAL 
RISK

There can be no guarantee that the Group 
will succeed in establishing and maintaining 
the necessary contractual relationships with 
licensing partners for the Group’s products 
under development. Even if the Group’s 
products are successfully developed and 
approved by the appropriate regulatory 
bodies, they may not be launched by the 
Group’s licensing partners, be successfully 
promoted or enjoy commercial acceptance. 
The Group is reliant on commercial partners 
to carry out their contractual obligations and 
the degree to which these can be enforced by 
the Group is limited.

The Group seeks to reduce this risk by carefully selecting 
experienced commercial partners, maintaining and developing 
these relationships and seeking to develop new products of 
commercial interest to these and other partners.

Strong interest has been shown for a clinically proven topical 
treatment for ED with discussions continuing following the results 
of the FM57 Phase 3 study where MED3000 was shown to have 
meaningful clinical benefits in approximately two thirds of patients 
in treating their ED. 

Market access work with Key Opinion Leader endorsement and 
engagement programme is continuing with positive feedback 
received in relation to the product and the data generated in the 
FM57 Phase 3 trial.

In March 2021, the Company entered into a Collaboration 
agreement retaining a 50% profit share for MED3000 in China and 
South East Asia.

35

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020RISKS AND MITIGATION

RISK

MITIGATION

 FINANCIAL RISK

The successful development of the Group’s 
assets requires financial investment. There 
can be no guarantee that Futura will have 
sufficient funds to execute its business plans.

Futura is focusing its financial resources on its lead asset MED3000. 
The Group successfully completed a fundraising exercise in January 
2020 raising £3.25 million to fund the product through to regulatory 
approval as a medical device in the EU. The Company also received 
£1.50 million in March 2021, issuing convertible loan notes and  
£0.50 million in April 2021 following the exercise of warrants by HT 
Riverwood Fund.

Additional financing needs are expected to arise in the second 
quarter of 2022 and the Group continues to pursue other sources of 
dilutive and non-dilutive fundraising, including seeking business 
opportunities from potential out-licensing partners, which would 
enable the Group to support the future costs of development of its 
products and the ability to commercialise them successfully.

Additionally, the Group places considerable emphasis on 
communication with existing shareholders and potential investors, 
to maximise the chances of successful future fundraising.

  INTELLECTUAL 
PROPERTY RISK

The commercial success of the Group and its 
ability to compete effectively with other 
companies depend, amongst other things, on 
its ability to obtain and maintain patents 
sufficiently broad in scope to provide protection 
for the Group’s intellectual property rights 
against third parties and to exploit its medical 
products. The absence of any such patents may 
have a material adverse effect on the Group’s 
ability to develop its business.

The Group seeks to reduce this risk by only developing products 
where legal advice indicates patent protection would be available, 
seeking patent protection for the Group’s products, maintaining 
confidentiality agreements regarding Group know-how and 
technology and monitoring technological developments and the 
registration of patents by other parties.

During the year, the Group filed additional patents for MED3000 
relating to erectile dysfunction and will be looking to strengthen 
this further in 2021. Whilst the Group is confident that the patents 
will be granted, it cannot guarantee this will be the case.

 KEY PEOPLE

The expertise and experience of its key people 
can have an enormous impact on business 
results. Poor recognition and incentivisation 
could undermine the Group’s success.

The Group appreciates the high level of expertise and contributions 
made by its key people. It offers a merit-based, stimulating work 
environment with a culture focused on teamwork and freedom to 
operate. In addition there is a competitive performance based reward 
structure, including annual performance based bonus and share 
options that vest over a number of years.

36

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020The following risks have also been identified by the Group and will be kept under review as the situations develop  
and any potential impact becomes clearer.

RISK

MITIGATION

 IMPACT OF BREXIT

The full impact of the UK having left the EU is  
still uncertain.

 IMPACT OF COVID-19

The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
remains uncertain.

The impact of Brexit has been considered and the following has been 
assessed and concluded that there will be minimal to no impact.

Regulatory strategy
 ■ The EU Notified Body has confirmed that the UK will be included 
in the approval until 2023. The Company will need to apply for a 
UKCA in the meantime. This will be a streamlined process since it 
is understood the UK application can bridge to the EU approval.

Clinical trial data
 ■ We currently have no reason to believe that the UK regulator will 
insist on clinical trial data generated in the UK. Data generated 
in six EU and three non-EU countries is expected to continue to 
be deemed suitable for inclusion in the approval submission.

Patent protection
 ■ Our current assessment is that UK companies will continue to be 

included within the European Patent Office. 

Clearly uncertainty around the full impact of Brexit remains and we 
will continue to monitor relationships with regulatory bodies such 
as the EU Notified Body and the European Patent Office as new 
information is provided.

The impact of COVID-19 has been considered and the Directors do not 
believe that Futura will be significantly impacted during 2021. This is 
based on the following assessments: 

Operational activities
 ■ As a semi-virtual organisation, our employees are already used to 

effectively working remotely, flexibly and alongside our valued and 
skilled network of consultants and subcontractors. Contingency 
plans are in place to draw upon this capacity should we experience 
any issues with employees being unable to perform their duties as 
a result of illness.

 ■ The FM71 clinical study is scheduled to begin H2 2021 across Eastern 
Europe and the US, subject to funding. COVID-19 is not expected 
to impact on study recruitment but until site feasibility has been 
conducted, this cannot be guaranteed.

 ■ There is a possibility that COVID-19 may impact on the timelines 
with Regulators. The EU Regulator has consistently met its 
timelines and the US Regulator has not yet advised of any delays to 
its timelines. We will keep this under review.

 ■ COVID-19 may impact on the Group’s ability to raise further finance 

but given that we do not have an immediate requirement for 
funding as we are funded until Q1 2022 and funding could come 
from a number of sources, this is something we will keep under 
review. The current cash runway does not assume any income from 
revenue or licensing payments which could be delayed as a result 
of COVID-19.

37

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

KEY SDG GOALS WHERE WE CAN HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT

3
3

O
O
O
O
G
G

D H E A L T
D H E A L T
W ELL-B
W ELL-B

N D
N D

G

G

H   A
H   A
E I N
E I N

U

D

IN
IN
AN
D IN
AN
D IN

S
U

D

F

T
S

R
T

Y

R

Y

 I
 I

N

R
F

A

R

N

N

S

9
9

A

T
S

O

N

R

V

O

T

U

A

R

V

C

U

A

T

T

C

I

T

O
I

U

T

N
O

R
U

N

E
R

E

ENHANCING 
ENHANCING 
QUALITY 
QUALITY 
OF LIFE
OF LIFE

D

E

E

D

C
E

C

E

O
C

C

E

N

O

N

E

T

N

O

N

T

W

M

O

8
8

M

O

W

I
C
I
C

G

R

O

R

G

R

O

R

K A
K A
ND
ND
WTH
WTH

O

Y
Y

R E Q UALIT
R E Q UALIT

5
5

E

E

D

D

N

N

G E
G E

Our purpose is to 
enhance our patients 
and consumers’ quality 
of life to enable them to 
live their lives to the full.

Our approach to sustainability is 
an important part of living our 
purpose. We are committed to 
maintaining a culture whereby 
we behave in a responsible 
and ethical manner and make 
a positive impact on all our 
stakeholders. We believe that 
operating responsibly and 
ethically is vital to our long-term 
success.

Good governance enables 
investment, innovation and 
sustainable growth. Our 
approach to sustainability is 
underpinned by our Corporate 
Governance principles of 
responsibility, transparency and 
integrity for the benefit of our 
shareholders, employees and 
other stakeholders. We strive 
to be fair, accountable and 
responsible in all our dealings. 
We monitor and report on our 
activities in a way that is accurate, 
balanced, reliable and clear and 
enables our shareholders and 
stakeholders to compare our 
progress year on year.

The focus of our sustainability 
reporting is the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs). The 
UN SDGs are a universal call to 
action to end poverty, protect the 
planet and ensure that all people 
enjoy peace and prosperity. 
Each SDG has global sustainable 
development priorities and 
aspirations for 2030, which give a 
common set of goals and targets 
to mobilise global efforts around.

Our focus is on the four SDGs 
where we believe we can 
have the greatest impact 
and therefore the greatest 
opportunity to make a real and 
lasting difference. These are:

38

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020 
 
 
 
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
 ■ We are developing medical products that are 
optimised for clinical efficacy, safety, mode of 
administration and patient convenience, and will 
lead to improved health and well-being.

 ■ We continue to place the health and safety of our 
staff and consultants at the heart of our business 
and in the current pandemic this has never been 
more important. We have supported our staff to 
work from home and given them the flexibility to 
balance their work and family commitments and 
implemented a COVID-secure workplace with 
thorough risk assessments updated as and when 
Government guidance changes. 

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
 ■ We invest heavily in R&D to develop a portfolio 

of innovative products based on our proprietary 
technology, DermaSys® to generate future 
revenue and value for our shareholders. We 
invest in clinical research to test our products 
and optimise their safety and efficacy and we 
share and publish this research with the medical 
community to enhance scientific research.
 ■ Our semi-virtual structure supports economic 
and infrastructure development through 
the outsourcing of numerous activities 
including clinical research, statistical analysis, 
manufacturing, analytical testing and laboratory 
work. If we are successful with our products this 
creates more opportunities for our partners.

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
 ■ Our employees are our most important asset. We 
are reliant on a skilled workforce for the success 
of the Group. We treat our employees fairly and 
support their ongoing development. We seek 
to empower them and ensure that they are fully 
engaged in all aspects of Futura’s objectives and 
high quality standards. Each of our employees 
contributes and shares in Futura’s success. 

 ■ We are focused on commercialising our 

technology and growing the value of the Group, 
which will lead to developmental benefits for the 
shareholders and employees of the Group. 

GENDER EQUALITY
 ■ We believe in a diverse and gender balanced 
workforce. We are committed to supporting 
employment policies and practices that make 
provision for equal opportunities and non-
discrimination in our workforce. We have a 
balanced workforce with near equal number of 
men and women in our R&D team, as well as 
across the Group.

  TOTAL WORKFORCE GENDER SPLIT

Men

Women

39

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020OUR STAKEHOLDERS

The Board sought to understand 
the views of the stakeholders 
through its interactions with 
them during the year and had 
regards for their interests in 
Board discussion and decision-
making.  However, the Board 
also acknowledges that in light 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, face 
to face engagement in 2020 
was more challenging.

S172 COMPANIES ACT 2006

The Board is aware of its duties 
under s172 of the Companies 
Act and has worked throughout 
the year to promote the success 
of the Company for the benefit 
of its members as a whole.  
In doing so, it has regard to 
those stakeholders identified 
under s172, as well as the 
additional stakeholders set 
out here.

HOW WE ENGAGE WITH OUR STAKEHOLDERS

SHAREHOLDERS
The Board naturally considers 
its shareholders to be key 
stakeholders of the Company 
and is focused upon delivering 
long-term value for their benefit. 
The Company engages with 
its shareholders and potential 
shareholders on a regular 
basis with investor meetings 
throughout the year as well as 

focused roadshows at the time of 
our published results. The results 
of this investor engagement 
are reported to the Board to 
help inform our strategy and 
communications. As a result of 
the COVID-19 pandemic, we were 
unable to hold any Investor or 
R&D Seminars and the AGM was 
held by telephone conference. The 
Company has ensured that regular 
webcasts and interviews have 
been posted to the Investor section 
of the website to compensate for 
lack of face-to-face engagement 
and as the pandemic restrictions 
subside, we hope to be able to 
return to hosting events and 
face-to-face AGMs.

EMPLOYEES
The Board considers its employees 
to be a primary stakeholder of 
the Company and is conscious of 
the regard it has to them under 
s172. The Board, and especially 
the Remuneration Committee, 
have also had particular regards 
to employees as they reviewed 
and revised the long-term 

incentive arrangements as part 
of its strategy to attract, retain 
and motivate employees in order 
to deliver value for shareholders. 
These actions were consistent 
with the Board’s commitment 
to investing in and responsibly 
rewarding employees as they 
deliver the Company’s strategy.

40

STRATEGIC REPORTStock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020PATIENTS
Our purpose is clear, “to enhance our patients and 
consumers’ quality of life to enable them to live 
their lives to the full”. The patients our therapies are 
designed to treat are at the heart of why we do it. 
We consult with Key Opinion Leaders regularly, hold 
Advisory Boards at key stages and conduct market 
research to help us with patient insights. We are 
focused on bringing innovative products to market 
where there are unmet patient needs with existing 
treatments.

COMMERCIAL PARTNERS
The Board places great emphasis on selecting the 
most suitable commercial partners who have the 
regulatory and commercial expertise as well as the drive 
and enthusiasm to make our products a success. The 
Board keeps itself aware of changes in the industry by 
fostering existing relationships and through extensive 
networking. When looking to license the rights to one of 
our products, the Company appoints specialist advisers 
to identify and target the right potential partners and 
facilitate discussions and negotiations.

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS  
AND SUPPLIERS
As a semi-virtual company, Futura relies upon 
its relationships with external service providers, 
consultants and subcontractors to provide resources 
on an “as needed” basis. These resources provide the 
Company with specialist skills and insights as well as 
additional capacity. 

REGULATORS
Regulators are agencies that regulate medicines 
and/or medical devices in their territories. They play 
a leading role in protecting and improving public 
health and supporting innovation. Key agencies 
for Futura include the Medicines and Healthcare 
products Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”; UK), the 
United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), 
the European Medicines Agency (“EMA” European 
Union) and the Notified Bodies in the European 
Union. Futura works proactively and collaboratively 
with regulators through the pre-submission and 
submission process with an open and constructive 
dialogue which enables Futura to optimise its 
clinical development programme.

41

STRATEGIC REPORTwww.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board is responsible 
to shareholders for the 
proper management of 
the Group and meets at 
least six times per year 
to set the overall 
direction and strategy 
of the Group, to review 
scientific, operational 
and financial 
performance and to 
advise on other 
strategic matters as 
they arise. All key 
operational and 
investment decisions 
are subject to Board 
approval.  

JOHN CLARKE
Non-Executive Chairman

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

Current roles

Current roles

John Clarke is the Chairman of 
Futura Medical plc. He chairs the 
Nominations Committee, and is a 
member of the Audit Committee 
and the Remuneration Committee. 
He is also the Non–Executive 
Chairman of Science in Sport plc, 
Kind Consumer Holdings Limited 
and is a senior adviser to Helios 
Investment Partners LLP.

Past roles

Retired from GSK as President of 
GSK Consumer Healthcare. Non–
Executive Chairman of Quantum 
Pharma plc, which was subsequently 
acquired by Clinigen plc.

Brings to the Board

Extensive experience of the 
healthcare sector, having worked at a 
senior level at GSK for more than 35 
years.

James Barder is the Group’s Chief 
Executive. He assists the 
Remuneration Committee and the 
Nominations Committee (but is not a 
member of and does not vote on 
either). He has overall responsibility 
for all activities of the Group, is a 
principal contact for shareholder and 
investor relations and leads 
commercial negotiations. He is also a  
Non-Executive Director of Caisson 
Investment Management and a 
Director of the Mary How Trust for 
Cancer Prevention.

Past roles

Managing Director of Aon Capital 
Markets Limited and Non-Executive 
Director of Lorega Limited. James 
predominantly worked in the field of 
insurance and finance including 
firms he founded.

Brings to the Board

Over 25 years of experience in setting 
up, managing and running 
companies.

42

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEANGELA HILDRETH
Finance Director, 
Chief Operating Officer 
and Company Secretary

KEN JAMES
Executive Director  
and Head of R&D

JONATHAN FREEMAN 
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Current roles

Current roles

Angela joined the Group in February 
2018. She leads the Group’s finance, 
HR and IT functions, inputs into 
commercial and financial strategy, 
ensures its compliance procedures 
and is a principal contact for 
shareholder and investor relations 
matters.

Past roles

Senior financial roles in a diverse 
range of industries, including seven 
years as UK Finance Director at Shield 
Therapeutics plc (quoted on AIM).

Brings to the Board

Over ten years’ strategic and 
operational financial experience of 
developing and commercialising 
pharmaceutical products.

Ken James is the Head of R&D. He 
oversees the development, 
regulatory and manufacturing 
strategies for the Group’s existing 
pipeline and the evaluation of early 
stage pipeline opportunities. He is 
also an Executive Director.

Past roles

Senior Vice President of Research 
and Development for 
GlaxoSmithKline Worldwide 
Consumer Healthcare, having 
worked in the UK and the United 
States.

Brings to the Board

Over 40 years’ experience in the 
research, development and 
commercialisation of consumer 
healthcare products.

Current roles 
Jonathan Freeman is a Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director. 
He chairs the Audit Committee and 
the Remuneration Committee and 
is also a member of the Nominations 
Committee. He is also a Non-
Executive Director of Kingswood 
Holdings Limited.

Past roles

Non-Executive Director of Braveheart 
Investment Group plc, Director of 
Beeson Gregory, Chief Executive 
Officer of Syndicate Asset 
Management plc, a Director of Hume 
Capital Securities plc and a Director 
of Bould Opportunities plc.

Brings to the Board

Over 25 years of experience in the 
financial services sector, guidance on 
City regulatory matters, corporate 
finance and investor relations.

43

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE: 
COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF 
REFERENCE

During the period under review 
the Remuneration Committee 
comprised the independent Non-
Executive Directors and was chaired 
by Jonathan Freeman. Since 2018, the 
Company has adopted the Quoted 
Companies Alliance’s Corporate 
Governance Code (the “QCA Code”) 
and the report has been prepared in 
accordance with the principles of the 
QCA Code. The contents of this report 
are unaudited unless otherwise 
stated.

The purpose of the Remuneration 
Committee is to ensure that the 
Executive Directors and other 
employees are fairly rewarded 
for their individual contribution 
to the overall performance of the 
Group. The Committee considers 
and recommends to the Board 
the remuneration of the Executive 
Directors and is kept informed of the 
remuneration packages of senior 
staff and invited to comment on 
these. There were four Remuneration 
Committee meetings during 2020.

The Board retains responsibility 
for overall remuneration policy. 
The terms of reference of the 
Remuneration Committee are set 
out in the Investor Centre/Corporate 
Governance section on the Group’s 
website at www.futuramedical.com.

POLICY ON EXECUTIVE  
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Executive remuneration packages 
are designed to attract and retain 
executives of the necessary skill 
and calibre to run the Group. Direct 
benchmarking of remuneration 
is difficult given the specialised 
nature and size of the Group. 
The Remuneration Committee 
recommends to the Board 
remuneration packages by reference 
to individual performance and uses 
the knowledge and experience of 
the Committee members, published 
surveys relating to AIM companies, 
the pharmaceutical industry and 
market changes generally. The 
Remuneration Committee has 

responsibility for recommending any 
long-term incentive plans.

The Board determines whether or not 
Executive Directors are permitted to 
serve in roles with other companies. 
Such permission is only granted 
where a role is on a strictly limited 
basis, where there are no conflicts of 
interest or competing activities and 
providing there is not an adverse 
impact on the commitments required 
to the Group. Earnings from such roles 
are not disclosed to the Group.

There are four main elements of the 
remuneration package for Executive 
Directors and staff.

Basic salaries and benefits in kind

Basic salaries are recommended 
to the Board by the Remuneration 
Committee, taking into account 
the performance of the individual 
and the rates for similar positions 
in comparable companies. Benefits 
in kind comprising death in service 
cover and private medical insurance 
are available to all staff and Executive 
Directors. Benefits in kind are non-
pensionable.

Share options and other  
share-based incentives

The Group operates approved and 
unapproved share option schemes 
for the Executive Directors and 
other employees to motivate 
those individuals through equity 
participation. Unapproved share 
options are also sometimes granted 
to key consultants. Exercise of 
share options under the schemes 
is subject to specified exercise 
periods and compliance with the 
AIM Rules. The schemes are overseen 
by the Remuneration Committee 
which recommends to the Board 
all grants of share options based 
on the Remuneration Committee’s 
assessment of personal performance 
and specifying the terms under 
which eligible individuals may be 
invited to participate.

The Remuneration Committee 
considers that the best alignment 
of employee interests with those 
of its shareholders is through the 
continued use of incentives for 

performance through the award of 
share options or other share-based 
arrangements.

The Group operates a Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). The quantum 
of any awards receivable by the staff 
and all Directors will depend on 
achieving set Group performance 
milestones and the share price at 
the time relative to targets set in 
advance. As a guide, if all of the 
approved milestones are achieved 
at the share price targets over the 
next 48 months and if the Group 
exercised its discretion to settle the 
awards in equity then the additional 
shares issued would be equivalent 
to approximately 1.37% of the issued 
share capital as at 31 December 2020.

Bonus scheme

Bonuses are granted on a 
discretionary basis and linked to 
performance objectives set by the 
Remuneration Committee at the 
end of each calendar year in order 
to quantify the bonus that has been 
achieved by each individual within 
the scheme. 

Pension contributions

The Group pays a defined contribution 
to the pension scheme of Executive 
Directors and other employees. The 
individual pension schemes are private 
and their assets are held separately 
from those of the Group.

Salaries and benefits are reviewed 
in December to cover the following 
calendar year. The timing of 
the review enables the Group’s 
performance over the preceding 
financial year and the strategy for the 
forthcoming year to be considered.

SERVICE CONTRACTS

The Executive Directors are employed 
under service contracts requiring 
six months’ notice by either party. 
Non-Executive Directors and the 
Chairman receive payments under 
appointment letters which are 
terminable by three months’ notice 
by either party. The service contracts 
of the Non-Executive Directors are 
made available for inspection on 
request.

44

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEThe Board considers ownership of 
Futura shares by Non-Executive 
Directors as a positive alignment 
of their interest with shareholders. 
The Board periodically reviews the 
shareholdings of the Non-Executive 
Directors and will seek guidance 
from its advisers if, at any time, it is 
concerned that a shareholding may, 
or could appear to, conflict with their 
duties as an independent Non-
Executive Director of the Group.

POLICY ON NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The Non-Executive Directors and 
the Chairman each receive a fee for 
their services as a director, which 
is approved by the Board, mindful 
of the time commitment and 
responsibilities of their roles and of 
current market rates for comparable 
organisations and appointments. 
Non-Executive Directors and the 
Chairman are reimbursed for 
travelling and other incidental 
expenses incurred on Group business 
in line with the Group Expenses 
Policy. The Non-Executive Directors 
and the Chairman are also included 
under the long-term incentive plan.

The Board encourages the ownership 
of Futura shares by Executive and 

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

Non-Executive Directors alike and 
in normal circumstances does 
not expect Directors to undertake 
dealings of a short-term nature.

The Non-Executive Directors receive 
a proportion of their remuneration 
in the form of shares. The quantum 
of shares is determined at the start 
of each calendar year based on the 
average closing mid-price of the last 
ten trading days prior to the year-end. 
The award for 2020 will be  settled 
in April 2021 by the issue of 176,318 
shares at 12.24 pence per share. The 
2021 award has been determined 
at 15 pence per share and the Non-
Executive Directors will accrue these 
shares over 2021 and receive them, or 
such lower number as have accrued 
if they leave the Group earlier, in 
January 2022.

The emoluments of the Directors, who represent the key management personnel were as follows, in 2020:

Year ended 31 December 2020

Executive Directors 

James Barder

Ken James

Angela Hildreth

Non-Executive Directors

John Clarke

Jonathan Freeman

Totals

 Salary &
Directors’
Fees
£

242,556 

175,782 

176,580 

65,034 

37,025

Bonus 
£

64,102 

70,312 

45,529 

–

–

696,977

179,943

Share
Awards
£

Benefits
In Kind
 £

Pension
 £

 Year ended
 31 December
2019
£

Total
 £

–

–

–

26,470 

8,819

35,289

2,652 

2,130 

2,350 

–

–

–

–

309,310 

248,224 

15,836 

240,295 

–

–

91,504 

45,844 

935,177

7,132

15,836

The above fees and emoluments exclude reimbursed expenditure incurred in the conduct of Group business.

There were no settlements under the LTIP in 2020 (2019: £nil).

238,245

172,793

171,475

88,839

44,509

715,861

45

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES

John Clarke

James Barder

Jonathan Freeman

Ken James

Angela Hildreth

Totals

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Beneficial 
Interests

512,788

Non-
beneficial 
Interests

–

1,093,472

117,500

175,718

299,581

142,857

–

–

–

Beneficial 
Interests

256,226

968,472

90,621

299,581

142,857

Non-
beneficial 
Interests

–

117,500

–

–

–

2,224,416

117,500

1,757,757

117,500

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARE OPTIONS

The Board uses share options to align Executive Directors and employees’ interests with those of shareholders in 
order to provide incentives and reward them based on improvements in Group performance. Options granted to the 
Executive Directors were as follows:

James Barder

Ken James

Angela Hildreth

Totals

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Options 
 Held

1,800,000

1,040,000

640,000

Share-
based 
Payment 
Expense

Options 
Held

26,993

1,750,000

21,594

21,594

800,000

400,000

3,480,000

70,181

2,950,000

Share-
based 
Payment 
Expense

18,410

14,728

14,728

47,866

All share options were granted with an exercise price at or above market value on the date of grant. The main vesting 
condition of the share options is that the Director remains employed with the Group as at the date of exercise or 
continues to provide consultancy services as at the date of exercise. The share options of the Directors under the 
Futura Medical plc Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme are set out below:

James Barder

James Barder

James Barder

James Barder

Ken James

Ken James

Ken James

Ken James

Grant Date

13 January 2017

19 November 2018

17 September 2019

21 September 2020

13 January 2017

12 September 2017

19 November 2018 

17 September 2019

Angela Hildreth

19 November 2018

Angela Hildreth

17 September 2019

Angela Hildreth

21 September 2020

Totals

Number 
Awarded

Exercise Price/
Share

Earliest 
Exercise Date

Expiry Date

124,348

250,000

250,000

300,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

240,000

2,364,348

57.50 pence

1 October 2018

30 September 2023

 7.50 pence

1 October 2020

30 September 2025

31.00 pence

1 October 2021 

30 September 2026

15.50 pence

1 October 2022

30 September 2027

57.50 pence

1 October 2018

30 September 2023

30.50 pence

1 October 2019

30 September 2024

 7.50 pence

1 October 2020

30 September 2025

31.00 pence

1 October 2021

30 September 2026

 7.50 pence

1 October 2020

30 September 2025

31.00 pence

1 October 2021

30 September 2026

15.50 pence

1 October 2022

30 September 2027

46

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 

The performance milestones, which are non-market related milestones, were not met in 2020 and therefore no charge 
was recognised in the period. Assuming that each remaining Group performance milestone is met, at the target share 
price and before the next target date ends, and if the awards were to be equity-settled then the number of shares that 
could be awarded, before tax, to the participants are:

James Barder

Angela Hildreth

Ken James

John Clarke

Jonathan Freeman

Other employees

At discretion of Remuneration Committee

Totals

2021

101,535

88,721

95,621

88,721

56,362

2022

101,535

88,721

95,621

88,721

56,362

2023

101,535

88,721

95,621

88,721

56,362

2024

101,535

88,721

95,621

88,721

56,362

369,679

369,679

369,679

369,679

44,363

44,363

44,363

44,363

845,002

845,002

845,002

845,002

The Directors consider that until a milestone has been met it is not appropriate to recognise a share-based 
remuneration charge in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in respect of the LTIP.

JONATHAN FREEMAN
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

47

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

The Board is committed to building long-term shareholder  
value in an open and ethical manner.

Dear Shareholder, 

As Chairman of Futura Medical,  
and on behalf of the Board, I am 
pleased to present our Corporate 
Governance Statement for the year 
ended 31 December 2020. I am 
responsible for leading the Board 
so as to ensure that the Group 
has in place the strategy, people 
and structure to deliver value to 
shareholders and other stakeholders 
of the Group as a whole over the 
medium to long-term, supported by 
a corporate culture based on sound 
ethical values and behaviour, as 
more fully explained in the Corporate 
Governance Report on the following 
pages. Angela Hildreth in her 
capacity of Company Secretary, has 
assumed responsibility for ensuring 
the Group has appropriate corporate 
governance standards in place and 
that these requirements are followed 
and applied within the Group as  
a whole. 

Futura Medical has adopted the 
QCA Corporate Governance Code 
(the “QCA Code”) as it considers that 
this is the most suitable framework 
for smaller listed companies. We 
continue to evaluate how we govern 
the Group on an ongoing basis, 
working for the best long-term 
interests of our shareholders in 
an open, transparent and ethical 
manner. The Board considers that 
this framework can grow with 
the Company, yet it is considered 
premature to plan for an evolution 
of the governance framework at this 
stage. If the Company undertakes 
significant transactions that would 
require growth, then the Board will 
consider the implication of this on 
the corporate governance structure 
at that point in time. 

The principal methods of 
communicating our application of 
the QCA Code are this Annual Report 
and the Investor section of our 
website at www.futuramedical.com. 
The QCA Code sets out ten principles 
and in the Corporate Governance 
Report on pages 49 to 52 we have 
set out the Group’s application of 
the QCA Code, including, where 
appropriate, cross references to other 
sections of this Annual Report and to 
our website. 

JOHN CLARKE
Non-Executive Chairman 
13 April 2021

48

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Group operates in a high risk and 
heavily regulated sector and this is 
reflected in the principal risks and 
uncertainties set out on pages 35 to 
37 of our Strategic Report. The key 
challenge to successful development 
of this strategy is ensuring that there 
are sufficient financial resources that 
can be deployed in the short-term in 
advance of the products being able 
to generate financial rewards for the 
Group in the longer term.

PRINCIPLE 2

Understanding shareholder  
needs and expectations

The Group seeks to maintain a 
regular dialogue with both existing 
and potential new shareholders 
in order to communicate the 
Group’s strategy and progress 
and understand the needs and 
expectations of shareholders. 
Institutional shareholders and 
analysts have the opportunity 
to discuss general issues and 
provide feedback at meetings 
with the Company. In addition, 
all shareholders are encouraged 
to attend the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting.

PRINCIPLE 3

Stakeholder responsibilities

The Group is aware of its corporate 
and social responsibilities and the 
need to maintain effective working 
relationships across a range of 
stakeholder groups. These include 
the Group’s employees, regulators, 
partners, suppliers and patients 
involved in the Group’s clinical 
development activities. The Group’s 
operations and working practices 
need to balance the needs of all 
of these stakeholder groups while 
maintaining focus on the Board’s 
primary responsibility to promote the 
success of the Group for the benefit 
of its members as a whole. 

The Group endeavours to take 
feedback received from stakeholders 
by meeting regularly and responding 
accordingly. This feedback ensures 
that the Group can respond to new 
issues and opportunities that arise 
to further the Group in the delivery 
of its long-term strategy. Further 
information can be found on pages 
40 and 41.

PRINCIPLE 4

Risk management

The Audit Committee and the 
Risk and Oversight Committee are 
responsible to the Board for risk 
management and internal controls 
and for ensuring that procedures are 
in place, and are being effectively 
implemented to identify, evaluate 
and manage the significant risks 
faced by the Group. The internal 
controls are designed to manage 
rather than eliminate risk and 
provide assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. 

The Audit Committee is responsible 
for reviewing the effectiveness of 
these internal controls on an annual 
basis. In 2017, the Board created 
a Risk and Oversight Committee 
(ROC) to provide additional oversight 
of its operational compliance in 
respect of its assets. In 2020, the ROC 
provided oversight of the Company’s 
Medical Device Quality Management 
System (QMS) as defined in the 
Medical Device Quality Manual. 
The ROC meets at least once a 
year or more frequently if required 
and agenda items are driven by a 
management review which assesses 
compliance against the QMS and 
issues arising out of the clinical trials 
that the Company is planning and 
undertaking.

PRINCIPLE 1

Business model and strategy

The strategy and business operations 
of the Group are set out in the 
Strategic Report section of the 
Annual Report. The full Board meets 
at least six times per year and is 
responsible for formulating and 
monitoring Group strategy, as well 
as complying with legal, regulatory 
and corporate governance matters. 
The strategy and business model 
and amendments thereto, are 
developed by the Chief Executive 
Officer and his senior management 
team, and approved by the Board. 
The management team, led by the 
Chief Executive Officer, is responsible 
for implementing the strategy 
and managing the business at an 
operational level. 

The Group’s overall strategic objective 
is to develop innovative products with 
compelling commercial potential in 
the pharmaceutical and consumer 
healthcare market, leveraging our 
core skills in transdermal technology. 
This strategy is aligned with the 
well-publicised demographic 
changes of ageing populations, 
increasing prosperity, government 
initiatives to increase self-medication, 
pressures on payers and healthcare 
systems, the rapid growth of 
prescription and over-the-counter 
(“OTC”) opportunities in developing 
countries, the natural desire for 
an improved quality of life and 
our expectations that consumer 
healthcare spending will increase as 
a result. The objective is to develop 
products such that each on its 
own has the potential to generate 
significant annual revenues.

At an appropriate stage of 
development, the Group may choose 
to realise monetary value from such 
products via out-licensing deals with 
pharmaceutical companies with 
interests in both prescription (“Rx”) 
and OTC products. Alternatively, if 
resources permit, the Group may 
choose to advance a product through 
clinical development and approval 
in order to retain the full value of the 
product within the Group.

49

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Given the current size and 
transparency of the operations of 
the Group, the Board has concluded 
that an internal audit function is not 
required and this will be continually 
reviewed as the Company grows. 
A summary of principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group, as 
well as mitigating actions, are set out 
on pages 35 to 37 of our Strategic 
Report.

PRINCIPLE 5 

A well-functioning Board of 
Directors

Futura’s Board currently comprises 
two Non-Executive Directors 
and three Executive Directors. 
All of the Directors are subject to 
election by shareholders at the first 
Annual General Meeting after their 
appointment and will continue to 
seek re-election by rotation at least 
once every three years.

Board of Directors

During the year under review, the 
Board comprised three Executive 
Directors, a Non-Executive Chairman 
and one additional Non-Executive 
Director. Details of the Directors who 
served in the year can be found on 
page 53.

Attendance at Board and 
Committee meetings

The Board is responsible to 
the shareholders for proper 
management of the Group and 
meets at least six times per year 
to set the overall direction and 
strategy of the Group, to review 
scientific, operational and financial 
performance and to advise on other 
strategic matters as they arise. All 
key operational and investment 
decisions are subject to Board 
approval. During the year the Board 
met once in person and, as the Board 
were unable to meet in person due to 
COVID-19 restrictions, five meetings 
were held by videoconference. In 
addition, authority was delegated on 
an ad hoc basis to subcommittees to 
deal with statutory matters, such as 
the approval of the full year results 
and interim statement. 

50

Director

John Clarke

Jonathan 
Freeman

James Barder

Angela Hildreth

Ken James

Board 

Audit 
Committee 

Remuneration 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

2/2

2/2

4/4

4/4

1/1

1/1

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

6/6

Attendance is expressed by the number of meetings attended/number 
eligible to attend. Directors’ attendance by invitation at meetings of 
committees of which they are not a member is not reflected in the table 
above.

Independence of Board Directors

PRINCIPLE 6

The Board considers itself 
independent. The QCA code suggests 
that a Board should have at least 
two independent Non-Executive 
Directors who currently sit on the 
Board of the Company and are 
regarded as independent under the 
QCA’s guidance for determining such 
independence. Jonathan Freeman has 
served on the Board for a concurrent 
period longer than nine years but on 
the basis he had no association with, 
and was independent from the Group 
at the time of his appointment and, 
as such, the Directors consider he 
satisfies the independence criteria set 
out in the QCA Code. The Chairman 
considers Mr Freeman’s conduct 
at Board meetings demonstrates 
continuing independence and 
represents appropriate challenge to 
the executives.

Non-Executive Directors receive 
their fees in the form of a basic cash 
fee and an equity-based fee which 
takes the form of nominal price 
share options under the Company’s 
Non-Executive Share Option 
Scheme. To avoid any incentive that 
may influence the Non-Executive 
Directors’ independence, the 
options grants are not deemed 
significant, either for any individual 
Non-Executive Director or in 
aggregate. The current remuneration 
structure for the Board’s Non-
Executive Directors is deemed to be 
proportionate and in line with market 
rates. The Directors commit the time 
required to fulfil their duties.

Appropriate skills and  
experience of the Directors

The Board considers that all of 
the Non-Executive Directors 
are of sufficient competence 
and calibre to add strength and 
objectivity to its activities and 
bring significant experience in 
commercial, operational and 
financial development of the Group’s 
products.

The Board regularly reviews the 
composition of the Board to ensure 
that it has the necessary depth 
and breadth of skills to support the 
ongoing delivery of the Group’s 
long-term strategy and the Board is 
committed to ensuring diversity of 
skill, experience and gender balance. 
Board members maintain their 
skillsets through practice in day-to-
day roles, enhanced with attending 
specific training where required. 
This is a combination of in-house 
Company arranged briefings and 
external courses.

The Board uses external advisers 
where necessary to enhance 
knowledge or to gain access to 
particular skills or capabilities. 
Accountants and lawyers are used for 
diligence work on specific projects; 
both the Nominations Committee 
and the Remuneration Committee 
use recruitment and employment 
consultants and specialist advisers 
have been used by the Board to 
ensure compliance in specific areas. 

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEBiotech/ 
Pharma 
sector

Financial

General 
Management

Other public 
company 
(Board level)

PRINCIPLE 9

Maintenance of governance 
structures and processes

John Clarke

Jonathan Freeman

James Barder

Angela Hildreth

Ken James

4

4

4

4

4

The Chairman, in conjunction with 
the Company Secretary, ensures 
that the Directors’ knowledge is 
kept up to date on key issues and 
developments pertaining to the 
Group, its operational activities 
and the Directors’ responsibilities 
as members of the Board. During 
the course of the year, the Directors 
received updates from the Company 
Secretary on a number of corporate 
governance matters.

The Company Secretary provides 
information and advice on corporate 
governance and to individual 
Directors on any aspect of their 
role, particularly supporting the 
Chairman and those who chair Board 
Committees. The Company Secretary 
is also responsible for ensuring that 
Board procedures are followed, 
that the Company complies with 
company law and AIM Rules and that 
the Board receives the information it 
needs to fulfil its duties effectively. 

PRINCIPLE 7

Evaluation of Board performance

Internal evaluation of the Board, the 
Committee and individual Directors 
is undertaken on an annual basis and 
was recently completed in December 
2020 in the form of peer appraisal, 
questionnaires and discussions led 
by the Chairman to determine their 
effectiveness and performance as 
well as the Non-Executive Directors’ 
continued independence. The 
Board may utilise the results of the 
evaluation process when considering 
the adequacy of the composition of 
the Board, to identify any training 
and development needs and for 
succession planning.

The Board as a collective is evaluated 
on diversity, balance, governance and 
strategy and individual members are 

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

evaluated on a range of criteria such 
as leadership, strategy, governance, 
interpersonal skills and integrity. 
The performance of the Chairman 
was also evaluated in the same way 
and this was led by Non-Executive 
Director Jonathan Freeman.

The Chairman is responsible for the 
annual performance assessment of 
the Chief Executive Officer and the 
Chief Executive Officer reviews the 
performance of the other Executive 
Directors, the Finance Director/
Chief Operating Officer and Head 
of R&D, where performance against 
corporate objectives set at the start 
of the year is measured.

The Nominations Committee 
continues to monitor the 
requirement for succession planning.

PRINCIPLE 8

Corporate culture

The Board recognises that its 
decisions regarding strategy and 
risk will impact on the culture of 
the Group as a whole and that 
this will impact the performance 
of the Group. The Board seeks to 
maintain the highest standards 
of integrity in the conduct of the 
Group’s operations. An open culture 
is encouraged within the Group 
with regular communications to 
staff regarding progress and staff 
feedback regularly sought. The Board 
assessment of the culture within 
the Group at the present time is 
one where there is respect for all 
individuals, there is open dialogue 
within the Group and there is a 
commitment to provide the best 
service possible to all the Group’s 
customers which include commercial 
partners and patients and clinicians 
who are participating in our clinical 
development programmes.

The Board has overall responsibility 
for promoting the success of the 
Group. The Executive Directors have 
day-to-day responsibility for the 
operational management of the 
Group’s activities. The Non-Executive 
Directors are responsible for the 
overall operational management 
of the Group’s activities and for 
bringing independent and objective 
judgement to Board decisions.

There is a clear separation of the 
roles of Chief Executive Officer 
and Non-Executive Chairman. 
The Chairman is responsible for 
overseeing the running of the 
Board, ensuring that no individual 
or group dominates the Board’s 
decision making and ensuring the 
Non-Executive Directors are properly 
briefed on matters. The Chairman 
has overall responsibility for corporate 
governance matters in the Group and 
chairs the Nominations Committee. 
The Chief Executive Officer has the 
responsibility for implementing the 
strategy of the Board and managing 
the day-to-day business activities of 
the Group. The Company Secretary 
is responsible for ensuring that 
Board procedures are followed and 
applicable rules and regulations are 
complied with.

The Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee normally meets 
twice a year and has responsibility 
for, amongst other things, reviewing 
the annual report and accounts and 
interim statements involving, where 
appropriate, the External Auditor. The 
Committee also approves the External 
Auditor’s fees and ensures the Auditor’s 
independence as well as focusing on 
compliance with legal requirements 
and accounting standards. It is also 
responsible for ensuring that an 
effective system of internal control is 
maintained. The ultimate responsibility 
for approving the annual financial 
statements and interim statements 
remains with the Board.

51

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCE 
The Group’s financial reports can be 
found in the Investor section of our 
website at www.futuramedical.com.

Notice of General Meetings of the 
Company and results of voting on 
all resolutions in future general 
meetings can be found in the  
RNS section of our website at  
www.futuramedical.com.

The results of voting on all resolutions 
in future general meetings will be 
posted to the Group’s website after 
the relevant meeting.

JOHN CLARKE
Non-Executive Chairman 
13 April 2021

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee, which 
meets as required, but at least 
once per year, has responsibility for 
reviewing the size and composition 
of the Board, the appointment 
or replacement of Directors, the 
monitoring of compliance with 
applicable laws, regulations and 
corporate governance guidance 
and making appropriate 
recommendations to the Board.

The Independent Non-Executive 
Director(s) and the Non-Executive 
Chairman sit on the Committee, and 
the Chief Executive Officer attends by 
invitation only.

The terms of reference for the above 
committees can be found in the 
Investors section of our website at 
www.futuramedical.com.

The Board also oversees the Group’s 
share dealing code and its whistle-
blowing policies and procedures.

PRINCIPLE 10

Shareholder communication

The Group places a high priority 
on regular communication with its 
shareholders and aims to ensure that 
all communications concerning the 
Group’s activities are clear, fair and 
accurate. The website is regularly 
updated and users can register to 
be alerted when announcements 
or details of presentations and 
events are posted onto the website. 
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 
pandemic during 2020, it was 
not possible to hold events as we 
normally would.

The Finance Director and Chief 
Operating Officer, and the External 
Auditor attend meetings by invitation 
only. The Audit Committee meets 
privately (without any other Board 
member present) with the External 
Auditor at least once per year.

The Group’s Auditor is Grant Thornton 
UK LLP based at 1020 Eskdale Road, 
Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TS 
and was appointed in 2019 as part of 
a tender process. The current Audit 
partner is Mark Bishop.

The Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee, 
which meets as required, but at least 
once per year, has responsibility 
for making recommendations to 
the Board on the compensation of 
senior executives and determining, 
within agreed terms of reference, 
the specific remuneration packages 
for each of the Executive Directors. 
It also supervises the Group’s 
share incentive schemes and sets 
performance conditions for share 
options granted under the schemes. 
The independent Non-Executive 
Director(s) and the Non-Executive 
Chairman sit on the Committee, and 
the Chief Executive Officer attends by 
invitation only.

The Directors’ remuneration can 
be found in the Remuneration 
Committee Report on pages 50 
to 54. The Directors believe that the 
disclosures in that report constitute 
sufficient disclosure to meet the 
requirements of the QCA Code 
for a Remuneration Committee 
Report.  Consequently, a separate 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 
is not presented in the Group’s 
Annual Report.  However, the 
Committee will continue to review 
guidance in relation to the contents 
of remuneration reports and 
ensure the reporting evolves as the 
Committee considers appropriate.

52

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS

The Directors during the year were:

John Clarke 

James Barder

Non-Executive 
Chairman

Chief Executive 
Officer

Jonathan Freeman Non-Executive 

Ken James 

Angela Hildreth 

Director

Head of R&D/
Executive 
Director

Finance Director/
Chief Operating 
Officer

GENERAL INFORMATION

Futura Medical plc is a public limited 
company incorporated in the United 
Kingdom, registered number 
04206001, which is listed on the 
Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) 
of the London Stock Exchange. 

REVIEW OF BUSINESS

The Group continues to invest in 
the development of its transdermal 
technology DermaSys® with focus 
being on sexual health and pain 
relief management. The Strategic 
Report on pages 1 to 41 provides a 
review of the business, including the 
Group’s trading for the year ended 
31 December 2020, an indication 
of likely future developments, key 
performance indicators and risks.

DIVIDENDS

The Group has reported its 
consolidated financial statements 
in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European 
Union. The results for the year and 
financial position of the Company 
and the Group are set out in the 
financial statements and reviewed 
in the Financial Review within the 
Strategic Report. The Directors do 
not recommend the payment of a 
dividend (2019: £nil).

pages 44 to 47. No Director has any 
beneficial interest in the share capital of 
any subsidiary or associate undertaking.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

Details of the Directors’ remuneration 
appear in the Remuneration 
Committee Report on pages 44 to 47.

DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ 
LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Company has, as permitted by 
the Companies Act 2006, maintained 
insurance cover on behalf of the 
Directors, indemnifying them against 
certain liabilities which may be incurred 
by them in relation to the Company. 

POLITICAL DONATIONS

The Group made no political donations 
during the current or prior year. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – RISK 
MANAGEMENT 

The Group’s financial risk 
management policy is set out in 
Note 4 to the financial statements. 

RESEARCH AND  
DEVELOPMENT (R&D)

During the year ended 31 December 
2020 the Group’s expenditure on R&D 
was £1,927,658 (2019: £10,051,148).

ADEQUACY OF INFORMATION 
SUPPLIED TO EXTERNAL AUDITOR

Each Director who held office at 
the date of approval of this Report 
confirms that, so far as the Director 
is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s 
External Auditor is unaware and 
the Director has taken all the steps 
that he or she ought to have taken 
as a Director to make himself or 
herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the 

SIGNIFICANT INTERESTS

Company’s External Auditor is aware 
of that information. This confirmation 
is given and should be interpreted 
in accordance with the provisions of 
section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS

There are some agreements that 
may take effect, alter or terminate 
on a change of control of the 
Company, such as commercial 
contracts, property leases and share 
option schemes. None of these are 
considered to be significant in their 
likely impact on the business as  
a whole.

STATEMENT OF ENGAGEMENT 
WITH SUPPLIERS, CUSTOMERS 
AND OTHERS IN A BUSINESS 
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE 
COMPANY

The Directors are mindful of their 
statutory duty to act in the way they 
each consider, in good faith, would 
be most likely to promote the success 
of the Company for the benefits of 
its members as a whole, as set out 
in our s.172(1) statement on page 40. 
A consideration of the Company’s 
relationship with wider stakeholders, 
including suppliers and customers, is 
disclosed in the Stakeholders section 
on pages 40 and 41.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

Funding of £2 million (gross) was 
completed in March and April 2021. 
The COVID-19 pandemic arose in 
February 2020, the impact of this 
has been considered and we do not 
expect this pandemic to materially 
impact on Futura’s business in 2021. 
Further details can be found within 
the Key risks and mitigation section 
on pages 35 to 37.

On 31 March 2021 the Company was notified of the following shareholders 
with 3% or more of the issued share capital of the Company in accordance 
with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency rules:

Lombard Odier Asset Management (Europe) Limited

21.04%

8.08%

5.23%

3.71%

Most recently notified details of significant shareholdings may be found in the 
Investor section of our website, at www.futuramedical.com. 

53

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

T Adams

The Directors’ interests in the 
Company’s shares and options over 
ordinary shares are shown in the 
Remuneration Committee Report on 

WT Lamb Investments Limited

RA Lamb

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEWe consider the Annual Report and 
Accounts, taken as a whole, are fair, 
balanced and understandable and 
provide the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

GOING CONCERN

The Directors believe that it remains 
appropriate to prepare the financial 
statements on a going concern 
basis. However, there is a material 
uncertainty which may cast 
significant doubt on the Group’s and 
the Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern and, therefore, 
to continue realising its assets and 
discharging its liabilities in the 
normal course of business. The 
financial statements do not include 
any adjustments that would result 
from the basis of preparation being 
inappropriate. Further details can be 
found in Note 2.2.

WEBSITE PUBLICATION

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

By order of the Board

ANGELA HILDRETH
Company Secretary 
13 April 2021

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ 
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF 
THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 European Union 
(“IFRSs as adopted by the EU”) and 
applicable law and they have elected 
to prepare the Parent Company 
financial statements in accordance 
with UK accounting standards 
and applicable law (UK Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice), 
including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework.

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: 
 ■ select suitable accounting policies 
and then apply them consistently; 
 ■ make judgements and estimates 
that are reasonable, relevant, 
reliable and prudent; 

 ■ state whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the EU; 

 ■ for the Parent Company financial 

statements, state whether 
applicable UK accounting 
standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements; 

 ■ assess the Group and Parent 
Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to 
going concern; and 

 ■ 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. 

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. 

The Directors have decided to 
prepare voluntarily a Remuneration 
Committee Report in accordance 
with Schedule 8 to The Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 made under 
the Companies Act 2006, as if 
those requirements applied to the 
Company. The Directors have also 
decided to prepare voluntarily a 
Corporate Governance Statement 
as if the Company were required 
to comply with the Listing Rules 
and the Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules of the Financial 
Conduct Authority in relation to those 
matters. Under applicable law and 
regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic 
Report and a Directors’ Report that 
comply with that law and those 
regulations. 

54

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

During the year the Audit Committee 
considered the adequacy of financial 
standards and how existing and 
new accounting standards apply to 
the business. In addition, the Audit 
Committee considered how applying 
these standards may flow through 
into internal processes and controls, 
the Group accounting policies and 
the Group’s financial reporting to 
shareholders.

Whilst the Board has overall 
responsibility for the review and 
approval of the annual and interim 
accounts, certain aspects are 
delegated to the Audit Committee 
including: 
 ■ Monitoring the integrity of the 

financial statements of the Group 
and any formal announcements 
relating to the Group’s financial 
performance.

 ■ Reviewing accounting standards, 

policies and judgements.

 ■ Reviewing internal controls and 
risk management procedures 
which arise during the external 
audit process, or if concerns 
are raised by a member of the 
Board or by an employee under 
the Company’s whistle-blowing 
process.

 ■ Oversight of the Group’s 
compliance with legal 
requirements ensuring that an 
effective internal control system is 
maintained.

Full terms of reference for the Audit 
Committee can be found in the 
Investor section of the Company 
website at www.futuramedical.com.

There were two meetings held in the year and matters discussed were as 
follows:

April 2020 

Presentation of 2019 Audit Report

Review of 2019 audit performance

December 2020 

Review of audit planning including audit risk areas for 
the year ended 2020

Review and confirmation of External Auditor 
Independence

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

INTERNAL AUDIT

The Audit Committee reviews the 
requirement for an internal audit 
function on an annual basis, taking 
into account the scale and complexity 
of the Group’s activities and any 
issues identified in the assessment 
of controls. The Committee remains 
of the opinion that an internal 
audit function is currently not 
appropriate for the Group and 
the Committee will continue to 
review the appropriateness of these 
arrangements.

JONATHAN FREEMAN
Chairman of the Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee has 
responsibility for the relationship 
between the Group and its External 
Auditor. Representatives from the 
External Auditor are invited to attend 
Audit Committee meetings and 
whilst the Finance Director and other 
Executives are invited to attend the 
Committee meetings, time at the 
end of a meeting is allowed without 
any other Executive Directors or 
other executives present, to give the 
External Auditor an opportunity to 
raise any issues of concern. 

The Audit Committee is responsible 
for reviewing the scope of work 
and fee proposals presented by the 
External Auditor to ensure that their 
independence is not compromised. 
The independence of the Auditor is 
kept under review and is reported 
once per year, as part of the Audit 
Committee Report presented to the 
Audit Committee by the External 
Auditor. 

The Group’s External Auditor, Grant 
Thornton UK LLP, is engaged to 
provide its independent opinion on 
the Group’s financial statements. A 
full scope of their work for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 is included 
within the Independent Auditor’s 
Report on pages 56 to 65. Grant 
Thornton were appointed in 2019 
following a tender process.  
The Partner is Mark Bishop.

55

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

to the members of Futura Medical plc

OPINION

Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified

We have audited the financial statements of Futura 
Medical PLC (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries 
(the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2020 
which comprise the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity, the Consolidated statement of 
financial position, the Consolidated statement of cash 
flows, the Parent company balance sheet, the Parent 
company statement of changes in equity and notes 
to the financial statements, including a summary of 
significant accounting policies. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of 
the group financial statements is applicable law and 
international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the parent company financial statements 
is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 
‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion:
 ■ 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 December 2020 and of the group’s loss for the 
year then ended;

 ■ the group financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with international accounting 
standards in conformity with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006;

 ■ the parent company financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 
 ■ 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 under those standards are further 
described in the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit 
of the financial statements’ section of our report. We 
are independent of the group and the parent company 
in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 
UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to 
listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained 
is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 
opinion.

56

MATERIAL UNCERTAINTY RELATED  
TO GOING CONCERN

We draw attention to note 2.2 in the financial statements, 
which indicates that management have made significant 
assumptions in preparing the financial statements on 
a going concern basis. As stated in note 2.2, the group 
has reported cash and liquid resources of £1.02m as 
at 31 December 2020 and made an operating loss of 
£2.92m for the year. Following the completion of a £2.0m 
fundraise post year end it is projected that these cash 
resources will extend to Q1 2022. The most significant 
assumptions made in the cash flow forecast prepared 
by management  include their ability to raise further 
financing. However, there can be no guarantee that 
the Group will be able to raise sufficient funding from 
existing and new investors, nor that the Group will be able 
to secure further strategic collaborations for its product 
pipeline. These events or conditions, along with the other 
matters as set forth in note 2.2, indicate that a material 
uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on 
the group and parent company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of 
this matter.

Our evaluation of management’s assessment of the 
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern1  
 ■ Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the 

group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting included 
obtaining management’s base case cash flow forecasts 
covering the period from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 
2022, which assumed no revenue being generated, 
assessing how these cash flow forecasts were compiled 
and assessing their appropriateness by identifying the 
most significant underlying assumptions, including 
evaluating management’s assessment of the impact of 
Brexit and Covid and challenging those assumptions;
 ■ Assessing the accuracy of management’s forecasting 
by comparing management’s forecasts against post 
year end actual results;

 ■ Assessing the accuracy of management’s past 

forecasting by comparing management’s forecasts for 
the year to 31 December 2020 to the actual results for 
that year and considering the impact on the base case 
cash flow forecast; 

 ■ Obtaining management’s forecast which assesses 
the potential impact of not achieving the expected 
funding as planned. We evaluated management’s 
assumptions regarding the ability to mitigate costs. We 
considered whether the assumptions are consistent 
with our understanding of the business derived from 
other detailed audit work undertaken; 

 ■ Assessing the impact of the mitigating factors available 
to management in respect of the ability to restrict cash 
impact, including the level of available facilities; and
 ■ Assessing the adequacy of related disclosures within 

the annual report.

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEOur responsibilities 

We are responsible for concluding on the appropriateness 
of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of 
accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, 
whether a material uncertainty exists related to events 
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the 
group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty 
exists, we are required to draw attention in our report to 
the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if 

such disclosures are inadequate, to modify the auditor’s 
opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence 
obtained up to the date of our report. However, future 
events or conditions may cause the group or the parent 
company to cease to continue as a going concern.

The responsibilities of the directors with respect to going 
concern are described in the ‘Responsibilities of directors 
for the financial statements’ section of this report.

OUR APPROACH TO THE AUDIT

OVERVIEW OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

Overall materiality: 

Group: £133,000, which represents approximately 4.5% of the group’s loss on 
ordinary activities before taxation.

Parent company: £68,000, which represents approximately 0.1% of the 
parent company’s total assets.

Materiality

Key audit 
matters

The key audit matters were identified as material uncertainty in relation to 
going concern and the impairment of the investment in the subsidiary in 
the parent company financial statements.

Scoping

We performed audits of the financial information of the significant 
components Futura Medical PLC and Futura Medical Developments 
Limited using component materiality (full scope audits), and analytical 
procedures at group level on the financial statements of Futura Consumer 
Healthcare Limited.

57

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

to the members of Futura Medical plc

KEY AUDIT MATTERS

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
that we identified. These matters included those that 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 addition to the matter described in the ‘material uncertainty related 
to going concern’ section, we have determined the matter described 
below to be the key audit matter to be communicated in our report.

In the graph below, we have presented the key audit matters, 
significant risks and other risks relevant to the audit.

Description

Audit response

KAM

Disclosures

Our results

Impairment 
of investment

Going 
concern

Management
override of
controls

R&D 
tax credit

Taxation 
debtor

Employment
costs

Trade creditors
and accruals

Cash and cash
equivalents

Equity

Research and development
and other admin costs

Extent of management judgement

High

KEY:   

 Key audit matter   

 Significant risk   

 Other risk

High

t
c
a
p
m

i

t
n
e
m
e
t
a
t
s

l

i

a
c
n
a
n
fi

l

a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

Low

Low

58

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCE 
 
 
Key Audit Matter – Parent company

How our scope addressed the matter – Parent company

Impairment of investment in the subsidiary

We identified impairment of the investment in Futura 
Medical Developments Limited as one of the most 
significant assessed risks of material misstatement due to 
error.

The assessment of impairment of the investment is 
required when there is an indication of impairment. An 
indicator of impairment arises due to the uncertainty in 
the market potential of the MED3000 medical device post 
EU approval.

The assessment of any potential impairment requires 
management to make significant assumptions and 
judgements about the recoverability of the investment in 
particular around the future cash flows of the subsidiary. 

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2020

Financial statements: Note 2, Investments

In responding to the key audit matter, we performed the 
following audit procedures:
 ■ Obtained management’s impairment review and 

compared the recoverable amounts to the value of the 
investment; 

 ■ Inspected in detail the key underlying assumptions 
within management’s impairment review, assessing 
each of the key assumptions against market data, 
where relevant and available, and performing sensitivity 
analysis on each of these assumptions. In the prior 
year an internal auditor expert was used to assist in 
the impairment assessment. We confirmed that in the 
current year there had been no significant changes in 
the objectives of the group, nor any significant changes 
in the target industry of the MED3000 medical device. 
The key assumptions included: 
 − the discount rate used in the calculation;
 − the market potential for the underlying products and 
the group’s ability to obtain a share of this market.
 ■ Corroborated the key inputs used in support of the 
key underlying assumptions to relevant supporting 
documentation; and

 ■ Assessed the disclosures of estimates and judgements 
made in the financial statements for compliance with 
the requirements of International Accounting Standard 
(IAS) 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’.

Our results

Based on our audit work, we are satisfied that the valuation 
methodologies and assumptions made in management’s 
assessment of goodwill impairment are appropriate. We 
consider that the group’s disclosure to be in accordance 
with IAS 36 and have found no material errors in 
calculations.

59

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCE 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

to the members of Futura Medical plc

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing the audit, and in evaluating the effect of 
identified misstatements on the audit and of uncorrected misstatements, if any, on the financial statements and in 
forming the opinion in the auditor’s report.

Materiality was determined as follows:

Materiality measure

Group

Parent company

Materiality for 
financial statements 
as a whole

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that, 
individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of these financial statements. We use materiality in determining the 
nature, timing and extent of our audit work.

Materiality threshold

Significant 
judgements made by 
auditor in determining 
the materiality

£133,000 which represents approximately 
4.5% of the group’s loss on ordinary 
activities before taxation. This benchmark is 
considered the most appropriate because it 
is a prominent key performance indicator for 
the users of the financial statements.

£68,000, which represents approximately 
0.1% of the parent company’s total 
assets, restricted to be lower than group 
materiality as it is a component of the 
group. This benchmark is considered the 
most appropriate due to the nature of the 
business.

The determination of materiality involves 
the exercise of professional judgement. 
In determining materiality, we made the 
following significant judgements:
 ■ The selection of an appropriate 

benchmark;

The determination of materiality involves 
the exercise of professional judgement. 
In determining materiality, we made the 
following significant judgements:
 ■ The selection of an appropriate 

benchmark;

 ■ The selection of an appropriate 

 ■ The selection of an appropriate 

percentage to apply to that benchmark; 
and

percentage to apply to that benchmark; 
and

 ■ The consideration of other qualitative 

 ■ The consideration of other qualitative 

factors.

factors.

Total assets is considered to be the most 
appropriate benchmark as the company’s 
purpose is that of holding of investments in 
subsidiary entities. The company does not 
undertake any trading activities.

Materiality for the current year is lower than 
the level determined for the year ended 
31 December 2019 (£513,000) as a result of 
the impact of the component materiality 
restriction applied in the current year.

We have consistently used loss before tax 
as the underlying benchmark. We selected 
this benchmark because the group is 
predominantly in its pre-revenue phase 
with the main focus of the group being 
the expenditure incurred on research and 
development of the products and obtaining 
regulatory approval. Loss before tax is 
also a key performance measure for the 
company and is therefore of most interest to 
stakeholders.

Materiality for the current year is lower than 
the level determined for the year ended 31 
December 2019 (£547,000) due to a decrease 
in losses made in the year ended  
31 December 2020.

60

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEMateriality measure

Group

Parent company

Performance 
materiality used to 
drive the extent of  
our testing

We set performance materiality at an amount less than materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the 
aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole.

Performance 
materiality threshold

£100,000 which is 75% of financial statement 
materiality.

£51,000 which is 75% of financial statement 
materiality.

Significant 
judgements made by 
auditor in determining 
the performance 
materiality

In determining materiality, we made the 
following significant judgements:
 ■ Our prior year experience with auditing 

In determining materiality, we made the 
following significant judgements:
 ■ Our prior year experience with auditing 

the financial statements; and

the financial statements; and

 ■ Few adjustments being identified in  

 ■ Few adjustments being identified in  

prior years.

prior years.

Specific materiality

We determine specific materiality for one or more particular classes of transactions, 
account balances or disclosures for which misstatements of lesser amounts than materiality 
for the financial statements as a whole could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

Specific materiality 
threshold

We determined a lower level of specific 
materiality for certain areas such as Directors’ 
remuneration and related party transactions.

We determined a lower level of specific 
materiality for certain areas such as 
Directors’ remuneration and related party 
transactions.

Communication of 
misstatements to  
the audit committee

Threshold for 
communication

We determine a threshold for reporting unadjusted differences to the audit committee.

£7,000 and misstatements below that 
threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting 
on qualitative grounds.

£3,400 and misstatements below that 
threshold that, in our view, warrant 
reporting on qualitative grounds.

61

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

to the members of Futura Medical plc

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for 
potential uncorrected misstatements.

OVERALL MATERIALITY – GROUP

OVERALL MATERIALITY – PARENT COMPANY

Loss before tax
£2,927,000

FSM
£133,000
4.5%

PM
£100,000
75%

TFPUM
£33,000
25%

Total assets
£53,989,000

FSM
£68,000
0.1%

PM
£51,000
75%

TFPUM
£17,000
25%

FSM: Financial statements materiality  
PM: Performance materiality  
TFPUM: Tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

OTHER INFORMATION

We performed a risk-based audit that requires an 
understanding of the group’s and the parent company’s 
business and in particular matters related to:

Understanding the group, its components, and their 
environments, including group-wide controls
 ■ Evaluation of the group’s internal control environment 

and documenting our understanding of controls 
relevant to the audit.

 ■ Performing walkthrough testing to evaluate the 

design and implementation of controls relevant to 
the key audit matters and certain other risks in the 
financial reporting system identified as part of our risk 
assessment.

Identifying significant components
 ■ We performed a full scope audit on the financial 

statements of Futura Medical PLC and Futura Medical 
Developments Limited. We performed group level 
analytical procedures on the financial statements of 
Futura Medical Healthcare Limited.

 ■ Our audit procedures provided coverage of 100% of 
each of the group and parent company’s loss before 
tax and 100% of the group and parent company’s  
net assets.

 ■ The audit procedures for all components was 

conducted by the group audit team.

The directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report, other than the financial 
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion 
on the financial statements does not cover the other 
information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly 
stated in our report, we do not express any form of 
assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 
our responsibility is to read the other information and, 
in doing so, consider whether the other information is 
materially inconsistent with the financial statements 
or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify 
such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether 
there is a material misstatement in the financial 
statements or a material misstatement of the other 
information. If, based on the work we have performed, 
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

62

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEOUR OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED 
BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 IS UNMODIFIED

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the 
course of the audit:
 ■ the information given in the strategic report 

and the directors’ report for the financial year for 
which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the financial statements; and
 ■ the strategic report and the directors’ report have 
been prepared in accordance with applicable 
legal requirements.

MATTER ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT 
UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 
group and the parent company and its environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not 
identified material misstatements in the strategic report 
or the directors’ report. 

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO  
REPORT BY EXCEPTION

We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 
requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
 ■ 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

 ■ the parent company financial statements are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; 
or

 ■ certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified 

by law are not made; or

 ■ we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS FOR THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such 
internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are 
responsible for assessing the group’s and the 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 the directors 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 FOR THE AUDIT  
OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

A further description of our responsibilities for the 
audit of the financial statements is located on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 
auditor’s report.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations. We design 
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined 
above, to detect material misstatements in respect of 
irregularities, including fraud. Owing to the inherent 
limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that 
material misstatements in the financial statements 
may not be detected, even though the audit is properly 
planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). 

63

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

to the members of Futura Medical plc

The extent to which our procedures are capable of 
detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and 
regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group 
and determined that the most significant which are 
directly relevant to the financial statements are those 
related to the reporting frameworks (IFRS, the Companies 
Act 2006 and QCA Corporate Governance Code) and AIM 
rules.

We assessed the susceptibility of Futura Medical 
PLC’s consolidated financial statements to material 
misstatement, including how fraud might occur, 
by making enquires of management and those 
charged with governance. We utilised internal and 
external information to corroborate these enquiries 
and to perform a high-level fraud risk assessment. We 
considered the risk of fraud to be higher through the 
potential for management override of controls.

In addition, we concluded that there are certain 
significant laws and regulations, such as Employment 
Law and Health and Safety regulations that may have 
an effect on the determination of the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements and those laws 
and regulations relating to health and safety, employee 
matters, environmental, and bribery and corruption 
practices. 

We understood how Futura Medical PLC is complying 
with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making 
enquiries of management, those responsible for legal and 
compliance procedures and the company secretary. We 
corroborated our enquiries through our review of board 
minutes and correspondence received from regulatory 
bodies.

In assessing the potential risks of material misstatement, 
we obtained an understanding of:
 ■ the entity’s operations, including the nature of its 

objectives and strategies to understand the classes 
of transactions, account balances, expected financial 
statement disclosures and business risks that may 
result in risks of material misstatement;

 ■ the applicable statutory provisions;
 ■ the entity’s control environment, including the 

policies and procedures implemented to comply 
with the requirements of its regulator, including 
the adequacy of the training to inform staff of the 
relevant legislation, rules and other regulations of the 
regulator, the adequacy of procedures for authorisation 
of transactions, internal review procedures over the 
entity’s compliance with regulatory requirements, 
and procedures to ensure that possible breaches 
of requirements are appropriately investigated and 
reported.

Our audit procedures involved:
 ■ evaluation of the design effectiveness and testing the 
operating effectiveness of controls that management 
has in place to prevent and detect fraud;

 ■ journal entry testing, with a focus on material manual 

journals, those posted directly to cash;

 ■ challenging assumptions and judgements made by 
management in its significant accounting estimates;
 ■ assessing the extent of compliance with the relevant 
laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the 
related financial statement item.

In addition, we completed audit procedures to conclude 
on the compliance of disclosures in the annual report 
and accounts with applicable financial reporting 
requirements.

We assessed the appropriateness of the collective 
competence and capabilities of the engagement team 
included consideration of the engagement team’s:
 ■ understanding of, and practical experience with, audit 

engagements of a similar nature and complexity 
through appropriate training and participation;

 ■ knowledge of the industry in which the client operates;
 ■ understanding of the legal and regulatory 

requirements specific to the entity including:

  ■■ the provisions of the applicable legislation;

  ■■ the regulators rules and related guidance , including 

guidance issued by relevant authorities that 
interprets those rules;

  ■■ the applicable statutory provisions.

We did not identify any matters relating to non-
compliance with laws and regulation or relating to fraud.

64

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCEUSE OF OUR REPORT

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.

MARK BISHOP FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor 
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants

Oxford 
13 April 2021

65

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020GOVERNANCECONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the year ended 31 December 2020

Revenue

Research and development costs

Administrative costs

Operating loss

Finance income

Loss before tax

Taxation recoverable 

Loss for the year being total comprehensive loss attributable to owners of 
the Parent Company

Basic and diluted loss per share (pence)

All amounts relate to continuing activities.

The Notes on pages 70 to 85 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

Year ended
31 December
 2020
 £

Year ended
31 December
 2019
 £

– 

31,778 

(1,927,658)

(10,051,148)

(1,000,736)

(1,144,397)

(2,928,394)

(11,163,767)

 924

 22,283

(2,927,470)

(11,141,484)

519,093

2,222,194

Notes

2.4

6

8

9

(2,408,377)

(8,919,290)

10

(0.99)

(4.36)

66

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the year ended 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2019

Total comprehensive loss  
for the year 

Share-based payment

Shares issued during the year

Transactions with owners

At 31 December 2019

Total comprehensive loss  
for the year 

Share-based payment

Shares issued during the year

Transactions with owners

At 31 December 2020

Share
 Capital
 £

Share 
Premium
 £

Merger
 Reserve
 £

 Warrant
Reserve
£ 

 Retained
Losses
 £

 Total
 Equity
 £

Notes

409,167  49,983,860

 1,152,165

 - (42,692,938)

 8,852,254

18

17

18

17

–

–

 154

154

–

–

 19,130

19,130

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(8,919,290)

(8,919,290)

 101,404

 101,404

–

101,404

 19,284

120,688

53,652

409,321 50,002,990

 1,152,165

–  (51,510,824)

–

–

–

–

81,933

81,933

2,811,100

2,811,100

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,408,377)

(2,408,377)

149,364

149,364

165,868

165,868

–

3,058,901

149,364

3,208,265

491,254 52,814,090

1,152,165

165,868 (53,769,837)

853,540

Merger reserve represents the reserve arising on the acquisition of Futura Medical Developments Limited in 2001 via 
a share for share exchange accounted for as a group reconstruction previously using merger accounting under UK 
GAAP.

Retained losses represent all other net gains and losses not recognised elsewhere. 

Share premium represents amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value, less the related costs of 
share issues.

Warrants issued are held as a separate “warrant reserve” within equity. The warrant reserve will be transferred to 
retained earnings on exercise or lapse, as it’s treated as distributable profit from the point of issue.

The Notes on pages 70 to 85 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

67

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

as at 31 December 2020

Assets

Non-current assets

Plant and equipment

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables

Taxation recoverable

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total net assets

Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the Parent Company

Share capital

Share premium

Merger reserve

Warrant reserve

Retained losses

Total equity 

As at 
31 December
 2020
 £

As at 
31 December
 2019
 £

Notes

11

12

14

9

15

42,869

42,869

59,505

59,505

–

39,790

7,780

101,192

518,805

2,222,194

1,018,601

2,510,501

1,577,196

4,841,667

16

(766,525)

(4,847,520)

(766,525)

(4,847,520)

853,540

53,652

17

491,254

409,321

52,814,090

50,002,990

1,152,165

165,868

1,152,165

–

 (53,769,837)

 (51,510,824)

853,540

53,652

The consolidated financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 13 April 2021.

The Notes on pages 70 to 85 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

By order of the Board

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

Registered number: 04206001

68

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the year ended 31 December 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss before tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Finance income

Share-based payment charge

Cash flows used in operating activities before changes in working capital

Decrease in inventories

Decrease in trade and other receivables

(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables

Cash used in operations

Income tax received

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of plant and equipment

Interest received

Cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of ordinary shares

Expenses paid in connection with share issue

Cash generated by financing activities

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The Notes on pages 70 to 85 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
£

Notes

(2,927,470)

(11,141,484)

25,008 

(924)

 149,364

20,704 

(22,283)

101,404

(2,754,022)

(11,041,659)

 7,780 

61,401 

–

204,928 

 11

 8

 18

 12

 16

(4,080,996) 

2,822,004

(6,765,837)

(8,014,727)

2,222,482

1,358,480

(4,543,355)

(6,656,247)

 11

(8,371)

924 

(7,447)

(32,736)

22,283 

(10,453)

 17

3,270,534 

 19,284

 (211,632)

–

 3,058,902

 19,284

 (1,491,900)

 (6,647,415)

 2,510,501 

 9,157,916

15

 1,018,601 

 2,510,501 

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www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2020

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

Futura Medical plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom 
and whose shares are publicly traded on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. The registered office is 
located at Surrey Technology Centre, 40 Occam Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7YG.

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 December 2020.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020 were 
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 13 April 2021.

The Group is principally engaged in the development of pharmaceutical and healthcare products.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2.1 Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost 
convention and have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International accounting 
standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The principal accounting policies applied 
in the preparation of the consolidated financial information are set out below. These policies have been consistently 
applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling. 

2.2 Going concern
For the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group made an operating loss of £2.93 million. Cash and cash equivalents 
at 31 December 2020 were £1.02 million. The Board has considered the applicability of the going concern basis in the 
preparation of the financial statements. This included the review of internal budgets and financial results and a review 
of cash flow forecasts for the 12 months’ period following the date of signing the financial statements. Under current 
business plans, the Group’s cash resources will extend to Q1 2022. Based on this, additional funding is expected to be 
required to support the Group’s and the Company’s going concern status. Dependent upon the funds raised and the 
level of income generated from licensing activities, further funding may be required to reach profitability. The Group 
completed a £2.00 million fundraise which comprised of £1.50 million convertible loan notes, £0.50 million warrants 
and a Collaboration Agreement to commercialise MED3000 in China and South East Asia with £1.50 million received 
in March 2021 and £0.50 million in April 2021. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able 
to raise further financing, which could come from a variety of dilutive and non-dilutive sources, to support its ongoing 
activities, following the anticipated granting of the CE mark for MED3000 in Europe, expected in May 2021 following 
a recommendation in March 2021. The Directors also have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to 
generate significant funding through entering into strategic collaborations for the commercialisation of MED3000 
and its other products in the US and Europe. 

However, there can be no guarantee that the Group will be able to raise sufficient funding from existing and new 
investors, nor that the Group will be able to secure further strategic collaborations for its product pipeline. In the 
event that the Group does not successfully raise new financing, the Directors consider that the Group would be able 
to reduce expenditure, potentially extending the Group’s cash resources to more than 12 months from the date of 
signing the financial statements. 

Based on the above factors the Directors believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements 
on a going concern basis. However, the above factors give rise to a material uncertainty which may cast significant 
doubt on the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, to continue realising 
its assets and discharging its liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any 
adjustments that would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate.

2.3 Standards, amendments and interpretation to existing standards
At the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements, several new, but not yet effective, Standards 
and amendments to existing Standards, and Interpretations have been published by the IASB. None of these 
Standards or amendments to existing Standards have been adopted early by the Group. 

Management anticipates that all relevant pronouncements will be adopted for the first period beginning on or after 
the effective date of the pronouncement. New Standards, amendments and Interpretations not adopted in the 
current year have not been disclosed as they are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s financial 
statements.

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2.4 Revenue
To determine whether to recognise revenue, the Group follows a five-step process:

1.  Identifying the contract with a customer

2.  Identifying the performance obligations

3.  Determining the transaction price

4.  Allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations

5.  Recognising revenue when/as performance obligation(s) are satisfied.

Revenue recognised in the prior year related to a collaboration agreement. In accordance with IFRS 15, revenue is 
calculated based on the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled and is recognised over the length 
of services provided under the contract and once performance obligations have been met. The transaction fee is 
allocated over the length of the service being provided in accordance with the project plan. It is recognised as a 
contract liability at the time of the initial transaction and is released over the expected period of service on the basis 
of work completed and performance obligations delivered. The progress is re-evaluated by management at each 
reporting date and the revenue recognised is re-measured accordingly. During the year, no revenue was recognised. 

2.5 Leased assets
For any new contracts entered into on or after 1 January 2019, the Group considers whether a contract is, or contains a 
lease. A lease is defined as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) 
for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To apply this definition, the Group assesses whether the contract 
meets three key evaluations which are whether:
 ■ The contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly in the contract or implicitly specified by being 

identified at the time the asset is made available to the Group.

 ■ The Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the identified asset 

throughout the period of use, considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract.

 ■ The Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use. The Group assesses 

whether it has the right to direct “how and for what purpose” the asset is used throughout the period of use.

The Group makes the use of leasing arrangements principally for the provision of the main office space and IT 
equipment. The rental contracts for offices are typically negotiated on a short-term rolling basis with one month’s 
notice. Lease terms for IT equipment have lease terms of three years without any extension terms. The Group does not 
enter into sale and leaseback arrangements. All the leases are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide 
variety of different terms and conditions such as purchase options and escalation clauses. 

The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. A lease conveys the right 
to direct the use and obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of an identified asset for a period of time in 
exchange for consideration.

The Group has elected to account for short-term leases and leases of low-value assets using the practical expedients. 
These leases relate to items of certain IT equipment. Instead of recognising a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the 
payments in relation to these are recognised as an expense in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

2.6 Intangible assets
Research and development (“R&D”)
Expenditure incurred on the development of internally generated products is capitalised if it can be demonstrated 
that:
 ■ it is technically feasible to develop the product for it to be sold;
 ■ adequate resources are available to complete the development;
 ■ there is an intention to complete and sell the product;
 ■ the Group is able to out-license or sell the product;
 ■ sale of the product will generate future economic benefits; and
 ■ expenditure on the project can be measured reliably.

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for the year ended 31 December 2020

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.6 Intangible assets (continued)
Capitalised development costs, including patents and trademarks, are amortised over the periods in which the Group 
expects to benefit from selling the products developed but not exceeding five years. The amortisation expense is 
included in R&D costs recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The useful life and the 
value of the capitalised development cost are assessed for indicators of impairment at least annually. The value is 
written down immediately if impairment has occurred and the unimpaired cost amortised over the reduced useful life.

The Directors consider that the criteria to capitalise development expenditure are not yet met for any of its products as 
they have either not yet been approved or commercially launched in at least one major market therefore commercial 
feasibility of the product is not yet certain. 

Development expenditure, not satisfying the above criteria, and expenditure on the research phase of internal projects 
are included in R&D costs recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as incurred.

2.7 Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment is initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at cost less accumulated depreciation and any 
accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. 
Depreciation is charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income at rates calculated to write off the 
cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
 ■ Computer equipment 
 ■ Fixtures and fittings  

3 – 10 years straight-line

2 – 5 years straight-line

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are determined by the Directors and reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, 
at each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date.

2.8 Impairment of non-financial assets
An impairment review is carried out for assets being amortised or depreciated when a change in market conditions 
and other circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The recoverable amount is the 
higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are 
grouped at the lowest levels for which they are separately identifiable cash flows.

2.9 Inventories
Inventories are consumable materials to be used in development and are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently 
at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes materials, related contract manufacturing costs and other 
direct costs. Cost is calculated using the first in, first out method. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling 
price, less further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal.

A provision is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in respect of obsolete 
or defective items, where appropriate.

2.10 Classification of financial instruments issued by the Group
In accordance with the requirements of IAS 32, financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to 
the extent that they meet the following two conditions:
 ■ they include no contractual obligations upon the Company to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange 
financial assets or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the 
Company; and

 ■ where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative 
that includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Company’s own equity instruments or is a derivative 
that will be settled by the Company’s exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed 
number of its own equity instruments.

2.11 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. 

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2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.11 Financial instruments (continued)
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: 
 ■ it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and 
 ■ 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. 

A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it meets both the following conditions and is not designated as FVTPL: 
 ■ it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling 

financial assets; and 

 ■ its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on 

the principal amount 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).

iii) Derecognition 
Financial assets 
The Group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset 
expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred or in which the Group neither transfers nor retains 
substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset. 

Financial liabilities 
The Group de-recognises a financial liability when the contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled, or expire. 
The Group also derecognises a financial liability when its terms are modified and the cash flows of the modified 
liability are substantially different, in which case a new financial liability based on the modified terms is recognised at 
fair value. On de-recognition of a financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount extinguished and the 
consideration paid is recognised in profit or loss.

2.12 Taxation
Income tax is recognised or provided at amounts expected to be recovered or to be paid using the tax rates and tax 
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date. R&D 
tax credits are recognised on an accruals basis and are included as an income tax credit under current assets.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability on the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position date differs from its tax base, except for differences arising on:
 ■ the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and which at the 

time of the transaction affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit; and

 ■ investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities where the Group is able to control the timing of the 

reversal of the difference and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profits will be 
available against which the difference can be utilised.

73

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for the year ended 31 December 2020

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.12 Taxation (continued)
The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
by the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax liabilities/
(assets) are settled/(recovered). Deferred tax balances are not discounted.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets 
and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority on either:
 ■ the same taxable group company; or
 ■ different group entities which intend to settle current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis, or to realise the assets 
and settle the liabilities simultaneously, on each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax assets 
or liabilities are expected to be settled or recovered.

2.13 Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the 
dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and 
from the translation at period end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 
are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the period in which they arise.

2.14 Employee benefits
Defined contribution plans
The Group provides retirement benefits to all employees who wish to participate in defined contribution pension 
schemes. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered 
funds. Contributions made by the Group are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the 
period in which they become payable.

Accrued holiday pay
Provision is made at each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date for holidays accrued but not taken, 
at applicable rates of salary. The expected cost of compensated short-term absence (holidays) is charged to the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on an accruals basis.

Share-based payment transactions
The Group operates an equity-settled share-based compensation plan. For all share options awarded to employees, 
and others providing similar services, the fair value of the share options at the date of grant is charged to the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken 
into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the 
number of share options that eventually vest. There are no market vesting conditions. If the terms and conditions of 
share options are modified before they vest, the change in the fair value of the share options, measured immediately 
before and after the modification, is also charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the 
remaining vesting period. The proceeds received when share options are exercised, net of any directly attributable 
transaction costs, are credited to share capital (nominal value) and the remaining balance to share premium. All 
employee share option holders enter into an HM Revenue & Customs joint election to transfer the employers’ national 
insurance contribution potential liability to the employee, therefore no Group asset or liability arises.

Long-term incentive plan
The Group operates a long-term incentive plan for all staff and Directors. The quantum of any awards receivable will 
depend on the Group achieving set milestones and the share price at the time relative to targets set in advance. The 
Group plan is intended to be settled in equity with cash settlement possible at the discretion of the Board. There was 
no charge recognised in the year as the milestones and targets were not met.

2.15 Finance income
Interest income is recognised on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.

74

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ASSUMPTIONS AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make 
certain estimates, assumptions and judgements that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses in the year.

Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements are continually evaluated by the Directors based on 
available information and experience. As the use of estimates is inherent in financial reporting, actual results could differ 
from these estimates. No significant estimates were identified during the year. Other estimates are disclosed below.

3.1 Estimates and assumptions
Share-based payments
The Group operates an equity-settled share-based compensation plan for employee (and consultant) services to 
be received and the corresponding increases in equity are measured by reference to the fair value of the equity 
instruments as at the date of grant. The fair value determination is based on the principles of the Black–Scholes model 
which uses an input of volatility based on historical data. Historical volatility may not be indicative of future volatility, 
yet the Directors judge this to be the most appropriate method of calculation. Given the share option expense of 
£149,364 (2019: £101,404), the volatility methodology used is not expected to have a material impact on these financial 
statements. Details of the fair value calculation for options granted during the year, including other inputs into the 
Black–Scholes model, are disclosed in Note 18.

3.2 Judgements
Deferred tax recognition
The determination of probable future profits, against which the Group’s deferred tax profits can be offset, requires 
judgement. To date no deferred tax assets have been recognised.

R&D tax credits
The current tax receivable, as disclosed in Note 9, represents an R&D tax credit based on an advance claim with HMRC. 
The final receivable is subject to the correct application of complex R&D rules and HMRC approval. Historically, claims 
have been successful and the Group expects the current year to be successful too.

R&D costs
Management are required to make a judgement about certainty of commercial success of their products. No R&D 
costs have been capitalised in the current or prior period and further details can be found in Note 2.6.

Fair value of derivative instruments
Where the fair value of derivative instruments recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position cannot 
be derived from active markets, their fair value is determined using valuation techniques. The inputs to these models 
are taken from observable markets where possible.  Where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in 
establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs such as volatility. Details of the fair value 
calculation for warrants granted during the year, including other inputs into the Black-Scholes model, are disclosed in 
Note 19.

4. FINANCIAL RISK

4.1 Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange rate risk, cash 
flow interest rate risk and fair value interest rate risk); credit risk and liquidity risk. It is Group policy not to enter into 
speculative positions using complex financial instruments. 

(i) Market risk
Foreign exchange rate risk
The Group primarily enters into supplier contracts which are to be settled in sterling. However, some contracts involve 
other currencies including the US dollar and the euro. The Group may use forward exchange contracts as an economic 
hedge against currency risk, where cash flow can be judged with reasonable certainty. There were no open forward 
contracts as at 31 December 2020 or at 31 December 2019. 

At 31 December 2020 the Group had trade payables denominated in a foreign currency totalling £34,217 (31 December 
2019: £101,899).

75

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for the year ended 31 December 2020

4. FINANCIAL RISK (CONTINUED)
4.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
Cash flow interest rate risk and fair value interest rate risk
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from short-term money market deposits.

(ii) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and money market deposits as well as credit exposure in relation to 
outstanding receivables. The exposure relating to outstanding receivables is immaterial and the carrying amount of 
cash balances is as follows:

Cash at bank and in hand

Sterling short-term money market funds

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

644,729

373,872

1,018,601

2,137,599

372,902

2,510,501

The Directors consider the Group’s exposure to credit risk to be acceptable and normal for a similar entity at its stage 
in development.

(iii) 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 losses or risking damage 
to the Group’s reputation.

The Group manages all of its external bank accounts centrally and in accordance with defined treasury policies. The 
policies include a minimum acceptable credit rating of relationship bank accounts and financial transaction authority 
limits. Any material change to the Group’s principal bank facility requires Board approval. 

4.2 Capital risk management
The Group’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base. The Group does not yet have significant recurring revenues 
and has mainly financed its operations through the issue of new shares and management of working capital. The 
Group’s capital resources are managed to ensure it has resources available to invest in operational activities designed 
to generate future income. These resources were represented by £1,018,601 of cash and fixed-term deposits as at  
31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: £2,510,501).

5. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Group is focused on the development and commercialisation of MED3000 and therefore operates as one 
segment. 

6. OPERATING LOSS

Operating loss is stated after charging:

Depreciation of plant and equipment (Note 11)

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment

Inventories consumed in R&D

Short-term leases: property

Gain/(loss) on foreign exchange

76

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
£

 25,008

 20,704

–

–

–

–

 116,714

 18,840

 117,275

 8,468

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS6. OPERATING LOSS (CONTINUED)

The fees of the Group’s Auditor Grant Thornton UK LLP for services provided are analysed below:

Audit services

Parent Company

Subsidiaries

Tax services

Parent Company

Subsidiaries 

Other non-audit services

iXBRL tagging

Total fees

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
£

43,500

7,500

35,000

7,000

–

–

–

–

1,000

52,000

1,000

43,000

7. STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS

The average number of persons (including all Executive and excluding Non-Executive Directors) employed by the 
Group during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

R&D staff

Finance and Administration staff

Executive Directors

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension and insurance benefits costs

Total cash-settled emoluments

Share-based payment remuneration charge 

Total emoluments

All employees of the Group are employed by Futura Medical Developments Limited.

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019

 8

 2

 3

13

8

 2

 3

13

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
 £

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
 £

 1,598,473

 1,315,760

 154,829

163,910

1,917,212

149,364

 181,544

180,342

1,677,646

101,404

2,066,576

1,779,050

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for the year ended 31 December 2020

7. STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS (CONTINUED)

Directors’ emoluments

Aggregate emoluments

Other pension and other benefit costs

Subtotal per Remuneration Report 

Share-based payment remuneration charge

Employer’s national insurance charge

Total emoluments

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
£

912,209

22,968

935,177

47,866

77,222

1,060,265

693,353

22,506

715,859

47,866

73,811

837,536

In 2020 there were no Directors whose share options were exercised under the Group share option schemes and no 
gain was realised (2019: £nil). In respect of the highest paid Director the realised gain was £nil (2019: £nil).

In 2020 there were no Directors (2019: no Directors) who participated in a private money purchase defined contribution 
pension scheme. Emoluments for individual Directors are disclosed within the Remuneration Committee Report.

The Directors consider that there are no Key Management Personnel other than the Directors.

Emoluments above include the following amounts in respect of the highest paid Director:

Aggregate emoluments

Employer pension contributions and other benefits

Subtotal per Remuneration Report

Share-based payment remuneration charge

Employer’s national insurance charge

Total emoluments

8. FINANCE INCOME

Interest receivable in 2020 on treasury funds was £924 (2019: £22,283).

9. TAXATION

9.1 Current tax

UK corporation tax credit on loss on ordinary activities

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
£

306,658

2,652

309,310

18,410

32,266

235,593

–

235,593

18,410

31,680

359,986

285,683

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
 £

 Year ended 
31 December 
2019
 £

519,093

 2,222,194

78

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS9. TAXATION (CONTINUED)
9.1 Current tax (continued)
The tax assessed for the year was lower than the UK corporation tax rate (2019: lower). The differences are explained 
below:

Loss on ordinary activities before tax

Loss on ordinary activities at an average standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% 
(2019: 19%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Unrecognised deferred tax

Unutilised tax losses

R&D expenditure credit

Loss surrendered for refund

Additional relief for R&D claims

UK corporation tax credit 

Adjustment to tax charge relating to prior period

R&D expenditure credit re 2019

R&D expenditure credit re 2020   

UK corporation tax credit reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Year ended
31 December
2020
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
 £

2,927,470

11,141,484

556,220

2,116,882

(6)

(37,213)

(304)

(15,701)

(224,744)

(841,959)

(1,036)

(4,969)

(159,728)

(683,072)

381,186

514,679

1,630,136

2,201,013

(288)

–

4,414

–

21,181

–

518,805

2,222,194

The Group has tax losses of approximately £32,448,687 (2019: £31,265,826) available for offset against future taxable profits.

The corporation tax credit for the year represents research and development tax credits of £514,679 (2019: £2,201,012), 
arising from the surrender of losses (rather than carrying forward to future years) of £3,549,507 (2019: £15,179,395) 
at 14.5%, under HMRC’s small and medium size enterprise scheme. The taxable loss for the year is in excess of the 
accounting loss for various reasons, principally the additional deductions given for tax purposes on research and 
development expenditure. 

In addition, a small claim under the large company Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) scheme 
resulted in a refund of £4,414 (2019: £21,181).

9.2 Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets amounting to £6,575,569 (2019: £5,649,021) have not been recognised due to it not being probable 
that taxable profits will be available, against which these deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Reductions 
in the UK corporation tax rate from 20% to 19% (effective from 1 April 2017) were substantively enacted on 26 October 
2015. The unrecognised deferred tax asset at 31 December 2020 has been calculated assuming a prevailing tax rate 
when the timing differences reverse of 19% (2019: 17%) and comprises:

Depreciation differential versus capital allowances

Other short-term timing differences

Unutilised tax losses

 Year ended
 31 December
 2020
 £

 Year ended
 31 December
 2019
 £

(496)

(1,770)

410,814

6,165,251

 335,600

 5,315,191

6,575,569 

 5,649,021

The UK corporation tax rate is expected to increase from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023. The legislation containing this 
provision has not yet been substantively enacted. The unrecognised deferred tax asset at 31 December 2020 has been 
calculated at the rate substantively enacted at the time of preparation of the financial statements.

79

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2020

10. LOSS PER SHARE 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is based on the following data: 

Loss for the purposes of basic EPS and diluted EPS (£)

 2020

2019

2,408,376

8,919,290

Weighted average of ordinary shares for purposes of basic and diluted EPS (number)

243,721,303

204,657,741

Loss per share basic and diluted (pence)

0.99

4.36

Diluted EPS is calculated in the same way as basic EPS but also with reference to reflect the dilutive effect of share 
options in existence at the year-end which were 7,295,000 (2019: 7,255,000). The diluted loss per share is identical to the 
basic loss per share, as potential dilutive shares are not treated as dilutive since they would reduce the loss per share.

11. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost

At 1 January 2020

Additions

At 31 December 2020

Depreciation

At 1 January 2020

Charge for year

At 31 December 2020

Net book value

At 31 December 2020

At 31 December 2019

Cost

At 1 January 2019

Additions

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation

At 1 January 2019

Charge for year

At 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2019

At 31 December 2018

 63,285

 190,994

Computer 
Equipment 
£

Furniture
 and Fittings
£

 119,338

 8,371

 127,709

 66,745

23,594

90,339

 37,370

 52,593

 63,285

–

 56,373

 1,414

 57,787

5,498

 6,912

Computer 
Equipment 
£

Furniture
 and Fittings
£

 86,602

 32,736

 119,338

 47,495

19,250

 66,745

 52,593

39,107

 63,285

–

 63,285

 54,919

 1,454

 56,373

 6,912

8,366

 Total
£

182,623

 8,371

123,118

 25,008

 148,126

 42,868

 59,505

Total
£

149,887

 32,736

 182,623

 102,414

 20,704

 123,118

 59,505

47,473

All fixed assets of the Group are held in Futura Medical Developments Limited.

80

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS12. INVENTORIES

Consumable materials used for development

13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

–

7,780

The accounting policies for financial instruments have been applied to the line items below:

Assets as per Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Loans and receivables at amortised cost

Trade and other receivables (Note 14)

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 15)

Total receivables

Liabilities as per Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at amortised cost

Trade and other payables (Note 16)

Total payables

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

16,067

59,968

1,018,601

2,510,501

1,034,668

2,570,469

 31 December
 2020
 £

 31 December
 2019
 £

766,525

4,847,520

 766,525

 4,847,520

The Directors consider that there is no material difference between the carrying values of financial assets and liabilities, 
and their fair value.

14. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Amounts receivable within one year:

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Financial assets (Note 13)

Prepayments

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

5,627

10,440

16,067

23,723

39,790

5,627

54,341

59,968

41,224

101,192

Trade and other receivables do not contain any impaired assets. The Group does not hold any collateral as security and 
the maximum exposure to credit risk at the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date is the fair value of each 
class of receivable.

15. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand

Sterling short-term money market funds

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

644,729

373,872

1,018,601

2,137,599

372,902

2,510,501

81

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2020

16. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Social security and other taxes

Deferred income

Accrued expenses 

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

182,900

2,625,359

64,092

–

39,970

218,222

519,533

1,963,969

766,525

4,847,520

The decrease in payables is reflective of the reduced activity relating to research and development activities in 
comparison to the prior year. Deferred income relating to the prior year was re-classified in the period as accrued 
expenses and released to the profit and loss as costs were recognised.

17. SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised

31 December
 2020
Number

31 December
2019
Number

31 December
 2020
 £

 31 December
2019
£

Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each

500,000,000

500,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each

31 December
 2020
Number

31 December
 2019
Number

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

245,626,926

204,660,267

491,254

409,321

The number of issued ordinary shares as at 1 January 2019 was 204,583,439. During the year ended 31 December 2019, 
the Company issued shares of 0.2 pence with each ordinary share carrying the right to one vote as follows:

Month

Reason for issue

January 2019

Non-Executive Director Share Award

Gross 
Consideration
£

19,284

19,284

 Shares 
Issued
 Number

76,828

76,828

The number of issued ordinary shares as at 1 January 2020 was 204,660,267. During the year ended 31 December 2020, 
the Company issued shares of 0.2 pence with each ordinary share carrying the right to one vote as follows:

Month

January 2020

January 2020

Reason for issue

Non-Executive Director Share Award

Subscription and PrimaryBid Offer

Gross 
Consideration
£

20,534

3,250,000

3,270,534

 Shares 
Issued
 Number

341,659

40,625,000

40,966,659

82

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS18. SHARE OPTIONS

At 31 December 2020, the number of ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each subject to share options granted under the 
Company’s Approved and Unapproved Share Option Schemes were: 

Exercise Period 

1 October 2015 – 30 September 2020

1 October 2016 – 30 September 2021

1 October 2017 – 30 September 2022

1 October 2018 – 30 September 2023

1 October 2019 – 30 September 2024

1 October 2020 – 30 September 2025

7 January 2020 – 6 January 2029

31 August 2020 – 6 January 2029

1 October 2021 – 30 September 2026

1 October 2022 – 30 September 2027

Exercise 
Price per 
Share
 Pence

 71.50

 51.75

 30.00

 57.50

 30.50

7.50

7.20

7.20

At  
1 January 
2020
 Number

620,000

580,000

750,000

960,000

1,140,000

1,390,000

212,500

212,500

 31.00

1,400,000

15.50

–

7,265,000

 Options 
Exercised
 Number

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 Options 
Lapsed
Number

(620,000) 

 (100,000)

 (150,000)

 (150,000)

 (150,000)

(150,000)

–

–

 (150,000)

Options 
Granted
 Number

At  
31 December
2020
 Number

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

480,000

600,000

810,000

990,000

1,240,000

212,500

212,500

1,250,000

–

1,500,000

1,500,000

(1,470,000)

1,500,000

7,295,000

On 21 September 2020 share options over 1,500,000 new ordinary shares were granted to employees (including 
Executive Directors) at a price of 15.50p. The options have a two-year vesting period and the exercise period for these 
options is 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2027.

The share options outstanding at 31 December 2020 represented 2.97% of the issued share capital as at that date (2019: 
3.54%) and would generate additional funds of £1,939,700 (2019: £2,433,900) if fully exercised. The weighted average 
remaining life of the share options outstanding at 31 December 2020 was 56 months (2019: 51 months) with a weighted 
average remaining exercise price of 29.04 pence (2019: 33.55 pence).

The share options exercisable at 31 December 2020 totalled 4,545,000 (2019: 3,850,000) with an average exercise price of 
26.04 pence (2019: 48.48 pence) and would have generated additional funds of £1,319,700 (2019: £1,766,650) if fully exercised.

The Group’s share option scheme rules apply to 6,720,000 of the share options outstanding at 31 December 2020  
(31 December 2019: 6,550,000) and include a rule regarding forfeiture of unexercised share options upon the cessation 
of employment (except in specific circumstances). 

Options have historically been issued to advisers under the unapproved scheme. Such options generally vest 
immediately and are exercisable between one and two years after grant. There were 575,000 share options 
outstanding to advisers at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: 705,000).

There were no market vesting conditions within the terms of the grant of the share options.

The Black–Scholes formula is the option pricing model applied to the grants of all share options made in respect of 
calculating the fair value of the share options.

Share-based payments

Inputs to share option pricing model

Grant date

Number of shares under option

Share price as at date of grant

Option exercise price

Expected life of options: based on previous exercise history

Expected volatility: based on median fluctuations over 3 years

Dividend yield: no dividends assumed

31 December
 2020

31 December 
2019

21 September

17 September

 1,500,000

 1,390,000

14.72 pence

30.70 pence

 15.5 pence

 31.00 pence

 3 years

 104.96%

 0%

 3 years

 82.70%

 0%

Risk-free rate: yield on 3-year treasury stock as at date of grant

 0.05% p.a.

 0.48% p.a.

83

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 31 December 2020

18. SHARE OPTIONS (CONTINUED)

Outputs generated from share option pricing model

Fair value per share under option

Total expected charge over the vesting period

Recognised in Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income 

The share-based remuneration charge comprises:

Share-based payments – employees

Share-based payments – consultants

Share-based payments

The total expense recognised for the year arising from share-based payments is as follows:

Group equity-settled share-based payment expense

19. WARRANT INSTRUMENT

31 December
 2020

31 December 
2019

9.24p

16.19p

 £138,600

 £225,041

31 December
 2020
£

31 December 
2019
£

19,104

32,019

–

–

 19,104

32,019

 31 December 
2020
£

31 December 
2019
£

149,364

101,404

On 20 January 2020, Futura Medical plc issued a warrant instrument as part of a wider share issue to raise funds under 
a subscription agreement. The Company issued 10,937,500 warrants at a ratio of one warrant for every two Ordinary 
Shares subscribed in respect of the Subscription. The warrants are exercisable until the fifth anniversary of their issue 
at a price of 40 pence per Ordinary Share. The warrants have been measured using the relative fair value method and 
fair value has been calculated using the Black–Scholes method using the following inputs:

Inputs to warrant pricing model

Grant date

Number of warrants

Share price as at date of grant

Warrant conversion price

Expected life of warrants: 

Expected volatility: based on median fluctuations over 3 years

Dividend yield: no dividends assumed

Risk-free rate: yield on 3-year treasury stock as at date of grant

31 December 
2020

31 December 
2019

21 January

10,937,500

12.75 pence

 40 pence

 5 years

 81.56%

 0%

 0.44% p.a.

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20. PENSION COSTS

The pension charge represents contributions payable by the Group to independently administered funds which 
during the year ended 31 December 2020 amounted to £128,161 (2019: £164,458). Pension contributions payable in 
arrears at 31 December 2020, included in accrued expenses at the relevant Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position date, totalled £18,948.36 (2019: £10,225).

21. COMMITMENTS

At 31 December 2020 the Group had operating lease commitments in respect of property leases cancellable on one 
month’s notice of £9,802 (2019: £9,802).

84

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Related parties, as defined by IAS 24 “Related Party Disclosures”, are the wholly owned subsidiary companies, Futura 
Medical Developments Limited, Futura Consumer Healthcare Limited and the Board. Transactions between the 
Company and the wholly owned subsidiary companies have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed.

Key management compensation
The Directors represent the key management personnel. Details of their compensation and share options are given in 
Note 7 and within the Remuneration Committee Report.

23. POST PERIOD EVENTS

The Group concluded a funding transaction in March 2021. The transaction comprised of £1.50 million of convertible loan 
notes priced at 20 pence per ordinary share, £0.50 million of warrants with an exercise price of 22 pence and the Group 
entered also into a Collaboration Agreement to develop and commercialise MED3000 in China and South East Asia. 

Convertible loan notes
£1.50 million cash was received in March 2021 relating to convertible loan notes which expire after three years but a 
mandatory conversion will trigger once EU approval has been granted and Futura Medical Plc share price remains at 
30 pence or above for at least one month. Conversion of the loan notes will result in 7,500,000 ordinary shares issued 
upon conversion.

Warrants
Futura issued warrants to purchase £0.50 million of Futura Medical plc ordinary shares. The warrants expire after four 
years from date of issue and they have an exercise price of 22 pence. The warrants were exercised in April 2021 and 
2,272,727 ordinary shares will be issued.

Collaboration Agreement
The Group also entered into a Collaboration Agreement to develop and commercialise MED3000 in China and South 
East Asia. Futura has granted a licence to MED3000’s intellectual property and the counter-party will fund the costs of 
development. Futura will retain a 50% profit share.

85

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 December 2020
Company number: 04206001

Fixed assets

Investment

Current assets

Debtors – due within one year

Total debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium account

Warrant reserve

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

As at
 31 December
 2020
 £

 As at
 31 December
 2019
 £

Notes

2

3

53,616,120

50,178,526

9,934

9,934

410,417

420,351 

13,267

13,267

1,099,413

1,112,680 

4

(123,127)

(200,158)

297,224

912,522

53,913,344

51,091,048

5

491,254

409,321

52,814,090

50,002,990

165,868

442,132

–

678,737

53,913,344

51,091,048

The loss in respect of the Company for the year was £385,969 (2019: £514,098). The Parent Company financial 
statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 13 April 2021.

The Notes on pages 88 to 90 form part of these Parent Company financial statements.

By order of the Board

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

86

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the year ended 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2019

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Share-based payment

Issue of shares

At 31 December 2019

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Share-based payment

Issue of shares

At 31 December 2020

Share
 Capital
 £

 Share
 Premium
 £

409,167 49,983,860

–

–

–

–

154

19,130

409,321 50,002,990

–

–

–

–

Warrant 
Reserve
£

 Profit and
 Loss 
Account
 £

 Total
 Equity
 £

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 1,091,431 51,484,458

 (514,098)

 (514,098)

101,404

–

101,404

 19,284

 678,737  51,091,048

 (385,969)

 (385,969)

149,364

 149,364

81,933

2,811,100

491,254 52,814,090

165,868

165,868

–

3,058,901

 442,132

53,913,344

Note

5

5

Share premium represents amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value, less the related costs of 
share issues.

Warrants issued are held as a separate “warrant reserve” within equity. The warrant reserve will be transferred to 
retained earnings on exercise or lapse, as it’s treated as distributable profit from the point of issue.

Profit and loss account represents the cumulative net profit recognised. The total comprehensive loss for the year 
represents the total recognised income and expense for the year.

The Notes on pages 88 to 90 form part of these Parent Company financial statements.

87

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Parent Company financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost 
convention and have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 
101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (“FRS 101”). The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the 
financial information and where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions have been taken are set out below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated.

The Parent Company financial statements presented are in sterling. 

As a Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is published, no separate statement of comprehensive 
income for the Parent Company has been included in these financial statements, as permitted by section 408 of the 
Companies Act 2006. The loss in respect of the Company for the year was £385,969 (2019: £514,098). The remuneration 
of the Directors of the Company is disclosed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. Auditor’s remuneration 
is disclosed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Disclosure exemptions adopted
In preparing these financial statements the Company has taken advantage of all disclosure exemptions conferred by 
FRS 101. Therefore, these financial statements do not include:
 ■ certain comparative information as otherwise required by EU endorsed IFRS;
 ■ financial instrument disclosures;
 ■ certain disclosures regarding the Company’s capital;
 ■ a statement of cash flows;
 ■ the effect of future accounting standards not yet adopted;
 ■ the disclosure of the remuneration of key management personnel; 
 ■ disclosure of related party transactions with other wholly owned members of the Group; and
 ■ disclosure of impairment of assets. 

Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity, trade and other debtors, cash and cash 
equivalents and trade and other creditors.

Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Trade and other creditors
Trade and other creditors are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and treasury fund units.

Share-based employee remuneration
The Company has no employees but does issue shares to satisfy share option awards made by its subsidiary company 
Futura Medical Developments Limited.

The grant date fair value of share-based payments awards granted to employees is recognised as an increase in the 
investment, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the employees become unconditionally 
entitled to the awards. The fair value of the awards granted is measured using the Black–Scholes model, taking into 
account the terms and conditions upon which the awards are granted.

88

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Taxation
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the profit and loss account 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or other comprehensive income, in which case 
it is recognised directly in equity or other comprehensive income.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available 
against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

2. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY

The investment represents 100% of the issued ordinary £1 shares in the subsidiary undertaking Futura Medical 
Developments Limited whose registered address is: 40 Occam Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YG. The principal activity 
of the Company is the research and development of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices and their commercial 
exploitation. The investment is stated at cost plus amounts capitalised in respect of the intercompany receivable 
(refer to Note 3). The results of the subsidiary are included in the consolidated financial statements. The Company 
capitalises intercompany balances with its subsidiaries at each month-end (creating an investment in subsidiaries) 
up to the point where it believes the subsidiary is in a position to repay any balances within the next 12 months. 
Capitalised balances are reviewed for impairment annually. It was concluded that there was no impairment required. 
This conclusion requires judgement and if regulatory approval of MED3000 is rejected, this could result in material 
impairment.

At 1 January 2019

Additions in the year

At 31 December 2019

Additions in the year

At 31 December 2020

£

43,023,474

7,155,052

50,178,526

3,437,594

53,616,120

Futura Medical Developments Limited owns 100% of the issued ordinary £1 shares of Futura Consumer Healthcare 
Limited whose registered address is: 40 Occam Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YG. The principal activity of Futura 
Consumer Healthcare Limited is the commercial exploitation and branding of pharmaceutical drugs and medical 
devices developed by Futura Medical Developments Limited. This is an indirect investment and Futura Consumer 
Healthcare Limited has been dormant since the start of 2018. 

3. DEBTORS

Amounts receivable within one year: prepayments

 31 December 
2020
£

31 December 
2019
 £

9,934

13,267

89

www.futuramedical.comFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors

Accruals 

5. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised

 31 December 
2020
£

 31 December 
2019
£

66,212

56,915

123,127

107,299

92,859

200,158

31 December
 2020
Number

31 December
2019
Number

31 December
 2020
 £

 31 December
2019
£

Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each

500,000,000 500,000,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each

31 December
 2020
Number

31 December
 2019
Number

31 December
 2020
 £

31 December
 2019
 £

245,626,926 204,660,267

491,254

409,321

Details of shares issued by the Company in the year and details of share options outstanding are given in Notes 17 and 
18 to the consolidated financial statements.

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has taken the exemption in line with FRS 101 not to disclose related party transactions between wholly 
owned subsidiaries.

90

Stock Code: FUMFutura Medical plc Annual Report 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCOMPANY INFORMATION

COMPANY NUMBER

04206001

DIRECTORS

John Clarke
James Barder 
Angela Hildreth 
Ken James 
Jonathan Freeman

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Jonathan Freeman
John Clarke

Non-Executive Chairman 
Chief Executive Officer
Finance Director and  Chief Operating Officer
Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

Jonathan Freeman
John Clarke

John Clarke
Jonathan Freeman

SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE AUDITOR

Angela Hildreth
Futura Medical plc
Surrey Technology Centre
40 Occam Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7YG

Grant Thornton UK LLP
1020 Eskdale Road
Winnersh
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG41 5TS

REGISTRAR

Link Group
Unit 10
Central Square
29 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4DL

NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER

PATENT ATTORNEY

PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISER

Liberum Capital Limited
25 Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9LY

Withers & Rogers LLP
4 More London Riverside
London
SE1 2AU

Optimum Strategic Communications
8 Devonshire Square
Spitalfields
London
EC2M 4PL

PRINCIPAL BANKER

HSBC Bank
12A North Street
Guildford
GU1 4AF

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSF

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Futura Medical plc
Surrey Technology Centre
40 Occam Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7YG

Tel: +44 (0) 1483 685 670
Fax: +44 (0) 1483 685 671
Email: info@futuramedical.com
Web: www.futuramedical.com