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Futura Medical plc

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FY2023 Annual Report · Futura Medical plc
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Futura Medical plc

Focused on the future

Annual Report and Accounts
2023

INTRODUCING

Our 2023 Annual Report

WELCOME TO THE FUTURA MEDICAL 
ANNUAL REPORT

Futura Medical specialises in 
the development and global 
commercialisation of innovative and 
proprietary sexual health products. 
Our lead product is Eroxon®, a 
clinically proven breakthrough 
treatment for erectile dysfunction. 

We are experts in the 
research, development and 
commercialisation of topically 
delivered gel formulations.

Our purpose is to provide 
a range of clinically proven 
sexual health products that 
enhance quality of life.

CONTENTS

STRATEGIC REPORT

Business at a glance

Investment case 

Year at a glance

Chairman’s Statement

Chief Executive’s Review

Our marketplace

Eroxon® progress at a glance

Commercialisation process 

Commercialisation at a glance 

Spotlight on commercial partners

How Eroxon® has changed lives:  
two real-life case studies

Our business model

Our strategy

Key performance indicators

Product Review – Eroxon®

Our strategy in action – European launch

Our strategy in action – US go-to-market 
strategy

Financial Review

Stakeholder engagement

Key risks and mitigation

Sustainability Review

02

03

05

07

08

11

13

14

15

16

17

19

21

23

25

27

28

29

31

34

37

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Corporate Governance Statement 

Spotlight on our new Chairman

Our Governance Structure

Corporate Governance Report

Audit Committee Report

Remuneration Committee Report 

Directors’ Report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Loss 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

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 

39

41

42

44

45

49

50

56

59

67

68

69

70

71

87

88

89

91

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  01

BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

Delivering clinically proven products to improve sexual health

Futura specialises in the development and global 
commercialisation of innovative and proprietary sexual 
health products. Our lead product is Eroxon®, a clinically 
proven breakthrough treatment for erectile dysfunction 
(“ED”). We are experts in the research, development and 
commercialisation of topically delivered gel formulations 
to improve sexual health. Our purpose is to provide a range 
of clinically proven sexual health products that enhance 
quality of life.

Futura Medical is based in Guildford, United Kingdom 
(“UK”) and is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock 
Exchange. We are an agile, driven and committed team 
with extensive experience in the research, development 
and commercialisation of consumer health products 
globally with a particular expertise in Europe and the 
United States of America (“USA”).

Futura’s business model focuses on a de-risked go-to-
market strategy via leading consumer healthcare partners 
who are well resourced to commit significant marketing 
spend and expertise. Futura has distribution partners 
in place for Eroxon® in a number of major consumer 
markets including Haleon plc (“Haleon”) in the USA, the 
largest consumer health market in the world, and Cooper 
Consumer Health in Europe. 

Eroxon®, Futura's clinically proven lead product, has been 
developed for the treatment of ED. Eroxon® is approved in 
a number of markets across the world including in Europe 
and the USA. Eroxon® launched in its first markets the UK 
and Belgium in March 2023, being available to consumers 
for the first time and changing the lives of men with ED 
and their partners. Launches in the UK and Belgium were 
followed by “soft-launches” in other European countries 
and by the first launch in the Middle East in 2023 with 
further launches in both regions taking place in 2024.

The highly differentiated product, which is the only topical 
gel treatment for ED available over-the-counter (“OTC”) 
and helps men get an erection in ten minutes, addresses 
significant unmet needs in the ED market.

EROXON® IS THE ANSWER:
•  It is the first OTC topical gel clinically proven for the 

treatment of ED

•  It is the only topical gel treatment for ED available 

without the need of a doctor’s prescription

•  It helps men get an erection in ten minutes, addressing 

significant unmet needs in the ED market.

Read more about our 
Strategy on page 21

Read more about our 
Marketplace on page 11

Read about our 
commercial partners 
on page 16

Read about Eroxon® 
on page 25

20%

50%

25%

ED impacts around 20% of men 
globally across all age brackets1

Approximately half of all men over 
40 experience ED2

Around 25% of new diagnoses are  
in men under 403

1  EMA, Withdrawal assessment report for Viagra, 2008
2  Feldman HA et al. J Urol 1994; 151: 54 – 61
3  Pozzi, J of Sexual Medicine, Volume 20, 2022

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  02

INVESTMENT CASE

We utilise our expertise to deliver long-term shareholder value

HIGH BARRIERS TO ENTRY 

INNOVATIVE AND EXPERIENCED TEAM

LARGE, GROWING AND UNDERSERVED 
ADDRESSABLE MARKET 

ED impacts around 20% of men globally across 
all adult age brackets1, with approximately 50% 
of all men over 40 experiencing ED2 and around 
25% of all new diagnoses being in men under 403. 
Over-the-counter (“OTC”) availability, longer lasting, 
faster acting and affordability are the top unmet 
needs for ED treatments4. 

Futura has already taken first mover advantage 
with regulatory approvals in key markets such 
as the USA and European Union (“EU”) as well 
as having distribution agreements in place with 
leading consumer healthcare partners. In addition, 
the Company has patents granted or pending in 
over 30 countries including all the key ED markets. 

Read more about the ED 
market on page 11

View our regulatory approvals 
and licensing deals on page 15

Futura has an innovative and experienced Research 
and Development (“R&D”) team in place to broaden 
the Eroxon® range and develop range extension 
products. 

Futura has gained unique knowledge and expertise 
in the new and underserved OTC sexual health 
category and therefore has the capability to build 
upon market research already undertaken to 
identify product extensions and potentially new 
market segments for OTC products.

Read more about our Board 
of Directors on page 39

1  EMA, Withdrawal assessment report for Viagra, 2008
2  Feldman HA et al. J Urol 1994; 151: 54 – 61
3  Pozzi, J of Sexual Medicine, Volume 20, 2022
4 

Ipsos research carried out on behalf of Futura in the USA, 2022

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  03

 
 
INVESTMENT CASE

SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENTIATED  
LEAD PRODUCT 

Our lead clinically proven product Eroxon® is 
significantly differentiated against its peers, being 
OTC and quicker to work.

Eroxon® is the only topical gel treatment for ED 
available over the counter and helps men get an 
erection in ten minutes. Being OTC significantly 
improves access for men or their partners without 
the normal cost or embarrassment, issues often 
associated with consultation of a healthcare 
practitioner. According to IPSOS research, 
users who are dissatisfied with their current 
medication mostly cite limited efficacy, slow onset 
of action, and side effects as the source of their 
dissatisfaction4. 

DE-RISKED GO-TO-MARKET STRATEGY 

AT AN INFLECTION POINT 

Significant low-cost opportunity to broaden 
the availability of Eroxon® rapidly and efficiently 
worldwide through de-risked go-to-market strategy 
via leading consumer healthcare partners who are 
well resourced to commit significant marketing 
spend and expertise.

Futura has distribution partners in place in a 
number of major consumer markets including 
Haleon in the USA, the largest consumer healthcare 
market in the world, and Cooper Consumer Health 
in Europe. These partners manage the marketing 
and distribution of the product, investing their own 
significant capital to market Eroxon® and broaden 
its availability rapidly and efficiently. 

The Company is at an inflection point following 
recent commercialisation with first meaningful 
revenues generated. Strong cash balance and 
capital light corporate structure provide sufficient 
funding for the growth strategy.

The first meaningful revenues generated from 
product sales and the broader success of the 
UK launch have been a catalyst for significant 
strategic progress across multiple markets. With 
the nature of the model, partnering with leading 
consumer healthcare partners, there is low capital 
commitment needed from Futura to significantly 
broaden the reach of Eroxon® and deliver on the 
Company’s growth strategy.

Read more about 
Eroxon® on page 25

Read more about our 
business model on page 19

Read more in our Financial 
Review on page 29

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  04

 
 
YEAR AT A GLANCE

A transformational year for the Group

2023 has been a year of huge progress across the business with key milestones being achieved 
towards the commercialisation of Eroxon®, particularly in Europe and the USA. 

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Significant progress has been made in key target markets
•   Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) marketing authorisation for Eroxon® in 

the USA, the largest consumer healthcare market in the world 

•   Haleon plc secured as distribution partner for the USA and US$ 4 million 

upfront payment received which will be recognised in FY24

•   Successful UK and Belgium launches in March 2023 through Cooper 

Consumer Health (“Cooper”)

•   Granted allowance of EU patent which will provide protection for Eroxon® until 

2040 in all key European markets

•   Approvals received in a number of new markets, including Saudi Arabia, 

Mexico and Australia, as well as launching in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”)

Proven demand for Eroxon® – early data shows c. 20% market share in the UK 
and Belgium

•  The Company delivered first meaningful revenues of £3.1 million (2022: £nil) 

following the launch of Eroxon®

•  Gross profit of £1.8 million (2022: £nil) reflecting a gross margin of 57%
•  Adjusted operating loss of £4.2 million* 
•  Loss after tax of £6.51 million (2022: £5.85 million)
•  Strong cash position of £7.7 million (2022: £4.0 million), supported by the 

Company’s efficient operating model and tight cost controls

POST PERIOD END

Extension of licensing agreement with Cooper to 2029

Eroxon® available on prescription in England and Wales, improving availability 
and raising awareness

Presentation at ESSM 
Congress

Eroxon® granted US 
FDA approval for 
OTC sale

Regulatory approval 
granted in Saudi Arabia 
and Australia

First launch in the 
Middle East

Eroxon® awarded “New 
product of the year” 
by Boots

Eroxon® approved on 
the NHS Drug Tariff

FEB 2023

JUN 2023

AUG 2023

OCT 2023

NOV 2023

DEC 2023

Key

 Regulatory approvals

MAR 2023

JUL 2023

OCT 2023

OCT 2023

NOV 2023

 Product launches

 Licensing deals

 Other

Launch in the UK and 
Belgium

Commercialisation 
agreement with 
Haleon for the USA

European patent 
granted for Eroxon®

Marketing 
authorisation granted 
in Mexico

M8 Pharmaceuticals 
partnership expanded

* Adjusted for a non-cash share-based payment charge of £2.72 million (2022: £0.67 million). The share-based payment charge predominantly relates to the Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) award in 
October 2023. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  05

Strategic 
Report

STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s Statement

Chief Executive’s Review

Our marketplace

Eroxon® progress at a glance

Commercialisation process 

Commercialisation at a glance 

Spotlight on commercial partners

How Eroxon® has changed lives:  
two real-life case studies

Our business model

Our strategy

Key performance indicators

Product Review – Eroxon®

Our strategy in action – European launch

Our strategy in action – US go-to-market 
strategy

Financial Review

Stakeholder engagement

Key risks and mitigation

Sustainability Review

07

08

11

13

14

15

16

17

19

21

23

25

27

28

29

31

34

37

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  06

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

We have built a solid foundation from which to seize our clear 
opportunity for growth

It gives me great pleasure to present my first set of results 
as the Chairman of Futura. 2023 was a momentous year 
for Futura, with the Group successfully commercialising 
and generating its first meaningful revenues from sales of 
its lead product, Eroxon®, delivering on the objectives we 
set out at the beginning of the period. This achievement 
cannot be overstated, and my thanks go to the wider team 
for all of their efforts this year, which are beginning to bear 
fruit as we enter the next, exciting phase of Futura’s journey.

Since taking over the role of Chairman from John Clarke 
in July and while serving on the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director before this, I have seen how tirelessly the team 
has worked to make such excellent progress. I would like 
to thank John again, for all his contributions and guidance 
which left the Company well positioned for its next phases 
of growth. I undertook my role as Chairman with great 
excitement as we are on the cusp of huge commercial 
potential having a unique product already approved in the 
two key erectile dysfunction (ED) markets of the USA and 
Europe.

The market opportunity for Eroxon® is large and 
there are three crucial factors that give me great 
confidence that Eroxon® will establish itself as a 
leading brand in the markets in which it is launched. 

Firstly, it is the first pure OTC brand on the shelf 
that will be accessible to consumers without a 
prescription or the need for interaction with a 
pharmacist during the purchasing process. This 
“open accessibility” for the consumer is critical to 
creating a large market for the brand. Secondly, 
Eroxon®’s fast onset of action, with its key brand 
claim of “helps you get an erection within 10 
minutes”, is a major product advantage over the 
traditional oral ED drugs that typically take 30 to 60 
minutes to have an effect. And, thirdly, Futura has 
been successful in entering into agreements with 
market leading commercial partners that possess 
deep expertise in executing and managing 
successful consumer brand launches. We are 
excited that we have the building blocks in place 
to realise success in our key markets. 

In the year, we have seen the successful rollout of Eroxon® 
in the UK and Belgium, FDA marketing authorisation 
in the USA and the subsequent licensing agreement 
with Haleon, as well as further agreements made with 
our distributors across our other markets. The Board’s 
priority now is to build on this and ensure the successful 
commercialisation of Eroxon® around the world, especially 
in the USA, the largest consumer healthcare market in the 
world. This, coupled with the delivery of recurring revenues 
and profits is what the whole business is working towards 
and is energised to achieve. 

We were delighted to welcome Roy Davis to the Board 
in January 2024, further strengthening our ability to 
deliver on our strategy. With a wealth of experience in 
the commercialisation of medical device development 
companies and a proven track record of successfully 
scaling businesses and delivering substantial shareholder 
value, Roy’s expertise will be invaluable moving forward. 

Alongside the commercialisation of Eroxon®, we remain 
focused on the evolution and development of innovative 
sexual health products. We have a small but highly 
experienced R&D team, who have delivered a world first 
product in Eroxon®. We are proud of our R&D heritage and 
are already exploring where next to apply this resource, in 
a cost-efficient way, as we seek to develop further clinically 
proven sexual health products in the medium to long term. 

Looking to the year ahead, we are excited to continue to 
build on the progress made this year. With a clearly laid 
out strategy, motivated team, solid foundations to build on 
and exciting partnerships in place, we are confident in the 
long-term prospects of the Group.

By order of the Board

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

Futura Medical plc

9 April 2024

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  07

“2023 was a momentous 
year for Futura, with 
the Group successfully 
commercialising and 
generating its first 
meaningful revenues 
from sales of its lead 
product, Eroxon®.”

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

2023 – Delivering against our strategic objectives

I am very proud to be able to report the progress we 
achieved in 2023. The year marks a pivotal moment for 
Futura having delivered our first meaningful revenues from 
our lead product, Eroxon®. To be able to walk into the UK’s 
leading pharmacy and health and beauty retailers across 
the country and see our product on the shelves in over 
2,500 stores is truly momentous, but just the start.

We delivered on the three key objectives that we set out 
in 2023: achieving marketing authorisation in the USA; 
securing a standout US distribution partner in Haleon plc 
for the largest consumer healthcare market in the world 
and reporting our first meaningful revenues.

Erectile dysfunction (“ED”) should not be underestimated. 
Globally it impacts approximately 20% of men1, affecting 
all age ranges, with approximately 50% of men over 40 
experiencing ED2 and around 25% of new diagnoses 
being in men under 403. Moreover, with a globally ageing 

population, this is a large market that is expected 
to continue to grow. Research shows this is 
an underserved market with the majority 
of those affected yet to be diagnosed, 
whilst within the cohort that have been 
diagnosed, there is a high proportion 
that are not on treatment or stop 
treatment after one year. Our market 
research shows limited efficacy, slow 
onset of action, side effects and 
costs as the main sources of their 
dissatisfaction4. 

Our lead product, Eroxon®, addresses 
many of these needs. Clinically 
proven, it is the only topical gel 
treatment for ED available over the 
counter (“OTC”) and helps men 
get an erection in ten minutes. 
Cost and embarrassment 
can be a blocker to seeking a 
solution to ED, particularly in 
many parts of the world where 
erectile dysfunction still holds a 
significant stigma within society. 

Eroxon®, being a clinically proven treatment available 
without the need of consulting with a doctor, reducing the 
need for consultation fees, significantly improves ease of 
access for men and their partners. 

Following the launch of Eroxon® in the UK and Belgium, 
we generated revenue of £3.1 million from product sales 
in 2023. As noted in our trading update in February, this 
performance was then followed by a strong start to 2024, 
as orders in excess of £0.5 million placed with our UK 
manufacturer for contractual delivery in December 2023 
were delivered late in early January 2024. The Company 
delivered a gross margin of approximately 57% and ended 
the period with a cash position of £7.7 million, providing a 
solid foundation for Futura as it enters 2024.

We continue to build on a leading position in the 
development of a topical gel treatment for ED, with high 
barriers to entry and first mover advantage. Our leading 
position is the result of the significant resources we have 
invested into R&D and a lot of hard work, and I would like 
to extend my thanks to our dedicated and loyal team for 
their unwavering commitment and support of the business 
which has now started to come to fruition.

STRATEGY UPDATE

In our 2022 Annual Report we set out five priorities for the 
year ahead, below we cover the progress we have made 
during 2023 against these priorities. 

1. Marketing authorisation of Eroxon® by the US FDA as 
an OTC De Novo medical device in Q2 2023.

In June 2023, Eroxon® received FDA marketing 
authorisation in the USA, the largest consumer healthcare 
market in the world. Eroxon® is the first OTC topical gel 
available to treat ED in the USA, a huge breakthrough for 
Futura and a significant milestone on our journey. The FDA 
sets a very high standard in evaluating the effectiveness 
and safety of De Novo Medical Devices and I am therefore 
delighted that we met this standard with our submission 
of 22 clinical, biocompatibility, human factor studies and 
performance bench tests which were rigorously reviewed 
and accepted by the FDA. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  08

“We delivered on the 
three key objectives 
that we set out in 2023: 
achieving marketing 
authorisation in 
the USA; securing a 
standout US distribution 
partner in Haleon plc 
and reporting our first 
meaningful revenues.”

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

2. First launches of Eroxon® in Europe and first 
revenues reported, with further launches planned in 
2024. 

Our European distribution partner, Cooper, launched in 
the UK and Belgium in March, followed in July with soft 
launches, providing initial online-only availability without 
advertising or promotional spend in France, Italy and 
Spain. The results of the launches in these initial markets 
have been encouraging, with Eroxon® taking c. 20% market 
share of approved ED treatments in the UK and Belgium 
within 12 months of launch, very strong media interest in 
the launch, early signs of repeat purchase from customers, 
and Eroxon® receiving several industry awards. 

The success of the partnership with Cooper to date 
was demonstrated through the recent extension of 
the licensing agreement until January 2029, with full 
launches in at least ten countries including key European 
markets such as France, Italy and Spain already occurred 
or expected during the first half of 2024. The granting 
of Futura's EU patent for Eroxon® until 2040 further 
cements the intellectual property of the product as Cooper 
continues the roll out. 

3. Sign further agreements for key markets and 
countries worldwide – with the USA being the main 
focus – to build a strong global network of licensing 
and distribution partners and a strong brand identity 
for Eroxon®.

Following FDA marketing authorisation in the USA, we 
were delighted to secure agreement with Haleon, one of 
the world’s leading consumer healthcare companies, for 
exclusive marketing and distribution rights in the USA. 
As part of the agreement, Haleon will commercialise 
Eroxon® in the USA as the first and only clinically proven 
gel treatment for ED, available OTC without a prescription. 
The USA is the biggest consumer healthcare market 
globally. Haleon will be responsible for all advertising and 
promotional activities related to the launch and marketing 
of the product in the USA. We believe Haleon, with its 
strong capabilities in brand-building and marketing 

through an unrivalled breadth of channels, as well as its 
connections and market reach, makes the ideal partner 
to introduce Eroxon® to the millions of men with ED in 
the USA. We continue to work closely with Haleon on the 
preparation for the launch which is progressing well and 
will update shareholders on timings as appropriate.

Post-period end, we announced that Eroxon®, with effect 
from 1 March 2024, is available to be prescribed by doctors 
in England and Wales for the treatment of ED as well as 
the existing OTC availability of Eroxon®. The purpose is to 
increase the awareness and credibility of Eroxon® amongst 
healthcare professionals.

5. Expand our supply chain and manufacturing 
capabilities to increase supply chain robustness and 
capacity.

As we start to supply Eroxon® to our distributors around 
the globe it is essential that we have a robust supply chain 
in place to provide greater supply certainty, as well as 
additional capacity based on both Futura and distribution 
partners’ sales projections moving forwards. To this end, 
we have developed strategic partnerships with two new 
contract manufacturers (“CMO”), one located in the 

During the year, we also further strengthened our 
relationship with our distribution partner for Central 
and South America, M8 Pharmaceuticals Inc (“M8”), by 
expanding our current agreement for Brazil and Mexico to 
include a further fourteen countries covering the Central 
and South American region. M8 is an excellent partner 
with dedicated brand-building and marketing experience, 
as well as a strong and reputable consumer healthcare 
presence in South and Central America.

In conjunction with our advisers, we continually look to 
strengthen our Intellectual Property portfolio whenever 
possible and have recently filed three new patent 
applications in relation to Eroxon®. These are new 
submissions in addition to the patent that the EU granted 
allowance in September 2023 and we expect to receive 
further patent approval across other key ED markets 
during 2024 and beyond providing protection for Eroxon® 
until 2040. 

4. Continue to support our commercial partners in their 
own submissions to local regulatory bodies and in their 
launch preparations.

Alongside our distribution partner for the Middle East, 
Labatec Pharma, Eroxon® has been granted regulatory 
approval in six Middle Eastern countries, including the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

In addition, the Mexican Secretariat of Health granted OTC 
sale marketing authorisation for Eroxon® in Mexico. 

We also continue to make submissions in those countries 
where we currently do not have distributors but where the 
existing EU MDR approval is evidence of conformity of local 
national requirements thereby simplifying the regulatory 
approval procedure. Australia being one of such countries 
where in 2023 we received approval for Eroxon®.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  09

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

USA and the other in the EU to supply product to our 
commercial partners. These supply chain partners will 
be central to the long-term success of the product, and 
we are working closely with them to deliver continuity of 
supply, with a product of high quality at the lowest cost 
possible. 

FUTURE STRATEGY

2023 has seen us move from a pre-revenue R&D company 
to a business with first meaningful revenues being 
generated from commercial sales of Eroxon®. This is a 
significant step forward and therefore it feels appropriate 
to refine our strategy as follows: 

To commercialise innovative and clinically proven 
products for the OTC sexual health market. We will 
partner with leading consumer healthcare partners 
who are well resourced to commit significant marketing 
spend and expertise to engage effectively with 
consumers.

This approach is aligned with the demographic changes 
of ageing populations, increasing prosperity and the 
expectation of people to lead a full and active life no 
matter their age. 

We have a fantastic springboard from which to deliver our 
de-risked, go-to-market strategy, and we have confidence 
that we have found the best distribution partners for our 
product. 

With an innovative R&D team, we will look to fulfil the 
needs of the large, underserved OTC sexual health market.

Going forwards, we will report against three strategic 
pillars:

1.  Address the growing needs within the OTC sexual 

health market

2. Broaden the Company’s clinically proven product range 
leveraging its innovative and experienced R&D capability 
whilst being mindful of costs and focusing on return on 
investment (“ROI”)

3. Commit to delivering strong returns for shareholders, 

sustained profitability and financial discipline 

Our priorities for 2024 are:
•  Address – Address worldwide demand for Eroxon® 

through strengthening our supply chain and 
commercial network whilst achieving further regulatory 
approvals and further launches across the world

•  Broaden – Explore other range extensions as well as new 
innovative products within the sexual health category to 
meet further unmet demand, supported by clinical data 
whilst remaining mindful of costs

•  Commit – Deliver further revenue growth and progress 
on the path towards profitability in the next 12 months 

FOCUS FOR FY24 AND OUTLOOK 

2023 was a year of significant achievement and I expect 
2024 to be a year of precise execution primarily with the 
further commercialisation of Eroxon®. The first meaningful 
revenues generated from product sales and the broader 
success of the UK launch have been a catalyst for 
significant strategic progress across multiple markets and 
we expect this to continue. 

As stated previously, we continue to work with Haleon 
on preparations for the US launch and look forward to 
updating shareholders in due course. 

Futura has already taken first mover advantage with 
regulatory approvals and distribution agreements in 
place with leading consumer healthcare partners for 
Eroxon® in key markets such as the USA and EU. With the 
size of the target market and the continuous progress 
we are making, we look forward to the year ahead with 
confidence. 

By order of the Board

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive Officer

Futura Medical plc

9 April 2024

1  EMA, Withdrawal assessment report for Viagra, 2008
2  Feldman HA et al. J Urol 1994; 151: 54 – 61
3  Pozzi, J of Sexual Medicine, Volume 20, 2022 
4 

Ipsos research carried out on behalf of Futura in the USA, 2022

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  10

OUR MARKETPLACE

A large and growing addressable market

THE SEXUAL HEALTH MARKET

The sexual health market comprises of treatments 
for sexual dysfunction in men and women and of the 
global market for sexual wellness. The global sexual 
dysfunction market we estimate is worth around 
US$ 6.6 billion when combining the market value of 
treatments for male and female sexual dysfunction1. 
The sexual wellness market is worth US$ 11 billion2.

Our focus is on the development of innovative and 
clinically proven sexual health products, with our lead 
product being Eroxon®, a breakthrough treatment for 
erectile dysfunction.

THE UNMET NEEDS IN THE  
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MARKET

MARKET OPPORTUNITY  
FOR EROXON®

The rising affordability of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors 
(“PDE5is”) following the availability of generic versions has 
led to significant increases in volumes with the number of 
doses sold globally increasing by over 80% between 2018 
and 20233. For the vast majority of markets, treatments 
for ED are only available on prescription which creates a 
significant opportunity for a new category OTC.

Prior to Eroxon®, existing treatments for ED were available 
only on prescription in most countries around the world, 
creating barriers to access4. Embarrassment, denial, 
reticence, cost of a consultation and lack of awareness 
may prevent someone seeking the help of a doctor. Men 
with ED whose sexual partners wish to be supportive and 
solutions-oriented are doubly hindered by these factors as 
only the sufferer can be prescribed the treatment. On-
demand oral treatments such as sildenafil (brand name 
“Viagra®”) typically take between 30 minutes to one hour to 
work, requiring planning and patience, which stand in the 
way of intimacy and spontaneity, and put undue pressure 
on couples. Oral treatments can also have systemic side 
effects and cannot be taken in combination with several 
medications. 

According to IPSOS research5: 
•  Users who are dissatisfied with their current medication 
mostly cite limited efficacy, slow onset of action, and side 
effects as the source of their dissatisfaction

•  OTC availability, longer lasting, affordability and faster 
acting are identified as the top unmet needs for ED. 

3.5 billion

50%

Doses of Rx ED 
treatments sold  
globally in 20233 

Approximately half of 
all men with ED do not 
discuss their condition 
with their doctor6

Eroxon® addresses many of the unmet needs for 
men with ED and their partners. Ipsos’ research5 
showed that around three quarters of the sales 
would come from men with ED and their partners 
who are not currently on treatment, which means 
sales would be mainly incremental to existing sales 
of oral PDE5is which appears to have been reflected 
in the experience in market to date. According to 
Ipsos’ forecast, commissioned by Futura in 2022, 
the market opportunity for Eroxon® OTC in the USA, 
the largest consumer healthcare market in the 
world, is US$ 350+ million as estimated by Ipsos (at 
retail price). This is based on the assumption of a 
retail price of US$ 5 per tube7.

20%

ED impacts around 20% 
of men globally across all 
age brackets8

50%

Approximately half 
of all men over 40 
experience ED9

25%

Around 25% of new 
diagnoses are in men 
under 4010 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  11

OUR MARKETPLACE

ED MARKET DRIVERS

Market driver

Impact

Long-term market drivers in consumer health in general 
and ED specifically indicate a shift towards more self-care 
with consumers taking a more active role in their health, 
ageing populations, increases in chronic conditions, 
changing socio-cultural context and the rising cost of 
healthcare putting pressure on health systems.

Ageing populations

The proportion of people aged 65 years and over is expected 
to increase from 9.3% of the global population in 2020 to 
16%, or approximately one in six people globally, in 205011. The 
incidence of ED increases with age which means a higher 
proportion of the population with ED.

Increases in chronic 
medical conditions

More people are being diagnosed and at a younger age with 
conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes 
which increases the likelihood of having ED.

Socio-cultural context

Increasing pressures on 
health systems

Younger men suffer increasingly from performance anxiety 
due to societal pressures and unrealistic portrayals of sexual 
performance in online pornography, as well as increasing 
general stress and mental health issues. ED is increasingly 
affecting younger men with around 25% of new diagnoses for 
ED in men under 4010.

Healthcare systems have recently been under great pressure. 
Sexual health conditions such as ED can be perceived as a 
“quality of life” issue by doctors and not seen as a priority. OTC 
products provide affordable and accessible treatment options 
for consumers and lower the overall costs to health systems.

How we are 
responding

Our strategy is built 
around addressing 
these key drivers. It aims 
to meet the growing 
demand for self-
care in sexual health 
and recognises the 
opportunity to serve 
the unmet needs of 
consumers in sexual 
health and with Eroxon® 
in ED where barriers 
to access treatment 
remain high. 

We do this by offering 
clinically proven 
treatments to improve 
sexual health OTC, 
without the need for a 
prescription.

Read more about 
Eroxon® on page 25

1  Based on the following: ED market worth US$ 3.1 billion, IQVIA data 2022; Premature ejaculation market worth US$ 3.15 billion, 2022, 

Business Research Insights, “Premature Ejaculation Treatment market size, etc….”, 2023; Female sexual dysfunction treatment market worth 
US$ 0.4 billion, xResearch “Female Sexual Dysfunction Treatment market 2024”.

2  DataBridge market research “Global Sexual Wellness Market”, 2023.
3  Manufacturer’s Selling Prices, IQVIA market data, 2023
4 

In the UK, Ireland, Norway, Poland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, sildenafil 50mg can be purchased without prescription but still requires 
the involvement of the pharmacist. Cialis 10mg has recently switched OTC in the UK and also requires involvement of the pharmacist.
Ipsos research carried out on behalf of Futura in the USA, 2022

5 

6  Jannini et al – Health-related characteristics and unmet needs of men with erectile dysfunction: a survey in five European countries, J Sex 

Med, 2014 Jan.

7  Pricing strategy is the responsibility of our commercial partner.
8  EMA, Withdrawal assessment report for Viagra, 2008
9  Feldman HA et al. J Urol 1994; 151: 54 – 61
10  Pozzi, J of Sexual Medicine, Volume 20, 2022
11  UN Population Facts, October 2020

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  12

EROXON® PROGRESS AT A GLANCE

Progress across the world in making Eroxon® accessible to men with ED

Futura’s lead product is Eroxon®, a unique topical treatment for erectile dysfunction which has been 
approved without the need for a prescription in many countries around the world, including in the USA and 
Europe and which has launched in a number of countries in Europe including the UK.

Development

Regulatory

Commercial partners

Launch

EU

USA

Eroxon® approved as a medical device 
in the EU (“CE mark approval”). 

Cooper Consumer Health

UKCA mark approval received in 2022.

Launched in the UK and Belgium in 
March 2023 with further launches in 
France, Spain, Portugal and other EU 
countries in March and April 2024.

Marketing authorisation granted by 
the FDA in June 2023.

Licensing deal signed with Haleon in 
July 2023.

REST OF 
WORLD

MIDDLE EAST

Approval received in six countries. 
Further regulatory submissions have 
been made.

Labatec Pharma

Launched in the UAE and in the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

LATAM

ASIA

Marketing authorisation granted in 
Mexico.

M8 Pharmaceuticals

Discussions being held with 
regulators to clarify regulatory 
pathways and scope of 
additional work.

Menarini KR (South Korea)

AUSTRALIA

Marketing authorisation granted in 
Australia.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  13

 
 
 
COMMERCIALISATION PROCESS

Our go-to-market process step-by-step

Once a product has completed the main development phase and before it can be on the shelf available to consumers, a number of key activities need to be 
undertaken in relation to: gaining regulatory approval, finding licensing partners, setting up the supply chain, and developing and implementing retail and 
launch plans. These activities do not always take place in the order below and some can also occur in parallel but this visual is intended to show the process that 
needs to be undertaken to commercialise the product and highlight the many key activities that need to have been completed to ensure a successful launch.

Regulatory 
Approval

Licensing  
Partner

Supply 
Chain

Market 
Engagement

Retail and 
Launch Plans

•  Engage with local 

regulatory authorities to 
understand and address 
all data requirements 
to obtain regulatory 
approval

•  This can include:
•  Clinical trials
•  Non-clinical studies
•  Technical 

investigations
•  Preparation and 

submission of product 
dossier 

•  Resolution of 

deficiencies raised by 
local regulatory authority

•  Search for licensing 
partner and sign deal
•  Key licensee criteria:

•  Regulatory expertise 

and capabilities
•  Financial resources 
and commitment
•  Strong on-line and 

off-line marketing and 
sales capability

•  Understanding of local 
ED market dynamics
•  Robust sales forecast 
and business plan
•  Ongoing support of 
partners across all 
functions and close 
collaboration

Key Activities

•  Search for contract 
manufacturing 
organisations

•  Assessment of capability, 
equipment and line 
capacity

•  Establish supply chain
•  Quality control
•  Clearance of all export 

protocols 

•  Tech transfer from 

Futura 

•  Local approval of all 
packaging materials
•  Approval and audit of 
factory by Futura

•  Registration of 

new factory with 
launch market

L
A
U
N
C
H

•  Local market research to 
optimise the positioning, 
pricing and advertising 
strategy 

•  Identify and educate Key 
Opinion Leaders (“KOLs”)

•  Presentations, 

publications and 
conferences to drive 
healthcare professionals 
(“HCPs”) education and 
awareness

•  Preparation and 
translation of all 
marketing materials
•  Ensure compliance of 
marketing materials 
with local regulatory and 
advertising framework 

•  Negotiation and 

agreement with key 
online and offline 
retailers – most retail 
stores only review 
their product range 
once a year

•  Alignment with key 

retailers on launch date 
and promotional activity

•  Clearance of local 
trademarks and 
other intellectual 
property (“IP”)
•  Preparation for PR 

campaign 

•  Booking of advertising 
slots ahead of launch

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  14

COMMERCIALISATION AT A GLANCE

The global expansion of Eroxon® and our partnerships

This map is interactive and shows the countries in which Eroxon® has 
received regulatory approvals, the countries where we have a licensing 
partner and the countries where Eroxon® has been launched. 

Click on the tabs on the right to select one of these three options.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  15

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

Building a global network of leading consumer healthcare partners who 
are well resourced to commit significant marketing spend and expertise

HALEON PLC (“HALEON”) – USA 

In July 2023, Futura entered into a groundbreaking 
licensing agreement with world leading consumer 
healthcare Company Haleon (previously GSK 
Consumer Healthcare) for the rights to exclusively 
commercialise Eroxon® in the USA. As part of the 
agreement, Futura received an initial upfront 
payment of US$ 4 million, will receive further royalty 
payments on all sales, and potential commercial 
and performance driven sales milestone payments 
totalling between US$ 5 million and US$ 45 million 
payable over the course of several years.

Haleon will be responsible for all investment 
activities related to the launch and marketing of 
the product in the USA, with Futura providing 
ongoing technical support for OTC product 
development and commercialisation opportunities.

COOPER CONSUMER HEALTH 
(“COOPER”) – EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA, 
UNITED KINGDOM AND SWITZERLAND 

Cooper is a leading European independent 
self-care organisation, and has the rights to 
commercialise Eroxon® throughout the European 
Economic Area (“EEA”), the United Kingdom and 
Switzerland. Under the terms of the agreement, 
Futura received an initial upfront payment, and 
will receive undisclosed cumulative sales milestone 
payments. The original agreement was for an initial 
term of five years complying with EU competition 
law but was extended in January 2024 to last 
another five years until January 2029. Futura 
remains legal manufacturer and is responsible 
for the supply of Eroxon®, through its third-party 
contract manufacturers.

MENARINI KOREA LIMITED  
(“MENARINI KOREA”) – SOUTH KOREA 

Menarini Korea, a wholly owned subsidiary 
of Menarini Group, has the exclusive rights to 
commercialise Eroxon® in South Korea. Under the 
terms of the agreement, Menarini is responsible 
for all costs related to the regulatory approval and 
marketing of the product in the region, including 
a clinical bridging study if necessary. Futura 
provides reasonable technical support for product 
development and commercialisation and received 
an upfront payment. Futura will supply Eroxon® 
from Futura’s third-party contract manufacturers. 
Menarini is now in discussions with the Korean 
regulator relating to the marketing authorisation of 
Eroxon®.

LABATEC PHARMA (“LABATEC”) – GULF  
CO-OPERATION COUNCIL (“GCC”) REGION 
AND MIDDLE EAST 

Swiss-based specialty pharma company Labatec 
has the rights to exclusively commercialise Eroxon® 
in the GCC region as well as Jordan, Lebanon and 
Iraq. The initial licence agreement term is for eight 
years with the ability to extend for successive two-
year terms by mutual consent.

M8 PHARMACEUTICALS INC (“M8”) – CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA 

Specialty biopharmaceutical company M8 has the rights to exclusively develop and commercialise Eroxon® in 
Central and South America, including Brazil which is the largest market for prescription treatments for erectile 
dysfunction. The agreement is for an initial term of 15 years. In November 2023 the agreement was extended 
from Brazil and Mexico to the rest of the Central and South American region. Futura has received an undisclosed 
upfront milestone payment from M8 as part of the extended agreement. M8 will be responsible for all costs 
related to the regulatory approval and marketing of the product. Futura will provide reasonable ongoing technical 
support for OTC product development and commercialisation.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  16

HOW EROXON® HAS CHANGED LIVES

Two real-life case studies

Approximately 50% of men over the 
age of 401 and around 25% of men 
under 402 have experienced erectile 
dysfunction (ED) at some time. 

These numbers are likely to increase as a result of obesity, 
an ageing population and the rise of other conditions 
associated with ED. However, UK consumer research 
shows that while ED is increasingly common, many men 
still struggle to discuss their intimacy issues3. 

Dr Janine David, specialist in men’s health and ED notes: 
“Apart from the obvious impact that ED has on a man’s sex 
life, it also undermines intimacy, relationships and self-
esteem, as well as emotional and psychological health. The 
wider impact of ED is detailed in recent research which 
found that half of men with ED feel a sense of failure when 
they can’t perform and almost as many – 47% – experience 
embarrassment or shame3.

“The launch of Eroxon® in 2023 
in the UK was a game-changer 
for the growing number of men 
— and their partners — who are 
affected by erectile dysfunction. 
It is the first clinically proven OTC 
topical ED treatment that helps 
men achieve an erection in just 10 
minutes in 60% of applications4.”

Here David Brown and Darren Ramsey share their 
experiences of ED and the difference Eroxon® has made to 
their lives, and their partner’s lives. Their names have been 
changed to protect their privacy5.

Eroxon® for me was just a breath 
of fresh air and it gave me back 
my confidence. My partner was 
thrilled. I think it was because it 
was quite frustrating for us both 
at that time. There was a sense of 
relief for both of us.”

DAVID BROWN5
Eroxon® user

David Brown5, aged 45 began experiencing ED 
about four years ago, when he and his partner 
were trying for a baby. 

David admits: “I felt pressure to perform and romance 
went out the window, and that's when ED became a 
bit of an issue. I mean, I did have sort of issues prior 
to that, but they could well have been alcohol or 

stress related. I spoke to the GP, who said there was 
nothing physically wrong with me, it was probably 
stress related and would resolve itself. 

“The clock was ticking, so we went for fertility 
treatment and had a beautiful baby girl — but 
the ED didn’t resolve itself. Sometimes it was all 
right and sometimes it wasn't. It was very random. 
And the more I’d stress, the more likely it was 
that nothing would happen. I was slightly sort of 
embarrassed by the whole situation, so I didn't 
really want to go to the chemist and ask for it in 
front of everyone else. It felt emasculating and 
there’s certainly a stigma attached to ED.

“Then I started using Eroxon® and it really, really 
changed things for me. The fact that it works so 
quickly is incredible. It’s fantastic! You put it on 
and it works pretty much straight away. Ten or 15 
minutes and you're good to go! The application 
of the gel is really easy. I suppose some people 
would say it was kind of arousing, because the gel 
does seem to do something to the sensitivity that 
enhances the overall experience.”

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  17

HOW EROXON® HAS CHANGED LIVES

Darren Ramsay5, 34 is married to Louise and they 
have a five-year-old daughter, Chloe. Darren 
started experiencing ED from his mid-20s. 

Darren notes: “I don’t smoke, I'm not a massive 
drinker and I’m fit and active, but I was having a lot 
of mental health issues and this was affecting me 
mentally and emotionally. 

“The ED got worse over time and then it started 
affecting my marriage because I couldn't be as 
intimate as I wished. You start feeling inferior 
because you sense like it's your fault, because that’s 
the way the body makes you feel. It's a real guilt trip. 

“I thought it was an older person problem and I just 
thought it was just my mental health taking a toll 
on me, but it worked out that it wasn't. Once I was 
comfortable with my mental health, we were still 
having the same problems. My partner Louise was 
supportive, she never showed it, but probably deep 
down it was difficult for her. It was probably a year 
before I got up the courage to speak to the doctor 
about my ED.

“I was told because of my age at the time, I should 
just try things over the counter. We were using 
a load of lubricants and stuff that has different 
sensations to try and make an effect. I tried a 
pharmacy only medicine, but it's not as strong as 
the medicine you can get prescribed from a doctor. 
It didn’t make a massive difference. You could still 
slightly get active, but it wasn't a massive difference. 

“Then I started using Eroxon®. For me, it worked 
within five to ten minutes of applying the gel. I think 
the best way to describe it when applied, is that 
it's a warm sensation. That’s what I experienced. 
It’s an enjoyable feeling and it just seemed to help 
progress; it was easier to get an erection. Plus, you 
can have your partner put the Eroxon® gel on while 
you're doing foreplay. However, if you didn’t want 
them to know, you could go to the bathroom and 
then put it on and come back in.

LAST WORD,  
DR JANINE DAVID

“Men sometimes describe ED 
as a huge cloud hanging over 
them which makes them feel 

hopeless and helpless as well 
as embarrassed or feeling 
inadequate – all barriers 
to seeking effective ED 

treatment. Many men with untreated ED say it has made 
them feel less of a man and these doubts and insecurities 
will inevitably lead to anxiety and stress. 

“We need to examine the difficulties which still prevent 
men from seeking help and the damage that denial 
can inflict on both their relationships and their own 
emotional wellbeing, and Eroxon® is very much part of that 
conversation.

“The unique topical action of Eroxon® means it can 
be incorporated into foreplay to enhance intimacy. In 
addition, we know from the clinical trials run that there 
are minimal side effects and no known drug interactions 
when using this topical therapy. Another big plus is the 
gel’s rapid-onset, which restores spontaneity in love-
making, something that consumer research confirms is 
valued by 97% of men3. There was clearly a need for a fast-
acting, clinically proven topical ED therapy — and Eroxon® 
has fulfilled that need.”

1 

2 

3 

 Feldman HA et al. J Urol 1994; 151: 54 – 61
 Salonia et al “One Patient Out of Four with Newly Diagnosed Erectile Dysfunction Is 
a Young Man—Worrisome Picture from the Everyday Clinical Practice”, The Journal of 
Sexual Medicine, Volume 10, Issue 7, July 2013
 Omnibus survey of 1,081 ED sufferers and their partners conducted by Perspectus Global 
in January 2023

4  MED3000, a clinically proven, fast-acting topical product for Erectile Dysfunction with the 
prospect of being the first globally available OTC treatment for ED; Professor David Ralph 
(University College London), Tim Holland (Futura Medical), Ken James (Futura Medical); 
February 2023 

5  For the two case studies the names of the men have been changed to protect their 

privacy. Their stories are published with their consent.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  18

My partner was very happy 
with us using Eroxon® because 
obviously it did what it was 
meant to do and it allowed us 
to be intimate together as well 
as allowing for spontaneity into 
our relationship. It was also 
more enjoyable, because you 
are confident Eroxon® is going 
to work. 

“The gel was really easy to use  
and it’s been a great success 
for me. I also now have a 
confidence boost and a ‘spring 
in my step’ as they say.”

DARREN RAMSAY5
Eroxon® user

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

A sustainable model geared for our success

As Futura 
moves into a 
new phase of its 
development 
and to reflect our 
new strategy, we 
have reviewed 
our business 
model which is 
centred on our 
ability to innovate, 
attract leading 
commercial 
partners and 
extend our reach. 

KEY RESOURCES

ABILITY TO ADDRESS A LARGE UNDERSERVED MARKET THROUGH:

People

Innovate

•  Highly experienced, loyal and motivated team focused 

on innovative solutions 

•  Access to a team of 30 consultants and Key Opinion 
Leaders used for their specialist knowledge and 
leadership in the pharmaceutical and consumer 
healthcare field 

•  Strong results-driven culture and teamwork 

Expertise and innovation 

Innovative and experienced R&D team with regulatory agility – proven ability to 
research and develop award-winning product

Attract

De-risked go-to-market strategy – attract leading consumer healthcare partners who 
are well resourced to commit significant marketing spend and expertise

•  Highly efficient patented proprietary topical formulation 

expertise

Extend

•  Expertise in clinical development and clinical trials, 

regulatory, quality, manufacturing and supply chain 
management

•  Semi-virtual structure with outsourcing optimised to 

maximise expertise and minimise overhead cost 

Broaden the reach and extend the range of opportunities in the sexual 
health market

Strong leadership

Delivering solutions that make a difference

Outcomes

•  Experienced management team with expertise in 

researching and developing innovative products as well as 
business and commercial acumen in the global consumer 
healthcare market 

•  Expertise in US consumer healthcare market with two 

Directors based in the USA who have spent more than 30 
years each in senior management roles in leading OTC 
consumer health businesses. 

Sexual health issues, specifically ED, can be detrimental to the quality of life of those 
who experience it and their partners. We provide clinically proven sexual health 
treatments that enhance their quality of life.

Delivering sustainable profitability

Our aim is to deliver sustainable profits by using our ability to develop and globally 
commercialise our innovative products in a cost effective manner, maximising the 
significant opportunity in the OTC sexual health market.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  19

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

We also wanted 
to share the 
two different 
operating models 
we have with 
our commercial 
partners.

TYPICAL OPERATING MODELS

IP LICENCE MODEL

DIRECT SALES MODEL 

  Manufacture

Licensee

Futura

  Regulatory 
  and Quality

   Sales and 
Marketing

Licensee

Futura and Licensee

Licensee

Licensee

We generate  
revenue through:

 Royalty payments 

 Direct sales

 Milestone payments 

 Milestone payments 

Read more about our 
strategy on page 21

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  20

OUR STRATEGY

Address, Broaden, Commit: a refined strategy for our next phase 
of growth

This year has seen us move from a pre-revenue R&D company to a business 
with a commercialised product selling online and on the shelves at retailers 
with first meaningful revenues being generated. This is a significant shift and 
therefore it feels appropriate to refine our strategy. 

OUR REFINED STRATEGY IS AS FOLLOWS:

Our strategy is to commercialise innovative and clinically 
proven products for the OTC sexual health market. We will 
then partner with leading consumer healthcare partners 
who are well resourced to commit significant marketing 
spend and expertise.

This strategy is aligned with the well-publicised 
demographic changes of ageing populations, increasing 
prosperity and the expectation of leading a full and active 
life no matter your age. 

With an innovative R&D team, we will look to fulfil the 
needs of the large, underserved OTC sexual health market.

Going forwards, we will report against our three 
strategic pillars:

ADDRESS

Address the growing needs within the 
OTC sexual health market

Priorities for 2024

Address worldwide demand for Eroxon® 
through strengthening our supply chain 
and commercial network whilst achieving 
further regulatory approvals and further 
launches across the world

OUR THREE 
STRATEGIC 
PILLARS

BROADEN 

Broaden the Company’s clinically proven 
product range leveraging its innovative 
and experienced R&D capability whilst 
being mindful of costs and focusing on 
ROI

Explore other range extensions as well as 
new innovative products within the sexual 
health category to meet further unmet 
demand, supported by clinical data whilst 
remaining mindful of costs

COMMIT 

Commit to delivering strong returns for 
shareholders, sustained profitability and 
financial discipline 

Deliver further revenue growth and progress 
on the path towards profitability in the next 
12 months 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  21

OUR STRATEGY

In order to maintain appropriate transparency and 
disclosure, we have reported our progress for this year 
against our 2023 strategic priorities. 

2023 priorities  
(taken from previous Annual 
Report)

Performance vs priority 

Approval of Eroxon® by the US FDA as an 
OTC medical device in Q2 2023.

In June 2023, Eroxon® received FDA approval in the USA, the largest consumer healthcare 
market in the world.

First launches under the brand name 
Eroxon® in Europe with further launches 
planned in 2024, with first revenues 
reported.

Our European distribution partner, Cooper, launched in the UK and Belgium in March 
2023, followed by soft launches in France, Italy and Spain. We have been encouraged by 
the performance to date in these initial markets, with Eroxon® taking c. 20% market share 
of approved ED treatments in the UK and Belgium within 12 months of launch, resulting in 
first meaningful revenues of £3.1 million. 

Sign further agreements for key markets 
and countries worldwide – with the 
USA being the main focus – to build a 
strong global network of licensing and 
distribution partners and a strong brand 
identity for Eroxon®.

Following FDA approval, the Company was delighted to announce that it had entered 
into an agreement with Haleon plc, the world leading consumer healthcare company, for 
exclusive marketing and distribution rights in the USA.

In addition, during the year, the Company extended its distribution agreement with 
M8 Pharmaceuticals Inc from Brazil and Mexico to cover a further fourteen countries 
throughout the Central and South American region.

Continue to support our commercial 
partners in their own submissions to local 
regulatory bodies and in their launch 
preparations.

Expand our supply chain and 
manufacturing capabilities to increase 
supply chain robustness and capacity.

The Company also received regulatory approval in Australia.

Post period-end in January 2024, the licensing agreement with Cooper Consumer Health 
was extended until January 2029.

The Company’s distribution partners received a number of approvals including Saudi 
Arabia and Mexico and launched in the UAE.

Agreement in principle was reached with two new Contract Manufacturing Organisations 
located in the USA and EU for the production of Eroxon®.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  22

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

A measure of our progress

The Directors consider the successful achievement of licensing and 
commercialisation to be the major drivers of value creation for the Group. 

Key to strategy

 Address

 Broaden

     Commit

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

Read our Strategy 
on page 21

REVENUE

GROSS PROFIT

NET LOSS AFTER TAX

£3.10m

(2022: £nil)

£1.77m

(2022: £nil

£6.51m

(2022: £5.85m)

CASH RESOURCES AT  
31 DECEMBER 2023

£7.71m

(2022: £4.03 m)

Link to Strategy

Link to Strategy

Link to Strategy

Link to Strategy

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

NON-FINANCIAL MEASURES

Number of countries Eroxon® launched

Number of commercial partners

The Group is focused on the commercialisation of 
its lead asset Eroxon® and building a network of 
leading consumer healthcare partners.

2023

2022

0

8

2023

2022

5

4

Read our Financial 
Review on page 29

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  23

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  24

PRODUCT REVIEW – EROXON®

A unique product that is winning approval from consumers and industry 
professionals alike

WHAT IS EROXON®?

Eroxon® is a breakthrough treatment for ED available 
over the counter and without prescription, and which is 
clinically proven to help men achieve an erection within 10 
minutes. Eroxon® is a clear gel that can be applied by the 
man or their partner, available in a single dose tube.

WHAT UNMET NEEDS IS EROXON® 
ADDRESSING?

Prior to Eroxon®, existing treatments for 
ED were available only on prescription in 
most countries around the world, creating 
barriers to access1. Embarrassment, denial, 
reticence, cost of consultation and lack of 
awareness may prevent someone seeking 
the help of a doctor. Sexual partners of 
men with ED wishing to be supportive and 
solutions-oriented are doubly hindered by 
these factors as only the sufferer can be 
prescribed the treatment. 

On-demand oral treatments such as 
sildenafil (brand name “Viagra®”) typically 
take between 30 minutes to one hour to 
work, requiring planning and patience, 
which stand in the way of intimacy and 
spontaneity, and put undue pressure on 
couples. Oral treatments can also have 
systemic side effects and cannot be taken 
in combination with several medications. 

As a result of all these barriers and unmet 
needs most men with ED are either not 
diagnosed or not treating their ED.

WHERE IS EROXON® AVAILABLE?

Eroxon® is a new brand and a new category 
in most markets. Eroxon® is now approved 
in a number of markets across the world 
including in Europe, the USA, six countries 
in the Middle East, Australia and Mexico. 
Eroxon® launched in its first markets the 
UK and Belgium in March 2023, being 
available to consumers for the first time 
and changing the lives of men with ED 
and their partners. This was followed by 
further soft launches in Europe and in the 
UAE with full launches in ten countries 
including key European markets such as 
France, Italy and Spain already occurred or 
expected during the first half of 2024.

50%

Approximately half of all men 
with ED do not discuss their 
condition with their doctor2

Read more about our 
marketplace on page 11

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  25

Pack from our licensing and 
distribution partner in Europe

UNIQUE BENEFITS OF EROXON®

10
minutes

Fast-acting, 
helping to 
achieve an 
erection within 
10 minutes

Excellent safety 
profile

Available without  
a prescription

Can involve 
the partner in 
treatment and 
easy to use

PRODUCT REVIEW – EROXON®

OTC STATUS 

CLINICALLY PROVEN EFFICACY

EXCELLENT SIDE EFFECTS PROFILE

Eroxon® can be purchased online or in person without a 
doctor’s prescription, making treatment for ED easier to 
access and addressing some of the barriers to treatment 
mentioned previously.

FAST-ACTION HELPS RESTORE SPONTANEITY

A key advantage of Eroxon® is that it works fast helping 
men get an erection within 10 minutes which means 
Eroxon® can be used as part of foreplay helping to restore 
intimacy and spontaneity in the relationship. Partners 
can also be part of the solution and apply Eroxon® to their 
partner. 

1 

2 

In the UK, Ireland, Norway, Poland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, sildenafil 50mg can 
be purchased without prescription but still requires the involvement of the pharmacist. 
Cialis 10mg has recently switched OTC in the UK and also requires involvement of the 
pharmacist.
Jannini et al – Health-related characteristics and unmet needs of men with erectile 
dysfunction: a survey in five European countries, J Sex Med, 2014 Jan.

60%

63%

of erections occurred 
within 10 minutes of 
application (FM57)

of men using Eroxon® met 
or exceeded the MCID* at 
12 weeks (FM57 and FM71)

* MCID is the minimal clinically important difference (4 IIEF-EF Units) a criteria used by 
regulators when assessing efficacy, Rosen et al 2011.

Eroxon® is a gel that has a unique evaporative physical 
action which, through a rapid cooling and then warming 
effect, stimulates nerve endings on the head of the 
penis which increases blood flow and ultimately leads 
to erections. The action of Eroxon® as a local gel is fast, 
helping men achieve an erection within 10 minutes.

The efficacy of Eroxon® was proven in two Phase 3 clinical 
trials conducted in Europe and the USA which were used 
to obtain regulatory approval in countries around the 
world including Europe and the USA. 

Eroxon® has an excellent side effect profile with no known 
drug interactions. The overall rate of side effects for the 
two Phase 3 studies was very low. The table below shows 
a list of side effects experienced by men and women that 
occurred in more than 1% of subjects.

Men – Adverse events (1% or more)

Headache

Penile burning sensation

Women – Adverse events (1% or more)

Headache

Percentage 
of subjects

3.0%

1.0%

Percentage 
of subjects

1.3%

The table above lists adverse events that occurred at 1% or more in the clinical studies when 
the data is combined (FM57 and FM71). The adverse events are Treatment Emergent Adverse 
Events defined as AEs that begin after the start of trial medication and the percentages are 
based on the combination of the side effects for both studies with 297 subjects.

The results of the Phase 3 clinical trials were presented at 
the Sexual Medicine Society of North America Conference 
in 2022 and at the European Society for Sexual Medicine 
(ESSM) Congress in 2023 and 2024. 

EU and UK approval

US approval

2021

2023

2018–2020

2021–2022

2023

FM57 
Phase 3 dose-ranging multi-
centre randomised double 
blind study in men with ED

FM71 
Phase 3 multi-centre 
randomised open label 
study in men with ED

UK and Belgium  
launch

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  26

PRODUCT REVIEW - EROXON® 

Our strategy in action – European launch

For the first time Eroxon® is 
available to men with ED and 
their partners with the first 
launches of Eroxon® in the UK 
and Belgium in March 2023 by 
our European partner Cooper. 

View our European partner's 
website eroxon.eu

Cooper Consumer Health (“Cooper”) launched in the 
UK and Belgium in March 2023, followed by online-only 
availability without advertising or promotional spend (“soft 
launches”) in France, Italy and Spain with full launches 
in at least six countries including key European markets 
such as France and Spain on track to take place by the end 
of April 2024. The results of the launches in these initial 
markets have been encouraging, with Eroxon® taking 
c. 20% market share of approved ED treatments in the 
UK and Belgium within 12 months of launch, very strong 
media interest in the launch, early signs of repeat purchase 
from customers, and Eroxon® receiving several high profile 
industry awards.

LAUNCH AND RETAIL SUCCESS STORY

The UK launch PR campaign was very successful with 
exclusives in national newspapers and the product being 
discussed on TV. This was followed by a significant TV 
advertising campaign and in-store activity. The product 
was initially only available through Boots, the UK’s leading 
health and beauty retailer, and one of the most trusted UK 
healthcare brands. This was a key element of the strategy 
to build the credibility of the product, alongside the 
KOL and HCP engagement programme. Eroxon® is now 
available in over 2,500 retail stores across the UK as well as 
online from retailers such as Amazon.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION 

Eroxon® has received several high profile industry awards. 
Eroxon® has won the “New Product of the Year, Healthcare” 
category at the Boots Supplier Awards 2023 and Cooper 
won the Best Big Budget OTC campaign at the 2023 UK 
OTC Marketing Awards and was highly commended in a 
number of other categories.

KOL AND HCP ENGAGEMENT

Cooper has undertaken a programme of webinars, 
presentations and attendance at conferences as well as 
produced materials for healthcare professionals. Cooper 
had a strong presence at the last two European Society 
of Sexual Medicine (“ESSM”) Congresses in particular at 
the February 2024 ESSM Conference in Bari, Italy where 
they were a main sponsor. Three leading KOLs presented 
Eroxon®’s mode of action and the clinical evidence, 
followed by a Q&A. Over 150 delegates attended the 
presentation and several hundreds visited the Eroxon® 
booth over three days. The response and feedback from 
delegates was very encouraging.

Available in 
>2,500 stores

Across the UK as well as online from 
retailers such as Amazon

c. 20% 
market share

Of approved ED treatments in the UK and 
Belgium within 12 months of launch

1 million 
packs 

Shipped by Futura

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  27

PRODUCT REVIEW - EROXON® 

Our strategy in action – US go-to-market strategy

2023 was a year of great progress 
towards our goal of launching 
Eroxon® in the USA with the FDA 
approving Eroxon® in June and Futura 
signing a deal with Haleon in July. 

COMMERCIALISATION DEAL SIGNED WITH 
HALEON FOR THE USA IN JULY 2023

In July 2023, Futura entered into a groundbreaking 
licensing agreement with world leading consumer 
healthcare company Haleon plc (“Haleon”) for the rights 
to exclusively commercialise Eroxon® in the USA. As part 
of the agreement, Futura received an initial upfront 
payment of US$ 4 million, will receive further royalty 
payments on all sales, and potential commercial and 
performance driven sales milestone payments totalling 
between US$ 5 million and US$ 45 million payable over 
the course of several years.

Haleon is responsible for all investment activities related 
to the launch and marketing of the product in the 
USA, with Futura providing ongoing technical support 
for OTC product development and commercialisation 
opportunities. Haleon continues to advance the launch 
plans in the USA to bring the product to market and we 
are expecting the launch by early 2025.

ABOUT HALEON

Haleon (previously GSK Consumer Healthcare) is a 
global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to 
“deliver better everyday health with humanity”. Haleon’s 
turnover in 2023 was £11.3 billion1. Haleon’s product 
portfolio spans five major categories – Oral Health, 
Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and 
Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. Haleon has a range 
of long-standing brands – such as Advil, Sensodyne, 

23 million

Men with ED in the USA3

75%

Three in four men with 
ED in the USA are not on 
treatment4

Panadol, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, Polident, Parodontax 
and Centrum – that have been built on trusted science, 
innovation and deep human understanding making them 
an ideal partner to launch Eroxon® in the USA, which is 
the largest consumer health market in the world. In the 
USA Haleon was awarded Walgreens Supplier Award: 2023 
Health & Wellbeing Expertise, thanks to its leveraging of 
shopper insights. Haleon has a commercial presence in 170 
markets2.

FDA APPROVED

In June 2023, Eroxon® received FDA marketing 
authorisation in the USA. Eroxon® is the first OTC topical 
gel available to treat ED in the USA. The FDA sets a very 
high standard in evaluating the effectiveness and safety 
of De Novo Medical Devices. We met this standard with 
our submission of 22 clinical, biocompatibility, human 
factor studies, and performance bench tests which were 
rigorously reviewed and accepted by the FDA. 

US MARKET OPPORTUNITY

The USA is the largest consumer healthcare market and 
has the potential to be the largest market for Eroxon® 
helping to address the unmet needs of men with ED. There 
are around 23 million men with ED in the USA3 but three 
out of four are not on treatment4 highlighting significant 
unmet needs. According 
to Ipsos’ forecast, 
commissioned by Futura, 
the market opportunity 
for Eroxon® OTC in the 
USA is US$ 350+ million 
(retail price)5. This is 
based on a retail price of 
US$ 5 per tube6.

US$ 350+ 
million
market opportunity in 
the USA5

KEY INSIGHTS FROM THE IPSOS US MARKET 
RESEARCH 

In 2022 Futura commissioned independent market 
research from Ipsos in the USA5. Ipsos conducted extensive 
research talking to both doctors and ED sufferers before 
conducting an online survey with 400 ED sufferers and 100 
female partners. 

Key learnings from the Ipsos US market research
•  Strong positive reactions to the Eroxon® concept from 
men, women and doctors with speed of onset the key 
benefit for consumers.

•  Strong purchase intent from men with ED and their 

female partners.

•  Partners want to play a key role in treatment with high 
levels of interest from female partners in using Eroxon® 
and buying Eroxon® themselves.

•  Availability of low-cost generics has not eroded the 
opportunity for Eroxon® with peak sales achieved at 
US$ 5 retail.

Some of the other research findings

1 in 4 times an “on demand” oral PDE5is is 
taken men do not then attempt intercourse. 

81% of female partners would probably/
definitely buy Eroxon®.

90% of ED sufferers would probably/ definitely 
buy Eroxon® if their partner brought it home.

1  Haleon 2023 full year results, February 2024
2  Haleon website, accessed March 2024
3  2021 JSB Partners estimate based on US Census International Programs Population by 
age groups and “Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: Massachusetts Male Aging Study”, 
1987 ± 1989 (n=1626); source Kleinman et al. J Clin Epidemiol 2000.

4  Frederick L., “Undertreatment of erectile dysfunction: claims analysis of 6.2 million 

5 

patients”, J Sex Med, 2014, Oct, (10):2546-53.
Ipsos research carried out on behalf of Futura in the USA, 2022
6  Pricing strategy is the responsibility of our commercial partner.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  28

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Delivering our first meaningful revenues with momentum building 

ANGELA HILDRETH
Finance Director and Chief 
Operating Officer

“Futura continued to focus 
its financial and human 
resources on Eroxon®.  
I am incredibly proud to be 
reporting first meaningful 
revenues.”

As outlined in the Chairman’s Statement and Chief 
Executive‘s Review, Futura continued to focus its financial 
and human resources on Eroxon®, its clinically proven 
breakthrough treatment for erectile dysfunction (“ED”). 
During the year, Futura launched Eroxon® in a number 
of markets, including the UK, and I am incredibly proud 
to be reporting first meaningful revenues. These initial 
launches have been highly encouraging with Eroxon® 
taking c. 20% market share of approved ED treatments 
in the UK and Belgium. The Company also achieved 
marketing authorisation in the USA and secured a 
standout commercial partner in Haleon to launch Eroxon® 
in the USA. 

FINANCIAL RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Revenue
Cost of goods

Gross profit

57%

FY 23

 3,100,968 
 (1,326,743) 

 1,774,225 

FY22

–
–

–

Research and 
development 
costs
Administrative 
costs

Adjusted 
operating loss*

Share-based 
payments

Operating loss 
before tax

 (2,045,988) 

 (4,131,224) 

 (3,971,710) 

 (2,068,413) 

(4,243,473)

(6,199,637)

 (2,720,297) 

 (671,852) 

 (6,963,770)

(6,871,489)

* Adjusted for a non-cash share-based payment charge of £2.72 
million (2022: £0.67 million). The share-based payment charge 
predominantly relates to the LTIP award in October 2023. 

REVENUE

Eroxon® initially launched in March 2023 and the Company 
delivered total revenue of £3.10 million in 2023 (2022: £nil). 
Revenues were predominantly generated from Eroxon® 
sales and further details of revenue are provided in Note 5 
to the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2023, the Group signed an exclusive commercial 
agreement with Haleon to commercialise Eroxon® in 
the USA and an upfront payment of £3.20 million (US$ 
4 million) was received in 2023 upon execution of the 
agreement. This is expected to be recognised in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in full 
in the first half of 2024. Details of the revenue recognition 
policy can be found in Note 2.6 of the consolidated 
financial statements.

COST OF SALES

Cost of sales were £1.33 million (2022: £nil) and generated 
a gross profit of £1.77 million (2022: £nil) reflecting a gross 
margin of 57%. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

Research and Development (“R&D”) costs for the period 
ended 31 December 2023 were £2.05 million, compared to 
£4.13 million for the period ended 31 December 2022. The 
decrease of £2.08 million reflects the focus shifting towards 
commercialisation of Eroxon® as headcount costs are now 
allocated to administrative expenses. The costs incurred 
are mainly reflective of the activities that were required 
ahead of US FDA marketing authorisation. 

There was no capitalisation of R&D costs in 2023 
(2022: £nil).

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  29

FINANCIAL REVIEW

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

BALANCE SHEET 

GOING CONCERN

Administrative costs were £6.69 million for the period 
ended 31 December 2023 compared to £2.74 million for the 
period ended 31 December 2022. This expense includes 
a non-cash share-based payment charge of £2.72 million 
which is a £2.05 million increase compared to 2022. The 
share-based payment charge is predominantly relating to 
the LTIP award in October 2023. 

The cash balance at the end of 2023 was £7.71 million 
(2022: £4.03 million). Current cash runway extends beyond 
the Eroxon® launch in the USA expected by early 2025. 

Trade and other receivables increased from £0.27 million 
at 31 December 2022 to £1.24 million at 31 December 2023 
reflecting the commencement of Eroxon® trading.

The increase within administrative expenses includes 
headcounts costs which have been historically allocated 
to R&D and are now allocated to administrative expenses 
as the Company has focused on the commercialisation 
of Eroxon®. Other costs that have increased compared to 
2022 are associated with supporting commercial partners 
and supply chain activities as Eroxon® launches continue 
to be rolled out in other markets. In addition, there were 
some one-off costs incurred relating to fees associated 
with negotiating and concluding US commercial 
arrangements for Eroxon®. 

LOSS PER SHARE

The basic loss per share for 2023 was 2.21p (2022: 2.03p). 
Details of the loss per share calculations are provided in 
Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

Trade and other payables increased from £1.75 million 
at 31 December 2022 to £6.34 million at 31 December 
2023 predominantly as a result of the £3.20 million 
Haleon upfront payment, received in 2023, which will be 
recognised in 2024. The balance is related to an increase 
in trade creditors as a result of Eroxon® trading volumes 
and equipment procured to expand the supply chain 
capabilities. 

The current tax asset of £0.38 million at 31 December 2023 
(31 December 2022: £1.02 million) relates to the anticipated 
R&D tax credit claim in respect of the 2023 financial year.

The Directors believe that it remains appropriate to 
prepare the financial statements on a going concern 
basis. However, they also acknowledge that a material 
uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on 
the Group’s ability to generate sufficient net revenues 
and resulting cash inflows and raise sufficient finance to 
meet its expected costs to discharge 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. The Auditor's Report 
includes reference to the material uncertainty relating to 
going concern. Further information in relation to going 
concern can be found in Note 2.2 of the consolidated 
financial statements.

ANGELA HILDRETH
Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer

Read our Chief Executive's 
Review on page 8

View our consolidated financial 
statements on pages 67–70

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  30

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Taking the long-term interests of key stakeholders into account

The Board recognises its 
responsibility to take into 
consideration the needs 
and concerns of Futura’s key 
stakeholders. The Board sought 
to understand the views of 
its stakeholders through its 
interactions with them during 
the year and had regards for their 
interests in Board discussion and 
decision-making. 

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.

Shareholders

Commercial 
partners

Employees

Our key 
stakeholders

Development 
partners and 
manufacturers 

Consumers

Regulators

Healthcare 
professionals

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  31

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Shareholders

Consumers 

Healthcare 
professionals

Commercial 
partners

How we engage

Outcome of our engagement

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. In 2023 we also held an 
investor seminar in June which included presentations from two Key Opinion 
Leaders (“KOLs”) and a representative from Cooper on the UK launch. The 
Company produces regular webcasts and video interviews which are posted 
to the Investor section of the website. 

The people our products are designed to treat are at the heart of why we 
do it. Our purpose is clear, “to enhance quality of life”. We consult with KOLs 
regularly, hold Advisory Boards at key stages and conduct market research to 
help us with consumer insights. 

As our commercial partners launch their products they are sharing with us 
their in-market experience and insights. Our Quality team monitors customer 
complaints as part of our robust Quality Management System.

We have supported our commercial partner Cooper in their HCP and KOL 
engagement programme which has included webinars, presentations and 
attendance at conferences as well as materials for healthcare professionals. 
We attended the last two European Society of Sexual Medicine (“ESSM”) 
Congresses to support Cooper, with some of our KOLs presenting at those 
conferences. Most recently at the February 2024 ESSM Conference KOLs 
presented Eroxon®’s mode of action and the clinical evidence to over 150 
delegates and several hundreds visited the Eroxon® booth over three days. 

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 results of our investor engagement are reported to the Board to help 
inform our strategy and communications. 

We are focused on bringing innovative products to the sexual health market 
where there are unmet needs with existing treatments. We are excited that 
men with ED and their partners can now purchase Eroxon® in some markets 
in the EU and the Middle East and are working hard to ensure we make it 
accessible to more people across the world.

Read our case 
studies on page 17

We learn from our interactions with HCPs and KOLs and refine our product 
positioning and the information we provide our commercial partners to 
address questions from HCPs and consumers. Discussions with KOLs help us 
understand unmet needs and new product opportunities in sexual health.

The Board places great emphasis on selecting the most suitable consumer 
healthcare partners who are well resourced to commit significant marketing 
spend and expertise as well as have the drive and enthusiasm to make our 
products a success. 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. 

The Company has signed a number of deals around the world to build a 
network of licensing and distribution partners for Eroxon® covering the USA, 
Europe and the rest of the world. 

The Company, where applicable, is supporting commercial partners with 
regulatory, IP, manufacturing and commercial input.

The Company is working closely with its new commercial partners building 
mutually beneficial long-term relationships to ensure the success of Eroxon®. 

Read about our commercial 
partners on page 16

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  32

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

How we engage

Outcome of our engagement

Development 
partners and 
manufacturers 

Employees

We work with our development partners and manufacturers in a 
collaborative way that allows them to plan work and become part of the 
team. As a semi-virtual company, Futura relies upon its relationships with 
external service providers, manufacturers, 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. 
As the business grows these relationships, particularly with partners in 
our supply chain, are critical. We therefore work closely with our suppliers, 
define clear responsibilities, work in an ethical and collaborative manner to 
achieve mutually beneficial outcomes to build sustainable and long-term 
relationships. 

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. Employees 
want to be valued and rewarded for their contribution to the Company’s 
development and success. The executive team favours an open-door policy 
where employee feedback is encouraged. There are regular formal and 
informal meetings and gatherings to keep employees informed of key 
developments in the Company as well as Company events to promote team 
spirit and thank employees. 

As the Company prepares to supply Eroxon® to commercial partners around 
the globe our contract manufacturing organisations are central to the 
long-term success of the product. We are working with two new contract 
manufacturers, one located in the USA and the other in the EU to supply 
product to our commercial partners. We are working closely with them to 
deliver continuity of supply, with a product of high quality at the lowest cost 
possible.

The Board, and especially the Remuneration Committee, has had particular 
regards to employees as it 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.

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. Futura works proactively and 
collaboratively with regulators through the pre-submission and submission 
process with an open and constructive dialogue. 

Constructive discussions with regulators enables Futura to optimise its clinical 
development costs and timeline and shorten the time from development 
of the product to access by consumers. This approach led to the approval of 
Eroxon® OTC in the USA by the FDA.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  33

KEY RISKS AND MITIGATION
KEY RISKS AND MITIGATION

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. 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.

The Group is at an early stage of its commercial execution 
and faces a number of operational, strategic and financial 
risks frequently encountered by loss-making companies 
who have previously focused financial resources on 
R&D activities. The development of medical devices and 
consumer healthcare products 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. 

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK MANAGEMENT 
Risks facing the business are identified and assessed on a regular basis

INTERNAL CONTROL 
Internal controls are designed and developed to mitigate these risks to an accepted level

COMPLIANCE 
Compliance activities assess compliance against the QMS and issues arising  
out of the clinical trials that the Company is planning and undertaking

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND THE RISK AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

THE BOARD

OPERATIONAL LEVEL

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  34

KEY RISKS AND MITIGATION

The Board considers that the key risks of the Group are: 

Risk

Potential impact

Mitigation

Commercial risk

The lead product has not yet launched in all key markets. 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 when 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 cannot rely upon any historical sales data to accurately predict 
revenues generated from commercial sales of the products and revenues 
may fall short of expectations.

Financial risk

Availability of capital

The Group is focused on delivering revenue following the launch and roll 
out of its lead product Eroxon®. However, the Group has not yet generated a 
net positive operating cash flow and its ultimate success will depend on the 
Board’s ability to implement the Group’s strategy and generate positive cash 
flow. 

Lower revenues received or increase in costs of capital and/or unavailability of 
requisite, additional capital may constrain growth.

Income

Shortfalls in income mean inability to fund additional R&D activities and/or 
result in the need to cut overheads and/or announce to the market lower than 
expected revenues.

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

Prior to 2023, the Company entered into licensing and distribution 
agreements for the European Economic Area, United Kingdom and 
Switzerland and South Korea and Eroxon® has now successfully launched 
in a number of those markets with further launches planned throughout 
2024. In 2023, the Company entered into a commercial agreement with 
Haleon plc for the USA. The agreements ensure that the commercial partners 
are contractually and financially committed to advertise and promote the 
product.

The Company has worked closely with partners to understand their commercial 
forecasts and will continue to monitor sales against forecast expectations.

Whilst the Group is at an early stage of its commercial execution, a number 
of commercial agreements in key markets have been entered into with 
further launches of Eroxon® expected to result in increased revenues in 
2024. The Group will work closely with commercial partners to understand 
their commercial forecasts and monitor sales against forecast expectations. 
The Group is also committed to mitigating this risk by delivering against 
the Group’s growth strategy, generating revenue through existing and 
new commercial agreements with partners. The Board reviews financial 
performance on a frequent basis in order to ensure that Management 
are delivering against plan. The Group held a cash balance of £7.7 million 
at the end of 2023 and will continue to be revenue generating and cost 
conscientious throughout 2024.

Market research suggests that demand for a fast-acting topical, clinically 
proven treatment for ED, that is available without a doctor’s prescription is 
high. The Company is focused upon delivering revenue growth and avoiding 
the need to reduce discretionary R&D and/or overheads as this would impact 
on the Group’s growth potential. The Company has received committed 
orders for Eroxon® and positive forecast data from commercial partners and 
works very closely with commercial partners to ensure mutual success.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  35

KEY RISKS AND MITIGATION

Risk

Potential impact

Mitigation

Disruption to 
supply products

The Group relies upon third-party manufacturers to supply its products to 
commercial partners. Failure to provide products at prices and quantities 
that are commercially acceptable could potentially result in a financial and 
reputational loss to the Group and compromise the commercial success of its 
products.

The Group has clearly defined agreements with its suppliers and maintains 
close oversight of their processes. In addition, the Group has ensured that the 
third-party manufacturers have stockpiled key raw materials and packaging.

The Group has also expanded its manufacturing network to add capacity, 
protect prices and reduce risk of reliance on individual sources of supply.

Intellectual 
property  
risk

Key people

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 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 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.

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 bonus and share options that vest over a number of years.

The following risk has also been identified by the Group and will be kept under review as the situations develop, and any potential impact becomes clearer.

Risk

Potential impact

Mitigation

Economic 
and political 
conditions

The Group is not immune from the risk of downturn in economic conditions 
resulting from events outside of its control. Whilst the impact of Brexit and 
COVID-19 are both now relatively low, the Russia-Ukraine conflict (as an 
example) did impact on the prices of raw materials and energy and other 
conflicts that could occur could also potentially impact in the same way.

The availability of capital could also be impacted in any economic downturn.

The impact of economic and political events continues to be monitored as 
they arise. To date, there has been limited impact from events such as Brexit, 
COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Key

 Up trend

 Down trend

 No change

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  36

SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

A core aspect of our business

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. Our approach is 
underpinned by our Corporate Governance principles of 
responsibility, transparency and integrity for the benefit 
of our shareholders, employees, commercial partners 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:

GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
•  We are developing sexual health products that are optimised for clinical efficacy, safety, mode of 
administration and consumer convenience, and will lead to improved health and wellbeing.

•  We continue to place the health and safety of our staff and consultants at the heart of our business 
and have adopted a policy to allow our staff to optionally work approximately 50% of the time from 
home giving them the flexibility to balance their work and family commitments. 

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
•  We invest in R&D to develop a portfolio of innovative products based on our expertise in topically 
delivered gel formulations 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 the results of 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 most recently the manufacturing of our lead product. 
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 products 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 aim to have 
a balanced workforce across the Group.

TOTAL WORKFORCE GENDER SPLIT 

Men

Women

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  37

Governance

CONTENTS

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Corporate Governance Statement 

Spotlight on our new Chairman

Our Governance Structure

Corporate Governance Report

Audit Committee Report

Remuneration Committee Report 

Directors’ Report

39

41

42

44

45

49

50

56

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023 |  38

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A driven and experienced team

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.

Read more about our new Chairman in our 
Q&A section on page 42

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

ANGELA HILDRETH
Finance Director, Chief Operating 
Officer, and Company Secretary

CURRENT ROLES

CURRENT ROLES

CURRENT ROLES

Jeff Needham is Non-Executive Chairman 
of Futura Medical plc. He was previously a 
Non-Executive Director of Futura Medical 
plc since November 2021. He is also Chair 
of the Nominations Committee. Jeff is also 
currently on the Board of McKee Foods Corp.

PAST ROLES

President of Perrigo Consumer Self-Care 
Americas (including USA) and Executive 
Vice President at Perrigo Company plc, the 
US-based manufacturer and marketer of 
consumer healthcare products, and a board 
director of the US Consumer Healthcare 
Products Association (“CHPA”) for 11 years.

BRINGS TO THE BOARD

Over 35 years of experience in 
manufacturing and marketing of consumer 
healthcare products with strategic and 
corporate management expertise, with 
particular expertise in the US market. 

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 IO Group 
Limited 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 reinsurance and 
finance, including firms he founded.

BRINGS TO THE BOARD

Over 30 years of experience in setting up, 
managing and running companies.

Angela Hildreth leads the Group’s finance, 
HR and IT functions, drives 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). She was also an 
Independent Non-Executive Director and 
Chair of the Audit Committee at AIM-listed 
Aptamer plc.

BRINGS TO THE BOARD

Over 15 years’ strategic and operational 
financial experience of developing and 
commercialising pharmaceutical products.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  39

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTOR WHO HAS SERVED  
IN THE YEAR

KEN JAMES
Executive Director  
and Head of R&D

ANDREW UNITT
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director

ROY DAVIS 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director (joined 9 January 2024)

JOHN CLARKE 
Non-Executive Chairman  
(resigned 18 July 2023)

John Clarke was the Chairman of Futura 
Medical plc. He chaired the Nominations 
Committee and was a member of the 
Audit Committee and the Remuneration 
Committee.

CURRENT ROLES

CURRENT ROLES

CURRENT ROLES

Ken James is the Head of R&D. He oversees 
the development, regulatory, quality 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 USA.

BRINGS TO THE BOARD

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

Andrew Unitt is an Independent Non-
Executive Director and Chair of the Audit 
Committee. He is also a member of 
the Remuneration Committee and the 
Nominations Committee. 

PAST ROLES

Chief Financial Officer at the University 
of Nottingham until 2016. Andrew spent 
eleven years at Boots plc, where he was 
Managing Director and Finance Director for 
four years of Boots Healthcare International, 
its over-the-counter (“OTC”) medicines 
business. Andrew was also Independent 
Non-Executive Director of AIM-listed 
company Oncimmune Holdings plc.

BRINGS TO THE BOARD

Over 20 years of experience as a Finance 
Director in a wide range of industries 
with strong financial experience and OTC 
market expertise.

Roy Davis is an Independent Non-
Executive Director and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee. He is a 
member of the Audit Committee and the 
Nominations Committee. He is also a Non-
Executive Chair at LungLife AI plc, Foster 
and Freeman (the trading name of the 
Galton group of companies), Rair Health 
Ltd and Inspiration Healthcare Group plc.

PAST ROLES

Leadership positions at a number of 
publicly quoted med tech companies, 
including CEO of Optos plc and Gyrus 
Group plc and Non-Executive Chair at 
Medica Group plc.

BRINGS TO THE BOARD

Over 35 years of commercial experience 
including in medical devices companies 
and strategic consulting and has a 
proven track record of successfully scaling 
companies and delivering substantial value 
for shareholders. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  40

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Committed to the highest standards in Corporate Governance 

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

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 2023. The 
Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate 
governance and to maintaining a sound framework for the 
control and management of the Group’s business.

I was appointed as Chairman in July 2023, having 
served as a Non-Executive Director since 2021 , following 
the departure of John Clarke. I would like to take this 
opportunity to thank John and recognise his invaluable 
contribution to Futura Medical plc in the 11 years he served 
as Non-Executive Chairman.

As Chairman, I have overall responsibility for corporate 
governance and in promoting high standards throughout 
the Group. As well as leading and chairing the Board my 
responsibilities are to ensure:
•  Committees are properly structured and operate with 

appropriate terms of reference;

•  The performance of individual Directors, the Board and 

its committees are reviewed on a regular basis;
•  The Company has a coherent strategy and sets 

objectives against this;

•  There is effective communication between the Company 

and its shareholders.

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. The Board is committed to the highest 
standards of corporate governance and to maintaining 
a sound framework for the control and management of 
Futura Medical plc. The Board is responsible for leading 
and controlling the activities of the Group, with overall 
authority for the management and conduct of the 
business, together with its strategy and development. The 
Board believes that good corporate governance improves 
long-term success and the support from our shareholders 
is vital to our success. We remain responsive to our 
shareholders’ and stakeholders’ views to deliver on our 
strategy and objectives. 

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 45 to 48 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. 

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

9 April 2024 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  41

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR NEW CHAIRMAN

Q&A

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

“What is important to our 
shareholders is maximising 
the value of Futura which 
we are going to accomplish 
by being laser focused on 
the commercial execution 
of Eroxon® launches in 
Europe, the USA, and other 
geographies such as South 
America, Asia and the 
Middle East.”

companies, geographies and responsibilities? 

Q Where have you previously worked in terms of 
A I had a 36-year career at the Perrigo Company. 

Perrigo is the world's largest manufacturer and 
marketer of a retailer’s own or store brand consumer 
healthcare products, in addition to having a broad portfolio 
of its own branded products across the European markets. 
I worked primarily in the USA over that 36-year period 
and still live in the USA, however I did work in the UK to 
establish Perrigo’s presence in the European marketplace. 
Over my career, I worked with all of the major US retailers, 
establishing, developing, and growing their own brand 
consumer healthcare businesses. I would say that I have 
been immersed in consumer healthcare for a significant 
period of time, and this was recognised by me receiving 
the US Consumer Healthcare Products Association 
(“CHPA”) lifetime achievement award recently. 

Q What are your top three learnings from working 

at publicly quoted companies? What are the 

highlights as well?

A Right at the top of the list would have to be the 

importance of delivering the financial results 
throughout the year. It heightens the challenge of 
managing a business because, running any business, you 
have got to balance long-term strategies and investments 
with short-term objectives and results. The need to report 
as often as we have to makes striking that balance much 
more difficult to achieve.

Also, as a public company, you have to understand that 
the true bosses and owners of the business are your 
shareholders. You have got to always remember that and 
make daily decisions with shareholders front of mind.

Q What is your connection to the UK – what was 

your favourite aspect of living and working 

in the UK? How has living and working in different 
geographies in the USA and Europe shaped and 
influenced your career and outlook?

A My family and I really enjoyed our time in the 

UK. We consider England and more specifically 

Southwest England, a second home for ourselves. I really 
enjoyed the lifestyle in the UK. I think the people are 
particularly sincere and that it's generally a very good 
culture. We made very good, lasting friendships from 
our time there. From a business standpoint, the UK has 
a somewhat different approach compared to the USA. 
When I was based in the UK I learned a lot about the 
positive, pragmatic business approach that can contribute 
to a healthy work/non-work life balance. 

motivated you to take on the role of Chairman?

Q What attracted you to Futura Medical and 
A What attracted me was the excitement and 

interest that I had with Futura being on the cusp 
of having a new product that was nearing approval for 
the US market and preparing to be commercialised for 
the erectile dysfunction market. Erectile dysfunction 
as an OTC business is a virtually untapped consumer 
healthcare market with huge potential. In addition, Futura 
is comprised of a team of very dedicated individuals 
who have been very focused on executing against the 
clear objectives they have set for themselves. I have truly 
enjoyed my two years of being involved with the business 
and can say it has been a very positive experience. I have 
really enjoyed my time thus far with Futura and its team. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  42

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR NEW CHAIRMAN

Q What do you bring to Futura? 
A I think first and foremost is my US consumer and 

broader commercial background. Among the 

most important priorities for Futura at this point is the 
successful commercialisation of Eroxon® in the markets 
where we have regulatory approval. Having managed a 
large consumer healthcare business, I bring significant 
commercial experience combined with executive 
management responsibility. I also understand the 
importance of having a robust governance and leadership 
structure, and processes to enable the Company to grow 
and scale. 

shareholders?

Q What do you want to achieve for Futura’s 
A Ultimately what is important to our shareholders is 

maximising the value of Futura, which we are going 

to accomplish by being laser focused on the commercial 
execution of Eroxon® launches in Europe, the USA, and 
other geographies such as South America, Asia and the 
Middle East. I also think having follow-on brand extensions 
and new products under that Eroxon® umbrella will be 
important to provide long-term growth.

leader in the ED space?

Q Why do you think Eroxon® will become a market 
A There are three key factors that give me great 

confidence that Eroxon® will establish itself as the 

leading brand in the markets in which it is launched. 
Firstly, it is going to be the first pure OTC brand on the 
shelf that will be accessible to consumers without a 
prescription or the need for interaction with a pharmacist 
during the purchasing process. That “open accessibility” 
for the consumer is key to creating a large market for 
the brand. Secondly, Eroxon’s fast onset of action, with its 
key brand claim of “Helps you get an erection within 10 
minutes”, is a key product advantage over the traditional 
oral ED drugs that do not start working for 30 to 60 
minutes. And, finally, Futura has had the good fortune to 
enter into agreements with market leading commercial 
partners that possess deep expertise in executing and 
managing successful consumer brand launches. We are 
excited that we have the building blocks in place to realise 
success in all of our key markets. 

Q You have talked about heading up the US Perrigo 

 business, what do you think a brand needs to be 
successful in the USA?

A First and foremost, a new successful brand will 

ideally meet an unmet consumer need. We have 
that with Eroxon® as the first OTC ED treatment with a 
“fast-acting” claim. With that, a strong market launch 
will have excellent planning preceding a focused, well-
executed launch, which will drive awareness amongst 
the consumer, while educating them of the benefits of 
the new brand. Planning, coordination and execution 
with all key retailers is key to a successful market launch. 
As I stated, we have great confidence in our commercial 
partners to accomplish all of these considerations.

have any hobbies?

Q What are your interests outside of work? Do you 
A I have always been a runner and am fortunate, in my 

advanced age, to still be running fairly regularly, but I 
have been running since I was a teenager. I try to prioritise 
daily exercise into my schedule. I also like to play golf and 
try to do that at least weekly. 

workplace?

Q What is your greatest achievement outside of the 
A My greatest achievement is my family and I am very 

proud of them. I have been married to my wife, Erin, 
for 37 years. We have two adult boys and we are very proud 
of the success that they are both having in their lives and 
that my wife and I are at a point where we can enjoy that. 
We are looking forward to welcoming our first grandchild 
later this year.

Jeff received a lifetime achievement award 
at the US CHPA conference in March 2024.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  43

OUR GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

Responsible for the Group’s vision, business model, risk and strategy. Together, the Directors are 
responsible for providing effective leadership to promote the long-term success of the Group. 
 View our Board of Directors’ biographies on pages 39 to 40.

THE BOARD

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

BOARD CHAIR

BOARD COMMITTEES

Responsible for the day-to-day running of the business 
and the implementation of the Group’s strategy.

Leads the Board and facilitates the effective 
contribution of all members to meetings.

Three Committees operate under delegated powers 
and with clear terms of reference.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Supports the CEO and has management responsibility 
for the business operations and its support functions.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

AUDIT COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Reviews the leadership needs of the organisation 
and monitors succession planning for both Board 
and senior executive roles. Responsible for the 
selection process and nomination of all Directors 
to the Board, and reviews the structure, size, and 
composition of the Board.

Monitors and reviews the financial results and 
other reporting and oversees the effectiveness of 
risk management and systems of internal control. 
Provides confidence to shareholders on the 
integrity of reported financial results and challenge 
to the External Auditor and senior management.

Ensures there is a formal process for reviewing 
salaries, benefits, and other terms of service to 
determine appropriate levels of remuneration for 
the Executive Directors and other senior executives.

Committee Chair: 
Jeff Needham

Members: 3

Meetings: 2

Read their report 
on page 49

Committee Chair: 
Andrew Unitt

Members: 2

Meetings: 2

Read their report 
on page 50

Committee Chair: 
Roy Davis

Members: 3

Meetings: 3

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  44

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

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 formally at least six times per year 
and informally as required. It 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. 

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’s overall strategic objective is to commercialise 
innovative and clinically proven products for the OTC 
sexual health market. We then partner with leading 
consumer healthcare companies who are well resourced 
to commit significant marketing spend and expertise. 
This strategy is aligned with the demographic changes 
of ageing populations, increasing prosperity and the 
expectation of leading a full and active life, no matter your 
age. With an innovative R&D team and capabilities, we look 
to fulfil the needs of the large, underserved OTC sexual 
health market.

The Group is aware of its corporate and social 
responsibilities and the need to maintain effective 
working relationships across a range of stakeholder 
groups. In addition to shareholders, these include the 
Group’s employees, regulators, commercial partners, 
manufacturers, consumers and healthcare professionals. 
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. 

Now that Eroxon® has had regulatory approval in the USA, 
EU and other key markets, the Group has chosen to realise 
monetary value via out-licensing deals with commercial 
partners. If resources permit, the Group may choose to 
advance other products through clinical development 
and approval in order to retain the full value of the product 
within the Group.

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 34 to 36 of our Strategic 
Report. The key challenge to the 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 
sufficient financial rewards for the Group in the 
longer term.

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 31 to 33.

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. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  45

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the 
effectiveness of these internal controls on an annual 
basis and the Risk and Oversight Committee (“ROC”) 
provides additional oversight of its operational compliance 
in respect of its assets. During 2023 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 any issues arising out of the 
commercial activities and clinical trials that the Company 
is planning and undertaking.

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 Group grows. A summary of principal risks 
and uncertainties facing the Group, as well as mitigating 
actions, are set out on pages 34 to 36 of our Strategic 
Report.

PRINCIPLE 5 – A WELL-FUNCTIONING BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

Futura’s Board comprises three 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 two 
Non-Executive Directors. Details of the Directors who 
served in the year can be found on page 56.

Attendance at Board and Committee meetings

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. The Board met formally seven times during 2023 and, 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 
statements. 

Director

John Clarke
Andrew Unitt
Jeff Needham
James Barder
Angela Hildreth
Ken James 

Board 

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

2/2
2/2

1/1
2/2
3/3

N/A
2/2
2/2

4/4
7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7
6/7

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.

Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment stipulate that they are expected to devote such time as is necessary 
for the proper performance of their duties, being not less than 25 days per year. Non-Executive Directors are required 
to notify the Chairman before taking on any additional commitments that may impact the time available to devote to 
the Non-Executive Director role. The Board is satisfied that all Directors have continued to be effective and demonstrate 
commitment to their respective roles.

Independence of Board Directors

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. 

The 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.

PRINCIPLE 6 – 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 the commercial, operational and financial development of 
the Group’s products.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  46

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

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. 

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. 

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. 

The skills and experience of the Board members are shown in the table below:

Director

John Clarke*
Jeff Needham 
Andrew Unitt
James Barder
Angela Hildreth
Ken James

Pharma/ 
OTC sector

Financial

General 
management

Other public 
company 
(Board level)

























* John Clarke resigned 18 July 2023

PRINCIPLE 7 – EVALUATION OF BOARD PERFORMANCE

Internal evaluation of the Board, the Committees and individual Directors is undertaken on an annual basis and was 
recently completed in March 2024 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 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 Senior Non-Executive Director 
Andrew Unitt.

The Chairman is responsible for the annual performance assessment of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief 
Executive Officer reviews the performance of 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 review in March 2024 concluded that the Directors were satisfied with Board operations and processes with no major 
issues raised.

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 with 
staff regarding progress and staff feedback regularly sought. The Board's 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 
consumers.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  47

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

PRINCIPLE 9 – MAINTENANCE OF GOVERNANCE 
STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES

member present) with the External Auditor at least once 
per year.

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 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 two to three times 
per 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.

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 

The Group’s Auditor is Grant Thornton UK LLP based at 
2nd Floor, St John’s House, Haslett Avenue West, Crawley 
RH10 1HS and was appointed in 2019 as part of a tender 
process. The senior statutory auditor is Jonathan Oakey.

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 Directors 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 55.

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.

The Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee, which meets as required, 
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 Directors 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. 

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.

JEFF NEEDHAM
Non-Executive Chairman

9 April 2024

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  48

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

ANDREW UNITT
Chairman of the Audit Committee

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

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’s 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; and

•  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:

January 2023 

Presentation of 2022 Audit Plan

April 2023 

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 its 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 its work for 
the year ended 31 December 2023 is included within the 
Independent Auditor’s Report on pages 59 to 66. Grant 
Thornton was appointed in 2019 following a tender process. 
The senior statutory auditor is Jonathan Oakey. 

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.

Presentation of 2022 Audit Report (see 2022 Annual Report 
for 2022 Audit Report)

ANDREW UNITT
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Review of 2022 audit performance

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  49

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

ROY DAVIS
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE: COMPOSITION 
AND TERMS OF REFERENCE

POLICY ON EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ 
REMUNERATION

During the period under review the Remuneration 
Committee comprised the independent Non-Executive 
Directors and was chaired by Jeff Needham until Roy 
Davis joined in January 2024 and took over as Chair. 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 three Remuneration 
Committee meetings during 2023.

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.

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 healthcare and medicine 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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  50

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The table below sets out the elements of the Executive Director’s compensation and how each element operates as well as the maximum level of each element and any applicable 
performance measures.

Element and Purpose

Operation

Maximum Level

Fixed Remuneration

Basic Salary

To provide a competitive base 
salary for the market and size of the 
Group in order to attract and retain 
Executive Directors of a suitable 
calibre.

Benefits

Usually reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee and 
recommended to the Board, taking account of:

Salary increases will generally be in line with salary increases to other 
employees, but may be adjusted to take account of:

•  Salary increases awarded to the wider workforce

•  Promotion

•  Group performance

•  Role and experience

•  Individual performance; and

•  Competitive environment

•  Change in scope of role

•  Realignment with market; and

•  Development and performance in the role

To provide a competitive range of 
benefits as part of total remuneration.

Executive Directors usually receive:

•  Private medical insurance

No overall maximum has been set, but the level of benefits provided 
is determined taking into account the overall cost to the Group. 

Retirement Benefits

To provide an appropriate level of 
retirement benefit (or cash allowance 
equivalent).

SERVICE CONTRACTS

•  Salary-related death-in-service life insurance

Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the Group defined 
contribution pension scheme. In appropriate circumstances, 
Directors may be permitted to take benefits as a salary cash 
supplement (which will usually be reduced to take into account 
employer National Insurance contributions).

Contributions for 2022 and 2023 were set at 10% of base salary.

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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  51

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Element and Purpose

Operation

Maximum Level

Variable Remuneration

Annual Bonus

Rewards performance over the 
financial year, including in relation 
to performance which supports the 
Group’s longer-term objectives. 

Awards for Executive Directors are based on performance, measured 
over the financial year to which they relate, and split between 
strategic and corporate, and individual objectives split 90% and 10% 
respectively.

The maximum annual bonus level in 2021 and 2022 was 50% of base 
salary and following a remuneration/benchmark review in 2023 was 
80% of salary. Any bonus is granted on a discretionary basis.

Annual Share Options Awards

To create alignment between 
Executive Directors’ and shareholders’ 
interests through annual share 
options issued through the approved 
and unapproved share options 
schemes.

Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)

To create alignment between 
Executive Directors’ and shareholders’ 
interests through the delivery of 
performance-based awards.

Awards are made annually in the form of market value share options. 
Vesting is subject to performance criteria being met and the 
Directors remaining in office. 

Share options are awarded in the form of nominal cost share options 
with the quantum of options dependent on a target share price 
achieved.

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 share options granted in 2023 will vest 
three years from the date of grant providing the Executive Director 
remains in office, or is not under notice, at the date of vesting.

In 2023, performance milestones were achieved, and the target share 
price reached. The options granted will vest 25% immediately with a 
further 25% vesting annually following the date of grant, subject to the 
Executive Directors remaining in office at the date of vesting. 

This LTIP scheme is now closed. The Board is considering the most 
appropriate measure and timing to introduce a further scheme.

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 Board encourages the ownership of Futura shares by Executive and 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 2023 was settled in January 2024 by the issue of 43,500 shares at 51.50 pence per share. 
The 2024 award has been determined at 27.10 pence per share and the Non-Executive 
Directors will accrue these shares over 2024 and receive them, or such lower number as 
have accrued if they leave the Group earlier, in January 2025.

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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  52

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

The emoluments of the Directors, who represent the key management personnel were as follows, in 2023:

 Salary and 
Directors’ Fees

Bonus 

Share Awards

Benefits in Kind

 Pension

Year ended 31 December 2023

£

277,407
200,000
205,000

41,853
53,947
39,000
817,207

£

183,600
144,000
147,600

–
–
–
475,200

£

–
–
–

29,302
13,000
13,000
55,302

 £

8,547
–
1,685

–
–
–
10,232

 £

–
–
20,500

–
–
–
20,500

Total

 £

469,554
344,000
374,785

71,155
66,947
52,000
1,378,441

 Year ended 31 
December 2022

£

435,059
284,594
310,799

97,067
53,125
50,000
1,230,644

James Barder
Ken James
Angela Hildreth

Non-Executive Directors
John Clarke*
Jeff Needham
Andrew Unitt
Totals

* John Clarke resigned July 2023.

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

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES

James Barder
John Clarke*
Ken James
Angela Hildreth
Jeff Needham
Andrew Unitt
Totals

31 December 2023

31 December 2022

Beneficial  
Interests

Non-beneficial 
Interests

1,323,472
–
299,581
142,857
27,961
38,496
1,832,367

117,500
–
–
–
–
–
117,500

Beneficial  
Interests

1,323,472
795,100
299,581
142,857
20,612
26,526
2,608,148

Non-beneficial 
Interests

117,500
–
–
–
–
–
117,500

* John Clarke resigned as a Director of the Group in July 2023. As such, his interests in shares are not required to be disclosed as at 31 December 2023.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  53

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARE OPTIONS

The Board uses share options to align 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 Directors included options granted under the LTIP scheme and were as follows:

James Barder
Ken James
Angela Hildreth
John Clarke*
Totals

31 December 2023

31 December 2022

Options  
 Held

3,615,927
3,375,955
3,040,081
–
10,031,963

Share-based  
Payment  
Expense

386,893
341,500
330,191
–
1,058,584

Options  
 Held

2,085,716
1,945,227
1,508,340
463,343
6,002,626

Share-based  
Payment  
Expense

100,119
87,113
83,789
42,846
313,867

* John Clarke resigned as a Director of the Group in July 2023. As such, his interests in share options are not required to be disclosed as at 31 December 2023.

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
Angela Hildreth
Angela Hildreth
Angela Hildreth
Angela Hildreth
Angela Hildreth
Totals

Grant Date

Number Awarded

Exercise Price/Share

17 September 2019
21 September 2020
5 October 2021
6 April 2023
12 September 2017
19 November 2018 
17 September 2019
19 November 2018
17 September 2019
21 September 2020
5 October 2021
14 September 2022

250,000
300,000
94,322
43,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
240,000
264,000
79,425
2,270,747

31.00 pence
15.50 pence
37.90 pence
43.60 pence
30.50 pence
 7.50 pence
31.00 pence
 7.50 pence
31.00 pence
15.50 pence
37.90 pence
45.00 pence

Earliest  
Exercise Date

1 October 2021
1 October 2022
1 October 2023
1 April 2026
1 October 2019
1 October 2020
1 October 2021
1 October 2020
1 October 2021
1 October 2022
1 October 2023
1 October 2025

Expiry Date

30 September 2026
30 September 2027
30 September 2028
31 March 2033
30 September 2024
30 September 2025
30 September 2026
30 September 2025
30 September 2026
30 September 2027
30 September 2028
30 September 2030

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  54

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The share options of the Directors under the Futura Medical plc Unapproved Option Scheme are set out below:

James Barder
James Barder
James Barder
James Barder
Ken James
Ken James
Ken James
Ken James
Angela Hildreth
Angela Hildreth
Totals

Grant Date

Number Awarded

Exercise Price/Share

Earliest Exercise Date

Expiry Date

12 September 2017
5 October 2021
14 September 2022
6 April 2023
21 September 2020
5 October 2021
14 September 2022
6 April 2023
14 September 2022
6 April 2023

250,000
235,678
165,000
287,000
240,000
264,000
132,000
264,000
52,575
264,000
2,154,253

30.50 pence
37.90 pence
45.00 pence
43.60 pence
15.50 pence
37.90 pence
45.00 pence
43.60 pence
45.00 pence
43.60 pence

1 October 2019
1 October 2023
1 October 2025
1 April 2026
1 October 2022
1 October 2023
1 October 2025
1 April 2026
1 October 2025
1 April 2026

30 September 2024
30 September 2028
30 September 2030
31 March 2033
30 September 2027
30 September 2028
30 September 2030
31 March 2033
30 September 2030
31 March 2033

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 

Some performance milestones, which are non-market-related milestones, were met in 2022. The options granted will vest 25% immediately with a further 25% vesting annually following 
the date of grant. In 2022, a performance milestone was met at the target share price and the following number of share options were granted: 

Grant Date

Number Awarded

Exercise Price/Share

Earliest Exercise Date

Expiry Date

James Barder
Ken James
Angela Hildreth
John Clarke
Totals

7 December 2022
7 December 2022
7 December 2022
7 December 2022

540,716
509,227
472,340
463,343
1,985,626

0.2 pence
0.2 pence
0.2 pence
0.2 pence

10 January 2023
10 January 2023
10 January 2023
10 January 2023

30 September 2030
30 September 2030
30 September 2030
30 September 2030

Some performance milestones, which are non-market-related milestones, were met in 2023. The options granted will vest 25% immediately with a further 25% vesting annually following 
the date of grant. In 2023, a performance milestone was met at the target share price and the following number of share options were granted: 

James Barder
Ken James
Angela Hildreth
Totals

10 October 2023
10 October 2023
10 October 2023

1,450,211
1,366,728
1,267,742
4,084,681

0.2 pence
0.2 pence
0.2 pence

10 October 2023
10 January 2023
10 January 2023

Grant Date

Number Awarded

Exercise Price/Share

Earliest Exercise Date

Expiry Date

30 October 2033
30 October 2033
30 October 2033

A share-based remuneration charge has been included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss in respect of the Approved Share Option scheme, Unapproved Share 
Option scheme and the LTIP scheme.

ROY DAVIS
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  55

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS

The Directors during the year were:

John Clarke  

Non-Executive Chairman1

Jeff Needham 

Non-Executive Director/Non-Executive 
Chairman2

Andrew Unitt 

Non-Executive Director

James Barder 

Chief Executive Officer 

Report. The Directors do not recommend the payment of a 
dividend (2022: £nil).

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

The Directors’ interests in the Company’s shares 
and options over ordinary shares are shown in the 
Remuneration Committee Report on pages 50 to 55.  
No Director has any beneficial interest in the share  
capital of any subsidiary or associate undertaking.

Angela Hildreth  

 Finance Director/Chief Operating Officer

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

Ken James  

 Head of R&D/Executive Director

1  Resigned July 2023.

2  Appointment to Non-Executive Chairman July 2023.

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 innovative and proprietary sexual health products, 
utilising its expertise in the research, development and 
commercialisation of topically delivered gel formulations 
to improve sexual health. The Strategic Report on pages 
2 to 37 provides a review of the business, including the 
Group’s trading for the year ended 31 December 2023, 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 UK. 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 

Details of the Directors’ remuneration appear in the 
Remuneration Committee Report on pages 50 to 55.

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 2023 the Group’s 
expenditure on R&D was £2,045,988 (2022: £4,131,224).

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 
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.

The Directors confirm that:
•  so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant 

audit information of which the Company’s Auditor is 
unaware; and

•  the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought 

to have taken as Directors in order to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.

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 benefit of its members as a whole, as set out in our 
s.172(1) statement on page 31. A consideration of the 
Company's relationship with wider stakeholders, including 
manufacturers and commercial partners, is disclosed in 
the Stakeholders section on pages 31 to 33.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  56

 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

SIGNIFICANT INTERESTS

On 9 April 2024 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
T Adams
WT Lamb Investments Limited
RA Lamb

28.50% 
6.89%
4.51%
3.28%

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

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 UK-adopted International 
Accounting Standards (IFRSs as adopted by the UK) 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 UK-adopted International Accounting Standards; 

•  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 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. 

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, they also acknowledge that a material 
uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on 
the Group’s ability to generate sufficient net revenues 
and resulting cash inflows and raise sufficient finance to 
meet its expected costs to discharge 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.

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. 

By order of the Board

ANGELA HILDRETH
Company Secretary

9 April 2024

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  57

Financial  
Statements

CONTENTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

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 

59

67

68

69

70

71

87

88

89

91

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  58

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

OPINION 

BASIS FOR 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 December 31, 2023, 
which comprise the Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive loss, 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 UK-adopted international accounting 
standards. 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 December 31, 2023 and of the group’s loss 
for the year then ended;

•  the group financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with UK adopted international 
accounting standards;

•  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.

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.

MATERIAL UNCERTAINTY RELATED  
TO GOING CONCERN

We draw attention to note 2.2 in the consolidated financial 
statements, which indicates the risks of the Group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern due to the uncertainty 
around the Group’s ability to generate sufficient net 
revenues and resulting cash inflows and raise sufficient 
finance to meet its expected costs to discharge its 
liabilities in the normal course of business. As stated in 
note 2.2, these events or conditions, along with the other 
matters as set forth in going concern note, indicate that a 
material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt 
on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 
Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter. 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded 
that the director’s use of the going concern basis of 
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements 
is appropriate. 

Our evaluation of management’s assessment of the 
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern 

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 going concern assessments covering 

the period to 30 June 2025 and performing the following 
procedures: 
•  obtaining an understanding of relevant controls over 

management’s going concern models, including those 
over the inputs and assumptions used in the models; 
•  corroborating key assumptions, such as assessing the 

timing and quantity of future sales, increases of costs in 
line with inflation, delays in R&D tax credit receipts and 
challenging management where necessary; 

•  assessing the impact of not achieving expected revenue 

and evaluating the impact of a reduced revenue 
scenario. We considered whether the assumptions are 
consistent with our understanding of the business and 
other audit work undertaken;

•  assessing the impact of the mitigating factors available 

to management in respect of the ability to reduce 
expenditure through cost saving exercises, such 
as reducing bonus payments and R&D expense, or 
alternative options; 

•  assessing the accuracy of management’s past 

forecasting by comparing management’s future 
forecasts modelled in the two prior financial years to the 
actual results for that relevant year and considering the 
impact on the going concern models; 

•  evaluating events that occurred post balance sheet date 
and challenging management as to whether these have 
been correctly reflected in the forecasts prepared; 

•  assessing management’s sensitivity analysis on 

the going concern models and considering if they 
appropriately consider reasonably possible adverse 
movements; and 

•  assessing the adequacy of related disclosures within the 

annual report and accounts.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  59

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

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.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

OUR APPROACH TO THE AUDIT

OVERVIEW OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH

Overall materiality: 

Group: £329,000, which represents approximately 5% of the group’s loss before tax.

Parent company: £720,000, which represents approximately 1% of the parent company’s total assets.

Key audit matters were identified as 

Materiality

Key audit
matters

Group: In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined the matter(s) 
described below to be the key audit matter(s) to be communicated in our report: Revenue Recognition from License Income (new in current 
year).

Parent: Except for the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined that there are no 
other key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

Scoping

Our auditor’s report for the year ended 31 December 2022 included one key audit matter that has not been reported as key audit matter in 
our current year’s report. This relates to Impairment of investment in the subsidiary as market uncertainty with respect to the potential of 
MED3000 has resolved post the EU and US FDA approval and revenue generation.

We performed a full-scope audit on the Parent Company and the other significant component (Futura Medical Developments Limited) using 
component materiality. 100% of the revenue and loss before tax for the year ended 31 December 2023 and 100% of the assets and liabilities as at 
31 December 2023 were included within full-scope audit procedures. This approach is the same as the previous year.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  60

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

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

Description

Audit response

KAM

High

l

i

a
c
n
a
n
fi

l

a
i
t
n
e
t
o
P

t
c
a
p
m

i

t
n
e
m
e
t
a
t
s

Low

Low

Existence of cash and 
cash equivalents

Impairment of investments
(Parent only)

Going 
concern

Revenue – Sale of product

Revenue recognition –
License contract

Disclosures

Our results

Completeness and accuracy 
of accrued bonus expense

Management override 
of controls

Capitalisation of R&D
expense

Accuracy and existence
of tax receivable 

Accounting for new share 
options issued in year

Extent of management judgement

High

Key audit matter

Significant risk

Other risk

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  61

 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

Key Audit Matter – Group

Revenue – License Contract

We identified revenue recognition for license contract as one of the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud and error.

Revenue is the most significant item in the Consolidated Statement of Loss and is a 
key performance indicator as set out in the Annual Report and Financial Statements. 
Revenue is recognised in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard 
(IFRS) 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and requires judgement in 
identification of performance obligations.

In the current year, the company entered a new contract with Haleon plc (“Haleon”) for 
commercialisation of the product in USA. We determined that the significant risk in 
revenue relates to the identification of the performance obligations within this contract 
and the timing of the recognition of the license fee revenue. There were also judgements 
required in determining whether the contract included an embedded lease.

Relevant disclosures in the Annual Report 
•  Financial statements: Note 2.6, 

How our scope addressed the matter – Group

In responding to the key audit matter, we performed the following audit procedures:
•  obtained and assessed the management expert’s assessment for evaluation of the 

accounting treatment of the contract;

•  evaluated whether the accounting policies adopted are in accordance with IFRS 15, 

including the identification of a performance obligation. As part of testing performed, 
assessed whether the policies had been applied consistently;

•  assessed whether the accounting policies adopted are in accordance with IFRS 16, 

including the assessment of whether the license contract contains an embedded lease;

•  assessed the competence and objectivity of managements expert used to assist in 

evaluation of the new contract; 

•  assessed the completeness and accuracy of the contract liability associated with the 

performance obligation in the contract;

•  considered the appropriateness of management judgements and rationale; and
•  obtained an understanding of the relevant controls through with the business initiates, 

records and recognised revenue and contract liability under this contract.

Our results

Based on our audit work, we did not identify any material misstatements with respect 
to the revenue recognition of the new license contract. Revenue was recognised in 
accordance with the group’s accounting policy and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers’.

We did not identify any key audit matters relating to the audit of the financial statements of the parent company only.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  62

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

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

£329,000, which represents approximately 5% of loss before tax.

£720,000, which represents approximately 1% of total assets of company

Significant 
judgements made by 
auditor in determining 
materiality

In determining materiality, we made the following significant judgements:
•  The group’s loss before tax is considered the most appropriate benchmark 
because it is a prominent key performance measure for the users of the 
financial statement;

In determining materiality, we made the following significant judgements: 
•  The company’s total assets are considered the most appropriate 

benchmark because its principal activity is that of a holding company, 
with the largest financial statement line items being investments;

•  5% was deemed to be an appropriate measurement percentage to 

take into account the additional risk of being listed and the associated 
shareholder expectations. The percentage is in line with the prior year. 

Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that we determined 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 to reflect increase in loss before tax.

Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that we determined 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 to reflect increase in assets.

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.

£230,300, which is 70% of financial statement materiality.

£504,000, which is 70% of financial statement materiality.

In determining performance materiality, we made the following significant 
judgements:
•  Our understanding of the entity, updated during the performance of risk 

In determining performance materiality, we made the following significant 
judgements: 
•  Our understanding of the entity, updated during the performance of risk 

assessment procedures; and

assessment procedures; and

•  Our experience with auditing the financial statements of the group in 
previous years including the number of misstatements identified.

•  Our experience with auditing the financial statements of the parent 
company in previous years, including the number of misstatements 
identified.

Performance 
materiality used to 
drive the extent of 
our testing

Performance 
materiality threshold

Significant 
judgements made by 
auditor in determining 
performance 
materiality

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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  63

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

Materiality measure

Group

Parent company

Specific materiality 

Communication of 
misstatements to the 
audit committee

We determined a lower level of specific materiality for the following areas:
•  Directors Remuneration; and
•  Related party transactions.
We determine a threshold for reporting unadjusted differences to the audit committee

Threshold for 
communication

£16,500 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant 
reporting on qualitative grounds.

£36,000 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant 
reporting on qualitative grounds.

The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the threshold for communication to the audit committee.

Overall materiality – Group

Overall materiality – Parent

Loss before tax
£6,891,973

FSM
£329,000
5%

PM
£230,000
70%

TfC
£16,500
5%

Total assets
£74,088,381

FSM
£720,000
1%

PM
£504,000
70%

TfC
£36,000
5%

FSM: Financial statement materiality
PM: Performance materiality

TfC: Threshold for communication to the audit committee

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

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
•  We evaluated the group’s internal control environment and documented our understanding of controls relevant to the audit. 
•  We evaluated IT systems and controls. ISA (UK) 315 (Revised July 2020) requires us to consider the risks arising from the use of IT and the entity’s ITGCs related to each internal control 

relevant to the audit. 

•  We performed process walkthroughs and documented and assessed, the relevant controls covering the Key Audit Matters and certain other risks in the financial reporting system 

identified as part of our risk assessment. 

•  The processes and systems are centralised and as such our understanding of the Group’s controls are the same for all components.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  64

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

Identifying significant components

We identified the significant components of the group 
based on the relative contribution of revenue, loss before 
tax and net assets of each component to the group. 

Type of work to be performed on financial information 
of parent and other components (including how it 
addressed the key audit matters)

We performed a full scope audit on the financial 
statements of Futura Medical plc and Futura Medical 
Developments Limited. 

We tested the consolidation process and carried out 
analytical procedures on the financial statements of 
Futura Medical Healthcare Limited to confirm that there 
were no significant risks of material misstatement of 
the aggregated financial information of the remaining 
component.

Performance of our audit

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 themselves. 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.

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 year-end audit was conducted through a mixture of 
remote and onsite working. This was supported through 
the use of software collaboration platforms for the secure 
and timely delivery of requested audit evidence. 

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

100% of the Group’s revenue, Group’s total assets, Group’s 
total liabilities and of the Group’s loss before tax were 
included in the scope of our full scope audit procedures.

the strategic report and the directors’ report have 
been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements.

Changes in approach from previous period

There are no changes in the scope of the current year audit 
form the scope of that of prior year.

OTHER INFORMATION

The other information comprises the information included 
in the annual report, other than the financial statements 
and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are 
responsible for the other information contained within the 
annual report. 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. 

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 their 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

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on pages 56–57, 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. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  65

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Futura Medical plc
for the year ended 31 December 2023

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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations. 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 Parent Company and determined that 
the most significant which are directly relevant to the 
financial statements are those related to the reporting 
framework, being the Companies Act 2006, Financial 
Reporting Standard 101 (for the Parent Company) 
and UK-adopted international accounting standards, 
together with the QCA Corporate Governance Code and 
the AIM Rules for Companies. Other applicable legal and 
regulatory frameworks include following EU Directive 
2001/83/EC, being regulated, and licensed by the 
medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency 
(MHRA) and being ISO 13485 accredited.

•  We obtained an understanding of how the Group is 

complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks 
by making enquiries of management. We corroborated 
our enquiries through our review of board minutes and 
correspondence received from regulatory bodies.

•  We assessed the susceptibility of the financial 

statements to material misstatement, including how 
fraud might occur, by making enquiries of management 
and those charged with governance. We utilised internal 
and external information to corroborate these enquiries 
and to perform a fraud risk assessment. We considered 
the risk of fraud to be highest through the potential for 
management override of controls. Our audit procedures 
involved: − evaluation of the design and implementation 
of controls that management has in place to prevent 
and detect fraud; − journal entry testing, with a focus 
on material manual journals, including those posted 
directly to cash and those impacting areas of estimation 

uncertainty; and − challenging assumptions and 
judgements made by management in its significant 
accounting estimates. 

the classes of transactions, account balances, expected 
financial statement disclosures and business risks that 
may result in risks of material misstatement.

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

•  These audit procedures were designed to provide 

reasonable assurance that the financial statements 
were free from fraud or error. The risk of not detecting 
a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than 
the risk of not detecting one resulting from error 
and detecting irregularities that result from fraud is 
inherently more difficult than detecting those that result 
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, deliberate 
concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. 
Also, the further removed non-compliance with laws and 
regulations is from events and transactions reflected 
in the financial statements, the less likely we would 
become aware of it; 

•  The engagement partners assessed the appropriateness 
of the collective competence and capabilities of the 
engagement team, including 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 group 

operate; and 

•  understanding of the legal and regulatory 

requirements specific to the Group and Parent 
Company. 

•  Team communications in respect of potential non-
compliance with laws and regulations and fraud 
included the potential for fraud in revenue recognition 
through manipulation of the identified performance 
obligations in contracts. In assessing the potential risks 
of material misstatement we obtained an understanding 
of the Group’s operations, including the nature of its 
revenue sources, products and services to understand 

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.

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.

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

Crawley

9 April 2024

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  66

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss 
for the year ended 31 December 2023

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross Profit
Research and development costs
Administrative expenses

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 71 to 86 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

Year ended
31 December
 2023
 £
3,100,968
(1,326,743)
1,774,225
(2,045,988)
(6,692,007)
(6,963,770) 
71,797 
(6,891,973) 
379,074

Year ended
31 December
 2022
 £
–
–
–
(4,131,224)
(2,740,265)
(6,871,489) 

 –

(6,871,489) 
1,024,994

(6,512,899)

(5,846,495)

(2.21)

(2.03)

Notes
5

6

8

9

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  67

 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
as at 31 December 2023

Assets
Non-current assets
Plant and equipment

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Current tax asset
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 

By order of the Board

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive Officer

Registered number: 04206001

As at 
31 December
 2023
 £

As at 
31 December
 2022
 £

Notes

10

12
8
13

14

16

18

2,484,748
2,484,748

1,158,035
1,158,035

339
1,240,174
376,910
7,714,182
9,331,605

–
265,684
1,022,831
4,026,112
5,314,627

(6,339,534)
(6,339,534)
5,476,819

(1,753,109)
(1,753,109)
4,719,553

602,812
71,068,945
1,152,165
–
 (67,347,103)
 5,476,819

576,093
66,545,796
1,152,165
165,868
 (63,720,369)
 4,719,553

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  68

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2022
Total comprehensive loss for the year 
Share-based payment
Shares issued during the year
Transactions with owners

At 31 December 2022
Total comprehensive loss for the year 
Share-based payment
Shares issued during the year
Warrant exercise
Transactions with owners

At 31 December 2023

Notes

17
16

17
16
18

Share
 Capital
 £
 574,302
 –
 –
 1,791
1,791

576,093
 –
–
 4,844
21,875
26,719

Share 
Premium
 £
 66,378,003
 –
 –
167,793
167,793

 66,545,796
 –
– 
170,024
4,353,125
4,523,149

602,812

71,068,945

Merger
 Reserve
 £
 1,152,165
 –
 –
 –
–

 1,152,165
 –
 –
 –
–
–

 1,152,165

 Warrant 
Reserve
 £ 

 Retained
 Losses
 £
 165,868  (58,545,726)
 (5,846,495)
 671,852
 –
671,852

 –
 –
 –
–

 165,868  (63,720,369)
 (6,512,899)
2,720,297
 –
165,868
2,886,165

 –
 –
 –
(165,868)
(165,868)

 Total
 Equity
 £
9,724,612
 (5,846,495)
671,852
169,584
841,436

4,719,553
 (6,512,899)
2,720,297
174,868
4,375,000
7,270,165

–

(67,347,103)

5,476,819

The 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. These warrants were exercised in 2023 and the warrant reserve was transferred to retained earnings.  
Please refer to Note 18.

The Notes on pages 71 to 86 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  69

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before tax
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Finance income
Share-based payment charge

Cash flows used in operating activities before changes in working capital

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

Cash generated by/(used in) operations

Income tax received

Net cash generated/(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
Exercise of warrants

Cash generated by financing activities

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Net foreign exchange differences

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

The Notes on pages 71 to 86 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£

Notes

(6,891,973)

 (6,871,489)

 130,272 
48,865
(71,797)
2,720,297
 (4,064,336)

 24,734 
585
–
671,852
 (6,174,318)

 (339)
(974,490)
 4,586,424 
 (452,741)

 –
(186,429)
 (325,075) 
 (6,685,822)

 1,022,994
 570,253

 910,476
 (5,775,346)

 (1,505,849)
71,797

(1,434,052) 

 (740,697)
–

(740,697) 

174,868 
4,375,000
4,549,868

3,686,069
4,026,112
2,001
7,714,182 

169,584 
–
169,584

(6,346,459)
 10,372,571 
–
 4,026,112 

10

17

12
14

 10

 16
18

13

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  70

 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

Futura Medical plc (the “Company”) is a public limited 
company incorporated and domiciled in England and 
Wales 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 2023.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company 
and the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023 
were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 
9 April 2024.

The Group is principally engaged in the development and 
sale of consumer 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 UK-adopted International 
accounting standards (“IFRS”). 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.

Monetary amounts in these financial statements 
are rounded to the nearest pound sterling (£), unless 
otherwise stated, which is also the functional currency of 
the Company.

2.2 Going concern

The Board has considered the applicability of the 
going concern basis in the preparation of the financial 
statements. Notwithstanding a loss for the year ended 
31 December 2023 of £6,512,899, the Board considers that, 
based on the reasons set out below, the preparation of the 

financial statements on a going concern basis remains 
appropriate.

2.3 Standards, amendments and interpretation to 
existing standards

In assessing the appropriateness of adopting the going 
concern assumption, the Group has prepared a detailed 
budget (“the budget”) for the period ending 31 December 
2024 and a further forecast (“the forecast”) for the period 
ending 30 June 2025. 

The Board considers that the budget and the forecast 
represent a reasonable best estimate of the Group’s 
performance over the period to 30 June 2025 and the 
Directors are satisfied that in the scenario modelled in the 
budget and the forecast, the Group and Parent Company 
would be able to continue as a going concern. 

However, in preparing the budget and forecast, the Board 
also noted the existence of a number of factors that 
increase the difficulty inherent in predicting the Group’s 
performance, in particular its revenue generation and 
timing of key milestone payments. These include a lack of 
any historical information from which to reliably predict 
sales volume and growth and timing of receipts from 
customers in respect of Eroxon® as the product continues 
to launch in further key markets throughout FY24. 
Forecasts provided by commercial partners continue to be 
highly encouraging but are not guaranteed. In addition to 
the budget and forecast, the Board therefore considered a 
possible scenario in which Eroxon® revenues were reduced 
compared to the budget and forecast (the “downside 
scenario”). The Board further considered remedial action 
within Management’s control to delay some discretionary 
spending. In this downside scenario, after taking the 
remedial actions, the Board believes that the Group’s 
resources could still extend beyond June 2025.

The Board does not believe that the Group’s position 
at this point in the execution of its strategy is unusual. 
However, despite the mitigations available to the Group, it 
acknowledges that a material uncertainty exists that may 
cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to generate 
sufficient net revenues and resulting cash inflows and 
raise sufficient finance to meet its expected costs and to 
continue as a going concern and to realise its assets and 
discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

On 1 January 2023, the Group adopted the following 
amendments which are mandatorily effective for the 
period beginning 1 January 2023:
•  Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 

and IFRS Practice Statement 2);

•  Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to 

IAS 8);

•  Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities arising 
from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12);

•  IFRS 17 – Insurance contracts; and
•  International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules 

(Amendments to IAS 12).

The adoption during the year of the amendments and 
interpretations has not had a material impact on the 
consolidated financial statements.

2.4 Basis of consolidation

The financial statements of the Group consolidate 
the financial statements of Futura Medical plc and its 
subsidiary undertakings (together referred to as the 
“Group”) up to 31 December each year. All subsidiaries have 
a reporting date of 31 December.

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. 
Control exists when the Group has the power, directly or 
indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies 
of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In 
assessing control, potential voting rights that are currently 
exercisable or convertible are taken into account. All 
subsidiaries are 100% owned.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in 
the consolidated financial statements from the date that 
control commences until the date that control ceases, 
in accordance with IFRS 10. Intra group transactions and 
balances, and any unrealised gains or losses arising from 
intra group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  71

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

Product revenue

2.5 Segment reporting

An operating segment is a component of the Group that 
engages in business activities from which it may earn 
revenues and incur expenses, including revenue and 
expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s 
other components. The Board of Directors consider that 
it is appropriate to report results as one single business 
segment. This is consistent with management accounting 
information reported regularly to the Board. The Group’s 
Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is considered to 
be the Board.

2.6 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.

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 
recognised on a straight-line basis over the lifetime of the 
contracts. The progress is re-evaluated by Management 
at each reporting date and the revenue recognised is re-
measured accordingly. 

The Group enters into contracts for supply of goods to 
external customers against orders received. The majority 
of contracts that the Company enters into relate to sales 
orders containing single performance obligation for the 
delivery of consumer healthcare products. Revenue is 
recognised when control of the goods is passed to the 
customer. The point at which control passes is determined 
by each customer arrangement, but generally occurs 
when title passes to the customer, on receipt of the goods 
on an ex-works basis.

Product revenue represents net invoice less estimated 
volume discounts, which are considered to be variable 
consideration and include significant estimates. Other 
variable considerations such as milestone payments and 
royalties are not recognised in full until it is highly probable 
that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative 
revenue recognised will not occur. In Management’s 
opinion, that will be when the Group’s customer confirms 
that the milestone has been met or that a royalty is 
due. Estimates associated with variable consideration 
are revisited at each reporting date or when the related 
uncertainty resolved and revenue is adjusted accordingly. 

Contracts with customers carry no obligations relating to 
returns or refunds of the product. As such, no provision has 
been made in respect of returns or refunds.

Commercialisation and licensing revenue

The Group entered into commercialisation agreements 
to license the Group’s products to other parties. These 
contracts give rise to fixed and variable consideration from 
upfront payments, development milestones, sales-based 
milestones and royalties. 

The licences that the Group grant are typically rights to 
use intellectual property which do not change significantly 
during the period of the licence and therefore related non-
conditional licensing revenue is recognised at the point 
where the licence is granted and variable consideration 
as soon as recognition criteria are met. Where control of 
a right to use licence for an intangible asset passes at the 

outset of a contract, revenue is recognised at the point in 
time when control is transferred.

Income dependent on the achievement of a development 
milestone is recognised when it is highly probable that a 
significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue 
recognised will not occur, which is usually when the 
related event occurs. In general, when triggering of a 
milestone is subject to the decisions of third parties (e.g. 
the acceptance or approval of a filing by a regulatory 
authority), the Group does not consider that the threshold 
for recognition is met until that decision is made. 

Sales-based milestone income is recognised when it is 
highly probable that the sales threshold will be reached. 
Sales-based royalties on a licence of intellectual property 
are not recognised until the relevant product sale occurs.

2.7 Leased assets

For any new contracts entered into, 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; and

•  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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  72

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

The Group makes 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 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 low 
value IT equipment and short-term office leases. 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. 

2.8 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

R&D costs recognised in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Loss. 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 remaining 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 
they have not yet commercially launched in the major 
markets therefore commercial feasibility of the product is 
not yet certain. For markets where the products have been 
launched, development spend is no longer applicable.

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 Loss as incurred.

2.9 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 Loss 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.

Plant and equipment 
Furniture and fittings 

2–5 years straight-line
3–10 years straight-line

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are determined 
by the Directors and reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, 
at each reporting date.

•  expenditure on the project can be measured reliably.

2.10 Impairment of non-financial assets

Capitalised development costs, including patents and 
trademarks, are amortised over the periods in which 
the Group expects to benefit from selling the products 
developed. The amortisation expense is included in 

Assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at 
each reporting date. Where indicators are identified, 
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 there are separately identifiable cash flows.

2.11 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 
exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial 
assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.

2.12 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 Loss (2022: £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. 

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  73

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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. 

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 (2022: £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. 

An impairment loss is recognised for the expected credit 
losses on financial assets when there is an increased 
probability that the counterparty will be unable to settle 
an instrument’s contractual cash flows on the contractual 
due dates, a reduction in the amounts expected to be 
recovered, or both. 

The Group applies a simplified approach in calculating 
expected credit losses. The probability of default and 
expected amounts recoverable are assessed using 
reasonable and supportable past and forward-looking 
information that is available without undue cost or effort. 
In calculating, the Group uses its historical experience, 
external indicators and forward-looking information to 
calculate the expected credit losses on a customer-by-
customer basis. 

Financial liabilities 

The Group derecognises a financial liability when the 
contractual obligations are discharged, 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 derecognition of a financial 
liability, the difference between the carrying amount 
extinguished and the consideration paid is recognised in 
profit or loss.

2.13 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.

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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  74

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

2.14 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 Loss in the period in which they arise.

2.15 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 Loss in the 
period in which they become payable.

Accrued holiday pay

Provision is made at each reporting 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 Loss on an accruals basis.

Share-based payment transactions

The Group operates an annual 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 Loss 
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-based vesting conditions. If 
the terms and conditions of share options are modified 
before they vest, any incremental increase in the fair value 
of the share options, measured immediately before and 
after the modification, is also charged to the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Loss 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 (“LTIP”) 
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. For all LTIP 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 Loss 
over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions 
are taken into account by adjusting the estimate of the 
number of equity instruments expected to vest at each 
reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount 
recognised over the vesting period is based on the number 
of share options that eventually vest. 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 
Loss 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 any 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.

2.16 Finance income

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

2.17 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and 
comprise of cash in hand, which are readily available and 
with original maturity of three months or less.

2.18 Warrants

The Company may issue warrants from time to time in 
conjunction with equity instruments. Where warrants 
are issued, the fair value of the warrants are determined 
using the Black–Scholes method and the balance held 
in a warrant reserve until such time the warrants are 
exercised or lapse. The warrant reserve is transferred to 
retained earnings on exercise or lapse, as it is treated as 
distributable profit reserve from the point of issue.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  75

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

3. ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, 
which are described in Note 2, Management is required 
to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not 
readily apparent from other sources. 

The significant judgements and estimates made in 
relation to the financial statements are: 

Share-based payments

The Group operates an equity-settled share-based 
compensation plan for employee services (and others 
providing similar 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-based payment expense 
of £2,720,297 (2022: £671,852), 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 17.

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 judgement 
is required in establishing fair values. The judgements 
include considerations of inputs such as volatility. 

There are no significant estimates which are expected 
to lead to material adjustments in the next accounting 
period.

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 2023 or at 
31 December 2022. 

At 31 December 2023, the Group held balances of the 
following denominated currencies:

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£
4,199,183
832,462
2,682,537

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£
3,589,876
139,167
377,427

£
€
$

GBP
EUR
USD

The majority of operating costs are denominated in 
Sterling although certain expenditures were payable in 
Euros and US Dollars. At 31 December 2023 the Group had 
trade payables denominated in a foreign currency totalling 
£115,071 (31 December 2022: £149,189) and trade receivables 
denominated in foreign currency totalling £1,147,709 
(31 December 2022: £nil).

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. Trade receivables have 
been reviewed and there are no historical cases of default 
or material balances which are past due. Management 
considers that the financial assets below are of good  
credit quality. 

The carrying value of the financial assets recorded in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position represents 
the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

The credit risk for liquid funds and short-term financial 
assets relates to banking institutions holding such funds 
or assets on behalf of the Group. The counterparties 
are considered to be reputable banks with high-quality 
external risk ratings.

The exposure relating to outstanding receivables and the 
carrying amount of cash balances is as follows:

Cash at bank and  
in hand
Trade receivables

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

7,714,182
1,147,709
8,861,891

4,026,112
–
4,026,112

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

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  76

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

4. FINANCIAL RISK CONTINUED

(iii) Liquidity risk

In the normal course of business the Group is exposed to liquidity risk. The Group’s objective is to ensure that sufficient 
resources are available to fund short-term working capital and longer-term strategic requirements. The Group manages 
its liquidity needs by monitoring cash outflows due in day-to-day business. Liquidity needs are monitored in various time 
bands, on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis. Long-term liquidity needs are monitored regularly.

At 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022, the Group’s liabilities had contractual maturities which are summarised as 
follows:

31 December 2023
Trade and other payables 
Contract liability 

31 December 2022
Trade and other payables 
Contract liability 

Carrying 
amount
 £

2,491,818
 3,847,716 
6,339,534

Carrying 
amount
 £

1,320,958
432,151

 1,753,109

2 months
 or less
 £

2,491,818
–
2,491,818

2 months
 or less
 £

1,320,958
–

 1,320,958

2–12 
months
 £

More than 
1 year
 £

–
 3,321,970 
3,321,970

–
525,746
525,746

2–12 
months
 £

More than 
1 year
 £

–
322,716

322,716

–
109,435

109,435

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 objectives when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can 
provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. 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 £7,714,182 of cash at bank as at 31 December 2023 
(31 December 2022: £4,026,112).

5. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Group is focused on the development and 
commercialisation of Eroxon® and therefore operates as 
one segment. The Group derives revenue from the transfer 
of goods and services over time and at a point in time in 
the following geographical split:

EU and UK 
Rest of world

Revenue recognised at 
a point in time 
Revenue recognised 
over time

31 December 
 2023
2,725,475
375,493
3,100,968

31 December 
 2022
–
–
–

31 December 
 2023

31 December 
 2022

3,044,075

56,893
3,100,968

–

–
–

In the current year, two customers represented more than 
10% (2022: n/a) of revenue.

All revenue reported by the Group is from contracts with 
customers. 

The relationship between the timing of the satisfaction 
of the Group’s performance obligations and the typical 
timing of payments from contracts with customers is as 
follows: 
•  Revenue for the sale of goods is recognised at the 

point in time when the goods are delivered or collected 
under ex-works arrangements, which completes our 
performance obligation. At this point in time the 
consideration is unconditional because only the passage 
of time is required before payment is due. Payment is 
typically due between 30 and 60 days following delivery 
of the goods.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  77

 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

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

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
 7

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
 7

 2
 3
12

 2
 3
12

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as 
follows:

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
 £
2,284,686
448,689

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
 £
2,150,346
274,083 

196,252

153,384

2,929,627

2,577,813

2,720,297
5,649,924

671,852
3,249,665

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension and 
insurance benefits costs

Total cash-settled 
remuneration
Share-based payment 
remuneration charge 

Total remuneration

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

Directors’ 
remuneration

Wages and salaries
Other pension and 
other benefit costs
Share-based payment 
remuneration charge
Social security costs

Total remuneration

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£
1,350,349

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£
1,166,078

28,371

26,591

1,058,584
256,535
2,693,839

313,867
143,503
1,650,039

In 2023 there were no Directors (2022: one) who exercised 
share options under the Group share option schemes  
and a gain of £nil was realised (2022: £37,975). In respect of 
the highest paid Director there was £nil gain realised  
(2022: £37,975).

In 2023 there were no Directors (2022: no Directors) 
who participated in a private money purchase defined 
contribution pension scheme. Emoluments for individual 
Directors are disclosed within the Remuneration 
Committee Report.

5. SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED
•  For revenue recognised over time, payment is typically 

received in the form of upfront payments. The 
performance obligations are met over the duration 
of the contract. A contract liability is recognised and 
adjusted at each reporting period to reflect unsatisfied 
performance obligations based on a straight-lined 
apportioned basis over the term of the customer 
contract. Included in revenue for the year is £24,832 
(2022: £nil) which was included in the contract liability 
at the beginning of the period. See Note 15 on contract 
liabilities.

 6. OPERATING LOSS

Operating loss is 
stated after charging/
(crediting):

Depreciation of plant 
and equipment  
(Note 10)
Loss on disposal of plant 
and equipment
Short-term leases: 
property
(Gain)/loss on foreign 
exchange

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£

128,360

24,734

54,256

585

128,205

120,881

 (80,007)

 98,923

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

Audit services

Parent Company
Subsidiaries

Other non-audit 
services
iXBRL tagging

Total fees

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£

49,368
28,462

–
77,830

51,237
15,420

2,000
68,657

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  78

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

7. STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS CONTINUED

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

Remuneration on the previous page includes the following amounts in respect of the highest-paid Director:

Wages and salaries
Employer pension contributions and other benefits
Share-based payment remuneration charge
Social security costs

Total remuneration

8. TAXATION

8.1 Current tax

UK corporation tax credit on loss on ordinary activities

The tax assessed for the year was lower than the UK corporation tax rate (2022: lower). The differences are explained below:

Loss on ordinary activities before tax
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.5% (2022: 19%)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Movement in unrecognised deferred tax
Unutilised tax losses
Share scheme deduction
Surrender of tax losses for R&D tax credit refund
Additional deduction for R&D expenditure
UK corporation tax credit 
UK corporation tax credit reported in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£
462,027
 6,186 
386,893
76,391
931,497

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£
390,898
6,186
100,119
60,144
557,347

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£

379,074

1,024,994

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£

6,891,973
1,621,028
(42,579)
(591,322)
(815,647)
223,602
(402,538)
386,530
379,074
379,074

6,871,489
1,305,583
(247)
(122,999)
(624,175)
25,793
(318,101)
759,140
1,024,994
1,024,994

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  79

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

8. TAXATION CONTINUED

The unrecognised asset comprises of: 

An increase in the main rate of UK corporation tax from 
19% to 25% came into force on 1 April 2023. As a result, the 
current tax charge is calculated using the average tax rate 
of 23.52% for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The corporation tax credit for the year represents research 
and development tax credits of £379,074 (2022: £1,024,994), 
arising from the surrender of losses (rather than carrying 
forward to future years) of £3,323,097 (2022: £7,068,921) 
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. 

The Group has tax losses of approximately £42,242,997 
(2022: £38,980,404) available for offset against future 
taxable profits.

8.2 Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets amounting to £11,980,458 (2022: 
£10,484,989) 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. 

Depreciation differential versus capital allowances
Other short-term timing differences
Unutilised tax losses

 Year ended
 31 December
 2023
£

 Year ended
 31 December
 2022
£

(5,049)
1,424,758
10,560,749
11,980,458 

(6,800)
746,688
9,745,101
10,484,989 

9. 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 (£)
Weighted average of ordinary shares for purposes of basic and diluted EPS (number)
Loss per share basic and diluted (pence)

 2023
6,512,899
294,912,404
2.21

 2022
5,846,495
287,478,055
2.03

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 20,518,841 (2022: 6,583,800). 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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  80

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

10. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost

At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Eliminated on disposals
Charge for year

At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022

Cost

At 1 January 2022
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December 2022
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Eliminated on disposals
Charge for year

At 31 December 2022
Net book value
At 31 December 2022
At 31 December 2021

Plant and 
Equipment 
£
1,283,853
1,505,849
(54,255)

2,735,447

132,089
(5,391)
126,544

253,242

Furniture
 and Fittings
£
 65,321
–
–

 Total
£
1,349,174
 1,505,849
(54,255)

 65,321

2,800,768

 59,050
–
3,728

 62,778

191,139
(5,391)
130,272

316,020

 2,482,205
1,151,764

2,543
 6,271

2,484,748
1,158,035

Plant and 
Equipment 
£

Furniture
 and Fittings
£

 545,270
740,697
(2,114)

1,283,853

108,884
 (1,529)
 24,734

132,089

1,151,764
436,386

 Total
£

610,591
740,697
(2,114)

1,349,174

167,934
(1,529)
24,734

 191,139

 65,321
–
–

 65,321

59,050
–
–

 59,050

6,271
 6,271

 1,158,035
442,657

All fixed assets of the Group are held in Futura Medical Developments Limited. At 31 December 2023, the Group was 
committed to purchase plant and equipment totalling £2,200,218 (31 December 2022: £nil) and had paid advances on 
assets under construction of £1,363,215 (2022: £nil).

11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Assets as per 
Consolidated 
Statement of 
Financial Position
Receivables at 
amortised cost

Trade and other 
receivables (Note 12)
Cash and cash 
equivalents (Note 13)

Total financial assets  
at amortised cost

Liabilities as per 
Consolidated 
Statement of 
Financial Position at 
amortised cost

Trade and other 
payables (Note 14)

Total financial 
liabilities at  
amortised cost

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

1,147,709

70,114

7,714,182

4,026,112

8,861,891

4,096,226

 31 December
 2023
 £

 31 December
 2022
 £

6,339,534

1,753,109

6,339,534

 1,753,109

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

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  81

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

12. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Amounts receivable 
within one year:

Trade receivables
Financial assets (Note 11)
Prepayments

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

1,147,709
1,147,709
92,465
1,240,174

70,114
70,114
195,570
265,684

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.

Trade receivables are measured initially at fair value and 
subsequently held at amortised cost less an allowance 
for expected credit losses. The Group has applied the 
simplified approach to measuring credit losses, which 
uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. To measure 
the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been 
grouped based on days overdue. Standard credit terms  
are between 30 and 90 days from the date the invoice  
was issued. 

The allowance for expected credit losses assessment 
requires a degree of judgement and estimation based on a 
combination of factors, including the Group’s historical loss 
experience and any anticipated effects related to current 
economic conditions, as well as Management knowledge 
of the current composition of trade receivables. Trade 
receivables that Management believe to be ultimately 
not collectible are written off upon such determination. 
The Group defines default of customer balances as any 
amounts outside of the contractual repayment terms.

Trade receivables are regularly reviewed for impairment 
loss. The Group has assessed the credit risk of its financial 
assets measured at amortised cost and has determined 
that the loss allowance for expected credit losses of 
those assets is immaterial to the financial statements. 
As the Group has no material expected credit losses the 
disclosure of the ageing and credit risk relating to trade 
receivables is not required and therefore not presented.

The Group’s trade receivables are denominated in GBP. 
The carrying value of trade and other receivables in the 
Group is consistent with fair value in the current and 
prior year.

The other classes of assets within trade and other 
receivables are denominated in GBP and do not contain 
impaired assets.

Contracts with customers

No impairment losses (2022: £nil) were recognised on 
receivables arising from contracts with customers.

Receivables included 
within ‘Trade and other 
receivables’
Contract liabilities

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

1,147,709
3,847,716
4,995,425

70,114
432,151
502,265

13. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in 
hand

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

7,714,182
7,714,182

4,026,112
4,026,112

14. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables
Social security and 
other taxes
Contract liabilities
Accrued expenses 

31 December
 2023
 £
1,006,054

31 December
 2022
 £
316,181

71,850
3,847,716
1,413,914
6,339,534

145,092
432,151
859,685
1,753,109

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  82

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

15. CONTRACT LIABILITIES

16. SHARE CAPITAL

Contract liabilities comprise of payments from commercial 
partners where performance obligations remain 
outstanding at the period end and revenue is recognised 
over time. The revenue recognition policy is explained in 
Note 2.6.

The significant changes in contract liabilities are  
presented below: 

Allotted, called up and fully paid

31 December
 2023
Number

31 December
 2022
Number

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each

301,405,950

288,046,527

602,812

576,093

The number of issued ordinary shares as at 1 January 2022 was 287,150,971. Each ordinary share carries the right to one 
vote and receive dividends from time to time. During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Company issued shares of 
0.2 pence per share, as follows:

Revenue recognised 
in the year that was 
included in the opening 
contract liability balance
Revenue recognised 
in the year that was 
received in the current 
year
Cash received, 
excluding amounts 
recognised as revenue 
in the period

31 December
 2023
 £

31 December
 2022
 £

24,832

32,061

–

–

3,472,475

432,151

Month

Reason For Issue

January 2022
September 2022
September 2022
September 2022
November 2022

Non-Executive Director award at 15 pence per share 
Exercise of share options at 30 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 7.5 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 31 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 7.5 pence per share

Gross 
Consideration
£
21,834
75,000
18,750
46,500
7,500

169,584

 Shares 
Issued
 Number
145,556
250,000
250,000
150,000
100,000

895,556

The number of issued ordinary shares as at 1 January 2023 was 288,046,527. During the year ended 31 December 2023, the 
Company issued shares of 0.2 pence with each ordinary share carrying the right to one vote and receive dividends from 
time to time as follows:

The maturities of the contract liabilities are 
presented below:

Month

Reason For Issue

Due within one year
Due after one year

31 December
 2023
 £
3,321,970
525,746
3,847,716

31 December
 2022
 £
322,716
109,435
432,151

January 2023
June 2023
July 2023
July 2023
July 2023
July 2023
July 2023
October 2023
November 2023

Non-Executive Director award at 36.36 pence per share 
Exercise of warrants
Exercise of share options at 15.5 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 31 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 30.50 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 7.5 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 0.2 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 0.2 pence per share
Exercise of share options at 0.2 pence per share

Gross 
Consideration
£
31,790
4,375,000
70,672
46,500
15,250
7,500
1,770
530
857

 Shares 
Issued
 Number
87,430
10,937,500
456,000
150,000
50,000
100,000
884,836
265,000
428,657

4,549,869

13,359,423

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  83

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

17. SHARE OPTIONS

At 31 December 2023, 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 2018  – 30 September 2023
1 October 2019  – 30 September 2024
1 October 2020 – 30 September 2025
1 October 2021  – 30 September 2026
1 October 2022 – 30 September 2027
1 October 2023 – 30 September 2028
1 October 2023 – 30 September 2028
1 October 2025 – 30 September 2030
7 January 2023 – 6 January 2033
6 April 2026 – 31 March 2033
9 October 2023 – 30 September 2033

Exercise Price 
per Share
 Pence

 57.50
 30.50
7.50
 31.00
15.50
37.90
29.50
45.00
0.2
43.60
0.2

At 
1 January 
2023
 Number

680,000
500,000
500,000
940,000
1,308,000
1,588,800
100,000
967,000
4,444,940
–
–

 Options 
Exercised
 Number

 –

(50,000) 
(100,000)
 (150,000) 
(456,000)
–
–
–
(885,074)
–
(693,657)

 Options 
Lapsed
Number

(680,000)
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Options 
Granted
 Number

 –
 –
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,934,000
10,570,832

11,028,740

(2,334,731)

(680,000)

12,504,832

At  
31 December 
2023
 Number

–
450,000
400,000
790,000
852,000
1,588,800
100,000
967,000
3,559,866
1,934,000
9,877,175
20,518,841

On 6 April 2023 share options over 1,934,000 new ordinary 
shares were granted to employees (including Executive 
Directors) at a price of 43.6p. The options have a three-year 
vesting period and vesting is subject to the satisfaction of a 
non-market performance condition. The exercise period for 
these options is 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2033.

On 9 October 2023 share options over 10,570,832 new 
ordinary shares were granted to employees (including 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors) at a price of 0.02p 
per share. The options granted will vest 25% immediately 
with a further 25% vesting annually following the date 
of grant.

The share options outstanding at 31 December 2023 
represented 6.81% of the issued share capital as at that 
date (2022: 3.84%) and would generate additional funds of 

£2,481,113 (2022: £2,142,884) if fully exercised. The weighted 
average remaining life of the share options outstanding at 
31 December 2023 was 98 months (2022: 81 months) with a 
weighted average remaining exercise price of 11.96 pence 
(2022: 19.43 pence).

The share options exercisable at 31 December 2023 totalled 
8,430,027 (2022: 5,039,235) with an average exercise price of 
13.98 pence (2022: 21.34 pence) and would have generated 
additional funds of £1,202,739 (2022: £1,075,373) if fully 
exercised.

Options have historically been issued to advisers under 
the unapproved scheme. There were 910,506 share options 
outstanding to advisers at 31 December 2023 (31 December 
2022: 247,416).

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.

The Group’s share option scheme rules apply to all of  
the share options outstanding at 31 December 2023  
(31 December 2022: 11,028,740) and include a rule regarding 
the forfeiture of unexercised share options upon the 
cessation of employment (except in specific circumstances). 

An amount of £2,720,297 (2022: £671,852) has been 
recognised as a charge within administrative expenses in 
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss and 
a credit to retained earnings within equity. There were no 
cash-settled share-based payment transactions.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  84

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

17. SHARE OPTIONS CONTINUED

Share-based payments

Grant date

Number of shares under option
Vesting period ends
Share price as at date of grant
Option exercise price
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Risk-free investment rate
Exercisable from/to
Expected life of options (years)
Fair value per share at grant date

Grant date

Number of shares under option
Vesting period ends
Share price as at date of grant
Option exercise price
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Risk-free investment rate
Exercisable from/to
Expected life of options (years)
Fair value per share at grant date

LTIP Award 

Tranche 1
9 Oct 
 2023
2,642,708
 Oct 23
40p
 0.2p
88.26%
0%
5.01% 

 2023  
annual 
award
6 Apr 2023
1,934,000
Apr 26
43.00p
43.60p
89.58%
0%
3.51%
Oct 23–Oct 33  Oct 24–Oct 33  Oct 25–Oct 33  Oct 26–Oct 33  Apr 26–Mar 33
3 
24.96p

Tranche 4
9 Oct 
 2023
2,642,708
Oct 26
40p
0.2p
88.26%
0%
4.60%

Tranche 2
9 Oct 
 2023
2,642,708
Oct 24
40p
0.2p
88.26%
0%
4.86%

Tranche 3
9 Oct 
 2023
2,642,708
Oct 25
40p
0.2p
88.26%
0%
4.72%

 0.25 
39.80p 

2.25 
39.82p

3.25 
39.83p

1.25 
39.81p

LTIP Award

2022 annual share awards

Tranche 1
07 Dec 
2022
1,111,235
 Dec 22
44.60p
 0.2p
96.49%
0%
3.29% 

Tranche 2
07 Dec 
2022
1,111,235
Dec 23
44.60p
0.2p
96.49%
0%
3.25%

02 Jun 
2022
100,000
Oct 23
29.50p
29.50p
113.72%
0%
1.98%
Dec 22–Dec 30  Dec 23–Dec 30 Dec 24–Dec 30 Dec 25–Dec 30 Oct 25–Sep 30 Oct 23–Sep 28
3 
16.5p

21 Sep 
2022
967,000
Oct 25 
44.80p
45.00p
100.62%
0%
3.05%

Tranche 4
07 Dec 
2022
1,111,235
Dec 25
44.60p 
0.2p
 96.49%
0%
3.24%

Tranche 3
07 Dec 
2022
1,111,235
Dec 24
44.60p
0.2p
96.49%
0%
3.12%

 0.25 
39.94p 

3.25 
39.96p

2.25 
39.95p

1.25 
39.95p

3 
26.53p

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  85

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

18. WARRANTS AND WARRANT RESERVE

19. PENSION COSTS

22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The pension charge represents contributions payable by 
the Group to independently administered funds which 
during the year ended 31 December 2023, amounted to 
£196,532 (2022: £153,383). Pension contributions payable in 
arrears at 31 December 2023, included in accrued expenses 
at the relevant Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position date, totalled £5,258 (2022: £11,325).

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.

20. COMMITMENTS

At 31 December 2023 the Group had operating short-
term lease commitments in respect of property leases 
cancellable on one month’s notice of £10,916  
(2022: £10,365).

21. INVENTORIES

Inventory is carried at cost and the balance of £339 (2022: 
£nil) relates to product samples held for testing and 
marketing purposes.

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.

On 21 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 were 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

31 December 
2022

Grant date
Number of warrants
Share price as at date of grant
Warrant conversion price
Expected life of warrants 
Expected volatility
Dividend yield: no dividends assumed
Risk-free rate

21 January 2020
10,937,500
12.75 pence
 40 pence
 5 years
 81.56%
 0%
 0.44% p.a.

At 1 January 2023, the balance of £165,868 (2022: £165,868) 
was held in warrant reserve. The warrants were exercised 
in June 2023 at a price of 40 pence per ordinary share 
and 10,937,500 shares were issued. Upon exercise of the 
warrant, £4.38 million was received as share capital and 
premium and the balance held in the warrant reserve was 
transferred to retained earnings.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  86

Parent Company Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2023

Company No. 04206001

Non-current assets
Investments

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash at bank and in hand

Total current assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities
Total net assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium 
Warrant reserve
Retained losses

Total equity

As at
 31 December
 2023
 £

 As at
 31 December
 2022
 £

Notes

2

3

4

5

70,080,942

65,244,565

50,519
3,956,920
4,007,439

12,812
2,090,384
2,103,196

(182,112)
(182,112)
73,906,269

(149,633)
(149,633)
67,198,128

602,812
71,068,945
–
2,234,512
73,906,269

576,093
66,545,796
165,868
(89,629)
67,198,128

The loss in respect of the Company for the year was £564,024 (2022: £643,770). The Parent Company financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 
9 April 2024.

The Notes on pages 89 to 90 form part of these Parent Company financial statements.

By order of the Board

JAMES BARDER
Chief Executive

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  87

Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2023

At 1 January 2022
Total comprehensive loss for the year 
Share-based payment
Shares issued during the year
Transactions with owners

At 31 December 2022
Total comprehensive loss for the year
Share-based payment
Shares issued during the year
Warrant exercise
Transactions with owners

At 31 December 2023

Notes

 5

17
16
18

Share
 Capital
 £
574,302
 –
 –
1,791
1,791

576,093
 –
–
4,844
21,875
26,719

Share 
Premium
 £
66,378,003
 –
 –
167,793
167,793

66,545,796
 –
– 
170,024
4,353,125
4,523,149

Warrant 
Reserve
 £ 
165,868
 –
 –
 –
–

165,868
 –
 –
 –
(165,868)
(165,868)

 Retained 
Losses
 £

 Total 
Equity
 £
(117,711) 67,000,462
(643,770)
671,852
169,584
841,436

(643,770)
 671,852
 –
671,852

(89,629)
(562,024)
2,720,297
 –
165,868
2,886,165

67,198,128
(562,024)
2,720,297
174,868
4,375,000
7,270,165

602,812

71,068,945

–

2,234,512

73,906,269

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 is 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 89 to 90 form part of these Parent Company financial statements.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  88

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

•  the disclosure of the remuneration of key management 

Warrants

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.

Monetary amounts in these financial statements 
are rounded to the nearest pound sterling (£), unless 
otherwise stated, which is also the functional currency of 
the Company.

As a Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss 
is published, no separate statement of comprehensive 
loss 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 £562,024 (2022: £643,770). 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 UK 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;

personnel; 

•  disclosure of related party transactions with other wholly 

owned members of the Group; and
•  disclosure of impairment of assets. 

The Company’s financial position and performance 
is included in the consolidated financial statements 
presented on pages 67 to 86.

The Company may issue warrants from time to time in 
conjunction with equity instruments. Where warrants 
are issued, the fair value of the warrants are determined 
using the Black–Scholes method and the balance held 
in a warrant reserve until such time the warrants are 
exercised or lapse. The warrant reserve will be transferred 
to retained earnings on exercise or lapse, as it is treated as 
distributable profit reserve from the point of issue.

Non-derivative financial instruments

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 loss, 
in which case it is recognised directly in equity or other 
comprehensive loss.

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.

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

Trade and other receivables

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 payables

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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  89

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023

2. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY

3. TRADE RECEIVABLES

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 Futura Medical Developments Limited is the 
research and commercialisation of consumer healthcare 
products. The investment is stated at cost plus amounts 
capitalised in respect of the intercompany receivable, 
less accumulated impairment losses. 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. 

At 1 January 2022
Additions in the year
At 31 December 2022
Additions in the year

At 31 December 2023

£
58,427,010
6,817,555
65,244,565
4,836,377

70,080,942

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. 

Amounts receivable within one year: prepayments
VAT receivable

4. TRADE PAYABLES

Trade creditors
Accruals 

5. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 0.2 pence each

31 December 
2023
 £
34,163
16,356
50,519

31 December 
2022
 £
12,812
–
12,812

31 December 
2023
£
116,742
65,370
182,112

31 December 
2022
£
80,318
69,315
149,633

31 December
 2023
Number
301,405,950

31 December
 2022
Number
288,046,527

31 December
 2023
 £
602,812

31 December
 2022
 £
576,093

Details of shares issued by the Company in the year and details of share options outstanding are given in Notes 16 and 17 
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.

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  90

Company Information

COMPANY NUMBER

04206001

DIRECTORS

John Clarke  
Jeff Needham 
James Barder 
Angela Hildreth  
Ken James 
Andrew Unitt  

Non-Executive Chairman1 
Non-Executive Director/ Non-Executive Chairman2
Chief Executive Officer
Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

1 Appointment ended July 2023.
2 Appointment to Non-Executive Chairman July 2023.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS SERVING DURING THE YEAR WERE: 

Audit  
committee

Andrew Unitt
John Clarke

Secretary and registered 
office

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

Nominated adviser  
and broker

Liberum Capital Limited
25 Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9LY

Remuneration  
committee

Jeff Needham
John Clarke
Andrew Unitt

Nominations  
committee

John Clarke
Andrew Unitt

Auditor

Registrar

Grant Thornton UK LLP
2nd Floor
St John’s House
Haslett Avenue West
Crawley
RH10 1HS

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

Joint broker

Patent attorney

Public relations adviser

Principal banker

Stifel Nicolaus Europe LTD
150 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6ET

Withers & Rogers LLP
2 London Bridge Road
London
SE1 9RA

Alma Strategic 
Communications
71 -73 Carter Lane
London
EC4V 5EQ

HSBC Bank
12A North Street
Guildford
GU1 4AF

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  91

Futura Medical plc Annual Report 2023  |  

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

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