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ImmuPharma- Plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · ImmuPharma- Plc
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ImmuPharma plcReport and Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the Year Ended 31 December 2018Contents

Chairman’s Report 

Financial Review 

Strategic Report 

Business Overview and Prospects 

Business Strategy and Objectives 

Product Portfolio and Pipeline 

Review of Group Activity 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties 

Forward-Looking Statements 

Board of Directors 

Scientific Collaborators 

Officers and Professional Advisers 

Corporate Governance Report 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Company Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Company Statement of Financial Position 

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Company Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Glossary of Terms 

Notice of AGM 

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ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018Annual Review

Chairman’s Report

The first half of 2018 saw the completion and reporting 
of results of the Company’s pivotal phase III clinical trial 
for Lupuzor™. Whilst it was disappointing not to have 
achieved overall statistical significance in the full set 
of patients, it was promising to see that Lupuzor™ plus 
Standard of Care demonstrated a superior response rate 
over placebo plus Standard of Care and an even more 
superior response in patients with positive anti-dsDNA 
biomarkers which reached statistical significance in the 
Europe cohort. For the remainder of 2018, our focus 
for Lupuzor™ was on the Open Label Extension study, 
the planning of a Managed Access Program as well as 
discussions with potential partners. Further, we were 
pleased with the successful completion of a £10 million 
(before expenses) fundraising in January 2018.

Lupuzor™
Lupuzor™, ImmuPharma’s lead program for the treatment 
of lupus completed its Phase III clinical trial in January 2018 
which involved patients in the US, Europe and Mauritius.

The Phase III trial was a double-blind, randomised, 
placebo-controlled trial. The study involved patients being 
dosed for one year, receiving 0.2mg once per month 
subcutaneously. 293 patients were screened illustrating 
the demand from physicians for a new, safe and effective 
treatment for lupus. Of these, the required 202 patients were 
successfully recruited and randomised (dosed). Patients 
participated in the trial in seven countries across 28 sites.

The clinical trial was undertaken primarily by Simbec-Orion, 
an international clinical research organisation, which 
specialises in rare and orphan conditions and has previous 
direct experience in lupus trials. This was a pivotal study 
designed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of 
Lupuzor™ as part of the Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) 
from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Lupuzor™ Phase III Top Line Results
Lupuzor™ demonstrated a superior response rate over 
placebo (52.5% vs 44.6% “responders”) in the primary 
analysis on the Full Analysis Set of all 202 patients and 
an even more superior response in the 153 patients who 
completed the study (68.8% vs 59.2%). However, due 
to the high response rate in the placebo plus Standard 
of Care group, this superior response did not allow 
statistical significance to be reached, and the trial’s 
primary end point was not met. Importantly, in patients 
who were anti-dsDNA autoantibody positive (a recognised 
biomarker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (‘SLE’), 
Lupuzor™ plus Standard of Care demonstrated a higher 
superior response rate over placebo plus Standard of 
Care (61.5% vs 47.3%). In the European cohort (Europe 
and Mauritius), the difference was higher (71.1% vs 48.8%) 
and reached statistical significance (p=0.218). In addition, 
7.5% of the patients in the Lupuzor™ plus Standard 

of Care group went into full remission versus none in 
the placebo plus Standard of Care group. The study 
confirmed the outstanding safety profile of Lupuzor™, with 
zero drug-related serious adverse events reported in the 
Lupuzor™ plus Standard of Care group.

It is important to note that when reference is made to 
placebo, there are no patients who were treated just with 
placebo, but all were receiving other drug treatments. 
Based on the protocol and the commonly accepted study 
design, there were two groups of patients: (1) patients 
receiving Lupuzor™ plus ‘Standard of Care’ and (2) patients 
receiving placebo plus ‘Standard of Care’. ‘Standard of 
Care’ includes treatment with other drugs such as steroids, 
anti-malarials, methotrexate, etc. The definition of a 
‘responder’ is based on the SLE Responder Index (SRI-4) 
score, which requires a reduction of at least four points in 
this score. Therefore, patients who improve by less than 
four points are counted as non-responders, but also no 
distinction is made between patients who improve by more 
than four points, all being equal ‘responders’.

Extension Open Label Study
Following requests from both investigators and patients 
involved in the Phase III trial, ImmuPharma initiated 
an additional clinical trial permitting patients who 
participated in the Phase III study, to receive Lupuzor™ 
plus Standard of Care for six months in an open label 
study. The results will be gathered as an “extension” open 
label study, independent of the pivotal Phase III trial and 
will provide additional data on the safety and efficacy of 
Lupuzor™. The study has now been completed with results 
anticipated in Q2 2019.

Lupuzor™ – Opportunity and Next Steps
There are an estimated five million people globally 
suffering from lupus, with approximately 1.5 million 
patients in the US, Europe and Japan (Source: Lupus 
Foundation of America). Current ‘standard of care’ 
treatments, including steroids and immunosuppressants, 
can potentially have either serious side effects for patients 
or limited effectiveness, with over 60 per cent of patients 
not adequately treated.

The Company believes Lupuzor™ has the potential to 
be a novel specific drug therapy for the treatment of 
Lupus by specifically modulating the immune system and 
halting disease progression in a substantial proportion of 
patients. Lupuzor™ has a unique mechanism of action that 
modulates the activity of CD4 T-cells which are involved 
in the cell-mediated immune response which leads to 
the lupus disease. Lupuzor™, taken over the long term, as 
indicated in earlier stage clinical trials, has the potential to 
prevent the progression of lupus rather than just treating 
its symptoms, with the rest of the immune system retaining 
the ability to work normally.

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Annual Review

Chairman’s Report (continued)

The Board believes there are still a number of routes 
to market for Lupuzor™, including potential corporate 
collaborations. The Company also continues to consult 
with regulatory advisors on potential pathways to market. 
The prime objective of any strategy would be to maximise 
shareholder return.

Lupuzor™ is also being prepared for entry into a Managed 
Access Programme (‘MAP’) which would also allow lupus 
patients early access to Lupuzor™. The commencement 
of the MAP is dependent on the outcome of ongoing 
activities surrounding discussions with potential partners 
and regulatory advisors.

Centre National de la Recherché 
Scientifique (CNRS)
ImmuPharma continues to have important collaboration 
arrangements with the Centre National de la Recherché 
Scientifique (CNRS), the French National Council for 
Scientific Research and the largest basic research 
organisation in Europe. This is where Lupuzor™ was 
invented by Prof. Sylviane Muller, Research Director at 
the CNRS. This successful and longstanding relationship 
plays an important role in the progress of ImmuPharma’s 
development pipeline.

Certain autoimmune indications, outside of lupus, have 
the potential for Orphan Drug designation. Further 
assessment continues with the objective of further 
indications moving into the clinic in due course.

Nucant Program
ImmuPharma’s subsidiary Elro SARL (‘Elro’) holds our 
cancer Nucant program, IPP-204106, which is focused 
on combination therapy approaches. ImmuPharma has 
reviewed different options for progressing this program 
and is now pursuing a divestment strategy in combination 
with the Group’s Ureka subsidiary. A grant was awarded 
by the EU to different EU partners (€7 million total with 
€430k awarded to ImmuPharma) to develop the Nucants 
in combination with cytotoxic drugs linked to a solid 
support. The molecule has also shown promising results in 
ophthalmology (age-related macular degeneration) models.

Peptide Platform
ImmuPharma’s subsidiary Ureka SARL (‘Ureka’) has been 
developing lead compounds from its novel and patented 
peptide technology platform Urelix™. Ureka is based at 
the Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB) in 
Bordeaux, France which is under the joint authority of the 
CNRS, Inserm and the University of Bordeaux.

Pipeline Overview
Lupuzor™ / Forigerimod / P140 in autoimmune indications
Lupuzor™, is also known by its chemical name 
‘Forigerimod’ or P140. ImmuPharma in conjunction with 
the CNRS are exploring opportunities on expanding 
into other autoimmune indications, as demonstrated by 
Lupuzor™’s strong efficacy and safety profile and by its 
mechanism of action.

Urelix™ is focusing on oligourea foldamers as a tool to 
improve the pharmaceutical properties of peptides. One 
of the first focus areas of Ureka has been GLP-1 analogues 
for the treatment of Type II diabetes and NASH (Non-
Alcoholic-Steato-Hepatitis) as proof of concept for its 
technology. In February 2019, the peer reviewed scientific 
research journal ‘Nature Communications’ published a 
paper on Ureka’s technology.

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Annual Review

Chairman’s Report (continued)

Further applications of the Urelix™ technology include 
protein/protein interactions, notably in cancer, and 
improvement of marketed efficacious peptides allowing 
additional long lasting patent protection paving the way 
for a life cycle management franchise. Novel patented 
technologies are also currently implemented to cover 
other aspects of the improvement of peptides including 
potential oral delivery. Peptides have gained so much 
attention in the last decade that they are now part of the 
main strategies, along with small molecules and biologics, 
for developing new medicines.

£10 million Fund Raising
In January 2018, the Company announced the completion 
of a placing of 6,944,445 new ordinary shares of 10p each 
at a placing price of 144p raising a total of £10 million 
before expenses. The Company raised the funds in order 
to further strengthen the Company’s financial position as 
negotiations continue with potential partners for Lupuzor™ 
and to support further investment in ImmuPharma’s earlier 
stage portfolio.

Incanthera Limited
In September 2018, the Company signed a Heads of 
Terms agreement with Incanthera Limited regarding a 
potential collaboration on the Nucant program. At the 
same time, ImmuPharma invested £2 million to purchase 
363,637 shares at £5.50 per share in Incanthera Limited 
and received warrants for a further 363,637 shares at £5.50. 
This investment represents a holding of approximately 
15% in Incanthera Limited. In May 2019, the Company 
announced that discussions with Incanthera Limited 
regarding a potential collaboration had terminated. 
ImmuPharma remain supportive of Incanthera Limited and 
its programs and abilities.

Current Activities and Outlook
As a Board, we continue to be excited by ImmuPharma’s 
future potential. Looking at the Lupuzor™ top line data 
announced in April 2018, the drug demonstrated a 
superior response rate over placebo with an exceptional 
safety profile, giving it, we believe, a compelling product 
profile. We believe Lupuzor™ has the potential to bring 
a much needed safe treatment to the millions of lupus 
sufferers around the world. We continue to engage 
with potential partners and, although no guarantees of 
a successful outcome can be given at present, we are 
focused on moving forward with the development and 
commercialisation of Lupuzor™.

The Company has been exploring its options to license, 
divest or ‘spin-off’ the technologies of both Elro and Ureka 
to unlock their future potential and enhance value to 
shareholders. The Company’s intention is to merge these 
two subsidiaries, in order to create a stronger combined 
company with a platform technology together with a 
drug candidate in clinical development, with a view to 
securing external investment either from private equity or 
through a public listing on a European stock exchange or 
licensing. This, in turn, would allow ImmuPharma to focus 
on Lupuzor™ and the overall P140 platform for different 
autoimmune indications. We look forward to providing our 
shareholders with further updates in due course.

The Board would like to thank its shareholders, both long 
standing and new for their support as well as its staff, 
scientific and corporate collaborators including the CNRS, 
Simbec-Orion and CAP Research.

Tim McCarthy
Non-Executive Chairman

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ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018Annual Review

Financial Review

2018 started with a successful share placing which raised 
£10 million before expenses. Lupuzor™, ImmuPharma’s 
lead drug candidate for the treatment of lupus completed 
its pivotal Phase III clinical trial and began an Open Label 
Extension Study.

Income Statement
The operating loss for the year ended 31 December 2018 
was £8.1 million, up from £7.2 million for the year ended 
31 December 2017. The increase in overall loss was 
mainly attributable to share-based expense of £1.8 million 
(2017: £743k) which was attributable to the number of 
share options granted in 2017. Research and development 
expenditure was £4.7 million down slightly from £5.1 million 
in 2017. This reflects the front-loading of a portion of the 
Lupuzor clinical trial expenses. Administrative expenses 
were £1.7 million, up from £1.5 million in the year ended 
31 December 2017. Finance income was £130k for 2018 
which was down from £240k for 2017. For 2017, finance 
income is mainly attributable to a gain in fair value on the 
derivative financial asset. Total comprehensive loss for the 
year was £7.2 million, an increase from £6.2 million in 2017.

Statement of Financial Position
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2018 
amounted to £4.9 million (2017: £2.7 million). Financial 
borrowings were £121k (2017: £260k). This balance 
is primarily the conditional advance from the French 
Government for use in the development of our cancer 
program. No interest is payable. In January 2018, 
ImmuPharma successfully completed a share placing 
raising £10 million before expenses.

In September 2018, the Company invested £2.0 million 
(2017: £nil) in Incanthera Limited (Incanthera) with whom 
it also entered discussions on a potential collaboration 
on the Nucant program. The Company purchased 
363,637 shares in Incanthera at a price of £5.50 per 
share. This represents a holding of approximately 15% in 
Incanthera. The Company was also granted warrants for a 
further 363,637 shares at £5.50 per share.

As described and emphasised in the auditor’s report the 
carrying value of the Company’s interest in its subsidiaries 
and the group’s interest in Incanthera are subject to 
uncertainty relating to the future development of their 
underlying assets.

Results
The Group recorded a loss for the year of £7.2 million 
(2017: £6.2 million). Basic and diluted loss per share was 
5.19p (2017: 4.75p). In accordance with the Group’s loss 
making position no dividend is proposed.

January 2018 Placing - £10 million before 
expenses raised
ImmuPharma strengthened its financial position through 
a fundraising in January 2018. The Company announced 
the completion of a placing of 6,944,445 new ordinary 
shares of 10p each at a placing price of 144p raising a 
total of £10 million before expenses. The Company raised 
the funds in order to further strengthen the Company’s 
Statement of Financial Position as negotiations continue 
with potential partners for Lupuzor™ and to support further 
investment in ImmuPharma’s earlier stage portfolio.

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Financial Review (continued)

Total Voting Rights
Following the admission of the shares placed in January 
2018 to trading on AIM, the Company has a total of 
139,467,430 ordinary shares in issue at 31 December 2018 
with each share carrying the right of one vote.

Treasury Policy
The policy continues to be that surplus funds of the 
Group are held in interest-bearing bank accounts on 
short or medium maturities, until commitments to future 
expenditure are made, when adequate funds are released 
to enable future expenditure to be incurred. The Group’s 
Treasury Policy and controls are straightforward and 
approved by the Board.

Financial Strategy
The overall strategy is to maintain a tight control over 
cash resources whilst enabling continued progress of the 
Company’s development assets.

Tracy Weimar
Vice President, Operations and Finance

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Strategic Report

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Annual Review

Strategic Report

The Board of ImmuPharma plc present their Strategic Report 
for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Vision and Values
ImmuPharma is an ethical organisation with the vision to 
develop novel drugs to treat serious medical conditions, 
delivering value to patients, medical professionals, 
healthcare payers and our shareholders.

Business Overview and Prospects
ImmuPharma plc is a drug discovery and development 
company headquartered in London and listed on the 
AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IMM). 
Its research operations are in France. ImmuPharma is 
dedicated to the development of novel drugs, largely 
based on peptide therapeutics, to treat serious medical 
conditions such as autoimmune diseases characterised by:

•	 high unmet medical need;

•	 low marketing costs; and

•	 relatively low development costs.

Founded first in Basel, Switzerland in 1999 and led by 
an experienced management team, ImmuPharma now 
has important research and development collaboration 
arrangements with highly respected health and medical 
research laboratories in Europe.

ImmuPharma’s strategy and risk-averse business model 
is different from many of its peers, and its management 
team has extensive experience in senior positions in some 
of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

ImmuPharma has adopted an outsourcing model 
where development activities are assigned to contract 
research organisations (“CROs”), maintaining low costs. 
ImmuPharma continues to manage the development of 
its own assets up to commercialisation, but will also seek 
collaborative agreements with larger pharmaceutical 
companies at an earlier stage, where viable.

ImmuPharma is currently developing drug candidates 
within three platforms each of which would represent a 
significant breakthrough in its field. Lupuzor™, a potential 
treatment for the autoimmune chronic inflammatory 
disease lupus, is ImmuPharma’s key product and most 
advanced drug, having completed a pivotal Phase III trial 
in early 2018, and which the Directors believe targets a 
highly unmet market due to the lack of safe and effective 
treatments currently available. Lupuzor™ was successfully 
licensed to a US speciality pharmaceutical company, 
Cephalon, in February 2009 in a US$500 million licensing 
deal. In late 2011, following the acquisition of Cephalon 
by Teva Pharmaceuticals, ImmuPharma regained all rights 
to Lupuzor™. The other two platforms include candidates 
addressing cancer, ophthalmology and metabolic 
disorders. ImmuPharma has approximately 70 patents.

Collaboration with Centre National de la 
Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
ImmuPharma has important collaboration arrangements 
with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 
(CNRS), the French National Council for Scientific Research 
and the largest basic research organisation in Europe. 
ImmuPharma also has links with the Institut National de 
la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), France’s 
national institute for health and medical research.

As part of the collaboration arrangements, ImmuPharma 
has entered into a research agreement with the CNRS 
which relates to the therapeutic use of peptides and 
peptide derivatives. ImmuPharma has been granted the 
worldwide exclusive rights to exploit all discoveries made 
pursuant to this agreement and will co-own the relevant 
intellectual property with the CNRS.

The CNRS has granted additional exclusive worldwide 
licenses to ImmuPharma covering rights to discoveries 
made prior to this agreement but related to it. 
Applications for additional patents, to be jointly owned by 
the CNRS and ImmuPharma, have already been and are 
being filed. The CNRS is entitled to a share of the revenue 
generated by ImmuPharma from the exploitation of the 
CNRS’ licensed and co-owned rights.

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Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Business Strategy and Objectives

ImmuPharma focuses on developing pioneering and 
novel drugs in specialist therapeutic areas where 
there is a distinct lack of existing treatments, avoiding 
primary care (diseases treated by GPs) where many 
treatments exist. This is consistent with the trends in the 
pharmaceutical industry.

Since our foundation, our research strategy has been 
to work closely with the largest fundamental research 
organisation in Europe, the CNRS in France. This 
collaboration enables us to access innovative research 
with substantial embedded value at a relatively low cost, 
and to work with many leading scientists and doctors.

Our market strategy is to develop drug candidates to 
a point where further value can be added by licensing 
our assets to partners (primarily major pharmaceutical 
corporations) that are well-placed to further develop 
and/or commercialise them. Our corporate deal with 
Cephalon in 2009, for the worldwide rights of our lead 
drug candidate for the treatment of lupus, Lupuzor™, is 
one example of this strategy in action.

ImmuPharma’s principal business objective is to 
enhance shareholder value through the development 
and commercialisation of novel drugs. Its strategies for 
achieving this objective include:

•	 pursuing a low cost model of accessing world 

class research through our collaboration with the 
CNRS in France;

•	 selecting specialist therapeutic areas where there are 

high unmet needs;

•	 managing the clinical development of novel 

drug candidates;

•	 seeking collaborative agreements with partner 
companies to further the development and 
commercialisation of novel drug candidates; and

•	 maintaining a small corporate infrastructure to 

minimise costs.

As an AIM-listed group with European subsidiaries and 
operations, ImmuPharma continue to consider and 
monitor the Brexit process. At this stage of the Group’s 
development, ImmuPharma do not believe that Brexit will 
significantly impact the Group’s operations or plans.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

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Strategic Report (continued)
Pipeline Overview

ImmuPharma currently has three product development 
programs covering:

•	 Autoimmune diseases - Forigerimod/P140 (Lupuzor™);

•	 Oncology and Ophthalmology - Nucants; and

•	 Metabolic disorders – Peptide Platform.

Each of these programs and respective drug candidates 
are proprietary and represent a novel approach to therapy. 
The Company believes each has significant sales potential 
if successfully developed.

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Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Product Pipeline

P140 Program – Treatment of Lupus and other 
Autoimmune Diseases
ImmuPharma’s lead product candidate, Lupuzor™, 
also known by its code name ‘P140’, targets lupus, an 
autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure 
or specific treatment. Lupuzor™ was successfully licensed 
to Cephalon in February 2009, in which ImmuPharma 
received upfront payments totalling US$45 million, with 
a US$500 million cash milestone payment structure plus 
high royalties on future sales. In late 2011, following 
the acquisition of Cephalon by Teva Pharmaceuticals, 
ImmuPharma regained all product rights to Lupuzor™.

Lupus (frequently manifested as Systemic Lupus 
Erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic, life-threatening 
autoimmune, inflammatory disease with a pattern of 
flares and remission. Lupus can affect multiple organs 
such as skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. 
It can appear in a multitude of forms, making diagnosis 
difficult with patients presenting to several different 
specialists (mainly dermatologists, rheumatologists and 
nephrologists). Awareness of the disease has steadily 
increased in recent years and should continue to do so 
due to well-organised patient groups and increased 
research and development activity into new treatments. 
New diagnostic tools are now in place and are increasingly 
used by physicians, which coupled with greater awareness, 
should lead to an increase in diagnosis rates.

There are an estimated five million people globally suffering 
from lupus, with approximately 1.5 million patients in 
the US, Europe and Japan (source: Lupus Foundation of 
America). Current ‘standard of care’ treatments, including 
steroids and immunosuppressants, can potentially 
have either serious side effects for patients or limited 
effectiveness, with over 60% of patients not adequately 
treated. GlaxoSmithKline’s Benlysta is the first lupus drug 
approved in over 50 years and paves the path to market for 
Lupuzor™. Based on conservative estimates, and taking into 
account that Benlysta is priced currently at approximately 
US$25,000 per patient per year, Lupuzor™ would be 
entering a market with the potential for multi-billion sales.

ImmuPharma believes that Lupuzor™, which was invented 
by Professor Sylviane Muller, Chair of Therapeutic 
Immunology at CNRS, has the potential to be a novel 
specific first-line drug therapy for the treatment of lupus 
by specifically modulating the immune system and 
halting disease progression in a substantial proportion of 
patients. Lupuzor™, taken over the long term, is intended 
to prevent the progression of lupus rather than just 
treating its symptoms. Lupuzor™ has a unique mechanism 
of action that modulates the activity of CD4 T cells which 
are involved in the cell-mediated immune response 
which leads to the lupus disease. The Company has 
demonstrated that Lupuzor™ could leave the rest of the 
immune system working normally.

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Strategic Report (continued)
Product Pipeline (continued)

Lupuzor™ has successfully completed Phase IIb clinical 
trials demonstrating a response rate of 65% after 3 months 
treatment and has recently completed a Phase III clinical 
trial. Lupuzor™ was given a Special Protocol Assessment 
(SPA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to 
conduct Phase III trials with Fast Track Designation. In 2015, 
ImmuPharma signed an agreement with Simbec-Orion 
to complete a pivotal Phase III clinical study of Lupuzor™. 
Simbec-Orion is a full service international Clinical Research 
Organisation (CRO) specialising in rare and orphan 
conditions and has previous direct experience of lupus trials.

The Phase III trial was a double-blind, randomised, 
placebo-controlled trial. The study involved patients being 
dosed for one year, receiving 0.2mg once every month 
subcutaneously. 293 patients were screened illustrating 
the demand from physicians for a new, safe and effective 
treatment for lupus. Of these, the required 202 patients 
were successfully recruited and randomised (dosed). 
Patients participated in the trial in seven countries across 
28 sites. The dosing of patients was completed in January 
2018 and top line results announced in April 2018. Details 
of the trial can also be seen at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/
ct2/show/NCT2504645.

Nucant Program (IPP-204106) - Treatment of 
Cancer and Ophthalmology
The Nucant platform (IPP-204106) is a specific family 
of peptides designed to modulate angiogenesis with 
application in cancer (modifying the blood supply to the 
tumour) and ophthalmology (promising results were shown 

in models of age-related macular degeneration). The 
rights for this compound have been obtained through the 
Group’s ongoing research collaboration with the CNRS. 
Our cancer Nucant program is focused on combination 
therapy approaches.

Our cancer Nucant program, IPP-204106, is focused on 
combination therapy approaches and seems to act as 
a potentiating agent increasing the efficacy of cancer 
drugs such as cytotoxics by normalising the abnormal and 
protective vasculature of the tumour and thereby enabling 
the entry of cancer agents. 

In November 2016, ImmuPharma announced that Cancer 
Research, the prestigious medical journal of the American 
Association for Cancer Research (“AACR”), published 
a fundamental scientific paper highlighting the unique 
mechanism of action of IPP-204106. The publication was 
entitled “Nucleolin targeting impairs the progression of 
pancreatic cancer and promotes the normalisation of tumour 
vasculature” and was authored by a number of researchers 
working with ImmuPharma. The key findings of the study for 
this compound (referred to in the paper as N6L) were:

•  Nucleolin inhibition is a new anti-cancer therapeutic 
strategy that has been shown to dually normalise 
tumour vasculature and reduce its volume.

•  As a result, it has the potential to dramatically improve 
the delivery and efficacy of existing chemotherapeutic 
drugs, in particular those for difficult-to-treat tumours 
such as pancreatic cancer.

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Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Product Pipeline (continued)

The Group has also been awarded grants to investigate 
its use in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic 
retinopathy and other ophthalmological indications.

Peptide Technology Platform - Treatment of 
Metabolic Disorders
ImmuPharma continues the development of its novel and 
innovative peptide technology platform through its Ureka 
subsidiary collaboration with the CNRS, thereby gaining 
access to pioneering research centred on novel peptide 
drugs at the University of Bordeaux and the Institut Européen 
de Chimie et Biologie (IECB). The peptide technology 

platform has the ability to mimic protein structures, allowing 
for the preservation (or enhancement) of function while 
significantly increasing protein stability. Jointly, ImmuPharma 
and CNRS have filed a new co-owned patent controlling this 
breakthrough peptide technology. The first therapeutic area 
being targeted is diabetes with glucagon-like peptide -1 
agonists, a class of drugs for the treatment of diabetes, as well 
as initiating the development of novel peptides as glucagon 
antagonists, one of the novel approaches to treat Type I and 
Type II diabetes. ImmuPharma has received a non-refundable 
grant of approximately €600,000 to develop this technology.

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Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Review of Group Activity

As a drug development company, ImmuPharma does 
not currently have steady revenues. Its primary focus is to 
develop drug candidates sufficiently to attract a license 
partner to further develop and commercialise them. 
Therefore, at present, ImmuPharma is currently incurring 
an overall loss for the year ended 31 December 2018 of 
£7.2 million (2017: £6.2 million). During 2018, research and 
development expenditure was £4.7 million (2017: £5.1 
million) and administrative expenses were £1.7 million 
(2017: £1.5 million).

Key Performance Indicators
ImmuPharma plc is a drug discovery and development 
group. In keeping with organisations at a similar stage of 
development in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology 
sector, ImmuPharma’s main activity involves incurring 
research and development expenditure. The overall 
strategy is to maintain a tight control over cash resources 
whilst enabling controlled development of the potential 
product portfolio.

Key objectives and performance
Objective

Successfully find a suitable partner for 
and/or sufficient funding for the clinical 
development of Lupuzor™

Key progress during the period

•  £10 million of funding before expenses secured through a share placement in 

January 2018.

•  Discussions continue to be held with potential partners.

Develop potential product portfolio

•  Pivotal Phase III Lupuzor™ trial including 202 patients was completed on 
schedule in early 2018 and results announced in April and May 2018.

•  Lupuzor™ Open Label Extension study started and now complete. Results 

expected in Q2 2019.

•  Collaboration with the European Institute of Chemistry and Biology at the 

University of Bordeaux continues to develop the Group’s peptide technology 
platform.

•  Plans to merge Elro (Nucant) and Ureka (Peptide Platform) into a stronger 

combined company with a view to securing external investment either from 
private equity or a public listing on a European stock exchange.

Maintain strong cash position

•  Consolidated cash balance at 31 December 2018 was £4.9 million.

•  Share placement successfully bringing £10 million of gross proceeds into the 

Group.

•  Continued tight financial control to ensure effective overall expenditure.

16

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Principal Risks and Uncertainties

ImmuPharma operates within a complex business 
environment and an industry that is fundamentally driven 
by regulatory processes. A robust understanding of the 
risks and uncertainties involved in a pharmaceutical drug 
development business is fundamental to ImmuPharma’s 

success. The Board regularly considers these principal risks 
and uncertainties and reviews its strategies for minimising 
any adverse impact to the Company or its investors.

The principal risks and uncertainties have been grouped 
into three categories: pharmaceutical environment, 
financial and operational.

Pharmaceutical Environment Risks

Drug Development
Risk

Mitigating factors

If the clinical trials of any of ImmuPharma’s drug candidates fail, that drug 
candidate will not be marketed, which would result in a complete absence 
of revenue from the failed product. The drug development process and 
achievement of regulatory approvals is complex and uncertain. Because of 
the cost and duration of clinical trials, the Directors may decide to discontinue 
development of drug candidates that are either unlikely to show good results 
in the trials or unlikely to help advance a product to the point of a meaningful 
collaboration. Positive results from pre-clinical studies and early clinical trials 
do not ensure positive results in clinical trials designed to permit application 
for regulatory approval.

ImmuPharma’s management team 
have many years of experience in 
drug development and a robust 
understanding of the clinical trial design 
process. This experience should help 
ensure that such risks are minimised. In 
addition, ImmuPharma has established 
scientific advisors and an advisory board 
in the case of Lupuzor™.

Patent Protection

Risk

The commercial success of ImmuPharma depends to a great extent upon 
its ability to obtain patent protection for its products in Europe, the US and 
other countries and to preserve the confidentiality of its know-how. The 
successful commercialisation of its products, whether by itself or by third 
parties, as licensees or collaborators, is largely dependent on the extent of 
the intellectual property protection obtained. No assurance is given that 
ImmuPharma will develop products that are patentable, or that patents will 
be sufficiently broad in their scope to provide protection for ImmuPharma’s 
intellectual property rights and exclude competitors with similar technology. 
The commercial success of ImmuPharma is dependent, in part, on non-
infringement of patents granted to third parties. Competitors or potential 
competitors may have filed applications, or may have been granted or 
may obtain patents that may relate to products competitive with those 
of ImmuPharma. If this is the case then ImmuPharma may have to obtain 
appropriate licences under these patents or cease and/or alter certain 
activities or processes, or develop or obtain alternative technology. There can 
be no assurance that, if any licences are required, ImmuPharma will be able to 
obtain any such licences on commercially favourable terms, if at all.

Mitigating factors

Since its inception, ImmuPharma 
have developed a significant patent 
portfolio. Through its own expertise 
and by utilising external advisers, the 
Company believes that it is continually 
acting to maximise the potential for 
commercial success of its know-how 
and potential products.

Product Liability

Risks

ImmuPharma’s business exposes it to potential liability risks, which are 
inherent in research and development, manufacturing, marketing and use of 
human therapeutic products. There can be no assurance that future necessary 
insurance cover will be available to ImmuPharma at an acceptable cost, 
if at all, or that, in the event of any claim, the level of insurance carried by 
ImmuPharma now or in the future will be adequate or that a liability or other 
claim would not materially and adversely affect the business.

Mitigating Factors

ImmuPharma operate in a manner 
that factors potential liability risks into 
decision making. The Group maintains 
corporate and clinical trials insurance to 
mitigate this risk.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

17

Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Principal Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

Regulatory Framework
Risks

Mitigating factors

Changes in government regulations or enforcement policies could impose 
more stringent requirements on ImmuPharma, compliance with which could 
adversely affect its business. Failure to comply with applicable regulatory 
requirements could result in enforcement action, including withdrawal of 
marketing authorisation, injunction, seizure of products and liability for civil 
and/or criminal penalties.

It is essential that ImmuPharma comply 
with all regulatory requirements and 
it continually monitors regulatory 
developments to ensure that any issues 
are factored into decision making and 
projected timelines.

Reimbursement Policies

Risks

Mitigating factors

The ability of ImmuPharma and any of its licensees or collaborators 
to commercialise its products also depends on the extent to which 
reimbursement for the cost of such products and related treatments will 
be available from government health administration authorities, private 
health providers and other organisations. There is uncertainty as to the 
reimbursement status of newly approved healthcare products, and there is no 
assurance that adequate, or indeed any, health administration or third party 
coverage will be available to ImmuPharma or its partners to obtain satisfactory 
price levels.

By focusing on therapeutic areas 
of significant clinical unmet need, 
ImmuPharma helps ensure that potential 
products will likely be accepted. The 
Group expects that it will need to 
support any pricing policies in a manner 
acceptable to pricing/reimbursement 
authorities.

Environmental hazards

Risks

ImmuPharma and its third party contractors are subject to laws, regulations 
and policies relating to environmental protection, disposal of hazardous 
or potentially hazardous substances, healthy and safe working conditions, 
manufacturing practices and fire hazard control. There can be no assurance 
that ImmuPharma or its collaborators will not be required to incur significant 
costs to comply with future laws, regulations and policies relating to these 
or similar matters. The risk of accidental contamination or injury from certain 
materials cannot be eliminated. In the event of such an accident, ImmuPharma 
could be held liable for any damage that results and any such liability could 
exceed its resources.

Mitigating factors

ImmuPharma works with reputable 
third party organisations that provide 
assurance regarding their working 
practices and conditions. In addition, the 
Group maintains corporate insurance to 
mitigate this risk.

Mitigating factors

Lack of continuity of profits is a key 
aspect of drug development companies 
like ImmuPharma. The Group builds this 
risk into its decision making processes, 
particularly around obtaining funding.

Financial Risks

Lack of continuity of profits
Risk

While ImmuPharma was successful in licensing Lupuzor™ in 2008/2009 
which resulted in revenue of £22m during that year, in common with most 
comparable businesses in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector, 
ImmuPharma has not been consistently profitable. The Directors expect it to 
incur additional losses for the near future as its research and development 
efforts progress. To become consistently profitable, ImmuPharma must 
successfully develop drug candidates and enter into profitable agreements 
with other parties and its drug candidates must receive regulatory approval. 
ImmuPharma or these other parties must then successfully manufacture 
and market the drug candidates. It could be several years, if ever, before 
ImmuPharma receives royalties from any future licence agreements 
or revenues directly from product sales. If ImmuPharma fails to obtain 
additional financing, it may be unable to complete the development and 
commercialisation of its drug candidates or continue its research and 
development programmes.

18

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Principal Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

Raising capital
Risk

The Group may need to raise additional capital to complete the development 
and commercialisation of ImmuPharma’s current drug candidates. Additional 
funding, whether through additional sales of shares or collaborative or other 
arrangements with corporate partners or from other sources, may not be 
available when needed or on terms acceptable to it. The issuance of preferred 
or ordinary shares, or the borrowing of additional funds with terms and prices 
significantly more favourable than those of the currently available ordinary 
shares, could have the effect of diluting or adversely affecting the holdings 
or rights of existing shareholders. In addition, collaborative arrangements 
may require ImmuPharma to transfer certain material rights to such corporate 
partners. Insufficient funds may require it to delay, scale-back or eliminate 
certain of its research and development programmes.

Share price and liquidity

Risk

The share price of publicly traded biotechnology and emerging 
pharmaceutical companies can be highly volatile. The price at which the 
Company’s shares will be quoted and the price which investors may realise 
for their shares will be influenced by a large number of factors, which could 
include the performance of both ImmuPharma’s and its competitor’s research 
and development programmes, large purchases or sales of the Company’s 
shares, legislative changes in the healthcare environment and general 
economic conditions. The volume of share trading on the AIM market of the 
London Stock Exchange can be limited and this may restrict the ability of 
shareholders to dispose of their shareholding at any particular time.

Investment in shares traded on AIM is perceived to involve a higher degree of risk 
and be less liquid than investment in companies the shares of which are listed on 
the Official List. An investment in the Company’s shares may be difficult to realise. 
Prospective investors should be aware that the value of an investment in the 
Company may go down as well as up and that the market price of the Company’s 
shares may not reflect the underlying value of the Company. Investors may 
therefore realise less than, or lose all of, their investment.

This risk could impact on the Company’s ability to conduct an equity fundraising.

Operational Risks

Reliance on third parties
Risk

ImmuPharma relies heavily upon other parties (including clinical research 
organisations) for many important stages of its drug development programmes, 
including execution of some pre-clinical studies and later-stage development 
for its compounds and drug candidates, management of its clinical trials, 
including medical monitoring and data management, management of its 
regulatory function, and manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution of 
its drug candidates. Underperformance by any of these other parties could 
adversely impact the Company’s ability to operate effectively.

Reliance on key personnel
Risk

ImmuPharma is dependent on the principal members of its management 
and scientific staff. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, consultants 
and advisers will be important to its success. There can be no assurance that 
ImmuPharma will be able to recruit the new staff or retain its personnel on 
acceptable terms given the competition for such personnel from competing 
businesses. The loss of service of any of ImmuPharma’s personnel could 
impede the achievement of its objectives.

Mitigating factors

ImmuPharma remains focused on ensuring 
it has sufficient capital funds to progress 
its product portfolio. Its recent successful 
placings are testament to the Company’s 
ability to make a convincing investment 
case to shareholders. However, the 
Company remains aware of the continuing 
need to secure sufficient funding and/or to 
establish commercial revenues.

Mitigating factors

ImmuPharma maintains a transparent 
and active investor relations function that 
aims to ensure existing and potential 
investors are informed as to the Group’s 
strategy, objectives and progress.

Mitigating factors

ImmuPharma works with respected 
third party organisations and regularly 
monitors their performance.

Mitigating factors

The Board actively considers succession 
planning for its key roles.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

19

Annual Review

Strategic Report (continued)
Principal Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

Competition
Risk

ImmuPharma’s competitors include amongst others, major pharmaceutical, 
biotechnology and healthcare companies with substantially greater resources 
than those of the Group. The areas in which ImmuPharma has chosen to 
conduct its research and development are very attractive areas to all its 
competitors. There is no assurance that competitors will not succeed in 
developing products that are more effective or economical than those being 
developed by ImmuPharma or which would render its products obsolete 
and/or otherwise uncompetitive.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the drug candidates being developed 
by ImmuPharma have either a better safety profile, dosing profile and/or 
efficacy profile than products that are already marketed by its competitors and 
this may adversely affect the sales of any new products.

Mitigating factors

The Group remains aware of the 
continually evolving competitive 
landscape of the therapeutic areas in 
which it operates. This awareness is 
factored into its decision making for its 
pipeline programs.

Brexit

Risk

ImmuPharma is a UK, AIM-quoted Group with operational subsidiaries in 
France and Switzerland. The Group benefits from one EU grant and a number 
of French grants. As a Company, ImmuPharma has qualified for Enterprise 
Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust (EIS/VCT) shares based on its 
activities as a Group. There is no guarantee that the Group and Company will 
continue to be able to benefit from EU grants and EIS/VCT status in the future.

Mitigating factors

The Group continues to monitor 
and assess the implications of Brexit 
implementation. The Board actively 
considers future plans in light of the 
Brexit process.

Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains certain statements that are not 
historical facts and may be forward-looking statements 
that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. 
There are a number of important factors that could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those projected or 
suggested in any forward-looking statement made herein.

These factors include, but are not limited to: 
(i) ImmuPharma’s and/or ImmuPharma’s partners’ 
ability to successfully complete product research 
and development, including pre-clinical and clinical 
studies and commercialisation; (ii) ImmuPharma’s 
and/or ImmuPharma’s partners’ ability to obtain 
required governmental approvals, including product 
and patent approvals, the impact of pharmaceutical 
industry regulation, the difficulty of predicting FDA and 
other regulatory authority approvals, the regulatory 
environment and changes in the health policies and 
structure of various countries; (iii) the acceptance and 
demand for new pharmaceutical products and new 
discovery-enabling technologies such as the use of cells 
and (iv) ImmuPharma’s ability to attract and/or maintain 
manufacturing, sales, distribution and marketing partners; 
and (v) ImmuPharma’s and/or ImmuPharma’s partners’ 
ability to develop and commercialise products before its 
competitors and the impact of competitive products and 
pricing, the availability and pricing of ingredients used 
in the manufacture of products, uncertainties regarding 
market acceptance of innovative products newly launched, 
currently being sold or in development. In addition, 
significant fluctuations in financial results may occur as a 

result of the timing of milestone payments and the timing 
of costs and expenses related to ImmuPharma’s research 
and development programme.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no 
assurance is given as to when ImmuPharma’s products will be 
launched or licensed, or whether that launch or licensing will 
be commercially successful, and words such as “may”, “will”, 
“to”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, 
“could”, “would”, “estimate” or “continue” or the negative 
or other variations thereof or comparable terminology is 
intended to identify forward-looking statements.

If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialises, 
or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the 
Group’s actual results may vary materially from those 
expected, estimated or projected. Given these risks and 
uncertainties, potential investors should not place any 
reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the Directors nor the Company undertake any 
obligation to update forward-looking statements or risk 
factors other than as required by the AIM Rules or by 
applicable law, whether as a result of new information, 
future events or otherwise.

Tim McCarthy
Signed on behalf of the Board of ImmuPharma plc
23 May 2019

20

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Board of Directors

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

21

Annual Review

Board of Directors

Tim McCarthy, FCCA, MBA
Non-Executive Chairman

Dr Robert Zimmer, MD, PhD
President and Chief Scientific Officer

Mr McCarthy has a 35 year international business career 
in high growth biotech, healthcare and technology 
companies. He is currently Chairman and Non-Executive 
Director for a number of biotech and healthcare related 
companies, including Incanthera and Expedeonn AG. Mr 
McCarthy is also the former Chief Executive Officer and 
Finance Director of a number UK listed public and private 
companies, including Alizyme plc and Peptide Therapeutics 
Group plc, and has a core understanding of AIM and its 
regulatory processes. Co-founding a number of healthcare 
and biotechnology companies, Mr McCarthy has helped 
raise substantial amounts of equity capital and also advised 
and worked at Board level for a diverse range of companies 
internationally, in areas such as business strategy, mergers & 
acquisitions, due diligence and licensing.

Dimitri Dimitriou, MSc
Chief Executive Officer

Mr Dimitriou has over 30 years’ experience in the 
pharmaceutical and biotech industry. He was Senior 
Director, Worldwide Business Development at 
GlaxoSmithKline, where his responsibilities included 
corporate deals with pharmaceutical and biotech 
companies on a worldwide basis. He is also the founder 
and CEO of DyoDelta Biosciences Ltd, a company 
specialising in transactions between pharma and biotech 
companies. His other past positions included Senior 
Director of Business Development in Europe for Bristol-
Myers Squibb, and a number of managerial positions 
in the pharmaceutical division of Procter & Gamble and 
marketing at Novartis. He received his first degree in 
Biochemistry from King’s College prior to graduating in 
Pathology & Toxicology from the Royal Postgraduate 
Medical School (now Imperial College Medical School) in 
London in 1984.

Dr Robert Zimmer was the CEO and founder of 
ImmuPharma’s operations in Switzerland and France. He 
is a physician and obtained his MD at Strasbourg Medical 
School and his PhD at the University of Aix-Marseille. 
He became a department director at the “Fondation 
de Recherche en Hormonologie” in Paris. He began his 
career in the industry in 1985 in Roche’s headquarters 
in Basel, Switzerland responsible for numerous clinical 
studies. He was a director and head of R&D at SkyePharma 
plc. He was instrumental in the development of a 
substantial number of products for companies including 
Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott, Searle, Sanofi -Aventis 
and Lilly; some of which reached the market, such as Paxil 
CR (GSK), Xatral LP (Sanofi) and Madopar CR (Roche).

Dr Franco Di Muzio
Non-Executive Director

Dr Di Muzio has over 40 years’ experience in the 
pharmaceutical and other industries, encompassing 
international management experience in business 
development, strategic marketing, international finance, 
M&A and re-engineering businesses. After graduating 
in Economics and Business in 1963, Dr Di Muzio worked 
for Colgate Palmolive and Nestle before joining Squibb 
(now Bristol Myers Squibb) for 18 years. He then became 
Executive Vice President of BMS’ medical equipment and 
products division, Weck International Inc., in charge of 
Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. In 1990, he joined 
Glaxo Wellcome plc (now GlaxoSmithKline plc) in London 
as Area Managing Director and Head of all GW’s business 
in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Following early 
retirement from GW, in the beginning of 1998, he joined 
Alza International, the then world leader in drug delivery 
systems, as Managing Director, based in London, in charge 
of the company’s business expansion in all markets outside 
of the US and remained there until the end of 2000.

22

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Board of Directors (continued)

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

23

Annual Review

Board of Directors (continued)

Dr Stephane Mery, DVM, MBA
Non-Executive Director

Dr Stéphane Méry has extensive experience in the 
Healthcare industry. He is currently CEO of Contronics 
Ltd, which designs and sells laboratory monitoring 
equipment, and until recently he was Partner at Beringea 
LLP, a US$400m US/UK venture capital fund, where he 
was responsible for healthcare investments in Europe. 
Previously, he was the Fund Manager/CEO of the 
Bloomsbury Bioseed Fund, a Biotech and Medtech 
investment fund, which was behind the birth of successful 
companies such as Spirogen (sold to MedImmune), 
Abzema (listed on AIM), and Canbex, (recently sold to 
Ipsen). Prior to this, Stéphane was Associate Director, 
Worldwide Business Development, for GlaxoSmithKline 
(GSK) where he was responsible for the negotiation of 
several major in-license deals and acquisitions. Before 
GSK, he was involved in the start-up of Double Helix 
Development, a successful strategic consultancy company 
specialising in R&D for the biotech and healthcare industry 
and recently sold to McCann. Before this he worked as 
a management consultant at the American consultancy 
firm, ZS Associates, specialising on sales and marketing 
within the pharmaceutical industry. Stéphane is a Doctor 
in Veterinary Medicine, a trained Veterinary Pathologist, 
specialising in Nasal Toxicology at the Chemical Industry 
Institute of Toxicology (CIIT) in North Carolina, and holds 
an MBA from INSEAD (Fontainebleau).

Company Secretary
Tracy Weimar, BA, MBA
Vice President, Operations and Finance

Ms Weimar has over 20 years of experience in the 
pharmaceutical industry. Her most recent position 
was Director of Worldwide Business Development at 
GlaxoSmithKline where she was involved in a number 
of corporate licensing deals. She also held a number of 
positions in health economics, strategy development, 
sales and marketing. Prior to joining GlaxoSmithKline, 
she spent five years at Arthur Andersen in San Francisco 
and London where she was responsible for a range of 
consulting and compliance projects. Ms Weimar holds an 
MBA from London Business School and a BA in Economics 
from the University of California, Berkeley.

24

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Scientific Collaborators

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

25

Annual Review

Scientific Collaborators

Prof Sylviane Muller, PhD
Co-founder of ImmuPharma France SA

Dr Jean-Paul Briand, PhD
Co-founder of ImmuPharma France SA

Dr Briand is research director of the immunologie et 
chimie therapeutiques unit of the Centre National de la 
Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France’s scientific research 
institution, and co-inventor of the heterocyclic ureas and 
oligoureas chemistry. He has extensive industry experience 
in peptide chemistry and synthesis in Peninsula, USA 
and was also a founder of NeoMPS, a leading peptide 
development and manufacturing company.

Dr Jose Courty, PhD
Dr Courty is CNRS Research Director and head of the 
‘Croissance, Réparation et Régénération Tissulaires’, a unit 
of both the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 
and the University Paris EST Créteil. He has been working 
for several years on tumour growth and angiogenesis and 
has good expertise in the field of growth factors and the 
regulation of their biological activities. He is a co-inventor 
of ImmuPharma’s lead compound for the treatment of 
cancer IPP-204106 molecule also named Nucant.

Professor Muller earned her doctorate in sciences at 
the University of Strasbourg and focused on immune 
responses as a postdoctoral researcher at the Max 
Planck Institute for Immunobiology in Freiburg. Today, 
Prof. Muller is a research director at the Centre National 
de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and supervises over 
50 researchers at the CNRS Laboratory of Therapeutic 
Immunology and Chemistry at the Institute of Molecular 
and Cellular Biology in Strasbourg, which she has headed 
since 2001. She is also Head and Coordinator of the 
Drug Discovery Center for Cancer and Inflammation. Her 
expertise in peptide immunochemistry, combined with 
insights into the molecular and cellular pathways behind 
autoimmune disease, led to the discovery of Lupuzor™. 
Professor Muller has filed for 24 patents and published 
more than 330 papers and reviews.

Dr Gilles Guichard, PhD
Co-founder of ImmuPharma France SA

Dr Guichard is senior researcher in the chimie et 
immunologie des peptides-medicaments unit of the 
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 
France’s scientific research institution and is co-inventor 
of the heterocyclic ureas and oligoureas chemistry. He 
leads various research groups in the field of chemistry 
and peptide mimicry including one dedicated to 
the development and process improvement of the 
heterocyclic urea library. He received the CNRS bronze 
award for the excellence of his research activities and has 
made eight patented discoveries.

26

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

27

Financial and Corporate Information

Officers and Professional Advisers

Directors
Mr Tim McCarthy – Non-Executive Chairman 
Mr Dimitri Dimitriou – Chief Executive Officer 
Dr Robert Henri Zimmer – President and 
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr Franco Di Muzio – Senior Non-Executive Director
Dr Stephane Mery - Non-Executive Director 

Secretary
Tracy Weimar

Investor Relations
Lisa Baderoon

Registered Office
50 Broadway
London 
SW1H 0RG

Nominated Adviser
SPARK Advisory Partners Limited
5 St John’s Lane 
London EC1M 4BH

Joint Broker
Stanford Capital Partners
15-17 Eldon Street
London EC2M 7LD

Joint Broker
SI Capital
46 Bridge Street
Godalming
Surrey GU7 1HL

Auditors
Nexia Smith & Williamson
Chartered Accountants
25 Moorgate
London EC2R 6AY

Solicitors
BDB Pitmans
50 Broadway
London SW1H 0BL

Principal Bankers
Royal Bank of Scotland plc
62/63 Threadneedle Street
London EC2R 8LA

Registrars
Computershare Investor Services Plc
PO Box 82,
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 7NH

FPO

28

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Corporate Governance Report

The Group’s Directors recognise the importance of sound 
corporate governance. As such the Board has adopted the 
Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code 
(“the QCA Code”).

Tim McCarthy, non-executive Chairman, has assumed 
responsibility for ensuring that the Group has appropriate 
corporate governance standards and that these standards 
are applied throughout the Group.

The Board, through its adoption of the QCA Code, 
believes in the value of putting the necessary systems 
and processes in place to support the medium to long-
term delivery of the Company’s strategic objectives. The 
Board is aware of the importance of communicating these 
strategic objectives to stakeholders and in reporting 
performance in a manner that encourages constructive 
dialogue to support the production of sustainable 
value in the long term. The Board recognise their role 
in setting the strategic direction of the business as 
well as in establishing the organisation’s risk appetite. 
This is supported with a strong belief in appropriate 
accountability and performance measures. Further, the 
Board is cognisant of the key role it plays in setting the 
tone and culture of the entire Group.

The Board currently consists of 5 Directors, 2 of which are 
executive and 3 are non-executive.

The Board has considered each of the 10 principles 
contained within the QCA Code and where the Group 
does not fully comply with each principle an explanation is 
provided as to why it does not currently do so.

In addition, the Company has implemented a code of 
conduct for dealing in the shares of the Company by 
directors and employees (see Principle 9 on page 26 for 
more information).

Principle 1 – Establish a strategy and 
business model which promote long-term 
value for shareholders
ImmuPharma is an ethical organisation with the vision to 
develop novel drugs to treat serious medical conditions, 
delivering value to patients, medical professionals, 
healthcare payers and its shareholders.

ImmuPharma’s principal business objective is to 
enhance shareholder value through the development 
and commercialisation of novel drugs. Its strategies for 
achieving this objective include:

•  Pursuing a low cost model of accessing world class 

research through collaboration with the CNRS 
in France; 

•  Selecting specialist therapeutic areas where there are 

high unmet needs;

•  Managing clinical development of novel 

drug candidates;

•  Seeking collaborative agreements with partner 
companies to further the development and 
commercialisation of novel drug candidates; and

•  Maintaining a small corporate infrastructure to 

minimise costs.

Please see the Corporate Strategy section on the 
Company’s website for further information: 
http://www.immupharma.co.uk/about-us/#corporate.

Principle 2 – Seek to understand and meet 
shareholder needs and expectations
ImmuPharma strives to engage in active dialogue with 
shareholders through regular communication including 
investor events, participation in conferences, the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting, any General Meetings that are 
held throughout the year and one-on-one discussions.

Over the past 12 months, ImmuPharma’s shareholder 
communications have included participation at investor 
events (e.g. UK Investor Show, Biotech and Money 
Conference), regular announcements regarding the 
Company’s clinical trial progress, the Annual General 
Meeting and numerous one-on-one meetings.

ImmuPharma also provides shareholders with specific 
contact information on the Company’s website 
(www.immupharma.co.uk).

Principle 3 – Take into account wider 
stakeholder and social responsibilities and 
their implications for long-term success.
The Board recognises the importance of its wider 
stakeholders – employees, contractors, suppliers, 
regulators and advisors – to its long-term success. The 
Board has established expectations that these key 
resources and relationships are valued and monitored. In 
particular, the Company’s business model of outsourcing 
clinical trials requires reliable dialogue with contractors 
to ensure the success pursuit of long-term strategic 
objectives. Furthermore, the Board actively seek to 
engage regularly with our corporate advisers to ensure 
proactive communication regarding the Company’s 
activities. In doing so, the Company is able to take any 
feedback into account and adjust its actions accordingly to 
ensure it stays focused on long-term performance.

The Board recognise that the Company operates within 
the wider pharmaceutical industry and strives to remain 
alert to developments in a wider industry/society context. 

Principle 4 – Embed effective risk 
management, considering both opportunities 
and threats, throughout the organisation
ImmuPharma operates within a complex business environment 
and an industry that is fundamentally driven by regulatory 
processes. The Board has set out its understanding of the 
principal risks and uncertainties in its Strategic Report and 
regularly reviews its strategies for minimising any adverse 
impact to the Company or its investors.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

29

Financial and Corporate Information

Corporate Governance Report (continued)

Risk assessment is a priority for the Board. The major risks 
to the business are laid out in detail in the Company’s 
Strategic Report on pages 10 - 20. They concern mainly 
the control and timely progress of clinical trials and 
the obtaining of regulatory approval and profitable 
agreements with other parties, with adequate financial 
resources to achieve these objectives. 

Principle 5 – Maintain the board as a 
well-functioning, balanced team led by 
the Chairman
The Board members have a collective responsibility and 
legal obligation to promote the interests of the company.

In the table below, details of the Board of Directors 
are summarised:

Name
Mr Tim 
McCarthy

Mr Dimitri 
Dimitriou

Dr Robert 
Zimmer

Dr Franco di 
Muzio

Dr Stephane 
Mery

Title
Non-
Executive 
Chairman
Chief 
Executive 
Officer
President 
and Chief 
Scientific 
Officer
Senior 
Non-
Executive 
Director
Non-
Executive 
Director

Committee 
Memberships

Independent
X

X

X

Audit, 
Remuneration

Audit, 
Remuneration

Brief biographies of each Director are set out on pages 22 
and 24. The Company believes that the skills and experience 
of each Director are of the appropriate mix to provide 
effective governance and management of the business. 
The Board is supported in its governance and finance 
responsibilities by Tracy Weimar, Company Secretary and Vice 
President, Operations & Finance and who is not a Director.

The Board is supported by a team of Scientific Collaborators, 
further details of which can be found on page 26.

The Board considers the non-executive directors to be 
independent and to represent the interests of shareholders. 
The independent Directors have considerable relevant 
experience to sufficiently question and hold the executive 
directors to account. The Board continues to consider 
Franco di Muzio as independent given his limited ties to 
the Company, extensive experience and ability to exercise 
independent judgement.

Each Director is required to devote as much time is required 
to carry out the roles and responsibilities required.

The Company has adopted the practice of requiring all 
directors to be subject to re-election every three years.

The executive Directors are employed under service 
agreements requiring 12 months’ notice by either party. 
Non-executive directors and the Chairman receive 
payments under appointment letters which are terminable 
by six months’ notice by either party.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year with 
all decisions concerning the direction and control of 
the business made by a quorum of the Board. As of 
31 December 2018, the Board met 11 times with the 
attendance records of the directors as follows:

Mr Tim McCarthy, Non-Executive Chairman – 11/11
Mr Dimitri Dimitriou, Chief Executive Officer – 11/11
Dr Robert Zimmer, President and Chief Scientific 
Officer – 11/11
Dr Franco di Muzio, Senior Non-Executive Director – 11/11
Dr Stephane Mery, Non-Executive Director – 10/11

Principle 6 – Ensure that between them the 
Directors have the necessary up-to-date 
experience, skills and capabilities
Please refer to Director biographies on pages 22 and 24.

Principle 7 – Evaluate board performance 
based on clear and relevant objectives, 
seeking continuous improvement
Internal evaluation of the Board, the Audit Committee and 
Remuneration Committee as well as individual Directors 
is undertaken on an informal basis at present. The target 
is to develop a more formal review process and begin 
implementation during 2019. It is likely that the review 
will take the form of peer appraisal, questionnaires and 
discussions to determine the overall effectiveness of 
individual directors and the Board as a whole. Specific 
consideration will be given to evaluating the continued 
independence of the Group’s non-executive Directors.

Principle 8 – Promote a corporate culture that 
is based on ethical values and behaviours
The Board recognises its role in establishing and 
monitoring not only the strategic direction and risk 
appetite but also the tone and culture of the organisation. 
As a pharmaceutical drug development company, an 
ethical approach is essential. As such, the Board places 
great importance on the serious pursuit of therapeutic 
innovation and making effective use of limited resources. It 
applies to the directors as well as all group employees and 
consultants. It is a key belief of the company and helps to 
define its competitive advantage in relation to its peers.

Principle 9 – Maintain governance structures 
and processes that are fit for purpose and 
support good decision-making by the board
The Board is responsible for long-term success of the 
Company. There is a schedule of matters reserved for the 
Board that guides the Board’s activities.

30

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Corporate Governance Report (continued)

An Audit Committee and a Remuneration Committee 
have been established with formally delegated 
duties and responsibilities. As summarised under 
Principle 5, the members of both committees are the 
Non-Executive Directors.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which determines the engagement of 
the Company’s auditors and, in consultation with them, the 
scope of their audit. The Audit Committee meets a minimum 
of two times per year. The Audit Committee receives 
and reviews reports from management and the auditors 
relating to the interim and annual financial statements and 
the accounting and internal control systems in use by the 
Company. It has unrestricted access to the auditors.

The Board and the Audit Committee review the need for 
an internal audit function on an annual basis and currently 
do not consider it to be necessary at this stage in the 
Company’s development.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for the 
Group’s system of internal financial controls. They have 
not, during the year ended 31 December 2018, carried 
out a formal review of internal financial controls in view of 
the small size of the Board and employees. The Group’s 
financial reporting arrangements are designed to provide 
the Directors with reasonable assurance that problems are 
identified on a timely basis and dealt with appropriately.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee reviews the scale and 
structure of the Executive Directors’ remuneration and 
benefits and the terms of their service contracts. The 
remuneration of the non-executive Directors is determined 
by the Board as a whole. 

The Committee has formal terms of reference and meets 
at least twice a year. It is the duty of the Committee, inter 
alia, to determine and agree with the Board the framework 
or broad policy for the remuneration of the Company’s 
executive Board members. The remuneration packages 

are designed to motivate and retain executive directors to 
ensure the continuing development of the Company and 
to reward them for enhancing value to shareholders. 

Nominations Committee
The Directors consider that the Company is not currently 
of a size to warrant the need for a separate nominations 
committee and any decisions which would usually be 
taken by the nomination committee will be taken by the 
Board as a whole.

Share Dealing Code
The Company has adopted a Share Dealing Code given 
the importance of having a clear and effective policy that 
sets out the rules and procedures for share dealings by the 
Directors and other applicable employees.

Principle 10 – Communicate how the company 
is governed and is performing by maintaining 
a dialogue with shareholders and other 
relevant stakeholders.
The Board is committed to maintaining good 
communication with its shareholders and in promoting 
effective dialogue regarding the Company’s strategic 
objectives and performance. Institutional shareholders and 
analysts have the opportunity to discuss issues and provide 
feedback via meetings with the Company. The Annual 
General Meeting and any other General Meetings that are 
held throughout the year are for shareholders to attend and 
question the Directors on the Company’s performance. 

Extensive information is provided on the Company’s 
website, www.immupharma.com and the Company has 
email and twitter accounts: investors@immupharma.com

ImmuPharma also periodically holds Investor Evenings to 
meet with shareholders and provide updates on corporate 
developments.

The Directors also periodically promote ImmuPharma’s 
activities, following the publication of regulatory 
announcements, through various media platforms such as 
Directors Talk, VOX Markets and Proactive Investors.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

31

Financial and Corporate Information

Directors’ Report

Company Number: 03929567
The directors present their report and the audited financial statements of ImmuPharma plc (the “Company”, and 
collectively with the subsidiary companies, the “Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Principal activities
The principal activity of the Group and Company in the year under review was that of pharmaceutical research and 
development.

Results and Dividends
The Consolidated Income Statement is set out on page 39.

The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

Business review, research and development and future developments
The Strategic Report includes a review of the business, as well as a commentary regarding research and development, and 
future developments (see page 10). The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group are considered on pages 17 to 20. 

Subsequent Events
Details of subsequent events are given in note 24 of the financial statements.

Directors
The following directors of the Company have held office since 1 January 2018:

Mr Tim McCarthy
Mr Dimitri Dimitriou
Dr Robert Henri Zimmer
Dr Franco Di Muzio
Dr Stephane Mery

Directors Remuneration
The following amounts were payable to the Directors of ImmuPharma plc across the Group in relation to the year ended 
31 December 2018:

Director

Tim McCarthy
Dimitri Dimitriou
Robert Zimmer
Franco di Muzio
Stephane Mery

Total

Salary/Fees 
£

Cash Benefits 
£

Total 
remuneration 
2018 
£

Total 
remuneration 
2017 
£

260,000
244,091
398,802
55,047
45,000

-
61,023
99,701
-
-

260,000
305,114
498,503
55,047
45,000

260,000
308,474
494,326
56,261
45,000

1,002,940

160,724

1,163,664

1,164,061

The Company does not operate a pension plan, health plan or company car plan. The Company has considered the 
pensions auto-enrolment legislation in this ongoing position. Directors are paid a cash benefit as detailed in the table 
above and encouraged to make their own arrangements. There were no bonus payments to directors in 2018. As 
referred to in note 22, the £165,114 received by D Dimitriou and the £260,000 received by T McCarthy in lieu of directors’ 
fees for the year ended 31 December 2018 are included in the table above.

32

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Directors’ Report (continued)

The following share options were outstanding to the directors of ImmuPharma plc in relation to the year ended 
31 December 2018 (see note 20 for more detail):

Options 
granted on 
4 February 
2009

Options 
granted 
on 2 June 
2016

Options 
granted on 
30 March 
2017

Options 
granted on 
12 July 
2017

Options 
granted on 
24 November 
2017

Share 
options 
outstanding 
2018

Share 
options 
outstanding 
2017

-
140,000
150,000
100,000
-

500,000
-
-
100,000
100,000

-
1,000,000
1,000,000
-
-

1,000,000
-
-
200,000
200,000

1,500,000
1,500,000
1,500,000
300,000
300,000

3,000,000
2,640,000
2,650,000
700,000
600,000

3,000,000
2,640,000
2,650,000
700,000
600,000

390,000

700,000

2,000,000

1,400,000

5,100,000

9,590,000

9,590,000

Director

Tim McCarthy
Dimitri Dimitriou
Robert Zimmer
Franco di Muzio
Stephane Mery

Total

Third party indemnity provision for directors
Qualifying third party indemnity provision for the benefit for 5 directors was in force during the financial year and as at 
the date this report is approved.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 30 April 2019, the Directors are not aware of any interest of 3% or more in the share capital of the Company other 
than the person noted below.

Dr Robert Zimmer

Number of 
ordinary 10p 
shares

25,344,514

% of issued 
share capital

Options to 
acquire ordinary 
shares

18.17%

2,650,000

Financial instruments and financial risk management
Information regarding the use of financial instruments and the approach to financial risk management is detailed in notes 
1 and 2 of the financial statements.

Disclosure of information to the auditors
In the case of each person who was a director at the time this report was approved they have:

•  taken all the necessary steps to make themselves aware of any information relevant to the audit and to establish that 

the auditors are aware of that information; and 

•  so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors have not been made aware.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Auditors
A resolution to reappoint the auditors, Nexia Smith & Williamson, will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board
Tracy Weimar
Secretary
23 May 2019

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

33

Financial and Corporate Information

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors 
have elected to prepare the group and parent company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent 
company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under company 
law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of 
the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing 
these financial statements, the directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•  make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•  state that the financial statements comply with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union subject to any material 

departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company 

will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and 
the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and 
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are also responsible for ensuring that they meet their responsibilities under the AIM Rules.

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

34

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of ImmuPharma plc
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of ImmuPharma plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated and 
Company Statements of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position, 
the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash 
Flows, and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Parent Company financial statements, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 

31 December 2018 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended; 

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union;

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

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

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group and Parent Company in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as 
applied to SME listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

•  the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not 

appropriate; or

•  the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt about the Group’s or the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for 
a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Emphasis of matter – Fair value of Group’s and Parent Company’s other investments, carrying 
value of Parent Company’s investments in subsidiaries and Parent Company’s receivables due 
from group undertakings
We draw attention to the disclosures made in note 12 to the Group financial statements concerning the fair value of the 
investment in Incanthera Limited, the disclosures made in note 12 and 13 to the Parent Company financial statements 
concerning the fair value of the investment in Incanthera Limited and the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries. We 
also draw your attention to the disclosures made in note 14 to the Parent Company financial statements concerning the 
carrying value of the receivables due from group undertakings. The fair value of the £2 million investment in Incanthera 
Limited is based on the use of a discounted cash flow model. The carrying value of £39.5 million investments in subsidiaries 
and £9.5 million receivables due from group undertakings is dependent on future sales within the Group, which are 
dependent on obtaining regulatory approval and being taken to market, including their successful commercialisation. 

The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot presently be determined, and the Group and Parent Company financial 
statements do not reflect any adjustments that may be required if the fair value of the £2 million investment in Incanthera 
Limited proves inaccurate or the £39.5 million investments in subsidiaries and £9.5 million receivables due from group 
undertakings cannot be recovered in full. Our opinion is not modified in respect of these matters.

Key audit matters
We identified the key audit matters described below as those that were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current period. Key audit matters include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement, 
including those risks that had the greatest effect on our overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and 
the direction of the efforts of the audit team.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

35

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of ImmuPharma plc (continued)

In addressing these matters, we have performed the procedures below which were designed to address the matters in 
the context of the financial statements as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon. Consequently, we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these individual matters.

Going concern
Description of risk

The Group does not generate any cash from revenue, aside from receiving grants, as its pipeline products are currently at 
research and development stage. The Group is therefore reliant on external funding in order to finance its operations, as 
explained further by management in their assessment of principal risks and uncertainties, within the Strategic Report on 
page 19. If the Group is unable to raise sufficient funds, there is a risk that it will not be able to continue as a going concern.

How the matter was addressed in the audit and key observations arising with respect to that risk 
We considered management’s assessment of the Group to continue as a going concern and as part of our procedures we:

•  Reviewed the future cash flow forecasts prepared by management, including under different scenarios, and 

challenged the inputs and assumptions included in the forecasts. Where appropriate we corroborated the inputs and 
assumptions to supporting information.

•  Enquired with management the future plans and funding requirements for the research and development 

programme on the current product development and corroborated to supporting information.

•  Reviewed the current cash reserves compared to the cash outflows required over the next 12 months from the date of 

signing the annual report.

Carrying value of the Parent Company’s investment in subsidiaries and receivables due from 
group companies (see note 13 and note 14)
Description of risk

The Parent Company has significant balances relating to investments in subsidiaries and receivables due from 
group companies.

The investments are largely represented by the ownership of ImmuPharma (France) SA, Elro Pharma SARL and Ureka 
SARL and amounts owed by those companies. The carrying value of the investment in and receivables due from those 
companies is underpinned by the future financial viability of those companies.

How the matter was addressed in the audit and key observations arising with respect to that risk

We reviewed management’s assessment of impairment of investments in subsidiaries and the recoverability of 
receivables due from group companies. We challenged assumptions and assertions made by management in their 
assessment and considered whether the presence of impairment indicators should result in an impairment charge.

As part of our procedures we:

•  Discussed with management the underlying future planned activities, including research and development 

programmes, for ImmuPharma (France) SA, Elro Pharma SARL and Ureka SARL.

•  Considered the implications of market capital being below the carrying amount as an indicator of impairment.

•  Reviewed any third party reports such as investor analysis.

•  Reviewed working papers and discussion with component auditor relating to the assessment of the viability and 

going concern of ImmuPharma (France) SA, Elro Pharma SARL and Ureka SARL.

•  Reviewed the discounted cash flow model for valuation purposes. The assumptions to which the model was most 
sensitive were the discount rate, growth rates, exchange rates, tax rate and probability weighting of successful 
product launches. As part of this work we corroborated where reasonably practical management’s assumptions with 
reference to historical data and external data.

•  Performed sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions used in the model.

•  Corroborated management’s assertions where reasonably practicable, such as discussions with the component auditor.

36

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of ImmuPharma plc (continued)

Investment in Incanthera Limited
Description of risk

As described in note 12, the Group and Parent Company has an investment in Incanthera Limited stated at £2million. 
The investment is stated at its fair value at the year-end which was based on a discounted cash flow model.

How the matter was addressed in the audit and key observations arising with respect to that risk

We reviewed management’s assessment of the fair value of the investment. We challenged assumptions and assertions 
made by management in their assessment of the fair value.

As part of our procedures we:

•  Reviewed the accounting treatment of the investment in Incanthera Limited.

•  Reviewed the discounted cash flow model for valuation purposes. The assumptions to which the model was most 
sensitive were the discount rate, probability weighting of successful product launches, royalty rates and exchange 
rates. As part of this work we corroborated where reasonably practical management’s assumptions with reference to 
historical data and external data. We also discussed with our internal valuation specialists the appropriateness of the 
fair value of the investment.

•  Performed sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions used in the model.

Materiality
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £795,000. This has been determined 
with reference to the benchmark of the Group’s gross expenditure, which we consider to be one of the principal 
considerations for members of the Parent Company in assessing the performance of the Group. Materiality represents 
10% of the Group’s gross expenditure as presented on the face of the Consolidated Income Statement.

The materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a whole was set at £636,000. This has been determined 
with reference to the benchmark of the Parent Company’s total assets, which we consider to be an appropriate measure 
as the Parent Company exists only as a holding company for the Group and carries on no trade in its own right. Materiality 
represents 1% of total assets as presented on the face of the Parent Company’s Statement of Financial Position.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Of the Group’s five reporting components, three were subject to audit for group reporting purposes. The three 
components covered: 80% of Group revenue, 94% of Group loss before tax and 96% of Group net assets.

For the remaining components, we performed analysis at a Group level to re-examine our assessment that there were no 
significant risks of material misstatement within these.

Two out of the three components subject to audit were based in France and their audits were carried out by a 
component auditor in France. We held a telephone meeting with the component auditor in France as part of planning 
and discussed the component auditor’s risk assessments and directed their planned audit approach. In addition to this 
meeting, we sent detailed instructions to the component audit teams and reviewed their key audit working papers.

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

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

37

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of ImmuPharma plc (continued)

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial 

statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and their environment obtained 
in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

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

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 

been received from branches not visited by us; or

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

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

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

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 34, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such 
internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

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

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

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

Andrew Bond 
Senior Statutory Auditor, for and on behalf of 
Nexia Smith & Williamson 
Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants 

25 Moorgate
London
EC2R 6AY

23 May 2019

38

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Consolidated Income Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Continuing operations

Revenue

Research and development expenses

Administrative expenses

Share based expense

Operating loss

Finance costs

Finance income

Loss before taxation

Tax

Loss for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent company

Loss per ordinary share

Basic and diluted

Notes

1 & 3

5

6

7

8

9

Year 
ended 
31 December 
2018 
£

Year 
ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

81,281

(4,697,284)

(1,660,408)

(1,803,769)

150,462

(5,121,388)

(1,520,356)

(742,752)

(8,080,180)

(7,234,034)

(4,783)

129,808

(3,858)

240,447

(7,955,155)

(6,997,445)

748,606

774,244

(7,206,549)

(6,223,201)

(7,206,549)

(6,223,201)

(5.19p)

(4.75p)

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Loss for the financial year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Year 
ended 
31 December  
2018 
£

Year 
ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

(7,206,549)

(6,223,201)

(88,256)

(88,256)

(91,568)

(91,568)

(7,294,805)

(6,314,769)

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

39

Financial and Corporate Information

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 31 December 2018

Notes

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Financial asset

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current tax asset

Total current assets

Current liabilities

Financial liabilities - borrowings

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities

Financial liabilities - borrowings

Provisions

Net assets

EQUITY

Ordinary shares

Share premium

Merger reserve

Other reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

16

18

19

483,039

164,661

2,000,000

2,647,700

331,487

4,911,448

767,121

482,268

161,399

-

643,667

736,212

2,729,468

907,916

6,010,056

4,373,596

(98,340)

(913,907)

-

(142,393)

(929,569)

(57,517)

(1,012,247)

(1,129,479)

4,997,809

3,244,117

(22,470)

-

(117,297)

(195,989)

7,623,039

3,574,498

13,946,744

27,320,145

106,148

(991,998)

13,252,299

18,728,519

106,148

(2,961,017)

(32,758,000)

(25,551,451)

7,623,039

3,574,498

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 23 May 2019.
They were signed on its behalf by:

Robert Zimmer

Director

Dimitri Dimitriou

Director

40

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Share 
capital 
£

Share 
premium 
£

Merger 
reserve 
£

Other  
reserves - 
Acquisition 
reserve 
£

Other 
reserves - 
Translation 
reserve 
£

Other 
reserves - 
Equity shares 
to be issued 
£

Retained 
earnings 
£

Total 
equity 
£

At 1 January 2017

12,463,836 15,678,054 106,148

(3,541,203)

(1,609,673)

1,777,131 (19,328,250) 5,546,043

Loss for the 
financial year

Exchange differences 
on translation of 
foreign operation

Transactions with 
owners: Share 
based payments

New issue of equity 
capital

Costs of new issue of 
equity capital

-

-

-

-

-

-

788,463

3,311,542

-

(261,077)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(91,568)

-

-

-

-

-

504,296

-

-

(6,223,201)

(6,223,201)

-

-

-

-

(91,568)

504,296

4,100,005

(261,077)

At 31 December 2017

13,252,299 18,728,519 106,148

(3,541,203)

(1,701,241)

2,281,427 (25,551,451) 3,574,498

Loss for the 
financial year

Exchange differences 
on translation of 
foreign operations

Transactions with 
owners: Share 
based payments

New issue of 
equity capital

Costs of new issue of 
equity capital

-

-

-

-

-

-

694,445

9,305,555

-

(713,929)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(88,256)

-

-

-

-

-

2,057,275

-

-

(7,206,549)

(7,206,549)

-

-

(88,256)

2,057,275

- 10,000,000

-

(713,929)

At 31 December 2018

13,946,744 27,320,145 106,148

(3,541,203)

(1,789,497)

4,338,702 (32,758,000) 7,623,039

Attributable to:-

Equity holders of the 
parent company

13,946,744 27,320,145 106,148

(3,541,203)

(1,789,497)

4,338,702 (32,758,000) 7,623,039

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

41

Financial and Corporate Information

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash used in operations

Tax received

Interest paid

Net cash used in operating activities

Investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of investments

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

(Decrease)/increase in bank overdraft

Loan repayments

Settlements from Sharing Agreement

Gross proceeds from issue of new share capital

Share capital issue costs

Net cash generated from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Notes

21

6

7

15

15

Year 
ended 
31 December  
2018 
£

Year 
ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

(5,606,138)

889,787

(4,783)

(5,439,079)

1,021,915

(3,858)

(4,721,134)

(4,421,022)

(102,880)

(2,000,000)

12,491

(2,090,389)

(72)

(138,809)

-

10,000,000

(713,929)

9,147,190

2,335,667

2,729,468

(153,687)

(25,491)

-

772

(24,719)

(290)

(114,386)

1,667,380

4,100,005

(261,077)

5,391,632

945,891

1,876,718

(93,141)

4,911,448

2,729,468

42

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Company Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Loss for the financial year

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Year 
ended 
31 December 
2018 
£

Year 
ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

(3,159,748)

(1,769,478)

(3,159,748)

(1,769,478)

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

43

Financial and Corporate Information

Company Statement of Financial Position

as at 31 December 2018

Notes

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Financial asset

Investment in subsidiaries

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities

Provisions

Net assets

EQUITY

Ordinary shares

Share premium

Merger reserve

Equity shares to be issued

Retained earnings

Total equity

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

18

19

16,590

2,000,000

39,472,023

19,222

-

39,225,431

41,488,613

39,244,653

9,566,666

4,379,345

5,935,536

2,211,018

13,946,011

8,146,554

(229,536)

-

(229,536)

(116,211)

(57,517)

(173,728)

13,716,475

7,972,826

-

(195,989)

55,205,088

47,021,490

13,946,744

27,320,145

19,093,750

4,338,702

(9,494,253)

13,252,299

18,728,519

19,093,750

2,281,427

(6,334,505)

55,205,088

47,021,490

The Company’s loss for the year ended 31 December 2018 was £3,159,748 (2017: loss of £1,769,748).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 23 May 2019.

They were signed on its behalf by:

Robert Zimmer

Director

Dimitri Dimitriou

Director

44

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Share 
capital 
£

Share 
premium 
£

Merger 
reserve 
£

Equity  
shares to be  
issued 
£

Retained 
earnings 
£

Total 
equity 
£

At 1 January 2017

12,463,836 15,678,054 19,093,750

1,777,131

(4,565,027) 44,447,744

Loss for the financial year

Transactions with owners: 
Share based payments

-

-

-

-

New issue of equity

788,463

3,311,542

Cost of new issue of equity capital

-

(261,077)

-

-

-

-

-

(1,769,478)

(1,769,478)

504,296

-

-

-

-

-

504,296

4,100,005

(261,077)

At 31 December 2017

13,252,299 18,728,519 19,093,750

2,281,427

(6,334,505) 47,021,490

Loss for the financial year

Transactions with owners: 
Share based payments

-

-

-

New issue of equity

694,445

9,305,555

Costs of new issue of equity capital

-

(713,929)

-

-

-

-

-

(3,159,748)

(3,159,748)

2,057,275

-

2,057,275

-

-

- 10,000,000

-

(713,929)

At 31 December 2018

13,946,744 27,320,145 19,093,750

4,338,702

(9,494,253) 55,205,088

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

45

Financial and Corporate Information

Company Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2018

Notes

21

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash used in operations

Interest paid

Investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of investments

Finance income

Loans issued

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities

Gross proceeds from issue of share capital

Share capital issue costs

Settlements from Sharing Agreement

Net cash generated from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

15

15

Year 
ended 
31 December  
2018 
£

Year 
ended 
31 December  
2017 
£

(1,541,381)

(4,663)

(1,546,044)

(5,100)

(2,000,000)

12,451

(3,579,049)

(5,571,698)

10,000,000

(713,929)

-

9,286,069

2,168,327

2,211,018

4,379,345

(1,169,104)

(3,416)

(1,172,520)

(14,598)

-

720

(3,565,043)

(3,578,921)

4,100,005

(261,077)

1,667,380

5,506,308

754,866

1,456,152

2,211,018

46

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  

for the year ended 31 December 2018

ImmuPharma plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company registered in England and Wales (company number 
03929567). The Company is limited by shares and the registered office of the Company is located at 50 Broadway, 
London SW1H 0RG. ImmuPharma plc and its subsidiaries focus on the research, development and commercialisation of 
pioneering and novel drugs in specialist therapeutic areas within the pharmaceutical industry. 

1 

Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. They have all been applied consistently throughout the 
financial years contained in these financial statements. 

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and on a going concern basis. 
Further commentary on the Group’s plan for the continuing funding of activities is provided in the Strategic Report.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not 
to publish its individual Income Statement and related notes. 

Going concern
Information on the Group’s product pipeline and the factors underpinning the Group’s future prospects are 
included in the Chairman’s Statement and Strategic Report. The directors confirm that they are satisfied that 
the Group has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future, which for these purposes 
consider to be at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements, based on the current 
cash resources available, For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting practice requires 
management to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as 
well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses during the reporting year. 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, 
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Management have had to make judgements in the following areas:

•  Financial instruments – fair value measurement

  A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group’s financial statements require measurement at, 
and/or disclosure of, fair value. The fair value measurement of the Group’s financial and non-financial 
assets and liabilities utilises market observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in 
determining fair value measurements are categorised into different levels based on how observable the 
inputs used in the valuation technique utilised are (the ‘fair value hierarchy’): 

- Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted) 

- Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs 

- Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data). 

  The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that 

has a significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are 
recognised in the period they occur.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

47

 
 
 
Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

1 

Accounting policies (continued)
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

•  Financial asset – Other investments 

The Group and Company hold approximately 15% of the issued share capital in Incanthera Limited. 
Judgement is required to assess whether the holding in Incanthera Limited should be accounted as an 
investment in an associate or accounted at fair value.

In assessing the above, the directors have considered that although T McCarthy is a director and 
shareholder of the Company and also a director and shareholder of Incanthera Limited, the Company 
has no significant influence over Incanthera Limited and therefore the investment in Incanthera Limited 
is recognised at fair value.

•  Share options and related National Insurance provision 

As described under the accounting policy on provisions on page 51, a provision is recognised for 
National Insurance contributions on share option gains. There is an accounting policy judgement 
required regarding whether the provision should be recognised fully on the date the share options were 
granted or spread over the vesting period of the share options. The accounting policy adopted is to 
recognise the provision over the vesting period.

Management have applied estimates the following areas:

•  Investment in Subsidiaries
  For the Company Statement of Financial Position, management has considered whether there has been  

any impairment to the carrying value and has applied estimates including taking account of various 
factors and available evidence in assessing the recoverable amounts in arriving at the conclusion.

  At 31 December 2018, the Company’s investment in its subsidiary, ImmuPharma SAS, was £30,173,140. 
The directors have assessed the carrying value of the Company’s investment in subsidiaries taking into 
account the various factors and available evidence as at that date and concluded that no impairment is 
required against this investment at the year-end date. 

•  Amounts owed by group undertakings
  For the Company Statement of Financial Position, management needs to consider whether these 

balances are recoverable or an impairment is required and applies estimates including taking account 
of various factors and available evidence in arriving at the conclusion. 

  At 31 December 2018, ImmuPharma Plc was due £7,736,887 from its subsidiary ImmuPharma SAS. At that 

date, Immupharma SAS had net liabilities of £7,272,797 and is not in a position to repay this balance without 
realising value from its intangible investment in Lupuzor™. Following the announcement of the results of the 
Lupuzor™ clinical trial during the year, the directors have reviewed the future prospects of ImmuPharma SAS 
using information which would have been available at 31 December 2018 and believe that going forward, 
there is sufficient value in its underlying activities and will generate sufficient cash to enable this balance to 
be repaid. As a result, no impairment of this debt is considered necessary at the year-end date.

•  Financial asset – Other Investments
  For the Group and Company Statement of Financial Position, the £2 million investment in Incanthera 

Limited is stated at fair value as at 31 December 2018 and is based on the use of discounted cash flow 
valuation model. The valuation model requires the use of estimates and assumptions in respect of the 
inputs included in the model. See note 12 for further details.

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
(a)  New and amended Standards and Interpretations adopted by the Group and Company
There were a number of Amendments to Standards adopted in the current year, but none of these had a material 
impact on the Group in the current period.

IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” has been effective for the current year ended 31 December 2018, the main impact 
of which being the impact on the classification of financial assets. The adoption of this standard has not had a 
material impact as at 1 January 2018 on the consolidated financial statements. For the year ended 31 December 
2018 the financial assets as described in note 12, the directors have made an irrevocable election to classify the 
financial asset as Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income.

48

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

 
Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

1 

Accounting policies (continued)
Changes in accounting policies and disclosures (continued)
IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” has been effective for the year ended 31 December 2018. The 
adoption of this standard has not had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Certain of these standards and interpretations will require additional disclosures over and above those currently 
included in these financial statements in the period of application.

(b) New and amended Standards and Interpretations issued but not effective for the financial year beginning 

1 January 2018

There were a number of Amendments to Standards not yet effective in the current year, but none of these are 
expected to have a material impact on the Group in the following period.

IFRS 16 “Leases” will be effective for the year ending 31 December 2019 onwards and the impact on the financial 
statements is not expected to be material.

Basis of consolidation
Both the consolidated and the Company’s financial statements are for the year ended 31 December 2018 and 
present comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2017. All intra-group transactions, balances, 
income and expenditure are eliminated upon consolidation.

The Group’s financial statements incorporate the financial statements of ImmuPharma plc and other entities 
controlled by the Company (‘the subsidiaries’). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the 
financial and operating policies of an investee entity to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of 
these other entities cease to be included in the Group financial statements from the date that control ceases.

Revenue
Grant income
Revenue is recognised under IAS 20 and relates to grants received by Ureka SARL, Elro Pharma SARL and 
ImmuParma plc (in respect of work to be undertaken by Elro Pharma SARL). In respect of certain grants, the 
proportion of the grant received recognised as revenue in the year is based upon the proportion of the relevant 
project costs actually incurred as at the year-end, compared with the projected total costs over the life of that 
project. For other grants, the amount of grant receivable is based upon the costs of specific research staff and in 
respect of these grants, the amount recognised as revenue is matched to the cost incurred.

Foreign currency
i) Income statement 
The presentational and functional currency of ImmuPharma plc is sterling (£). Transactions in foreign currency are 
recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary 
assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the 
reporting date. Any gains or losses arising on translation are taken to the Income Statement as finance income 
or costs. 

ii) Translation reserve
The main functional currencies of the overseas subsidiaries are the Euro and the Swiss Franc. On consolidation, 
the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on 
the reporting date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period unless 
exchange rates fluctuate significantly. Exchange differences arising are classified as equity and transferred to the 
Group’s translation reserve. Such cumulative translation differences are recognised as income or as expenses in 
the period in which the operation is disposed of.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

49

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

1 

Accounting policies (continued)
Taxation
The tax expense or credit represents the sum of the tax currently payable and any deferred tax less tax credits 
recognised in relation to research and development tax incentives. 

The tax currently receivable is based on tax credits for the year. Taxable loss differs from net loss as reported in 
the Income Statement as it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years 
and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Company’s receivable for current tax is 
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the year-end date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of 
taxable profit, and is accounted for using the Statement of Financial Position liability method. Deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible 
temporary differences can be utilised. 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is 
no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Investments in subsidiaries 
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less any provision for impairment.

Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment in a subsidiary 
undertaking may not be recoverable the investment is reviewed for impairment. An investment’s carrying value is 
written down to its estimated recoverable amount if that is less than the investment’s carrying amount.

Intangible assets 
Research and development expenditure is charged to the Income Statement in the period in which it is incurred. 
Development expenditure is capitalised when the criteria for recognising an asset are met, usually when a regulatory 
filing has been made in a major market and approval is considered highly probable. Property, plant and equipment 
used for research and development is capitalised and depreciated in accordance with the Group’s policy.

In process research and development acquired as part of a business combination is recognised separately from 
goodwill where the associated project meets the definition of an intangible asset and its fair value can be measured 
reliably. In process, research and development assets arising because of a business combination are amortised on a 
straight-line basis over their useful lives from the point in time at which the asset is available for use. 

Patents are stated at purchase cost and are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 
15 years from the date of patent registration. 

Property, plant and equipment
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, net of depreciation and provision for any impairment. Depreciation is 
calculated to write off the cost of all tangible fixed assets to estimated residual value by equal annual instalments 
over their expected useful lives as follows:

-  Fixtures, fittings and equipment: 2 – 5 years 

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets
At each year-end date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, 
the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). 
An impairment loss is immediately recognised as an expense, in the Income Statement. 

Share based payments 
The Company issues equity-settled share based payments to certain employees and third parties. These are 
measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair 
value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s 
estimate of shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non market-based vesting conditions. 

Fair value is measured by use of the Black Scholes model. The expected life used in the model has been 
adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and 
behavioural considerations.

50

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

1 

Accounting policies (continued) 
Provisions
In respect of National Insurance contributions on share option gains, the Company provides in full for all vested 
options and on a pro-rata basis over the vesting period for options that have not yet vested for the employer’s 
National Insurance liability estimated to arise on the future exercise of the unapproved share options granted. 
The amount of National Insurance payable will depend on the number of employees who remain with the 
Company and exercise their options, the market price of the Company’s Ordinary shares at the time of exercise 
and the prevailing National Insurance rate at that time. 

Equity
Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

The Share premium account includes any premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any 
transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from the Share premium account.

The Merger reserve represents the difference between the nominal value and the market value at the date of 
issue of shares issued in connection with the acquisition by the Group of an interest in over 90% of the share 
capital of another company.

The Acquisition reserve includes those adjustments arising on reverse acquisition of the Company by 
ImmuPharma (UK) Limited.

Foreign currency differences arising on the retranslation of overseas subsidiaries are included in the 
translation reserve.

Equity-settled share-based payments are credited to the Equity shares to be issued reserve as a component of 
equity until related options or warrants are exercised.

Retained earnings includes all current and prior period results as disclosed in the Income Statement.

Financial instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Statement of Financial Position when the Group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that 
evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities and when issued by the 
Group is recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Investments other than investments in subsidiaries are classified as either held-for-trading or not at initial 
recognition. Those investments and financial assets are initially measured at fair value less transaction costs and 
are subsequently measured at fair value. At the year-end date all investments are classified as not held for trading. 
An irrevocable election has been made to recognise changes in fair value in other Comprehensive Income.

Trade and other receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value, and are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method. A provision for impairment is established based on 12-month 
expected credit losses unless there has been a significant increase in credit risk when lifetime expected credit 
losses are recognised. The amount of any provision is recognised in profit or loss.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original 
maturity of three months or less. 

Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, 
using the effective interest rate method. 

Non-interest bearing loans and overdrafts are initially recorded at fair value and are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Derivative financial assets are initially measured at fair value less transaction costs and are subsequently measured 
at fair value. 

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

51

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

2 

Financial risk management 
The Group uses a limited number of financial instruments, cash, short-term deposits, loans, overdrafts, and 
various items such as trade receivables and payables, which arise directly from operations. The Group does not 
trade in financial instruments.

Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, and interest rate 
risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme 
focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the 
Group’s financial performance.

a)  Foreign exchange risk

 The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency 
exposures, primarily with respect to Sterling, the Euro, the Swiss Franc and the US Dollar. Foreign exchange 
risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised assets, liabilities, and net investments in 
foreign operations.

 Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are 
denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency.

 The Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to foreign exchange risks.

 The Group did not enter into any arrangements to hedge this risk, as the Directors did not consider this risk 
significant. The directors will review this policy as appropriate in the future.

b)  Credit risk

 The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk because the majority of the debtors are 
government bodies.

c)  Liquidity risk

 Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and available funding through an 
adequate amount of committed facilities. The Group ensures it has adequate cover through the availability of 
funding and facilities.

d)  Cash flow and interest rate

 The Group finances its operations through a mix of equity finance and borrowings. Borrowings are generally 
non-interest bearing. 

e)  Equity price risk

 The Group is exposed to equity price risk due to the possibility that the value of the Company’s shares will 
fluctuate. This can affect the amount of any proceeds in any fundraise the Company might undertake.

f)  Exposure to equity investments

 The Group’s exposure to equity securities price risk arises from investments held by the Group and classified 
in the Statement of Financial Position at fair value. 

52

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

3 

Segment information
- Group

IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the 
Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments 
and to assess their performance. In accordance with IFRS 8, the chief operating decision maker has been 
identified as the Board of Directors. They review the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance 
and allocate resources. The Board of Directors consider that the business comprises a single activity, being the 
development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products. Therefore, the Group is organised into one 
operating segment and there is one primary reporting segment. The segment information is the same as that set 
out in the Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows. 

Revenue of £77,338 (2017: £150,462) originates in France and £3,943 (2017: £nil) originates in Switzerland. 
Of the loss before taxation, £3,813,218 (2017: £4,483,729) originates in France, with losses before taxation 
of £4,137,698 (2017: £3,499,187) and £4,239 (2017: profit of £2,701) originating in the United Kingdom and 
Switzerland respectively.

Of the total non-current assets, £631,110 (2017: £142,175) originates in France and £2,016,590 (2017: £19,222) from 
the United Kingdom.

4 

Staff costs
The average monthly number of employees across the Group and the Company (including executive 
directors) was:

Drug research and development, and 
commercial operations

Administration and management

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2018
No.

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2017
No.

Company
Year ended
31 December
2018
No.

Company
Year ended
31 December
2017
No.

8

3

11

7

3

10

1

3

4

1

3

4

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

53

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

4 

Staff costs (continued)
The aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Share-based payment

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2018
£

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2017
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2018
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2017
£

1,618,729

147,117

2,057,275

1,637,545

1,130,664

1,197,473

102,589

504,296

37,862

1,810,687

40,955

444,080

3,823,121

2,244,430

2,979,213

1,682,508

Directors’ emoluments
The following disclosures are in respect of emoluments payable across to the directors of ImmuPharma plc across 
the Group and the Company:

Fees

Salaries and benefits

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2018
£

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2017
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2018
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2017
£

525,162

638,502

529,735

634,326

525,162

638,502

529,735

634,326

1,163,664

1,164,061

1,163,664

1,164,061

Please refer to information in the Directors report on page 32 in respect for amounts paid to individual directors.

Refer to note 22 for details of amounts paid to related parties in lieu of directors’ fees and bonus payments.

The emoluments of the highest paid director, amounts included above are:

Salaries and benefits

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2018
£

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2017
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2018
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2017
£

498,503

498,503

494,326

494,326

498,503

498,503

494,326

494,326

54

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

4 

Staff costs (continued)
Directors’ emoluments (continued)
Key management are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling 
the activities of the entity. In the opinion of the Board, the key management of the Group and the Company 
comprises the Executive and Non-executive Directors of ImmuPharma plc. Information regarding their 
emoluments is set out below.

The following disclosures are in respect of employee benefits payable to the directors of ImmuPharma plc across 
the Group and the Company and are stated in accordance with IFRS:

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2018
£

Group
Year ended
31 December 
2017
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2018
£

Company
Year ended
31 December
2017
£

1,181,821

1,164,061

1,181,821

1,164,061

1,175,473

295,984

1,175,473

295,984

2,357,294

1,460,045

2,357,294

1,460,045

Short-term employee benefits 
(salaries and benefits)

Share based payments

Directors’ emoluments

5 

Operating loss
- Group

Operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):

Share based payments charge

Employers National Insurance provision in respect of share 
based payments charge

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  
  - owned

Amortisation of intangible assets  
  - patents

Services provided by Company auditors:  
  - Audit services

  - Other services relating to tax compliance services

  - Other services relating to taxation advisory services

  - Audit services – interim review

Audit services provided by other auditors

6 

Finance costs
- Group

Interest payable on loans and overdraft

Year ended
31 December  
2018
£

Year ended
31 December  
2017
£

2,057,275

(253,506)

99,588

33,492

58,000

4,550

5,150

9,500

10,722

504,296

238,456

105,183

33,015

53,000

4,475

5,755

14,800

19,569

Year ended 
31 December 
2018

£

4,783

4,783

Year ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

3,858

3,858

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

55

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

7 

Finance income
- Group

Bank interest receivable

Gain on foreign exchange

Gain on derivative financial asset

8 

Taxation
- Group

Current tax:

Corporation tax

Total current tax credit for the year

Year ended 
31 December 
2018 
£

Year ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

12,491

117,317

-

129,808

772

127,161

112,514

240,447

Year ended 
31 December 
2018 
£

Year ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

(748,606)

(748,606)

(774,244)

(774,244)

The difference between the total current tax shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard 
rate of UK corporation tax to the loss before tax is as follows:

Loss before taxation

Tax on loss on ordinary activities (at the average rate 19%)

(2017: 19.25%)

Effects of:

Expenses not allowable for tax purposes

Capital allowances in excess of depreciation

Rate differences

Research and development tax credit

Current year losses carried forward

Current tax credit for year

Year ended 
31 December 
2018 
£

Year ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

(7,955,155)

(6,997,445)

(1,511,490)

(1,347,008)

(5,212)

24,934

1,192

(748,606)

1,490,952

(748,606)

(2,755)

24,589

(520)

(774,244)

1,325,694

(774,244)

As at 31 December 2018, the Group has unused tax losses of £32,615,994 (2017: £25,409,445) available for offset 
against future profits in the jurisdiction in which the loss arises. No deferred tax asset has been recognised due 
to the unpredictability of future profit streams in the relevant jurisdictions.

56

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

9 

Loss per share
- Group

Year ended 
31 December  
2018 
£

Year ended  
31 December  
2017 
£

Loss

Loss for the purposes of basic loss per share being net loss after 
tax attributable to equity shareholders

(7,206,549)

(6,223,201)

Number of shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of 
basic earnings per share

Basic loss per share

Diluted loss per share

138,839,576

130,902,857

(5.19)p

(5.19)p

(4.75)p

(4.75)p

The Group has granted share options in respect of equity shares to be issued, the details of which are disclosed in 
note 20. 

There is no difference between basic loss per share and diluted loss per share as the share options are anti-dilutive.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

57

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

10 

Intangible assets
- Group

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Exchange rate movements

At 1 January 2018

Exchange rate movements

At 31 December 2018

Amortisation

At 1 January 2017

Exchange rate movements

Charge for the period

At 1 January 2018

Exchange rate movements

Charge for the period

At 31 December 2018

Net book amount

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

In process 
research and  
development 
£

404,095

-

404,095

-

404,095

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

404,095

404,095

Patents 
£

459,683

17,360

477,043

5,948

482,991

352,690

13,165

33,015

398,870

(28,315)

33,492

404,047

78,944

78,173

Total 
£

863,778

 17,360

881,138

5,948

887,086

352,690

13,165

33,015

398,870

(28,315)

33,492

404,047

483,039

482,268

58

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

11 

Property, plant and equipment
- Group

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Exchange rate movements

Additions

At 1 January 2018

Exchange rate movements

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation

At 1 January 2017

Exchange rate movements

Charge for the period

At 1 January 2018

Exchange rate movements

Charge for the period

At 31 December 2018

Net book amount

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Fixtures, fittings 
and equipment 
£

604,254

22,680

25,491

652,425

6,396

102,880

761,701

372,353

13,490

105,183

491,026

6,426

99,588

597,040

164,661

161,399

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

59

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

11 

Property, plant and equipment (continued)
- Company

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Additions

At 1 January 2018

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Depreciation

At 1 January 2017

Charge for the period

At 1 January 2018

Charge for the period

At 31 December 2018

Net book amount

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

Fixtures, fittings 
and equipment 
£

40,513

14,598

55,111

5,100

60,211

28,828

7,061

35,889

7,732

43,621

16,590 

19,222

60

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

12 

Financial asset

- Group and Company

Valuation

At 31 December 2017

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Other 
investments 
£

- 

2,000,000

2,000,000

Investments are recorded at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid.

In September 2018, the Company purchased 363,637 shares in Incanthera Limited, an unquoted company, at a 
price of £5.50 per share. The Company made the investment at the same time as entering into discussions to 
enter into a collaboration on the Company’s Nucant program. At the same time, Incanthera Limited granted the 
Company warrants for a further 363,637 shares at £5.50 per share.

The investments included above represent investments in unquoted equity securities. Under IFRS 7 Financial 
instruments: Disclosures and IFRS 13 Fair value measurement this is classified under the fair value hierarchy as 
level 3. These are the only financial assets which the Group and Company carry at fair value. These are strategic 
investments and the Group considers classification as fair value through other comprehensive income to be 
more relevant than classification as fair value through profit or loss given the Group’s primary focus is on earning 
revenue from licensing and drug sales rather than through investment in shares. No dividends were received and 
no transfers were made.

The fair value of this investment as at 31 December 2018 is based on a discounted cash flow model. The 
discounted cash flow model involves projecting future cash flows of Incanthera Limited’s development programs. 
Key assumptions used included the discount rate, probability weighting on the successful product launches, 
royalty rates and exchange rates.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

61

 
Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

13 

Investment in subsidiaries

- Company 

Cost and fair value

At 31 December 2017

Additions

At 31 December 2018

Shares in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
£

39,225,431 

246,592

39,472,023

Details of the Company’s subsidiaries as at 31 December 2018 are as follows:

Name of company 
ImmuPharma (France) SA

Holding
Ordinary

% voting rights 
and shares held
100

ImmuPharma AG

Ordinary

100

Ureka SARL

Ordinary

99.97

Elro Pharma SARL

Ordinary

99.97

Nature of business & 
country of incorporation
Pharmaceutical research 
and development – 
France

Pharmaceutical research 
and development – 
Switzerland 

Pharmaceutical research 
and development – 
France

Pharmaceutical research 
and development – 
France

Registered Office 
Address
5 rue du Rhone 
68100 Mulhouse 
France

Poststrasse 10  
CH-6060 
Sarnen OW 
Switzerland

5 rue du Rhone 
68100 Mulhouse 
France

5 rue du Rhone 
68100 Mulhouse 
France

Investments are recorded at cost, which is the fair value of the consideration paid.

The Company assessed the fair value of its Investment in Subsidiaries as at 31 December 2018 and has concluded 
that there has been no impairment to their value and that the carrying value remains as stated above. In order to 
reach this conclusion, the directors considered several points. Central to this assessment was a discounted cash 
flow analysis of the Group’s lead program that supported this conclusion. Key assumptions included the discount 
rate, growth rate, exchange rate, tax rate as well as probability weighting. These assumptions were tested for 
sensitivity, which supported the conclusion of no impairment. Sensitivity analysis of the key assumptions showed 
that an adverse 10% change to any of these factors did not change this conclusion. 

62

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

14 

Trade and other receivables

Amounts owed by group undertakings

Other debtors

Prepayments

Group 
31 December 
2018 
£

Group  
31 December 
2017 
£

Company 
31 December 
2018 
£

Company 
31 December  
2017 
£

-

176,511

154,976

331,487

-

9,453,609

5,874,561

90,880

645,332

736,212

58,856

54,201

30,773

30,202

9,566,666

5,935,536

The Group’s and the Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its other debtors. Based on prior experience 
and an assessment of the current economic environment, the Company’s management did not consider any 
provision for irrecoverable amounts was required. The Directors consider that the carrying value of these assets 
approximates to their fair value. 

The Company’s receivables due from Group undertakings are intercompany loan balances due from its three 
French subsidiaries.  As of 31 December 2018, the Company believes that there has been no impairment to these 
values.  This assessment is based on the Company’s oversight of the subsidiaries’ financial position as well as an 
assessment of the future prospects of the subsidiaries’ underlying development programs.

The Company considers that the amounts included in receivables due from group companies will prove 
recoverable. However, the timing of and the ultimate repayment of these amounts will depend primarily on the 
growth of revenues for the relevant group companies. Currently, the Company expects the amounts to be repaid 
over a number of years.

The total carrying amount of financial assets for the Group is £7,087,959 (2017: £2,820,348), consisting of trade and 
other receivables of £176,511 (2017: £90,880), £2,000,000 (2017: £nil) investment and £4,911,448 (2017: £2,729,468) 
cash and cash equivalents.

The total carrying amount of financial assets for the Company is £15,891,820 (2017: £8,116,352), consisting of trade 
and other receivables of £9,512,474 (2017: £5,905,334), £2,000,000 (2017: £nil) and £4,379,345 (2017: £2,211,018) 
cash and cash equivalents.

15  Cash and cash equivalents

Group 
31 December 
2018 
£

Group 
31 December 
2017 
£

Company 
31 December 
2018 
£

Company 
31 December 
2017 
£

Cash and cash equivalents

4,911,448

2,729,468

4,379,345

2,211,018

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits with an original 
maturity of three months or less at varying rates of interest over the period between 0.0% and 0.5%. 

The Directors consider that the carrying value of these assets approximates to their fair value. 

The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counter-party is a bank with a high credit rating.

Included within the above is £50,000 held separately in a Royal Bank of Scotland bank account in respect of a 
charge held over cash balances with reference to the Company’s credit card facility.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

63

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

16 

Financial liabilities – borrowings
- Group

Total borrowings within one year comprises:

Bank overdraft

Loans

Total borrowings after more than one year comprises:

Loans

Please refer to note 23 for details of maturity.  

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

511

97,829

98,340

22,470

22,470

583

141,810

142,393

117,297

117,297

All loans are non-interest bearing. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of short and long-term 
liabilities approximates to their fair value.

The non-interest bearing loans referred to above is a conditional advance from the French Government and 
repayments began in 2012.  The full amount is repayable if the relevant research and development is deemed 
successful.  A reduced amount will be repayable if the relevant research and development is deemed unsuccessful.

17 

Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Other taxes and social security

Accruals

Group 
31 December 
2018 
£

Group 
31 December 
2017 
£

Company 
31 December 
2018 
£

Company 
31 December 
2017 
£

719,860

106,917

87,130

913,907

753,381

91,241

84,947

929,569

139,633

5,166

84,737

229,536

32,361

6,202

77,648

116,211

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

64

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

18 

Provisions
- Group and Company

At 1 January

Amount credited during the year

At 31 December

Due within one year

Due after one year

At 31 December

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

253,506

(253,506)

-

15,050

238,456

253,506

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

-

-

-

57,517

195,989

253,506

Provisions relate to a provision for National Insurance on share options, the timing of which is dependent on the 
exercise date of the share options (see note 20).

The provision in place as at 31 December 2017 arose due to the share price exceeding the exercise price on 
share options. As at 31 December 2018, all exercise prices exceeded the share price and therefore no provision 
was required.

19 

Share capital

Group and Company

Group and Company

Called up, issued and fully paid

Called up, issued and fully paid

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Number of 
shares

£

Number of 
shares

£

Ordinary shares of 10p each

139,467,430

13,946,744

132,522,985

13,252,299

At 31 December 2018, the Company had no limit on its authorised share capital.

6,944,445 new ordinary shares were issued at a value of £0.10 as a result of a share placing in January 2018. Of 
the proceeds, £694,445 has been recorded in the share capital and £8,591,626 has been recorded in the share 
premium account; after deduction of expenses of £713,929.

Please refer to note 20 for details of share based payments granted by the Company.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

65

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

20 

Share based payments
Equity-settled share options and warrants
The Company adopted a new share option plan in March 2017 to replace the previous scheme, which had expired.

Details of the share options and warrants outstanding during the period are as follows:

Outstanding as at 31 December 2017 

16,368,850

0.811

Number of 
share options

Weighted average 
exercise price (£)

Expired during the year

Granted during 2018

Outstanding as at 31 December 2018

Exercisable as at 31 December 2017

Expired during the year

Granted during 2018

-

-

16,368,850

1,093,850

-

-

0.811

0.785

Exercisable as at 31 December 2018

1,093,850

0.785

The options and warrants outstanding as at 31 December 2018 had a weighted average remaining contractual life 
of 8 years.

The options and warrants outstanding as at 31 December 2018 had exercise prices between £0.439 and £1.530 
(2017: £0.439 and £1.530).

Equity-settled share option scheme
The total value of options granted during the prior year was calculated using the Economic Research Institute’s 
Black-Scholes pricing model. The inputs into the pricing model were as follows:-

Option grant date

Option value

Share price at grant date

Exercise price

Volatility

Vesting period

Expected life

Expected dividend yield

Risk free interest rate

30 March 
2017

£833,000

13 July 
2017

24 November 
2017

1 December 
2017

£400,950

£3,928,838

£707,760

£0.5025

£0.5025

47%

3 years

7 years

0%

0.382%

£0.5675

£0.5675

47%

3 years

7 years

0%

0.382%

£0.9862

£0.9862

51%

3 years

7 years

0%

0.382%

£1.5300

£1.5300

52%

3 years

7 years

0%

0.382%

Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price to the 
date of the grant over a 3 year period. Expected life was determined by examining the exercise history of the 
Company’s option holders. No market-based conditions were used as inputs into the pricing model.

The total value of options granted during the prior year was calculated and noted as above as £5,870,548. Of this 
amount, £1,956,849 has been charged in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.  The 
total charged to date is £2,360,719 and the remaining £3,509,829 will be charged in the financial statements over 
the years ending 31 December 2019 and 2020.

The total value of options granted during the year ended 31 December 2016 was calculated as £301,280. Of this 
amount, £100,426 has been charged in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.  The total 
charged to date is £274,604 and the remaining £26,676 will be charged in the financial statements over the year 
ending 31 December 2019.

The total value of all other options granted in previous years has been fully charged in the financial statements in 
prior years.

66

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

21  Cash used in operations

Group

Group

Company

Company

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

31 December 
2018 
£

31 December 
2017 
£

Operating loss

(8,080,180)

(7,234,034)

(3,290,599)

(2,001,120)

Depreciation and amortisation

Share-based payments

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other 
receivables

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

Gain on foreign exchange

133,080

2,057,275

404,725

15,151

(253,506)

117,317

138,198

504,296

643,466

143,378

238,456

127,161

7,732

1,810,687

(52,087)

113,328

(253,506)

123,064

7,061

444,080

(1,975)

22,571

238,456

121,824

Cash used in operations

(5,606,138)

(5,439,079)

(1,541,381)

(1,169,104)

22  Related party transactions

a) Group

D Dimitriou receives part of his remuneration through a consultancy company owned by him, Dragon Finance 
AG.  During the year ImmuPharma AG was charged £165,114 (2017: £168,474) for the provision of management 
services by Dragon Finance AG.  D Dimitriou is a director of ImmuPharma (France) SA and ImmuPharma plc.  
All amounts received by D Dimitriou via Dragon Finance AG are incorporated in the remuneration table in the 
Directors Report on page 30.

T McCarthy receives his remuneration through a service company owned by him, Unnamed Ltd.  During the year 
ImmuPharma plc was charged £260,000 (2017: £260,000) for the provision of Chairman’s fees by Unnamed Ltd. All 
amounts received by T McCarthy via Unnamed Ltd are incorporated in the remuneration table in the Directors 
Report on page 27. 

During the year, an amount of £129,000 (2017: £122,753) was paid to the wife of Dr R Zimmer in respect of services 
provided to ImmuPharma plc, ImmuPharma (France) SA, Elro Pharma SARL and Ureka SARL.

b) Company

During the year ended 31 December 2018, management charges of £583,923 (2017: £561,102) were rendered by 
ImmuPharma plc to ImmuPharma (France) SA. This amount was due to the Company at 31 December 2018. The 
Company and loaned the sum of £1,985,446 (2017: £2,407,897) to ImmuPharma (France) SA during the year ended 
31 December 2018. The total balance due to the Company from ImmuPharma (France) SA at 31 December 2018 
was £7,736,887 (2017: £5,043,002).  

During the year ended 31 December 2018, management charges of £145,981 (2017: £140,276) were rendered by 
ImmuPharma plc to Ureka SARL. This amount was due to the Company at the 31 December 2018. The Company 
also loaned the amount of £569,687 (2017: £216,977) to Ureka SARL during the year ended 31 December 2018. 
The total balance due to the Company from Ureka SARL at 31 December 2018 was £1,329,864 (2017: £587,427).  

The Company loaned the sum of £135,409 (2017: £98,494) to Elro Pharma during the year ended 31 December 2018. 
The total balance due to the Company from Elro Pharma at 31 December 2018 was £386,858 (2017: £244,136).

During the year ended 31 December 2018, management charges of £187,918 (2017: £187,352) were rendered by 
ImmuPharma AG to ImmuPharma plc.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

67

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

23 

Financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments comprise of cash and cash equivalents, investment in Incanthera Limited, 
borrowings and items such as trade payables, which arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these 
financial instruments is to provide finance for the Group’s operations.

The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks including liquidity risk, interest rate risk, equity 
price risk and foreign exchange rate risk.  Given the size of the Group, the Directors have not delegated the 
responsibility of monitoring financial risk management to a sub-committee of the Board. The Company’s finance 
department implements the policies set by the Board of Directors.

The principal financial instruments used by the Group from which financial instrument risk arises are as follows:-

Trade and other receivables

Investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities – borrowings due within 1 year

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities – borrowings due after 1 year

Total financial liabilities

Liquidity risk 
Group

Year ended 
31 December 
2018 
£

Year ended 
31 December 
2017 
£

176,511

2,000,000

4,911,448

7,087,959

97,829

719,860

22,470

840,159

90,880

-

2,729,468

2,820,348

142,393

753,381

117,297

1,013,071

The Group actively maintains a mixture of long term and short-term debt finance that is designed to ensure it has 
sufficient available funds for operations and planned expansions. The Group monitors its levels of working capital 
to ensure that it can meet its debt repayments as they fall due.

The following table shows the contractual maturities of the Group’s financial liabilities, all of which are measured 
at amortised cost:

At 31 December 2018

6 months or less

6 – 12 months

1 – 2 years

2 – 5 years

Trade 
payables 
£

719,860

-

-

-

Borrowings 
£

52,889

44,940

22,470

-

Total
£

772,749

44,940

22,470

-

Total contractual cash flows

719,860

120,299

840,159

Carrying amount of financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost

719,860

120,299

840,159

68

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

23 

Financial instruments (continued)
Liquidity risk (continued)
Group

At 31 December 2017

6 months or less

6 – 12 months

1 – 2 years

2 – 5 years

Trade 
payables 
£

753,381

-

-

-

Borrowings 
£

86,894

55,499

72,898

44,399

Total
£

840,275

55,499

72,898

44,399

Total contractual cash flows

753,381

259,690

1,013,071

Carrying amount of financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost

Company

753,381

259,690

1,013,071

The Company’s financial liabilities comprise trade payables with a carrying amount equal to gross cash flows 
payable of £139,633 (2017: £32,361), all of which are payable within 6 months. 

Interest rate risk
Group

The Group has both interest bearing assets and interest bearing liabilities. Interest bearing assets comprise cash and 
cash equivalents denominated in Sterling, the Euro, the Swiss Franc and the US Dollar which earn interest at a variable 
rate. The directors will revisit the appropriateness of this policy should the Group’s operations change in size or nature.

During the year, the Group’s cash and cash equivalents earned interest at a variable rate between 0.0% and 0.5% 
(2017: 0.0% and 0.5%).

As at 31 December 2018, if LIBOR had increased by 0.5% with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit 
and equity would have been higher by £28,000 (2017: £14,500). Conversely, if LIBOR had fallen by 0.5% with all other 
variables held constant, the post-tax profit and equity would have been lower by £28,000 (2017: £14,500).

Details of the terms of the Group’s borrowings are disclosed in note 16.

The Group has only non-interest bearing borrowings, which are carried at amortised cost, and therefore the risk is the 
change in the fair value of the borrowings. Changes in the market interest rates of these liabilities do not affect loss or 
equity and therefore no sensitivity analysis is required under IFRS 7.

Company

The Company has interest bearing assets, comprising of cash and cash equivalents denominated in Sterling, 
which earn interest at a variable rate.  During the year, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents earned interest 
at a variable rate between 0.0% and 0.5% (2017: 0.0% and 0.5%).

As at 31 December 2018, if LIBOR had increased by 0.5% with all other variables held constant, the post-tax loss 
would have been lower and equity would have been higher by £30,500 (2017: £11,500).  Conversely, if LIBOR had 
fallen by 0.5% with all other variables held constant, the post-tax loss would have been higher and equity would 
have been lower by £30,500 (2017: £11,500).

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

69

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

23 

Financial instruments (continued)
Foreign exchange rate risk
Group

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk as a result of having cash balances in Euros, Swiss Francs and 
US Dollars. During the year, the Group did not enter into any arrangements to hedge this risk, as the Directors 
did not consider the exposure significant given the short-term nature of the balances. The Group will review this 
policy as appropriate in the future.

As at 31 December 2018, if the Euro had weakened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, 
the post-tax profit and equity would have been lower by £49,000 (2017: £49,000).  Conversely, if the Euro had 
strengthened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit and equity would 
have been higher by £49,000 (2017: £49,000).

As at 31 December 2018, if the US Dollar had weakened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held 
constant, the post-tax profit and equity would have been lower by £50 (2017: £30).  Conversely, if the US Dollar 
had strengthened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit and equity would 
have been higher by £50 (2017: £30).

As at 31 December 2018, if the Swiss Franc had weakened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held 
constant, the post-tax profit and equity would have been lower by £8,000 (2017: £7,500). Conversely, if the Swiss 
Franc had strengthened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit and equity 
would have been higher by £8,000 (2017: £7,500).

Company

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk through the payment of non-Sterling amounts and as 
a result of having cash balances in Euros and US Dollars. During the year, the Company did not enter into any 
arrangements to hedge this risk, as the Directors did not consider the exposure significant. The Company will 
review this policy as appropriate in the future.

As at 31 December 2018, if the Euro had weakened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, 
the post-tax profit and equity would have been lower by £8,000 (2017: £4,500). Conversely, if the Euro had 
strengthened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit and equity would 
have been higher by £8,000 (2017: £4,500).

As at 31 December 2018, if the US Dollar had weakened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held 
constant, the post-tax profit and equity would have been lower by £50 (2017: £40). Conversely, if the US Dollar 
had strengthened 10% against Sterling with all other variables held constant, the post-tax profit and equity would 
have been higher by £50 (2017: £40).

Equity price risk
Group and Company

As at 31 December 2018, the Group and Company held 363,637 shares in Incanthera Limited at a value of £5.50 
per share.  The Group and Company is exposed to equity price risk as the sale of any Incanthera Limited shares 
will fluctuate depending on the terms of future share sales.

If the Incanthera Limited sold shares for 10% less than the price paid by the Group and Company, this would 
indicate a reduction in value of £200,000 which would increase the Group’s and Company’s Other Comprehensive 
Loss by £200,000.

If Incanthera Limited sold shares for 10% more than the price paid by the Group and Company, this would 
indicate an increase in fair value of £200,000 which would decrease the Group’s and Company’s Other 
Comprehensive Loss by £200,000.

70

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

23 

Financial instruments (continued)
Fair values of financial assets and liabilities
The following is a comparison by category of the carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial assets 
and liabilities at 31 December 2018. Set out below the table is a summary of the methods and assumptions used 
for each category of instrument.

Trade and other receivables at 
amortised cost

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Carrying 
amount 
2018
£

176,511

(840,159)

Fair
Value
2018
£

Carrying 
amount
2017
£

Fair
Value
2017
£

176,511

(840,159)

90,880

90,880

(1,013,071)

(1,013,071)

Other investments at fair value

2,000,000

2,000,000

-

-

1,336,352

1,336,352

(922,191)

(922,191)

Trade and other receivables at amortised cost

The fair value approximates to the carrying amount because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

The fair value approximates to the carrying amount because the majority are associated with variable-rate interest 
payments that are re-aligned to market rates at intervals of less than one year.

Other investments at fair value

The balances are recorded at fair value and are determined by using published price quotations in an active 
market or using a valuation technique based on the price of recent investment methodology.

Fair value measurement

The Group measures the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position in 
accordance with the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy groups financial assets and liabilities into three levels 
based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities. The fair 
value hierarchy has the following levels:-

Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical 
assets and liabilities;

Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs, other than quoted prices included within level 1, 
that are observable either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices);

Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or 
liability that are not based on observable market data.

The following table presents the Group’s financial assets that are measured at fair value at 31 December 2018:

Other investments

Level 1
£

-

Level 2
£

Level 3
£

Total
£

-

2,000,000

2,000,000

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

71

Financial and Corporate Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 December 2018

23 

Financial instruments (continued)
Fair values of financial assets and liabilities (continued)
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 financial liabilities for the year ended 31 December 2018:

As at 1 January 2018

Purchase of investment

As at 31 December 2018

Total
£

-

2,000,000

2,000,000

The fair value measurement is based on a discounted cash flow model.  The main level 3 inputs used by the 
Group are derived and evaluated as follows:

•  A discount rate of 17% has been used which has been determined by current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risk specific to the asset.  If the discount rate increased by 10%, this would reduce the 
fair value by £0.52m.

•  A probability weighting factor of 14.5% for successful product launches has been estimated based on market 

information for similar types of projects.  If the factor decreased to 13%, this would reduce the fair value 
by £0.21m.

•  The exchange rate used of US$ 1.27 is based on current and historical market data.  If the exchange rate 

increased to US$ 1.40, this would reduce the fair value by £0.19m.

•  Royalties of 12% have been estimated using market data.  If the royalties decreased to 11%, this would reduce 

the fair value by £0.04m.

Capital Risk
Group and Company

The Group and Company considers its capital under management to be its cash and cash equivalents, share 
capital and reserves.  The Group and Company’s overall objective in managing its capital is to support the 
strategic objectives of the business:  the development of potential new drugs.  Decisions regarding the 
management of capital are taken by the Board in conjunction with regular strategic planning and budget reviews.  

24 

Subsequent events
There have been no subsequent events.

72

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

Financial and Corporate Information

Glossary of Technical Terms

‘biomarkers’ 

measurable biological responses used as predictors of clinical effects.

‘CRO’ 

‘drug-like’ 

‘Lupus’ 

‘PDCT’ 

‘peptide’ 

‘Pharma’ 

‘Phase 0’ 

‘Phase I’ 

‘Phase II’ 

‘Phase III’ 

contract research organisation. 

having the potential to become a drug product candidate due to its physical and 
chemical characteristics.

an autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.

peptide to drug converting technology.

a molecule comprised of a series of amino acids (or a small subpart of a protein).

abbreviation for “Pharmaceutical”; sometimes in the industry “pharma” also denotes 
a pharmaceutical company.

the stage of development of a drug candidate before the first administration to man, 
during which all mandatory data required by regulatory bodies such as the FDA or the 
EMEA is generated and filed.

the stage of development of a drug candidate during which it is administered to man 
(usually healthy volunteers) for the first time. Phase I studies are designed to assess 
primarily the safety and tolerability of the drug candidate and gather information on 
its ADME. This phase is also used whenever possible to evaluate surrogate markers 
which are indicative of the clinical efficacy of the drug candidate.

the stage of development of a drug candidate during which therapeutic studies are 
conducted in limited numbers of patients using data generated in Phase I studies to 
determine dose regimen and primary efficacy, and to examine therapeutic outcomes 
and monitor safety in patients.

the stage of development of a drug candidate during which it is tested in large 
scale pivotal trials on, typically, between 200 to 4000 patients to demonstrate overall 
efficacy, tolerability and safety with a dose regimen as determined in Phase II. The 
drug candidate must generally prove to be statistically better than placebo or the 
current best therapy in terms of efficacy, safety or quality of life.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

73

Financial and Corporate Information

Notice of the 2019 Annual General Meeting
of ImmuPharma plc  
(The “Company”)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the offices of Capital Access 
Group, 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN on 27 June 2019 at 10:30 am (London time) for the transaction of the following business:

ORDINARY BUSINESS

To consider and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

To receive the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 together with the reports thereon of the 
directors and auditors of the Company.

To re-appoint Dr Franco di Muzio as a director of the Company.

To re-appoint Mr Tim McCarthy as a director of the Company

To re-appoint Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited as the auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion 
of the meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which the accounts are laid before the Company at a 
remuneration to be determined by the directors.

SPECIAL BUSINESS

To consider and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions, of which Resolution 5 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution 
and Resolution 6 will be proposed as a special resolution:

5. 

That the directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of Section 551 of the 
Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares or grant rights to subscribe for 
or to convert any security into shares in the Company up to an aggregate nominal amount of £5,578,697 provided that 
this authority shall expire on the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this 
Resolution except that the Company may before the expiry of such period make an offer or agreement which would, or 
might, require shares to be allotted after the expiry of such period and the directors may allot shares in pursuance of any 
such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.  This authority is in substitution for any existing 
like authority which is hereby revoked with immediate effect.

6. 

That the directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to section 571 of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined 
in section 560 of the Act) pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by Resolution 5 above as if section 561 of the Act 
did not apply to any such allotment provided that such power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities:

  a. 

in connection with an offer of such securities by way of rights to holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as 
may be practicable) to their respective holdings of such shares, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as 
the directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems 
under the laws of any territory, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and

  b.  otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a), equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £5,578,697.

and shall expire on the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company unless renewed or extended prior 
to such time except that the Company may, before the expiry of any power contained in this resolution, make an offer 
or agreement which would, or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot 
equity securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.  This power 
applies in relation to a sale of shares which is an allotment of equity securities by virtue of section 560(2)(b) of the Act as if 
in the first paragraph of this resolution the words “pursuant to the authority conferred upon them by Resolution 5 above” 
were omitted.

Date: 
28 May 2019 
Registered Office:  50 Broadway 

London  
SW1H 0RG

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

Tracy Weimar
Secretary

74

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial and Corporate Information

Notice of the 2019 Annual General Meeting
of ImmuPharma plc (continued)
(The “Company”)

NOTES:
Entitlement to vote

1.  Only those members registered on the Company’s register of members at 6.00 pm on the day falling two days prior to the 

date of the Meeting (or if this Meeting is adjourned, at 6.00 pm on the day two days prior to the adjourned meeting) shall be 
entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting.

Appointment of proxies

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of their rights to 
attend, speak and vote at the Meeting. You should have received a proxy form with this notice of meeting. You can only 
appoint a proxy using the procedures set out in these notes and the notes to the proxy form.

A proxy does not need to be a member of the Company but must attend the Meeting to represent you. Details of how to 
appoint the Chairman of the Meeting or another person as your proxy using the proxy form are set out in the notes to the 
proxy form. If you wish your proxy to speak on your behalf at the Meeting you will need to appoint your own choice of proxy 
(not the Chairman) and give your instructions directly to them.

You may appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares. You 
may not appoint more than one proxy to exercise rights attached to any one share. To appoint more than one proxy, (an) 
additional proxy form(s) may be obtained by contacting the Registrars helpline on 0370 707 1014 or you may photocopy 
the proxy you received. Please mark (and initial) each proxy form clearly with the number of Ordinary Shares held by you in 
relation to which each proxy is appointed.

A vote withheld is not a vote in law, which means that the vote will not be counted in the calculation of votes for or against 
the resolution. If you either select the ‘Discretionary’ option or if no voting indication is given, your proxy will vote or abstain 
from voting at his or her discretion. Your proxy will vote (or abstain from voting) as he or she thinks fit in relation to any other 
matter which is put before the Meeting.

The notes to the proxy form explain how to direct your proxy how to vote on each resolution or withhold their vote. To 
appoint a proxy using the proxy form, the form and any authority under which it is executed (or a duly certified copy of such 
authority) must be:

•  completed and signed;

• 

• 

 deposited at the Company’s registrars, Computershare Investor Services plc, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, 
BS99 6ZY; and

 received by Computershare Investor Services plc no later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting (or any 
adjourned meeting as the case may be).

 In the case of a member which is a company, the proxy form must be executed under its common seal or signed on its 
behalf by an officer of the company or an attorney for the company.

Appointment of proxy by joint members

7. 

In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment 
submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint 
holders appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first-named being the most senior).

Changing proxy instructions

8. 

To change your proxy instructions simply submit a new proxy appointment using the methods set out above. Note that the 
cut-off time for receipt of proxy appointments (see above) also apply in relation to amended instructions; any amended 
proxy appointment received after the relevant cut-off time will be disregarded.

If you submit more than one valid proxy appointment, the appointment received last before the latest time for the receipt of 
proxies will take precedence.

Termination of proxy appointments

9. 

In order to revoke a proxy instruction you will need to inform Computershare Investor Services plc by sending a signed 
hard copy notice clearly stating your intention to revoke your proxy appointment to Computershare Investor Services plc, 
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZY. In the case of a member which is a company, the revocation notice must 
be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by an officer of the company or an attorney for the company. 
Any power of attorney or any other authority under which the revocation notice is signed (or a duly certified copy of such 
power or authority) must be included with the revocation notice. In either case, the revocation notice must be received by 
Computershare Investor Services plc no later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the Meeting (or any adjourned meeting 
as the case may be).

If you attempt to revoke your proxy appointment but the revocation is received after the time specified then, subject to the 
paragraph directly below, your proxy appointment will remain valid.

Appointment of a proxy does not preclude you from attending the Meeting and voting in person. If you have appointed a 
proxy and attend the Meeting in person, your proxy appointment will automatically be terminated.

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial and Corporate Information

Notice of the 2019 Annual General Meeting
of ImmuPharma plc (continued)
(The “Company”) 

Corporate representatives

10. 

In order to facilitate voting by corporate representatives at the Meeting, arrangements will be put in place at the Meeting so 
that:

(i) 
if a corporate member has appointed the Chairman of the Meeting as its corporate representative with instructions to 
vote on a poll in accordance with the directions of all the other corporate representatives for that member at the Meeting, 
then, on a poll, those corporate representatives will give voting directions to the Chairman and the Chairman will vote (or 
withhold a vote) as corporate representative in accordance with those directions; and

(ii)  if more than one corporate representative for the same corporate member attends the Meeting but the corporate 
member has not appointed the Chairman of the Meeting as its corporate representative, a designated corporate 
representative will be nominated, from those corporate representatives who attend, who will vote on a poll and the other 
corporate representatives will give voting directions to that designated corporate representative.

Corporate members are referred to the guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators on 
proxies and corporate representatives – www.icsa.org.uk – for further details of this procedure. The guidance includes a 
sample form of representation letter to appoint the Chairman as a corporate representative as described in (i) above.

Issued share capital and voting rights

11.  On 23 May 2019, the Company’s issued share capital comprised 139,467,430 ordinary shares of 10p each. Each ordinary share 

carries the right to one vote at the AGM and, therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company on 23 May 2019 is 
139,467,430.

Documents on display

12.  The following documents will be available for inspection at 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN from the date of this Notice 

until the time of the Meeting and for at least 15 minutes prior to the Meeting and during the Meeting:

(i)  copies of the service contracts of executive directors of the Company; and

(ii)  copies of the letters of appointment of the non-executive directors of the Company.

Electronic communication

13.  You may not use any electronic address provided either in this notice of AGM or any related documents (including the 

proxy form), to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated. If you have any general 
queries about the AGM please send all communications by post to the Company’s registrars, Computershare Investor 
Services plc, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZY and no other methods of communication will be accepted.

76

ImmuPharma plc Report and Consolidated Financial Statements December 2018

 
 
 
 
 
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ImmuPharma plc50 BroadwayWestminsterLondon SW1H 0RGUKTel: +44 20 7152 4080Fax: +44 20 7152 4001investors@immupharma.comwww.immupharma.com