UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
☐
or
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-36201
Immunic, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
1200 Avenue of the Americas,
New York,
(Address of principal executive offices)
Suite 200
NY
56-2358443
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
10036
(Zip Code)
(332) 255-9818
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading symbol(s)
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value
IMUX
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Name of each exchange on which
registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
☐
☒
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
☐
☒
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial
accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the
correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the
registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b)☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on June
30, 2022 was $106.1 million.
On February 17, 2023, 44,403,838 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value, were outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: Certain portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference
into Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Immunic, Inc.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022
Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Business.
Risk Factors.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
Properties.
Legal Proceedings.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Selected Financial Data.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Controls and Procedures.
Other Information.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Executive Compensation.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Signatures
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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking
statements are based on our management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management, and are contained
principally in the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “best in class,”
“could,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “expects,” “first-in-class,” “focused,” “goal,” “intends,” “may,” “objective,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “plans,” “potential,”
“predicts,” “projects,” “pursuing,” “should,” “target,” “treatment option,” “will,” “would,” “might,” “can,” “continue” or similar expressions and the negatives
of those terms.
These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about:
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the strategies, prospects, plans, expectations and objectives of management;
our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing standards;
strategies with respect to our development programs, including our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates and the timing
and expected data of clinical trials and preclinical studies;
our estimates regarding revenues, expenses, capital requirements, projected cash requirements and needs for additional financing
possible sources of funding for future operations;
our ability to protect intellectual property rights and our intellectual property position;
future economic conditions or performance;
proposed products or product candidates;
our ability to retain key personnel;
our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; and
beliefs and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or
achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements including
those described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-
looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report, unless an
earlier date is specified. You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference in this Annual Report and have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") as exhibits hereto completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what
we expect.
Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
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Item 1. Business.
Overview
PART I
Immunic, Inc. ("Immunic," “we,” “us,” “our” or the "Company") is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a pipeline of selective oral
immunology therapies focused on treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We are headquartered in New York City with our main operations
in Gräfelfing near Munich, Germany. We currently have approximately 66 employees.
We are currently pursuing clinical development of three orally administered, small molecule programs, each of which has unique features intended to
directly address the unmet needs of patients with serious chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. These include the vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838)
program, which is in Phase 3 clinical development for patients with multiple sclerosis (“MS”); the izumerogant (proposed International Nonproprietary Name
(“INN”) for IMU-935) program, which is an inverse agonist of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma truncated (“RORγt”) that inhibits
the interleukin-17 (“IL-17”) pathway in diseases such as psoriasis; and the IMU-856 program, which is targeted to restore intestinal barrier function and
regenerate bowel epithelium.
The following table summarizes the potential indications, clinical targets and clinical development status of our three product candidates:
Our most advanced drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), is being tested in several ongoing MS trials as part of its overall clinical program in
order to support a potential approval for patients with MS in major markets. The Phase 3 ENSURE program of vidofludimus calcium in relapsing multiple
sclerosis (“RMS”), comprising twin studies evaluating efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo, and the supportive Phase 2
CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium in progressive multiple sclerosis (“PMS”) are ongoing and actively enrolling patients. Our current expectation is to
report data from the interim analysis of the CALLIPER trial in the second half of 2023 and to read-out top-line data at the end of 2024. Moreover, we currently
expect to report data from the interim analysis of the ENSURE program in late 2024 and to read-out the first of the ENSURE trials end of 2025. Although we
currently believe that each of these goals is achievable, they are each dependent on numerous factors, most of which are not under our direct control and can be
difficult to predict. We plan to periodically review this assessment and provide updates of material changes as appropriate.
If approved, we believe that vidofludimus calcium, with combined anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and neuroprotective effects, has the potential to be a
unique treatment option targeted to the complex pathophysiology of MS. Multiple publications from 2022 have highlighted the enhanced understanding of the
triggers and ongoing neuronal destruction of MS, namely, that MS is triggered by infection from Epstein-Barr virus (“EBV”) followed by cross-reactive
antibody production and associated auto-inflammation and neuronal damage. Vidofludimus calcium is a known inhibitor of the enzyme dihydroorotate
dehydrogenase (“DHODH”), which is a key enzyme in the metabolism of overactive immune cells and virus-infected cells. This mechanism is associated with
the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects of vidofludimus calcium. Additionally, recent evidence indicates that vidofludimus calcium activates a yet-to-be-
disclosed target with direct neuroprotective properties, which may enhance its potential benefit for patients. We believe that the combined mechanisms of
vidofludimus calcium are unique in the MS space and support the therapeutic performance shown in our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis (“RRMS”) patients, in particular, via data illustrating the potential to reduce magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) lesions, prevent relapses,
reduce the rate of disability progression, and reduce levels of serum neurofilament light chain (“NfL”), an important biomarker of neuronal death.
Vidofludimus calcium has a consistent pharmacokinetic (“PK”), safety and
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tolerability profile and has already been exposed to more than 1,400 human subjects and patients in either of the drug’s formulations.
Our second drug candidate, izumerogant (proposed INN for IMU-935), is a highly potent and selective inverse agonist of a transcription factor called
RORγ/RORγt. The nuclear receptor RORγt is believed to be the main driver for the differentiation of T helper 17 (“Th17”) cells and the release of cytokines
involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We believe this target is an attractive potential alternative to approaches acting on IL-23, the IL-17
receptor and directly on IL-17. We have observed strong cytokine inhibition targeting both Th1 and Th17 responses in preclinical testing, as well as indications
of activity in animal models for psoriasis, graft versus host disease, MS and inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD"). Preclinical experiments indicated that
izumerogant leads to a potent inhibition of Th17 differentiation, inhibition of cytokine secretion, and induction of regulatory T cells. Importantly, izumerogant
did not affect thymocyte maturation, one of the important physiological functions of RORγt that should be maintained. Based on these preclinical data and the
selectivity of the effect maintaining important physiological functions while providing the desired anti-Th17 effect, we believe that izumerogant has potential to
be a first-and-best-in-class therapy for various autoimmune diseases.
A Phase 1 clinical trial exploring safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics (“PD”), PK and exploratory efficacy of izumerogant in moderate-to-severe
psoriasis patients is currently ongoing. A pre-planned group-level interim analysis revealed on October 20, 2022 noted that the initial two active dose cohorts
did not separate from placebo at four weeks. The overall trial is ongoing. Administration of izumerogant and placebo in this trial were demonstrated to be safe
and well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. We plan to provide further updates and guidance on potential next steps for this development
program towards the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Additionally, izumerogant has been shown in preclinical models to target a mutated androgen receptor (“AR”), an established mechanism of treatment
resistance to AR therapy, making it a potential treatment option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (“mCRPC”). A Phase 1 clinical
trial exploring safety and tolerability of increasing doses of izumerogant to establish the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended Phase 2 dose is
currently ongoing in patients with mCRPC.
Our third program, IMU-856, is an orally available small molecule modulator that targets a protein which serves as a transcriptional regulator of intestinal
barrier function and regeneration of bowel epithelium. We have not yet disclosed the molecular target for IMU-856 to the public. Based on preclinical data, we
believe this compound may represent a unique treatment approach, as the mechanism of action targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function and
bowel wall architecture in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, IBD, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (“IBS-D”) and
other intestinal barrier function associated diseases. We believe that, because IMU-856 has been shown in preclinical investigations to avoid suppression of
immune cells, it may therefore have the potential to maintain immune surveillance for patients during therapy, which would be an important advantage versus
immunosuppressive medications. The final portion of a Phase 1 clinical trial exploring the safety and tolerability of IMU-856 in celiac disease patients during
periods of gluten-free diet and gluten challenge is currently ongoing, and we expect initial results to be available in mid-2023.
Additional antiviral-directed development activities remain ongoing through preclinical research examining the potential to treat a broad set of viral
indications with new antiviral molecules. We have begun exploring several options to possibly support further development of our antiviral portfolio, including
a potential spin-off into a new or existing company and potential licensing transactions.
We expect to continue to lead most of our research and development activities from our Gräfelfing, Germany location, where dedicated scientific,
regulatory, clinical and medical teams conduct their activities. Due to these teams' key relationships with local and international service providers, we anticipate
that this will result in timely, cost-effective execution of our development programs. In addition, we are using our subsidiary in Melbourne, Australia to
expedite the early clinical trials for izumerogant and IMU-856. We also conduct preclinical work in Halle/Saale, Germany through a collaboration with the
Fraunhofer Institute.
Our business, operating results, financial condition and growth prospects are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the failure of our
clinical trials to meet their endpoints, failure to obtain regulatory approval and failure to obtain needed additional funding on acceptable terms, if at all, to
complete the development and commercialization of our three development programs.
Strategy
We are focused on the development of new molecules that maximize the therapeutic benefits for patients by uniquely addressing biologically relevant
immunological targets. We take advantage of our established research and development infrastructure and operations in Germany and Australia to more
efficiently develop our product candidates in indications of high unmet need and where the product candidates have the potential to elevate the standard of care
for the benefit of patients. Given the mechanisms of action and the data generated for our product candidates, to date, we continue to execute on the
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clinical development of our programs for established indications as well as explore additional indications where patients could potentially benefit from the
unique profiles of each product candidate.
We are currently focused on maximizing the potential of our development programs through the following strategic initiatives:
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Executing the ongoing Phase 3 ENSURE and Phase 2 CALLIPER clinical trial programs of vidofludimus calcium in MS.
Executing the ongoing clinical trials of izumerogant in patients with psoriasis and in patients with mCRPC, with the path for future development to be
assessed following analysis of the results.
Executing the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease.
Continued preclinical research to complement the existing clinical activities, explore additional indications for future development, and where
appropriate, generate additional molecules for future development.
Facilitating readiness for potential commercial launch of our product candidates through targeted and stage-appropriate pre-commercial activities.
Evaluating potential strategic collaborations for each product candidate in order to complement our existing research and development capabilities and
to facilitate potential commercialization of these product candidates by taking advantage of the resources and capabilities of strategic collaborators in
order to enhance the potential and value of each product candidate.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
We have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. We have never been profitable and have
incurred operating losses in each year since our inception in 2016. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $317.3 million and $196.9 million as of
December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Substantially all of our operating losses resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our
research and development programs and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations.
We expect to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future as we initiate and continue the development of our
product candidates and add personnel necessary to advance our pipeline of product candidates. We expect that our operating losses will fluctuate significantly
from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year due to timing of development programs.
From inception through December 31, 2022, we have raised net cash of approximately $355.5 million from private and public offerings of preferred and
common stock. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $106.7 million and investments - other of
$9.6 million. With these funds, we expect to be able to fund our operations beyond twelve months from the date of the issuance of the accompanying
condensed consolidated financial statements.
Key Status Updates
Vidofludimus Calcium (IMU-838)
Phase 3 Program of Vidofludimus Calcium in RMS (ENSURE-1 and ENSURE-2 Trials)
The ongoing ENSURE program comprises two identical multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase 3 clinical trials designed to evaluate the efficacy,
safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo in RMS patients. Based on vidofludimus calcium’s highly significant activity in preventing
lesion formation in our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in RMS, the strong and consistent correlation observed between lesion formation and clinical relapse in third-
party clinical trials, and the drug’s robust safety profile, to date, we believe that this Phase 3 program should provide a straightforward path towards potential
regulatory approval of vidofludimus calcium in RMS.
Each of the identical twin Phase 3 clinical trials, titled ENSURE-1 and ENSURE-2, is expected to enroll approximately 1,050 adult patients with active
RMS at more than 100 sites in more than 15 countries, including the United States, India and countries in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe. Patients
will be randomized in a double-blinded fashion to either 30 mg daily doses of vidofludimus calcium or placebo and the primary endpoint for both clinical trials
is time to first relapse up to 72 weeks. Key secondary endpoints include volume of new T2-lesions, time to confirmed disability progression, time to sustained
clinically relevant changes in cognition, and percentage of whole brain volume change. With regard to the disability
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progression endpoint, the ENSURE program will apply a pooled analysis of confirmed disability worsening across both clinical trials.
The ENSURE trials are being run concurrently. The first patient in ENSURE-1 was enrolled in November 2021. The first patient in ENSURE-2 was
enrolled in January 2022. An interim analysis to assess event rates is planned to occur after approximately half of the relapse events have occurred in the
double-blind treatment periods. This analysis is intended to inform potential sample size adjustment and help ensure that final study readout is not planned to
occur before sufficient events have been achieved. This interim analysis will also allow for a non-binding futility analysis. We currently expect to report data
from the interim analysis of the ENSURE program in late 2024 and to read-out the first of the ENSURE trials end of 2025.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in PMS (CALLIPER Trial)
The ongoing multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium is expected to enroll
approximately 450 patients with PMS at more than 70 sites in North America, Western, Central and Eastern Europe with patients randomized to either 45 mg
daily doses of vidofludimus calcium or placebo in a double-blinded fashion. The trial’s primary endpoint is the annualized rate of percent brain volume change
up to 120 weeks. Key secondary endpoints include the annualized rate of change in whole brain atrophy and time to 24-week confirmed disability progression
based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (“EDSS”) which may further support disability data from the ENSURE trials. The first patient was enrolled in
September 2021. Our current expectation is to report data from the interim analysis of the CALLIPER trial in the second half of 2023 and to read-out top-line
data at the end of 2024.
An interim analysis comprising an unblinded analysis of serum NfL and glial fibrillary acidic protein (“GFAP”) is planned to occur once approximately
half of the enrolled patients have completed 24 weeks of treatment. NfL and GFAP have been shown in third-party research to consistently correlate with
disease activity in neurodegenerative disorders and have become two of the most important serum biomarkers for axonal damage over the past few years. As
previously reported, results of the Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in RRMS showed a robust decrease in serum NfL at 24 weeks (-17.0% for
30 mg and -20.5% for 45 mg), as compared to baseline values, while the patients on placebo experienced a 6.5% increase in serum NfL over the same period.
The Phase 2 CALLIPER trial is intended to run concurrently with and to complement the Phase 3 program in RMS. In particular, CALLIPER is focused
on progressive forms of MS and is designed to corroborate vidofludimus calcium’s neuroprotective potential, as exemplified by slowing of brain atrophy and
delay in disability worsening. Neurodegeneration is a key concern in both PMS and RMS, since axonal and neural damage is responsible for the increasing and
often severe disability experienced by patients. We believe that, if the CALLIPER trial is successful in showing a beneficial effect of vidofludimus calcium, this
data, along with the ENSURE program and vidofludimus calcium’s strong safety and tolerability profile, may allow for a meaningful clinical differentiation of
vidofludimus calcium from other oral MS medications and a potentially attractive commercial positioning. Although a supportive trial, we do not believe that
data from the CALLIPER trial are a pre-condition for filing a New Drug Application (“NDA”) in RMS. Additional clinical studies and the potential regulatory
path forward specific to the treatment of PMS will be informed by the results of the CALLIPER trial and will be further assessed accordingly.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in RRMS (EMPhASIS Trial) – Open-Label Portion
On November 17, 2022, we reported newly available data from the Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in RRMS. The trial includes an
optional long-term open-label extension (“OLE”) phase running up to 9.5 years. An interim analysis was performed with data extraction in October 2022, when
209 patients remained on treatment in the OLE phase, some of whom have already received more than 180 continuous weeks (approximately four years) of
active treatment with vidofludimus calcium. Long-term open-label treatment with vidofludimus calcium was associated with a low rate of confirmed disability
worsening over time, comparing favorably to historical trial data for currently available MS medications. During the 24-week double-blind main treatment
period, 12-week and 24-week Confirmed Disability Worsening (“12w/24wCDW”) events occurred in 1.6% of subjects in the combined vidofludimus calcium
treatment arms as compared to 3.7% in the placebo group. In the OLE phase, the proportion of patients free from 12wCDW was 97.6% after 48 weeks and
94.5% after 96 weeks of vidofludimus calcium treatment as compared to the start of the OLE phase. Similar results were observed for 24wCDW and sustained
CDW. The OLE phase also showed low relapse activity.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Ulcerative Colitis (CALDOSE-1 Trial)
On June 2, 2022, we reported top-line data from our Phase 2 CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative
colitis (“UC”). The trial did not achieve the primary endpoint of clinical remission for the pooled 30 and 45 mg/day active dose groups of vidofludimus calcium
versus placebo at week 10. In addition, no meaningful
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differences were observed between the three active dose groups for the overall intent-to-treat patient population (10 mg/day: 14.9%, 30 mg/day: 10.6%, 45
mg/day: 13.6%, placebo: 12.5%) or for the trial’s other secondary endpoints, including symptomatic remission, or endoscopic healing.
Consistent with prior data sets in other patient populations, administration of vidofludimus calcium in this clinical trial was observed to be safe and well-
tolerated. No new safety signals were observed. As compared to placebo, there were no increased rates of infections and infestations, no elevated rates of liver
events or liver enzyme elevations, and no elevated rates for changes in hematology-related laboratory variables. The most common adverse events in this
clinical trial were anemia (15/263 patients, 5.7%), headache (9/263 patients, 3.4%) and coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) (7/263 patients, 2.7%). Most
adverse events were generally mild in severity.
As is common for the design of clinical trials in UC, the use of oral systemic corticosteroids (≤20 mg/day prednisolone equivalent) was allowed in
CALDOSE-1 in patients who had been treated with corticosteroids for at least four weeks before randomization. Doses of corticosteroids were required to be
kept constant throughout the induction phase (weaning was not allowed in this phase of the clinical trial), and the distribution of patients using corticosteroids
was equal throughout all treatment groups. Surprisingly, CALDOSE-1 data suggest a previously unknown treatment interference between the efficacy of
vidofludimus calcium and the concurrent use of corticosteroids in the UC patient population. More specifically, the non-steroid patient population showed an
11.4% advantage in clinical remission for vidofludimus calcium over placebo (pooled vidofludimus calcium treatment groups at week 10: 14.7%, placebo:
3.3%). Such a difference in clinical remission between active treatment and placebo would traditionally be considered as confirming therapeutic activity. In
contrast, patients concomitantly taking vidofludimus calcium and corticosteroids during induction treatment had a lower rate of clinical remission at week 10
(11.5%) than placebo patients (20.6%) and also lower than the group of vidofludimus calcium monotherapy without concurrent use of steroids (14.7%). This
treatment interference between vidofludimus calcium and corticosteroids was not expected based on our analysis of currently available preclinical or clinical
data.
Based on these results, we announced that our development programs in the IBD indications will not be continued without a partner.
Izumerogant (IMU-935)
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Izumerogant in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis Patients
On October 20, 2022, we announced the outcome of a pre-planned interim group-level data analysis of our Phase 1b clinical trial of izumerogant in
patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The pre-planned interim analysis revealed that the group averages for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ("PASI”)
reductions in the two active arms did not separate from placebo at four weeks. Although the active arms performed in line with expectations, based on similarly
designed trials, the trial experienced a greater decrease than expected in PASI in the placebo arm. Administration of izumerogant and placebo in this trial were
demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. We plan to provide further updates and guidance on potential next steps
for this development program towards the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Following the announcement of our interim group-level data on October 20, 2022, our stock price experienced a significant decline from the prices
preceding the announcement and the recent prices raised in our October 10, 2022 Private Placement. We considered these to be triggering events indicating that
it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. As a result, we recorded a full impairment of our goodwill of approximately $33.0 million in the quarter
ended December 31, 2022.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Izumerogant in mCRPC
Based on strong preclinical results, we have initiated an open-label Phase 1 dose-escalation trial in mCRPC designed to evaluate the safety and
tolerability of increasing doses of izumerogant to establish the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase 2 dose. The trial’s Principal Investigator is
Johann Sebastian de Bono, MD, PhD, Regius Professor of Cancer Research and Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine, The Institute of Cancer Research,
London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. The trial was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”), the Research Ethics Committee (“REC”) and the Health Research Authority (“HRA”) in the United Kingdom. The first patient
was enrolled in December 2021.
The pre-planned dose escalation in the trial with dosing of up to 900 mg daily of izumerogant has been completed. Initial safety data available, to date,
show a promising safety profile, with only benign adverse events and no dose limiting toxicities.
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IMU-856
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of IMU-856 in Healthy Human Subjects
On September 20, 2022, we announced positive unblinded safety, tolerability and PK results from Part A (single ascending doses) and Part B (multiple
ascending doses) of our Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in healthy human subjects.
In the single ascending doses part, healthy human subjects were randomized in a double-blinded manner to either placebo or active treatment with single
ascending doses of IMU-856 at 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg and 160 mg. Single ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-
tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. No serious adverse events occurred. Moreover, a dose-linear PK profile was observed across the
investigated dose range.
In the multiple ascending doses part, healthy human subjects were dosed for 14 consecutive days with 40 mg, 80 mg or 160 mg once-daily of IMU-856 or
placebo in a double-blinded manner. Multiple ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was
reached. Treatment emergent adverse events were mostly mild in severity. No Investigational Medicinal Product-related serious adverse events were reported.
No dose-dependent changes in laboratory parameters (including no effects on liver enzymes or in hematological parameters), vital signs, physical examination
or electrocardiographic evaluations were found. PK analysis showed a quick achievement of stable steady-state plasma concentrations within the first week and
stable steady-state trough levels over the 14-day treatment period with a low accumulation factor for IMU-856, allowing predictable trough levels during daily
dosing. PK parameters in steady-state revealed a Tmax (time to reach maximum plasma concentration) of 2 to 3 hours post-dose, a plasma half-life of 17.4 to
21.5 hours and dose proportional increases in Cmax (maximum plasma drug concentration) and AUC (area under the concentration-time curve).
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of IMU-856 in Celiac Disease
On May 5, 2022, we announced the start of the patient cohorts in our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease. Part C is
structured as a 28-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, PD and biomarker responses of IMU-856 in patients
with celiac disease during periods of gluten-free diet and gluten challenge. Approximately 42 patients were planned to be enrolled in two consecutive cohorts
with IMU-856 given once-daily over 28 days. Secondary objectives include PK and disease markers, including those evaluating gastrointestinal architecture
and inflammation. Sites in Australia and New Zealand are participating in Part C. Initial results are expected to be available in mid-2023.
Product Acquisition History
Our wholly-owned subsidiary Immunic AG acquired vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant in September 2016 through asset acquisitions from 4SC AG
(hereinafter, “4SC”), a publicly traded company based in Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. On March 31, 2021, Immunic AG and 4SC entered into a Settlement
Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of a 4.4% royalty on net sales for $17.25 million. The payment was made 50% in
cash and 50% in shares of Immunic’s common stock.
Our rights to IMU-856 are secured pursuant to an option and license agreement (the “Daiichi Sankyo Option”) with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (hereinafter,
"Daiichi Sankyo") in Tokyo, Japan. On January 5, 2020, Immunic AG exercised its option under the Daiichi Sankyo Option to acquire the exclusive global
rights to commercialize IMU-856. The license also grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856. Concurrent with
the option exercise, Immunic AG paid to Daiichi Sankyo a one-time upfront licensing fee. Going forward, Daiichi Sankyo is eligible to receive future
development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
Leadership
We are led by a team of dedicated and committed experienced professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and track record of successful licensing
transactions in the healthcare industry, worldwide. The team brings together several decades of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a
strong scientific background and sound knowledge in drug discovery, product development, chemistry, manufacturing and controls processes, intellectual
property, clinical trial design, health economics and market access, merger and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate finance, business development,
regulatory affairs and project valuation. Our team members are inventors on project-related patents and have successfully published project-related scientific
publications.
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Product Candidates
Vidofludimus Calcium (IMU-838)
Vidofludimus calcium is a small molecule investigational drug in development as an oral next-generation treatment option for patients with MS and other
chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By inhibiting DHODH, a key enzyme of pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis, highly metabolically activated T
and B immune cells experience metabolic stress, which leads to a modulation of their activity and function. Thereby, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as
interferon gamma (“IFNγ”), tumor necrosis factor alpha (“TNFα”), IL-17A and IL-17F, produced by activated Th1 and Th17 cells, which represent subtypes of
so-called T helper cells, are repressed and thereby reduce the inflammation associated with MS and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
In preclinical studies of vidofludimus, the active moiety and free acid form of vidofludimus calcium, apoptosis (or programmed cell death) was induced in
activated T cells, which we believe may also play a crucial role in the activity of the drug by further dampening the inflammatory response. We believe that a
key advantage of DHODH inhibition, in general, is that the sensitivity of specific immune cells to DHODH inhibition correlates with their intracellular
metabolic activation state, and therefore may not negatively impact “normal” immune and bone marrow cells. In animal studies of vidofludimus calcium,
animals treated with large doses of the active moiety of vidofludimus calcium were shown to lack detrimental effects on bone marrow, supporting the lack of an
unspecific anti-proliferative effect regularly seen with many traditional immunomodulators.
Based on the selectivity toward metabolically activated cells (with a high need for ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid production), DHODH
inhibition also leads to a direct antiviral effect, which has been observed in various virus infected cells, such as EBV infections, hepatitis C virus infections,
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (“SARS-CoV-2”) infections, cytomegalovirus infections and even hemorrhagic fever-causing viruses, such as
Arena virus infections. Treatment with vidofludimus calcium may avoid virus infections and reactivations, one of the major drawbacks of the long-term use of
traditional immunomodulators. We previously presented preclinical data demonstrating the activity of vidofludimus calcium to prevent the reactivation of latent
EBV infection into lytic infection (Marschall et al., 2021). This mechanism may lead to reduce the regular cycle of reactivations and reinfections in the medium
term, and thus the latent persistent EBV infection in patients in the long term.
Efficacy of vidofludimus has been observed in several animal disease models for IBD, MS, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus and transplant
rejection. Previous filings by us with the SEC have summarized the development history of vidofludimus and the previous amorphous formulation of the free
acid form of vidofludimus. After the consummation of the asset acquisition from 4SC, we developed and filed a patent application for a new specific
polymorph of the calcium salt formulation of vidofludimus, vidofludimus calcium, which we believe exhibits improved physicochemical and PK properties. In
2017, we completed two Phase 1 studies of single or repeated once-daily doses of vidofludimus calcium in healthy volunteers, where we observed results
supporting tolerability of repeated daily dosing of up to 50 mg of vidofludimus calcium.
We also completed a Phase 1 trial in a total of 24 patients with either no liver function impairment or liver disease of Child-Pugh A Child-Pugh B grade
which was designed to explore dose optimization of vidofludimus calcium. The study showed little influence on the PK of vidofludimus calcium in patients
with Child-Pugh A Child-Pugh B liver impairment.
Indication: Multiple Sclerosis
Diagnosis and Prevalence
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. In MS, myelin, the coating that protects the nerves, is attacked and
damaged by the immune system. Thus, MS is considered an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system ("CNS"). MS is a
progressive disease which, without effective treatment, leads to severe disability. We are developing vidofludimus calcium for the treatment of RMS, the most
common form of MS. Approximately 85% of patients with MS are expected to develop RMS, with some patients developing more progressive forms of the
disease. RMS is characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. These relapses are followed by periods of remissions, or
partial or complete recovery. During remissions, all symptoms may disappear, or some symptoms may continue and become permanent.
MS is a disease with unpredictable symptoms that can vary widely. Common early signs of MS include vision problems, tingling and numbness or other
unspecific neurological symptoms. Diagnosis of MS is confirmed via blood tests and a spinal tap, in which a small sample of fluid is removed from the spinal
cord. However, most important for diagnosis are characteristic CNS lesions found using MRI.
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According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2019), there are nearly one million patients in the United States living with MS. The MS
International Federation (2021) indicates there are more than one million patients with MS in Europe as well. The disease has a large economic impact as it
affects mainly young adults in the prime working age, peaking around 30 years old, although MS can occur in children and in adults. MS is up to three times
more common in women than in men. MS affects twice as many women and men in certain age cohorts and is more common in areas inhabited by people of
northern European ancestry, such as Europe, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and parts of Australia.
Evolution in Understanding of Disease Drivers of MS
A recent publication shed new light on the role of infection with the EBV previously postulated to trigger MS. Bjornevik et al. (2022) analyzed EBV
antibodies in serum from 801 individuals who developed MS among a cohort of more than 10 million people active in the US military over a 20-year period
(1993 to 2013). Risk of MS increased 32-fold after infection with EBV but was not increased after infection with other viruses, including the similarly
transmitted cytomegalovirus. Serum levels of NfL, a biomarker of axonal damage, increased only after EBV seroconversion. These findings cannot be
explained by any known risk factor for MS and suggest EBV as the leading cause of MS. In addition, antibody producing cells directed against the latent EBV
protein EBNA1 were found in the CSF of MS patients. Cross reactivity of anti-EBNA1 antibodies against GlialCAM, a protein that is predominantly expressed
in glial cells in the CNS and potentially important in the myelination process of axons, further corroborates the connection between EBV infections and
pathologic processes in MS (Lanz et al., 2022). Schneider-Hohendorf et al. (2022) investigated the T cell repertoire in MS patients and control populations,
basically highlighting the top antigens that are seen by T cells on an ongoing basis. The study found that EBV-related antigens were on top of the list of
antigens seen by T cells in MS patients but not in other EBV-infected populations. These results suggest that ongoing EBV reactivation seems to be an ongoing
trigger for the immune system in MS patients and may be the trigger for disease progression and ongoing neurogenerative processes. The presence of a
“smoldering disease” in the background that leads to progression independent of relapse activity (“PIRA”) was suggested by another large meta-analysis of
clinical data in more than 35,000 MS patients (Lublin et al., 2022). PIRA was traditionally believed to be dominant driver of disease worsening in PMS and this
was confirmed by this study as well. However, the study also found that approximately half of the disability accumulating in RMS patients were not related to
relapse activity. This suggests that PIRA contributes half of the disability to disease progression in RMS in a mechanism other than relapse. In addition, this
investigation found that many currently available drugs were able to delay or avoid disability associated with relapse activity but was unable to diminish the
impact of PIRA. This confirms that PIRA presumably is caused by a process that is not addressed by currently used anti-inflammatory medications remains a
high medical need.
Current Treatment Options
There are currently two main approaches to treating RMS. Some therapies, such as short-term corticosteroid medications, are used for treating relapses of
MS symptoms. Other approaches are used as long-term treatments to reduce the number of relapses and prevent or slow down disability progression. The latter
are referred to as disease-modifying therapies. We intend to develop vidofludimus calcium as a disease-modifying therapy for RMS.
The initial treatment options for RMS patients are often beta interferons (either as interferon beta-1a or interferon beta-1b) or glatiramer acetate, all of
which are given by injection. For patients requiring more advanced treatment options, there are several oral medications, such as dimethyl fumarate,
fingolimod, siponimod, teriflunomide, ozanimod or cladribine, and biologics, such as natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ublituximab, ofatumumab or alemtuzumab,
approved for commercial use in MS in various countries. In addition, some of these drugs already have generic versions available in some countries and other
drugs will become generic in the next years.
There is no specific guidance on which therapies or medications are used in which sequence of the MS disease course. Typically, treatments are escalated
over time, considering:
•
•
•
•
Level and progression of MS disease activity (relapse(s), disability worsening, MRI lesions),
Risks of long-term immunosuppression,
Patient preferences or risks perceptions, and
Safety/tolerability aspects.
Many drugs approved for patients with RMS work through anti-inflammatory mechanisms by suppressing the immune system, either broadly or by
targeting classes of immune cells, altering how the immune system functions and fights certain infections. As a result, people who take these therapies are at
higher risk for John Cunningham virus infection or re-activation, which is believed to be the cause of a rare and often lethal viral disease of the brain called
progressive multifocal
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leukoencephalopathy ("PML"). To date, occurrences of PML have been reported in individuals with RMS treated with natalizumab, ocrelizumab, dimethyl
fumarate and fingolimod. No case of PML has yet been reported for the DHODH inhibitor teriflunomide, which has been one of the key differentiators of
teriflunomide from other disease-modifying therapies in RMS. The active moiety of vidofludimus calcium has also shown direct antiviral effects in several
models of virus-infected cells, which we believe is caused by DHODH inhibition. Subject to further clinical trials, we believe that could be an important
potential differentiator against other drug classes in RMS.
Current Development Plan and Clinical Studies
Depending on the results of our ongoing clinical trials, we believe that vidofludimus calcium has the potential to demonstrate medically important
advantages versus other treatments, due to its safety profile and its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and neuroprotective properties observed-to-date. Vidofludimus
calcium could provide MS patients with a distinctive therapy that is uniquely matched to the biological drivers of MS. In clinical trials, to date, it has shown
data indicating:
Robust MRI lesion suppression by vidofludimus calcium, comparing favorably to other medications commercially available for RMS.
Improved rates of confirmed disability worsening.
• A targeted effect on hyperactive immune cells without suppression of normal immune function.
•
•
• A robust decrease in serum NfL, a biomarker for axonal damage, providing evidence of vidofludimus calcium’s potential neuroprotective activity.
• A potent interaction with a yet-to-be-disclosed protein target, which is involved in protection of relevant neurons from cell death.
• A very low discontinuation rate for vidofludimus calcium-treated RMS patients, substantially below placebo, which indicates an encouraging
combination of tolerability and efficacy as well as maintenance of normal quality-of-life.
• Absence of hepatotoxicity signals and other relevant adverse events leading to discontinuations, which distinguishes vidofludimus calcium from other
•
oral RMS treatments.
The broad spectrum antiviral effect of vidofludimus calcium may support lowering the rate of viral infections and reactivations, including EBV
reactivation, potentially resulting in slowing potential EBV-related neurodegenerative processes.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in RRMS (EMPhASIS Trial)
Our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in RRMS consisted of two cohorts: The full data set of Cohort 1, which evaluated efficacy and
safety of 30 mg or 45 mg once daily vidofludimus calcium compared to placebo, was published by us in August and September 2020, respectively. The Cohort
1 results were subsequently published in the peer reviewed journal, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology (Fox et al., 2022). Cohort 2, which
evaluated efficacy and safety of 10 mg once daily vidofludimus calcium compared to placebo, was also published by us.
On August 2, 2020, we announced positive top-line data from our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RRMS. The trial
achieved statistical significance on all primary and key secondary endpoints, indicating activity in RRMS patients. In particular, the trial met its primary
endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in the cumulative number of combined unique active (“CUA”) MRI lesions up to week 24 in
patients receiving 45 mg of vidofludimus calcium once daily, by 62% (p=0.0002), as compared to placebo. The trial also met its key secondary endpoint,
showing a statistically significant reduction in the cumulative number of CUA MRI lesions for the 30 mg once daily dose by 70% (p<0.0001), as compared to
placebo. On September 11, 2020, we published the full unblinded clinical data set from our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with
RRMS. The data confirmed and expanded on the previously announced top-line results.
On April 15, 2021, we announced interim data from Cohort 2 after 59 randomized patients completed week 12 MRI assessments. We concluded from this
data, along with previously published data from Cohort 1, that 30 mg once daily vidofludimus calcium is the most appropriate anti-inflammatory dose for Phase
3 clinical trials in patients with RMS.
Final data from Cohort 2 showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of vidofludimus calcium at the 10 mg dose were observed to be lower (13% reduction
of gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesions up to 24 weeks, as compared to placebo) than those found with the 30 mg vidofludimus calcium dose in the pooled
Cohort 1 and 2 data (78% reduction), providing further support
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for the selection of 30 mg dosing in the ongoing ENSURE trials in RMS. Final Cohort 2 data also provided evidence of dose-proportional neuroprotective
activity. For instance, the highest decrease of the biomarker serum NfL was observed with the 45 mg dose of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo (-26.0%
median of differences between percentage change of serum neurofilament, Hodges-Lehmann estimation), a substantial decrease was seen with the 30 mg dose
(-18.0%), while the smallest decrease was observed with the 10 mg dose of Cohort 2 (-9.0%). The 10 mg group in Cohort 2 also showed a signal with respect to
improvement in EDSS, consistent with those signals seen with the higher doses in Cohort 1, although all of these early signals need to be confirmed in a larger
patient population with longer follow-up periods. Taken together, these last two observations suggest that higher doses, such as 45 mg vidofludimus calcium,
may be preferred doses for clinical trials in which neuroprotective effects are the main mechanism for improvement, such as in PMS.
While Cohort 1 blinded treatment was completed right before the COVID-19 pandemic started, final Cohort 2 data provide additional evidence that
ongoing vidofludimus calcium treatment may reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections, presumably related to its known antiviral activity. In the entire Cohort 2
population of 59 patients, who were enrolled during pandemic conditions, incidental COVID-19 infections in the active treatment group were less frequent
(8.5%, n=4/47) than in the placebo group (25.0%, n=3/12). Additionally, we obtained preclinical data underlining that vidofludimus calcium shows potent anti-
EBV activity. We also confirmed that vidofludimus calcium can be detected to a noteworthy degree in the cerebrospinal fluid of animals, after oral dosing. We
believe that this finding suggests that vidofludimus calcium may be able to act directly within the CNS.
On November 17, 2022, we reported newly available data from the EMPhASIS trial. The trial includes an optional long-term OLE phase running up to
9.5 years. An interim analysis was performed with data extraction in October 2022, when 209 patients remained on treatment in the OLE phase, some of whom
have already received more than 180 continuous weeks (approximately four years) of active treatment with vidofludimus calcium. Long-term open-label
treatment with vidofludimus calcium was associated with a low rate of confirmed disability worsening over time, comparing favorably to historical trial data
for currently available MS medications. During the 24-week double-blind main treatment period, 12-week and 24-week Confirmed Disability Worsening
(“12w/24wCDW”) events occurred in 1.6% of subjects in the combined vidofludimus calcium treatment arms as compared to 3.7% in the placebo group. In the
OLE phase, the proportion of patients free from 12wCDW was 97.6% after 48 weeks and 94.5% after 96 weeks of vidofludimus calcium treatment as
compared to the start of the OLE phase. Similar results were observed for 24wCDW and sustained CDW. The OLE phase also showed low relapse activity.
Further information regarding our EMPhASIS trial in RRMS can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03846219.
Phase 3 Program of Vidofludimus Calcium in RMS (ENSURE-1 and ENSURE-2 Trials)
On July 1, 2021, we announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) clearance of our Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for the
Phase 3 ENSURE program of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RMS. The ENSURE program comprises two identical multicenter, randomized, double-
blind Phase 3 clinical trials designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo in RMS patients. Based on
vidofludimus calcium’s highly significant activity in preventing lesion formation in our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in RMS, the strong and consistent correlation
observed between lesion formation and clinical relapse in third-party clinical trials, and the drug’s robust safety profile, to date, we believe that this Phase 3
program should provide a straightforward path towards potential regulatory approval of vidofludimus calcium in RMS.
Each of the identical twin Phase 3 clinical trials, titled ENSURE-1 and ENSURE-2, is expected to enroll approximately 1,050 adult patients with active
RMS at more than 100 sites in more than 15 countries, including the United States, India and countries in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe. Patients
will be randomized in a double-blinded fashion to either 30 mg daily doses of vidofludimus calcium or placebo and the primary endpoint for both clinical trials
is time to first relapse up to 72 weeks. Key secondary endpoints include volume of new T2-lesions, time to confirmed disability progression, time to sustained
clinically relevant changes in cognition, and percentage of whole brain volume change. With regard to the disability progression endpoint, the ENSURE
program will apply a pooled analysis of confirmed disability worsening across both clinical trials.
The ENSURE trials are being run concurrently. The first patient in ENSURE-1 was enrolled in November 2021. The first patient in ENSURE-2 was
enrolled in January 2022. An interim analysis to assess event rates is planned to occur after approximately half of the relapse events have occurred in the
double-blind treatment periods. This analysis is intended to inform potential sample size adjustment and help ensure that final study readout is not planned to
occur before sufficient events
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have been achieved. This interim analysis will also allow for a non-binding futility analysis. We currently expect to report data from the interim analysis of the
ENSURE program in late 2024 and to read-out the first of the ENSURE trials end of 2025.
Further information regarding our ENSURE program in RMS can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifiers NCT05134441 (ENSURE-1) and
NCT05201638 (ENSURE-2), respectively.
The execution of clinical Phase 3 clinical trials usually requires the use of a commercial formulation of the investigational drug manufactured at
commercially usable quantities. Manufactures under contract with us have developed and produced a formulation of vidofludimus calcium which would allow
commercially usable production batches. A Phase 1 bioequivalence study between the previous and the new formulation of vidofludimus calcium was
completed and showed bioequivalence regarding drug exposure curve in blood plasma (area under the curve). A confirmatory relative bioavailability and food
effect study demonstrated a high bioavailability of tablets as compared to a drinking solution and confirmed the in vitro finding of a complete and fast
dissolution profile in human subjects. No food effect on the uptake or elimination of vidofludimus calcium after administration of the tablets was observed.
Additional investigations regarding metabolite characterization, metabolic modeling and potential drug-drug interactions, as well as other activities
relating to clinical pharmacology are either ongoing or planned in anticipation for presentation to regulatory authorities.
Discussions on a pediatric development plan in pediatric-onset MS have been initiated with the FDA , based on a proposal developed with clinical and
regulatory advisors.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in PMS (CALLIPER Trial)
On July 1, 2021, we announced that the FDA also cleared our separate IND application for the supportive Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus
calcium in patients with PMS. The first patient was enrolled in September 2021. Our current expectation is to report data from the interim analysis of the
CALLIPER trial in the second half of 2023 and to read-out top-line data at the end of 2024.
The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium is expected to enroll approximately 450
patients with PMS at more than 70 sites in North America, Western, Central and Eastern Europe with patients randomized to either 45 mg daily doses of
vidofludimus calcium or placebo in a double-blinded fashion. The trial’s primary endpoint is the annualized rate of percent brain volume change up to 120
weeks. Key secondary endpoints include the annualized rate of change in whole brain atrophy and time to 24-week confirmed disability progression based on
EDSS which may further support disability data from the ENSURE trials.
An interim analysis comprising an unblinded analysis of serum NfL and GFAP is planned to occur once approximately half of the enrolled patients have
completed 24 weeks of treatment. NfL and GFAP have been shown in third-party research to consistently correlate with disease activity in neurodegenerative
disorders and have become two of the most important serum biomarkers for axonal damage over the past few years. As previously reported, results of the Phase
2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in RRMS showed a robust decrease in serum NfL at 24 weeks (-17.0% for 30 mg and -20.5% for 45 mg), as
compared to baseline values, while the patients on placebo experienced a 6.5% increase in serum NfL over the same period.
The Phase 2 CALLIPER trial is intended to run concurrently with and to complement the Phase 3 program in RMS. In particular, CALLIPER is focused
on progressive forms of MS and is designed to corroborate vidofludimus calcium’s neuroprotective potential, as exemplified by slowing of brain atrophy and
delay in disability worsening. Neurodegeneration is a key concern in both PMS and RMS, since axonal and neural damage is responsible for the increasing and
often severe disability experienced by patients. We believe that, if the CALLIPER trial is successful in showing a beneficial effect of vidofludimus calcium, this
data, along with the ENSURE program and vidofludimus calcium’s strong safety and tolerability profile, may allow for a meaningful clinical differentiation of
vidofludimus calcium from other MS medications and potentially attractive commercial positioning. Although a supportive trial, we do not believe that data
from the CALLIPER trial are a pre-condition for filing an NDA in RMS. Additional clinical studies and the potential regulatory path forward specific to the
treatment of PMS will be informed by the results of the CALLIPER trial and will be further assessed accordingly.
Further information regarding our CALLIPER trial in PMS can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05054140.
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Indication: Ulcerative Colitis
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in UC (CALDOSE-1 Trial)
The CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in moderate-to-severe UC was a Phase 2b, dose-finding, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled
study including a blinded induction and maintenance phase, with double randomization (initial randomization for induction and second randomization for
maintenance). CALDOSE-1 was conducted at more than 100 sites in 19 countries, including the United States and Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The
primary endpoint comprised a composite of patient-reported outcome and endoscopy-assessed outcome, both evaluated following ten weeks of induction
treatment with vidofludimus calcium or placebo. We have an active IND application for vidofludimus calcium in UC with the FDA.
On June 2, 2022, we reported top-line data from our Phase 2 CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with moderate-to-severe UC. The trial
did not achieve the primary endpoint of clinical remission for the pooled 30 and 45 mg/day active dose groups of vidofludimus calcium versus placebo at week
10. In addition, no meaningful differences were observed between the three active dose groups for the overall intent-to-treat patient population (10 mg/day:
14.9%, 30 mg/day: 10.6%, 45 mg/day: 13.6%, placebo: 12.5%) or for the trial’s other secondary endpoints, including symptomatic remission, or endoscopic
healing.
Consistent with prior data sets in other patient populations, administration of vidofludimus calcium in this clinical trial was observed to be safe and well-
tolerated. No new safety signals were observed. As compared to placebo, there were no increased rates of infections and infestations, no elevated rates of liver
events or liver enzyme elevations, and no elevated rates for changes in hematology-related laboratory variables. The most common adverse events in this
clinical trial were anemia (15/263 patients, 5.7%), headache (9/263 patients, 3.4%) and COVID-19 (7/263 patients, 2.7%). Most adverse events were generally
mild in severity.
As is common for the design of clinical trials in UC, the use of oral systemic corticosteroids (≤20 mg/day prednisolone equivalent) was allowed in
CALDOSE-1 in patients who had been treated with corticosteroids for at least four weeks before randomization. Doses of corticosteroids were required to be
kept constant throughout the induction phase (weaning was not allowed in this phase of the clinical trial), and the distribution of patients using corticosteroids
was equal throughout all treatment groups. Surprisingly, CALDOSE-1 data suggest a previously unknown treatment interference between the efficacy of
vidofludimus calcium and the concurrent use of corticosteroids in the UC patient population. More specifically, the non-steroid patient population showed an
11.4% advantage in clinical remission for vidofludimus calcium over placebo (pooled vidofludimus calcium treatment groups at week 10: 14.7%, placebo:
3.3%). Such a difference in clinical remission between active treatment and placebo would traditionally be considered as confirming therapeutic activity. In
contrast, patients concomitantly taking vidofludimus calcium and corticosteroids during induction treatment had a lower rate of clinical remission at week 10
(11.5%) than placebo patients (20.6%) and also lower than the group of vidofludimus calcium monotherapy without concurrent use of steroids (14.7%). This
treatment interference between vidofludimus calcium and corticosteroids was not expected based on our analysis of currently available preclinical or clinical
data.
Based on these results, we announced that our development programs in the IBD indications will not be continued without a partner.
Further information regarding our CALDOSE-1 trial in UC can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03341962.
Indication: Crohn’s Disease
Based on the results of the Phase 2 CALDOSE-1 trial in UC, we announced that our development programs in the IBD indications will not be continued
without a partner.
Indication: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
We had previously entered into a collaboration with investigators at the Mayo Clinic to explore the use of vidofludimus calcium in Primary Sclerosing
Cholangitis (“PSC”). An investigator-sponsored proof-of-concept clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium in PSC, for which we provided the study medication,
was conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Minnesota,
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both of which are tertiary referral centers for PSC patients. The study was led by Elizabeth Carey, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology
and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, who had received Investigator IND approval from the FDA and had been granted Institutional
Review Board ("IRB") approval to conduct the study. The study was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”).
The study planned to enroll 30 patients with PSC, aged 18 to 75 years, who received 30 mg of vidofludimus calcium once daily for a period of 24 weeks.
Enrollment for the study took place between July 2019 and September 2020, but almost all enrollment occurred in 2019 and early 2020. During the COVID-19
pandemic, which began in early 2020, recruitment for this study was hampered, as patients with PSC are at a high risk of COVID-19 infections and were
advised to avoid travel and unnecessary social contacts such as those required to participate in a clinical trial. Together with the investigators, we determined to
readout data of the 18 patients who were enrolled prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing pandemic situation also triggered the principal investigator’s
decision to terminate the study in late 2020, before the intended recruitment goal of 30 patients was reached.
On February 18, 2021, we announced positive top-line data from the study which was designed to investigate vidofludimus calcium's potential to improve
various biochemical parameters in PSC patients and help determine whether any such activity warrants further investigation randomized PSC trials. 18 of the
targeted 30 patients were enrolled in the study (intent-to-treat population, “ITT”), of whom only 11 patients completed the full vidofludimus calcium treatment
course and were evaluable over the 24-week treatment period (per-protocol population, “PP”).
The primary objective of this study was to determine whether vidofludimus calcium reduces serum alkaline phosphatase (“ALP”) in adult patients
diagnosed with PSC. The main analysis for the primary objective was whether patients could achieve a reduction of ALP at week 24 which is greater or equal
to 25%, as compared to baseline, with an aspartate aminotransferase (“AST”) increase at week 24 of no more than 33%, as compared to baseline. This positive
primary outcome was achieved by 3 of 11 patients in the PP population (27.3%, 95% CI: 6-61%). By virtue of inclusion criteria, patients at baseline had to
have an elevated ALP value of at least 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. In addition, time from baseline was calculated as a continuous variable and treated
as the primary predictor using a random intercept model which was adjusted for age at baseline and gender. For this longitudinal analysis of ALP from baseline
to week 24 in the PP population, the ALP value statistically significantly (p=0.041) decreased by an average of 5.76 IU/L every 30 days (95% CI: -11.29, -0.23;
statistical model). The time trend was not statistically significant in the ITT analysis (p=0.578) due to missing data following the high rate of treatment
discontinuations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A consistent individual pattern of a stable decrease in ALP values was observed in the PP population
between baseline and week 24, without any single patient showing an increase of more than 20% of ALP.
Secondary objectives were to investigate the liver biochemistry parameters, levels of AST and ALT, and total/direct/indirect bilirubin, as well as the
concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, as compared to baseline. The longitudinal analysis of both AST and ALT as well as total, direct and indirect
bilirubin values showed a stable pattern in the PP population with no statistically significant change over time and the confidence interval to include the no-
change scenario (AST: average 30 day change 1.22 IU/L, 95% CI: -0.53, 2.97, p=0.170; ALT: average 30 day change 0.85 IU/L, 95% CI -1.46, 3.15, p=0.467,
total bilirubin: average 30 day change 0.00 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.01, 0.02, p=0.561, direct bilirubin: average 30 day change 0.00 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.01, 0.01,
p=0.861, indirect bilirubin: average 30 day change 0.00 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.01, 0.01, p=0.556). Similar results were found in the ITT population. In addition, a
decrease in the Ulcerative Colitis Clinical Score was observed in evaluated patients, although the number of assessed patients was limited. The study also found
that vidofludimus calcium is a safe and well-tolerated oral drug for PSC patients and treatment-emergent adverse events were rare and generally mild.
We decided not to continue the development of vidofludimus calcium in PSC.
Further information regarding the investigator-sponsored PSC study can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03722576.
Indication: COVID-19
A publication from scientists in Wuhan, China (Xiong et al., 2020) had shown promising activity of DHODH inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 in in vitro
cellular studies. On April 21, 2020, we announced that vidofludimus calcium had successfully demonstrated preclinical activity against SARS-CoV-2.
Specifically, vidofludimus calcium was observed to inhibit replication of clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 associated with COVID-19. In cellular assays,
vidofludimus calcium demonstrated this antiviral activity at concentrations which are well below the blood concentrations associated with vidofludimus
calcium dosing regimens studied in ongoing and previous clinical trials.
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Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Moderate COVID-19 (CALVID-1 Trial)
The CALVID-1 trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial in hospitalized patients with moderate
COVID-19, designed to evaluate efficacy, safety and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium. The aim of the CALVID-1 trial was to investigate vidofludimus
calcium as an oral treatment option for COVID-19 and to support potential use of vidofludimus calcium as a treatment for current and potential future viral
pandemic threats. Patients were enrolled at 20 sites in eleven countries, including the United States, Germany, and a range of other European countries. Patients
were randomized to receive either 22.5 mg of vidofludimus calcium twice daily (45 mg/day), or placebo twice daily, for 14 consecutive days. Patients in both
arms were also eligible to receive investigator’s choice of standard-of-care therapy throughout the duration of the study. Inclusion criteria called for
hospitalized adult patients with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection fulfilling clinical status category 3 or 4, as assessed with the nine-category ordinal scale
proposed by the World Health Organization (“WHO”) COVID-19 Therapeutic Trial Synopsis, as well as certain additional clinical and laboratory criteria.
On February 17, 2021, we announced that vidofludimus calcium has shown evidence of clinical activity in hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-
19. This planned main analysis of the CALVID-1 trial was based on data from 204 randomized patients and included top-line clinical efficacy, safety, disease
marker, and virology data. Although the trial found very low rates of serious complications (e.g., mortality, rate of intensive care unit submissions and rate of
invasive ventilations) in the population of hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19, the data did show clinical activity of vidofludimus calcium based on
multiple secondary endpoints, including clinically meaningful improvements in time to clinical recovery, time to clinical improvement, and disease markers. In
addition, high-risk patients and patients over 65 years of age experienced a more substantial treatment effect of vidofludimus calcium. Vidofludimus calcium
also prevented many COVID-19-related adverse events of higher severity. Finally, vidofludimus calcium was found to be safe and well-tolerated in this patient
population.
The full analysis of all 223 randomized patients supports the conclusions made for the main analysis. However, the full analysis also provided data on a
few additional endpoints that were not assessed in the main analysis. The rate and timing of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies patients are developing in response to
the infection was found to be identical between the vidofludimus calcium and placebo treatment arms. We believe that this is an important confirmation of the
mechanism of action of vidofludimus calcium that selectively targets highly metabolically activated cells involved in the disease process, but leaves antibody
production relatively unaffected. Although no specific data are available at this point, we also believe that these data may support that vaccinations, including
those for SARS-CoV-2, may be effectively given during vidofludimus calcium therapy. Many immunomodulatory therapies are known to interfere with
vaccinations, however several studies with another DHODH inhibitor (teriflunomide) had shown that this is not the case for these class of drugs. The CALVID-
1 SARS-CoV-2 antibody data are supportive of this finding as well. The full analysis was also able to detect a relationship between drug trough levels in blood
plasma and the clinical recovery endpoint. Higher drug levels correlate with shorter clinical recovery periods. We believe that this is another important finding
to provide evidence of clinical activity in moderate COVID-19 patients.
The results of the CALVID-1 trial have been published in the peer reviewed journal, Infectious Diseases and Therapy (Vehreschild et al., 2022). The
paper, authored by the principal investigator of one of the clinical sites participating in the study, Prof. Maria Vehreschild, M.D., Head of Infectious Diseases at
University Hospital Frankfurt, is entitled, “Safety and Efficacy of Vidofludimus Calcium in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Double-Blind,
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Trial.”
Further information regarding our CALVID-1 trial in COVID-19 can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04379271.
The CALVID-1 trial was able to highlight important differentiators of vidofludimus calcium as compared to existing medications in MS. Many other
immunomodulatory drugs commercially used provide a beneficial effect on the disease but are also known to have a higher rate of virus reactivations as
adverse drug reactions. For example, drugs approved for MS have shown the rare but clinically very important side effect of PML which is highly lethal and
caused by a virus reactivation and infection of the brain tissue. Vidofludimus calcium has not shown an increased rate of infections and infestations, as
compared to placebo, in the CALVID-1 trial. The same finding was already observed in other controlled clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium. We believe that
both the underlying selectivity of DHODH inhibition on the immune system and the broad antiviral properties of vidofludimus calcium contribute to these
findings.
The results of the CALVID-1 trial also corroborate the broad antiviral activity of vidofludimus calcium, already known from previous in vitro testing in a
range of different virus families. We believe that these results support the ability of a host-cell directed antiviral mechanism of vidofludimus calcium to provide
antiviral activities largely independent of mutational variants. We will continue to explore the broad antiviral properties of vidofludimus calcium, including
testing its combination potential
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with other drugs in further in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. In other clinically important virus diseases, such as hepatitis or acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (“AIDS”), combination treatments are already the mainstay of therapy, whereas monotherapy was found to be inferior to such combinations. This
additional research will enable us to explore the potential of vidofludimus calcium to target preparedness for potential future pandemics and for clinically
important and underserved viral diseases.
Investigator-Sponsored Phase 2 Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Combination with Oseltamivir in Moderate-to- Severe COVID-19 (IONIC Trial)
On July 27, 2020, we announced enrollment of the first patients in an investigator-sponsored Phase 2 trial of vidofludimus calcium for the treatment of
patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. On June 23, 2022, sponsor and lead site, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, London,
United Kingdom, informed us that the IONIC trial is being closed down. Recruitment for the trial ended on May 20, 2022 and the last patient follow-up
occurred in September 2022. On September 29, 2022, we were informed that the sponsor submitted the end of trial declaration. The trial was a prospective,
randomized, parallel-group, open-label Phase 2b trial, designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of vidofludimus calcium in combination with the neuraminidase
inhibitor, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu ), in approximately 120 adult patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.
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Further information regarding the IONIC trial in COVID-19 can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04516915.
Vidofludimus Calcium Registration Plan
All of our drug development candidates require approval from the FDA (for the United States), European Medicines Agency (“EMA”, for the European
Union) and other national competent authorities (for any other territory) before they can be marketed for sale in the applicable jurisdiction. The activities
required before drugs or biologics may be marketed in the United States include:
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preclinical laboratory tests, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies and formulation and stability studies;
the submission to the FDA of an investigational new drug application for human clinical testing, which is known as an IND;
adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the drug;
satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities at which the drug is produced to assess compliance with
current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”), requirements to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the drug’s
identity, strength, quality and purity;
the submission to the FDA of a new drug application, which is known as an NDA, for a drug; and
the approval by the FDA of an NDA.
The FDA reviews all available data relating to safety, efficacy and quality and assesses the risk/benefit profile of a product candidate before granting
approval. The data assessed by the FDA in reviewing an NDA includes preclinical testing data, including animal data, chemistry manufacturing and controls
(“CMC”) data, PK, PD and drug-drug interaction data, and human clinical safety and efficacy data. Moreover, an agreement for a pediatric development plan
(“PSP”) is required to be achieved with the FDA prior to NDA submission.
Future human clinical testing and marketing outside the United States will be subject to foreign regulatory requirements. These requirements vary by
jurisdiction, may differ from those in the United States and may require us to perform additional preclinical or clinical testing regardless of whether FDA
approval has been obtained. The amount of time required to obtain necessary approvals from foreign regulatory agencies may be longer or shorter than that
required for FDA approval. In many countries outside of the United States, coverage, pricing and reimbursement approvals are also required.
We have an ongoing Phase 3 program for vidofludimus calcium in RMS and an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial for vidofludimus calcium in PMS. For our
lead indication RMS, marketing approval would require completion of two successful, well-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials. Completing such clinical trials
would require substantial financial and resource investments and may take several years to complete. In parallel, additional preclinical and clinical
investigations need to be conducted in preparation for filing applications for regulatory approval, including additional pharmacological studies in special
populations or drug-drug interaction studies. There are also additional steps required to develop and validate large-scale manufacturing capabilities as well as
manufacturing controls.
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Vidofludimus Calcium Manufacturing and Formulation
Vidofludimus calcium is provided as a white, uncoated immediate release tablet. Dose strengths for clinical trials are 5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg and 45
mg, compared with placebo. The tablets are packaged in polyethylene bottles. Vidofludimus calcium has been synthesized in several batches of approximately
80 kg each of active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) and a drug product batch size of 500,000 tablets has been produced by manufacturers under contract
with us. Our existing manufacturers have the capacity for manufacturing of up to several million units annually.
Vidofludimus Calcium Intellectual Property, Licenses and Royalties
Vidofludimus calcium is covered by several layers of patents and applications, all either granted or filed in the United States, the European Union and
other territories. One layer of applications was filed to cover vidofludimus calcium’s active ingredient, the calcium salt of vidofludimus. These applications are
granted in some jurisdictions and cover vidofludimus calcium until 2031, and U.S. Patent Term Extension (“PTE”) and/or European Supplementary Protection
Certificates (“SPC”) could provide prolonged protection from generic entry up to 2036, depending on NDA submission time and IND filing in the United
States and analogous filings in the European Union. Another layer consists of patent applications filed in early 2018 and directed to composition of matter of a
newly-identified, specific polymorph of vidofludimus calcium and a related method of production of the clinical material for vidofludimus calcium, which is
now the active ingredient of the currently used vidofludimus calcium formulation. This patent would offer exclusivity until 2039. In addition, a patent
application covering the dosing scheme currently used with vidofludimus calcium was filed in 2017. This patent would cover all salt and free acid forms and
offers the link between the expected label and respective patent claims. If issued, this patent could extend patent protection for vidofludimus calcium to 2038.
Finally, an MS-specific patent application was filed in 2021 which would protect the dose strengths used for RMS and PMS until 2042. On top of the patent
exclusivity, vidofludimus calcium as a new chemical entity will receive regulatory protection, which likely leads to five years plus a potential 30 months
extension protection in the United States and eight plus two years protection in Europe. Further undisclosed patents dedicated to strengthen the exclusivity
period for vidofludimus calcium and other forms of vidofludimus have been submitted or are planned to be submitted.
Vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant were acquired in a transaction with 4SC in September 2016. We have subsequently submitted additional patent
applications for independently developed intellectual property relating to each of vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant. On March 31, 2021, our German
subsidiary, Immunic AG, and 4SC entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of a 4.4% royalty on
net sales for $17.25 million. The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of our common stock.
Izumerogant (IMU-935): Targeting RORγt and Th17
Izumerogant is a highly potent and selective inverse agonist of a transcription factor called RORγ/RORγt. The nuclear receptor RORγt is believed to be
the main driver for the differentiation of Th17 cells and the release of cytokines involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The target RORγt
(RORC) has three known main functions in T cells: (i) it is a key regulator of Th17 cell differentiation, (ii) it is the crucial transcription factor for the genes
encoding IL-17A and IL-17F, and (iii) it drives normal thymocyte maturation. We believe this target is an attractive potential alternative to approaches acting
on IL-23, the IL-17 receptor and directly on IL-17.
Preclinical results confirm that izumerogant is a highly potent and selective inverse agonist of RORγt with an IC (the concentration of drug that inhibits
50% of the activity of the target) of around 24 nM in reporter assays and 20 nM in a microscale thermophoresis (“MST”) binding assay to the protein. The
resulting effect of RORγt inhibition by izumerogant in vitro on IL-17A, IL-17F and IFNγ cytokine release from stimulated human lymphocytes is in the low
single-digit nanomolar range, showing IC levels of 5-6 nM. Furthermore, izumerogant potently inhibits Th17 differentiation and has demonstrated dose
dependent activity in several cellular test systems and in vivo in psoriasis/IL-17, graft versus host disease, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
(“EAE”) and IBD animal models.
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One of the potential risks of drugs targeting RORγt was identified in prior research suggesting that RORγt knockout or inhibition impacts Th17
differentiation, IL-17 transcription and thymocyte maturation to the same extent. More recent research published in Nature Immunology (He et al., 2017)
suggests that these functions are differentially mediated by small structural changes of the RORγt protein impacting the interaction with co-factors and other
proteins.
Preclinical experiments indicated that izumerogant leads to a potent inhibition of Th17 differentiation, inhibition of cytokine secretion, and induction of
regulatory T cells. Importantly, izumerogant did not affect thymocyte maturation, one of
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the important physiological functions that should be maintained. Based on these preclinical data and the selectivity of the effect maintaining important
physiological functions while providing the desired anti-Th17 effect, we believe that izumerogant has potential to be a first-and-best-in-class therapy for
various autoimmune diseases. Newly obtained data from acute and chronic treatment of mice corroborated in vivo that izumerogant is the first molecule
observed to impact neither thymus size, thymocyte numbers, nor the maturation status of thymocytes, in contrast to two other known inhibitors of RORγt.
The preclinical effect of targeting RORγt has been demonstrated in several preclinical experiments of competing RORγt modulators. Some molecules
progressed to clinical stage. However, to our knowledge, izumerogant is currently the only product candidate in active clinical development.
IMU-935 recently received the proposed International Nonproprietary Name (“INN”), izumerogant, from the WHO.
Indication: Psoriasis
Diagnosis and Prevalence
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin with unknown etiology that leads to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and endothelial cells. Most
mechanistic data support the hypothesis that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease driven by activated T-lymphocytes which then release cytokines, chemokines
and pro-inflammatory molecules into the dermis and epidermis.
Psoriasis is characterized clinically by development of red, scaly, itchy, symmetrical, dry plaques typically located on skin overlying the elbows, knees,
lumbar area and scalp. Plaques vary from a few millimeters in diameter to several centimeters and can be localized to a specific area or extend over most of the
body surface.
Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases affecting 2% to 4% of the population in Western countries (Di Meglio et al.,
2014; Armstrong et al., 2022). The prevalence rates are influenced by age, geographic location, and genetic background (Chandran and Raychaudhuri, 2010).
Psoriasis is considered equally prevalent between genders and can occur at any age. However, there seems to be a bimodal distribution of the age of disease
onset, with a first peak occurring during the teen years. Approximately 40% of patients first experience the disease before the age of 20, and approximately
10% of cases occur before the age of ten. A second peak has been reported in patients who are in their mid-50s (DRG, Psoriasis: Disease Landscape & Forecast
2022).
Current Treatment Options
Current treatments for patients with psoriasis include topical therapies, oral therapies and biologics. Topical therapies, such as corticosteroids and vitamin
D3 analogues, reduce inflammation, which slows the proliferation of keratinocytes and reduces itching. Oral therapies, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine,
apremilast and deucravacitinib, target anti-inflammatory processes. Biologics block proteins produced by keratinocytes, dendritic cells, Th17 lymphocytes or
other immune cells. Examples of biologics include anti-TNFα therapies, such as infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab. Monoclonal antibodies, such as
secukinumab, ixekizumab and brodalumab, have been developed to target the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17. Anti-IL-23 agents, such as risankizumab,
guselkumab and tildrakizumab, are further treatment options. Of note, therapies targeting the IL-17/IL-23 axis have largely revolutionized the treatment of
patients with moderate to severe psoriasis as they have achieved highly successful skin clearance rates.
We intend to develop izumerogant as an oral and more convenient treatment option for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis with a mechanism of
action and efficacy that more broadly addresses the pathophysiology of psoriasis as compared to IL-17 antibodies.
Indication: Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Diagnosis and Prevalence
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (“CRPC”) is a form of advanced prostate cancer and defined by disease progression despite androgen depletion
therapy and may present as either a continuous rise in serum prostate-specific antigen (“PSA”) levels, the progression of pre-existing disease, and/or the
appearance of new metastases (Saad et al., 2010). With an estimated almost 1.4 million new cases and 375,000 deaths worldwide, prostate cancer was the
second most frequent cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men in 2020 (Sung H et al., 2021).
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Among patients whose prostate cancer is metastatic at the time of diagnosis, bone pain may be the leading symptom. Bone is the predominant site of
disseminated prostate cancer, and pain is the most common manifestation of bone metastases. Other symptoms with metastatic disease may include hematuria,
inability to void, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, weakness or pain due to spinal cord compression, pain due to pathologic fractures, fatigue
caused by anemia, or symptoms associated with chronic renal failure. Clinical signs associated with prostate cancer include an elevated PSA on laboratory
testing and an abnormal prostate finding on digital rectal examination.
Current Treatment Options and Unmet Need
While docetaxel is still considered a reference chemotherapy for patients with CRPC, cabazitaxel, abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide are commonly
prescribed for the majority of patients with CRPC based on the ability to improve overall survival in men who progress after docetaxel. However, de novo and
acquired resistance to these therapies seem to be inevitable, meaning that almost all show disease progression despite treatment with these agents (Chopra S
and Rashid P, 2015).
On July 12, 2021, we presented new preclinical data highlighting izumerogant's therapeutic potential in CRPC. Third-party studies have shown that RORγ
plays an important pro-tumor role by driving expression of the AR, leading to tumor growth. AR has been shown to be mutated in a constitutively active form
called AR-V7 in 18% of untreated patients and up to 95% of patients treated with abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide. This mutation leads to resistance of
AR-axis-targeted therapies and is associated with poor outcomes of progression free survival and overall survival for patients on AR-axis-targeted therapies
(Sciarra et al., 2019). In preclinical studies, izumerogant was observed to inhibit the expression of mutated AR-V7, and the tumor growth of prostate cancer cell
lines in vitro. We believe izumerogant's potency in inhibiting tumorigenesis-promoting IL-17 and Th17 cells in vitro may result in further antitumoral activity
in humans.
Current Development Plan and Clinical Studies
We are currently performing a Phase 1 clinical trial with izumerogant through our Australian subsidiary. We believe that this development approach could
accelerate the program due to certain unique regulatory requirements and processes in Australia. In the third quarter of 2019, our Australian subsidiary received
clearance from the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia to begin Phase 1 clinical trials of izumerogant under the Clinical Trial
Notification scheme of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The Phase 1 clinical trial of izumerogant is comprised of three parts:
Part A: Single Ascending Dose Part
The first part of the Phase 1 clinical trial was a single ascending dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of izumerogant in healthy human subjects.
This part was designed to evaluate the drug’s safety and PK profile and also included the evaluation of food effects.
On December 14, 2021, we announced that unblinded data from the single ascending dose part of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of a new powder-in-
capsule formulation of izumerogant, in which healthy human subjects were treated with 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg of this new formulation or
placebo, found these single ascending daily doses of izumerogant to be safe and well-tolerated, and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. No serious
adverse events occurred. A dose-proportional PK profile was observed across the investigated dose range.
Part B: Multiple Ascending Dose Part
Following the single ascending dose part, we initiated a second portion of the Phase 1 clinical trial which was a multiple ascending dose, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study in healthy human subjects with izumerogant given daily for 14 consecutive days. This part assessed the safety and PK properties of
izumerogant.
On December 14, 2021, we also announced unblinded data from the multiple ascending dose part of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, in which healthy
human subjects were dosed for 14 days with 150 mg either once or twice daily doses of izumerogant or placebo, found these multiple ascending doses of
izumerogant to be safe and well-tolerated, and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. Treatment emergent adverse events were generally mild in severity,
with moderate treatment emergent adverse events reported in one of eleven izumerogant treated subjects, compared with one of four subjects on placebo. No
serious adverse events were reported. No dose-dependent changes in laboratory values (including no effects on liver
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enzymes or in hematological parameters), vital signs or in electrocardiographic evaluations were found. PK analysis showed that stable steady-state plasma
concentrations were achieved within the first week of dosing with an accumulation factor for izumerogant allowing predictable trough levels during daily
dosing.
Part C: Psoriasis Patients
In light of the favorable safety and tolerability data observed in healthy human subjects, we announced on October 27, 2021 that we have initiated part C
of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, where moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients are randomized to 28-day treatment with izumerogant or placebo.
Assessments include safety, tolerability, PK and PD markers, as well as skin evaluations.
On October 20, 2022, we announced the outcome of a pre-planned interim group-level data analysis of our Phase 1b clinical trial of izumerogant in
patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The pre-planned interim analysis revealed that the group averages for PASI reductions in the two active arms did not
separate from placebo at four weeks. Although the active arms performed in line with expectations, based on similarly designed trials, the trial experienced a
greater decrease than expected in PASI in the placebo arm. Administration of izumerogant and placebo in this trial were demonstrated to be safe and well-
tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. We plan to provide further updates and guidance on potential next steps for this development program
towards the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Further information regarding our Phase 1 clinical trial can be found on anzctr.org.au under the registration number ACTRN12619001544167.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Izumerogant in mCRPC
Based on strong preclinical results, we have initiated an open-label Phase 1 dose-escalation trial in mCRPC designed to evaluate the safety and
tolerability of increasing doses of izumerogant to establish the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase 2 dose. The trial’s Principal Investigator is
Johann Sebastian de Bono, MD, PhD, Regius Professor of Cancer Research and Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine, The Institute of Cancer Research,
London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. The trial was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency ("MHRA"), the Research Ethics Committee ("REC") and the Health Research Authority ("HRA") in the United Kingdom. The first patient
was enrolled in December 2021.
The pre-planned dose escalation in the trial with dosing of up to 900 mg daily of izumerogant has been completed. Initial safety data available, to date,
show a promising safety profile, with only benign adverse events and no dose limiting toxicities.
Further information regarding Immunic’s Phase 1 clinical trial in mCRPC can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT05124795.
Izumerogant (IMU-935) Manufacturing and Formulation
IM105935, the API of the izumerogant drug product, is a small molecule compound and is currently synthesized at up to 30 kg scale. Clinical trials are
supplied with a powder-in-capsule formulation produced by manufacturers under contract with us.
Izumerogant (IMU-935) Intellectual Property, Licenses and Royalties
On February 2, 2022 the Company announced that it received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) for patent
application 16/644581, entitled, “IL-17 and IFN-gamma inhibition for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation”. The company also
received notice of allowance of patent application EP18762111.5 in Europe, and notice of grant of patent application 2018330633 in Australia. All three patents
cover composition of matter of izumerogant and related formulations, and are expected to provide protection into at least 2038, without accounting for potential
PTE in the United States or SPC in Europe, respectively.
Vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant were acquired in a transaction with 4SC in September 2016. We have subsequently submitted additional patent
applications for independently developed intellectual property relating to each of vidofludimus calcium and izumerogant. On March 31, 2021, our German
subsidiary, Immunic AG, and 4SC entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of a 4.4% royalty on
net sales for $17.25 million. The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of our common stock.
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IMU-856: Targeting Intestinal Barrier Function
IMU-856 is an orally available small molecule modulator that targets a protein which serves as a transcriptional regulator of intestinal barrier function and
regeneration of bowel epithelium. We have not yet disclosed the molecular target for IMU-856 to the public. Based on preclinical data, we believe this
compound may represent a unique treatment approach, as the mechanism of action targets the restoration of the intestinal barrier function and bowel wall
architecture in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, IBD, IBS-D and other intestinal barrier function associated diseases. We
believe that, because IMU-856 has been shown in preclinical investigations to avoid suppression of immune cells, it may therefore have the potential to
maintain immune surveillance for patients during therapy, which would be an important advantage versus immunosuppressive medications.
Bowel permeability is suspected to be involved in the initiation of many chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, as the impaired intestinal
barrier function may be one of the preconditions for antigens of the microbiome to be recognized by the body’s immune system. This is not only true for
diseases of the bowel; the interaction of the immune system with components of the microbiome is suspected for many diseases throughout the body. To date,
there are no good treatment strategies to ameliorate impaired bowel permeability.
Indication: Celiac Disease
Diagnosis and Prevalence
Celiac disease is a multifactorial, complex autoimmune disease caused by an inappropriate immune reaction against a degradation product of gluten in
genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterized by small intestinal epithelial injury, elevated intestinal permeability, and nutrient malabsorption. Celiac
disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people, worldwide (Celiac Disease Foundation, 2022). In the United States, alone, it is estimated that 2.5 million people
are undiagnosed and are, therefore, at risk for long-term health complications.
Celiac disease causes debilitating symptoms and serious medical complications. Many patients suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea
and have abnormal bowel epithelial lining (mucosal atrophy and crypt enlargement). Small bowel damage often leads to nutrient malabsorption that can result
in a range of further clinical manifestations such as fatigue, anemia, osteopenia, weight loss, failure to thrive in children. In addition, extra-intestinal symptoms
and systemic manifestations are often present, such as dermatitis, infertility, or neurological and skeletal disorders. Patients with persistent villous atrophy show
an increased risk of lymphoproliferative malignancy. The intestinal epithelia barrier, physiologically impermeable to macromolecules such as gliadin, is
recognized to play an important role in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
Current Treatment Options
There is currently no known cure or treatment for celiac disease and patients must adhere to a strict, life-long gluten-free diet which can help manage
symptoms and avoid disease flareups. However, a significant number of patients continue to experience disease activity and persistent symptoms despite a
gluten-free diet as gluten is present in numerous food products, medications, household products and cosmetics as impurity. Thus, there is an increasing number
of different treatment options in clinical development to reduce the burden of living with celiac disease and improve long-term health outcomes.
Current Development Plan and Clinical Studies
Current treatments of many conditions of the bowel are aimed at inhibiting inflammation, but they do not target the impaired bowel wall barrier function.
IMU-856 is designed to target pathways impacting the bowel wall barrier function and is aimed to normalize such function. We believe that normalized bowel
wall barrier function may avoid bacterial triggers, which may lead to the achievement and maintenance of remission without significantly influencing the
immune competency of the patient.
We are currently performing a Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 through our Australian subsidiary. We believe that this development approach could
accelerate the studies due to certain unique regulatory requirements and processes in Australia. The development activities for IMU-856 are intended to largely
follow established processes and service provider relationships established for the izumerogant development program. This may lead to operational and
financial synergies in study preparation
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and execution. In the third quarter of 2020, our Australian subsidiary received clearance from the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia to
begin Phase 1 clinical trials of IMU-856 under the Clinical Trial Notification scheme of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 is comprised of three parts:
Part A: Single Ascending Dose Part
The first part of the Phase 1 clinical trial was a single ascending dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy human subjects designed to
assess safety, PD and PK properties of IMU-856. Healthy human subjects were randomized in a double-blinded manner to either placebo or active treatment
with single ascending doses of IMU-856 at 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg and 160 mg.
On September 20, 2022, we announced unblinded safety, tolerability and PK results from the single ascending dose part of the Phase 1 clinical trial of
IMU-856 in healthy human subjects. Single ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was
reached. No serious adverse events occurred. Moreover, a dose-linear PK profile was observed across the investigated dose range.
Part B: Multiple Ascending Dose Part
The second portion of the Phase 1 clinical trial was a multiple ascending dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of IMU-856 in healthy human
subjects. Healthy human subjects were dosed for 14 consecutive days with 40 mg, 80 mg or 160 mg once-daily of IMU-856 or placebo in a double-blinded
manner. This part was designed to assess safety, PD and PK properties of IMU-856.
On September 20, 2022, we also announced unblinded results from the multiple ascending dose part of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial. Multiple
ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. Treatment emergent adverse events were
mostly mild in severity. No Investigational Medicinal Product-related serious adverse events were reported. No dose-dependent changes in laboratory
parameters (including no effects on liver enzymes or in hematological parameters), vital signs, physical examination or electrocardiographic evaluations were
found. PK analysis showed a quick achievement of stable steady-state plasma concentrations within the first week and stable steady-state trough levels over the
14-day treatment period with a low accumulation factor for IMU-856, allowing predictable trough levels during daily dosing. PK parameters in steady-state
revealed a Tmax (time to reach maximum plasma concentration) of 2 to 3 hours post-dose, a plasma half-life of 17.4 to 21.5 hours and dose proportional
increases in Cmax (maximum plasma drug concentration) and AUC (area under the concentration-time curve).
Part C: Celiac Disease Patients
On May 5, 2022, we announced the start of the patient cohorts in our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease. Part C is
structured as a 28-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, PD and biomarker responses of IMU-856 in patients
with celiac disease during periods of gluten-free diet and gluten challenge. Approximately 42 patients were planned to be enrolled in two consecutive cohorts
with IMU-856 given once-daily over 28 days. Secondary objectives include PK and disease markers, including those evaluating gastrointestinal architecture
and inflammation. Sites in Australia and New Zealand are participating in Part C. Initial results are expected to be available in mid-2023.
IMU-856 Manufacturing and Formulation
The API of the IMU-856 drug product is a small molecule compound and is currently synthesized at up to 8 kg scale. It is formulated as a tablet.
Although the IMU-856 tablets are produced in different countries by manufacturers under contract with us, the final release for clinical trials is done by a
vendor in Australia.
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IMU-856 Intellectual Property, Licenses and Royalties
Our rights to IMU-856 are secured pursuant to an option and license agreement (the “Daiichi Sankyo Option”) with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (hereinafter,
"Daiichi Sankyo") in Tokyo, Japan. On January 5, 2020, Immunic AG exercised its option under the Daiichi Sankyo Option to acquire the exclusive global
rights to commercialize IMU-856. The license also grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856. Concurrent with
the option exercise, Immunic AG paid to Daiichi Sankyo a one-time upfront licensing fee. Going forward, Daiichi Sankyo is eligible to receive future
development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
On August 16, 2022, we announced that we have received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for patent application 16/646130, entitled,
“Compound Having Cyclic Structure.” The patent covers composition-of-matter of IMU-856 and related pharmaceutical compositions and is expected to
provide protection into at least 2038, without accounting for potential PTE.
Government Regulation - All Products
In the United States, the FDA regulates drugs under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), and its implementing regulations. All of
Immunic’s drug development candidates require approval from the FDA (for the United States), EMA (for the European Union) and other national competent
authorities (for any other territory) before they can be marketed for sale in the applicable jurisdiction. The activities required before drugs or biologics may be
marketed in the United States include:
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preclinical laboratory tests, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies and formulation and stability studies;
the submission to the FDA of an application for human clinical testing, which is known as an IND application;
adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the drug;
satisfactory completion of an FDA inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities at which the drug is produced to assess compliance with
current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”), requirements to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the drug’s
identity, strength, quality and purity;
the submission to the FDA of an NDA for a drug; and
the approval by the FDA of an NDA.
The FDA reviews all available data relating to safety, efficacy and quality and assesses the risk/benefit profile of a product candidate before granting
approval. The data assessed by the FDA in reviewing an NDA includes animal or preclinical testing data, chemistry, drug-drug interaction data, manufacturing
controls data and clinical safety and efficacy data.
Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluations of product chemistry, toxicity and formulation, as well as animal studies. Preclinical trials must also be
conducted in accordance with FDA, EMA, International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (“ICH”)
and other foreign authorities’ legal requirements, regulations or guidelines, including Good Laboratory Practice (“GLP”), an international standard meant to
harmonize the conduct and quality of non-clinical studies and the archiving and reporting of findings. Before human clinical testing can begin in the US, a
sponsor must submit the results of the preclinical tests and, where applicable, human clinical data obtained in trials outside of the US, together with
manufacturing information and analytical data, to the FDA as part of the IND, which is a request for authorization from the FDA to administer an IND product
candidate to humans in clinical trials. An IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA, within the 30-day time
period, places the clinical trial on a clinical hold. In such a case, the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding safety concerns before the clinical
trial can begin. The FDA may impose a clinical hold at any time before or during clinical trials due to safety concerns about proposed or ongoing clinical trials
or non-compliance with FDA requirements, and the trials may not commence or continue until the FDA notifies the sponsor that the hold has been lifted.
All clinical trials must be conducted under the supervision of one or more qualified investigators pursuant to protocols detailing, among other things, the
objectives of the trial, dosing procedures, subject selection, inclusion/exclusion criteria and the safety and effectiveness criteria to be evaluated. The trial
sponsor submits the protocol, as well as any subsequent protocol amendments, to the FDA as part of the IND. Sponsors must also provide all participating
investigators and FDA safety reports of any serious and unexpected adverse events and any findings from laboratory tests in animals that suggest a significant
risk for human subjects. For each institution where a clinical trial will be conducted, an IRB must review and approve the clinical trial protocol and informed
consent form required to be provided to each trial subject or his or her legal representative prior to a clinical trial commencing, and conduct ongoing monitoring
of the study until completed or termination to assure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the human subjects participating in the research.
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Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap or be combined:
Phase 1: In Phase 1 studies, the product candidate is initially introduced into healthy human subjects and tested for safety, dosage and tolerability,
absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and effect on the body.
Phase 2: Phase 2 studies are conducted in a limited patient population. These studies continue to evaluate safety while gathering preliminary data on
effectiveness in patients with the targeted disease or condition, especially studying the potentially therapeutically effective dose.
Phase 3: Phase 3 trials further evaluate efficacy and safety in an expanded patient population, generally at geographically dispersed clinical study sites.
These clinical trials are intended to establish the overall risk-benefit ratio of the product candidate and provide, if appropriate, an adequate basis for product
labeling.
Post-approval studies, sometimes referred to as Phase 4 studies, may be conducted after initial marketing approval from the FDA. These studies are used
to gather additional information about a product’s safety and/or efficacy in patients affected by the therapeutic indication. The FDA may require Phase 4 studies
as a condition of approval of an NDA.
Clinical trials must also be conducted in accordance with legal requirements, regulations or guidelines of the FDA and comparable foreign authorities,
including human subject protection requirements and current good clinical practice (“cGCP” or “GCP”). In addition, clinical trials must be conducted using
product candidates produced under cGMP requirements. The FDA or the sponsor may suspend a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a
finding that the research subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Similarly, an IRB may suspend or terminate approval of a clinical
trial at an institution if the clinical trial is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB’s requirements or if the drug has been associated with unexpected
serious harm to patients. In addition, some clinical trials are overseen by an independent group of qualified experts, known as a data safety monitoring board or
committee, which monitors data from the trial to ensure patient safety and data integrity and may also make recommendations to alter or terminate a trial based
on concerns for patient safety.
Before obtaining marketing approval for the commercial sale of any drug product, a sponsor must demonstrate in preclinical studies and well-controlled
clinical trials that the product is safe and effective for its intended use and that the manufacturing facilities, processes and controls are adequate to preserve the
drug’s identity, strength, quality and purity. The results of these preclinical studies and clinical trials, along with descriptions of the manufacturing process,
analytical tests conducted on the chemistry of the drug, proposed labeling and other relevant information such as an agreed pediatric development plan (agreed
“PSP”) are submitted to the FDA as part of an NDA requesting approval to market the product. The submission of an NDA is subject to the payment of
substantial user fees ($3,242,026 for 2023); under certain limited circumstances, a waiver of such fees may be obtained. After the submission of an NDA, but
before approval of the NDA, the manufacturing facilities used to manufacture a product candidate must be inspected by the FDA to ensure compliance with the
applicable cGMP requirements. The FDA may also inspect clinical trial sites and audit clinical study data to ensure that the sponsor’s studies were properly
conducted in accordance with the IND regulations, human subject protection regulations, and cGCP.
Under the current Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) guidelines, the FDA goal for acting on the submission of an NDA for a new molecular
entity is ten months from the date of “filing.” The FDA conducts a preliminary review of an NDA within 60 days after submission to determine whether it is
sufficiently complete to permit substantive review, before accepting the NDA for filing. This two month preliminary review effectively extends the typical
NDA review period to twelve months. The FDA may request additional information rather than accept an NDA for filing. In this event, the NDA must be
resubmitted with the additional information. The resubmitted application also is subject to review before the FDA accepts it for filing.
Following the FDA’s evaluation of an NDA, it will issue an approval letter or a complete response letter (“CRL”). An approval letter authorizes the
sponsor to begin commercial marketing of the drug for specific indications. A CRL indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete and the
application will not be approved in its present form. A CRL describes the specific deficiencies in the NDA identified by the FDA. When possible, a CRL will
recommend actions that the applicant might take, including providing additional clinical data, such as an additional Phase 3 clinical trial or other significant and
time consuming requirements related to clinical trials, nonclinical studies or manufacturing, to place the application in condition for approval. If a CRL is
issued, the sponsor must resubmit the NDA addressing all of the deficiencies identified in the letter, or withdraw the application. Even if the sponsor submits
the recommended data and information, the FDA may decide that the resubmitted NDA does not satisfy the criteria for approval.
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As condition to a product’s regulatory approval, the FDA may require a sponsor to conduct Phase 4 studies designed to further assess the drug’s safety
and effectiveness after NDA approval, or may require other testing and surveillance programs to monitor the safety of the approved product. The FDA may also
place other conditions on approval including the requirement for a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (“REMS”) to assure the safe use of the drug. A
REMS could include medication guides, communication plans to healthcare professionals or other activities to assure safe use, such as provider certification or
training, restricted distribution methods, and patient registries.
Research and Development
We recognized $71.3 million and $61.1 million in research and development expenses in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Geographic Information
Substantially all of our long-lived assets were located within both the United States and Germany in 2022 and 2021.
Human Capital
As of February 23, 2023, we had 66 employees, nine of whom held M.D. degrees. Of the employees, 50 were engaged in research and development and
16 in administration. We consider our employee relations to be good.
We emphasize several measures and objectives in managing our human capital assets, including, among others, (i) employee safety and wellness, (ii)
talent acquisition and retention, (iii) employee engagement, development and training, (iv) diversity and inclusion and (v) compensation. These targeted ideals
may include annual bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, a 401(k) plan, healthcare, and insurance benefits, paid time-off, family leave, employee
assistance programs. We also provide our employees with access to various innovative, flexible, and convenient health and wellness programs. We designed
these programs to support employees’ physical and mental health by providing tools and resources to improve or maintain their health status and encourage
engagement in healthy behaviors.
Corporate Information and Website
Prior to April 12, 2019, we were a clinical-stage biotherapeutic company known as Vital Therapies, Inc. that had historically been focused on the
development of a cell-based therapy targeting the treatment of acute forms of liver failure. Vital Therapies, Inc. was originally incorporated in the State of
California in May of 2003 as Vitagen Acquisition Corp., subsequently changed its name to Vital Therapies, Inc. in June 2003, and reincorporated in Delaware
in January 2004. In April 2019, we completed an exchange transaction with Immunic AG pursuant to which holders of ordinary shares of Immunic AG
exchanged all of their shares for shares of our common stock, resulting in Immunic AG becoming our wholly owned subsidiary. Following the exchange, we
changed our name to Immunic, Inc. and we became a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of selective oral therapies in
immunology with the goal of becoming a leader in treatments for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 1200 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 200, New York, New York 10036. We also have an office at Lochhamer
Schlag 21, 82166 Grafelfing, Germany. Our telephone number is (332) 255-9818.
We maintain a website at www.imux.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the website is not a part of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through the investor relations page of our internet website as soon as
reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to invest in our company or deciding to maintain or increase your investment,
you should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below. The risks and uncertainties described below and in our other filings with the SEC are
not the only risks we face. If one or more of the
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following risks are realized, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the
market price for our common stock could decline, and you may lose your entire investment.
Risk Factor Summary
The following is a summary of certain important factors that may make an investment in our Company speculative or risky. You should carefully consider the
fuller risk factor disclosure set forth in this Annual Report, in addition to the other information herein, including the section of this report titled “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and related notes.
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The coronavirus pandemic has caused interruptions or delays of our business plan and may continue to have a significant adverse effect on our
business.
Continued inflation and uncertainty in global economic conditions could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
• Our clinical trials have been delayed as a result of the ongoing military action by Russia in Ukraine and the continuation of this conflict could have
further adverse effects on our business.
• We have a limited operating history with our current business plan, have incurred significant losses since 2016, anticipate that we will continue to
incur significant and increasing losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability. The absence of any commercial sales
and our limited operating history make it difficult to assess our future viability.
• We currently have no source of product sales revenue and may never earn product revenue or be profitable.
• We will require substantial additional funding, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, could force us
to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development, other operations or future commercialization efforts.
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Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies
or product candidates.
The marketing approval processes of the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming and inherently
unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, our business will be substantially harmed.
Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
Clinical failure can occur at any stage of clinical development. Because the results of earlier clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future
results, any product candidate we advance through clinical trials may not have favorable results in later clinical trials or receive marketing approval.
The effect of failure or results different than expectations can result in significant market value decline and possible negative financial results or asset
related impairment.
• Our product candidates may cause undesirable adverse effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their marketing approval, limit the
commercial profile of an approved label or result in significant negative consequences following marketing approval, if obtained.
• We are heavily dependent on the success of our product candidates, which are in the early stages of clinical development. We may not be able to
generate data for any of our product candidates sufficient to receive regulatory approval in our planned indications, which will be required before they
can be commercialized.
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• Due to our limited resources and access to capital, we must decide to prioritize development of our current product candidates for certain indications
and at certain doses. These decisions may prove to have been wrong and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
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If we fail to attract and retain key management and scientific personnel, we may be unable to successfully develop or commercialize our product
candidates.
Even if we obtain the required regulatory approvals in the United States and other territories, the commercial success of our product candidates will
depend on market awareness and acceptance of our product candidates.
• We currently have limited marketing and sales experience. If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with
third parties to market and sell our product candidates, if and when regulatory approval is received, we may be unable to generate any revenue.
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If we fail to enter into strategic relationships or collaborations, our business, financial condition, commercialization prospects and results of operations
may be materially adversely affected.
Coverage and reimbursement may be limited or unavailable in certain market segments for our product candidates, which could make it difficult for us
to sell our products profitably.
• We face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing or commercializing products before, or more successfully than,
we do.
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The size of the potential market for our product candidates is difficult to estimate and, if any of our assumptions are inaccurate, the actual markets for
our product candidates may be smaller than our estimates.
• We may be unable to realize the potential benefits of any collaboration.
• Our proprietary rights may not adequately protect our technologies and product candidates.
• We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
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Intellectual property rights do not protect against all potential threats to our competitive advantage.
• We incur significant costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies.
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The market price of our common stock has been and is expected to continue to be volatile.
• We do not anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Macroeconomic Risks
The coronavirus pandemic has caused interruptions or delays of our business plan and may continue to have a significant adverse effect on our
business.
COVID-19 has had and continues to have a significant impact around the world. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many
countries imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, quarantines, vaccine mandates and other public health safety measures. Although some of these
restrictions have been loosened or lifted in the United States and other countries, new variants continue to emerge, new outbreaks are periodically reported and
significant uncertainty and concern remain.
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The extent to which the pandemic may continue to impact our business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be
predicted, but the development of clinical supply materials could be delayed and enrollment of patients in our ongoing studies may be delayed or suspended, if
hospitals and clinics in areas where we are conducting trials have to shift resources to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and may limit access or close clinical
facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, if our trial participants are unable to travel to our clinical study sites as a result of quarantines, vaccine
mandates, travel bans or other restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we may experience higher discontinuation rates or delays in our clinical
studies, as occurred in our investigator-sponsored trial of vidofludimus calcium in PSC that was conducted at the Mayo Clinic. Government-imposed
quarantines and restrictions may also require us to temporarily terminate our clinical sites. Furthermore, if we determine that our trial participants may suffer
from exposure to COVID-19 as a result of their participation in our clinical trials, we may voluntarily terminate certain clinical sites as a safety measure until
we reasonably believe that the likelihood of exposure has subsided. As a result, our expected development timelines for our product candidates may be
negatively impacted. We cannot predict the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as consequences of such an event are highly uncertain and subject
to change. We do not yet know the full extent of potential delays or impacts that have affected and may continue to affect our business, or our clinical studies in
general. The COVID-19 pandemic has already adversely affected our operations and may further materially disrupt or delay our business operations, further
divert the attention and efforts of the medical community to coping with COVID-19, disrupt the marketplace in which we operate, and/or have continuing
material adverse effects on our operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic could further disrupt our business and operations, interrupt our sources of supply, hamper our ability to raise additional funds or
sell our securities, continue to slow down the overall economy or curtail consumer spending.
Continued inflation and uncertainty in global economic conditions could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Adverse macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, slower growth or recession, higher interest rates, currency fluctuations, supply chain delays or
shortages, high unemployment or personnel shortages could hurt our business. We have already seen a general increase in many of our costs as a result of
inflation, although inflation has not yet had a material impact on our results of operations. However, the economies of Germany, the United States, Australia
and other countries in which we do business have experienced high rates of inflation during 2022 and, if inflation were to continue for a prolonged period of
time or the rate of inflation in our markets were to increase, or if a global recession were to occur, our expenses could increase substantially, resulting in
increased losses from operations and net loss. A downturn in the economic environment can also lead to limitations on our ability to obtain financing, reduced
liquidity and declines in our stock price.
Our clinical trials have been delayed as a result of the ongoing military action by Russia in Ukraine and the continuation of this conflict could have
further adverse effects on our business.
Our clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium were originally planned to be conducted at more than 60 sites in Ukraine and Russia, but most had to be
relocated to other countries because of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and resulting sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and
other countries. These disruptions delayed our clinical development program, increased our costs and may disrupt future planned clinical development activities
in these two countries. This military action has continued for more than a year and its future course and effects on our Company are highly unpredictable. We
currently have 19 active sites in western Ukraine and the ongoing conflict could put the data associated with these patients in jeopardy as well as extend patient
recruitment timelines. We anticipate that Ukraine will make up approximately 15%-20% of our ENSURE- 1 and ENSURE-2 phase 3 patient population. In
addition, no clinical sites in Russia have been activated or are intended to be used in the future. Alternative sites to fully and timely compensate for our clinical
trial activities in Ukraine may not continue to be available. If our clinical trials are further interrupted, our clinical development program could experience
further delays and increased costs and we may have insufficient data to support regulatory approvals of vidofludimus calcium, and any commercialization may
be delayed or not approved, which could limit our potential revenue and hurt the competitive position of our potential products.
Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Condition
We have a limited operating history with our current business plan, have incurred significant losses since 2016, anticipate that we will continue to
incur significant and increasing losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability. The absence of any commercial sales and
our limited operating history make it difficult to assess our future viability.
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We are a development-stage pharmaceutical company with a limited operating history with our current business plan. Our net losses were $120.4 million
and $92.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $317.3 million
and to date and have not generated any revenue from our current product candidates. Moreover, Immunic AG, the company’s operating subsidiary, has only a
limited operating history upon which stockholders can evaluate our business and prospects, is not profitable and has incurred losses in each year since its
inception in 2016. In addition, we have limited experience and have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome many of the risks and
uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving fields, particularly in the biotechnology industry.
We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources to identify, acquire and develop our product candidates, including providing general and
administrative support for our operations. We expect our losses to increase as we continue to conduct clinical trials and continue to develop our lead product
candidates. We expect to invest significant funds into the research and development of our current product candidates to determine the potential to advance
these product candidates to seek regulatory approval. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities. The amount of
our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of our future expenditures and our ability to obtain funding through equity or debt financings, strategic
collaborations or grants.
We do not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until we are able to obtain marketing approval for, and successfully commercialize, any
current or future product candidate. However pharmaceutical product development is an extremely costly and highly speculative undertaking and involves a
substantial degree of risk. In addition, if we obtain regulatory approval to market a product candidate, our future revenue will depend upon the size of any
markets in which our product candidates may receive regulatory approval, and our ability to achieve sufficient market acceptance, pricing, reimbursement from
third-party payors, and adequate market share for our product candidates. Even if we eventually obtain adequate market share for our product candidates, to the
extent they receive regulatory and market approval, the potential markets for our product candidates may not be large enough for us to become profitable.
We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future, and our expenses will increase substantially
if and as we:
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continue the clinical development of our product candidates;
continue efforts to discover, develop and/or acquire new product candidates;
undertake the manufacturing of our product candidates for clinical development and, potentially, commercialization, or increase volumes
manufactured by third parties;
advance our programs into larger, more expensive clinical trials;
initiate additional preclinical, clinical, or other trials or studies for our product candidates;
seek regulatory and marketing approvals and reimbursement for our product candidates;
experience any delays or encounter issues with the development and process for regulatory approval of our product candidates such as safety issues,
clinical trial accrual delays, longer follow-up for planned studies, additional major studies or supportive studies necessary to support marketing
approval;
establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any products for which we may obtain marketing approval and market for
our self;
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• make milestone, royalty or other payments under any third-party license agreements;
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seek to maintain, protect and expand our intellectual property portfolio;
seek to retain current skilled personnel and attract additional personnel; and
add operational, financial and management, and information systems personnel, including personnel to support our product development and
commercialization efforts.
Further, the net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year, such that a period-to-period comparison of our results
of operations may not be a good indication of our future performance. Failure to become and remain profitable would decrease the value of our company and
could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, maintain our development efforts, expand our pipeline of product candidates or continue our
operations.
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We currently have no source of product sales revenue and may never earn product revenue or be profitable.
We have not generated any revenues from commercial sales of any of our current product candidates. Our ability to generate product revenue depends
upon our ability to successfully commercialize these product candidates or other product candidates that we may develop, in-license or acquire in the future.
We do not anticipate generating revenue from the sale of products for the foreseeable future. Our ability to generate revenue from our current or future product
candidates also depends on a number of additional factors, including our ability to:
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successfully complete research and clinical development of current and future product candidates;
establish and maintain supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties, and ensure adequate and legally compliant manufacturing of product
candidates;
obtain regulatory approval from relevant regulatory authorities in jurisdictions where we intend to market our product candidates;
launch and commercialize any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval, and if launched independently, successfully establish a
sales force and marketing and distribution infrastructure;
obtain coverage and adequate product reimbursement from insurance companies and other third-party payors, including government payors;
achieve market acceptance for any approved products;
establish, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights; and
attract, hire and retain qualified personnel.
In addition, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with clinical product development, including that our product candidates may not
advance through development or achieve regulatory approval, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of any potential future product sale revenues. Our
expenses also could increase beyond expectations if we decide to, or are required by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities to, perform studies
or trials in addition to those that we currently anticipate. Even if we complete the development and regulatory processes described above, we anticipate
incurring significant costs associated with launching and commercializing any product candidates that may be approved.
We will require substantial additional funding, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, could force us
to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development, other operations or future commercialization efforts.
Since the inception of Immunic AG, substantially all of our resources have been dedicated to the clinical development of our product candidates.
Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting preclinical and non-clinical studies and clinical trials, is a very time-consuming, expensive and
uncertain process that takes years to complete. We have consumed substantial amounts of cash since our inception. For example, in the years ended December
31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we used net cash of $65.1 million and $83.8 million, respectively, in our operating activities, substantially all of which
related to development of our current product candidates. We believe that we will continue to expend substantial resources for the foreseeable future toward the
completion of clinical development and regulatory preparedness of our product candidates, preparations for a commercial launch of any approved product
candidates, and development of any other current or future product candidates we may choose to further develop. These expenditures will include costs
associated with research and development, conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, seeking marketing approvals, and manufacturing and supply as
well as marketing and selling any products approved for sale. In addition, other unanticipated costs may arise. Because the outcome of any drug development
process is highly uncertain, we cannot reasonably estimate the actual amounts necessary to successfully complete the development and commercialization of
any current or future product candidates that may be approved for marketing.
Our operating plan may change as a result of factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through
public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations. Such financing may result in dilution to our stockholders,
imposition of debt covenants and repayment obligations, or other restrictions that may adversely affect our business. In addition, we may seek additional capital
due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the fourth
quarter of 2024. Our estimate as to how long we expect our existing cash and cash
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equivalents to continue to fund our operations is based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner
than we currently expect. Further, changing circumstances, some of which may be beyond our control, could cause us to consume cash and cash equivalents
significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. Our future capital requirements depend on
many factors, including:
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the scope, progress, results and costs of researching and developing our current product candidates, future product candidates and related preclinical
and clinical trials;
the cost of commercialization activities if our current product candidates and future product candidates are approved for sale, including marketing,
sales and distribution costs and preparedness of our corporate infrastructure;
the cost of manufacturing current product candidates and future product candidates that we may obtain approval for and successfully commercialize;
our ability to establish and maintain strategic collaborations, licensing or other arrangements and the financial terms of such agreements;
the number and characteristics of any additional product candidates we may develop or acquire;
any product liability or other lawsuits related to our products or otherwise commenced against us;
the expenses needed to attract and retain skilled personnel;
the costs associated with being a public company;
the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing our intellectual property rights, including litigation costs and
the outcome of any such litigation; and
the timing, receipt and amount of sales of, or royalties on, any future approved products.
Additional funds may not be available when we need them, on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a
timely basis, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate:
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preclinical studies, clinical trials or other development activities for our current product candidates or any future product candidates;
our research and development activities; or
our establishment of sales and marketing capabilities or other activities that may be necessary to commercialize our future product candidates.
Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies
or product candidates.
We may seek additional capital through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt financings, strategic collaborations and alliances and
licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of our
stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of such equity or convertible debt securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the
rights of our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve certain restrictive covenants,
such as limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, acquire or license intellectual property rights, redeem stock or declare dividends, and other operating
restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through strategic collaborations and alliances and
licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms
unfavorable to us.
Risks Related to the Clinical Development and Marketing Approval of Our Product Candidates
The marketing approval processes of the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming and inherently
unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, our business will be substantially harmed.
None of our current product candidates have gained marketing approval for sale in the United States or any other country, and we cannot guarantee that
we will ever have marketable products. Our business is substantially dependent on our ability to complete the development of, obtain marketing approval for,
and successfully commercialize, our product candidates in a timely manner. We cannot commercialize our product candidates in the United States without first
obtaining approval from the FDA to market each product candidate. Similarly, we cannot commercialize our product candidates outside of the United States
without obtaining regulatory approval from comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Our product candidates could fail to receive marketing approval for
many reasons, including the following:
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the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with the design or implementation of our clinical trials;
the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may find the human subject protections for our clinical trials inadequate and place a clinical
hold on (i) an investigational new drug (“IND”) application at the time of its submission, precluding commencement of any trials, or (ii) one or more
clinical trials at any time during the conduct of such trials;
• we may be unable to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities that a product candidate is safe and
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effective for its proposed indication;
the results of clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical significance required by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities for
approval;
• we may be unable to demonstrate that a product candidate’s clinical and other benefits outweigh its safety risks;
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the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials;
the data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to support the submission of a new drug application “NDA”) to
obtain marketing approval in the United States or elsewhere;
the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may find inadequate the manufacturing processes or facilities of manufacturers with which we
contract for clinical and commercial supplies of our product candidates; and
the approval policies or regulations of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may significantly change in a manner that would delay
marketing approval.
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Obtaining approval of an NDA is a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process, and approval may not be obtained. We cannot be certain that any NDA
submissions we may make will be accepted for filing and reviewed by the FDA, or ultimately be approved. If an application is not accepted for review, the
FDA may require that we conduct additional clinical studies or preclinical testing, or take other actions before it will reconsider our application. If the FDA
requires additional studies or data, we would incur increased costs and delays in the marketing approval process, which may require us to expend more
resources than we have available. In addition, the FDA may not consider any additional information to be complete or sufficient to support the filing or
approval of the NDA.
Regulatory authorities outside of the United States, such as in Europe and Japan and in emerging markets, also have requirements for approval of drugs
for commercial sale with which we must comply prior to marketing in those jurisdictions. Regulatory requirements can vary widely from country to country
and could delay or prevent the introduction of our product candidates into the relevant markets. Clinical trials conducted in one country may not be accepted or
the results may not be found adequate by regulatory authorities in other countries, and obtaining regulatory approval in one country does not mean that
regulatory approval will be obtained in any other country. However, the failure to obtain regulatory approval in one jurisdiction could have a negative impact
on our ability to obtain approval in a different jurisdiction. Approval processes vary among countries and can involve additional product candidate testing and
validation and additional administrative review periods. Seeking foreign regulatory approval could require additional non-clinical studies or clinical trials,
which could be costly and time-consuming. Foreign regulatory approval may be subject to all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. For all of
these reasons, we may not obtain foreign regulatory approvals on a timely basis, if at all.
The process to develop, obtain marketing approval for, and commercialize product candidates both inside and outside of the United States is long,
complex and costly, and approval is never guaranteed. The time required to obtain approval by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities is
unpredictable but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including the substantial
discretion of regulatory authorities. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change
during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development and may vary between jurisdictions. Even if our product candidates were to successfully obtain
approval from regulatory authorities, any such approval might significantly limit the approved indications for use, including conditioning approval on the
requirement of (i) more limited patient populations, (ii) precautions, warnings or contraindications on the product labeling, including “black box” warnings of
serious risks, (iii) expensive and time-consuming post-approval clinical studies, risk evaluation and mitigation strategies ("REMS"), or surveillance, or (iv)
limiting the claims that the product label may make, any of which may impede the successful commercialization of our product candidates. Following any
approval for commercial sale of our product candidates, certain changes to the product, such as changes in manufacturing processes and additional labeling
claims, as well as new safety information, may require costly new studies and will be subject to additional FDA notification, or review and approval. Also,
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marketing approval for any of our product candidates may be withdrawn. If we are unable to obtain and maintain marketing approval for our product candidates
in one or more jurisdictions, or any approval contains significant limitations, our ability to market our product candidates to our full target market will be
reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our product candidates will be impaired. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain sufficient
funding or generate sufficient revenue and cash flows to continue or complete the development of any of our current or future product candidates.
Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome.
Clinical testing is expensive and can take many years to complete, and its outcome is inherently uncertain. The FDA and comparable foreign regulatory
authorities have substantial discretion when and if to grant approval to our product candidates. Even if we believe the data collected from clinical trials of our
current product candidates are promising, such data may not be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Our
future clinical trial results also may not be successful.
It is impossible to predict the extent to which the clinical trial process may be affected by existing or prospective legislative and regulatory developments.
Due to these and other factors, our current or future product candidates could take significantly longer than expected to gain marketing approval, if at all. This
could delay or eliminate any potential product revenue by delaying or terminating the potential commercialization of our current product candidates.
Our clinical trials are conducted at multiple sites, including some sites in countries outside the United States and the European Union, which may subject
us to further delays and expenses as a result of increased shipment costs, additional regulatory requirements and the engagement of foreign and non-European
Union contract research organizations ("CROs"), as well as expose us to risks associated with clinical investigators who are unknown to the FDA or European
regulatory authorities, and with different standards of diagnosis, screening and medical care. Most of our clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium planned at sites
in Ukraine and Russia had to be delayed, suspended or relocated because of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, which caused disruptions to
our clinical development program and increased our costs.
To date, we have not completed all clinical trials required for the approval of any of our current product candidates. The commencement and completion
of clinical trials for our current product candidates may be delayed, suspended or terminated as a result of many factors, including but not limited to:
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the delay or refusal of regulators or institutional review boards (“IRBs”) at the medical institutions where the clinical trials are conducted. to authorize
us to commence a clinical trial at a prospective trial site;
changes in regulatory requirements, policies and guidelines;
the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities disagreeing as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials;
failure to reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective CROs, and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive
negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;
delays in patient enrollment and variability in the number and types of patients available for clinical trials;
the inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients in trials to ensure adequate statistical power to detect statistically significant treatment effects;
lower than anticipated retention rates of patients and volunteers in clinical trials;
clinical sites deviating from trial protocols or dropping out of a trial;
adding new clinical trial sites or relocating planned or existing clinical trial sites;
negative or inconclusive results, which may require us to conduct additional preclinical or clinical trials or to abandon projects that we expect to be
promising;
safety or tolerability concerns, which could cause us to suspend or terminate a trial if we find that participants are exposed to unacceptable health
risks;
regulators or IRBs requiring that we or our investigators suspend or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including noncompliance with
regulatory requirements;
our third-party research and manufacturing contractors failing to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a
timely manner, or at all;
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third-party researchers becoming debarred or otherwise penalized by the FDA or other regulatory authorities for violations of regulatory requirements,
which could call into question data collected by such researcher and potentially affecting our ability rely on some or all of the data in support of our
marketing applications;
difficulty in maintaining contact with patients after treatment, resulting in incomplete data;
delays in establishing the appropriate dosage levels;
the quality or stability of our current product candidates falling below acceptable standards;
the inability to produce or obtain sufficient quantities of our current product candidates to complete clinical trials; and
exceeding budgeted costs due to difficulty in accurately predicting the costs associated with clinical trials.
Patient enrollment is a significant factor in the timing of clinical trials and is affected by many factors, including the size and nature of the patient
population, the proximity of patients to clinical sites, the eligibility criteria for the clinical trial, the design of the clinical trial, and competing clinical trials and
clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages of the drug being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new drugs or
treatments that may be approved for the indications we are investigating.
There are significant requirements imposed on us and on clinical investigators who conduct clinical trials that we sponsor. Although we are responsible
for selecting qualified clinical investigators, providing them with the information they need to conduct the clinical trial properly, ensuring proper monitoring of
the clinical trial, and ensuring that the clinical trial is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols contained in the IND, we
cannot ensure that clinical investigators will maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times. The pharmaceutical industry has experienced
cases where clinical investigators have been found to incorrectly record, omit, or even falsify data. We cannot ensure that the clinical investigators in our trials
will not make mistakes or otherwise compromise the integrity or validity of data, any of which would have a significant negative effect on our ability to obtain
marketing approval, our business, and our financial condition.
We could encounter delays if a clinical trial is suspended or terminated by us, the IRBs or ethics committees of the institutions in which such trial is being
conducted, the independent steering committee, the data safety monitoring board for such trial, or the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. We or
such authorities may impose a suspension or termination due to a number of factors, including failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory
requirements or our clinical protocols, inspection of the clinical trial operations or trial site by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities resulting in
the imposition of a clinical hold, safety issues or adverse side effects, failure to demonstrate a benefit from using the drug, changes in governmental regulations
or administrative actions or lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial. Delay or termination of clinical trials of our current product candidates will
harm their commercial prospects and impair our ability to potentially generate revenues from such product candidates. In addition, any delays in completion of
our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow our development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate
revenues.
Moreover, clinical investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive compensation in
connection with such services. We are required to report certain financial relationships with clinical investigators to the FDA and, where applicable, take steps
to minimize the potential for bias resulting from such financial relationships. The FDA may evaluate the reported information and conclude that a financial
relationship between us and a clinical investigator has created a conflict of interest or otherwise affected interpretation of the study. The FDA may therefore
question the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site, and the utility of the clinical trial itself may be jeopardized. The FDA may refuse
to accept our marketing applications, and other delays or even denial of marketing approval could result.
Preclinical testing or clinical trials of any development candidate may also show new and unexpected findings regarding safety and tolerability. Such
findings may harm the ability to conduct further development of product candidates, delay such development, require additional expensive tests, harm our
ability to partner these development candidates, or delay or prevent marketing approval by regulatory agencies. Such findings may also harm the ability to
compete in the market with other products or to achieve certain pricing thresholds.
Any of these occurrences could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. In addition, many of the
factors that could cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of marketing approval of
our product candidates. Significant clinical trial delays could also allow our competitors to bring products to market before we can, shorten any periods during
which we may have the
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exclusive right to commercialize any approved product candidates, and impair our ability to commercialize any approved product candidates, which may harm
our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Use of patient-reported outcomes in our clinical trials may delay the development of our product candidates or increase development costs.
In recent years, due to regulatory changes, patient-reported outcomes ("PROs"), may have an important role in the development and regulatory approval
of any of our product candidates. PROs involve patients’ subjective assessments of efficacy, and this subjectivity increases the uncertainty in determining
achievement of clinical endpoints. Such assessments can be influenced by factors outside of our control, and can vary widely from day-to-day for a particular
patient, and from patient-to-patient and site-to-site within a clinical trial. Use of PROs may make the outcome of trials more uncertain and may increase our
costs and time to finish regulatory approval trials.
Clinical failure can occur at any stage of clinical development. Because the results of earlier clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of future
results, any product candidate we advance through clinical trials may not have favorable results in later clinical trials or receive marketing approval.
Clinical failure can occur at any stage of clinical development. The results of preclinical studies and early clinical trials of our product candidates may not
be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits
despite having progressed through preclinical studies and initial clinical trials.
A number of pharmaceutical companies have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles,
notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. Clinical trials may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require
us, to conduct additional clinical or preclinical testing. For example, we announced in October 2022 the analysis of interim group-level data of our Phase 1b
clinical trial of IMU-935 in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis did not separate from placebo. Following this announcement, our stock price declined
significantly, which caused us to record a full impairment of our goodwill in the quarter ended December 31, 2022. Data obtained from trials are susceptible to
varying interpretations, and regulators may not interpret our data as favorably as we do, which may delay, limit or prevent marketing approval of our product
candidates. In addition, the design of a clinical trial can determine whether its results will support approval of a product, or approval of a product for desired
indications, and flaws or shortcomings in the design of a clinical trial may not become apparent until the clinical trial is well advanced. We have limited
experience in designing clinical trials and may be unable to properly design and execute a clinical trial to support marketing approval for our desired
indications. Further, clinical trials of product candidates often reveal that it is not practical or feasible to continue development efforts. If one of our product
candidates is found to be unsafe or lack efficacy, we will not be able to obtain marketing approval for such product candidate and our business would be
harmed. If the results of our clinical trials of our product candidates do not achieve pre-specified endpoints, we are unable to provide primary or secondary
endpoint measurements deemed acceptable by the FDA or comparable foreign regulators, or we are unable to demonstrate an acceptable level of safety relative
to the efficacy associated with our proposed indications, the prospects for approval of our product candidates would be materially and adversely affected. For
example, we announced in June 2022 that a phase 2 clinical trial of our most advanced drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium, did not achieve its primary
endpoint in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis. As a result, we do not plan any further drug development activities in ulcerative colitis without a
partner. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical industry, including those with greater resources and experience than we, have suffered significant
setbacks in Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials, even after seeing promising results in earlier clinical trials.
In some instances, there can be significant variability in safety and/or efficacy results between different trials of the same product candidate due to
numerous factors, including differences in trial protocols and design, the size and type of the patient population, adherence to the dosing regimen and the rate of
dropout among clinical trial participants. We do not know whether any clinical trials we may conduct will demonstrate consistent and/or adequate efficacy and
safety to obtain marketing approval for our product candidates.
Our product candidates may cause undesirable adverse effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their marketing approval, limit the
commercial profile of an approved label or result in significant negative consequences following marketing approval, if obtained.
Undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result
in a more restrictive “approved use” label or the delay or denial of marketing approval by the
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FDA or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities. If any of our current or future product candidates is associated with serious adverse, undesirable or
unacceptable side effects, we may need to abandon such candidate’s development or limit development to certain uses or sub-populations in which such side
effects are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk-benefit perspective. Many drug candidates that initially showed promise in early-stage or
clinical testing have later been found to cause side effects that prevented their further development. Results of our trials could reveal a high and unacceptable
prevalence of these or other side effects. In such an event, our trials could be suspended or terminated and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities
could order us to cease further development of or deny approval of our product candidates for any or all targeted indications. Drug-related side effects could
also adversely affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the trial, or could result in potential product liability claims.
If our product candidates receive marketing approval, and we or others later identify undesirable side effects caused by such products, a number of
potentially significant negative consequences could result, including:
regulatory authorities may withdraw approvals of such products;
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additional restrictions may be imposed on the marketing of the particular product or the manufacturing process for the product or any component
thereof;
regulatory authorities may require the addition of labeling statements, such as a precaution, “black box” warning of serious risks or other warnings or a
contraindication;
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patients;
• we or our collaborators could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients;
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the product may become less competitive and revenues could decline substantially; and
our reputation would suffer.
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of any approved product candidates, and could materially
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We are heavily dependent on the success of our product candidates, most of which are in the early stages of clinical development. We may not be able
to generate data for any product candidates sufficient to receive regulatory approval in its planned indications, which will be required before it can be
commercialized.
We have invested substantially all of our efforts and financial resources to identify, acquire and develop our portfolio of product candidates. Our future
success is dependent on our ability to successfully further develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize one or more product candidates. We
currently generate no revenue from sales of any products, and we may never be able to develop or commercialize a product candidate.
Our most advanced product candidate, vidofludimus calcium, had the first patient enrolled in a Phase 3 program for relapsing multiple sclerosis (“RMS”)
in November 2021 and we do not expect the readout of topline data from this trial until the end of 2025. We are not permitted to market or promote any of our
product candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such
regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. We cannot be certain that any of our product candidates will be successful in clinical trials or receive
regulatory approval. Further, our product candidates may not receive regulatory approval even if they are successful in clinical trials. If we do not receive
regulatory approvals for our product candidates, we may not be able to continue our operations.
We may use our limited financial and operational resources to pursue a particular research program or product candidate and fail to capitalize on
programs or product candidates that may be more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
Because we have limited financial and operational resources, we may forego or delay pursuit of opportunities in some programs, product candidates or
indications that later prove to have greater commercial potential. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial
products or more profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and future product candidates for
specific indications may not yield any commercially viable products. We may also enter into strategic collaboration agreements to develop and commercialize
some of our programs and potential product candidates in indications with potentially large commercial markets.
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If we do not accurately evaluate and predict the commercial potential or target market for a particular product candidate, we may (i) relinquish valuable rights
to that product candidate through strategic collaborations, licensing or other royalty arrangements when it would have been more advantageous to retain sole
development and commercialization rights to such product candidate, or (ii) allocate internal resources to a product candidate in a therapeutic area in which it
would have been more advantageous to enter into a collaborative arrangement.
We may find it difficult to enroll patients in our clinical trials given the limited number of patients who have the diseases for which our product
candidates are being studied. Difficulty in enrolling patients could delay or prevent clinical trials of our product candidates.
Identifying and qualifying sufficient numbers of eligible patients to participate in clinical trials of our product candidates is essential to our success. The
timing of our clinical trials depends in part on the rate at which we can recruit eligible patients to participate in clinical trials of our product candidates, and we
may experience delays in our clinical trials if we encounter difficulties in enrollment.
The specific eligibility criteria of our planned clinical trials may further limit the population of available eligible trial participants. We may not be able to
identify, recruit, and enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients to initiate or complete our clinical trials in a timely manner because of the perceived risks
and benefits of the product candidate under study, the availability and efficacy of competing therapies and clinical trials, and the willingness of physicians to
participate in our planned clinical trials. If patients are unwilling to participate in our clinical trials for any reason, the timeline for conducting trials and
obtaining regulatory approval of our product candidates may be delayed.
If we experience delays in the completion of, or experiences termination of, any clinical trials of our product candidates, the commercial prospects of our
product candidates could be harmed, and our ability to generate product revenue from product candidates could be delayed or impaired. We have recently
experienced delays in our planned clinical trials of vidofludimus calcium at sites in Ukraine and Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. These
and other delays we may encounter in initiating or completing clinical trials would likely increase our overall costs, impair product candidate development and
impair our ability to obtain regulatory approval. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition, and prospects significantly.
Even if we receive marketing approval for any of our product candidates, such approved products will be subject to ongoing obligations and
continued regulatory review, which may result in significant additional expense. Additionally, any approved product candidates could be subject to labeling
and other restrictions, and we may be subject to penalties and legal sanctions if we fail to comply with regulatory requirements or experience unanticipated
problems with any of our approved products.
If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority approves any of our product candidates, the manufacturing processes, packaging, distribution,
adverse event reporting, storage, labeling, advertising, promotion and recordkeeping for the product will be subject to extensive and ongoing regulatory
requirements. These requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration, as well as continued
compliance with cGMP regulations and GCP for any clinical trials that we conduct post-approval. Any marketing approvals that we receive for our product
candidates may also be subject to limitations on the approved indicated uses for which the product may be marketed or subject to conditions of approval, or
contain requirements for potentially costly post-approval studies, including Phase 4 clinical trials, and surveillance to monitor safety and efficacy. The FDA
may also require us to implement a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy drug safety program as a condition of approval of our product candidates, which
could include requirements for a medication guide, physician communication plans or additional elements to ensure safe use, such as restricted distribution
methods, patient registries and other risk minimization tools
Later discovery of previously unknown problems with an approved product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems
with manufacturing operations or processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, or evidence of acts that raise questions about the integrity of
data supporting the product approval, may result in, among other things:
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restrictions on product distribution or use, or requirements to conduct post-marketing studies or clinical trials;
restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, withdrawal of the product from the market, or voluntary or mandatory product recalls;
fines, warning letters, untitled letters, or holds on clinical trials;
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refusal by the FDA to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications filed by us, or suspension or revocation of product
approvals;
product seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of products; and
injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.
The FDA’s policies may change and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit or delay marketing approval,
manufacturing or commercialization of our product candidates. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from
future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or other jurisdictions. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements
or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or not able to maintain regulatory compliance, we may lose any marketing approval that may have been
obtained and we may not achieve or sustain profitability, which would adversely affect our business.
The occurrence of any event described above may limit our ability to commercialize any approved product candidates and harm our business, financial
condition, and prospects significantly.
If we fail to obtain regulatory approval in jurisdictions outside the United States, we will not be able to market our products in those jurisdictions.
We intend to market any approved product candidates in international markets, either ourselves or in conjunction with collaborators. Such marketing will
require separate regulatory approvals in each market and compliance with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedures vary from
country to country and may require testing in addition to what is required for a marketing application in the United States. Moreover, the time required to obtain
approval in other countries may be different than in the United States. In addition, in many countries outside the United States, a product candidate must be
approved for reimbursement before it can be approved for sale in that country. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other
countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one foreign regulatory authority does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other foreign countries or by
the FDA. However, the failure to obtain approval in one jurisdiction may negatively impact our ability to obtain approval in another jurisdiction. The foreign
regulatory approval process may include all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval and additional or different risks. We may not be able to file for
regulatory approvals and may not receive necessary approvals to commercialize our products in some or all of the international markets in which we intend to
market any approved product candidates, which would significantly harm our business, results of operations and prospects.
Agencies like the FDA and national competition regulators in European countries strictly regulate the marketing and promotion of drugs. If we are
found to have improperly promoted any of our product candidates for uses beyond those that are approved, we may become subject to significant liability.
Regulatory authorities like the FDA and national competition laws in Europe strictly regulate the promotional claims that may be made about prescription
products. In particular, a product may not be promoted for uses that are not approved by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities as reflected in
the product’s approved labeling, known as “off-label” use, nor may a product be promoted prior to marketing approval. If we receive marketing approval for a
product candidate for its proposed indication(s), physicians may nevertheless prescribe the product for their patients in a manner that is inconsistent with the
approved label if the physicians personally believe in their professional medical judgment it could be used in such manner. Although physicians may prescribe
legally available drugs for off-label uses, manufacturers may not market or promote such off-label uses.
In addition, the FDA requires that promotional claims not be “false or misleading” as such terms are interpreted by the FDA. For example, the FDA
requires substantial evidence, which generally consists of two adequate and well-controlled head-to-head clinical trials, for a company to make a claim that its
product is superior to another product in terms of safety or effectiveness. Generally, unless we perform clinical trials meeting that standard comparing our
product candidates to competing products and these claims are approved for our product labeling, we will not be able promote our product candidates as
superior to competing products.
In the United States, regulatory authorities actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses. If we are found to have
improperly promoted our product, including for an off-label use, we may become subject to significant liability. Numerous drug manufacturers have been the
subject of investigations related to off-label promotion resulting in multi-billion dollar settlements, consent decrees, and on-going monitoring under corporate
integrity agreements or
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deferred prosecution agreements. In addition, the FDA could also seek permanent injunctions under which specified promotional conduct is monitored,
changed or curtailed.
Our current and future relationships with healthcare professionals, investigators, consultants, collaborators, actual customers, potential customers
and third-party payors in the United States and elsewhere may be subject, directly or indirectly, to applicable anti-kickback, fraud and abuse, false claims,
physician payment transparency, health information privacy and security and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to sanctions.
Healthcare providers, physicians and third-party payors in the United States and elsewhere will play a primary role in the recommendation and
prescription of any drug candidates for which we may obtain marketing approval. Our current and future arrangements with healthcare professionals,
investigators, consultants, collaborators, actual customers, potential customers and third-party payors may expose us to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and
other healthcare laws, including, without limitation, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and the federal False Claims Act ("FCA"), which may constrain the
business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we sell, market and distribute any drug candidates for which we obtain marketing approval.
In addition, we may be subject to physician payment transparency laws and patient privacy and security regulation by the federal government and by the U.S.
states and foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct business. The applicable federal, state and foreign healthcare laws that may affect our ability to operate
include the following:
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The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or providing
remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward, either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, lease, order or
recommendation of, any good, facility, item or service, for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under federal and state healthcare
programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Remuneration has been interpreted broadly to include anything of value. Although there are a number of
statutory exemptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting certain common activities from prosecution, the exemptions and safe harbors are drawn
narrowly, and those activities may be subject to scrutiny or penalty if they do not qualify for an exemption or safe harbor. A conviction for violation of
the Anti-Kickback Statute results in mandatory exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs. This statute has been applied to
arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers and those in a position to purchase products or refer others including prescribers, patients,
purchasers and formulary managers. In addition, the Affordable Care Act amended the Social Security Act to provide that the U.S. government may
assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute also constitutes a false or fraudulent
claim for purposes of the federal civil False Claims Act, the penalties for which are described below.
Federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including the FCA, impose criminal and civil penalties, including
through civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be
presented, to the federal government, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, claims for payment that are false or fraudulent or for making a
false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government. FCA liability is potentially significant in the
healthcare industry because the statute provides for treble damages and mandatory penalties (tied to inflation) of $12,537 to $25,076 (after May 9,
2022) per false claim or statement.
The civil monetary penalties statute imposes penalties against any person or entity who, among other things, is determined to have presented or caused
to be presented a claim to a federal healthcare program that the person knows or should know is for an item or service that was not provided as
claimed or is false or fraudulent.
The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") imposes criminal and civil penalties for knowingly and willfully
executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses,
representations or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, regardless of
the payor (e.g., public or private), knowingly and willfully embezzling or stealing from a health care benefit program, willfully obstructing a criminal
investigation of a healthcare offense and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up by any trick or device a material fact or making
any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, healthcare benefits, items or services relating to healthcare matters.
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•
• HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, and its implementing regulations impose
obligations on covered entities, including healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, as well as their respective business
associates that create, receive, maintain or transmit individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of a covered entity, with respect to
safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information.
The federal Open Payments program, created under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, also known as Section 6002 of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (the “Affordable Care Act”), and its implementing regulations, impose annual reporting requirements for certain manufacturers of
drugs, devices, biologicals and medical supplies for payments and “transfers of value” provided to physicians and teaching hospitals, as well as
ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act
expanded the scope of reporting such that companies must also report payments and transfers of value provided to other types of healthcare
professionals. Failure to submit timely, accurately and completely the required information for all covered payments, transfers of value and ownership
or investment interests may result in civil monetary penalties.
There are many analogous state and foreign laws, such as: state anti-kickback and false claims laws, which may apply to sales or marketing
arrangements and claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers; state
and foreign laws that require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the
relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government or otherwise restrict payments that may be made to healthcare providers; state
and foreign laws that require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other
healthcare providers or marketing expenditures; and state and foreign laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain
circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance
efforts.
The Affordable Care Act, among other things, amended the intent requirement of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and certain criminal statutes
governing healthcare fraud. A person or entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it.
•
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Efforts to ensure that our future business arrangements with third parties comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations may involve substantial
costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations or case
law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental
regulations that may apply to it, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, including, without limitation, damages, fines,
imprisonment, exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and the curtailment or restructuring of our
operations, which could significantly harm our business. If any of the physicians or other healthcare providers or entities with whom we expect to do business,
including current and any future collaborators, are found not to be in compliance with applicable laws, those persons or entities may be subject to criminal, civil
or administrative sanctions, including exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs, which could also negatively affect our business.
We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws, as well as import and export control laws, customs laws,
sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties and other
remedial measures, and incur legal expenses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, stock price and
prospects.
Our operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), and other anti-corruption laws that apply
in countries where we do, or may in the future do, business. The FCPA and these other laws generally prohibit us and our employees and intermediaries from
bribing, being bribed or making other prohibited payments to government officials or other persons to obtain or retain business or gain some other business
advantage. We also may participate in collaborations and relationships with third parties whose actions, if non-compliant, could potentially subject us to
liability under the FCPA or local anti-corruption laws. In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our
international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing or future laws might be administered or interpreted.
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We are also subject to other laws and regulations governing our international operations, including regulations administered by the governments of the
United States and authorities in the European Union, including applicable import and export control regulations, economic sanctions on countries and persons,
anti-money laundering laws, customs requirements and currency exchange regulations, collectively referred to as trade control laws.
We may not be effective in ensuring our compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws or other legal requirements, including trade control laws. If
we are not in compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws or trade control laws, we may be subject to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement and other
sanctions and remedial measures, and incur substantial legal expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of
operations, stock price and prospects. Likewise, any investigation of any potential violations of these anti-corruption laws or trade control laws by U.S. or other
authorities could also have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, stock price and prospects.
The impact on us of recent and future healthcare reform legislation and other changes in the healthcare industry and healthcare spending is
currently unknown, and may adversely affect our business model.
In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system could
prevent or delay marketing approval of our drug candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our ability to profitably sell any drug
candidates for which we obtain marketing approval.
Our revenue prospects could be affected by changes in healthcare spending and policy in the United States and other jurisdictions. We operate in a highly
regulated industry and new laws, regulations, judicial decisions, or new interpretations of existing laws, regulations or decisions, related to healthcare
availability, the method of delivery of, or payment for, healthcare products and services could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects. There continues to be significant interest in promoting healthcare reform, as evidenced by the enactment in the United States of the
Affordable Care Act and efforts to repeal, invalidate or modify portions of the act. Among other things, the Affordable Care Act contains provisions that may
reduce the profitability of drug products, including, for example, revising the methodology by which rebates owed by manufacturers for covered outpatient
drugs under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program are calculated, extending Medicaid rebates to individuals enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans, imposing
mandatory discounts for certain Medicare Part D beneficiaries who fall into a coverage gap, and subjecting drug manufacturers to payment of an annual fee
based on its market share of prior year total sales of branded programs to certain federal healthcare programs.
There have been judicial and congressional challenges to the Affordable Care Act, some of which have been successful, as well as efforts to repeal or
replace certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act. If a new law is enacted, or if the Affordable Care Act is overturned, repealed or modified, in whole or in
part, by judicial or legislative action, many if not all of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act may no longer apply to prescription drugs. While we are
unable to predict what changes may ultimately be enacted, to the extent that future changes affect how any future prescription drug products are paid for and
reimbursed by government and private payors, our business could be adversely impacted.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. On August 2, 2011,
the Budget Control Act of 2011 among other things, created measures for spending reductions by Congress. A Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction,
tasked with recommending a targeted deficit reduction of at least $1.2 trillion for the years 2013 through 2021, was unable to reach required goals, thereby
triggering the legislation’s automatic reduction to several government programs. This includes aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of 2%
per fiscal year, which started in April 2013, and, due to subsequent legislative amendments, will remain in effect through 2027 unless additional Congressional
action is taken. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which, among other things, also reduced Medicare
payments to several categories of healthcare providers. The Biden administration and Congress may announce initiatives intended to result in lower drug prices.
We are not in a position to know at this time whether such initiatives will become law or what impact they may potentially have on our business.
We expect that additional healthcare reform measures and drug pricing regulations that may be adopted in the future may result in more rigorous coverage
criteria and in additional downward pressure on the revenue that we may potentially receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from
Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures
or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue or commercialize our drug candidates.
It is likely that federal and state legislatures within the United States and foreign governments will continue to consider changes to existing healthcare
legislation. We cannot predict the reform initiatives that may be adopted in the future or whether initiatives that have been adopted will be repealed or modified.
The continuing efforts of the government, insurance companies,
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managed care organizations and other payors of healthcare services to contain or reduce costs of healthcare may adversely affect:
•
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•
•
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the demand for any drug products for which we may obtain marketing approval;
our ability to set a price for our products that we believe is fair;
our ability to obtain coverage and reimbursement approval for a product approved for marketing;
our ability to generate revenues and achieve or maintain profitability; and
the level of taxes that we are required to pay.
If we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our research and development activities and the activities of our contract manufacturers and suppliers involve the controlled storage, use, and disposal of
hazardous materials, including the components of our product candidates and other hazardous compounds. We and our manufacturers and suppliers are subject
to laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling, and disposal of these hazardous materials. In some cases, these hazardous materials
and various wastes resulting from their use are stored at facilities of ours and our manufacturers, pending their use and disposal. We cannot eliminate the risk of
contamination, which could cause an interruption of our commercialization efforts, research and development efforts and business operations, or the risk of
environmental damage resulting in costly clean-up and liabilities under applicable laws and regulations governing the use, storage, handling, and disposal of
these materials and specified waste products. Although we believe that the safety procedures utilized by us and our contract manufacturers and suppliers for
handling and disposing of these materials generally comply with the current standards prescribed by applicable laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee that
this is the case or eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of contamination of injury, we may be held liable
for any resulting damages, which could exceed our resources or result in government-imposed restrictions on our use of specified materials or interruptions of
our business operations. Furthermore, environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and have generally tended to become more stringent
over time. We cannot predict the impact of such changes and cannot be certain of our future compliance. We do not currently carry biological or hazardous
waste insurance coverage.
Other Risks Related to Our Business
Due to our limited resources and access to capital, we must decide to prioritize development of our current product candidates for certain indications
and at certain doses. These decisions may prove to have been wrong and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
Because we have limited resources and access to capital to fund our operations, we must decide which dosages and indications to pursue for the clinical
development of our current product candidates and the amount of resources to allocate to each. Our decisions concerning the allocation of research,
collaboration, management and financial resources toward dosages or therapeutic areas may not lead to the development of viable commercial products and
may divert resources away from better opportunities. If we make incorrect determinations regarding the market potential of our current product candidates or if
we misread trends in the pharmaceutical industry, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.
We may not be able to win contracts or grants from governments, academic institutions or non-profits.
From time to time, we may apply for contracts or grants from government agencies, non-profit entities and academic institutions. Such contracts or grants
can be highly attractive because they provide capital to fund the ongoing development of our product candidates without diluting our stockholders. However,
there is often significant competition for these contracts or grants. Entities offering contracts or grants may have requirements to apply for, or to otherwise be
eligible for, certain contracts or grants that our competitors may be able to satisfy that we cannot satisfy. In addition, such entities may make arbitrary decisions
as to whether to offer contracts or make grants, to whom the contracts or grants may or will be awarded and the conditions and size of the contracts or grants to
each awardee. Even if we are able to satisfy the award requirements, we may not be able to win any contracts or grants in a timely manner, if at all.
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In addition, even if we enter into contracts with or receives grants from government agencies, non-profit entities or academic institutions, we may lose
such contracts or grants due to failure to comply with applicable terms, limitations, or government regulations. As a result, our business, results of operations,
financial condition and prospects could be harmed.
If we fail to attract and retain key management and scientific personnel, we may be unable to successfully develop or commercialize our product
candidates.
Our success as a biotechnology company depends on our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management and scientific and
clinical personnel. The loss of the services of any such personnel could delay or prevent obtaining marketing approval or commercialization of our product
candidates.
We may not be able to attract or retain qualified management and scientific personnel in the future due to the intense competition for a limited number of
qualified personnel among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other companies. Our failure to attract, hire, integrate and retain qualified personnel could impair
our ability to achieve our business objectives.
If a successful product liability claim or series of claims is brought against us for uninsured liabilities or in excess of applicable insurance coverage,
we could be forced to pay substantial damage awards.
The use of any of our product candidates in clinical trials and the sale of any approved products may expose us to product liability claims. We currently
maintain a limited amount of product liability insurance. We intend to monitor the amount of coverage we maintain as the size and design of our clinical trials
evolve and seek to adjust the amount of coverage we maintain accordingly. However, we may not maintain insurance coverage that adequately protects us
against some or all of the claims to which we might become subject. We might not be able to maintain adequate insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in
sufficient amounts or scope to protect us against potential losses. In the event a claim is brought against us, we might be required to pay legal and other
expenses to defend the claim, as well as uncovered damages awards resulting from a claim brought against us. Furthermore, whether or not we are ultimately
successful in defending any such claims, we might be required to divert substantial financial and managerial resources to such defense, and adverse publicity
could result, all of which could harm our business.
We could have liability if our employees, independent contractors, investigators, CROs, consultants, collaborators and vendors may engage in
misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements and insider trading.
We are exposed to the risk that our employees and other parties with which we do business may engage in fraudulent conduct or other illegal activity.
Misconduct by employees and other parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or violation of FDA regulations and laws that require
reporting true, complete and accurate information to the FDA, manufacturing standards, federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations, or
laws that require the reporting of financial information or data accurately. In particular, sales, marketing and business arrangements in the healthcare industry
are subject to extensive laws intended to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit
a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commissions, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements. Activities
subject to these laws also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious
harm to our reputation. It is not always possible to identify and deter employee and other third-party misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and
prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other
actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in
defending or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of significant civil, criminal and
administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgement, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare
programs, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings and curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could
adversely affect our ability to operate. Even if we are ultimately successful in defending any such actions, we could be required to divert financial and
managerial resources to such action and adverse publicity could result, all of which could harm our business.
We will need to expand our organization and we may experience difficulties in managing this growth, which could disrupt our operations.
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We currently have approximately 66 employees. As our development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we expect to need additional
managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, legal and other resources. Our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention
away from our day-to-day activities and devote a substantial amount of time to managing our growth. As we advance our product candidates through clinical
trials, we will need to expand our development, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing and sales capabilities or contract with third parties to provide these
capabilities. As our operations expand, we expect that we will need to manage additional relationships with such third parties, as well as additional
collaborators and suppliers.
We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our operations, which may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure and internal controls,
operational mistakes, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees, and reduced productivity among remaining employees. Our expected growth could
require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of product candidates. If our
management is unable to effectively manage our growth, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate and/or grow revenue could be
reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy. Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize product candidates and
compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth.
Our internal computer systems, or those of our development collaborators, third-party CROs or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer
security breaches, which could result in a material disruption of our product development programs.
Our internal computer systems and those of our current and any future strategic collaborators, vendors, and other contractors or consultants are vulnerable
to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, cybersecurity threats, war and telecommunication and electrical failures.
We may experience cyber-attacks on our information technology systems by threat actors of all types (including but not limited to nation states, organized
crime, other criminal enterprises, individual actors and/or advanced persistent threat groups). In addition, we may experience intrusions on our physical
premises by any of these threat actors. If any such cyber-attack or physical intrusion were to cause interruptions in our operations, such as a material disruption
of our development programs or our manufacturing operations, whether due to a loss of our trade secrets or other proprietary information, it would have a
material and adverse effect on us. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from one or more ongoing or completed or future clinical trials could result in
delays in our regulatory approval efforts, significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data and expose us to liability. In addition, any breach of
our computer systems or physical premises could result in a loss of data or compromised data integrity across more than one of our programs in different stages
of development. Any such breach, loss, or compromise of clinical trial participant personal data may also subject us to civil fines and penalties or claims for
damages, either under the General Data Protection Regulation and relevant member state law in the European Union, other foreign laws, and HIPAA, and other
relevant state and federal privacy laws in the United States including the California Consumer Privacy Act. To the extent that any disruption or security breach
were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, including but not
limited to information related to our vidofludimus calcium product candidate, we could incur liability, our competitive and reputational position could be
harmed, and the further development and commercialization of our investigational medicines could be delayed. On July 31, 2020 we discovered that an email
account at the Company was subject to attempted unauthorized access for a period of up to 24 hours and we hired an investigator to ascertain what, if any,
Company or patient information was impacted. We do not believe any confidential or proprietary information was compromised and have taken steps to
prevent unauthorized action in the future such as implementing two factor authentication for our email accounts. While we believe that our insurance policies
include liability coverage for security breaches, we could be subject to indemnity claims or other damages that exceed, or are outside the scope of, our
insurance coverage. As a result, the ramifications of a potential security breach could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects, as well as cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock.
Risks Related to Commercialization of Our Product Candidates
Even if we obtain the required regulatory approvals in the United States and other territories, the commercial success of our product candidates will
depend on market awareness and acceptance of our product candidates.
Even if we obtain marketing approval for our current product candidates or any other product candidates that we may develop or acquire in the future, our
products may not gain market acceptance among physicians, key opinion leaders, healthcare payors, patients and the medical community. Market acceptance of
any approved products depends on a number of factors, including:
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the timing of market introduction;
the efficacy and safety of the product, as demonstrated in clinical trials;
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the clinical indications for which the product is approved and the label approved by regulatory authorities for use with the product, including any
precautions, warnings or contraindications that may be required on the label;
acceptance by physicians, key opinion leaders and patients of the product as a safe and effective treatment;
the cost, safety and efficacy of treatment in relation to alternative treatments;
the availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement and pricing by third-party payors and government authorities;
the number, cost and clinical profile of competing products;
the growth of drug markets in our various indications;
relative convenience and ease of administration;
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• marketing and distribution support;
•
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the prevalence and severity of adverse side effects; and
the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts.
Market acceptance is critical to our ability to generate revenue. Any approved and commercialized product candidate may be accepted in only limited
capacities or not at all. If any approved products are not accepted by the market to the extent that we expect, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue
and our business would suffer.
We currently have no marketing and sales experience. If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with
third parties to market and sell our product candidates, if and when regulatory approval is received, we may be unable to generate any revenue.
We have never commercialized a product candidate, and we currently have no marketing and sales organization. To the extent our product candidates are
approved for marketing, if we are unable to establish marketing and sales capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to effectively market and sell
our product candidates, we may not be able to successfully market and sell our product candidates or generate product revenue.
In addition, we currently do not have marketing, sales or distribution capabilities for our product candidates. In order to commercialize any of our
products that receive marketing approval, we would have to build marketing, sales, distribution, managerial and other non-technical capabilities or make
arrangements with third parties to perform these services, and we may not be successful in doing so. In the event of successful development of our product
candidates, if we elect to build a targeted specialty sales force, such an effort would be expensive and time consuming. Any failure or delay in the development
of our internal sales, marketing and distribution capabilities would adversely impact the commercialization of these products. We may choose to collaborate
with third parties that have their own sales forces and established distribution systems, in lieu of or to augment any sales force and distribution systems we may
create. If we are unable to enter into collaborations with third parties for the commercialization of any approved products on acceptable terms or at all, or if any
such collaborator does not devote sufficient resources to the commercialization of our product or otherwise fails in commercialization efforts, we may not be
able to successfully commercialize our product candidates even if we receive marketing approval. If we are not successful in commercializing our product
candidates, either on our own or through collaborations with one or more third parties, our future revenue will be materially and adversely impacted.
If we fail to enter into strategic relationships or collaborations, our business, financial condition, commercialization prospects and results of
operations may be materially adversely affected.
Our product development programs and the potential commercialization of our current product candidates will require substantial additional cash to fund
expenses. Therefore, in addition to financing the development of our product candidates through additional equity financings or through debt financings, we
may decide to enter into collaborations with pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical companies for the development and potential commercialization of our
product candidates in the United States or foreign markets. We announced in June 2022 that we do not plan further drug development activities in ulcerative
colitis without a partner, following the failure of our phase 2 clinical trial to achieve its primary endpoint.
We face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborators. Collaborations are complex and time-consuming to negotiate and document. We
may also be restricted under existing and future collaboration agreements from entering into agreements on certain terms with other potential collaborators. We
may not be able to negotiate collaborations on acceptable terms, or at all. Any of these contingencies may require us to curtail the development of a particular
product, reduce or delay one or more of our development programs, delay our potential commercialization or reduce the scope of our sales or marketing
activities, or increase our expenditures and undertake development or commercialization activities at our own expense. If we
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elect to increase our expenditures to fund development or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to obtain additional capital, which may not be
available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we do not have sufficient funds, we will not be able to bring any approved product candidates to market and
generate product revenue. If we do enter into a new collaboration agreement, we could be subject to the following risks, each of which may materially harm our
business, commercialization prospects and financial condition:
• we may not be able to control the amount or timing of resources that the collaborator devotes to the product development program;
•
the collaborator may experience financial difficulties and thus not commit sufficient financial resources or personnel to the product development
program;
• we may be required to relinquish important rights such as marketing, distribution and intellectual property rights;
•
a collaborator could move forward with a competing product developed either independently or in collaboration with third parties, including our
competitors; or
business combinations or significant changes in a collaborator’s business strategy may adversely affect our or the collaborator’s willingness to
complete our respective obligations under any arrangement.
•
Coverage and reimbursement may be limited or unavailable in certain market segments for our product candidates, which could make it difficult for
us to sell our products profitably.
The pricing, coverage, and reimbursement of any of our approved products must be sufficient to support our commercial efforts and other development
programs, and the availability and adequacy of coverage and reimbursement by third-party payors, including governmental and private insurers, are essential
for most patients to be able to afford expensive treatments. Sales of any of our approved product candidates will depend substantially, both domestically and in
other jurisdictions, on the extent to which the costs of any of our approved products will be paid for or reimbursed by health maintenance, managed care,
pharmacy benefit and similar healthcare management organizations, or government payors and private payors. If coverage and reimbursement are not available,
or are available only in limited amounts, we may have to subsidize or provide products for free, which would harm our potential revenues and profits, or we
may not be able to successfully commercialize our products.
In addition, there is significant uncertainty related to the insurance coverage and reimbursement for newly approved products. In the United States, the
principal decisions about coverage and reimbursement for new drugs are typically made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS"), an agency
within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as CMS decides whether and to what extent a new drug will be covered and reimbursed under
Medicare. Private payors tend to follow the coverage reimbursement policies established by CMS to a substantial degree. It is difficult to predict what CMS
will decide with respect to reimbursement for our novel product candidates and what reimbursement codes our product candidates may receive if approved.
There also may be delays in obtaining coverage for newly-approved drugs. Obtaining coverage and reimbursement approval is time-consuming and costly,
requiring us to provide payors with scientific, clinical, and cost-effectiveness data. Further, eligibility for coverage does not necessarily signify that a drug will
be reimbursed in all cases or at a rate that covers our costs. Thus, even if we succeed in bringing a product to market, it may not be considered medically
necessary or cost-effective, and the amount reimbursed for any products may be insufficient to allow us to sell our products on a competitive basis.
Outside the United States, international operations are generally subject to extensive governmental price controls and other price-restrictive regulations,
and we believe the increasing emphasis on cost-containment initiatives in Europe, Canada and other countries has and will continue to put pressure on the
pricing and usage of products. In many countries, the prices of products are subject to varying price control mechanisms as part of national health systems.
Price controls or other changes in pricing regulation could restrict the amount that we may be able to charge for any of our products. Accordingly, the potential
revenue and profits from markets outside the United States may be commercially inadequate.
Moreover, increasing efforts by governmental and private payors in the United States and other jurisdictions to limit or reduce healthcare costs may result
in restrictions on coverage and the level of reimbursement for new products and, as a result, they may not cover or provide adequate payment for our products.
We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with products due to the increasing trend toward managed healthcare, including the increasing
influence of health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit management organizations and additional legislative changes. The downward pressure on
healthcare costs in general, and prescription drugs in particular, has and is expected to continue to increase in the future. For instance, government and private
payors who reimburse patients or healthcare providers are increasingly seeking greater upfront discounts, additional rebates and other concessions to reduce
prices for pharmaceutical products. As a result, it may be difficult for any of our products to achieve profitability, even if they receive regulatory approval.
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We face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing or commercializing products before, or more
successfully than, we do.
The development and commercialization of new drug products is highly competitive. We face competition from major pharmaceutical companies,
specialty pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, universities and other research institutions worldwide with respect to our product candidates
that we may seek to develop or commercialize in the future. Many of our competitors have materially greater name recognition and financial, manufacturing,
marketing, research and drug development resources than we do. Additional mergers and acquisitions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries may
result in even more resources being concentrated in our competitors. Large pharmaceutical companies in particular have extensive expertise in preclinical and
clinical testing and in obtaining regulatory approvals for drugs. In addition, academic institutions, government agencies, and other public and private
organizations conducting research may seek patent protection with respect to potentially competitive products or technologies. These organizations may also
establish exclusive collaborative or licensing relationships with our competitors.
In particular, the field of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are highly competitive. Our competitors in the
United States and elsewhere include major pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biosimilar manufacturers. Some of these competitors may have more extensive
research and development, regulatory compliance, manufacturing, marketing and sales capabilities than we have. Many competitors also have significantly
greater financial resources. These companies may succeed in developing products that are more effective or more economical than any of our product
candidates and may also be more successful than we in manufacturing, developing and obtaining regulatory approvals and reimbursement for products. In
addition, technological advances or different approaches developed by one or more of our competitors may render our products obsolete, less effective or
uneconomical.
If our competitors obtain marketing approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities for their product candidates more rapidly than
we do, they could establish a strong market position before we are able to enter the market. Third-party payors, including governmental and private insurers,
also may encourage the use of less expensive generic products. Failure of any approved product candidates of ours to effectively compete against established
treatment options or to compete in the future with new products currently in development would harm our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects.
The size of the potential market for our product candidates is difficult to estimate and, if any of our assumptions are inaccurate, the actual markets
for our product candidates may be smaller than our estimates.
The potential market opportunities for our product candidates are difficult to estimate and will depend on a number of factors beyond our control. Our
estimates of potential market opportunities are predicated on many assumptions, which may include industry knowledge and publications, third-party research
reports, and other surveys. Although we believe that our internal assumptions are reasonable based on currently available information, these assumptions
involve the exercise of significant judgment on the part of our management, are inherently uncertain, and their reasonableness has not been assessed by an
independent source. If any of the assumptions proves to be inaccurate, the actual markets for our product candidates could be substantially smaller than our
estimates.
Negative developments in the field of oral therapies for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases could damage public perception of our
product candidates and negatively affect our business.
The commercial success of our product candidates will depend in part on public acceptance of the use of oral therapies for the treatment of chronic
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Adverse events in clinical trials of our product candidates or in clinical trials of others developing similar products and
the resulting publicity, as well as any other negative developments that may occur in the future, including in connection with competitors’ therapies, could
result in a decrease in demand for our product candidates. These events could also result in the suspension, discontinuation, or clinical hold of, or modifications
to, our clinical trials. Our product candidates may not be accepted by the general public or the medical community and potential clinical trial subjects may be
discouraged from enrolling in our clinical trials. As a result, we may not be able to continue, or may be delayed in conducting, our development programs.
Price controls may be imposed in foreign markets, which may adversely affect our future profitability.
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In some countries, particularly member states of the European Union, the pricing of prescription drugs is subject to governmental control. In these
countries, pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after receipt of marketing approval for a product. In addition, there can
be considerable pressure by governments and other stakeholders on prices and reimbursement levels, including as part of cost containment measures. Political,
economic and regulatory developments may further complicate pricing negotiations, and pricing negotiations may continue after reimbursement has been
obtained. Reference pricing used by various European Union member states and parallel distribution, or arbitrage between low-priced and high-priced member
states, can further reduce prices. In some countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial or other studies that compare the cost-effectiveness of our
product candidates to other available therapies in order to obtain or maintain reimbursement or pricing approval. Publication of discounts by third-party payors
or authorities may lead to further pressure on the prices or reimbursement levels within the country of publication and other countries. If reimbursement of our
products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, our business could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Third Parties
We rely on third-party suppliers and other third parties for production of our product candidates, and our dependence on these third parties may
impair the advancement of our research and development programs and the development of our product candidates.
We do not currently own or operate manufacturing facilities for clinical or commercial production of our product candidates. We lack the resources and
the capability to manufacture any of our product candidates on a clinical or commercial scale. Instead, we rely on, and expect to continue to rely on, third
parties for the supply of raw materials and manufacture of drug supplies necessary to conduct our preclinical studies and clinical trials. Our reliance on third
parties for manufacturing exposes us to additional risks. Delays in production by third parties could delay our clinical trials or have an adverse impact on any
commercial activities. In addition, our dependence on third parties for the manufacture of and formulation of our product candidates subjects us to the risk that
such product candidates may have manufacturing defects that we has limited ability to prevent or control. Although we oversee these activities to ensure
compliance with our quality standards, budgets and timelines, we have, and will continue to have, less control over the manufacturing of our product candidates
than if we were to manufacture our product candidates. Further, the third parties we contract with could have staffing difficulties, might undergo changes in
priorities or may become financially distressed, any of which would adversely affect the manufacturing and production of our product candidates. In addition, a
third party could be acquired by, or enter into an exclusive arrangement with, one of our competitors, which would adversely affect our ability to access the
formulations we require for the manufacturing of our product candidates.
The facilities used by our current contract manufacturers and any future manufacturers to manufacture our product candidates must be inspected by the
FDA after we submit our NDA. We do not control the manufacturing process of, and are completely dependent on, our contract manufacturers for compliance
with the regulatory requirements, known as cGMPs, for manufacture of both active drug substances and finished drug products. If our contract manufacturers
cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to our specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA, the FDA may refuse to approve
our NDA. If the FDA does not approve our NDA because of concerns about the manufacture of our product candidates, or if significant manufacturing issues
arise in the future, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly delay and adversely impact our ability to develop our
product candidates, obtain marketing approval of our NDA or to continue to market any approved product candidates. Although we are ultimately responsible
for ensuring compliance with these regulatory requirements, we do not have day-to-day control over a contract manufacturing organization’s ("CMO"), or other
third-party manufacturer’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including cGMPs and other laws and regulations, such as those related to
environmental, health and safety matters. Any failure to achieve and maintain compliance with these laws, regulations and standards could subject us to the risk
that we may have to suspend the manufacturing of our product candidates or that obtained approvals could be revoked, which would adversely affect our
business and reputation. In addition, third-party contractors, such as our CMOs, may elect not to continue to work with us due to factors beyond our control.
They may also refuse to work with us because of their own financial difficulties, business priorities or other reasons, at a time that is costly or otherwise
inconvenient for us. If we was unable to find adequate replacement or another acceptable solution in time, our clinical trials could be delayed or our
commercial activities could be harmed.
Problems with the quality of the work performed by third parties may lead us to seek to terminate our working relationships and seek alternative service
providers. However, making this change may be costly and may substantially delay clinical trials. In addition, it may be very challenging, and in some cases
impossible, to find replacement service providers that can develop and manufacture our drug candidates in an acceptable manner and at an acceptable cost and
on a timely basis. The
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sale of products containing any defects or any delays in the supply of necessary products or services could adversely affect our business, financial condition,
results of operations, and prospects.
Growth in the costs and expenses of components or raw materials may also adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and
prospects. Supply sources could be interrupted from time to time and, if interrupted, supplies may not be resumed (whether in part or in whole) within a
reasonable timeframe and at an acceptable cost or at all.
We currently rely on and plan to continue to rely on third parties to conduct clinical trials for our product candidates. If these third parties do not
successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines, it may cause delays in commencing and completing clinical trials of our product
candidates or we may be unable to obtain marketing approval for or commercialize our product candidates.
Clinical trials must meet applicable FDA and foreign regulatory requirements. We do not have the ability to independently conduct clinical trials for any
of our product candidates. We rely and expect to continue relying on third parties, such as CROs, medical institutions, clinical investigators and contract
laboratories, to conduct all of our clinical trials of our product candidates; however, we remain responsible for ensuring that each of our clinical trials is
conducted in accordance with our investigational plan and protocol. Moreover, the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities require us to comply with IND and
human subject protection regulations and cGCPs for conducting, monitoring, recording, and reporting the results of clinical trials to ensure that the data and
results are scientifically credible and accurate and that the trial subjects are adequately informed of the potential risks of participating in clinical trials. Our
reliance on third parties does not relieve us of these responsibilities and requirements. Regulatory authorities enforce eGCPs through periodic inspections of
trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial sites. If we or any of our third-party contractors fail to comply with applicable eGCPs, the clinical data generated
in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials
before approving our marketing applications. Upon inspection by a given regulatory authority, such regulatory authority may determine that one or more of our
clinical trials do not comply with eGCPs. Our failure to comply with these regulations may require us to repeat clinical trials, which would delay the marketing
approval process and increase our expenses.
The pharmaceutical industry has experienced cases where clinical investigators have been found to incorrectly record data, omit data, or even falsify data.
We cannot ensure that the CROs or clinical investigators in our trials will not make mistakes or otherwise compromise the integrity or validity of data, any of
which would have a significant negative effect on our ability to obtain marketing approval, our business, and our financial condition.
We or the third parties we rely on may encounter problems in clinical trials that may cause us or the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies to delay, suspend
or terminate our clinical trials at any phase. These problems could include the possibility that we may not be able to manufacture sufficient quantities of
materials for use in our clinical trials, conduct clinical trials at our preferred sites, enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials at one or more
sites, or begin or successfully complete clinical trials in a timely fashion, if at all. Furthermore, we, the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend
clinical trials of our product candidates at any time if we or they believe the subjects participating in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks,
whether as a result of adverse events occurring in our trials or otherwise, or if we or they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct of the
investigation. The FDA or foreign regulatory agencies could also require additional clinical trials before or after granting marketing approval for any products,
which would result in increased costs and significant delays in the development and commercialization of such products and could result in the withdrawal of
such products from the market even if marketing approval has already been obtained. Our failure to adequately demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a product
candidate in clinical development could delay or prevent marketing approval of the product candidate. Even if market approval has already been obtained,
adverse data from post-approval studies could result in the product being withdrawn from the market. Any of these occurrences would likely have a material
adverse effect on our business.
We may be unable to realize the potential benefits of any collaboration.
Even if we are successful in entering into a collaboration with respect to the development and/or commercialization of one or more product candidates,
the collaboration may not be successful. Collaborations pose a number of risks, including:
•
•
collaborators often have significant discretion in determining the extent of efforts and resources that they will apply to the collaboration, and may not
commit sufficient attention and financial or other resources to the development, marketing or commercialization of the product or products that are
subject to the collaboration;
collaborators may not perform their obligations as expected;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
any such collaboration may significantly limit our share of potential future profits from the associated program, and may require us to relinquish
potentially valuable rights to our current product candidates, potential product candidates or proprietary technologies, or to grant licenses on terms that
are not favorable to us;
collaborators may cease to devote sufficient resources to the development or commercialization of our product candidates, especially if the
collaborators view our product candidates as competitive with their own products or product candidates;
disagreements with collaborators, including disagreements over proprietary rights, contract interpretation or the course of development, might cause
delays or termination of the development or commercialization of product candidates, and might result in legal proceedings, which would be time-
consuming, distracting and expensive;
collaborators may be impacted by changes in their strategic focus or available funding, or business combinations involving them, which could cause
them to divert resources away from our collaboration;
collaborators may infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may expose us to litigation and potential liability;
the collaborations may not result in our achieving revenues to justify such transactions; and
collaborations may be terminated, which may require us to raise additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the
applicable product candidate.
As a result of any of these factors, a collaboration may not result in the successful development or commercialization of our product candidates.
We enter into various contracts in the normal course of our business in which we indemnify the other party to the contract. In the event we have to
perform under these indemnification provisions, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the normal course of business, we periodically enter into academic, commercial, service, collaboration, licensing, consulting and other agreements that
contain indemnification provisions. With respect to our academic and other research agreements, we typically indemnify the institution and related parties from
losses arising from claims relating to the products, processes or services made, used, sold or performed pursuant to the agreements for which we have secured
licenses, and from claims arising from our or our sublicensees’ exercise of rights under the agreements.
Should our obligation under an indemnification provision exceed applicable insurance coverage or if we were denied insurance coverage, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Similarly, if we are relying on a collaborator to indemnify us and the collaborator is
denied insurance coverage or the indemnification obligation exceeds the applicable insurance coverage, and if the collaborator does not have other assets
available to indemnify us, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
If our contract manufacturers fail to comply with continuing regulations, resulting enforcement action could adversely affect us.
If any of our contract manufacturers fail to comply with regulatory requirements or if previously unknown problems with products, manufacturers or
manufacturing processes are discovered, we or the manufacturer could be subject to administrative or judicially imposed sanctions, including restrictions on the
products or the manufacturers or manufacturing processes we use, warning letters, untitled letters (which the FDA uses as an initial notification of violations),
civil or criminal penalties, fines, injunctions, product seizures or detentions, import bans, voluntary or mandatory product recalls and publicity requirements,
suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, total or partial suspension of production, and refusal to approve pending applications for marketing approval
of new products.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our proprietary rights may not adequately protect our technologies and product candidates.
Our commercial success will depend in part on our ability to obtain additional patents and protect our existing patent position as well as our ability to
maintain adequate protection of other intellectual property for our technologies, product candidates, and any future products in the United States and other
countries. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual
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property, competitors may be able to use our technologies and erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which could harm our business and
ability to achieve profitability. The laws of some foreign countries, in particular China and India, do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent or in
the same manner as U.S. laws, and we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our proprietary rights in these and other countries. We
will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary technologies, product candidates and
any future products are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets.
We apply for patents covering both our technologies and product candidates as we deem appropriate. However, we may fail to apply for patents on
important technologies or product candidates in a timely fashion, or at all. Our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not be sufficiently broad
to prevent others from using our technologies or developing competing products and technologies. We cannot be certain that our patent applications will be
approved or that any patents issued will adequately protect our intellectual property.
Moreover, the patent positions of pharmaceutical companies are highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions for which important
legal principles are evolving and remain unresolved. As a result, the validity and enforceability of patents cannot be predicted with certainty. In addition, we do
not know whether:
• we or our licensors were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our issued patents and pending patent applications;
• we or our licensors were the first to file patent applications for these inventions;
•
any of the patents that cover our product candidates will be eligible to be listed in the FDA’s compendium of “Approved Drug Products with
Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations,” sometimes referred to as the FDA’s Orange Book;
others will independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies;
any of our or our licensors’ pending patent applications will result in issued patents;
any of our or our licensors’ patents will be valid or enforceable;
any patents issued to us or our licensors and collaborators will provide us with any competitive advantages, or will be challenged by third parties;
•
•
•
•
• we will develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;
•
•
governmental authorities will exercise any of their statutory rights to our intellectual property that was developed with government funding; or
our business may infringe the patents or other proprietary rights of others.
The actual protection afforded by a patent varies based on products or processes, from country to country and depends upon many factors, including the
type of patent, the scope of its coverage, the availability of regulatory related extensions, the availability of legal remedies in a particular country, the validity
and enforceability of the patents and our financial ability to enforce our patents and other intellectual property rights. Our ability to maintain and solidify our
proprietary rights to our product candidates and future products will depend on our success in obtaining effective claims and enforcing those claims once
granted. Our issued patents and those that may issue in the future, or those licensed to us, may be challenged, narrowed, invalidated or circumvented, and the
rights granted under any issued patents may not provide us with proprietary protection or competitive advantages against competitors with similar products.
Due to the extensive amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of a product candidate, it is possible that, before any of our
product candidates can be commercialized, any related patent may expire or remain in force for only a short period following commercialization, thereby
reducing any advantage of the patent.
We may also rely on trade secrets to protect some of our technology, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable.
However, trade secrets are difficult to maintain. While we use reasonable efforts to protect our trade secrets, our or any of our collaborators’ employees,
consultants, contractors or scientific and other advisors may unintentionally or willfully disclose our proprietary information to competitors or others and we
may not have adequate remedies in respect of such disclosure. Enforcement of claims that a third party has illegally obtained and is using trade secrets is
expensive, time consuming and uncertain. In addition, foreign courts are sometimes less willing than U.S. courts to protect trade secrets. If our competitors
independently develop equivalent knowledge, methods or know-how, we would not be able to assert our rights to trade secrets and our business could be
harmed.
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We are a party to license agreements under which we license intellectual property and receive commercialization rights relating to certain of our
product candidates. If we fail to comply with obligations in such agreements or otherwise experience disruptions to our business relationships with our
licensors, we could lose license rights that are important to our business; any termination of such agreements would adversely affect our business.
We are a party to license agreements that give us various commercialization rights, the loss of which (whether due to our actions or inactions or those of
the respective counterparties) may adversely affect our business. For instance, in November 2018, Immunic AG and Daiichi Sankyo entered into a license and
option agreement that grants us an exclusive global option to license IMU-856 and related molecules. In January 2020, we exercised this option and acquired
the rights to commercialization of IMU-856 in all countries including the U.S., Europe and Japan.
The loss of (i) the licenses granted to us under our agreements with Daiichi Sankyo and other licensors, or (ii) the rights provided under such agreements,
would prevent us from developing, manufacturing or marketing products covered by the license or subject to supply commitments, and could materially harm
our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on product candidates in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and our
intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States. In addition, the laws of some
foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as federal and state laws in the United States. For example, many foreign
countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third
parties from practicing our technologies in all countries outside the United States, or from selling or importing products made using our technologies in and into
the United States or other jurisdictions. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection, to develop their
own products and further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection but enforcement rights are weaker than in the
United States. These products may compete with our product candidates in jurisdictions where we do not have any issued patents and our patent claims or other
intellectual rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent such competition.
Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems
of certain countries do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property rights, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement
of our patents generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention
from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and put our patent applications at risk of not
issuing, and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies
awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights throughout the world may be
inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license.
If we do not obtain patent term extension in the United States under the Hatch-Waxman Act and in foreign countries under similar legislation, we
may be unable to extend the term of marketing exclusivity for our product candidates and our business may be materially harmed.
Depending on the timing, duration and specifics of any FDA marketing approval of any of our product candidates, one of the U.S. patents covering each
such approved product or the use thereof may be eligible for up to five years of patent term restoration under the Hatch-Waxman Act. The Hatch-Waxman Act
allows extension of a maximum of one patent per FDA-approved product. Patent term extension or special protection certificates also may be available in
certain foreign countries upon regulatory approval of our product candidates. Nevertheless, we may not be granted patent term extension either in the United
States or in any foreign country because of, among other things, failing to apply prior to applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant
patents or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the term of extension afforded as well as the scope of patent protection during any
such extension could be less than we request.
If we are unable to obtain patent term extension or restoration, or the term of any such extension is less than we or our collaborators request, the period
during which we will have the right to exclusively market our product will be shortened and our competitors may obtain approval of competing products
following expiration of our patent, and our potential revenue could be materially reduced.
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We may not identify relevant patents or may incorrectly interpret the relevance, scope or expiration of a patent issued to others, which could adversely
affect our ability to develop and market our product candidates.
Our patent searches or analyses (including, but not limited to, the identification of relevant patents, the scope of patent claims or the expiration of relevant
patents) might not be accurate, complete or thorough, and could fail to identify each and every patent and pending application in the United States and other
jurisdictions that is or may potentially be relevant to or necessary for the commercialization of our product candidates in any jurisdiction.
The scope of a patent claim is determined by legal interpretation, the written disclosure in a patent and the patent’s prosecution history. If our
interpretation of the relevance or the scope of a patent or a pending application is not accurate and we incorrectly determine that our product candidates are not
covered by a third-party patent, we could be potentially liable for infringement, prevented from marketing our product candidate, or required to seek costly
licenses from patent holders.
Many patents may cover a marketed product, including but not limited to patents covering the composition, methods of use, formulations, production
processes and purification processes of or for the product. The identification of all patents and their expiration dates relevant to the production and sale of a
therapeutic product is extraordinarily complex and requires sophisticated legal knowledge in the relevant jurisdiction. It may be impossible to identify all
patents in all jurisdictions relevant to a marketed product. Our determination of the expiration date of any patent in the United States or other jurisdictions that
we consider relevant may be incorrect, which could negatively impact our ability to develop and market our product candidates.
Obtaining and maintaining patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, documentary, fee payment and other requirements
imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO"), and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of
procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent prosecution process. Periodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees
and various other governmental fees on any issued patent and/or pending patent applications are due to be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies in
several stages over the lifetime of a patent or patent application. We employ an outside firm and rely on outside counsel to pay these fees. While an inadvertent
lapse may sometimes be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are many situations in which
noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant
jurisdiction. If we fail to maintain the patents and patent applications covering our product candidates, our competitors might be able to enter the market sooner,
which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
The patent protection for our product candidates may expire before we are able to maximize their commercial value, which may subject us to
increased competition and reduce or eliminate our opportunity to generate product revenue.
The patents for our product candidates have, and any patents issued in the future will have, varying expiration dates and, when these patents expire, we
may be subject to increased competition and we may not be able to recover our development costs or market any of our approved products profitably. In some
of the larger potential markets, such as the United States and Europe, patent term extension or restoration may be available to compensate for time taken during
aspects of the product’s development and regulatory review. However, extensions might not be granted or, if granted, the applicable time period or the scope of
patent protection afforded during any extension period could be inadequate. In addition, even though some regulatory authorities may provide some other
exclusivity for a product under their own laws and regulations, we may not be able to qualify the product or obtain exclusivity. If we are unable to obtain patent
term extension, restoration or some other exclusivity, we could be subject to increased competition and our opportunity to establish or maintain product revenue
could be substantially reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, we may not have sufficient time to recover our development costs prior to the expiration of our U.S.
and foreign patents.
We may become involved in lawsuits or interference proceedings to protect patents held by us or our licensors or other intellectual property rights,
which could be expensive, time-consuming and ultimately unsuccessful.
Competitors may infringe our patents or other intellectual property rights. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file
infringement claims, directly or through our licensors, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may
decide that a patent of our licensor is not valid or is unenforceable, or
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may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result
in any litigation or defense proceedings could put one or more of the patents we own or license at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and could
put our licensors’ patent applications at risk of not issuing.
Interference proceedings brought by the USPTO may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to patents and patent applications
of our licensors or those of our current or future collaborators. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the technology or to attempt to license
rights to it from the prevailing party. Our business could be harmed if a prevailing party does not offer us a license on terms that are acceptable to us. Litigation
or interference proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distraction of our management and other employees. We may
not be able to prevent, alone or with our collaborators, misappropriation of our proprietary rights, particularly in countries whose laws do not grant the same
protections to intellectual property as fully as the United States.
Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our
confidential and proprietary information could be compromised by disclosure. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings,
motions or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, this could have a substantial
adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
Third-party claims of intellectual property infringement or misappropriation may adversely affect our business and could prevent us from developing
or commercializing our product candidates.
Our commercial success depends in part on avoiding infringement of the patents and proprietary rights of third parties. There is a substantial amount of
litigation and other challenges, both within and outside the United States, involving patent and other intellectual property rights in the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries, including patent infringement lawsuits, interferences, oppositions, ex-parte review, inter party review and post-grant review
proceedings before the USPTO and foreign patent offices. Numerous U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications exist in the fields in which we are
developing and may develop our product candidates. As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries expand and more patents are issued, the risk increases
that our product candidates may be subject to third-party claims of patent infringement. Third-party claims that we infringe on their products or technology
could present a number of issues, including:
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infringement and other intellectual property claims, whether with or without merit, can be extremely expensive and time-consuming to litigate and can
divert management’s attention from our core business;
the risk of substantial court-imposed damages for past infringement;
a court prohibiting us from selling or licensing our product unless the patent holder licenses the patent to us, which it would not be required to do;
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• we may need to redesign our processes to avoid further infringement, which may not be possible or could require expenditure of substantial funds and
even if a license is available from the patent holder, we may have to pay substantial royalties or grant cross licenses to our patents; and
time.
Third parties may assert that we are employing their proprietary technology without authorization. We may be unaware of third-party patents or patent
applications with claims to materials, formulations, methods of manufacture or methods for treatment related to the use or manufacture of our product
candidates. For example, applications filed before November 29, 2000, and certain applications filed after that date that will not be filed outside the United
States, remain confidential until issued as patents. Except for the preceding exceptions, patent applications in the United States and elsewhere are generally
published only after a waiting period of approximately 18 months after the earliest filing. Therefore, patent applications covering our product candidates may
have been filed by others without the knowledge of us or our licensors. Additionally, pending patent applications which have been published can, subject to
certain limitations, be later amended in a manner that could cover our product candidates or the use or manufacture of our product candidates. We may also face
misappropriation claims if a third party believes that we inappropriately obtained and used its trade secrets. If the third-party prevails on such claims, we may
be prevented from further using such trade secrets, limiting our ability to develop our product candidates, and may be required to pay damages.
If a court of competent jurisdiction held that any third-party patents covers aspects of our materials, formulations, methods of manufacture or methods for
treatment, the holders of any such patents would be able to block our ability to develop and commercialize the applicable product candidate until such patent
expired or unless we obtain a license. A license may not be
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available on acceptable terms, if at all. Even if we were able to obtain a license, the rights could be nonexclusive, which could result in our competitors having
access to our licensed intellectual property.
Ultimately, we could be prevented from commercializing a product, or be forced to cease some aspect of our business operations, if, as a result of actual
or threatened patent infringement claims, we are unable to enter into licenses on acceptable terms or at all. In addition, during the course of any patent or other
intellectual property litigation, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, rulings on motions, and other interim proceedings in the
litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the perceived value of our product candidates, programs, or intellectual
property could be diminished. Accordingly, the market price of our common stock may decline.
Parties making claims against us may obtain injunctive or other equitable relief, which could effectively block our ability to further develop and
commercialize one or more of our product candidates. Defending against claims of patent infringement or misappropriation of trade secrets could be costly and
time-consuming, regardless of the outcome. Thus, even if we were to ultimately prevail, or to settle at an early stage, such litigation could burden us with
substantial unanticipated costs. In addition, litigation or threatened litigation could result in significant demands on the time and attention of our management
team, distracting them from the pursuit of other company business. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, we may have to pay
substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees for willful infringement, pay royalties, redesign our infringing products or obtain one or
more licenses from third parties, which may be impossible to obtain or require substantial expenditure of time and money. In addition, the uncertainties
associated with litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our clinical trials, continue our research
programs, license necessary technology from third parties, or enter into collaborative arrangements that would help us bring our product candidates to market.
Changes in U.S. patent law could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our product candidates.
As is the case with other pharmaceutical companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly on obtaining and enforcing
patents and patent rights. Obtaining and enforcing patents and patent rights in the biotechnology industry involves both technological and legal complexity and,
therefore, is costly, time-consuming and inherently uncertain. In addition, some patent reform legislation and court rulings in the United States have either
narrowed the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakened the rights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to
increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of
patents and patent rights, once obtained.
For our U.S. patent applications containing a claim not entitled to priority before March 16, 2013, there is a greater level of uncertainty in the patent law.
In September 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act ("the AIA"), was signed into law. The AIA includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent
law, including provisions that affect the way patent applications will be prosecuted and reviewed after issuance, and may also affect patent litigation. USPTO
regulations and procedures govern administration of the AIA and many of the substantive changes to patent law associated with the AIA. It is not clear what
other, if any, impact the AIA will have on the operation of our business. Moreover, the AIA and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs
surrounding the prosecution of patent applications and the enforcement or defense of patent rights, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business and financial condition.
An important change introduced by the AIA is that, as of March 16, 2013, the United States transitioned to a “first-inventor-to-file” system for deciding
which party should be granted a patent when two or more patent applications are filed by different parties claiming the same invention. A third party that files a
patent application in the USPTO after that date, but before we or our licensor files a patent application, could therefore be awarded a patent covering an
invention of ours even if we or our licensor had made the invention before the third party. This will require us to be cognizant going forward of the time from
invention to filing of a patent application. Furthermore, our ability to obtain and maintain valid and enforceable patent rights depends on whether the
differences between the licensor’s or our technology and the prior art allow our technology to be patentable over the prior art. Since patent applications in the
United States and most other countries are confidential for a period of time after filing, we cannot be certain if we (or our licensor) was the first to either (i) file
any patent application related to our product candidates or (ii) invent any of the inventions claimed in our patents or patent applications.
Among other changes, the AIA limits where a patentee may file a patent infringement suit and provides opportunities for third parties to challenge any
issued patent in the USPTO. This applies to all U.S. patents, even those issued before March 16, 2013. Because the evidentiary standard to invalidate a patent
claim in USPTO proceedings is lower than for a procedure in U.S.
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federal court, a challenger may attempt to use the USPTO procedures to invalidate our patent rights that would not have been invalidated in federal court.
Depending on decisions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts, and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in
unpredictable ways that would weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in the future.
Because of the expense and uncertainty of litigation, we may not be in a position to enforce our intellectual property rights against third parties.
Because of the expense and uncertainty of litigation, we may conclude that, even if a third party is infringing our patents or our licensors’ patents or other
intellectual property rights, the risk-adjusted cost of bringing and enforcing such a claim or action may be too high or not in the best interest of us or our
stockholders. In such cases, we may decide that the more prudent course of action is to simply monitor the situation or initiate or seek some other non-litigious
action or solution.
Intellectual property rights do not protect against all potential threats to our potential competitive advantage.
The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is highly uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations and
may not adequately protect our business, or permit us to maintain any competitive advantage we may gain. The following examples are illustrative:
• Others may be able to make products that are similar to our product candidates but that are not covered by the claims of the patents that we license
from others or may license or own in the future.
• Others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or otherwise circumvent any of our technologies without infringing our
intellectual property rights.
• Any of our collaborators might not have been the first to conceive and reduce to practice the inventions covered by the patents or patent applications
that we license or may, in the future, own or license.
• Any of our collaborators might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of the patents or patent applications that we license or
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may, in the future, license.
Issued patents that have been licensed to us may not provide us with any competitive advantage, or may be held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of
legal challenges by our competitors.
• Our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have license rights, or in countries where research
and development safe harbor laws exist, and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our
major commercial markets.
• Ownership of patents or patent applications licensed to us may be challenged by third parties.
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The patents of third parties or pending or future applications of third parties, if issued, may have an adverse effect on our business.
Confidentiality agreements with employees, consultants and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and protect other
proprietary information.
Trade secrets and/or confidential know-how can be difficult to maintain as confidential. In an effort to protect this type of information against disclosure
or appropriation by competitors, we require our employees, consultants, contractors and advisors to enter into confidentiality agreements with us. However,
current or former employees, consultants, contractors and advisers may unintentionally or willfully disclose our confidential information to competitors, and
confidentiality agreements may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Enforcing a claim that a
third party obtained illegally and is using trade secrets and/or confidential know-how is challenging, expensive, time-consuming and unpredictable. The extent
to which confidentiality agreements may be enforced does vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Failure to obtain or maintain trade secrets and/or trade protection of our confidential know-how could adversely affect our competitive position.
Moreover, our competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and may even apply for patent protection of that
information. If successful in obtaining such patent protection, our competitors could limit our use of our trade secrets and/or confidential know-how.
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We may need to license certain intellectual property from third parties, and such licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or
at all.
A third party may hold intellectual property, including patent rights that are important or necessary to the development or commercialization of our
product candidates. It may be necessary for us to use the patented or proprietary technology of third parties to commercialize our product candidates, in which
case we would be required to obtain a license from such third parties. Such a license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which
could prevent us from commercializing our product candidates.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of
third parties.
We have received confidential and proprietary information from third parties. In addition, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other
biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. We may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently
or otherwise improperly used or disclosed to us or others confidential information of their former employers or other owners of confidential information.
Further, we may be subject to ownership disputes in the future arising from, among other things, consultants or third-parties who are involved in
developing our product candidates. We may also be subject to claims that former employees, consultants, independent contractors, collaborators or other third
parties have an ownership interest in our patents or other intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging
our right to, and use of, confidential and proprietary information. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose
our rights to certain intellectual property. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and
employees.
We may be subject to claims challenging the inventorship or ownership of our patents and other intellectual property.
We may also be subject to claims that former employees, collaborators or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patents and other
intellectual property. We may be subject to ownership disputes in the future arising, for example, from conflicting obligations of consultants or others who have
been involved in developing our product candidates. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or
ownership. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as
exclusive ownership of, or right to use, valuable intellectual property. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business. Even if we are
successful in defending against such claims, litigation could be extremely costly and distract our management and other employees.
Our reliance on third parties requires us to share our trade secrets, which increases the possibility that a competitor will discover them or that our
trade secrets will be misappropriated or disclosed.
Because we rely on third parties to assist with research and development and to manufacture our product candidates, we must, at times, share trade secrets
with them. We seek to protect our proprietary technology in part by entering into confidentiality agreements and, if applicable, material transfer agreements,
consulting agreements or other similar agreements with our advisors, employees, third-party contractors and consultants prior to beginning research or
disclosing proprietary information. These agreements are intended to limit the rights of the third parties to use, disclose or publish our confidential information,
including our trade secrets. Despite these contractual restrictions, the need to share trade secrets and other confidential information increases the risk that such
trade secrets could become known to our competitors, could be inadvertently incorporated into the technology of others, or could be disclosed or used in
violation of these agreements. Given that our proprietary position is based, in part, on our know-how and trade secrets, a competitor’s discovery of our trade
secrets or other unauthorized use or disclosure would impair our competitive position and may have a material adverse effect on our business.
In the future we may also conduct joint research and development programs that may require us to share trade secrets under the terms of our research and
development or similar agreements. Despite our efforts to protect our trade secrets, our competitors may discover our trade secrets, either through breach of our
agreements with third parties, independent
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development, or publication of information by any of our third-party collaborators. A competitor’s discovery of our trade secrets would impair our competitive
position and have an adverse impact on our business.
If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our
business may be adversely affected.
Our trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. We may
not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks and trade names, which we need to build name recognition among potential collaborators or customers in
our markets of interest. If we cannot adequately protect our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of
interest and our business would be harmed. At times, competitors may adopt trade names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build
brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners
of other registered trademarks or trademarks that incorporate variations of our trademarks or trade names. Over the long term, if we are unable to successfully
register and protect our trademarks and trade names and establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to
compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected. Our efforts to enforce or protect our proprietary rights related to trademarks, trade secrets,
domain names, copyrights or other intellectual property may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely
impact our financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to Being a Public Company
We incur significant costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies.
We incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we would not incur as a private company, including costs associated with public company
reporting requirements. We also incur costs associated with corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), as well as existing and new rules implemented by the SEC and The Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq"). These rules and regulations
increase the company’s legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. Not all members of our management
have previously managed and operated a public company. These executive officers and other personnel will need to devote substantial time to gaining expertise
regarding operations as a public company and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These rules and regulations may also make it difficult and
expensive for us to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to
serve on our board of directors or as executive officers of our company, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and could cause our business and
stock price to suffer.
Effective December 31, 2019, we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging
growth companies” no longer apply, and we are required to report on internal control over financial reporting, which will increase our costs as a public
company and increase the demands on management.
Effective December 31, 2019, the fiscal year-end following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, we are no longer an
“emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. As a result, we are incurring significant additional expenses in complying
with certain provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules implemented by the SEC. Moreover, if we or our independent registered public accounting firm
identifies deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline,
and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management
resources. Furthermore, investor perceptions of us may suffer if, in the future, material weaknesses are found, and this could cause a decline in the market price
of our stock. Any failure of our internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on the company’s stated operating results and harm
our reputation. If we are unable to implement these changes effectively or efficiently, it could harm our operations, financial reporting and financial results and
could result in an adverse opinion on internal control from our independent registered public accounting firm.
In addition, we are no longer eligible for reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies regarding executive compensation
and exemptions from the requirements of holding advisory say-on-pay votes on executive compensation. These increased disclosure requirements require
additional attention from management and increased costs to the company, including higher legal fees, accounting fees and fees associated with investor
relations activities, among others.
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Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock has been and is expected to continue to be volatile.
The market price of our common stock has been, and is expected to continue to be, subject to significant fluctuations. Market prices for securities of
early-stage pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other life sciences companies have historically been particularly volatile. Some of the factors that may cause the
market price of our common stock to fluctuate include:
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reports on or the perception of clinical trial progress, or the lack thereof, which we experienced in October 2022 when our stock price and market
capitalization decreased significantly after announcing Phase 1b interim analysis of IMU-935 for the first two dose patient cohorts with moderate-to-
severe psoriasis;
our ability to obtain regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and delays or failures to obtain such approvals;
failure of any of our approved product candidates to achieve commercial success;
failure to maintain our existing third-party license, supply and manufacturing agreements;
failure by us or our licensors to prosecute, maintain, or enforce our intellectual property rights;
changes in laws or regulations (or their interpretation) applicable to our product candidates;
any inability to obtain adequate supply of our product candidates or the inability to do so at acceptable prices;
adverse regulatory authority decisions or delays;
introduction of new products, services, or technologies by our competitors;
failure to meet or exceed financial and development projections that we may provide to the public;
failure to meet or exceed the financial and development projections of the investment community;
the perception of the pharmaceutical industry in general, and companies addressing our disease indications in particular, by the public, legislatures,
regulators and the investment community;
announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic collaborations, joint ventures, or capital commitments by us or our competitors;
disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters, and our ability to obtain patent protection for our
technologies;
additions or departures of key personnel;
significant lawsuits, including patent, product liability or stockholder litigation;
if securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue negative or misleading opinions regarding our
business and stock;
changes in the market valuations of similar companies;
general market or macroeconomic conditions;
sales of common stock by the company or our stockholders in the future;
trading volume of our common stock;
announcements by commercial partners or competitors of new commercial products, clinical progress or the lack thereof, significant contracts,
commercial relationships or capital commitments;
adverse publicity relating to the markets in which we operate, including with respect to other products and product candidates in such markets;
the introduction of technological innovations or new therapies that compete or might compete with our product candidates;
changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; and
period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results.
Moreover, stock markets in general have experienced substantial volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of individual
companies. These broad market fluctuations have had, and can be expected to continue to have, adverse effects on the trading price of our common stock.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders have often instituted class action securities litigation
against those companies. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management attention and resources, which could
significantly harm our profitability and reputation.
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Additionally, a decrease in our stock price may cause our common stock to no longer satisfy the continued listing standards of The Nasdaq Global Select
Market. If we are not able to maintain the requirements for listing on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, we could be delisted, which would likely result in an
immediate and significant decline in the trading price and liquidity of our stock, and would have a materially adverse effect on our ability to raise additional
funds.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law might discourage or delay acquisition attempts for the company that
stockholders might consider favorable.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and Amended and Restated Bylaws, contain provisions that may delay or prevent an acquisition
or change in control of the company. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include provisions that:
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authorize our board of directors to issue without further action by the stockholders, up to 20,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock;
require that any action to be taken by our stockholders be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting and not by written consent;
establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder approvals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed
nominations of persons for election to our board of directors;
provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum; and
establish that our board of directors is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with each class serving staggered terms.
Further, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to provisions of Delaware corporations law, which may impair a takeover attempt that our stockholders
may find beneficial. These anti-takeover provisions and other provisions under Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a
change in control of our company, including actions that our stockholders may deem advantageous, or could negatively affect the trading price of our common
stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors of their choosing and to cause us to
take other corporate actions they desire.
We may experience adverse consequences because of required indemnification of officers and directors.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that we will indemnify any director and officer as to liabilities incurred in their capacity
as a director or officer and on those terms and conditions set forth therein to the fullest extent of Delaware law. Further, we have purchased directors and
officers insurance on behalf of any such persons whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such person against the liability insured against. The
foregoing could result in substantial expenditures by us and prevent any recovery from our officers, directors, agents and employees for losses incurred by the
company as a result of their actions.
We do not anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
The current expectation is that we will retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, any capital appreciation of
the common stock of the company will be stockholders’ sole source of any gain for the foreseeable future.
General Risk Factors
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial
statements on a timely basis could be impaired.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Effective internal
control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, is
designed to prevent fraud. We must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow
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management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for each year, as required by
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act ("Section 404"). This requires significant management efforts and requires us to incur substantial professional fees and
internal costs to expand our accounting and finance functions. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their
implementation, could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us, as and when required, conducted in connection with
Section 404, or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, as and when required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal
controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to
our financial statements, or may identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that our efforts will be sufficient
to remediate or prevent future material weaknesses or significant deficiencies from occurring.
If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not be
able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, the market price of our common stock would likely decline and we could be
subject to sanctions or investigations by Nasdaq, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities.
Our business and stock price could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist stockholders, and such activism could impact the trading
value of our securities.
Stockholders may, from time to time, engage in proxy solicitations or put forth stockholder proposals, or otherwise attempt to effect changes and assert
influence on our board of directors and management. Activist campaigns that contest or conflict with our strategic direction or seek changes in the composition
of our board of directors could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition and divert management’s attention. A proxy contest
would require us to incur significant legal and advisory fees, proxy solicitation expenses and administrative and associated costs and require significant time
and attention by our board of directors and management, diverting their attention from the pursuit of our business strategy. Any perceived uncertainties as to
our future direction and control, our ability to execute on our strategy, or changes to the composition of our board of directors or management team arising from
a proxy contest or initiatives of activist stockholders could lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or instability, which may result in
the loss of potential business opportunities, make it more difficult to pursue strategic initiatives, or limit our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and
business partners, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results and the trading price of our stock. If individuals are ultimately elected
to our board of directors with a specific agenda, our ability to effectively implement our business strategy and create additional value for our stockholders may
be adversely effected. We may choose to initiate, or may become subject to, litigation as a result of a proxy contest or matters arising from a proxy contest,
which would serve as a further distraction to our board of directors and management and would require us to incur significant additional costs. In addition,
actions such as those described above could cause significant negative or other fluctuations in our stock price based upon temporary or speculative market
perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.
An active trading market for our common stock may not be sustained and our stockholders may not be able to resell their shares of common stock for
a profit, if at all.
An active trading market for our shares of common stock may not be sustained. If an active market for our common stock is not sustained, it may be
difficult for stockholders to sell their shares at an attractive price or at all.
Future sales of shares by existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.
If existing stockholders sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, whether after legal restrictions
on resale lapse or at other times, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
If equity research analysts do not publish research or reports, or publish unfavorable research or reports, about us, our business or our market, our
stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that equity research analysts publish about us and our business. Equity
research analysts may elect not to provide research coverage of our common stock, and such lack of research coverage may adversely affect the market price of
our common stock. If we do have equity research analyst coverage, we will not have any control over the analysts or the content and opinions included in their
reports. The price of our common stock could substantially decline immediately if one or more equity research analysts downgrade our stock or issue other
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unfavorable commentary or research. If one or more equity research analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our
common stock could decrease, which in turn could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
If we become profitable, our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income or taxes may be
subject to limitations.
We have incurred net losses since our inception, and expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. If we become profitable in the
future, our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income or reduce taxes may be subject to
limitations. In general, under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership
change” (generally defined as a greater than 50% cumulative change by value in its equity ownership of certain stockholders over a rolling three-year period) is
subject to an annual limitation on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOLs and other tax attributes (including any research and development credit
carryforwards). Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit the use of our state NOLs and other tax attributes.
We have not performed an analysis to determine whether our past issuances of stock and other changes in our stock ownership may have resulted in one or
more ownership changes within the meaning of Sections 382 and 383 of the Code. In addition, we may experience an ownership change in the future as a result
of subsequent changes in our stock ownership, some of which are outside our control; and we are not intending to take any steps to prohibit any subsequent
changes in our stock ownership in order to avoid such an ownership change. If an ownership change has occurred in the past or occurs in the future, we may not
be able to use a material portion of our NOLs and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income or taxes if we attain profitability.
In addition to any limitation imposed by Section 382 of Code, the use of NOLs arising after December 31, 2017 generally is limited to a deduction of 80% of
taxable income for the corresponding taxable year. NOLs arising after December 31, 2017, with certain exceptions, may not be carried back to previous taxable
years, but may be carried forward indefinitely.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties.
As of December 31, 2022, we lease approximately 24,300 square feet in Germany in Gräfelfing and approximately 3,300 square feet of office space in the
U.S. in New York City.
The New York City lease, which we entered into in November 2019, expires in July 2025 and provides the principal location for our U.S. operations. The
Gräfelfing, Germany lease, which was effective July 1, 2020 and then adjusted on March 1, 2021 and August 1, 2022 to add more square footage, expires in
June 2025.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We are not currently a party to any litigation, nor are we aware of any pending or threatened litigation against us that we believe would materially affect
our business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows. Our industry is characterized by frequent claims and litigation including securities litigation,
claims regarding patent and other intellectual property rights and claims for product liability. As a result, in the future, we may be involved in various legal
proceedings from time to time.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "IMUX".
Holders
As of February 17, 2023, there were 42 holders of record of our common stock, which excludes stockholders whose shares were held in nominee or street
name by brokers. The actual number of common stockholders is greater than the number of record holders, and includes stockholders who are beneficial
owners, but whose shares are held in street name by brokers and other nominees. This number of holders of record also does not include stockholders whose
shares may be held in trust by other entities.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in
the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare
dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general
business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Information about our equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference to Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Not applicable.
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are
not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report. As used in this report, unless the context
suggests otherwise, “we,” “us,” our” or “the Company” refer to Immunic, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies focused on treating chronic inflammatory and
autoimmune diseases. We are headquartered in New York City with our main operations in Gräfelfing near Munich, Germany. We currently have
approximately 66 employees.
We are currently pursuing clinical development of three orally administered, small molecule programs, each of which has unique features intended to
directly address the unmet needs of patients with serious chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. These include the vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838)
program, which is in Phase 3 clinical development for patients with multiple sclerosis (“MS”); the izumerogant (proposed International Nonproprietary Name
(“INN”) for IMU-935) program, which is an inverse agonist of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma truncated (“RORγt”) that inhibits
the interleukin-17 (“IL-17”) pathway in diseases such as psoriasis; and the IMU-856 program, which is targeted to restore intestinal barrier function and
regenerate bowel epithelium.
We have incurred net losses since inception of $317.3 million through December 31, 2022. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses for at least
the next several years. Due to the uncertainties involved with therapeutic product development and the clinical trial process, we cannot predict the timing or
level of future expenses with certainty, when product approval might occur, if ever, or when profitability may be achieved or sustained.
Recent Events
$60 Million Private Placement Equity Financing
On October 10, 2022, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for a private placement with select accredited investors and certain existing
investors. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to sell to the Purchasers (i) 8,696,552 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value
$0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), at a purchase price of $4.35 per Share, and (ii) 5,096,552 pre-funded warrants to purchase Common Stock, at a purchase price
of $4.34 per Pre-Funded Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrants have an exercise price of $0.01 per share of Common Stock, be immediately exercisable and
remain exercisable until exercised in full. The holders of Pre-Funded Warrants may not exercise a Pre-Funded Warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates,
would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. The holders
of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease such percentages not in excess of 19.99% by providing at least 61 days’ prior notice to the Company. The
Pre-Funded Warrants are classified as a component of permanent equity because they are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and
separately exercisable from the shares of common stock with which they were issued, are immediately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the
Company to repurchase its shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise. In addition, the Pre-Funded
Warrants do not provide any guarantee of value or return. All of the pre-funded warrants were exercised in January 2023.
The Private Placement closed on October 12, 2022. The gross proceeds of the Private Placement were approximately $60.0 million, before deducting
offering expenses payable by us of approximately $4.0 million. We intend to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement to fund the ongoing clinical
development of our three lead product candidates, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), izumerogant (IMU-935) and IMU-856, and for other general corporate
purposes.
New Data From Phase 2 EMPhASIS Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Supporting the Drug’s Neuroprotective
Potential
On November 17, 2022, we reported newly available data from the Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis (“RRMS”). The trial includes an optional long-term open-label extension (“OLE”) phase running up to 9.5 years. An interim analysis was
performed with data extraction in October 2022, when 209 patients remained on treatment in the OLE phase, some of whom have already received more than
180 continuous weeks (approximately four years) of active treatment with vidofludimus calcium.
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Long-term open-label treatment with vidofludimus calcium was associated with a low rate of confirmed disability worsening over time, comparing
favorably to historical trial data for currently available MS medications. During the 24-week double-blind main treatment period, 12-week and 24-week
Confirmed Disability Worsening (“12w/24wCDW”) events occurred in 1.6% of subjects in the combined vidofludimus calcium treatment arms as compared to
3.7% in the placebo group. In the OLE phase, the proportion of patients free from 12wCDW was 97.6% after 48 weeks and 94.5% after 96 weeks of
vidofludimus calcium treatment as compared to the start of the OLE phase. Similar results were observed for 24wCDW and sustained CDW. The OLE phase
also showed low relapse activity.
Presentation of Data From Phase 2 EMPhASIS Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in RRMS at ACTRIMS Forum 2023
On February 22, 2023, we announced that Robert J. Fox, M.D., Staff Neurologist, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Vice-Chair for Research,
Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, will present data from the blinded and OLE parts of our phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus
calcium in RRMS at the eighth annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2023, taking place February
23-25 in San Diego, California. The poster presentation includes our previously announced data from the trial showing that long-term open-label treatment with
vidofludimus calcium was associated with a low rate of confirmed disability worsening over time, comparing favorably to historical trial data for currently
available MS medications.
Publication of Data From Phase 2 EMPhASIS Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in RRMS in Peer Reviewed Journal
On June 15, 2022, we announced that data from our Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with RRMS has been published in the
peer reviewed journal, Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology. The paper, authored by coordinating investigator, Robert J. Fox, M.D., Staff
Neurologist, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Vice-Chair for Research, Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, is entitled, “Safety and
efficacy of vidofludimus calcium, a selective dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor, in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (EMPhASIS): a double-blind,
randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial.”
Results of Phase 1 Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Hepatic Impaired Patients
We completed a Phase 1 trial in a total of 24 patients with either no liver function impairment or liver disease of Child-Pugh A Child-Pugh B grade which
was designed to explore dose optimization of vidofludimus calcium. The study showed little influence on the PK of vidofludimus calcium in patients with
Child-Pugh A Child-Pugh B liver impairment.
Update on the Use of Steroids in the Phase 2 EMPhASIS Trial in RRMS
Based on the observed interaction between vidofludimus calcium and chronic steroid use in the CALDOSE-1 trial in ulcerative colitis patients, we
performed a post-hoc analysis of our Phase 2 EMPhASIS data in RRMS patients to explore the potential influence of steroids on these study results. As
anticipated, steroid use was rare and among those RRMS patients who received any steroids, the majority received only short steroid courses following relapse
events or acute neurological events. Only four patients received any steroids for reasons other than relapse (COVID-19 infection, eczema, acute bronchitis, and
contact urticaria, one patient each). Most patients only had one single short course of steroids, and only nine patients had two or more steroid courses. The
average duration of steroid treatment in this RRMS trial was 4.4 days with a maximum duration of 10 days. This indicates to us that steroids are rarely used in
MS patients and mostly for a very short duration. In conclusion, comparing patients who received at least one dose of corticosteroids with those who did not,
we do not see any difference in clinical parameters or any evidence that the rare, short-term use of steroids in RRMS patients has any influence on the
effectiveness of vidofludimus calcium in this patient population.
Celiac Disease Research and Development Webcast
On February 9, 2023, we hosted a celiac disease research and development webcast. Our management, including Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., Chief Executive
Officer and President; Andreas Muehler, M.D., M.B.A., Chief Medical Officer; and Hella Kohlhof, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, were joined by renowned
key opinion leaders to discuss the dynamics of this multifactorial, complex autoimmune disease, immune stimulation and its connection to clinical symptoms,
the role of the epithelial barrier in the pathogenesis of the disease, current and potential treatment options, and the continued unmet medical need for effective
therapeutics, which is driving an increased focus within the industry.
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Phase 1 Clinical Trial of IMU-856, Results of Parts A and B in Healthy Human Subjects
On September 20, 2022, we announced positive unblinded safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic (“PK”) results from Part A (single ascending doses)
and Part B (multiple ascending doses) of our Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in healthy human subjects.
In the single ascending doses part, healthy human subjects were randomized in a double-blinded manner to either placebo or active treatment with single
ascending doses of IMU-856 at 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg and 160 mg. Single ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-
tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. No serious adverse events occurred. Moreover, a dose-linear PK profile was observed across the
investigated dose range.
In the multiple ascending doses part, healthy human subjects were dosed for 14 consecutive days with 40 mg, 80 mg or 160 mg once-daily of IMU-856 or
placebo in a double-blinded manner. Multiple ascending doses of IMU-856 were found to be safe and well-tolerated and no maximum tolerated dose was
reached. Treatment emergent adverse events were mostly mild in severity. No Investigational Medicinal Product-related serious adverse events were reported.
No dose-dependent changes in laboratory parameters (including no effects on liver enzymes or in hematological parameters), vital signs, physical examination
or electrocardiographic evaluations were found. PK analysis showed a quick achievement of stable steady-state plasma concentrations within the first week and
stable steady-state trough levels over the 14-day treatment period with a low accumulation factor for IMU-856, allowing predictable trough levels during daily
dosing. PK parameters in steady-state revealed a Tmax (time to reach maximum plasma concentration) of 2 to 3 hours post-dose, a plasma half-life of 17.4 to
21.5 hours and dose proportional increases in Cmax (maximum plasma drug concentration) and AUC (area under the concentration-time curve).
IMU-856 Composition-of-Matter Patent Granted
On August 16, 2022, we announced that we have received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) for patent
application 16/646130, entitled, “Compound Having Cyclic Structure.” The patent covers composition-of-matter of IMU-856 and related pharmaceutical
compositions and is expected to provide protection into at least 2038, without accounting for potential PTE.
Start of Patient Cohorts in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of IMU-856 in Celiac Disease
On May 5, 2022, we announced the start of the patient cohorts in our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease. Part C is
structured as a 28-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, pharmacodynamic (“PD”) and biomarker responses
of IMU-856 in patients with celiac disease during periods of gluten-free diet and gluten challenge. Approximately 42 patients were planned to be enrolled in
two consecutive cohorts with IMU-856 given once-daily over 28 days. Secondary objectives include PK and disease markers, including those evaluating
gastrointestinal architecture and inflammation. Sites in Australia and New Zealand are participating in Part C. Initial results are expected to be available in mid-
2023.
Top-Line Data from Phase 2 CALDOSE-1 Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis
On June 2, 2022, we reported top-line data from our Phase 2 CALDOSE-1 trial of vidofludimus calcium in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative
colitis (“UC”). The trial did not achieve the primary endpoint of clinical remission for the pooled 30 and 45 mg/day active dose groups of vidofludimus calcium
versus placebo at week 10. In addition, no meaningful differences were observed between the three active dose groups for the overall intent-to-treat patient
population (10 mg/day: 14.9%, 30 mg/day: 10.6%, 45 mg/day: 13.6%, placebo: 12.5%) or for the trial’s other secondary endpoints, including symptomatic
remission, or endoscopic healing.
Consistent with prior data sets in other patient populations, administration of vidofludimus calcium in this clinical trial was observed to be safe and well-
tolerated. No new safety signals were observed. As compared to placebo, there were no increased rates of infections and infestations, no elevated rates of liver
events or liver enzyme elevations, and no elevated rates for changes in hematology-related laboratory variables. The most common adverse events in this
clinical trial were anemia (15/263 patients, 5.7%), headache (9/263 patients, 3.4%) and COVID-19 (7/263 patients, 2.7%). Most adverse events were generally
mild in severity.
As is common for the design of clinical trials in UC, the use of oral systemic corticosteroids (≤20 mg/day prednisolone equivalent) was allowed in
CALDOSE-1 in patients who had been treated with corticosteroids for at least four weeks before
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randomization. Doses of corticosteroids were required to be kept constant throughout the induction phase (weaning was not allowed in this phase of the clinical
trial), and the distribution of patients using corticosteroids was equal throughout all treatment groups. Surprisingly, CALDOSE-1 data suggest a previously
unknown treatment interference between the efficacy of vidofludimus calcium and the concurrent use of corticosteroids in the UC patient population. More
specifically, the non-steroid patient population showed an 11.4% advantage in clinical remission for vidofludimus calcium over placebo (pooled vidofludimus
calcium treatment groups at week 10: 14.7%, placebo: 3.3%). Such a difference in clinical remission between active treatment and placebo would traditionally
be considered as confirming therapeutic activity. In contrast, patients concomitantly taking vidofludimus calcium and corticosteroids during induction treatment
had a lower rate of clinical remission at week 10 (11.5%) than placebo patients (20.6%) and also lower than the group of vidofludimus calcium monotherapy
without concurrent use of steroids (14.7%). This treatment interference between vidofludimus calcium and corticosteroids was not expected based on our
analysis of currently available preclinical or clinical data.
Based on these results, we announced that our development programs in the IBD indications will not be continued without a partner.
Investigator-Sponsored Phase 2 IONIC Trial in Moderate-to-Severe COVID-19 Closed Down
On June 23, 2022, sponsor and lead site, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom, informed us that the
investigator-sponsored Phase 2 IONIC trial for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 is being closed down. Recruitment for the trial
ended on May 20, 2022 and the last patient follow-up occurred in September 2022. On September 29, 2022, we were informed that the sponsor submitted the
end of trial declaration. The trial was a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, open-label Phase 2b trial, designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of
vidofludimus calcium in combination with the neuraminidase inhibitor, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu ), in approximately 120 adult patients with moderate-to-severe
COVID-19.
Ⓡ
Pre-Planned Phase 1b Interim Analysis of Izumerogant in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis and Goodwill Impairment
On October 20, 2022, we announced the outcome of a pre-planned interim group-level data analysis of our Phase 1b clinical trial of izumerogant in
patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The overall trial is ongoing. The pre-planned interim analysis revealed that the group averages for Psoriasis Area
and Severity Index ("PASI”) reductions in the two active arms did not separate from placebo at four weeks. Although the active arms performed in line with
expectations, based on similarly designed trials, the trial experienced a greater decrease than expected in PASI in the placebo arm. Administration of
izumerogant and placebo in this trial were demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. We plan to provide further
updates and guidance on potential next steps for this development program towards the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Following the announcement of our interim group level data on October 20, 2022, our stock price experienced a significant decline from the prices
preceding the announcement and the recent prices raised in our October 10, 2022 Private Placement. We considered these to be triggering events indicating that
it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. Upon further evaluation we incurred a non-cash full impairment of our goodwill of approximately $33.0
million in the quarter ended December 31, 2022.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Izumerogant in mCRPC
The pre-planned dose escalation in the Phase 1 clinical trial of izumerogant in mCRPC with dosing of up to 900 mg daily has been completed. Initial
safety data available, to date, show a promising safety profile, with only benign adverse events and no dose limiting toxicities.
Izumerogant Composition-of-Matter Patents Granted
On February 2, 2022, we received a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for patent application 16/644581, entitled, “IL-17 and IFN-gamma inhibition
for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation”. We also received notice of allowance of patent application EP18762111.5 in Europe, and
notice of grant of patent application 2018330633 in Australia. All three patents cover composition-of-matter of izumerogant and related formulations, and are
expected to provide protection into at least 2038, without accounting for potential Patent Term Extension ("PTE") in the United States or Supplementary
Protection Certificates in Europe, respectively.
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Results of Exploratory Phase 1 Drug-Drug Interaction Study of Izumerogant
An exploratory Phase 1 study was completed in 15 evaluable healthy human subjects to assess the drug-drug interaction potential of izumerogant. No
relevant signals for drug-drug interaction potential were observed and treatment was safe and well-tolerated.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Izumerogant, Results of Parts A and B in Healthy Human Subjects
On July 12, 2021, we provided an update on our izumerogant program, including new preclinical and clinical data. The main result from preclinical
investigations was that izumerogant inhibits cytokine production (thought to be a pre-condition for its use in immunological and autoimmune diseases) while
maintaining the known and required physiological functions of maturing T lymphocytes. In ex vivo mouse cell differentiation and maturation assays,
izumerogant was observed to selectively inhibit RORγt-dependent gene expression during Th17 differentiation without affecting either RORγt-dependent gene
regulation relevant to thymocyte development, or the viability of these cells. In third-party research, impairment of thymocyte development has been shown to
be associated with serious safety issues, including, among others, T cell malfunction and potential lymphoma formation. We believe that izumerogant's
observed selectivity may enable it to inhibit both the generation of Th17 cells and the production of IL-17 cytokines that are responsible for the development of
autoimmune diseases, without impairing thymocyte development, which is associated with the potential risk of lymphoma seen with other, third-party RORγt
programs.
On December 14, 2021, we provided an update on the preclinical and clinical development of izumerogant, announcing that:
• Unblinded data from the single ascending dose part of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of a new powder-in-capsule formulation of izumerogant, in
which healthy human subjects were treated with 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg of this new formulation or placebo, found these single
ascending daily doses of izumerogant to be safe and well-tolerated, and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. No serious adverse events occurred.
A dose-proportional PK profile was observed across the investigated dose range.
• Unblinded data from the multiple ascending dose part of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, in which healthy human subjects were dosed for 14 days
with 150 mg either once or twice daily doses of izumerogant or placebo, found these multiple ascending doses of izumerogant to be safe and well-
tolerated, and no maximum tolerated dose was reached. Treatment emergent adverse events were generally mild in severity, with moderate treatment
emergent adverse events reported in one of eleven izumerogant treated subjects, compared with one of four subjects on placebo. No serious adverse
events were reported. No dose-dependent changes in laboratory values (including no effects on liver enzymes or in hematological parameters), vital
signs or in electrocardiographic evaluations were found. PK analysis showed that stable steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved within the
first week of dosing with an accumulation factor for izumerogant allowing predictable trough levels during daily dosing.
•
•
Based on the favorable safety and tolerability data observed in healthy human subjects, our Phase 1 clinical trial of izumerogant was expanded in
October 2021 to include a third portion, part C, in which moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients are randomized to 28-day treatment of izumerogant or
placebo. Assessments include safety, tolerability, PK and PD markers, as well as skin evaluations.
In previous preclinical in vitro data, it was shown that izumerogant selectively inhibits Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production, whereas RORγt was
unaffected by izumerogant during thymocyte maturation and, therefore, does not harm normal thymocyte maturation. Data from acute and chronic
treatment of mice corroborated in vivo that izumerogant is the first molecule observed to impact neither thymus size, thymocyte numbers, nor the
maturation status of thymocytes, in contrast to two other known inhibitors of RORγt.
Changes in Board of Directors
On July 6, 2022, we announced the appointment of Monika Maria Törnsén as a member of our Board of Directors, effective as of July 5, 2022. As a Class
III director, Ms. Törnsén’s term lasts until the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. Concurrently, we also announced that current Class III director,
Jan Van den Bossche, resigned from the Board. The Board accepted Mr. Van den Bossche’s resignation effective July 5, 2022. Mr. Van den Bossche’s decision
to resign did not result from any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to Company operations, policies or practices.
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Executive Chairman Agreement with Duane Nash
On April 15, 2020, the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Company independently reviewed and approved entering into an
employment agreement with the Executive Chairman of the Board, Duane Nash, MD, JD, MBA (the “Executive Chairman Agreement”) and pursuant to such
approval, on April 17, 2020, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into the Executive Chairman Agreement. The Executive Chairman Agreement establishes an
“at will” employment relationship with a base salary of $25,417 per month pursuant to which Dr. Nash serves as Executive Chairman and contemplated a term
that ends on October 15, 2020. On October 15, 2020, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into an addendum (the “First Addendum”) to extend the term of the
Executive Chairman Agreement to April 15, 2021. In connection with the First Addendum, the Company made a one-time award to Dr. Nash of an option to
purchase 120,000 shares of Company common stock, which vests monthly over six months commencing on November 15, 2020. On April 15, 2021, the
Company and Dr. Nash entered into Addendum No. Two (the “Second Addendum”) to extend the term of the Executive Chairman Agreement to April 15,
2022. In connection with the Second Addendum, the Company made a one-time award to Dr. Nash of an option to purchase 90,000 shares of Company
common stock, which vests monthly over 12 months commencing on May 15, 2021, and to increase Dr. Nash’s monthly base salary to $27,960 from $25,417.
On March 15, 2022, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into Addendum No. Three (the “Third Addendum”), which extended the term of employment from
April 15, 2022 to December 31, 2022 with a base salary of $29,358 per month. In connection with the Third Addendum, the Company made a one-time award
to Dr. Nash of an option to purchase 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which vests monthly over 12 months commencing on April 10, 2022. On
December 28, 2022, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into Addendum No. Four, which extended the term of employment from December 31, 2022 to
December 31, 2023 with a base salary of $30,250 per month (which includes the cash retainer payable for serving on the Company’s Board or for acting as the
Chairman of the Board). All other terms of the Executive Chairman Agreement remain the same.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("US"), or GAAP, requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management makes its best estimate of
the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in
estimates are typically recognized in the period when new information regarding estimates becomes available to management. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the notes to the consolidated
financial statements. See below for what we believe are our Critical Accounting Policies.
Foreign Currency Translation and Presentation
Our reporting currency is US dollars. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, Immunic AG’s operations were located in Germany
with the euro being its functional currency. Immunic Australia Pty Ltd.’s functional currency is the Australian dollar. All amounts in the financial statements
where the functional currency is not the US dollar are translated into US dollar equivalents at exchange rates as follows:
• assets and liabilities at reporting period-end rates;
• income statement accounts at average exchange rates for the reporting period; and
• components of equity at historical rates.
Gains and losses from translation of the financial statements into US dollars are recorded in stockholders’ equity net of the anticipated income tax effects
as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are reflected as general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to long-term intercompany loans that are payable in the foreseeable future are recorded in Other Income
(loss). The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were prepared by using the average exchange rate in effect during the reporting period which reasonably
approximates the timing of the cash flows.
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Goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. The total purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying
identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities
assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future
cash inflows and outflows, probabilities of success, discount rates, and asset lives, among other items. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at
their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the asset might be impaired. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, an unfavorable clinical trial result, a
significant adverse change in legal or business climate, industry or market conditions, an adverse regulatory action, sustained decrease in stock price or
unanticipated competition.
On October 20, 2022, we announced the outcome of a significant interim analysis of our Phase 1b clinical trial of izumerogant in patients with moderate-
to-severe psoriasis which was not deemed positive progress. On October 21, 2022, we experienced a significant decrease in our market capitalization. We
considered this to be a triggering event as the fair market value of the company was less than its book value indicating that it is more likely than not that
goodwill is impaired. Upon further evaluation, we recorded an approximately $33.0 million goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2022 which
represents a full write down of our previous goodwill balance. We did not have any goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Research and Development Expenses
These costs primarily include external development expenses and internal personnel expenses for the three development programs, vidofludimus calcium,
izumerogant and IMU-856. Immunic has spent the majority of its research and development resources on vidofludimus calcium, the Company's lead
development program for clinical trials in RRMS, UC, PMS and COVID-19.
Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in research and development activities, which include clinical trials, contract research
services, certain milestone payments, salaries and related employee benefits, allocated facility costs and other outsourced services. Research and development
expenses are charged to operations as incurred.
The Company enters into agreements with contract research organizations (“CROs”) to provide clinical trial services for individual studies and projects
by executing individual work orders governed by a Master Service Arrangement (“MSA”). The MSAs and associated work orders provide for regular recurrent
payments and payments upon the completion of certain milestones. The Company regularly assesses the timing of payments against actual costs incurred to
ensure a proper accrual of related expenses in the appropriate accounting period.
Collaboration Arrangements
Certain collaboration and license agreements may include payments to or from the Company of one or more of the following: non-refundable or partially
refundable upfront or license fees; development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments; payment for manufacturing supply services; partial or
complete reimbursement of research and development costs; and royalties on net sales of licensed products. The Company assesses whether such contracts are
within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with
Customers” and ASU No. 2018-18, “Collaborative Arrangements” ("ASU 2018-18"). ASU 2018-18, clarifies that certain elements of collaborative
arrangements could qualify as transactions with customers in the scope of ASC 606.
In October 2018, the Company entered into an option and license agreement (the "Daiichi Sankyo Agreement") with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. ("Daiichi
Sankyo") which granted the Company the right to license a group of compounds, designated by the Company as IMU-856, as a potential new oral treatment
option for gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and other barrier function
associated diseases. During the option period, the Company performed agreed upon research and development activities for which it was reimbursed by Daiichi
Sankyo up to a maximum agreed-upon limit. Such reimbursement was recorded as other income. There are no additional research and development
reimbursements expected under this agreement.
71
On January 5, 2020, the Company exercised its option to obtain the exclusive worldwide right to commercialization of IMU-856. Among other things, the
option exercise grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856, for which the Company received a notice of
allowance from the US Patent & Trademark Office in August 2022. In connection with the option exercise, the Company paid a one-time upfront licensing fee
to Daiichi Sankyo. Under the Daiichi Sankyo Agreement, Daiichi Sankyo is also eligible to receive future development, regulatory and sales milestone
payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for equity awards based on the grant-date fair value of the
award recognized generally as an expense (i) on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for those awards whose vesting is based upon a service
condition, and (ii) on an accelerated method for awards whose vesting is based upon a performance condition, but only to the extent it is probable that the
performance condition will be met. Stock-based compensation is (i) estimated at the date of grant based on the award’s fair value for equity classified awards
and (ii) final measurement date for liability classified awards. Forfeitures are recorded in the period in which they occur.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model ("BSM"), which requires the use of
estimates and subjective assumptions, including the risk-free interest rate, the fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected dividend yield of the
Company’s common stock, the expected volatility of the price of the Company’s common stock, and the expected term of the option. These estimates involve
inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the Company’s stock-based
compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
Income Taxes
We are subject to corporate income tax laws and regulations in the U.S., Germany and Australia. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to
the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment in their application.
We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the audited consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in
which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in operations in the period
that includes the enactment date. Deferred taxes are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not some
portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, the Company maintained a full valuation
allowance against the balance of deferred tax assets.
It is our policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit
is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. we recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a
component of income tax expense. We are subject to U.S. federal, New York, California, Texas, German and Australian income taxes. The Company is subject
to U.S. federal or state income tax examination by tax authorities for tax returns filed for the years 2003 and forward due to the carryforward of NOLs. Tax
years 2017 through 2021 are subject to audit by German and Australian tax authorities. The Company is not currently under examination by any tax
jurisdictions.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the foreseeable
future. If our development efforts for our product candidates are successful and result in regulatory approval, we may generate revenue in the future from
product sales. We cannot predict if, when, or to what extent we will generate revenue from the commercialization and sale of our product candidates. We may
never succeed in obtaining regulatory approval for any of our product candidates or achieving market acceptance and commercial success for any product that
does receive regulatory approval.
72
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist of costs associated with our research activities, including our product discovery efforts and the development
of our product candidates. Our research and development expenses include:
•
•
external research and development expenses and milestone payments incurred under arrangements with third parties, such as CROs, contract
manufacturing organizations, collaborations with partners, consultants, and our scientific advisors; and
internal personnel expenses.
We expense research and development costs as incurred. Non-refundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and
development activities are capitalized as prepaid expenses and expensed when the service has been performed or when the goods have been received.
Since our inception in March 2016, we have spent a total of approximately $214.8 million in research and development expenses through December 31,
2022.
These costs primarily include external development expenses and internal personnel expenses for the three development programs, vidofludimus calcium,
izumerogant and IMU-856. We have spent the majority of our research and development resources on vidofludimus calcium, our lead development program,
for clinical trials in MS, UC, COVID-19 and PSC.
In August 2019, Immunic AG received a grant of up to approximately $730,000 from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, in support
of the InnoMuNiCH (Innovations through Munich-Nippon Cooperation in Healthcare) project. The grant funds have been used to fund a three-year research
project relating to autoimmune diseases by us and our three project partners. Since the inception of the grant, we have recorded $611,000 of income in total of
which $254,000 and $178,000 were recorded in 2022 and 2021, respectively, and were classified in Other Income in the accompanying consolidated statement
of operations.
Our research and development expenses are expected to increase in the foreseeable future as we continue to conduct ongoing research and development
activities, initiate new preclinical and clinical trials and build our pipeline of product candidates. Our research and development expenses may also increase in
the foreseeable future due to the current inflationary environment as well as supply chain shortages, which result in increased costs. The process of conducting
clinical trials and preclinical studies necessary to obtain regulatory approval is costly and time consuming. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory
approval for any of our product candidates.
Successful development of product candidates is highly uncertain and may not result in approved products. Completion dates and completion costs can
vary significantly for each product candidate and are difficult to predict. We anticipate that we will make determinations as to which programs to pursue and
how much funding to direct to each program on an ongoing basis in response to the development and regulatory success of each product candidate, and
ongoing assessments as to each product candidate’s commercial potential.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, professional fees for legal, accounting, tax and business consulting services,
insurance premiums and stock-based compensation.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest Income
Interest income consists of interest earned on our money market funds and bank accounts which are a portion of our cash and cash equivalents balance.
Our interest income has been increasing throughout 2022 as interest rates in the U.S. have been increasing.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense) consists primarily of a research and development tax incentive related to clinical trials performed in Australia and foreign
currency transaction gains and losses related to long-term intercompany loans that are payable in the
73
foreseeable future. The intercompany loan between Immunic Inc. and Immunic AG was settled on September 28, 2022 through an equity infusion from
Immunic Inc. to Immunic AG.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
The following
table summarizes our operating expenses for
Operating expenses:
Research and development
General and administrative
Goodwill impairment (see Note 2)
4SC royalty settlement (see note 4)
Total operating expenses
Loss from operations
Total other expense, net
Net loss
the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (dollars
Change
Years Ended December 31,
in
thousands):
2022
2021
$
%
$
71,255 $
15,263
32,970
—
119,488
(119,488)
(919)
(120,407)
61,115 $
13,300
—
17,250
91,665
(91,665)
(1,280)
(92,945)
10,140
1,963
32,970
(17,250)
27,823
(27,823)
361
(27,462)
17 %
15 %
NM
NM
30 %
30 %
(28)%
30 %
Research and development expenses increased by $10.1 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the twelve months
ended December 31, 2021. The increase reflects (i) a $9.2 million increase in external development costs related to the Phase 3 program of vidofludimus
calcium in relapsing multiple sclerosis, (ii) a $3.9 million increase in external development costs related to the clinical trials of izumerogant, (iii) a $3.9 million
increase in external development costs related to the Phase 2 clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium in progressive multiple sclerosis, (iv) a $2.5 million increase
in personnel expense in research and development, $1.5 million of which is related to non-cash stock compensation expense and the remainder of which is
related to an increase in headcount, and (v) a $1.4 million increase in external development costs related to the Phase 1 clinical trial of IMU-856. The increases
were partially offset by (i) a decrease of $5.8 million in external development costs related to the Phase 2 clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium in ulcerative
colitis, (ii) a $3.0 million decrease in external development costs related to the Phase 2 clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium in COVID-19, (iii) a decrease of
$1.3 million in external development costs related to the Phase 2 clinical trial of vidofludimus calcium in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and (iv) a
decrease of $0.7 million in external development costs across numerous categories.
General and administrative expenses increased by $2.0 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the twelve months
ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to (i) a $1.6 million increase in personnel expense in general and administrative, $0.5 million of
which is related to non-cash stock compensation expense and the remainder of which is related to an increase in headcount, (ii) a $0.3 million increase in travel
expenses, and (iii) a $0.1 million net increase across numerous categories.
On October 20, 2022, we announced the outcome of a significant interim analysis of our Phase 1b clinical trial of izumerogant in patients with moderate-
to-severe psoriasis, which was not deemed positive progress. On October 21, 2022, we experienced a significant decrease in the Company's market
capitalization. The Company considered this to be a triggering event indicating that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. Upon further evaluation,
we recorded an approximately $33.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2022 which represents a full write down of our
previous goodwill balance.
On March 31, 2021, Immunic AG and 4SC AG entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of
the 4.4% royalty on net sales for $17.25 million (Tranche III of the Agreement). The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Immunic’s common
stock. No further payment obligations remain between Immunic and 4SC AG.
Other expense decreased by $0.4 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the twelve months ended December 31,
2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to (i) a $1.0 million increase in interest income as a
74
result of higher interest rates, and (ii) a $0.5 million increase in research and development tax incentives for clinical trials in Australia as a result of increased
spending on clinical trials in Australia. This was offset by a $1.1 million decrease in grants.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. We have never been profitable and have
incurred operating losses in each year since our inception in 2016. Our net losses were approximately $120.4 million and $92.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $317.3 million. Substantially all of our
operating losses resulted from expenses incurred in connection with our research and development programs and from general and administrative costs
associated with our operations.
We expect to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future as we initiate and continue the development of our
product candidates and add personnel necessary to operate as a company with an advanced pipeline of product candidates. To the extent additional funds are
necessary to meet long-term liquidity needs as we continue to execute our business strategy, we anticipate that they will be obtained through the incurrence of
indebtedness, additional equity financings or a combination of these potential sources of funds, although we can provide no assurance that these sources of
funding will be available on reasonable terms.
From inception through December 31, 2022, we have raised net cash of approximately $355.5 million from private and public offerings of preferred and
common stock. As of December 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $106.7 million and investments - other of $9.6 million. With
these funds we expect to be able to fund our operations beyond twelve months from the date of the issuance of the accompanying condensed consolidated
financial statements.
In November 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the "2020 Shelf Registration Statement"). The 2020 Shelf Registration Statement
permits the offering, issuance and sale of up to $250.0 million of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, and/or units in one or more offerings
and in any combination of the foregoing. As of February 17, 2023, there is $75.0 million remaining on this shelf registration statement.
In December 2020, we filed a Prospectus Supplement for the offering, issuance and sale of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $50.0 million of
common stock that may be issued and sold under an at-the-market sales agreement with SVB Leerink as agent ("December 2020 ATM"). We have used and
intend to continue to use the net proceeds from the December 2020 ATM to continue to fund the ongoing clinical development of our product candidates and
for other general corporate purposes, including funding existing and potential new clinical programs and product candidates. The December 2020 ATM will
terminate upon the earlier of (i) the issuance and sale of all of the shares through SVB Leerink on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
December 2020 ATM or (ii) termination of the December 2020 ATM as otherwise permitted thereby. The December 2020 ATM may be terminated at any time
by either party upon ten days’ prior notice, or by SVB Leerink at any time in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of a material adverse effect on us.
As of February 17, 2023, $8.4 million in capacity remains under the December 2020 ATM.
In May 2022, we filed a Prospectus Supplement for the offering, issuance and sale of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $80.0 million of
common stock that may be issued and sold under another at-the-market sales agreement ("May 2022 ATM") with SVB Securities LLC as agent. We intend to
use the net proceeds from the offering to continue to fund the ongoing clinical development of our product candidates and for other general corporate purposes,
including funding existing and potential new clinical programs and product candidates. The May 2022 ATM will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the issuance
and sale of all of the shares through SVB Securities LLC on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the May 2022 ATM or (ii) termination of the
May 2022 ATM as otherwise permitted thereby. The May 2022 ATM may be terminated at any time by either party upon ten days’ prior notice, or by SVB
Securities LLC at any time in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of a material adverse effect on the Company. As of February 17, 2023, $80.0
million in capacity remains under the May 2022 ATM.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we raised gross proceeds of $40.9 million pursuant to the December 2020 ATM through the sale of 4,204,113
shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $9.72 per share. The net proceeds from the December 2020 ATM were $39.6 million after deducting
underwriter commissions of $1.2 million.
75
Equity Offerings
$60 Million Private Placement Equity Financing
On October 10, 2022, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for a private placement with select accredited investors and certain existing
investors. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to sell to the Purchasers (i) 8,696,552 shares of the Company’s common stock,
par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), at a purchase price of $4.35 per Share, and (ii) 5,096,552 pre-funded warrants to purchase Common Stock, at a
purchase price of $4.34 per Pre-Funded Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrants have an exercise price of $0.01 per share of Common Stock, are immediately
exercisable and remain exercisable until exercised in full. The holders of Pre-Funded Warrants may not exercise a Pre-Funded Warrant if the holder, together
with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such
exercise. The holders of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease such percentages not in excess of 19.99% by providing at least 61 days’ prior notice to
the Company. All of the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised in January 2023.
The Private Placement closed on October 12, 2022. The gross proceeds of the Private Placement were approximately $60.0 million, before deducting
offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement to fund the ongoing clinical development
of its three lead product candidates, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), izumerogant (IMU-935) and IMU-856, and for other general corporate purposes.
July 2021 Public Equity Offering
On July 15, 2021, we entered into an underwriting agreement with Piper Sandler & Co., as representative of the several underwriters listed on Schedule A
thereto, in connection with our public offering of 4,500,000 shares of our common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, at a public offering price of $10.00 per
share. Under the terms of the underwriting agreement, we granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase up to an additional 675,000
shares of common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. This option was not exercised.
On July 19, 2021, we closed the offering. The net proceeds to us from the offering were approximately $42.0 million, after deducting underwriting
discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Future Capital Requirements
As noted above, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and we do not know when, or if, we will generate any revenue from product sales.
We do not expect to generate any revenue from product sales unless and until we obtain regulatory approval for and commercialize any of our product
candidates. At the same time, we expect our expenses to increase as we continue the ongoing research, development, manufacture and clinical trials of, and
seek regulatory approval for, our product candidates. We also incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. In addition, subject to
obtaining regulatory approval of any of our product candidates, we anticipate that we will need substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing
operations.
Our future expenses and capital requirements are difficult to forecast and will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:
76
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the timing and structure of any strategic options and transactions, if any;
the cost, timing and outcome of any future litigation;
personnel-related expenses, including salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation expense and other compensation expenses related to
retention and termination of personnel;
the scope, progress, duration, results and costs of research and development and ongoing clinical trials;
the cost and timing of future regulatory submissions;
the cost and timing of developing and validating the manufacturing processes for any potential product candidates;
the cost and timing of any commercialization activities, including reimbursement, marketing, sales and distribution costs;
our ability to establish new collaborations, licensing or other arrangements and the financial terms of such agreements;
the number and characteristics of any future product candidates we pursue;
the costs involved with being a public company;
the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing patents, including litigation costs and the outcome
of such litigation; and
the timing, receipt and amount from the sales of, or royalties on, any future products.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of stock offerings,
debt financings, strategic alliances, collaborations and licensing arrangements. Recent developments, however, will make it more difficult and costly for us to
obtain funding for our cash needs. We do not expect to achieve revenue from product sales prior to the use of the net proceeds from our public and private
offerings to date. We do not have any committed external source of funds. Additional funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. To the extent
that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities, the ownership interest of our stockholders will be diluted and it may be on terms that are
not favorable to us or our stockholders. Sales of equity securities will also be more difficult for at least the foreseeable future because of general volatility in the
equity markets for companies like us, as well as the significant decline in the trading price of our stock following our announcement on October 21, 2022 of the
Phase 1b interim analysis of izumerogant in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Debt financing, if available, may involve covenants restricting our operations or our
ability to incur additional debt or other terms that are not favorable to us or our stockholders. Also, the cost of debt financing has increased due to the rise in
interest rates beginning in March 2022. If we raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements with third parties, we would expect to
relinquish substantial rights to our technologies or our future products, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we were to complete a
merger, we may relinquish all control over the organization and could experience detrimental tax effects. If we are unable to raise adequate funds, we may have
to liquidate some or all of our assets. Any of these factors could harm our operating results and could result in substantial declines in the trading price of our
common stock.
As of December 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $106.7 million.
Cash Flows
The
following
table
shows
a
summary
of
our
cash
flows
for
the
years
ended December
31
(in
Cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
2022
$
(65,144) $
(9,741)
95,760
77
thousands):
2021
(83,233)
(67)
42,841
Net cash used in operating activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, operating activities used $65.1 million of cash. The use of cash related to our net loss of $120.4 million
adjusted for non-cash charges of $45.7 million related to $33.0 million of goodwill impairment, $7.9 million of stock-based compensation and a $4.8 million
foreign currency loss as well as a $9.5 million net change in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities consisted
primarily of an decrease of $7.5 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets combined with a $2.0 million increase in other current liabilities, accrued
expenses and accounts payable. The decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets is primarily due to lower prepaid clinical costs. The increase in
liabilities is primarily due to an increase in clinical costs as a result of the start of our Phase 3 clinical studies for RMS and Phase 2 clinical studies for PMS.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, operating activities used $83.2 million of cash. The use of cash related to our net loss of $92.9 million
adjusted for non-cash charges of $8.6 million related to common stock issued for the 4SC AG transaction, $5.9 million related to stock-based compensation and
a $4.3 million unrealized foreign currency loss as well as a $9.3 million net change in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in our operating assets and
liabilities consisted primarily of an increase of $12.8 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets partially offset by $3.5 million increase in other
current liabilities, accrued expenses and accounts payable. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets is primarily due to higher prepaid clinical
costs and an increased receivable for the Australian research and development credit. The increase in liabilities is primarily due to an increase in clinical costs
as a result of the start of our Phase 3 clinical studies for RMS and Phase 2 clinical studies for PMS.
Net cash used in investing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, net investing activities used $9.7 million of cash, primarily due to purchase of 9.6 million of time deposits that
had an original maturity of greater than three months and the purchase of equipment.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net investing activities used $0.1 million of cash, primarily due to purchase of equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, financing activities provided $95.8 million of cash of consisting of net cash proceeds from the sale of common
stock under the $60 Million Private Placement Equity Financing and the December 2020 ATM.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, financing activities provided $42.8 million of cash of consisting of net cash proceeds from the sale of common
stock under the July 2021 equity offering and the December 2020 ATM.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Through December 31, 2022, we have not entered into and did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial collaborations, such as
entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other
contractually narrow or limited purpose.
Other Commitments and Obligations
In May 2016, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with 4SC whereby the Company acquired certain assets, including the rights to patents and
patent applications, trademarks and know-how. This transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under Accounting Standards Update 2017-01 -
Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The Agreement included payments (Tranches III and IV) that were contingent
upon the occurrence of certain events and required the Company to pay royalties equal to 4.4% of the aggregated net sales for a certain period as defined in the
Agreement (Tranche III) upon commercialization of the acquired assets. Effective April 12, 2019, the parties agreed to settle Tranche IV by issuing 120,070
shares of the Company’s common stock to 4SC at the time, while keeping the obligation to pay Tranche III in effect. Approximately $1.5 million of expense
was recorded as a result of the issuance of these shares on April 12, 2019. On March 31, 2021, Immunic AG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and
4SC AG entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of the 4.4% royalty on net sales for
$17.3 million (Tranche III of the purchase agreement). The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Immunic’s common stock. Pursuant to the
Agreement, the Company filed a resale shelf registration statement on Form S-3 covering the
78
resale of the Shares. With the execution of the Agreement, no further payment obligations remain between Immunic AG and 4SC AG.
See Note 2 - Collaboration Arrangements of the Notes to the Financial Statements regarding the Company’s obligations under the option agreement with
Daiichi Sankyo, which includes the potential payment of future development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
Maturities
of
the
operating
lease
obligation
are
as
follows
as
of December
31,
2022
(in
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less: interest portion
Present value of lease obligation
Contractual Obligations
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
thousands):
647
680
355
—
—
—
1,682
147
1,535
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has non-cancelable contractual obligations under certain agreements related to its development programs for
vidofludimus calcium, izumerogant and IMU-856 totaling approximately $4.5 million, all of which is expected to be paid in 2023.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
There are no recently issued accounting standards that would have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
We had cash and cash equivalents of $106.7 million as of December 31, 2022, which were held for working capital purposes. We do not enter into
investments for trading or speculative purposes. We do not believe that we have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of these investments as a
result of changes in interest rates due to their short-term nature. However, $28.9 million of these funds are held in German bank accounts that were earning
between 1%-2.5% interest as of December 31, 2022. Decreases or increases in interest rates, however, will reduce or increase future investment income,
respectively, to the extent we have funds available for investment.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our primary research and development operations are conducted in our facilities in Germany. We have entered into and may continue to enter into
international agreements, primarily related to our clinical studies. Accordingly, we have exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations between
the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, primarily the euro and the Australian dollar, which could adversely affect our financial results, including income and
losses as well as assets and liabilities. To date, we have not entered into, and do not have any current plans to enter into, any foreign currency hedging
transactions or derivative financial transactions. Our exposure to foreign currency risk will fluctuate in future periods as our research and clinical development
activities in Europe and Australia change. We currently maintain a significant amount of our assets outside of the U.S.
79
The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are the applicable local currencies. Accordingly, the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the net
assets of these operations are accounted for as translation gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to long-term intercompany loans that are payable in the foreseeable future are recorded in Other Income
(Expense). Our German subsidiary is currently a significant portion of our business and, accordingly, a change of 10% in the currency exchange rates, primarily
the euro, could have a material impact on their financial position or results of operations.
Although operating in local currencies may limit the impact of currency rate fluctuations on the results of operations of our German and Australian
subsidiaries, rate fluctuations may impact the consolidated financial position as the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars
in preparing our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022, our German and Australian subsidiaries had net current assets (defined as current
assets less current liabilities), subject to foreign currency translation risk, of $27.7 million. A decrease of approximately $2.8 million in net current assets would
result as of December 31 2022, from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates, primarily due to the euro. In addition, a
10% change in the foreign currency exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2022, would have impacted our net loss by approximately $7.3 million,
primarily due to the euro.
Effects of Inflation
We have experienced a general increase in costs as a result of global inflation, however, we do not believe that inflation and changing prices had a
material impact on our results of operations for any periods presented herein.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements required pursuant to this item are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report, and are presented beginning
on page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
80
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls
and procedures as of December 31, 2022. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, means controls and
other procedures of a company that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it
files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable
assurance that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter
how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required
to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and
procedures as of December 31, 2022, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f)
under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance (a) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (b) that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of our management and directors, and (c) regarding the prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of
assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As of December 31, 2022, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria
set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this
evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2022 that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not Applicable
81
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
PART III
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement (the “Definitive Proxy Statement”), to be filed with the SEC in
connection with our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022, under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance,” “Executive Officers,” and “Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
We have a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and our principal
accounting officer and every other director, officer and employee of Immunic. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our Internet website at
www.imux.com. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be provided free of charge by making a written request and mailing it to our
corporate headquarters offices to the attention of the Investor Relations Department. If any amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of the Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer is made, such
information will be posted on our Internet website within four business days at www.imux.com.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information required by this item will be found in our Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Executive Compensation" and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information required by this item will be found in our Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Security Ownership" and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information required by this item will be found in our Definitive Proxy Statement under the headings "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance" and
"Related Person Transactions" and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Information required by this item will be found in our Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Ratification of Appointment of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm" and is incorporated herein by reference.
82
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
1. Financial Statements. We have filed the following documents as part of this Annual Report:
PART IV
Report of Baker Tilly US, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules. None.
3. Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference to exhibits previously
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
83
Page
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
Exhibit
Number
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2*
4.3
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4+
10.5+*
10.6+*
10.7+
10.8+
10.9+
10.10+
10.11+
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21+
10.22+
EXHIBITS
Exhibit Title
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws.
2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
Description of Registrant's Securities
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant
Sales Agreement, dated July 17, 2019, between Immunic, Inc. and SVB Leerink
LLC.
8-K
8-K
S-8
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
Option and License Agreement, dated September 27, 2018, between Immunic AG
and Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd.
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 13, 2016, between Immunic AG and 4SC AG. 8-K
8-K
Form of Indemnification Agreement.
Service Agreement dated August 22, 2016 between Immunic AG and Dr. Andreas
Muehler
Service Agreement dated September 29, 2016 between Immunic AG and Daniel Vitt
Employment Agreement between Dr. Daniel Vitt and Immunic AG.
Addendum to Service Agreement between Immunic AG and Dr. Daniel Vitt.
Employment Agreement, dated September 4, 2019, between Immunic, Inc. and Dr.
Andreas Muehler.
Addendum, dated September 4, 2019, to Service Agreement between Immunic AG
and Dr. Andreas Muehler.
Addendum, dated September 4, 2019, to Service Agreement between Immunic AG
and Dr. Hella Kohlhof.
Employment Agreement dated April 17, 2020, between Immunic, Inc. and Duane
Nash.
Second Addendum to Employment Agreement dated October 15, 2020, between
Immunic, Inc. and Duane Nash.
Placement Agency Agreement, dated April 23, 2020, between Immunic, Inc. and
Roth Capital Partners, LLC
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 23, 2020, between Immunic,
Inc. and the investors party thereto.
Placement Agency Agreement, dated June 10, 2020, between Immunic, Inc. and the
Roth Partners, LLC
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated June 10, 2020, between Immunic, Inc.
and the investors party thereto
Underwriting Agreement, dated August 4, 2020, by and between Immunic, Inc. and
SVB Leerink LLC.
Finance Contract, dated October 19, 2020, between Immunic, Inc., Immunic AG and
European Investment Bank
Form of Guarantee Agreement between Immunic, Inc., Immunic AG and European
Investment Bank.
Sales Agreement, dated December 29, 2020 between Immunic, Inc. and SVB Leerink
LLC
Amendment Letter, dated November 11, 2020
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
84
Incorporated by Reference
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
3.1
3.1
4.1
4.2
4.3
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.1
99.3
99.2
99.4
10.2
10.1
10.1
10.2
10.1
10.2
1.1
10.1
10.2
10.1
10.1
July 17, 2019
July 17, 2019
September 20, 2019
February 26, 2020
October 11, 2022
July 17, 2019
July 17, 2019
July 17, 2019
July 17, 2019
July 17, 2019
September 5, 2019
September 5, 2019
September 5, 2019
September 5, 2019
April 20, 2020
April 19, 2021
April 20, 2020
April 20, 2020
June 12, 2020
June 12, 2020
August 10, 2020
October 20, 2020
October 20, 2020
January 4, 2021
November 13, 2020
10.23+
10.24+
10.25+
10.26+
10.27+
10.28+
10.29+
10.30+
10.31+
10.32+
10.33+
10.34+
10.35+
10.36
10.37
10.38+
10.39+
10.40+
10.41+
Settlement Agreement, dated March 31, 2021, between Immunic AG and 4SC AG.
Addendum No. 2 to Employment Agreement dated April 15, 2021 between Immunic,
Inc. and Duane Nash
Second Addendum to Service Agreement between Immunic AG and Dr. Daniel Vitt
Second Addendum, dated June 10, 2021 to Service Agreement between Immunic AG
and Dr. Andreas Muehler
Employment Agreement, dated June 10, 2021 between Immunic, Inc. and Dr.
Andreas Muehler
Employment Agreement, dated June 10, 2021 between Immunic, Inc. and Glenn
Whaley
Second Addendum, dated June 10, 2021, to Service Agreement between Immunic
AG and Dr. Hella Kohlhof
Underwriting Agreement, dated July 15, 2021, by and between Immunic, Inc. and
Piper Sandler & Co
Employment Agreement, dated October 14, 2021, between Immunic, Inc. and Patrick
Walsh
Third Addendum, dated January 5, 2022, to Service Agreement between Immunic
AG and Dr. Daniel Vitt
Third Addendum, dated January 5, 2022, to Service Agreement between Immunic
AG and Dr. Andreas Muehler
Third Addendum, dated January 5, 2022, to Service Agreement between Immunic
AG and Dr. Hella Kohlhof
Addendum No. 3 to Employment Agreement, dated March 15, 2022, between
Immunic, Inc. and Duane Nash
Sales Agreement dated as of May 2, 2022, between SVB Securities LLC and
Immunic, Inc.
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 10, 2022, by and among the Company
and the Purchasers
Addendum No. 4 dated December 28, 2022 to Employment Agreement, between
Immunic, Inc. and Duane Nash
Fourth Addendum dated January 16, 2023 to the Service Agreement, between
Immunic AG and Dr. Daniel Vitt
Fourth Addendum dated January 16, 2023 to the Service Agreement, between
Immunic AG and Dr. Andreas Muehler
Fourth Addendum dated January 16, 2023 to the Service Agreement, between
Immunic AG and Dr. Hella Kohlhof
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
85
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
99.2
1.1
10.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
March 31, 2021
April 15, 2021
June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021
July 15, 2021
October 14, 2021
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
March 15, 2022
May 2, 2022
October 11, 2022
December 30, 2022
January 16, 2023
January 16, 2023
January 16, 2023
21.1*
23.1*
24.1*
31.1
31.2
32.1*
32.2*
101.INS*
101.SCH*
101.CAL*
101.DEF*
101.LAB*
101.PRE*
104*
List of subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Baker Tilly U.S. LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page)
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-
14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-
14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
XBRL Instance Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Database.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Cover Page Interactive Data File
+
*
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, the certifications furnished in Exhibits
32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Form 10-K and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such
certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent
that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
86
IMMUNIC, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Baker Tilly US LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 23)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F- 1
Page
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the board of directors of Immunic, Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Immunic, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated
statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the
related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's
consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding
of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or
fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved
our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit
matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assessment of accrual for research and development costs related to clinical trial activities
Critical Audit Matter Description
As described in Note 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company records expenses and accruals for estimated costs of research and
development activities, including third party contract services costs for clinical research. Clinical trial activities performed by third parties are expensed based
upon estimates of work completed in accordance with agreements with the respective Clinical Research Organization. Billing terms and payments are reviewed
by management to ensure estimates of outstanding obligations are appropriate as of period end. Tracking the progress of completion for clinical trial activities
performed by third parties allows the Company to record the appropriate expense and accruals under the terms of the agreements.
Auditing the accounting for accrued clinical trial expenses is complex because of the high volume of data used in management’s estimates, the assumptions
used by management to develop their estimates and the procedures necessary to verify the cost and extent of unbilled work performed during the reporting
period.
F- 2
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding of the Company’s process and evaluated the design and implementation of internal controls related to the completeness and
valuation of accrued clinical trial expenses.
To test the clinical trial accrual, our audit procedures included, among others, testing the accuracy and completeness of the underlying data used in the
estimates and evaluating and testing the significant assumptions used by management to estimate the accruals. To test the significant assumptions, we
corroborated the progress of clinical trials and other research and development projects with the Company’s research and development personnel that oversee
the clinical trials, and obtained information received directly from third parties, which included the third parties’ estimate of costs incurred to date. We also
tested subsequent invoicing received from third parties.
Baker Tilly US, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.
Minneapolis, MN
February 23, 2023
F- 3
IMMUNIC, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments - other
Other current assets and prepaid expenses
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill (note 2)
Right of use asset, net
Other long-term assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities
Total long-term liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (note 4)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at December 31,
2022 and 2021
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 130,000,000 shares authorized and 39,307,286 and 26,335,418 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
December 31,
2022
2021
106,745 $
9,629
9,490
125,864
294
—
1,552
43
127,753 $
4,281 $
7,986
810
13,077
992
992
14,069
86,863
—
18,125
104,988
152
32,970
948
42
139,100
3,745
7,071
585
11,401
584
584
11,985
—
—
4
427,925
3,035
(317,280)
113,684
127,753 $
3
324,237
(252)
(196,873)
127,115
139,100
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 4
IMMUNIC, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Operating expenses:
Research and development
General and administrative
Goodwill impairment (see Note 2)
4SC Royalty Settlement (See Note 4)
Total operating expenses
Loss from operations
Other income (expense):
Interest income
Other expense, net
Total other expense, net
Net loss
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
71,255 $
15,263
32,970
—
119,488
(119,488)
1,041
(1,960)
(919)
(120,407) $
61,115
13,300
—
17,250
91,665
(91,665)
66
(1,346)
(1,280)
(92,945)
(3.78) $
(3.93)
$
$
$
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
31,819,006
23,652,779
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 5
IMMUNIC, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands)
Net loss
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation income, net of tax
Total comprehensive loss
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
(120,407) $
(92,945)
3,287
(117,120) $
3,860
(89,085)
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 6
IMMUNIC, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands, except shares)
Balance at December 31, 2020
Net loss
Foreign exchange translation adjustment
Stock-based compensation
Issuance of common stock - July 2021 equity offering net of
issuance costs of $2,980
Issuance of common stock - At The Market Sales Agreement
net of issuance costs of $23
Shares issued in connection with the Company's employee
stock purchase plan
Issuance of common stock in connection with the 4SC royalty
settlement (see note 4)
Balance at December 31, 2021
Net loss
Foreign exchange translation adjustment
Stock-based compensation
Issuance of common stock and Pre-funded Warrants - October
2022 PIPE transaction, net of issuance costs of $4,012
Issuance of common stock - At The Market Sales Agreement
net of issuance costs of $1,226
Shares issued in connection with the Company's employee
stock purchase plan
Shares issued in connection with the Company's stock option
plan
Balance at December 31, 2022
Amount
Additional
Paid-in Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
2
$
266,823
$
(4,112)
$
(103,928)
$
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
5,949
42,019
729
92
8,625
—
3,860
—
—
—
—
—
(92,945)
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
$
324,237
$
(252)
$
(196,873)
$
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
7,929
55,988
39,584
182
5
—
3,287
—
—
—
—
—
(120,407)
—
—
—
—
—
—
158,785
(92,945)
3,860
5,949
42,020
729
92
8,625
127,115
(120,407)
3,287
7,929
55,989
39,584
182
5
Shares
21,168,240
$
—
—
—
4,500,000
73,221
12,758
581,199
26,335,418
—
—
—
8,696,552
4,204,113
70,351
852
39,307,286
4
$
427,925
$
3,035
$
(317,280)
$
113,684
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 7
IMMUNIC, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Goodwill impairment (see Note 2)
Stock-based compensation
Foreign currency loss
Common stock issued in connection with the 4SC royalty settlement (see Note 4)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable
Other liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of Investments-other
Purchases of property and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from public offering of common stock through At The Market offering, net of
issuance costs of $1,226 and $23, respectively
Proceeds from shares issued in connection with the Company's employee stock purchase
plan
Issuance of common stock and Pre-funded Warrants - October 2022 PIPE transaction, net of
issuance costs of $4,012 and $0, respectively
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
Proceeds from July 2021 public equity offering, net of issuance costs of $2,980
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in connection with the 4SC royalty settlement (see Note 4)
Operating lease right-of use asset obtained in exchange for lease obligation
$
$
$
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
(120,407) $
(92,945)
77
32,970
7,929
4,757
—
7,493
799
(124)
1,362
(65,144)
(9,629)
(112)
(9,741)
39,584
182
55,989
5
—
95,760
(993)
19,882
86,863
106,745 $
— $
974 $
85
—
5,949
4,332
8,625
(12,800)
176
170
3,175
(83,233)
—
(67)
(67)
729
92
—
—
42,020
42,841
(130)
(40,589)
127,452
86,863
8,625
435
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F- 8
1. Description of Business and Basis of Financial Statements
Description of Business
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Immunic, Inc. ("Immunic" or the "Company") is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies
focused on treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The Company is headquartered in New York City with its main operations in Gräfelfing
near Munich, Germany. The Company currently has approximately 66 employees.
The Company is currently pursuing clinical development of three orally administered, small molecule programs, each of which has unique features
intended to directly address the unmet needs of patients with serious chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. These include the vidofludimus calcium
(IMU-838) program, which is in Phase 3 clinical development for patients with multiple sclerosis (“MS”); the izumerogant (proposed International
Nonproprietary Name (“INN”) for IMU-935) program, which is an inverse agonist of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma truncated
(“RORγt”) that inhibits the interleukin-17 (“IL-17”) pathway in diseases such as psoriasis; and the IMU-856 program, which is targeted to restore intestinal
barrier function and regenerate bowel epithelium.
The Company’s business, operating results, financial condition and growth prospects are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including the failure
of its clinical trials to meet their endpoints, failure to obtain regulatory approval and needing additional funding to complete the development and
commercialization of the Company's three development programs.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
Immunic has no products approved for commercial sale and has not generated any revenue from product sales. Immunic has never been profitable and has
incurred operating losses in each year since inception (2016). Immunic has an accumulated deficit of approximately $317.3 million as of December 31, 2022
and approximately $196.9 million as of December 31, 2021. Substantially all of Immunic’s operating losses resulted from expenses incurred in connection with
its research and development programs and from general and administrative costs associated with its operations.
Immunic expects to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future as it initiates and continues the development of its
product candidates and adds personnel necessary to advance its pipeline of product candidates. Immunic expects that its operating losses will fluctuate
significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year due to timing of development programs.
From inception through December 31, 2022, Immunic has raised net cash of approximately $355.5 million from private and public offerings of preferred
and common stock. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $106.7 million and investments - other of
$9.6 million. With these funds the Company expects to be able to fund its operations beyond twelve months from the date of the issuance of the accompanying
financial statements.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles,
("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of Immunic and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Immunic AG (which began operations in 2016) and Immunic
Australia Pty Ltd. (which began operations in 2018). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Immunic manages its
operations as a single reportable segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The
most significant estimates in the Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes relate to recoverability of goodwill, clinical trial expenses and share-
based compensation. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates
and assumptions.
F- 9
Foreign Currency Translation and Presentation
The Company’s reporting currency is United States (“U.S.”) dollars. Immunic AG is located in Germany with the euro being its functional currency.
Immunic Australia Pty Ltd.’s functional currency is the Australian dollar. All amounts in the financial statements where the functional currency is not the U.S.
dollar are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents at exchange rates as follows:
• assets and liabilities at reporting period-end rates;
• income statement accounts at average exchange rates for the reporting period; and
• components of equity at historical rates.
Gains and losses from translation of the financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss). Realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the
functional currency are reflected as general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and
losses related to long-term intercompany loans that are payable in the foreseeable future are recorded in Other Income (Expense). The Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows were prepared by using the average exchange rate in effect during the reporting period which reasonably approximates the timing of the cash
flows.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments- other
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Time Deposits with an
original maturity greater than three months are classified as Investments-other
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and deposits in banks located in the U.S of approximately $85.7 million, Germany of approximately
$19.1 million and Australia of approximately $1.9 million. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances denominated in Euro and U.S. dollars
with major financial institutions in the U.S. and Germany in excess of the deposit limits insured by the government. Management periodically reviews the
credit standing of these financial institutions and believes that the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk. The Company currently deposits its
cash and cash equivalents with two large financial institutions. Our Cash and Cash equivalents in the U.S. is primarily held in a U.S. Government money
market fund account and was earning interest at a rate of 4.3%. Our cash and cash equivalents in Germany and Australia were earning interest at a rate of —%
to 0.87%
Investments - other consists of the following as of (in thousands):
Time Deposits
December 31, 2022
$9,629
$9,629
December 31, 2021
$0
$0
The time deposit accounts are held in our bank in Germany and are held in Euros and are earning interest at a rate of 0.61% to 0.87% and have a
remaining maturity 3-4 months.
Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants on the measurement date. Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs
and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets consisted of money market funds for the periods presented. The
Company had no Level 1 liabilities for the periods presented.
Level 2— Inputs other than observable quoted prices for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or
liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. The Company had no Level 2 assets or
liabilities for the periods presented.
F- 10
Level 3—Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. The Company
had no Level 3 assets or liabilities for the periods presented.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets and prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current
liabilities approximates fair value due to the short period of time to maturity.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated service lives of the assets which
range from three years to thirteen years. Depreciation and amortization expense was $77,000 and $85,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amount. Impaired assets are then recorded at their estimated fair value. There
were no impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 other than goodwill which is described below.
Goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. The total purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying
identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities
assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future
cash inflows and outflows, probabilities of success, discount rates, and asset lives, among other items. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at
their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the asset might be impaired. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, an unfavorable clinical trial result, a
significant adverse change in legal or business climate, industry market conditions, an adverse regulatory action, sustained decrease in stock price or
unanticipated competition.
On October 20, 2022, the Company announced the outcome of a significant interim analysis of its Phase 1b clinical trial of izumerogant in patients with
moderate-to-severe psoriasis that were not deemed positive progress. On October 21, 2022, the Company experienced a significant decrease in the Company's
market capitalization. The Company considered this to be a triggering event indicating that it is more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. The Company
performed an analysis of the fair value compared to the Company's book value, utilizing the Company's traded stock price (a level 1 fair value input). As a
result of that analysis, the Company recorded an approximately $33.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2022, which
represents a full write down of its previous goodwill balance. The Company did not have any goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years presented are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2021
Impairment of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2022
Carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2022
$
$
32,970
(32,970)
—
Research and Development Expenses
These costs primarily include external development expenses and internal personnel expenses for the three development programs, vidofludimus calcium,
izumerogant and IMU-856. Immunic has spent the majority of its research and development resources on vidofludimus calcium, the Company's lead
development program for clinical trials in RRMS, UC and COVID-19.
Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in research and development activities, which include clinical trials, contract research
services, certain milestone payments, salaries and related employee benefits, allocated facility costs and other outsourced services. Research and development
expenses are charged to operations as incurred.
F- 11
The Company enters into agreements with contract research organizations (“CROs”) to provide clinical trial services for individual studies and projects
by executing individual work orders governed by a Master Service Arrangement (“MSA”). The MSAs and associated work orders provide for regular recurrent
payments and payments upon the completion of certain milestones. The Company regularly assesses the timing of payments against actual costs incurred to
ensure a proper accrual of related expenses in the appropriate accounting period.
Collaboration Arrangements
Certain collaboration and license agreements may include payments to or from the Company of one or more of the following: non-refundable or partially
refundable upfront or license fees; development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments; payment for manufacturing supply services; partial or
complete reimbursement of research and development costs; and royalties on net sales of licensed products. The Company assesses whether such contracts are
within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”
and ASU No. 2018-18, “Collaborative Arrangements” ("ASU 2018-18"). ASU 2018-18, clarifies that certain elements of collaborative arrangements could
qualify as transactions with customers in the scope of ASC 606.
In October 2018, the Company entered into an option and license agreement (the "Daiichi Sankyo Agreement") with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. ("Daiichi
Sankyo") which granted the Company the right to license a group of compounds, designated by the Company as IMU-856, as a potential new oral treatment
option for gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and other barrier function
associated diseases. During the option period, the Company performed agreed upon research and development activities for which it was reimbursed by Daiichi
Sankyo up to a maximum agreed-upon limit. Such reimbursement was recorded as other income. There are no additional research and development
reimbursements expected under this agreement.
On January 5, 2020, the Company exercised its option to obtain the exclusive worldwide right to commercialization of IMU-856. Among other things, the
option exercise grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856, for which the Company received a notice of
allowance from the US Patent & Trademark Office in August 2022. In connection with the option exercise, the Company paid a one-time upfront licensing fee
to Daiichi Sankyo. Under the Daiichi Sankyo Agreement, Daiichi Sankyo is also eligible to receive future development, regulatory and sales milestone
payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
Government assistance
Government assistance relating to research and development performed by Immunic Australia is recorded as a component of other (income) expense.
Government assistance is recognized at a rate of 43.5% of the qualified research and development expenditures which are incurred. We recognized $2.3 million
and $1.7 million of other income related to research activities performed during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs for personnel in executive, finance, business development and other
support functions. Other general and administrative expenses include, but are not limited to, stock-based compensation, insurance costs, professional fees for
legal, accounting and tax services, consulting, related facility costs and travel.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for equity awards based on the grant-date fair value of the
award recognized generally as an expense (i) on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for those awards whose vesting is based upon a service
condition, and (ii) on an accelerated method for awards whose vesting is based upon a performance condition, but only to the extent it is probable that the
performance condition will be met. Stock-based compensation is (i) estimated at the date of grant based on the award’s fair value for equity classified awards
and (ii) final measurement date for liability classified awards. Forfeitures are recorded in the period in which they occur.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model ("BSM"), which requires the use of
estimates and subjective assumptions, including the risk-free interest rate, the fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected dividend yield of the
Company’s common stock, the expected volatility of the price of the Company’s common stock, and the expected term of the option. These estimates involve
inherent uncertainties and the
F- 12
application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the Company’s stock-based compensation expense could be
materially different in the future.
Leases
The Company leases office space and office equipment. The underlying lease agreements have lease terms of less than 12 months and up to 60 months.
Leases with terms of 12 months or less at inception are not included in the operating lease right of use asset and operating lease liability.
The Company has two existing leases for office space. At inception of a lease agreement, the Company determines whether an agreement represents a
lease and at commencement each lease agreement is assessed as to classification as an operating or financing lease. The Company's two leases have been
classified as operating leases and an operating lease right-of-use asset and an operating lease liability have been recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. A
right-of-use lease asset represents the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation represents its commitment to make
the lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use lease assets and obligations are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of
remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company has used an estimated incremental
borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right-of-use lease asset
includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and excludes any lease incentives. The lease term used in estimating future lease payments may
include options to extend when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis
over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or changes in expectations regarding the lease term. Variable lease costs such as common area costs and
property taxes are expensed as incurred. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner
sources. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) has been reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets and consists of foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax).
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to corporate income tax laws and regulations in the U.S., Germany and Australia. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are
subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment in their application.
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for
the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the audited consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the
year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in operations in the
period that includes the enactment date. Deferred taxes are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not
some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance
against the balance of deferred tax assets.
It is the Company’s policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a
tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any
unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company is subject to U.S. federal, New York, California, Texas, German and Australian
income taxes. The Company is subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examination by tax authorities for tax returns filed for the years 2003 and forward due
to the carryforward of NOLs. Tax years 2016 through 2021 are subject to audit by German and Australian tax authorities. The Company is not currently under
examination by any tax jurisdictions.
Warrants
The Company accounts for issued warrants either as a liability or equity in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments
with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity (“ASC 480-10”) or ASC 815-40, Accounting
F- 13
for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock (“ASC 815-40”). Under ASC 480-10, warrants are
considered a liability if they are mandatorily redeemable and they require settlement in cash, other assets, or a variable number of shares. If warrants do not
meet liability classification under ASC 480-10, the Company considers the requirements of ASC 815-40 to determine whether the warrants should be classified
as a liability or as equity. Under ASC 815-40, contracts that may require settlement for cash are liabilities, regardless of the probability of the occurrence of the
triggering event. Liability-classified warrants are measured at fair value on the issuance date and at the end of each reporting period. Any change in the fair
value of the warrants after the issuance date is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a gain or loss. If warrants do not require liability
classification under ASC 815-40, in order to conclude warrants should be classified as equity, the Company assesses whether the warrants are indexed to its
common stock and whether the warrants are classified as equity under ASC 815-40 or other applicable GAAP standard. Equity-classified warrants are
accounted for at fair value on the issuance date with no changes in fair value recognized after the issuance date.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding for the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by
dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined
using the treasury-stock method. For all periods presented, there is no difference in the number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted shares outstanding
due to the Company’s net loss position
Potentially dilutive securities, not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders because to do so would be
anti-dilutive, are as follows:
Options to purchase common stock
Prefunded stock warrants
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
As of December 31,
2022
3,791,688
5,096,552
8,888,240
2021
2,157,460
—
2,157,460
There are no recently issued accounting standards that would have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
F- 14
3. Balance Sheet Details
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid Expense and Other Current Assets consist of (in thousands):
Prepaid clinical and related costs
VAT receivable
Australian research and development tax incentive
Other
Total
Accounts Payable
Accounts Payable consist of (in thousands):
Clinical and related costs
Legal and audit costs
Other
Total
Accrued Expenses
Accrued Expenses consist of (in thousands):
Accrued clinical and related costs
Accrued legal and audit costs
Accrued compensation
Accrued other
Total
Other Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities consist of (in thousands):
Lease liabilities
Other
Total
4. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Lease
December 31,
2022
2021
5,608
296
2,361
1,225
9,490
$
$
14,853
279
1,871
1,122
18,125
$
$
December 31,
2022
2021
3,749
288
244
4,281
$
$
3,427
72
246
3,745
December 31,
2022
2021
6,807 $
169
890
120
7,986 $
6,214
96
674
87
7,071
December 31,
2022
2021
571
239
810
$
$
408
177
585
$
$
$
$
$
$
The Company leases certain office space under non-cancelable operating leases. The leases terminate on July 31, 2025 for the New York City office and
June 30, 2025 for the Gräfelfing, Germany office. The Company formerly leased office space in
F- 15
Planegg-Martinsried, Germany pursuant to a modified lease that terminated on August 31, 2020. These leases include both lease (e.g., fixed rent) and non-lease
components (e.g., common-area and other maintenance costs). The non-lease components are deemed to be executory costs and are therefore excluded from the
minimum lease payments used to determine the present value of the operating lease obligation and related right-of-use asset. The New York City lease was
extended on December 22, 2022 for an additional 27 months resulting in the new lease termination date of July 31, 2025. The New York City lease has a
renewal option, but this was not included in calculating the right of use asset and liabilities. On April 7, 2020, the Company signed a five year lease for its
facility in Gräfelfing, Germany. On March 1, 2021 and August 1, 2022 the Company added additional lease space at the Gräfelfing, Germany office. Renewal
options were not included in calculating the right of use asset and liabilities for this facility. The leases do not have concessions, leasehold improvement
incentives or other build-out clauses. Further, the leases do not contain contingent rent provisions. The New York City lease had a six month rent holiday at the
beginning of the lease as well as a three month rent holiday upon the 27 month extension starting May 2023. There were net additions to right of use assets of
$435,000 and $642,000 as a result of signing for additional lease space at the Gräfelfing, Germany office in March 2021 and August 2022, respectively. There
were net additions to right of use assets of $332,000 as a result of extending the New York City lease in December 2022.
The leases do not provide an implicit rate and, due to the lack of a commercially salable product, the Company is generally considered unable to obtain
commercial credit. Therefore, the Company estimated its incremental interest rate to be 6% for the original leases and 8% for the New York City extension,
considering the quoted rates for the lowest investment-grade debt and the interest rates implicit in recent financing leases. Immunic used its estimated
incremental borrowing rate and other information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of the lease payments.
Immunic’s operating lease costs and variable lease costs were $727,000 and $503,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Variable lease costs consist primarily of common area maintenance costs, insurance and taxes which are paid based upon actual costs incurred by the lessor.
Maturities
of
the
operating
lease
obligation
are
as
follows
as
of December
31,
2022
(in
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less: interest portion
Present value of lease obligation
Contractual Obligations
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
thousands):
647
680
355
—
—
—
1,682
147
1,535
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has non-cancelable contractual obligations under certain agreements related to its development programs in
vidofludimus calcium, izumerogant and IMU-856 totaling approximately $4.5 million, all of which is expected to be paid in 2023.
Other Commitments and Obligations
In May 2016, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with 4SC AG, whereby the Company acquired certain assets, including
the rights to patents and patent applications, trademarks and know-how. This transaction has been accounted for as an asset acquisition under Accounting
Standards Update 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The Agreement included payments (Tranches III and
IV) that were contingent upon the occurrence of certain events and required the Company to pay royalties equal to 4.4% of the aggregated net sales for a certain
period as defined in the Agreement (Tranche III) upon commercialization of the acquired assets. Effective April 12, 2019, the parties agreed to settle Tranche
IV by issuing 120,070 shares of the Company’s common stock, immediately following the Transaction, to 4SC AG while keeping Tranche III in effect.
Approximately $1.5 million of expense was recorded as a result of the issuance of these shares on April 12, 2019.
On March 31, 2021, Immunic AG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and 4SC AG entered into a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which
Immunic AG settled its remaining obligation of the 4.4% royalty on net sales for $17.25 million
F- 16
(Tranche III of the Agreement). The payment was made 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Immunic’s common stock (the “Shares”). Pursuant to the
Agreement, the Company filed a resale shelf registration statement on Form S-3 covering the resale of the Shares. With the execution of the Agreement, no
further payment obligations remain between Immunic AG and 4SC AG.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is not currently a party to any litigation, nor is it aware of any pending or threatened litigation, that it believes would materially affect its
business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows. However, its industry is characterized by frequent claims and litigation including securities
litigation, claims regarding patent and other intellectual property rights and claims for product liability. As a result, in the future, the Company may be involved
in various legal proceedings from time to time.
5. Fair Value
The following fair value hierarchy table present information about each major category of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair
value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
Assets
Money market funds
Total assets at fair value
Assets
Money market funds
Total assets at fair value
Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2022
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
85,521
85,521 $
85,521
85,521 $
—
— $
Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2021
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
31,630 $
31,630 $
31,630 $
31,630 $
— $
— $
$
$
$
There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 assets during the periods presented.
For the Company’s money market funds which are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet, realized gains
and losses are included in interest income (expense) on the consolidated statements of operations.
Our money market fund account is held in our bank in the U.S. and was earning interest at a rate of 4.3% in a U.S. Government money market fund.
The Company has cash balances in banks in excess of the maximum amount insured by the FDIC and other international agencies as of December 31,
2022. The Company has not historically experienced any credit losses with balances in excess of FDIC limits.
The carrying amounts of other current assets and prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximate their fair
values due to their short-term nature. The fair value and book value of the money market funds presented in the table above are the same. For the assessment of
the fair value of goodwill and the related impairment of goodwill we used a level one assessment in our testing of goodwill. See Note 2, Summary of significant
accounting policies "Goodwill".
6. Common Stock
Shelf Registration Statements
F- 17
In November 2020, Immunic filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3. The 2020 Shelf Registration Statement permits the offering, issuance and
sale of up to $250.0 million of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, and/or units in one or more offerings and in any combination of the
foregoing. As of February 17, 2023, there is $75.0 million remaining on this shelf registration statement
In December 2020, the Company filed a Prospectus Supplement for the offering, issuance and sale of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of
$50.0 million of common stock that may be issued and sold under an at-the-market sales agreement ("December 2020 ATM") with SVB Leerink as agent. The
Company has used, and intends to continue to use the net proceeds from the offering to continue to fund the ongoing clinical development of its product
candidates and for other general corporate purposes, including funding existing and potential new clinical programs and product candidates. The December
2020 ATM will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the issuance and sale of all of the shares through SVB Leerink on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the December 2020 ATM or (ii) termination of the December 2020 ATM as otherwise permitted thereby. The December 2020 ATM may be terminated
at any time by either party upon ten days’ prior notice, or by SVB Leerink at any time in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of a material adverse
effect on the Company. As of February 17, 2023, $8.4 million in capacity remains under the December 2020 ATM.
In May 2022, the Company filed a Prospectus Supplement for the offering, issuance and sale of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of
$80.0 million of common stock that may be issued and sold under another at-the-market sales agreement ("May 2022 ATM") with SVB Leerink as agent. The
Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to continue to fund the ongoing clinical development of its product candidates and for other general
corporate purposes, including funding existing and potential new clinical programs and product candidates. The May 2022 ATM will terminate upon the earlier
of (i) the issuance and sale of all of the shares through SVB Leerink on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the May 2022 ATM or (ii)
termination of the May 2022 ATM as otherwise permitted thereby. The May 2022 ATM may be terminated at any time by either party upon ten days’ prior
notice, or by SVB Leerink at any time in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of a material adverse effect on the Company. As of February 17, 2023,
$80.0 million in capacity remains under the May 2022 ATM.
The Company has agreed to pay SVB Leerink a commission equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sales of common shares pursuant to both
ATM's and has agreed to provide SVB Leerink with customary indemnification and contribution rights.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company raised gross proceeds of $40.9 million pursuant to the December 2020 ATM through the sale of
4,204,113 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $9.72 per share. The net proceeds from the December 2020 ATM were $39.6 million after
deducting underwriter commissions of $1.2 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company raised gross proceeds of $0.8 million pursuant to the December 2020 ATM through the sale of
73,221 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $10.27 per share. The net proceeds from the December 2020 ATM were $0.7 million after
deducting underwriter commissions of $22,555.
F- 18
Equity Offerings
$60 Million Private Placement Equity Financing
On October 10, 2022, Immunic entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) for a private placement (the “Private
Placement”) with select accredited investors and certain existing investors (each, a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement, the Company agreed to sell to the Purchasers (i) 8,696,552 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), at a
purchase price of $4.35 per Share, and (ii) 5,096,552 pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase Common Stock (the “Warrant Shares” and
together with the Shares and the Pre-Funded Warrants, the “Securities”), at a purchase price of $4.34 per Pre-Funded Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrants have
an exercise price of $0.01 per share of Common Stock, be immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until exercised in full. The holders of Pre-Funded
Warrants may not exercise a Pre-Funded Warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. The holders of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease such percentages
not in excess of 19.99% by providing at least 61 days’ prior notice to the Company. The Pre-Funded Warrants are classified as a component of permanent
equity because they are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the shares of common stock with which
they were issued, are immediately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed
number of shares of common stock upon exercise. In addition, the Pre-Funded Warrants do not provide any guarantee of value or return. All of the pre-funded
warrants were exercised in January of 2023.
The Private Placement closed on October 12, 2022. The gross proceeds of the Private Placement were approximately $60.0 million, before deducting
offering expenses payable by the Company of approximately $4.0 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement to fund the
ongoing clinical development of its three lead product candidates, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), izumerogant (IMU-935) and IMU-856, and for other
general corporate purposes.
The registration statement for these securities was deemed effective by Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2022.
July 2021 Public Equity Offering
On July 15, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Piper Sandler & Co., in connection with the Company’s public offering of
4,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, at a public offering price of $10.00 per share.
On July 19, 2021, the Company closed the Offering. The net proceeds to the Company from the Offering was approximately $42.0 million, after
deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended and restated, authorized the Company to issue 130,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value of $0.0001. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Company’s common stock are subject to and qualified by
the rights, powers and preferences of any holders of preferred stock.
Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders. Common stockholders are
entitled to receive dividends, as may be declared by the board of directors, if any. Through December 31, 2022, no cash dividends had been declared or paid.
Preferred Stock
The Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended and restated, authorizes the Company to issue 20,000,000 shares of $0.0001 par value preferred
stock, rights and preferences to be set by the board of directors. No preferred shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
F- 19
Stock Reserved for Future Issuance
Shares reserved for future issuance as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:
Common stock reserved for issuance for:
2021 Employee stock purchase plan
Prefunded stock warrants
Outstanding stock options
Common stock options available for future grant:
2014 Equity Incentive Plan
2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan
2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
Total common shares reserved for future issuance
7. Stock-based Compensation Plans
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Number of
Shares
116,891
5,096,552
3,791,688
43,311
46,250
188,655
9,283,347
On April 25, 2021, the Company adopted the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), which was approved by stockholder vote at the 2021 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders held on June 10, 2021. The ESPP provides eligible employees of the Company with an opportunity to purchase common stock of the
Company through accumulated payroll deductions, which are included in other current liabilities until they are used to purchase Company shares. Eligible
employees participating in the bi-annual offering period can choose to have up to the lesser of 15% of their annual base earnings or the IRS annual share
purchase limit of $25,000 in aggregate market value to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The purchase price of the stock is the lesser of (i)
85% of the closing market price on the date of purchase and (ii) the closing market price at the beginning of the bi-annual offering period. The maximum
number of shares reserved for delivery under the plan is 200,000 shares.
The Company has issued 70,351 and 12,758 shares under the ESPP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The
Company recognized $96,000 and $46,000 of expense related to the plan in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Stock Option Programs
In July 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”) which was adopted by the Board with an
effective date of June 14, 2019. The 2019 Plan allows for the grant of equity awards to employees, consultants and non-employee directors. An initial
maximum of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for grant under the 2019 Plan. The 2019 Plan includes an evergreen provision
that allows for the annual addition of up to 4% of the Company’s fully-diluted outstanding stock, with a maximum allowable increase of 4,900,000 shares over
the term of the 2019 Plan. In accordance with this provision, the shares available for grant were increased in 2020 through 2023 by a total of 4,408,871 shares.
The 2019 Plan is currently administered by the Board, or, at the discretion of the Board, by a committee of the Board, which determines the exercise prices,
vesting schedules and other restrictions of awards under the 2019 Plan at its discretion. Options to purchase stock may not have an exercise price that is less
than the fair market value of underlying shares on the date of grant, and may not have a term greater than ten years. Incentive stock options granted to
employees typically vest over four years. Non-statutory options granted to employees, officers, members of the Board, advisors, and consultants of the
Company typically vest over three or four years.
Shares that are expired, terminated, surrendered or canceled under the 2019 Plan without having been fully exercised will be available for future awards.
F- 20
Movements during the year
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 under the 2019 Plan:
Outstanding as of January 1, 2022
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022
Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2022
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2022
Outstanding as of January 1, 2021
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021
Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2021
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2021
Measurement
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
13.54
8.73
5.67
10.79
11.33
11.33
13.33
8.35 $
8.35 $
7.50 $
375
375
—
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
12.96
14.08
—
13.50
13.54
13.54
13.48
8.74 $
8.74 $
8.15 $
302,155
302,155
79,431
Options
2,157,460 $
1,886,263 $
(852) $
(251,183) $
3,791,688 $
3,791,688 $
1,398,490 $
Options
1,117,160 $
1,193,809 $
— $
(153,509) $
2,157,460 $
2,157,460 $
752,954 $
The weighted-average assumptions used in the BSM option pricing model to determine the fair value of the employee and non-employee stock option
grants relating to the 2019 Plan were as follows:
Risk-Free Interest Rate
The risk-free rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury instruments with maturities similar to the expected term of the stock options.
Expected Dividend Yield
The Company has not issued any dividends and does not expect to issue dividends over the life of the options. As a result, the Company has estimated the
dividend yield to be zero.
Expected Volatility
Due to the Company’s limited operating history and a lack of company specific historical and implied volatility data, the Company estimates expected
volatility based on the historical volatility of its own stock combined with a group of comparable companies that are publicly traded. The historical volatility
data was computed using the daily closing prices for the selected companies’ shares during the equivalent period of the calculated expected term of the stock-
based awards.
F- 21
Expected Term
The expected term of options is estimated considering the vesting period at the grant date, the life of the option and the average length of time similar
grants have remained outstanding in the past.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted under the 2019 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $6.81
and $10.52, respectively. The following are the underlying assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to determine the fair value of
stock options granted to employees and to non-employees under this stock plan:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility
Expected term of options (years)
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
2022
2.09%
0%
97.8%
6.0
2021
0.93%
0%
93.0%
6.0
Total stock-based compensation expense for all stock awards recognized in the accompanying audited consolidated statements of operations is as follows
(in thousands):
Research and development
General and administrative
Total
Year
Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
$
3,219
4,710
7,929
$
$
1,760
4,189
5,949
As of December 31, 2022 there was $15.6 million in total unrecognized compensation expense relating to the 2019 Plan to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 2.74 years.
Summary of Equity Incentive Plans Assumed from Vital
Upon completion of the Transaction with Vital Therapies ("Vital") on April 12, 2019, Vital’s 2012 Stock Option Plan (the “2012 Plan”), Vital’s 2014
Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) and Vital’s 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the “Inducement Plan”), were assumed by the Company. All
awards granted under these plans have either been forfeited or expired.
There remain 43,311 shares available for grant under the 2014 Plan as of December 31, 2022.
In September 2017, Vital’s Board of Directors approved the Inducement Plan, which was amended and restated in November 2017. Under the
Inducement Plan 46,250 shares of Vital’s common stock were reserved to be used exclusively for non-qualified grants to individuals who were not previously
employees or directors as an inducement material to a grantee's entry into employment within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
No expense was recorded for the plans assumed from Vital during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
F- 22
8. Income Taxes
Net loss before income tax was subject to tax in the following jurisdictions for the following periods (in thousands):
United States
Germany
Foreign
The rate reconciliation consists of the following:
Federal statutory rate
Foreign rate differential
Stock options
Tax effect of rate change
Goodwill impairment
Other
Change in valuation allowance
Effective tax rate
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
$
$
(47,049) $
(67,448)
(5,911)
(120,408) $
(11,222)
(78,869)
(2,854)
(92,945)
Years Ended December 31,
2022
2021
21.0 %
2.2 %
(1.1)%
0.0 %
(5.7)%
(0.7)%
(15.7)%
0.0 %
21.0 %
3.2 %
(0.9)%
0.0 %
0.0 %
(0.4)%
(22.9)%
0.0 %
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial
statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. As tax laws and rates change, deferred tax assets
and liabilities are adjusted through income tax expense. There is no current or deferred income tax expense in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax assets are shown below. A valuation allowance has been established as realization of such net
deferred tax assets has not met the more likely-than-not threshold requirement. If the Company's judgment changes and it is determined that the Company will
be able to realize these net deferred tax assets, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets will be
accounted for as a reduction to income tax expense.
F- 23
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards
Stock-based compensation
Intangible Assets
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards
Unrealized gain or loss
Other, net
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
Total deferred tax liability
Net deferred tax assets
Less valuation allowance
$
December 31,
2022
2021
(in thousands)
19,830 $
742
2,923
47,179
1,686
693
73,053
—
—
73,053
(73,053)
18,4
5
3,8
34,8
1,1
58,8
58,8
(58,8
$
— $
The Company has incurred net operating losses each year since inception due to its history as a development stage company with no realized revenues
from its planned principal operations. These cumulative operating losses provide significant negative evidence in the determination of whether or not the
Company will be able to realize deferred tax assets such as net operating losses and other favorable temporary differences. There can be no assurance that it
will ever generate taxable income. As a result, the Company has maintained a full valuation allowance against the entire balance of its net deferred tax assets
since the date of inception. The valuation allowance has increased by $14.2 million and $22.3 million and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 20,
respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, Immunic had available NOLs of approximately $190.2 million in Germany and Australia. These NOLs do not expire.
The U.S. federal NOL carryforwards of $15.6 million were generated prior to 2018 and expire over 20 years beginning in 2023. The $78.9 million of post
2017 federal NOL carryforwards do not expire. Sections 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 subject the future utilization of net operating losses, to an
annual limitation in the event of certain ownership changes, as defined. The Company may have undergone ownership changes and therefore may be limited in
the amount of net operating losses available for utilization in the future.
The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Due to the full valuation allowance that the Company has on its net deferred tax asset balance, there are no uncertain tax positions that would impact the
effective tax rate if recognized.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal, New York, California, Texas, German and Australian income taxes. The Company is subject to U.S. federal or
state income tax examination by tax authorities for tax returns filed for the years 2003 and forward due to the carryforward of NOLs. Tax years 2018 through
2021 are subject to audit by German and Australian tax authorities. The Company is not currently under examination by any tax jurisdictions.
Immunic, Inc. recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated
statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet. There were no such
interest or penalties for any of the years presented.
9. Related Party Transactions
F- 24
Executive Chairman Agreement with Duane Nash
On April 15, 2020, the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Company independently reviewed and approved entering into an
employment agreement with the Executive Chairman of the Board, Duane Nash, MD, JD, MBA (the “Executive Chairman Agreement”) and pursuant to such
approval, on April 17, 2020, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into the Executive Chairman Agreement. The Executive Chairman Agreement establishes an
“at will” employment relationship with a base salary of $25,417 per month pursuant to which Dr. Nash serves as Executive Chairman and contemplated a term
that ends on October 15, 2020. On October 15, 2020, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into an addendum (the “First Addendum”) to extend the term of the
Executive Chairman Agreement to April 15, 2021. In connection with the First Addendum, the Company made a one-time award to Dr. Nash of an option to
purchase 120,000 shares of Company common stock, which vests monthly over six months commencing on November 15, 2020. On April 15, 2021, the
Company and Dr. Nash entered into Addendum No. Two (the “Second Addendum”) to extend the term of the Executive Chairman Agreement to April 15,
2022. In connection with the Second Addendum, the Company made a one-time award to Dr. Nash of an option to purchase 90,000 shares of Company
common stock, which vests monthly over 12 months commencing on May 15, 2021, and to increase Dr. Nash’s monthly base salary to $27,960 from $25,417.
On March 15, 2022, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into Addendum No. Three (the “Third Addendum”), which extended the term of employment from
April 15, 2022 to December 31, 2022 with a base salary of $29,358 per month. In connection with the Third Addendum, the Company made a one-time award
to Dr. Nash of an option to purchase 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which vests monthly over 12 months commencing on April 10, 2022. On
December 28, 2022, the Company and Dr. Nash entered into Addendum No. Four, which extended the term of employment from December 31, 2022 to
December 31, 2023 with a base salary of $30,250 per month (which includes the cash retainer payable for serving on the Company’s Board or for acting as the
Chairman of the Board). All other terms of the Executive Chairman Agreement remain the same.
F- 25
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on
Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Date: February 23, 2023
Immunic, Inc.
By:
/s/ DANIEL VITT
Daniel Vitt
Chief Executive Officer and President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Daniel Vitt and Glenn Whaley, and
each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with full power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments
to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or their substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons
indicated.
registrant
behalf
dates
and
and
the
the
the
on
in
on
capacities
Title
Date
of
Signature
/s/ DANIEL VITT
Daniel Vitt
/s/ GLENN WHALEY
Glenn Whaley
/s/ DUANE D. NASH
Duane D. Nash
/s/ TAMAR HOWSON
Tamar Howson
/s/ JOERG NEERMANN
Joerg Neermann
/s/ VINCENT OSSIPOW
Vincent Ossipow
/s/ BARCLAY A. PHILLIPS
Barclay A. Phillips
/s/ MARIA TORNSEN
Maria Tornsen
Director, Chief Executive Officer and President
February 23, 2023
Chief Financial Officer
February 23, 2023
Executive Chairman
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
February 23, 2023
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Exhibit 4.2
General
Our authorized capital stock consists of 130,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value
$0.0001 per share.
The following description of our common stock summarizes its material terms and provisions, but it is not complete. For the complete terms of our common
stock, please refer to our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws that are incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this
exhibit is a part.
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2020, there were 21,168,240 shares of common stock outstanding. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. The holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights with respect to
the election of directors, and as a consequence, minority stockholders will not be able to elect directors on the basis of their votes alone.
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such
dividends as may be declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us,
holders of the common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any then
outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their common stock into any other securities.
There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of
any of our outstanding preferred stock.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “IMUX.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”). The transfer agent and registrar’s address
is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219.
Dividends
We have not declared any cash dividends on our common stock since inception and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the
foreseeable future.
Possible Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and our Charter Documents
Some provisions of Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws could make the following
transactions more difficult: an acquisition of us by means of a tender offer, an acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise, or the removal of our
incumbent officers and directors. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders
may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in our best interest, including transactions which provide for payment of a premium over the market price
for our shares.
These provisions, summarized below, are intended to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed
to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of the increased protection of
our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of
discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), an anti-takeover statute. In general, Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits
a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the time
the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination or the acquisition of shares that resulted in a stockholder becoming an interested
stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a
financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within
three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own) 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The existence of this provision
would be expected to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging
attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by our stockholders.
Undesignated Preferred Stock.
The ability of our board of directors, without action by the stockholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with voting or other
rights or preferences as designated by our board of directors could impede the success of any attempt to effect a change in control of us. These and other
provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of our company.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals.
Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals to be brought before a stockholder meeting and the
nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the board of directors or a committee of the board of
directors.
Elimination of Stockholder Action by Written Consent.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation eliminates the right of stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting.
Staggered Board.
Our board of directors is divided into three classes. The directors in each class will serve for a three-year term, one class being elected each year by our
stockholders. This system of electing and removing directors may tend to discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain
control of us, because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors.
Removal of Directors.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that no member of our board of directors may be removed from office by our stockholders
except for cause and, in addition to any other vote required by law, upon the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding
shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors.
Stockholders Not Entitled to Cumulative Voting.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not permit stockholders to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Accordingly, the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if
they choose, other than any directors that holders of our preferred stock may be entitled to elect.
Authorized but Unissued Shares
Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may use
additional shares for a variety of purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to fund acquisitions and as employee compensation. The
existence of authorized but unissued shares of undesignated preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to discourage an
attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. For example, if in the due exercise of its fiduciary
obligations, our board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal is not in the best interests of us or our stockholders, our board of directors could
cause shares of preferred stock to be issued without stockholder approval in one or more private offerings or other transactions that might dilute the voting or
other rights of the proposed acquirer, stockholder or stockholder group. The rights of holders of our common stock described above will be subject to, and may
be adversely affected by, the rights of any preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future. The issuance of shares of undesignated preferred stock
could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of shares of common stock. The issuance may also adversely affect the
rights and powers, including voting rights, of these holders and may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us.
Director Liability
Our bylaws limit the extent to which our directors are personally liable to us and our stockholders, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The inclusion
of this provision in our bylaws may reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and may discourage or deter stockholders or management
from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care.
The provisions of Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws could have the effect of
discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common
stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in the composition of
our board and management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to
be in their best interest.
DIENSTVERTRAG
SERVICE AGREEMENT
zwischen
Immunic AG,
vertreten durch den Vorsitzenden des Aufsichtsrates
- nachfolgend „Gesellschaft" genannt -
und
Herrn Dr. med. Rolf Andreas M✔hler,
- nachfolgend „Vorstand" genannt -
between
Immunic AG,
represented by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board
- hereinafter referred to as the "Company" -
and
Dr. med. Rolf Andreas M✔hler,
- hereinafter referred to as the "Board Member" -
§ 1
§ 1
Aufgabenbereich und Pflichten
Responsibilities and Obligations
vom
1. Herr Dr. Rolf Andreas M✔hler ist mit Beschluss des
Aufsichtsrates
23.03.2016
der Gesellschaft
(Anlage 1) f✔r ein Jahr zum ordentlichen Mitglied des
Vorstandes der Gesellschaft bestellt worden. Diese
Bestellung soll bis zum Ablauf des 31. August 2019
verlängert werden. Er wird als Vorstand f✔r den Bereich
Medical (Chief Medical Officer, CMO) der Gesellschaft
bestellt und vertritt die Gesellschaft gemeinsam mit einem
Vorstand oder einem Prokuristen. Der Aufsichtsrat kann
dem Vorstand Einzelvertretungsbefugnis erteilen sowie
von den Beschränkungen des § 181 Alt. 2 BGB befreien.
1. Dr. Rolf Andreas M✔hler was appointed a member of the
Management Board of the Company for one year by
resolution of the Supervisory Board of the Company dated
23 March 2016 (Annex 1). This appointment is to be
extended until the end of 31 August 2019. He is appointed
as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Company and
represents the Company together with a member of the
Management Board or an authorized signatory. The
Supervisory Board may grant the Board Member sole
power of representation as well as exemption from the
restrictions of § 181 Alt. 2 of the German Civil Code
(BGB).
Germany 10363757.1
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1. Der Vorstand f✔hrt die Geschäfte der Gesellschaft
nach Maßgabe der Gesetze, der Satzung, der
Geschäftsordnung
f✔r den Vorstand und dieses
Dienstvertrages. Der Vorstand hat insbesondere f✔r die
laut einer Geschäftsordnung des Vorstands unter
Zustimmungsvorbehalt stehenden Geschäfte und
Maßnahmen die Zustimmung des Aufsichtsrats
einzuholen.
1. The Board Member shall conduct the business of the
Company in accordance with the law, the Articles of
Association, the rules of procedure for the Management
Board and this Service Agreement. In particular, the
the
Board Member shall obtain
Supervisory Board for transactions and measures
subject to approval in accordance with the rules of
procedure of the Management Board.
the approval of
1. Dem Vorstand obliegen insbesondere die Aufgaben, die
im Sinne des jeweiligen Geschäftsverteilungsplans zum
Geschäftsbereich
(CMO)
gehören.
des Medicalvorstands
1.
In particular, the Board Member is responsible for the
tasks that belong to the business area of the Chief
Medical Officer (CMO) within the meaning of the
respective schedule of responsibilities.
1. Dienstort ist M✔nchen/Planegg-Martinsried. Sofern die
Pflichten nach diesem Vertrag es zulassen, ist der
Vorstand frei in der Wahl des Ortes der Aus✔bung
seiner Tätigkeit.
1. The place of work is Munich/Planegg-Martinsried. If the
obligations according to this agreement allow it, the
Board Member is free in the choice of the place of the
exercise of its activity.
§ 1
Nebentätigkeiten
Ancillary Activities
1. Der Vorstand wird seine ganze Arbeitskraft und seine
sämtlichen fachlichen Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen der
Gesellschaft widmen. Die Übernahme
einer
entgeltlichen Nebentätigkeit sowie von Aufsichtsrats-,
Beirats- oder ähnlichen Mandanten bedarf der
vorherigen
den
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden.
Zustimmung
durch
1. The Board Member will devote all its working capacity
and all its professional knowledge and experience to
the Company. The assumption of an ancillary
commercial activity as well as mandates
in a
supervisory board or advisory board or similar
mandates require the prior consent of the Chairman of
the Supervisory Board.
Dem Aufsichtsratsgremium
ist bekannt, dass der
Vorstand zum Zeitpunkt der Unterzeichnung dieses
Vertrages die in Anlage 2 aufgelisteten Mandate
innehat und erteilt zu deren Fortf✔hrung seine
Zustimmung.
The Supervisory Board is aware that the Board
Member holds the mandates listed in Annex 2 at the
time of signing of this agreement and grants its
approval to their continuation.
Germany 10363757.1
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1. F✔r den Vorstand gilt das Wettbewerbsverbot des § 88
AktG. Während der Dauer dieses Vertrages wird sich
der Vorstand auch nicht an Unternehmen beteiligen, die
mit der Gesellschaft in Wettbewerb stehen oder mit
die Gesellschaft Geschäftsverbindungen
denen
unterhält, es sei denn, der Aufsichtsrat hat vorher seine
schriftliche Zustimmung erteilt.
1. The Board Member is subject to the non-competition
clause of Section 88 of the German Stock Corporations
Act (AktG). During the term of this agreement, the
Board Member will also not invest in companies that
compete with the Company or with which the Company
has business relationships, unless the Supervisory
Board has given its prior written consent.
Das Wettbewerbsverbot gilt nicht f✔r Beteiligungen an
Unternehmen in Gestalt von Wertpapieren, die an
Börsen gehandelt und zum Zwecke der Kapitalanlage
erworben werden. Dar✔ber hinaus sind etwaig
bestehende, vorrangige Regelungen aus einem
Investment
Shareholders'
Agreement zu Wettbewerbsverboten bzw. erlaubten
Tätigkeiten des Vorstands zu beachten.
Agreement
und/oder
The non-competition clause does not apply to interests
in companies in the form of bonds traded on the stock
exchange and acquired for the purpose of capital
investment.
In addition, any existing overriding
Investment Agreement and/or
regulation
Shareholders' Agreement on restraints of competition
or permitted activities of the Board Member must be
observed.
from an
§ 1
Verg✔tung und Bonus
§ 1
Remuneration and bonus
1. Der Vorstand erhält f✔r seine Tätigkeit
1. The Board Member receives for its activities
a) ein festes Jahresgehalt („Grundverg✔tung") in
Höhe von EUR 156.000,00 brutto, das in 12
gleichen Monatsraten
jeweils nachträglich am
Monatsletzten ausbezahlt wird. Sofern dieser
Vertrag nicht während der Dauer eines gesamten
Kalenderjahres besteht, wird das Jahresfestgehalt
zeitanteilig gezahlt.
a) a fixed annual salary ("Basic Remuneration") in
the amount of EUR 156,000.00 gross, paid in 12
equal monthly instalments at the end of each
month. If this agreement does not exist for the
duration of an entire calendar year, the fixed annual
salary shall be paid pro rata temporis.
Germany 10363757.1
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a) eine
zur Fälligkeit ergeben
jährliche variable Verg✔tung, die bei 100-
prozentigem Erreichen der festgelegten Jahresziele
maximal EUR 24.000,00 brutto beträgt. Die
Einzelheiten,
insbesondere zum Verfahren der
Zielfestlegung, zur Feststellung der Zielerreichung
und
sich aus dem
Rahmenvertrag zur Zielvereinbarung in seiner jeweils
geltenden Fassung. Die Art der Ziele, die
ihre
Voraussetzungen
Gewichtung zueinander werden f✔r das jeweilige
Geschäftsjahr in einer gesonderten Zielfestlegung
niedergelegt.
ihre Erreichung und
f✔r
a) an annual
to
variable
for setting
the procedure
remuneration of up
to
EUR 24,000.00 gross if the defined annual targets are
achieved 100 percent. The details, in particular with
regard
targets,
determining the achievement of targets and the due
date, are set out in the Framework Agreement
regarding
zur
Zielvereinbarung) in its current version. The nature of
the objectives, the conditions for their achievement
and their weighting in relation to each other are laid
down for each financial year in a separate target
setting.
(Rahmenvertrag
targets
the
1. Die Grundverg✔tung und die variable Verg✔tung werden
jährlich durch den Aufsichtsrat ✔berpr✔ft. Dabei sind die
wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Gesellschaft sowie die
persönliche Leistung des Vorstandes zu ber✔cksichtigen.
1.
Im Übrigen kann der Aufsichtsrat die Bez✔ge des
Vorstands
insgesamt auf die angemessene Höhe
herabsetzen, wenn sich die Lage der Gesellschaft so
verschlechtert, dass die Weitergewährung der Bez✔ge
f✔r die Gesellschaft wäre; Ruhegehalt,
unbillig
Hinterbliebenenbez✔ge und Leistungen verwandter Art
können dabei nur in den ersten drei Jahren nach
Ausscheiden aus der Gesellschaft herabgesetzt werden
(§ 87 (2) AktG). Der Vorstand kann in diesem Fall diesen
Dienstvertrag außerordentlich mit einer Frist von sechs
Wochen zum Schluss des nächsten Kalendervierteljahres
nach Erklärung der Herabsetzung k✔ndigen (§ 87 (2)
Satz 3 AktG). Entfällt eine verschlechterte Lage der
Gesellschaft, ist die Herabstufung wieder r✔ckgängig zu
machen.
1. The Basic Remuneration and the variable remuneration
are reviewed annually by the Supervisory Board. The
economic development of the Company and the personal
performance of the Board Member must be taken into
account.
1. Otherwise, the Supervisory Board may reduce the total
remuneration of the Board Member to the appropriate
amount, if the situation of the Company deteriorates to
such an extent that the continued granting of the
remuneration would be inequitable for the Company;
retirement pension, survivors benefits and benefits of a
related kind may only be reduced in the first three years
after leaving the Company (Section 87 (2) AktG). In this
case, the Board Member may terminate this Service
Agreement extraordinarily with six weeks' notice to the
end of the next calendar quarter after declaration of the
reduction (Section 87 (2) sentence 3 AktG).
If a
deterioration in the situation of society does not apply, the
downgrade shall be reversed.
§ 1
§ 1
Versicherungen und Nebenleistungen
Insurance and Fringe Benefits
Germany 10363757.1
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zur
Zusch✔sse
1. Auch soweit keine gesetzliche Versicherungspflicht
besteht, zahlt die Gesellschaft an das Vorstandsmitglied
monatliche
Kranken-und
Pflegeversicherung des Vorstandsmitglieds. Die einzelnen
Zusch✔sse entsprechen in ihrer Höhe der Hälfte der vom
Vorstandsmitglied gezahlten Beiträge, höchstens jedoch
dem jeweils unter Ber✔cksichtigung der jeweils geltenden
Beitragsbemessungsgrenzen gesetzlich geschuldeten
Höchstbetrag des Arbeitgeberanteils der gesetzlichen
Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung. Die
von der
Gesellschaft geschuldeten Zusch✔sse werden dem
Vorstandsmitglied
jeweils am Kalendermonatsende
gezahlt. Die auf diese Zahlungen etwaig anfallende
Einkommensteuer trägt das Vorstandsmitglied.
1. Even if there is no statutory insurance obligation, the
Company shall pay the Board Member monthly health
and long-term care insurance contributions for the Board
Member. The individual contributions are in their amount
equivalent to the amount of the contributions paid by the
Board Member, but
the
employer's contribution to the statutory health and long-
term care insurance legally owed in each case, taking into
assessment
account
thresholds. The contributions owed by the Company are
paid to the Board Member at the end of each calendar
month. Any income tax payable on these payments shall
be borne by the Board Member.
the amount of
contribution
applicable
limited
the
to
1. Die Gesellschaft zahlt an das Vorstandsmitglied
monatliche Zusch✔sse zur Bayerischen Ärzteversorgung
des Vorstandsmitglieds. Die einzelnen Zusch✔sse
entsprechen
ihrer Höhe der Hälfte der vom
Vorstandsmitglied gezahlten Beiträge. Die von der
Gesellschaft geschuldeten Zusch✔sse werden dem
Vorstandsmitglied
jeweils am Kalendermonatsende
gezahlt. Die auf diese Zahlungen etwaig anfallende
Einkommensteuer trägt das Vorstandsmitglied.
in
1. Der Vorstand erhält in angemessenem Umfang f✔r die im
Gesellschaftsinteresse
erforderlichen Aufwendungen
Ersatz. Erforderliche Reisekosten werden gegen
Einzelnachweis erstattet. Die darin enthaltenen Tage- und
Übernachtungsgelder können im Rahmen der steuerlich
zulässigen Beträge auch pauschal abgerechnet werden.
1. The Company pays
the Board Member monthly
contributions for Bayerische Ärzteversorgung of the Board
Member. The individual contributions correspond in their
amount to half of the contributions paid by the Board
Member. The contributions owed by the Company are
paid to the Board Member at the end of each calendar
month. Any income tax payable on these payments shall
be borne by the Board Member.
1. The Board Member shall be reimbursed to an appropriate
extent for the expenses required in the interest of the
Company. Required travel expenses will be reimbursed
against itemization. The daily and overnight allowances
contained therein may also be settled as a lump sum
within the limits of the amount permissible for tax
purposes.
Germany 10363757.1
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1. Die Gesellschaft kann den Vorstand nach
ihrem
Ermessen f✔r die Dauer dieses Dienstvertrages im
Rahmen einer Risiko-Lebensversicherung in Höhe von
EUR 500.000,00 f✔r den Todesfall und im Rahmen einer
Unfallversicherung in Höhe von EUR 700.000,00 f✔r den
Invaliditätsfall versichern bzw. eine bereits bestehende
Versicherung fortf✔hren. Der Vorstand hat das Recht,
den/die Bezugsberechtigten zu bestimmen.
1. At its discretion, the Company may insure the Board
Member for the duration of this Service Agreement under
a risk life insurance policy in the amount of EUR
500,000.00 in the event of death and under an accident
insurance policy in the amount of EUR 700,000.00 in the
event of disability or continue an existing insurance policy.
The Board Member
the
beneficiary/beneficaries.
to determine
is entitled
1.
Falle
der Übernahme
Im
bestehenden
Direktversicherung kann diese gemäß § 40 b EStG in
ihrer geltenden Fassung weiter gef✔hrt werden. Die
pauschale Versteuerung ✔bernimmt in diesem Fall die
Gesellschaft.
einer
1.
In the event that an existing direct insurance policy is
taken over, this insurance policy can be managed in its
current version under Section 40 b German Income Tax
Act (EStG). In this case, the lump sum taxation is paid by
the Company.
Germany 10363757.1
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1. The Company offers the Board Member the opportunity to
participate in a pension fund, support fund or similar
company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge,
BAV) or to take over an existing BAV. In this context, the
Board Member can convert part of its salary entitlements
into a company pension commitment. The Basic
Remuneration granted to the Board Member pursuant to §
3 (1) lit. a) shall be reduced by a gross monthly amount
with effect from the beginning of a company pension
commitment
into an equal-value
commitment to company pension benefits. The Board
Member's entitlement
the Basic
Remuneration is reduced by this amount. If the Board
Member rescinds or suspends the pension commitment in
whole or in part in the further course of the plan, the
corresponding entitlement to compensation shall revive.
to be converted
to payment of
1. Die Gesellschaft bietet dem Vorstand die Möglichkeit zur
Teilnahme an einer Pensionskasse, Unterst✔tzungskasse
oder einer ähnlichen betrieblichen Altersversorgung (BAV)
bzw. zur Übernahme einer bereits bestehenden BAV. In
diesem Zusammenhang kann der Vorstand einen Teil
seiner Gehaltsanspr✔che zugunsten einer betrieblichen
Altersversorgungszusage umwandeln. Die dem Vorstand
gemäß § 3 (1) lit. a) gewährte Grundverg✔tung wird
dabei mit Wirkung zum Beginn einer betrieblichen
Altersversorgungszusage
einen
monatlichen Bruttobetrag gek✔rzt, um in eine wertgleiche
Versorgungsleistung
Zusage
auf
In Höhe dieses Betrags
umgewandelt zu werden.
verringert sich der Anspruch des Vorstands auf Zahlung
der Grundverg✔tung. Sollte
die
Versorgungszusage
im weiteren Verlauf ganz oder
teilweise wieder k✔ndigen oder ruhen lassen, so lebt der
entsprechende Verg✔tungsanspruch wieder auf.
der Vorstand
entsprechend
betriebliche
um
Germany 10363757.1
1. Die Gesellschaft schließt
(D&O)
Inhalts
f✔r den Vorstand eine
Vermögensschaden-Haftpflichtversicherung
f✔r
den Fall ab, dass der Vorstand wegen einer in Aus✔bung
seiner Tätigkeit begangenen Pflichtverletzung von einem
Dritten oder der Gesellschaft aufgrund gesetzlicher
Haftpflichtbestimmungen privatrechtlichen
f✔r
einen Vermögensschaden in Anspruch genommen wird.
Der Vorstand trägt dabei eine Selbstbeteiligung in Höhe
des Mindestwerts gemäß § 93 (2) AktG (derzeit je
Schadensfall 10% des Schadens, maximal aber das 1 / -
2
fache der Grundverg✔tung pro
(jährliche
Höchstgrenze). Kommt es zu mehreren Schadensfällen in
einem Jahr, gilt die jährliche Höchstgrenze f✔r alle
Schadensfälle zusammen. Der Selbstbehalt passt sich bei
Änderung der Grundverg✔tung (bzw. bei Änderung von
§ 93 (2) AktG) automatisch an; der Vorstand
ist
verpflichtet, die entsprechenden Änderungen beim
Selbstbehalt des D&O Versicherungsvertrages zu
veranlassen, und
in diesem
Zusammenhang erforderlichen Erklärungen abzugeben.
Das Bezugsjahr f✔r den anzuwendenden Selbstbehalt ist
das Jahr des Pflichtverstoßes.
sämtliche
/ oder
Jahr
1
Seite 8 von 23
1. The Company enters into a directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy (D&O) for the Board Member for the
event that a third party or the Company makes a claim
against the Board Member for a loss of assets due to a
breach of duty committed in the performance of its duties
due to statutory liability provisions under private law. The
Board Member bears a deductible in the amount of the
minimum value pursuant to Section 93 (2) of the German
Stock Corporation Act (AktG) (currently 10% of the
damage per claim, but not more than one and a half times
the basic annual remuneration (annual maximum limit). In
case of several loss events in one year, the annual
maximum limit applies to all loss events in combination.
The deductible is automatically adjusted in the event of a
change in the Basic Renumaration (or in the event of a
change in Section 93 (2) AktG); the Board Member is
obliged to arrange for the corresponding changes to the
deductible in the D&O insurance agreement and / or to
provide all declarations required in this regard. The
reference year for the deductible to be applied is the year
of the violation.
§ 1
Urlaub
§ 1
Holiday
1. Der Vorstand hat Anspruch auf einen Jahresurlaub von 30
Arbeitstagen. Arbeitstage sind alle Kalendertage mit
Ausnahme von Samstagen, Sonntagen und gesetzlichen
Feiertagen am Sitz der Gesellschaft. Bei unterjährigem
Beschäftigungsbeginn oder -ende wird der Jahresurlaub
in diesem Kalenderjahr zeitanteilig gewährt.
1. The Board Member is entitled to an annual vacation of 30
working days. Working days are all calendar days except
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at the registered
office of the Company. If employment begins or ends
during the course of the year, annual vacation in this
calendar year will be granted pro rata temporis.
1. Die Urlaubszeit
ist unter Ber✔cksichtigung der
Geschäftslage mit den anderen Vorstandsmitgliedern
abzustimmen.
1. The holiday period shall be coordinated with the other
members of the Executive Board, taking into account the
business situation.
Germany 10363757.1
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Beneficiaries in the event of illness, incapacity for work or
death
1.
In the event of an unforeseen absence (e.g. due to
illness), the Board Member is obliged to inform the
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Company
without undue delay of the reason for and probable
duration of the impediment to service and draw the
attention on the tasks to be performed urgently. If the
absence lasts longer than one week, the Board Member
must submit a medical certificate or in the event of any
other incapacity or a written declaration in the event of
any other disability, stating the reason for the incapacity
and its probable duration.
The Board Member hereby assigns to the Company any
(compensation) claims in the amount of the payments
made or to be made by the Company in accordance with
this provision to which he is entitled in respect of third
parties due to the impediment to work. The Board
Member is obligated to provide the Company with all
information necessary for asserting such (compensation)
claims and to provide the Company with the necessary
documents without undue delay.
Bez✔ge bei Krankheit, Arbeitsunfähigkeit oder Tod
1.
das
verpflichtet,
Vorstandsmitglied
lm Fall einer Dienstverhinderung (z.B. infolge Erkrankung)
ist
den
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden der Gesellschaft unverz✔glich
✔ber Grund und Dauer der Dienstverhinderung zu
informieren und auf vordringlich zu erledigende Aufgaben
hinzuweisen. Dauert die Dienstverhinderung länger als
eine Woche, hat das Vorstandsmitglied im Fall einer
Erkrankung ein ärztliches Attest oder im Fall einer
sonstigen Dienstverhinderung eine schriftliche Erklärung
vorzulegen, woraus sich der Grund der Arbeitsunfähigkeit
sowie deren voraussichtliche Dauer ergeben.
tritt bereits
Das Vorstandsmitglied
jetzt etwaige
(Schadensersatz-)Anspr✔che in Höhe der nach dieser
Regelung von der Gesellschaft geleisteten oder zu
leistenden Zahlungen an die Gesellschaft ab, die ihm
gegen✔ber Dritten wegen der Arbeitsverhinderung
ist verpflichtet, der
zustehen. Das Vorstandsmitglied
Gesellschaft
zur
Geltendmachung derartiger (Schadensersatz-)Anspr✔che
notwendigen Angaben zu machen sowie hierf✔r
notwendige Unterlagen zu ✔berlassen.
unverz✔glich
sämtliche
Germany 10363757.1
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unverschuldeten Arbeitsunfähigkeit
1. Bei einer vor✔bergehenden krankheitsbedingten oder
sonstigen
des
Vorstandes wird die Grundverg✔tung gemäß § 3 (1) lit. a)
während der Zeit der Arbeitsunfähigkeit bis zu einer
Dauer von sechs Monaten, längstens jedoch bis zur
Beendigung dieses Dienstvertrages weitergezahlt. Dauert
die Arbeitsunfähigkeit
länger als ununterbrochen 3
Monate an, kann der Aufsichtsrat die variable Verg✔tung
nach Anlage 4 unter Ber✔cksichtigung der Dauer der
Arbeitsunfähigkeit angemessen reduzieren.
1.
In the event of a temporary illness or other non-culpable
incapacity to work, the basic remuneration pursuant to § 3
(1) lit. a) shall continue to be paid during the period of the
incapacity to work up to a period of six months, at the
latest until the termination of this Service Agreement. If
the incapacity to work lasts longer than three months
without interruption, the Supervisory Board may reduce
the variable remuneration in accordance with Annex 4 by
a reasonable amount, taking into account the duration of
the incapacity to work.
1. Bei einer dauernden Arbeitsunfähigkeit des Vorstandes
endet der Dienstvertrag mit dem Ende des Quartals, in
dem die dauernde Arbeitsunfähigkeit festgestellt worden
ist.
1.
In the event of permanent incapacity to work of the Board
Member, the employment agreement ends at the end of
the quarter in which the permanent incapacity to work was
determined.
Ist der Vorstand länger als sechs Monate außerstande,
seiner Tätigkeit nachzugehen, kann der Aufsichtsrat
verlangen, dass das Vorliegen einer dauernden
Arbeitsunfähigkeit durch einen von ihm ausgewählten Arzt
auf Kosten der Gesellschaft nachgepr✔ft wird. Nimmt der
Vorstand den Termin trotz zweimaliger Aufforderung durch
den Aufsichtsrat nicht wahr, gilt der Vorstand als dauernd
arbeitsunfähig. Die Aufforderungen haben mit einer
Woche zeitlichen Abstands voneinander zu erfolgen.
If the Board Member is unable to carry out its duties for
more than six months, the Supervisory Board may
demand that the existence of a permanent incapacity to
work be reviewed by a doctor of its choice at the
Company's expense. If the Board Member fails to meet
the demand despite two requests by the Supervisory
Board, the Board Member shall be deemed permanently
incapacitated for work. The requests shall be made at
intervals of one week.
Eine Abfindung
ist bei einer Beendigung des
Dienstvertrags wegen dauernder Arbeitsunfähigkeit nicht
zu leisten.
A severance payment shall not be made in the event of
to
termination of
permanent incapacity to work.
the employment agreement due
1. Stirbt
der Vorstand während
des
Dienstvertrages, ist die Grundverg✔tung nach § 3 (1) lit.
a) noch f✔r den Sterbemonat und f✔r die zwei darauf
folgenden Monate zu zahlen.
der Dauer
1.
If the Board Member dies during the term of this Service
Agreement, the Basic Remuneration according to § 3 (1)
lit. a) shall still be payable for the month of death and for
the following two months.
Germany 10363757.1
Die Boni nach § 3 (1) lit. b) werden entsprechend Anlage
4 Ziff. 3 durch den Aufsichtsrat festgelegt und an den
Ehepartner,
die
deren
unterhaltsberechtigten Kinder des Vorstands (letztere als
Gesamtgläubiger) oder seine Erben bezahlt.
Fehlen
bei
an
Seite 11 von 23
The bonuses pursuant to § 3 (1) lit. b) are determined by
the Supervisory Board in accordance with Annex 4 No. 3
and paid to the spouse, in the event of their absence to
the dependent children of the Board Member (the latter as
joint creditor) or his heirs.
Sonderleistungen und Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht bei
Kontrollerwerb
§ 1
Special services and special right of termination in the
event of acquisition of control
Germany 10363757.1
der
von
dem
durch
Vorstand
1. Kommt es nach der Unterzeichnung dieses Vertrags zu
einem Kontrollerwerb im Sinne eines Anteilserwerbs von
mehr als 50% durch einen Aktionär, Dritten oder
gemeinsam handelnde Personen oder zu einer
wirtschaftlich vergleichbaren Transaktion (z.B. Verkauf
des Geschäftsbetriebs oder eines wesentlichen Teils
davon durch die Gesellschaft, Verkauf von wesentlichen
Beteiligungsgesellschaften
Gesellschaft,
Verschmelzung auf ein anderes Unternehmen, Verkauf
von mehr als 50% der Anteile der Gesellschaft nach
einem „Delisting" der Gesellschaft, etc.) und will sich die
Gesellschaft in diesem Zusammenhang oder in dessen
vorzeitige
Folge
Vertragsauflösung trennen, ohne hierf✔r einen wichtigen
Grund im Sinn des § 626 BGB zu haben, so erhält der
Vorstand zusätzlich zu der Verg✔tung und allen
ihm bis zum Trennungszeitpunkt
Leistungen, die
zustehen, eine Abfindung. Die Höhe der Abfindung
der Gesamtverg✔tung
entspricht
(Grundverg✔tung,
sowie
Nebenleistungen), die der Vorstand bis zum Ablauf der in
§ 10 (1) definierten Dauer gemäß diesem Vertrag erhalten
hatte, wäre der Vertrag nicht vorzeitig beendet, sondern
bis zum Ende der vollen Amtszeit erf✔llt worden. F✔r
Zwecke der Berechnung der Abfindung nach diesem
Absatz (1) wird davon ausgegangen, dass dem Vorstand
jeweils der maximale Bonus gemäß Anlage 4 (ggf. pro
rata temporis bis zum Ende der Vertragslaufzeit) gezahlt
worden wäre. Beträgt die ordentliche Laufzeit dieses
Vertrages gemäß § 10
(1) zum Zeitpunkt des
Wirksamwerdens der Trennung nach diesem Absatz (1)
weniger als 15 Monate, berechnet sich die zu zahlende
Abfindung auf Basis einer fiktiven Restlaufzeit von 15
Monaten, d. h. die Abfindung wird berechnet auf Basis
einer angenommenen Restlaufzeit von mindestens 15
Monaten.
Verg✔tung
variable
Summe
der
Seite 12 von 23
1.
to
in addition
If, after the signing of this Agreement, control is acquired
in the sense of a share acquisition of more than 50% by a
shareholder, third party or persons acting jointly or in the
sense of an economically comparable transaction (e.g.
sale of the business operations or a substantial part
thereof by the Company, sale of substantial associated
companies of
the Company, merger with another
company, sale of more than 50% of the shares of the
Company after a delisting of the Company, etc.) and if the
Company wishes to terminate the agreement with the
Board Member in this context or as a result thereof by
early termination of the agreement without having an
important reason within the meaning of Section 626 of the
German Civil Code (BGB), the Board Member shall
receive a severance payment
the
remuneration and all benefits to which it is entitled up to
the time of termination. The amount of the severance
payment corresponds to the sum of the total remuneration
(basic remuneration, variable remuneration as well as
fringe benefits) that the Board Member would have
received until expiry of the term defined in § 10 (1) of this
agreement, if the agreement would not have been
terminated prematurely, but would have been fulfilled up
until the end of the full term of office. For the purpose of
calculating the severance payment pursuant to this
paragraph (1), it is assumed that the maximum bonus
would have been paid to the Board Member in each case
in accordance with Annex 4 (if applicable pro rata
temporis until the end of the agreement term). If the
ordinary term of this agreement pursuant to § 10 (1) is
less than 15 months at the time the separation pursuant
to this paragraph (1) takes effect, the severance payment
to be made shall be calculated on the basis of a fictitious
remaining term of 15 months, i.e. the severance payment
shall be calculated on the basis of an assumed remaining
term of at least 15 months.
Während der Vertragslaufzeit stattfindende Anhebungen
der Verg✔tung gemäß § 3
(1) werden bei den
beschriebenen Berechnungen ber✔cksichtigt.
Any increases in remuneration in accordance with § 3 (1)
that take place during the term of the agreement shall be
taken into account in the calculations described.
1. Die Abfindung ist in voller Höhe zusammen mit dem
Gehalt f✔r den Monat, zu dessen Ende die Trennung
nach Absatz (1) wirksam wird, zur Zahlung fällig.
1. The severance payment shall be payable in full together
with the salary for the month at the end of which the
separation referred to in paragraph (1) takes effect.
Germany 10363757.1
1.
Im Falle dieses Absatzes (1) wird dem Vorstand ein
außerordentliches Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht zu diesem
Dienstvertrag eingeräumt. Das Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht
kann innerhalb von sechs Wochen ab Kenntnis des
rechtskräftigen Vollzug des
Vorstands ✔ber den
Kontrollwechsels im Sinne des Absatzes (1) mit einer
Frist von drei Monaten zum Monatsende ausge✔bt
werden.
ein
Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht des Vorstands auch dann, wenn
der Vorstand innerhalb von einem Jahr nach Vollzug des
Kontrollwechsels abberufen wird. In diesem Fall beträgt
die Sonderk✔ndigungsfrist zwei Wochen. Die K✔ndigung
kann innerhalb von vier Wochen nach Abberufung durch
den Vorstand erklärt werden.
Dar✔ber
besteht
hinaus
Seite 13 von 23
1.
In the event of this paragraph (1), the Board Member shall
be granted an extraordinary right of termination of this
Service Agreement. The special right of termination may
be exercised within six weeks of the knowledge of the
Board Member of the legally binding execution of the
change of control within the meaning of paragraph (1)
with a notice period of three months to the end of the
month. In addition, the Board Member has a special right
of termination even if the Board Member is dismissed
within one year of the completion of the change of control.
In this case, the special notice period is two weeks. The
termination may be declared by the Board Member within
four weeks after dismissal.
§ 1
§ 1
Diensterfindungen und Schutzrechte
Service inventions and industrial property rights
Germany 10363757.1
Seite 14 von 23
1.
inventions and
Inventions by the Board Member and its technical or
suggestions for organizational improvements shall be
treated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Act on Employee Inventions of 25 July 1957, subject to
following provisions: The Board Member will
the
immediately notify the Company of job-related inventions,
free
technical and organizational
suggestions for improvement and offer them to the
Company for exclusive, limited or unlimited use. The
Company must declare the claim within four months of
notification. The Company is entitled, but not obliged, to
register
in Germany and
abroad. In the case of a job-related invention or a
technical or organizational suggestion for improvement,
the parties agree that any remuneration for a service
invention claimed by the Company shall be paid in full
upon payment of the basic remuneration pursuant to § 3
(1) lit. a) of this Agreement. In the case of a free invention,
the Board Member shall be paid remuneration in line with
market-based conditions.
intellectual property rights
1. The Board Member shall grant the Company exclusive
rights of use and exploitation, unlimited in terms of time,
space and content, for any works which may be protected
under the Copyright Act and which the Board Member
produces during the term of this Service Agreement
during his working hours or, if they relate to his duties
under the Service Agreement, also outside of his working
hours. The transfer of the copyrighted rights of use and
exploitation also includes any types of use still unknown
at the time of conclusion of the agreement. The transfer of
the rights of use and exploitation includes in particular the
permission for processing and licensing to third parties.
The Board Member expressly waives any other rights to
the works, which he is entitled as the author, in particular
the right to name, edit and make accessible the work.
wie
1. Erfindungen des Vorstands sowie seine technischen oder
organisatorischen Verbesserungsvorschläge werden
entsprechend den jeweils geltenden Bestimmungen des
Gesetzes ✔ber Arbeitnehmererfindungen vom 25.7.1957
mit folgender Maßgabe behandelt: Der Vorstand wird der
Gesellschaft Diensterfindungen, freie Erfindungen und
technische
organisatorische
Verbesserungsvorschläge unverz✔glich melden und der
Gesellschaft zur ausschließlichen, beschränkten oder
unbeschränkten
anbieten. Die
Inanspruchnahme
Inanspruchnahme hat seitens der
Erklärung der
Gesellschaft
innerhalb von vier Monaten nach der
Meldung zu erfolgen. Die Gesellschaft hat das Recht,
jedoch nicht die Verpflichtung, zur Anmeldung von
Im Fall einer
Schutzrechten
Diensterfindung
oder
organisatorischen Verbesserungsvorschlags sind sich die
Parteien darin einig, dass eine etwaige Verg✔tung f✔r
eine von der Gesellschaft in Anspruch genommene
Diensterfindung mit der Zahlung der Grundverg✔tung
nach § 3 (1) lit. a) dieses Vertrages vollständig abgegolten
ist.
dem
Vorstandsmitglied eine markt✔bliche Verg✔tung zu
zahlen.
In- und Ausland.
eines
freien Erfindung
technischen
Im Fall
einer
oder
im
ist
außerhalb
seiner Arbeitszeit
1. Der Vorstand ✔berträgt der Gesellschaft ausschließliche,
zeitlich, räumlich und inhaltlich unbeschränkte Nutzungs-
und Verwertungsrechte f✔r alle etwaigen nach dem
Urhebergesetz schutzfähigen Tätigkeitsergebnisse, die
das Vorstandsmitglied während der Dauer seines
Dienstvertrages während seiner Arbeitszeit oder, sofern
sie Bezug zu seinen dienstvertraglichen Aufgaben haben,
auch
erstellt. Die
Übertragung der urheberrechtlichen Nutzungs- und
Verwertungsrechte
bei
Vertragsschluss noch unbekannte Nutzungsarten. Die
Übertragung der Nutzungs- und Verwertungsrechte
umfasst insbesondere auch die Erlaubnis zur Bearbeitung
und Lizenzvergabe an Dritte. Das Vorstandsmitglied
ihm etwa als
verzichtet ausdr✔cklich auf sonstige
Urheber
den
zustehende
Tätigkeitsergebnissen, insbesondere auf das Recht auf
Namensnennung,
auf
Zugänglichmachung des Werkes.
Bearbeitung
umfasst
etwaige
Rechte
auch
und
auf
an
Germany 10363757.1
sofern
sie Bezug
1. Soweit Tätigkeitsergebnisse, die der Vorstand während
der Dauer seines Dienstvertrages während seiner
Arbeitszeit oder,
seinen
dienstvertraglichen Aufgaben haben, auch außerhalb
seiner Arbeitszeit erstellt, nicht bereits nach Absatz (1)
und (2) ✔bertragen sind, ✔berträgt der Vorstand der
diesen
Gesellschaft
Tätigkeitsergebnissen,
und
sonstige Kennzeichenrechte sowie eingetragene Designs.
insbesondere Marken-
sämtliche
Rechte
an
zu
seiner
der Zahlung
vollumfänglich mit
entgegenstehen. Der Vorstand
jedwedes
1. Die Parteien sind sich einig, dass die Einräumung dieser
Rechte und der Verzicht auf Rechte nach dieser
der
Regelung
Grundverg✔tung nach § 3 (1) lit. a) dieses Vertrages
abgegolten sind, soweit dem nicht zwingende gesetzliche
Regelungen
ist
schutzrechtsfähigen
verpflichtet,
Tätigkeitsergebnisse unverz✔glich der Gesellschaft,
vertreten durch den Aufsichtsrat, zu meiden und die
Gesellschaft
im erforderlichen Umfang, auch nach
Beendigung dieses Dienstvertrages, bei der Erlangung
von Schutzrechten zu unterst✔tzen. Soweit der Vorstand
seine Mitwirkungspflichten nach der Beendigung dieses
Dienstvertrages erf✔llt, erhält der Vorstand hierf✔r einen
angemessenen Tagessatz sowie eine Erstattung aller
Aufwendungen, die
ihm durch seine Mitwirkung
entstanden sind.
Seite 15 von 23
1.
Insofar as works which the Board Member produces
during the term of its Service Agreement, during its
working hours or, insofar as they relate to its duties under
the Service Agreement, also outside its working hours,
have not already been transferred in accordance with
paragraphs (1) and (2), the Board Member shall transfer
to the Company all rights to these works, in particular
trademark and other distinctive rights as well as
registered designs.
1. The parties agree that the granting of these rights and the
waiver of rights under this provision are fully covered by
the payment of the Basic Remuneration under § 3 (1) lit.
a) this agreement, unless otherwise provided for by
mandatory legal provisions. The Board Member is obliged
to notify any of the works that are capable of being
protected by intellectual property rights without delay to
the Company, represented by the Supervisory Board, and
to support the Company to the necessary extent, even
after termination of this Service Agreement, in obtaining
intellectual property rights. To the extent that the Board
Member fulfils its duties to cooperate after the termination
of this Service Agreement, the Board Member shall
receive an appropriate daily
rate as well as a
reimbursement of all expenses incurred by him resulting
from his cooperation.
Geheimhaltung und R✔ckgabe von Unterlagen,
Interessenkonflikte
§ 1
Confidentiality and return of documents, conflicts of
interest
Germany 10363757.1
und
sowie
solche
dieses
zugrunde
geschäftlichen
Dienstvertrages
1. Der Vorstand verpflichtet sich, ✔ber alle ihm im Rahmen
seiner Tätigkeit oder sonst zur Kenntnis gelangenden
geschäftlichen und betrieblichen Angelegenheiten der
Gesellschaft und aller Verbundenen Unternehmen
strengstes Stillschweigen zu bewahren, einschließlich des
Inhalts
den
Vertragsverhandlungen, die dem Abschluss dieses
Dienstvertrages
liegen. Der Vorstand
verpflichtet sich weiterhin, diese Informationen nicht f✔r
den eigenen oder den Nutzen anderer zu verwenden und
alle
betrieblichen
Angelegenheiten betreffenden Geschäftsunterlagen der
Gesellschaft und der Verbundenen Unternehmen unter
Verschluss zu halten. Unter geschäftlichen und
betrieblichen Angelegenheiten im Sinne dieser Regelung
verstehen die Parteien insbesondere Geschäfts- und
Betriebsgeheimnisse sowie alle Informationen und Daten
mit Bezug zu vertraulichen Angelegenheiten und
geschäftsbezogenem Know-how, sämtliche Informationen
✔ber alle mit dem existenten oder k✔nftigen Geschäft
der Gesellschaft und der Verbundenen Unternehmen in
und
Zusammenhang
Geschäftsstrategien,
oder
Marktstrategien und Produkt-, Dienstleistungs- oder
Entwicklungsplanungen, geplante Unternehmenserwerbe
oder -veräußerungen, sämtliche Geschäftszahlen und
Details der organisatorischen Strukturen sowie die
Ideen und Prinzipien, welche diesen
wesentlichen
Strategien und Planungen zugrunde liegen, und alle
Informationen, von denen vern✔nftigerweise erwartet
werden kann, dass sie zu solchen Strategien oder
Planungen f✔hren w✔rden und die von der Gesellschaft,
dem
von
Vorstandsmitglied
dieses
Dauer
Dienstvertrages
erfunden, ✔berarbeitet,
entdeckt, entwickelt, erworben, beurteilt, getestet oder
angewendet worden sind.
stehenden Geschäftspläne
Unternehmen
Verbundenen
Verfahren,
während
erdacht,
Preis-
oder
der
oder
beruflichen
1. Die Geheimhaltungsverpflichtung nach vorstehendem
(1) dauert auch nach Beendigung des
Absatz
Dienstverhältnisses fort. Im Rahmen einer von dem
Vorstand nach Beendigung dieses Dienstvertrages
ausge✔bten
unternehmerischen
Tätigkeit kann er sein als Vorstandsmitglied erworbenes
Wissen einsetzen, sofern dabei die gesetzlichen
Beschränkungen – insbesondere nach §§ 3, 17 UWG,
§ 823 (1) und (2) BGB i.V.m. UWG, § 826 BGB und den
die
datenschutzrechtlichen Regelungen
sowie
Beschränkungen
nachvertraglichen
Wettbewerbsverbot nach § 16 dieses Vertrages strikt
beachtet werden.
dem
aus
–
1. Der Vorstand ist verpflichtet, in Zweifelsfällen ✔ber den
Umfang
nach
vorstehenden Absätzen (1) und (2) mit dem Aufsichtsrat
der Gesellschaft eine Klärung herbeizuf✔hren.
Geheimhaltungsverpflichtung
der
Seite 16 von 23
including
the contents of
1. The Board Member undertakes to maintain the strictest
secrecy with regard to all business and operational
matters of the Company and old affiliated companies that
come to its attention in the course of its activities or
this Service
otherwise,
Agreement and the negotiations on which the conclusion
of this Service Agreement is based. The Board Member
further undertakes not to use this information for its own
benefit or for the benefit of others and to keep all business
documents of the Company and its affiliates relating to
such business and operational matters under lock and
key. For the purposes of this provision, business and
operational matters shall mean, in particular, business
and trade secrets and all information and data relating to
confidential matters and business-related know-how, all
information, all business plans and
strategies,
procedures, price or market strategies and product,
service or development plans relating to the existing or
future business of the Company and its affiliates, planned
corporate acquisitions or disposals, all business figures
and details of the organizational structures and the
principal ideas and principles underlying such strategies
and plans, and all information that can reasonably be
expected to result in such strategies or plans and that has
redacted, discovered, developed,
been
assessed, tested or applied by the Company, its affiliates
or the Board Member during the term of this Service
Agreement.
invented,
1. The obligation to maintain secrecy pursuant to paragraph
(1) above shall continue even after the termination of the
employment relationship. The Board Member may use the
knowledge acquired as a Board Member within the scope
of a professional or entrepreneurial activity carried out by
the Board Member after termination of this Service
Agreement, provided that he complies with the statutory
restrictions - in particular Sections 3, 17 UWG, Section
823 (1) and (2) BGB in conjunction with Sections 3, 17
UWG, Section 823 (1) and (2) BGB associated with UWG,
Section 826 BGB and the data protection regulations.
1.
In cases of doubt, the Board Member is obliged to reach a
clarification with the Supervisory Board of the Company
regarding the scope of the confidentiality obligation
pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) above.
Germany 10363757.1
auch
ohne
zum Organ
der Gesellschaft
1. Der Vorstand verpflichtet sich, auf Verlangen der
Gesellschaft jederzeit und spätestens bei Ende seiner
Bestellung
gesonderte
in seinem Besitz befindlichen
Aufforderung alle
oder Verbundener
Unterlagen
Unternehmen, insbesondere alle Notizen, Memoranden,
Aufzeichnungen, Protokolle und Berichte, Akten sowie
(einschließlich
alle anderen ähnlichen Dokumente
sonstiger
Abschriften, Ablichtungen, Kopien oder
Reproduktionen), die
im Zusammenhang mit seiner
Tätigkeit stehen, unverz✔glich und vollständig an die
Gesellschaft zur✔ckzugeben. Ein Zur✔ckbehaltungsrecht
ist ausgeschlossen. Diese Regelung gilt sinngemäß f✔r
elektronisch gespeicherte Daten sowie die jeweiligen
Daten- oder Programmträger.
1. Die Herausgabeverpflichtung bezieht sich auch auf
sonstiges, im Besitz des Vorstands befindliches Eigentum
der Gesellschaft oder Verbundener Unternehmen bzw.
von der Gesellschaft oder von einem Verbundenen
Diese
Unternehmen
Herausgabeverpflichtung erstreckt sich
insbesondere
auch auf ein dem Vorstand etwa ✔berlassenes
Mobiltelefon, Laptop oder
sonstige Geräte der
Datenverarbeitung, bei Ende seiner Bestellung zum
Organ auch, wenn insoweit eine private Nutzung gestattet
war.
Gegenstände.
geleaste
1. Der Vorstand
hat mögliche
unverz✔glich
Interessenkonflikte
gegen✔ber
die
offenzulegen
Vorstandsmitglieder hier✔ber zu informieren.
und
und
tatsächliche
dem Aufsichtsrat
anderen
Seite 17 von 23
1. The Board Member undertakes, at the request of the
Company at any time and at the latest at the end of its
appointment to the board and without separate request, to
return to the Company all documents of the Company or
affiliated companies in its possession, in particular all
notes, memoranda, records, minutes and reports, files as
well as all other similar documents (including copies,
photocopies or other reproductions) in connection with its
activities without delay and in full. A right of retention is
excluded. This provision applies to electronically stored
data as well as to the respective data or program carriers.
1. The release obligation also applies to other property of
the Company or affiliates or items leased by the Company
or an affiliate that is in possession of the Board Member.
This release obligation also extends in particular to a
mobile phone, laptop or other data processing device left
in the possession of the Board Member, at the end of its
appointment to the Board even if private use was
permitted in this respect.
1. The Board Member must immediately disclose possible
and actual conflicts of interest to the Supervisory Board
and inform the other members of the Management Board
hereof.
§ 1
Vertragsdauer
Term of the Agreement
Germany 10363757.1
Seite 18 von 23
1. Dieser Vertrag wird mit Wirkung zum 22. August 2016
abgeschlossen. Er endet mit Ablauf des 31. August 2019.
1. This agreement will be concluded with effect as of 22
August 2016. It ends at the end of 31 August 2019.
1. Das Recht zur außerordentlichen K✔ndigung bleibt
1. The right to extraordinary termination remains unaffected.
unber✔hrt.
1.
der Bestellung,
eines Widerrufs
Im Fall
der
Amtsniederlegung durch das Vorstandsmitglied oder bei
einer sonstigen Beendigung der Organstellung endet
dieser Dienstvertrag mit Ablauf eines Jahres nach dem
Ende des Amtes, spätestens jedoch zum Ende der
Laufzeit nach Absatz
fr✔here
Beendigung aufgrund Absatz (2) dieses Vertrages bleibt
unber✔hrt.
(1). Eine etwaige
1. Der Vorsitzende des Aufsichtsrats wird dem Vorstand
spätestens neun Monate vor Ablauf dieses Vertrages,
also bis zum 30. November 2018, schriftlich mitteilen, ob
und unter welchen Bedingungen der Aufsichtsrat den
Vorstand erneut zum Vorstandsmitglied bestellen wird und
ob er bereit ist, den Dienstvertrag entsprechend der
Dauer der neuen Bestellung zu verlängern oder einen
neuen
gleichen
Bedingungen mit ihm abzuschließen, Der Vorstand wird
innerhalb von zwei Monaten ab Zugang des Angebots
des Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden erklären, ob er die erneute
Bestellung annimmt und bereit
f✔r die
Fortsetzung oder Erneuerung des Dienstvertrages
angebotenen Bedingungen zuzustimmen.
zu mindestens
Dienstvertrag
ist, den
mit
einer
Beendigung
im Anschluss
den Abschluss
1. Die Gesellschaft ist berechtigt, den Vorstand nach dem
Widerruf seiner Bestellung gemäß § 84 (3) AktG oder im
Zusammenhang
des
Dienstvertrages, insbesondere nach einer K✔ndigung
oder
eines
an
Aufhebungsvertrages, ganz oder teilweise von seiner
Pflicht zur Dienstleistung unter Fortzahlung der
Grundverg✔tung gemäß § 3 (1) lit. a) widerruflich oder
unwiderruflich freizustellen. Im Fall der unwiderruflichen
Freistellung werden offene Urlaubs- und sonstige
Freizeitausgleichsanspr✔che angerechnet, die damit
erledigt sind. Der Dienstvertrag im Übrigen wird von der
Freistellung
bestehen
ber✔hrt;
insbesondere die Verschwiegenheitspflicht und das
vertragliche Wettbewerbsverbot bis zum Ende des
Dienstvertrages fort. Anderweitiger Verdienst während der
Freistellungszeit wird gemäß § 615 Satz 2 BGB
angerechnet. Eine Anrechnung erfolgt nicht, wenn und
soweit der anderweitige Verdienst aus einer genehmigten
Nebentätigkeit (§ 2 (1) dieses Dienstvertrages) stammt.
insoweit
nicht
1.
In the event of revocation of the appointment, demission
by the Board Member or other termination of the position,
this Service Agreement shall end at the end of one year
after the end of the term of office, at the latest, however,
at the end of the term pursuant to paragraph (1). A
possible
this
agreement remains unaffected.
to paragraph (2) of
termination due
1. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board will inform the
Board Member in writing no later than nine months before
the expiry of this agreement, i.e. by 30 November 2018,
whether and under what conditions the Supervisory Board
will reappoint the Board Member and whether he is willing
to extend the Service Agreement for the duration of the
new appointment or
to conclude a new Service
Agreement on at least the same terms. Within two months
of receipt of the Supervisory Board Chairman's offer, the
Board Member will declare whether it accepts the
reappointment and is prepared to agree to the terms and
conditions offered for the continuation or renewal of the
Service Agreement.
1. The Company is entitled, after the revocation of its
appointment pursuant to Section 84 (3) AktG or in
connection with a termination of the Service Agreement,
in particular following a termination or following the
conclusion of a termination agreement, to release the
Board Member in whole or in part from its obligation to
provide services with continued payment of the Basic
Remuneration pursuant to § 3 (1) a) revocably or
irrevocably. In the event of irrevocable release, receivable
holiday and other time off compensation claims shall be
credited and settled. The rest of the Service Agreement is
not affected by the indemnification; in this respect, the
obligation to maintain secrecy and the contractual non-
competition clause continue to apply until the end of the
Service Agreement. Other earnings during the exemption
period shall be credited in accordance with Section 615
sentence 2 BGB. Crediting does not take place if and as
far as the other earnings originate from an approved
secondary activity (§ 2 (1) of this Service Agreement).
Germany 10363757.1
Seite 19 von 23
1. Der Dienstvertrag endet spätestens am Ende des
Kalenderjahres, in dem das Vorstandsmitglied sein 65.
Lebensjahr vollendet, sofern dieser Dienstvertrag nicht
bereits nach Absatz (1) bis (2) dieses Vertrages vor
diesem Zeitpunkt geendet hat.
1. The Service Agreement shall end at the latest at the end
of the calendar year in which the Board Member reaches
the age of 65, unless this Service Agreement has not
already ended before this date in accordance with
paragraphs (1) to (2) of this agreement.
1. Bei vorzeitiger Beendigung der Vorstandstätigkeit ohne
wichtigen Grund entsprechen die Zahlungen an den
Vorstand einschließlich Nebenleistungen maximal dem
Wert von zwei Jahresverg✔tungen (Abfindungs-Cap) und
Gesamtverg✔tung
✔berschreiten
(Grundverg✔tung,
sowie
des
Nebenleistungen)
Dienstvertrages. Bei einem Kontrollerwerb nach § 7 gilt
ein
drei
Jahresverg✔tungen.
variable
f✔r
Abfindungs-Cap
Restlaufzeit
Verg✔tung
maximal
nicht
von
die
die
1.
In the event of premature termination of the board activity
without good cause, payments to the Board Member
including fringe benefits shall not exceed the value of two
years' remuneration (severance payment cap) and shall
not exceed the total remuneration (Basic Remuneration,
variable
the
remaining term of the Service Agreement. In the case of
an acquisition of control pursuant to § 7, a severance
payment cap of a maximum of three years' remuneration
applies.
remuneration and
fringe benefits)
for
§ 1
Ausschlussfristen
§ 1
Cut-off Periods
Germany 10363757.1
Seite 20 von 23
1. Claims of the Company and the Board Member arising
from or in connection with the employment relationship
shall expire, irrespective of their legal basis, if the entitled
person does not assert the claim within a period of six
months, calculated from the due date and the knowledge
or grossly negligent ignorance of the entitled person of the
circumstances giving rise to the claim, by means of a
written declaration to the respective other party. For the
assessment of the timeliness of the assertion, the receipt
of the written declaration is decisive. This does not apply
to the assertion of claims due to injury to life, body or
health as well as in the case of intentional breaches of
duty. Failure to comply with the cut-off period will result in
the loss of the claim.
verfallen,
ungeachtet
1. Anspr✔che der Gesellschaft und des Vorstands aus dem
Dienstverhältnis oder im Zusammenhang mit diesem
Dienstverhältnis
ihres
Rechtsgrundes, wenn die bzw. der Anspruchsberechtigte
den Anspruch nicht innerhalb einer Frist von sechs
Monaten, berechnet ab dem Zeitpunkt der Fälligkeit und
der Kenntnis oder grob fahrlässigen Unkenntnis des
Anspruchsberechtigten von den anspruchsbegr✔ndenden
Umständen, durch schriftliche Erklärung gegen✔ber der
jeweils anderen Vertragspartei geltend macht. F✔r die
Beurteilung der Rechtzeitigkeit der Geltendmachung ist
der Zugang der schriftlichen Erklärung maßgeblich. Dies
gilt nicht f✔r die Geltendmachung von Anspr✔chen
wegen Verletzung des Lebens, des Körpers oder der
Gesundheit sowie bei vorsätzlichen Pflichtverletzungen.
Die Versäumung der Ausschlussfrist f✔hrt zum Verlust
des Anspruchs.
1. Etwaige Anspr✔che der Gesellschaft nach § 93 (2) und
(3) AktG gegen das Vorstandsmitglied bleiben gemäß §
93 (4) Satz 3 AktG von vorstehendem Absatz (1)
unber✔hrt.
1. Any claims of the Company pursuant to Section 93 (2)
and (3) AktG against the Board Member shall remain
unaffected by the above paragraph (1) pursuant to
Section 93 (4) sentence 3 AktG.
§ 1
Schlussbestimmungen
§ 1
Final Provisions
1. Dieser Vertrag enthält die gesamte Vereinbarung
zwischen
getroffene
Parteien.
Vereinbarungen zwischen den Parteien werden hiermit
ausdr✔cklich aufgehoben.
Bereits
den
1. This agreement contains the entire agreement between
the parties. Prior agreements between the parties are
hereby expressly cancelled.
1. Änderungen oder Ergänzungen dieses Vertrages
einschließlich dieser Schriftformklausel bed✔rfen zu ihrer
Wirksamkeit der Schriftform.
1. Changes or additions to this agreement, including this
written form clause, must be made in writing to be
effective.
1. Dieser Vertrag unterliegt dem Recht der Bundesrepublik
1. This agreement is subject to the law of the Federal
Deutschland.
Republic of Germany.
Germany 10363757.1
1. Erf✔llungsort ist der Sitz der Gesellschaft, Gerichtsstand
f✔r Streitigkeiten aus diesem Vertrag ist der Sitz der
Gesellschaft.
1. Place of performance is the seat of the Company, place of
jurisdiction for disputes from this agreement is the seat of
the Company.
Seite 21 von 23
so wird
die G✔ltigkeit
1. Sollte eine Bestimmung dieses Vertrages ganz oder
teilweise rechtsunwirksam oder undurchf✔hrbar sein oder
werden,
der ✔brigen
Bestimmungen dieses Vertrages nicht ber✔hrt. Vielmehr
teilweise rechtsunwirksame oder
ist die ganz oder
undurchf✔hrbare Bestimmung durch eine Bestimmung zu
ersetzen, die den mit der unwirksamen Bestimmung
angestrebten wirtschaftlichen Erfolg soweit wie möglich
erreicht. Das gleiche gilt im Fall von L✔cken dieses
Vertrages.
1. Should any provision of this agreement be or become
invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, the validity of
the remaining provisions of this agreement shall not be
affected. Rather, the invalid or unenforceable provision, in
whole or in part, shall be replaced by a provision that
achieves as far as possible the economic purpose
intended by the invalid provision. The same shall apply in
the event of any gaps in this agreement.
Martinsried, den
Martinsried, den
/s/ Dr. Jörg Neermann
Immunic AG,
vertreten durch den Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden
Dr. Jörg Neermann
/s/ Dr. Andreas M✔hler
Dr. Andreas M✔hler
Germany 10363757.1
Anlagenverzeichnis
Anlage 1: AR-Beschluss vom 23.03.2016
Anlage 2: Genehmigte Nebentätigkeiten des Vorstands
Schedule of Annexes
Annex 1: AR resolution of 23.03.2016
Annex 2: Approved ancillary activity of the Board Member
Seite 22 von 23
Germany 10363757.1
Seite 23 von 23
Anlage 1: AR-Beschluss vom 23.03.2016 / Annex 1: AR resolution of 23.03.2016
Germany 10363757.1
Seite 24 von 23
Anlage 2: Genehmigte Nebentätigkeiten des Vorstands / Annex 2: Approved ancillary activity of the Board Member
• Takeda Group, einschließlich der 100%-igen Tochtergesellschaft Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, vormals Millennium
Pharmaceuticals (durchschnittlicher Aufwand beschränkt auf maximal 8 Stunden pro Woche) /
Takeda Group, including its wholly owned subsidiary Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, formerly Millennium
Pharmaceuticals (average effort limited to a maximum of 8 hours per week)
Germany 10363757.1
DIENSTVERTRAG
zwischen
SERVICE AGREEMENT
between
Immunic AG,
vertreten durch den Vorsitzenden des Aufsichtsrates
Immunic AG,
represented by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board
- nachfolgend „Gesellschaft" genannt -
und
Herrn Daniel Vitt,
- hereinafter referred to as the
"Company" -
and
Mr. Daniel Vitt,
- nachfolgend „Vorstand" genannt -
- hereinafter referred to as the "Board Member" -
§ 1
§ 1
Aufgabenbereich und Pflichten
Responsibilities and Obligations
1. Herr Daniel Vitt soll zum ordentlichen Mitglied des
Vorstandes der Gesellschaft bestellt werden. Er wird als
geschäftsf✔hrendes Vorstandsmitglied
der
Gesellschaft bestellt und vertritt die Gesellschaft
gemeinsam mit einem Vorstand oder einem Prokuristen.
Der Aufsichtsrat kann dem Vorstand die Befreiung von §
181 BGB erteilen.
(CEO)
der
1. Der Vorstand f✔hrt die Geschäfte der Gesellschaft nach
der
Gesetze,
Maßgabe
Geschäftsordnung
f✔r den Vorstand und dieses
Dienstvertrages. Der Vorstand hat insbesondere f✔r die in
§ 7 der Geschäftsordnung des Vorstands genannten
Geschäfte und Maßnahmen die Zustimmung des
Aufsichtsrats einzuholen.
Satzung,
der
1. Mr. Daniel Vitt is to be appointed as a member of the
Company's Management Board. He will be appointed as
the managing director (CEO) of
the Company and
represents the Company together with a member of the
Management Board or an authorized signatory. The
Supervisory Board may grant
the Board Member
exemption from Section 181 of the German Civil Code
(BGB).
1. The Board Member shall conduct the business of the
Company in accordance with the law, the Articles of
Association, the rules of procedure for the Management
Board and this Service Agreement. In particular, the Board
Member shall obtain the approval of the Supervisory
Board for transactions and measures subject to approval
in accordance with
the
Management Board.
the rules of procedure of
Germany 10363769.1
1. Dem Vorstand obliegen insbesondere die Aufgaben, die
jeweiligen Geschäftsverteilungsplans
des
im Sinne des
(Anlage
1)
geschäftsf✔hrenden Vorstandsmitglieds (CEO) gehören.
Geschäftsbereich
zum
Seite 2 von 19
1.
In particular, the Board Member is responsible for those
tasks which, within the meaning of the respective schedule
of responsibilities (Annex 1), belong to the business area
of the managing director of the Executive Board (CEO).
1. Dienstort ist M✔nchen/Planegg-Martinsried.
1. The place of work is Munich/Planegg-Martinsried.
§ 1
Nebentätigkeiten
§ 1
Ancillary Activities
1. Der Vorstand wird seine ganze Arbeitskraft und seine
sämtlichen fachlichen Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen der
Gesellschaft widmen. Die Übernahme einer entgeltlichen
Nebentätigkeit sowie von Aufsichtsrats-, Beirats- oder
ähnlichen Mandanten bedarf der vorherigen Zustimmung
durch den Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden.
1. The Board Member will devote all its working capacity and
all its professional knowledge and experience to the
Company. The assumption of an ancillary commercial
activity as well as mandates in a supervisory board or
advisory board or similar mandates require the prior
consent of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Dem Aufsichtsratsgremium ist bekannt, dass der Vorstand
zum Zeitpunkt der Unterzeichnung dieses Vertrages die in
Anlage 2 aufgelisteten Mandate innehat und erteilt zu
deren Fortf✔hrung seine Zustimmung.
The Supervisory Board is aware that the Board Member
holds the mandates listed in Annex 2 at the time of
signing of this agreement and grants its approval to their
continuation.
1. F✔r den Vorstand gilt das Wettbewerbsverbot des § 88
AktG. Während der Dauer dieses Vertrages wird sich der
Vorstand auch nicht an Unternehmen beteiligen, die mit
der Gesellschaft in Wettbewerb stehen oder mit denen die
Gesellschaft Geschäftsverbindungen unterhält, es sei
denn, der Aufsichtsrat hat vorher seine schriftliche
Zustimmung erteilt.
1. The Board Member is subject to the non-competition
clause of Section 88 of the German Stock Corporations
Act (AktG). During the term of this agreement, the Board
Member will also not invest in companies that compete
with the Company or with which the Company has
business relationships, unless the Supervisory Board has
given its prior written consent.
Das Wettbewerbsverbot gilt nicht f✔r Beteiligungen an
Unternehmen in Gestalt von Wertpapieren, die an Börsen
gehandelt und zum Zwecke der Kapitalanlage erworben
werden.
The non-competition clause does not apply to interests in
companies
traded on stock
form of bonds
exchanges and acquired for the purpose of capital
investment.
the
in
§ 1
Verg✔tung und Bonus
§ 1
Remuneration and Bonus
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 3 von 19
1. Der Vorstand erhält f✔r seine Tätigkeit
1. The Board Member receives for its activities
a) ein festes Jahresgehalt („Grundverg✔tung") in Höhe
von EUR 215.000,00 brutto, das in 12 gleichen
Monatsraten jeweils nachträglich am Monatsletzten
ausbezahlt wird. Sofern dieser Vertrag nicht während
der Dauer eines gesamten Kalenderjahres besteht,
wird das Jahresfestgehalt zeitanteilig gezahlt.
a) a fixed annual salary ("Basic Remuneration") in the
amount of EUR 215,000.00 gross, paid in 12 equal
monthly instalments at the end of each month. If this
agreement does not exist for the duration of an entire
calendar year, the fixed annual salary shall be paid pro
rata temporis.
a) eine
jährliche variable Verg✔tung, die bei 100-
prozentigem Erreichen der festgelegten Jahresziele
maximal EUR 30.000,00 brutto beträgt. Die
insbesondere zum Verfahren der
Einzelheiten,
Zielfestlegung, zur Feststellung der Zielerreichung und
zur Fälligkeit ergeben sich aus dem Rahmenvertrag
zur Zielvereinbarung
jeweils geltenden
Fassung. Die Art der Ziele, die Voraussetzungen f✔r
ihre Erreichung und ihre Gewichtung zueinander
werden f✔r das jeweilige Geschäftsjahr in einer
gesonderten Zielfestlegung niedergelegt.
in seiner
a) an annual
to
variable
for setting
the procedure
remuneration of up
to
EUR 30,000.00 gross if the defined annual targets are
achieved 100 percent. The details, in particular with
targets,
regard
determining the achievement of targets and the due
date, are set out in the Framework Agreement
regarding
zur
Zielvereinbarung) in its current version. The nature of
the objectives, the conditions for their achievement
and their weighting in relation to each other are laid
down for each financial year in a separate target
setting.
(Rahmenvertrag
targets
the
1. Die Grundverg✔tung und die variable Verg✔tung werden
jährlich durch den Aufsichtsrat ✔berpr✔ft. Dabei sind die
wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Gesellschaft sowie die
persönliche Leistung des Vorstandes zu ber✔cksichtigen.
1.
the Basic Remuneration and the variable remuneration are
the Supervisory Board. The
reviewed annually by
economic development of the Company and the personal
performance of the Board Member must be taken into
account.
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 4 von 19
1.
lm Übrigen kann der Aufsichtsrat die Bez✔ge des
Vorstands
insgesamt auf die angemessene Höhe
herabsetzen, wenn sich die Lage der Gesellschaft so
verschlechtert, dass die Weitergewährung der Bez✔ge
f✔r die Gesellschaft wäre; Ruhegehalt,
unbillig
Hinterbliebenenbez✔ge und Leistungen verwandter Art
können dabei nur in den ersten drei Jahren nach
Ausscheiden aus der Gesellschaft herabgesetzt werden (§
87 (2) AktG). Der Vorstand kann in diesem Fall diesen
Dienstvertrag außerordentlich mit einer Frist von sechs
Wochen zum Schluss des nächsten Kalendervierteljahres
nach Erklärung der Herabsetzung k✔ndigen (§ 87 (2) Satz
3 AktG). Entfällt eine verschlechterte Lage der
Gesellschaft, ist die Herabstufung wieder r✔ckgängig zu
machen.
that
the continued granting of
1. otherwise, the Supervisory Board may reduce the total
remuneration of the Board Member to the appropriate
amount if the situation of the Company deteriorates to
such an extent
the
remuneration would be inequitable for the Company;
retirement pension, survivors' benefits and benefits of a
related kind may only be reduced in the first three years
after leaving the Company (Section 87 (2) AktG). In this
case, the Board Member may terminate this Service
Agreement extraordinarily with six weeks' notice to the end
of the next calendar quarter after declaration of the
reduction (Section 87 (2) sentence 3 AktG).
If a
deterioration in the situation of society does not apply, the
downgrade shall be reversed.
§ 1
§ 1
Versicherungen und Nebenleistungen
Insurance and Fringe Benefits
Germany 10363769.1
zur
Zusch✔sse
1. Auch soweit keine gesetzliche Versicherungspflicht
besteht, zahlt die Gesellschaft an das Vorstandsmitglied
monatliche
Kranken-und
Pflegeversicherung des Vorstandsmitglieds. Die einzelnen
Zusch✔sse entsprechen in ihrer Höhe der Hälfte der vom
Vorstandsmitglied gezahlten Beiträge, höchstens jedoch
dem jeweils unter Ber✔cksichtigung der jeweils geltenden
Beitragsbemessungsgrenzen gesetzlich geschuldeten
Höchstbetrag des Arbeitgeberanteils der gesetzlichen
Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung. Die
von der
Gesellschaft geschuldeten Zusch✔sse werden dem
Vorstandsmitglied
jeweils am Kalendermonatsende
gezahlt. Die auf diese Zahlungen etwaig anfallende
Einkommensteuer trägt das Vorstandsmitglied.
Seite 5 von 19
1. Even if there is no statutory insurance obligation, the
Company shall pay the Board Member monthly health and
long-term care insurance contributions for the Board
Member. The individual contributions are in their amount
equivalent to the amount of the contributions paid by the
Board Member, but at the most to the maximum amount of
the employer's contribution to the statutory health and
long-term care insurance legally owed in each case, taking
the applicable contribution assessment
into account
thresholds. The contributions owed by the Company are
paid to the Board Member at the end of each calendar
month. Any income tax payable on these payments shall
be borne by the Board Member.
1. Der Vorstand erhält in angemessenem Umfang f✔r die im
erforderlichen Aufwendungen
Gesellschaftsinteresse
Ersatz. Erforderliche Reisekosten werden
gegen
Einzelnachweis erstattet. Die darin enthaltenen Tage- und
Übernachtungsgelder können im Rahmen der steuerlich
zulässigen Beträge auch pauschal abgerechnet werden.
1. The Board Member shall be reimbursed to an appropriate
extent for the expenses required in the interest of the
Company. Required travel expenses will be reimbursed
against itemization. The daily and overnight allowances
contained therein may also be settled as a lump sum
within the limits of the amount permissible for tax
purposes.
1. Die Gesellschaft kann den Vorstand nach ihrem Ermessen
f✔r die Dauer dieses Dienstvertrages im Rahmen einer
Risiko-Lebensversicherung in Höhe von EUR 500.000,00
f✔r
einer
und
Unfallversicherung in Höhe von EUR 700.000,00 f✔r den
Invaliditätsfall versichern bzw. eine bereits bestehende
Versicherung fortf✔hren. Der Vorstand hat das Recht,
den/die Bezugsberechtigten zu bestimmen.
im Rahmen
Todesfall
den
1.
FaIle
der Übernahme
Im
bestehenden
Direktversicherung kann diese gemäß § 40 b EStG in ihrer
geltenden Fassung weiter gef✔hrt werden. Die pauschale
Versteuerung ✔bernimmt in diesem Fall die Gesellschaft.
einer
1. At its discretion, the Company may insure the Board
Member for the duration of this Service Agreement under
a risk life insurance policy in the amount of EUR
500,000.00 in the event of death and under an accident
insurance policy in the amount of EUR 700,000.00 in the
event of disability or continue an existing insurance policy.
The Board Member
the
beneficiary/beneficaries.
to determine
is entitled
1.
In the event that an existing direct insurance policy is
taken over, this insurance policy can be managed in its
current version under Section 40 b German Income Tax
Act (EStG). In this case, the lump sum taxation is paid by
the Company.
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 6 von 19
1. The Company offers the Board Member the opportunity to
participate in a pension fund, support fund or similar
company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge,
BAV) or to take over an existing BAV. In this context, the
Board Member can convert part of its salary entitlements
into a company pension commitment. The Basic
Remuneration granted to the Board Member pursuant to §
3 (1) lit. a) shall be reduced by a gross monthly amount
with effect from the beginning of a company pension
commitment
into an equal-value
commitment to company pension benefits. The Board
Member's entitlement
the Basic
Remuneration is reduced by this amount. If the Board
Member rescinds or suspends the pension commitment in
whole or in part in the further course of the plan, the
corresponding entitlement to compensation shall revive.
to be converted
to payment of
1. Die Gesellschaft bietet dem Vorstand die Möglichkeit zur
Teilnahme an einer Pensionskasse, Unterst✔tzungskasse
oder einer ähnlichen betrieblichen Altersversorgung (BAV)
bzw. zur Übernahme einer bereits bestehenden BAV. In
diesem Zusammenhang kann der Vorstand einen Teil
seiner Gehaltsanspr✔che zugunsten einer betrieblichen
Altersversorgungszusage umwandeln. Die dem Vorstand
gemäß § 3 (1) lit. a) gewährte Grundverg✔tung wird dabei
betrieblichen
mit Wirkung
Altersversorgungszusage
einen
um
monatlichen Bruttobetrag gek✔rzt, um in eine wertgleiche
Zusage auf betriebliche Versorgungsleistung umgewandelt
zu werden. In Höhe dieses Betrags verringert sich der
der
Anspruch
des
Vorstands
Sollte
Grundverg✔tung.
die
Versorgungszusage
im weiteren Verlauf ganz oder
teilweise wieder k✔ndigen oder ruhen lassen, so lebt der
entsprechende Verg✔tungsanspruch wieder auf.
einer
entsprechend
Zahlung
Vorstand
zum Beginn
der
auf
Germany 10363769.1
1. Die Gesellschaft schließt
(D&O)
Inhalts
der Grundverg✔tung
f✔r den Vorstand eine
Vermögensschaden-Haftpflichtversicherung
f✔r
den Fall ab, dass der Vorstand wegen einer in Aus✔bung
seiner Tätigkeit begangenen Pflichtverletzung von einem
Dritten oder der Gesellschaft aufgrund gesetzlicher
Haftpflichtbestimmungen privatrechtlichen
f✔r
einen Vermögensschaden in Anspruch genommen wird.
Der Vorstand trägt dabei eine Selbstbeteiligung in Höhe
des Mindestwerts gemäß § 93 (2) AktG (derzeit je
Schadensfall 10% des Schadens, maximal aber das 1 ½-
fache
(jährliche
Höchstgrenze). Kommt es zu mehreren Schadensfällen in
einem Jahr, gilt die jährliche Höchstgrenze f✔r alle
Schadensfälle zusammen. Der Selbstbehalt passt sich bei
Änderung der Grundverg✔tung (bzw. bei Änderung von §
93 (2) AktG) automatisch an; der Vorstand ist verpflichtet,
die entsprechenden Änderungen beim Selbstbehalt des
D&O Versicherungsvertrages zu veranlassen, und/oder
in diesem Zusammenhang erforderlichen
sämtliche
f✔r den
Erklärungen abzugeben. Das Bezugsjahr
Jahr des
anzuwendenden Selbstbehalt
Pflichtverstoßes.
ist das
Jahr
pro
Seite 7 von 19
1. The Company enters into a directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy (D&O) for the Board Member for the
event that a third party or the Company makes a claim
against the Board Member for a loss of assets due to a
breach of duty committed in the performance of its duties
due to statutory liability provisions under private law. The
Board Member bears a deductible in the amount of the
minimum value pursuant to Section 93 (2) of the German
Stock Corporation Act (AktG) (currently 10% of the
damage per claim, but not more than one and a half times
the Basic Remuneration per year (annual maximum limit).
In case of several loss events in one year, the annual
maximum limit applies to all loss events in combination.
The deductible is automatically adjusted in the event of a
change in the Basic Renumaration (or in the event of a
change in Section 93 (2) AktG); the Board Member is
obliged to arrange for the corresponding changes to the
deductible in the D&O insurance agreement and / or to
provide all declarations required in this regard. The
reference year for the deductible to be applied is the year
of the violation.
§ 1
Urlaub
§ 1
Holiday
1. Der Vorstand hat Anspruch auf einen Jahresurlaub von 30
Arbeitstagen. Arbeitstage sind alle Kalendertage mit
Ausnahme von Samstagen, Sonntagen und gesetzlichen
Feiertagen am Sitz der Gesellschaft. Bei unterjährigem
Beschäftigungsbeginn oder -ende wird der Jahresurlaub in
diesem Kalenderjahr zeitanteilig gewährt.
1. The Board Member is entitled to an annual vacation of 30
working days. Working days are all calendar days except
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at the registered
office of the Company. If employment begins or ends
during the course of the year, annual vacation in this
calendar year will be granted pro rata temporis.
Germany 10363769.1
1. Die Urlaubszeit
ist unter Ber✔cksichtigung der
Geschäftslage mit den anderen Vorstandsmitgliedern
abzustimmen.
1. The holiday period shall be coordinated with the other
members of the Executive Board, taking into account the
business situation.
Seite 8 von 19
Bez✔ge bei Krankheit, Arbeitsunfähigkeit oder Tod
1.
das
verpflichtet,
Vorstandsmitglied
Im Fall einer Dienstverhinderung (z.B. infolge Erkrankung)
ist
den
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden der Gesellschaft unverz✔glich
✔ber Grund und Dauer der Dienstverhinderung zu
informieren und auf vordringlich zu erledigende Aufgaben
hinzuweisen. Dauert die Dienstverhinderung länger als
eine Woche, hat das Vorstandsmitglied im Fall einer
Erkrankung ein ärztliches Attest oder im Fall einer
sonstigen Dienstverhinderung eine schriftliche Erklärung
vorzulegen, woraus sich der Grund der Arbeitsunfähigkeit
sowie deren voraussichtliche Dauer ergeben. Das
Vorstandsmitglied
etwaige
(Schadensersatz-)Anspr✔che in Höhe der nach dieser
Regelung von der Gesellschaft geleisteten oder zu
leistenden Zahlungen an die Gesellschaft ab, die ihm
gegen✔ber Dritten wegen der Arbeitsverhinderung
zustehen. Das Vorstandsmitglied
ist verpflichtet, der
Gesellschaft unverz✔glich sämtliche zur Geltendmachung
(Schadensersatz-)Anspr✔che notwendigen
derartiger
Angaben
sowie hierf✔r notwendige
zu machen
Unterlagen zu ✔berlassen.
bereits
jetzt
tritt
unverschuldeten Arbeitsunfähigkeit
1. Bei einer vor✔bergehenden krankheitsbedingten oder
sonstigen
des
Vorstandes wird die Grundverg✔tung gemäß § 3 (1) lit. a)
während der Zeit der Arbeitsunfähigkeit bis zu einer Dauer
von sechs Monaten, längstens jedoch bis zur Beendigung
dieses Dienstvertrages weitergezahlt. Dauert die
Arbeitsunfähigkeit länger als ununterbrochen 3 Monate an,
kann der Aufsichtsrat die variable Verg✔tung nach Anlage
4
der
Arbeitsunfähigkeit angemessen reduzieren.
Ber✔cksichtigung
Dauer
unter
der
§ 1
Beneficiaries in the event of illness, incapacity for work
or death
1.
In the event of an unforeseen absence (e.g. due to
illness), the Board Member is obliged to inform the
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Company
without undue delay of the reason for and probable
duration of the absence and draw the attention on the
tasks to be performed urgently. If the absence lasts longer
than one week, the Board Member must submit a medical
certificate in the event of illness or a written declaration in
the event of any other incapacity, stating the reason for the
incapacity and its probable duration. The Board Member
hereby assigns to the Company any (compensation)
claims in the amount of the payments made or to be made
by the Company in accordance with this provision to which
he is entitled in respect of third parties due to the
impediment to work. The Board Member is obligated to
provide the Company with all information necessary for
asserting such (compensation) claims and to provide the
Company with the necessary documents without undue
delay.
1.
In the event of a temporary illness or other non-culpable
incapacity to work, the basic remuneration pursuant to § 3
(1) lit. a) shall continue to be paid during the period of the
incapacity to work up to a period of six months, at the
latest until the termination of this Service Agreement. If the
incapacity to work lasts longer than three months without
interruption,
the
variable remuneration in accordance with Annex 4 by a
reasonable amount, taking into account the duration of the
incapacity to work.
the Supervisory Board may reduce
1. Bei einer dauernden Arbeitsunfähigkeit des Vorstandes
endet der Dienstvertrag mit dem Ende des Quartals, in
dem die dauernde Arbeitsunfähigkeit festgestellt worden
ist.
1.
In the event of permanent incapacity to work of the Board
Member, the employment agreement ends at the end of
the quarter in which the permanent incapacity to work was
determined.
Ist der Vorstand länger als sechs Monate außerstande,
seiner Tätigkeit nachzugehen, kann der Aufsichtsrat
verlangen, dass das Vorliegen einer dauernden
Arbeitsunfähigkeit durch einen von ihm ausgewählten Arzt
auf Kosten der Gesellschaft nachgepr✔ft wird. Nimmt der
Vorstand den Termin trotz zweimaliger Aufforderung durch
den Aufsichtsrat nicht wahr, gilt der Vorstand als dauernd
arbeitsunfähig. Die Aufforderungen haben mit einer
Woche zeitlichen Abstands voneinander zu erfolgen.
If the Board Member is unable to carry out its duties for
more than six months, the Supervisory Board may
demand that the existence of a permanent incapacity to
work be reviewed by a doctor of its choice at the
Company's expense. If the Board Member fails to meet
the demand despite two requests by the Supervisory
Board, the Board Member shall be deemed permanently
incapacitated for work. The requests shall be made at
intervals of one week.
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 9 von 19
Eine Abfindung
ist bei einer Beendigung des
Dienstvertrags wegen dauernder Arbeitsunfähigkeit nicht
zu leisten.
A severance payment shall not be made in the event of
to
termination of
permanent incapacity to work.
the employment agreement due
1. Stirbt
der Vorstand während
des
Dienstvertrages, ist die Grundverg✔tung nach § 3 (1) lit.
a) noch f✔r den Sterbemonat und f✔r die zwei darauf
folgenden Monate zu zahlen.
der Dauer
Die Boni nach § 3 (1) lit. b) werden entsprechend Anlage 4
Ziff. 3 durch den Aufsichtsrat festgelegt und an den
Ehepartner,
die
unterhaltsberechtigten Kinder des Vorstands (letztere als
Gesamtgläubiger) oder seine Erben bezahlt.
Fehlen
deren
bei
an
1.
If the Board Member dies during the term of this Service
Agreement, the Basic Remuneration according to § 3 (1)
lit. a) shall still be payable for the month of death and for
the following two months.
The bonuses pursuant to § 3 (1) lit. b) are determined by
the Supervisory Board in accordance with Annex 4 No. 3
and paid to the spouse, in the event of their absence to the
dependent children of the Board Member (the latter as
joint creditor) or his heirs.
Sonderleistungen und Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht bei
Kontrollerwerb
Special services and special right of termination in the
event of acquisition of control
§ 1
1.
der
von
dem
durch
Vorstand
1. Kommt es nach der Unterzeichnung dieses Vertrags zu
einem Kontrollerwerb im Sinne eines Anteilserwerbs von
mehr als 50% durch einen Aktionär, Dritten oder
zu einer
gemeinsam handelnde Personen oder
wirtschaftlich vergleichbaren Transaktion (z.B. Verkauf des
Geschäftsbetriebs oder eines wesentlichen Teils davon
durch die Gesellschaft, Verkauf von wesentlichen
Gesellschaft,
Beteiligungsgesellschaften
Verschmelzung auf ein anderes Unternehmen, Verkauf
von mehr als 50% der Anteile der Gesellschaft nach
einem „Delisting" der Gesellschaft, etc.) und will sich die
Gesellschaft in diesem Zusammenhang oder in dessen
Folge
vorzeitige
Vertragsauflösung trennen, ohne hierf✔r einen wichtigen
Grund im Sinn des § 626 BGB zu haben, so erhält der
Vorstand zusätzlich zu der Verg✔tung und allen
Leistungen, die
ihm bis zum Trennungszeitpunkt
zustehen, eine Abfindung. Die Höhe der Abfindung
der Gesamtverg✔tung
entspricht
sowie
(Grundverg✔tung,
Nebenleistungen), die der Vorstand bis zum Ablauf der in
§ 10 (1) definierten Dauer gemäß diesem Vertrag erhalten
hätte, wäre der Vertrag nicht vorzeitig beendet, sondern
bis zum Ende der vollen Amtszeit erf✔llt worden. F✔r
Zwecke der Berechnung der Abfindung nach diesem
Absatz (1) wird davon ausgegangen, dass dem Vorstand
jeweils der maximale Bonus gemäß Anlage 4 (ggf. pro
rata temporis bis zum Ende der Vertragslaufzeit) gezahlt
worden wäre. Beträgt die ordentliche Laufzeit dieses
Vertrages gemäß § 10
(1) zum Zeitpunkt des
Wirksamwerdens der Trennung nach diesem Absatz (1)
weniger als 15 Monate, berechnet sich die zu zahlende
Abfindung auf Basis einer fiktiven Restlaufzeit von 15
Monaten, d. h. die Abfindung wird berechnet auf Basis
einer angenommenen Restlaufzeit von mindestens 15
Monaten. Während der Vertragslaufzeit stattfindende
Anhebungen der Verg✔tung gemäß § 3 (1) werden bei
den beschriebenen Berechnungen ber✔cksichtigt.
Verg✔tung
variable
Summe
der
to
in addition
If, after the signing of this agreement, control is acquired in
the sense of a share acquisition of more than 50% by a
shareholder, third party or persons acting jointly or in the
sense of an economically comparable transaction (e.g.
sale of the business operations or a substantial part
thereof by the Company, sale of substantial associated
companies of
the Company, merger with another
company, sale of more than 50% of the shares of the
Company after a delisting of the Company, etc) and if the
Company wishes to terminate the agreement with the
Board Member in this context or as a result thereof by
early termination of the agreement without having an
important reason within the meaning of Section 626 of the
German Civil Code (BGB), the Board Member shall
receive a severance payment
the
remuneration and all benefits to which it is entitled up to
the time of termination. The amount of the severance
payment corresponds to the sum of the total remuneration
(basic remuneration, variable remuneration as well as
fringe benefits) that the Board Member would have
received until expiry of the term defined in § 10 (1) of this
agreement,
the agreement would not have been
terminated prematurely, but would have been fulfilled by
the end of the full term of office. For the purpose of
calculating
this
paragraph (1), it is assumed that the maximum bonus
would have been paid to the Board Member in each case
in accordance with Annex 4 (if applicable pro rata temporis
until the end of the agreement term). If the ordinary term of
this agreement pursuant to § 10 (1) is less than 15 months
at the time the separation pursuant to this paragraph (1)
takes effect, the severance payment to be made shall be
calculated on the basis of a fictitious remaining term of 15
months, i.e. the severance payment shall be calculated on
the basis of an assumed remaining term of at least 15
months. Any increases in remuneration in accordance with
§ 3 (1) that take place during the term of the agreement
shall be taken into account in the calculations described.
the severance payment pursuant
to
if
1. Die Abfindung ist in voller Höhe zusammen mit dem
Gehalt f✔r den Monat, zu dessen Ende die Trennung
nach Absatz (1) wirksam wird, zur Zahlung fällig.
1. The severance payment shall be payable in full together
with the salary for the month at the end of which the
separation referred to in paragraph (1) takes effect.
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 10 von 19
1.
Im Falle dieses Absatzes (1) wird dem Vorstand ein
außerordentliches Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht zu diesem
Dienstvertrag eingeräumt. Das Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht
kann innerhalb von sechs Wochen ab Kenntnis des
rechtskräftigen Vollzug des
Vorstands ✔ber den
Kontrollwechsels im Sinne des Absatzes (1) mit einer Frist
von drei Monaten zum Monatsende ausge✔bt werden.
Dar✔ber hinaus besteht ein Sonderk✔ndigungsrecht des
Vorstands auch dann, wenn der Vorstand innerhalb von
einem Jahr nach Vollzug des Kontrollwechsels abberufen
wird. In diesem Fall beträgt die Sonderk✔ndigungsfrist
zwei Wochen. Die K✔ndigung kann innerhalb von vier
Wochen nach Abberufung durch den Vorstand erklärt
werden.
1.
In the event of this paragraph (1), the Board Member shall
be granted an extraordinary right of termination to this
Service Agreement. The extraordinary right of termination
may be exercised within six weeks of the knowledge of the
Board Member of the legally binding execution of the
change of control within the meaning of paragraph (1) with
a notice period of three months to the end of the month. In
addition, the Board Member has a special right of
termination even if the Board Member is dismissed within
one year of the completion of the change of control. In this
case, the special notice period is two weeks. The
termination may be declared by the Board Member within
four weeks after dismissal.
§ 1
§ 1
Diensterfindungen und Schutzrechte
Service inventions and industrial property rights
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 11 von 19
1.
for
job-related
inventions,
the Company of
Inventions by the Board Member and its technical or
organizational suggestions
improvement shall be
treated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Act on Employee Inventions of 25 July 1957, subject to the
following provisions: The Board Member will immediately
notify
free
inventions and technical and organizational suggestions
for improvement and offer them to the Company for
exclusive, limited or unlimited use. The Company must
declare acceptance within four months of notification. The
Company is entitled, but not obliged, to register intellectual
property rights in Germany and abroad. In the case of a
job-related invention or a technical or organizational
suggestion for improvement, the parties agree that any
remuneration for a service invention claimed by the
Company shall be paid in full upon payment of the basic
remuneration pursuant to § 3 (1) lit. a) of this agreement.
In the case of a free invention, the Board Member shall be
paid a remuneration in line with market-based conditions.
1. Erfindungen des Vorstands sowie seine technischen oder
organisatorischen Verbesserungsvorschläge werden
entsprechend den jeweils geltenden Bestimmungen des
Gesetzes ✔ber Arbeitnehmererfindungen vom 25.7.1957
mit folgender Maßgabe behandelt: Der Vorstand wird der
Gesellschaft Diensterfindungen, freie Erfindungen und
technische wie organisatorische Verbesserungsvorschläge
unverz✔glich melden und der Gesellschaft
zur
ausschließlichen, beschränkten oder unbeschränkten
Inanspruchnahme
der
anbieten. Die
Inanspruchnahme hat seitens der Gesellschaft innerhalb
von vier Monaten nach der Meldung zu erfolgen. Die
Gesellschaft hat das Recht, jedoch nicht die Verpflichtung,
zur Anmeldung von Schutzrechten im In- und Ausland. Im
Fall einer Diensterfindung oder eines technischen oder
organisatorischen Verbesserungsvorschlags sind sich die
Parteien darin einig, dass eine etwaige Verg✔tung f✔r
eine von der Gesellschaft in Anspruch genommene
Diensterfindung mit der Zahlung der Grundverg✔tung
nach § 3 (1) lit. a) dieses Vertrages vollständig abgegolten
dem
ist.
Vorstandsmitglied eine markt✔bliche Verg✔tung zu
zahlen.
freien Erfindung
Erklärung
Im Fall
einer
ist
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 12 von 19
the
1. The Board Member shall grant the Company exclusive
rights of use and exploitation, unlimited in terms of time,
space and content, for any works which may be protected
under the German Copyright Act and which the Board
term of his Service
Member produces during
Agreement during his working hours or, if they relate to his
duties under the Service Agreement, also outside his
working hours. The transfer of the rights of use and
exploitation also includes any types of use still unknown at
the time of conclusion of the agreement. The transfer of
the rights of use and exploitation includes in particular the
permission for processing and licensing to third parties.
The Board Member expressly waives any other rights to
the works to which he is entitled as the author, in particular
the right to name, edit and make accessible the work.
1.
Insofar as works which the Board Member produces
during the term of its Service Agreement, during its
working hours or, insofar as they relate to its duties under
the Service Agreement, also outside its working hours,
have not already been transferred in accordance with
paragraphs (1) and (2), the Board Member shall transfer to
the Company all rights to these works, in particular
trademark and other distinctive rights as well as registered
designs.
außerhalb
seiner Arbeitszeit
1. Der Vorstand ✔berträgt der Gesellschaft ausschließliche,
zeitlich, räumlich und inhaltlich unbeschränkte Nutzungs-
und Verwertungsrechte f✔r alle etwaigen nach dem
Urhebergesetz schutzfähigen Tätigkeitsergebnisse, die
das Vorstandsmitglied während der Dauer seines
Dienstvertrages während seiner Arbeitszeit oder, sofern
sie Bezug zu seinen dienstvertraglichen Aufgaben haben,
auch
erstellt. Die
Übertragung der urheberrechtlichen Nutzungs- und
Verwertungsrechte
bei
Vertragsschluss noch unbekannte Nutzungsarten. Die
Übertragung der Nutzungs- und Verwertungsrechte
umfasst insbesondere auch die Erlaubnis zur Bearbeitung
und Lizenzvergabe an Dritte. Das Vorstandsmitglied
verzichtet ausdr✔cklich auf sonstige ihm etwa als Urheber
zustehende Rechte an den Tätigkeitsergebnissen,
insbesondere auf das Recht auf Namensnennung, auf
Bearbeitung und auf Zugänglichmachung des Werkes.
umfasst
etwaige
auch
sofern
sie Bezug
1. Soweit Tätigkeitsergebnisse, die der Vorstand während
der Dauer seines Dienstvertrages während seiner
Arbeitszeit oder,
seinen
dienstvertraglichen Aufgaben haben, auch außerhalb
seiner Arbeitszeit erstellt, nicht bereits nach Absatz (1)
und (2) ✔bertragen sind, ✔berträgt der Vorstand der
diesen
Gesellschaft
Tätigkeitsergebnissen,
und
sonstige Kennzeichenrechte sowie eingetragene Designs.
insbesondere Marken-
sämtliche
Rechte
an
zu
Germany 10363769.1
nicht
zwingende
schutzrechtsfähigen
1. Die Parteien sind sich einig, dass die Einräumung dieser
Rechte und der Verzicht auf Rechte nach dieser Regelung
vollumfänglich mit der Zahlung der Grundverg✔tung nach
§ 3 (1) lit. a) dieses Vertrages abgegolten sind, soweit
gesetzliche Regelungen
dem
entgegenstehen. Der Vorstand ist verpflichtet, jedwedes
seiner
Tätigkeitsergebnisse
unverz✔glich der Gesellschaft, vertreten durch den
im
Aufsichtsrat, zu melden und die Gesellschaft
erforderlichen Umfang, auch nach Beendigung dieses
Dienstvertrages, bei der Erlangung von Schutzrechten zu
unterst✔tzen.
seine
Mitwirkungspflichten nach der Beendigung dieses
Dienstvertrages erf✔llt, erhält der Vorstand hierf✔r einen
angemessenen Tagessatz sowie eine Erstattung aller
Aufwendungen, die
ihm durch seine Mitwirkung
entstanden sind.
Vorstand
Soweit
der
Seite 13 von 19
1. The parties agree that the granting of these rights and the
waiver of rights under this provision are fully covered by
the payment of the Basic Remuneration under § 3 (1) lit. a)
this agreement, otherwise provided for by mandatory legal
provisions. The Board Member is obliged to notify any of
the works
that are capable of being protected by
intellectual property rights without delay to the Company,
represented by the Supervisory Board, and to support the
Company to the necessary extent, even after termination
of
intellectual
property rights. To the extent that the Board Member fulfils
its duties to cooperate after the termination of this Service
receive an
the Board Member shall
Agreement,
appropriate daily rate as well as a reimbursement of all
expenses incurred by him resulting from his cooperation.
this Service Agreement,
in obtaining
§ 1
§ 1
Geheimhaltung und R✔ckgabe von Unterlagen,
Interessenkonflikte
Confidentiality and return of documents, conflicts of
interest
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 14 von 19
including
the contents of
the purposes of
1. The Board Member undertakes to maintain the strictest
secrecy with regard to all business and operational
matters of the Company and old affiliated companies that
come to its attention in the course of its activities or
this Service
otherwise,
Agreement and the negotiations on which the conclusion
of this Service Agreement is based. The Board Member
further undertakes not to use this information for its own
benefit or for the benefit of others and to keep all business
documents of the Company and its Affiliates relating to
such business and operational matters under lock and key.
For
this provision, business and
operational matters shall mean, in particular, business and
trade secrets and all information and data relating to
confidential matters and business-related know-how, all
information, all business plans and strategies, procedures,
price or market strategies and product, service or
development plans relating to the existing or future
business of the Company and its Affiliates, planned
corporate acquisitions or disposals, all business figures
and details of the organizational structures and the
principal ideas and principles underlying such strategies
and plans, and all information that can reasonably be
expected to result in such strategies or plans and that has
redacted, discovered, developed,
been
assessed, tested or applied by the Company, its affiliates
or the Board Member during the term of this Service
Agreement.
invented,
und
und
sowie
dieses
Geschäfts-
insbesondere
geschäftlichen
Dienstvertrages
1. Der Vorstand verpflichtet sich, ✔ber alle ihm im Rahmen
seiner Tätigkeit oder sonst zur Kenntnis gelangenden
geschäftlichen und betrieblichen Angelegenheiten der
Gesellschaft und aller Verbundenen Unternehmen
strengstes Stillschweigen zu bewahren, einschließlich des
Inhalts
den
Vertragsverhandlungen, die dem Abschluss dieses
Dienstvertrages zugrunde liegen. Der Vorstand verpflichtet
sich weiterhin, diese Informationen nicht f✔r den eigenen
oder den Nutzen anderer zu verwenden und alle solche
geschäftlichen
betrieblichen Angelegenheiten
betreffenden Geschäftsunterlagen der Gesellschaft und
der Verbundenen Unternehmen unter Verschluss zu
halten. Unter
betrieblichen
Angelegenheiten im Sinne dieser Regelung verstehen die
Parteien
und
Betriebsgeheimnisse sowie alle Informationen und Daten
mit Bezug zu vertraulichen Angelegenheiten und
geschäftsbezogenem Know-how, sämtliche Informationen
✔ber alle mit dem existenten oder k✔nftigen Geschäft der
in
Gesellschaft und der Verbundenen Unternehmen
und
Zusammenhang
Geschäftsstrategien,
oder
Marktstrategien und Produkt-, Dienstleistungs- oder
Entwicklungsplanungen, geplante Unternehmenserwerbe
oder -veräußerungen, sämtliche Geschäftszahlen und
Details der organisatorischen Strukturen sowie die
Ideen und Prinzipien, welche diesen
wesentlichen
Strategien und Planungen zugrunde liegen, und alle
Informationen, von denen vern✔nftigerweise erwartet
werden kann, dass sie zu solchen Strategien oder
Planungen f✔hren werden und die von der Gesellschaft,
dem
von
Vorstandsmitglied
dieses
Dienstvertrages erdacht, erfunden, ✔berarbeitet, entdeckt,
entwickelt, erworben, beurteilt, getestet oder angewendet
worden sind.
stehenden Geschäftspläne
Unternehmen
Verbundenen
Verfahren,
während
Dauer
Preis-
oder
der
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 15 von 19
1. The obligation to maintain secrecy pursuant to the
previous paragraph (1) shall continue even after the
termination of the employment relationship. The Board
Member may use his knowledge acquired as a Board
the scope of a professional or
Member within
entrepreneurial activity carried out by the Board Member
after termination of this Service Agreement, provided that
the statutory restrictions -
to
Sections 3, 17 UWG (German Act Against Unfair
Competition), Section 823 (1) and (2) BGB associated with
Sections 3, 17 UWG, Section 823 (1) and (2) BGB
associated with the UWG, Section 826 BGB and the data
protection regulations.
in particular pursuant
1.
In cases of doubt, the Board Member is obliged to reach a
clarification with the Supervisory Board of the Company
the confidentiality obligation
regarding
pursuant to the previous paragraphs (1) and (2).
the scope of
1. The Board Member undertakes, at the request of the
Company at any time and at the latest at the end of its
appointment to the Board and without separate request, to
return to the Company all documents of the Company or
affiliated companies in its possession, in particular all
notes, memoranda, records, minutes and reports, files as
well as all other similar documents (including copies,
photocopies or other reproductions) in connection with its
activities without delay and in full. A right of retention is
excluded. This provision applies to electronically stored
data as well as the respective data or program carriers.
1. The release obligation also applies to other property of the
Company or affiliates or items leased by the Company or
an affiliate that is in possession of the Board Member. This
release obligation also extends in particular to a mobile
phone, laptop or other data processing device left in the
possession of the Board Member, at the end of its
appointment to the Board even if private use was
permitted in this respect.
1. Die Geheimhaltungsverpflichtung nach vorstehendem
Absatz
(1) dauert auch nach Beendigung des
Dienstverhältnisses fort. Im Rahmen einer von dem
Vorstand nach Beendigung dieses Dienstvertrages
ausge✔bten beruflichen oder unternehmerischen Tätigkeit
kann er sein als Vorstandsmitglied erworbenes Wissen
einsetzen, sofern dabei die gesetzlichen Beschränkungen
insbesondere nach §§ 3, 17 UWG, § 823 (1) und (2) BGB
i.V. m. UWG, § 826 BGB und den datenschutzrechtlichen
Regelungen sowie die Beschränkungen aus dem
nachvertraglichen Wettbewerbsverbot nach § 16 dieses
Vertrages strikt beachtet werden.
1. Der Vorstand ist verpflichtet, in Zweifelsfällen ✔ber den
Umfang
nach
vorstehenden Absätzen (1) und (2) mit dem Aufsichtsrat
der Gesellschaft eine Klärung herbeizuf✔hren.
Geheimhaltungsverpflichtung
der
auch
ohne
zum Organ
1. Der Vorstand verpflichtet sich, auf Verlangen der
Gesellschaft jederzeit und spätestens bei Ende seiner
Bestellung
gesonderte
Aufforderung alle in seinem Besitz befindlichen Unterlagen
der Gesellschaft oder Verbundener Unternehmen,
insbesondere alle Notizen, Memoranden, Aufzeichnungen,
Protokolle und Berichte, Akten sowie alle anderen
ähnlichen Dokumente
Abschriften,
Ablichtungen, Kopien oder sonstiger Reproduktionen), die
im Zusammenhang mit
stehen,
unverz✔glich und vollständig an die Gesellschaft
zur✔ckzugeben.
ist
ausgeschlossen. Diese Regelung gilt sinngemäß f✔r
elektronisch gespeicherte Daten sowie die jeweiligen
Daten- oder Programmträger.
Zur✔ckbehaltungsrecht
seiner Tätigkeit
(einschließlich
Ein
1. Die Herausgabeverpflichtung bezieht sich auch auf
sonstiges, im Besitz des Vorstands befindliches Eigentum
der Gesellschaft oder Verbundener Unternehmen bzw.
von der Gesellschaft oder von einem Verbundenen
Diese
Unternehmen
Herausgabeverpflichtung erstreckt sich
insbesondere
auch auf ein dem Vorstand etwa ✔berlassenes
Mobiltelefon,
der
oder
Datenverarbeitung, bei Ende seiner Bestellung zum Organ
auch, wenn insoweit eine private Nutzung gestattet war.
sonstige Geräte
Gegenstände.
geleaste
Laptop
Germany 10363769.1
1. Der
Vorstand
hat mögliche
unverz✔glich
Interessenkonflikte
gegen✔ber
die
offenzulegen
Vorstandsmitglieder hier✔ber zu informieren.
und
tatsächliche
und
dem Aufsichtsrat
anderen
Seite 16 von 19
1. The Board Member must immediately disclose possible
and actual conflicts of interest to the Supervisory Board
and inform the other members of the Management Board
hereof.
§ 1
Vertragsdauer
§ 1
Term of the Agreement
1. Der Vertrag steht insgesamt unter der (A) aufschiebenden
Bedingung, dass (i) der Vorstand zum Vorstand der
Gesellschaft bestellt wird und (ii) dass die Tranche I gem.
Sec. 4 Abs. 2 des Investment Agreements vom 10 August
an die Gesellschaft vollständig gezahlt und
(B)
auflösenden Bedingung, dass die Option aus dem Asset
Purchase Agreement zwischen der Gesellschaft und der
4SC AG nicht bis zum 30. September 2016 ausge✔bt
wird.
1. The agreement is subject to (A) the condition precedent
that (i) the Board Member is appointed to the Management
Board of the Company and (ii) that Tranche I pursuant to
Sec. 4 (2) of the Investment Agreement of 10 August is
paid in full to the Company and (B) the condition
precedent that the option under the Asset Purchase
Agreement between the Company and 4SC AG is not
exercised by 30 September 2016.
1. Dieser Vertrag wird mit Wirkung zum fr✔hestmöglichen
jedoch spätestens dem 1. April 2017,
Termin,
abgeschlossen. Er endet mit Ablauf von drei Jahren.
1. This contract will be concluded with effect at the earliest
possible date, but no later than 1 April 2017. It ends with
the expiration of three years.
1. Das Recht zur außerordentlichen K✔ndigung bleibt
1. The right to extraordinary termination remains unaffected.
unber✔hrt.
1.
der Bestellung,
eines Widerrufs
der
Im Fall
Amtsniederlegung durch das Vorstandsmitglied oder bei
einer sonstigen Beendigung der Organstellung endet
dieser Dienstvertrag mit Ablauf eines Jahres nach dem
Ende des Amtes, spätestens jedoch zum Ende der
Laufzeit nach Absatz
fr✔here
Beendigung aufgrund Absatz (2) dieses Vertrages bleibt
unber✔hrt.
(1). Eine etwaige
1.
In the event of revocation of the appointment, demission
by the Board Member or other termination of the position,
this Service Agreement shall end at the end of one year
after the end of the term of office, at the latest, however, at
the end of the term pursuant to paragraph (1). A possible
termination due to paragraph (2) of this agreement
remains unaffected.
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 17 von 19
1. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board will inform the
Board Member in writing no later than nine months before
the expiry of this agreement, whether and under which
conditions the Supervisory Board will reappoint the Board
Member and whether he is willing to extend the Service
Agreement for the duration of the new appointment or to
conclude a new Service Agreement on at least the same
terms. Within two months of receipt of the Supervisory
Board Chairman's offer, the Board Member will declare
whether it accepts the reappointment and is prepared to
agree
the
terms and conditions offered
continuation or renewal of the Service Agreement.
the
for
to
den
erneut
Vorstand
Aufsichtsrat
1. Der Vorsitzende des Aufsichtsrats wird dem Vorstand
spätestens neun Monate vor Ablauf dieses Vertrages
schriftlich mitteilen, ob und unter welchen Bedingungen
der
zum
Vorstandsmitglied bestellen wird und ob er bereit ist, den
Dienstvertrag entsprechend der Dauer der neuen
Bestellung zu verlängern oder einen neuen Dienstvertrag
zu mindestens
ihm
abzuschließen. Der Vorstand wird innerhalb von zwei
Monaten
des
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden erklären, ob er die erneute
Bestellung annimmt und bereit ist, den f✔r die Fortsetzung
oder Erneuerung des Dienstvertrages angebotenen
Bedingungen zuzustimmen.
gleichen Bedingungen mit
Angebots
Zugang
des
ab
Germany 10363769.1
mit
einer
Beendigung
im Anschluss
den Abschluss
1. Die Gesellschaft ist berechtigt, den Vorstand nach dem
Widerruf seiner Bestellung gemäß § 84 (3) AktG oder im
Zusammenhang
des
Dienstvertrages, insbesondere nach einer K✔ndigung
eines
an
oder
Aufhebungsvertrages, ganz oder teilweise von seiner
Pflicht
zur Dienstleistung unter Fortzahlung der
Grundverg✔tung gemäß § 3 (1) lit. a) widerruflich oder
unwiderruflich freizustellen. lm Fall der unwiderruflichen
Freistellung werden offene Urlaubs- und sonstige
Freizeitausgleichsanspruche angerechnet, die damit
erledigt sind. Der Dienstvertrag im Übrigen wird von der
bestehen
ber✔hrt;
Freistellung
insbesondere die Verschwiegenheitspflicht und das
vertragliche Wettbewerbsverbot bis zum Ende des
Dienstvertrages fort. Anderweitiger Verdienst während der
Freistellungszeit wird gemäß § 615 Satz 2 BGB
angerechnet. Eine Anrechnung erfolgt nicht, wenn und
soweit der anderweitige Verdienst aus einer genehmigten
Nebentätigkeit (§ 2 (1) dieses Dienstvertrages) stammt.
insoweit
nicht
1. Bei vorzeitiger Beendigung der Vorstandstätigkeit ohne
wichtigen Grund entsprechen die Zahlungen an den
Vorstand einschließlich Nebenleistungen maximal dem
Wert von zwei Jahresverg✔tungen (Abfindungs-Cap) und
Gesamtverg✔tung
✔berschreiten
sowie
(Grundverg✔tung,
des
Nebenleistungen)
Dienstvertrages. Bei einem Kontrollerwerb nach § 7 gilt
ein
drei
Jahresverg✔tungen.
variable
f✔r
Abfindungs-Cap
Restlaufzeit
Verg✔tung
maximal
nicht
von
die
die
Seite 18 von 19
following
following a
termination or
1. The Company is entitled, after the revocation of its
appointment pursuant to Section 84 (3) AktG or in
connection with a termination of the Service Agreement, in
particular
the
conclusion of a termination agreement, to release the
Board Member in whole or in part from its obligation to
provide services with continued payment of the Basic
Remuneration pursuant to § 3 (1) a) revocably or
irrevocably. In the event of irrevocable release, receivable
holiday and other time off compensation claims shall be
credited and settled. The rest of the Service Agreement
remains unaffected by the indemnification; in this respect,
the obligation to maintain secrecy and the contractual non-
competition clause continue to apply until the end of the
Service Agreement. Other earnings during the exemption
period shall be deducted in accordance with Section 615
sentence 2 BGB. If and as far as the other earnings
originate from an approved ancillary activity (§ 2 (1) of this
Service Agreement) they are not subject to deduction.
1.
In the event of premature termination of the board activity
without good cause, payments to the Board Member
including fringe benefits shall not exceed the value of two
years' remuneration (severance payment cap) and shall
not exceed the total remuneration (Basic Remuneration,
variable
the
remaining term of the Service Agreement. In the case of
an acquisition of control pursuant to § 7, a severance
payment cap of a maximum of three years' remuneration
applies.
remuneration and
fringe benefits)
for
§ 1
Ausschlussfristen
§ 1
Preclusive Period
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 19 von 19
1. Claims of the Company and the Board Member arising
from or in connection with the employment relationship
shall excluded, irrespective of their legal basis, if the
entitled person does not assert the claim within a period of
six months, calculated from the due date and the
knowledge or grossly negligent ignorance of the entitled
person of the circumstances giving rise to the claim, by
means of a written declaration to the respective other
party. For the assessment of the timeliness of the
assertion, the receipt of the written declaration is decisive.
This does not apply to the assertion of claims due to injury
to life, body or health as well as in the case of intentional
breaches of duty. Failure to comply with the preclusive
period will result in the loss of the claim.
verfallen,
ungeachtet
1. Anspr✔che der Gesellschaft und des Vorstands aus dem
Dienstverhältnis oder im Zusammenhang mit diesem
Dienstverhältnis
ihres
Rechtsgrundes, wenn die bzw. der Anspruchsberechtigte
den Anspruch nicht innerhalb einer Frist von sechs
Monaten, berechnet ab dem Zeitpunkt der Fälligkeit und
der Kenntnis oder grob fahrlässigen Unkenntnis des
Anspruchsberechtigten von den anspruchsbegr✔ndenden
Umständen, durch schriftliche Erklärung gegen✔ber der
jeweils anderen Vertragspartei geltend macht. F✔r die
Beurteilung der Rechtzeitigkeit der Geltendmachung ist
der Zugang der schriftlichen Erklärung maßgeblich. Dies
gilt nicht f✔r die Geltendmachung von Anspr✔chen
wegen Verletzung des Lebens, des Körpers oder der
Gesundheit sowie bei vorsätzlichen Pflichtverletzungen.
Die Versäumung der Ausschlussfrist f✔hrt zum Verlust
des Anspruchs.
1. Etwaige Anspr✔che der Gesellschaft nach § 93 (2) und
(3) AktG gegen das Vorstandsmitglied bleiben gemäß § 93
(4) Satz 3 AktG von vorstehendem Absatz (1) unber✔hrt.
1. Any claims of the Company pursuant to Section 93 (2) and
(3) AktG against
the Board Member shall remain
unaffected by the above paragraph (1) pursuant to Section
93 (4) sentence 3 AktG.
§ 1
Schlussbestimmungen
Final Provisions
1. Dieser Vertrag enthält die gesamte Vereinbarung
zwischen den Parteien. Bereits getroffene Vereinbarungen
zwischen den Parteien werden hiermit ausdr✔cklich
aufgehoben.
1. This agreement contains the entire agreement between
the parties. Prior agreements between the parties are
hereby expressly cancelled.
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 20 von 19
1. Änderungen oder Ergänzungen dieses Vertrages
einschließlich dieser Schriftformklausel bed✔rfen zu ihrer
Wirksamkeit der Schriftform.
1. Changes or additions to this agreement, including this
written form clause, must be made in writing to be
effective.
1. Dieser Vertrag unterliegt dem Recht der Bundesrepublik
1. This agreement is subject to the law of the Federal
Deutschland.
Republic of Germany.
1. Erf✔llungsort ist der Sitz der Gesellschaft. Gerichtsstand
f✔r Streitigkeiten aus diesem Vertrag ist der Sitz der
Gesellschaft.
1. Place of performance is the seat of the Company, place of
jurisdiction for disputes from this agreement is the seat of
the Company.
so wird
die G✔ltigkeit
1. Sollte eine Bestimmung dieses Vertrages ganz oder
teilweise rechtsunwirksam oder undurchf✔hrbar sein oder
werden,
der ✔brigen
Bestimmungen dieses Vertrages nicht ber✔hrt. Vielmehr
ist die ganz oder
teilweise rechtsunwirksame oder
undurchf✔hrbare Bestimmung durch eine Bestimmung zu
ersetzen, die den mit der unwirksamen Bestimmung
angestrebten wirtschaftlichen Erfolg soweit wie möglich
erreicht. Das gleiche gilt im Fall von L✔cken dieses
Vertrages.
1. Should any provision of this agreement be or become
invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, the validity of
the remaining provisions of this agreement shall not be
affected. Rather, the invalid or unenforceable provision, in
whole or in part, shall be replaced by a provision that
achieves as far as possible the economic purpose
intended by the invalid provision. The same shall apply in
the event of any gaps in this agreement.
Martinsried, den
Martinsried, this
/s/ Dr. Daniel Vitt
Dr. Daniel Vitt
/s/ Dr. Jörg Neermann
Dr. Jörg Neermann
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender
Germany 10363769.1
Seite 21 von 19
Anlagenverzeichnis
Anlage 1: AR-Beschluss
Schedule of Annexes
Annex 1: Supervisory Board Resolution
Anlage 2: Geschäftsverteilungsplan aktuell
Annex 2: Schedule of Responsibilities
Anlage 3: Genehmigte Nebentätigkeiten des Vorstands
Annex 3: Approved Ancillary Activities of the Board Member
Germany 10363769.1
Set forth below is a list of subsidiaries of the Registrant. All of the subsidiaries listed below are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Immunic, Inc. and are owned
directly by Immunic, Inc.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiary
Immunic AG
Jurisdiction of
Formation
Germany
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S‑3 (File No. 333‑225230, 333-250083, 333-
255303, and 333-268737), Form S‑4 (File No. 333‑229510), and Form S-8 (File No. 333‑233864 and 333-258235) of Immunic, Inc.
of our report dated February 23, 2023, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Immunic, Inc., which appears in this
annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
EXHIBIT 23.1
/s/ Baker Tilly US, LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 23, 2023
Exhibit 31.1
I, Daniel Vitt, certify that:
CERTIFICATIONS
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 of Immunic, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the
registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
Date: February 23, 2023
By:
/s/ Daniel Vitt
Daniel Vitt
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
Exhibit 31.2
I, Glenn Whaley, certify that:
CERTIFICATIONS
1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 of Immunic, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of and for the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the
registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to
ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
Date: February 23, 2023
By:
/s/ Glenn Whaley
Glenn Whaley
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Immunic, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Daniel Vitt, as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company,
hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to my knowledge:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 23, 2023
By:
/s/ Daniel Vitt
Daniel Vitt
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.2
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Immunic, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, Glenn Whaley as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby
certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to my knowledge::
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: February 23, 2023
By:
/s/ Glenn Whaley
Glenn Whaley
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)