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Rhythm Biosciences Limited

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FY2021 Annual Report · Rhythm Biosciences Limited
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2021 
ANNUAL 
REPORT

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES LIMITED
ACN 619 459 335

RHYTHM’S ColoSTAT® 
IS A SIMPLE BLOOD 
TEST THAT DETECTS 
PROTEIN BIOMARKERS 
IN THE BLOOD THAT 
ARE INDICATIVE OF 
THE PRESENCE OF 
COLORECTAL CANCER

2

Contents

Key Milestones ...................................................................................................................... 4

Company Overview ............................................................................................................ 6

Market Overview ..................................................................................................................7

Chairman’s Letter ................................................................................................................ 8

Chief Executive Officer’s Report ................................................................................ 10

Directors’ Report.................................................................................................................13

Auditor Independence Declaration ..........................................................................24

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other 

Comprehensive Income .................................................................................................25

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position .....................................................26

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity .................................................... 27

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ..................................................................28

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  ...............................................29

Directors’ Declaration ..................................................................................................... 46

Independent Auditor’s Report .................................................................................... 47

Additional ASX Information ...........................................................................................51

Corporate Directory .........................................................................................................53

3

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTRHYTHM 
BIOSCIENCES 
IS HITTING ITS 
MILESTONES

Patents 
granted in  
the US and 
China

Completion  
of the ColoSTAT®  
prototype test-kit

Advanced the  
ColoSTAT®  
Clinical Trial 
(Study 7)

Core technology  
technically  
validated

Global  
manufacturer  
appointed

Study 6 delivered 
with exceptional 
results

ISO  
certification 
maintained

4

REMAINS 
ON TRACK 
FOR FUTURE 
MILESTONES

Completion of 
Clinical Trial 
(Study 7)

Platform 
Technology 
Expansion

CE Mark (Europe)

TGA (Australia) 

Partners - 
Distribution / 
Labs

Market Entry

5

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTABOUT RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES

Rhythm Biosciences is focused on becoming a globally significant, 
transformative diagnostics company, specialising in cancer 
detection technology.  The Company is currently developing 
ColoSTAT® - a simple, low-cost, blood test for global mass market 
detection of colorectal cancer.

Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second 
most common in women, accounting for an estimated 1.9 million new cases and  
approximately 935,000 deaths annually.  

In an effort to reduce the global burden, many countries have implemented screening 
programs aimed at early detection.  These programs are predominantly administered 
with a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for the assessment of colorectal cancer risk, 
with a positive result referred for a colonoscopy.  FIT analyses the presence of blood 
in faeces, which can occur for several reasons other than cancer, therefore it is not 
designed as an accurate test for cancer.  Many people simply don’t take the test for fear 
of an unnecessary colonoscopy procedure, unpleasantness, difficulty, or for religious/
cultural reasons.  There is currently no appropriate simple blood test alternative.

Rhythm aims to transform the global colorectal cancer diagnostics market with its 
simple, low cost blood test that is fit for purpose, meaning that it is designed to actually 
detect colorectal cancer.  Since listing on the ASX in late 2017, the Company has run 
a successful multi-year research and development program that has successfully 
delivered technical validation of the core biomarker technology, ensuring it is 
reproducible and stable.  The ColoSTAT® test-kit was manufactured in 2021 and 
delivered performance testing that outperforms the current market standard faecal 
immunochemical test (FIT) utilising Rhythm’s proprietary algorithm.  The Company 
is currently finalising its clinical trial (Study 7) for ColoSTAT®, and is progressing 
regulatory, manufacturing and scale up activities ahead of market entry in 2022.

Rhythm’s targeted global addressable population is over 800 million people which are 
over 50 years of age.  Almost 70%, or 550 million people, are not currently screened 
for colorectal cancer due to the limitations of the current faecal based testing regime.  
This “at risk” population is also expanding with the disease growing rapidly in much 
younger age groups.  Early detection and intervention can lead to cure in over 90 per 
cent of new cases, therefore the need for effective screening and early intervention 
has the potential to save a significant number of lives.  Rhythm estimates today’s 
colorectal cancer screening market alone to be worth in excess of $38 billion.

6

COLORECTAL CANCER

Globally, Colorectal Cancer is currently the 3rd largest cancer by volume with 1.93 million  
new cases diagnosed annually andthe 2nd largest cause of cancer related deaths.

11.2%

11.4%

7.3%

5.6%

4.6%

3.1%

10.0%

BREAST
2,261M

LUNG
2,20M

COLORECTAL
1,931M

PROSTATE
1,141M

STOMACH
1,089M

LIVER
905M

CERVIX UTERI
604M

Source: Xi Y, Xu P (2021), Global colorectal cancer burden in 2020 and projections to 2040, Translational Oncology, 14 (10), 101174; doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101174 Epub 2021 Jul 6.

Global Burden

1.93 million new cases 

~940,000 deaths

Source: Xi Y, Xu P (2021), Global colorectal cancer burden in 2020 and projections to 2040, Translational Oncology, 14 (10), 101174; doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101174 Epub 2021 Jul 6.

Current Testing & Screening Regime

In most countries, screening is recommended for those aged between 50-74 years old, with 
the primary method being faecal test (FIT), which is designed to test only for blood in stool.

50+

Aged  
over 50

Inherited  
genetic  
risk factor

Poor diet 
and lack of 
excercise

Smoking

A waistline over 
94cm for men and 
80cm for  women

A strong family  
history of  
bowel cancer

A serious inflammatory 
bowel disease for more 
than eight years

Early detection is key to survival

>90%

Diagnosis by Stage

7

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTOn behalf of the Board of Directors of  
Rhythm Biosciences and its U.S.A. subsidiary, 
IchorDX, Inc., we are pleased to present 
our FY’21 Annual Report, which details our 
progress during the past year.  

A MESSAGE FROM 
THE CHAIRMAN
OTTO BUTTULA 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

Writing this letter for the FY’20 Annual 
Report, I closed off with the following 
statement: “Whilst the Company remains 
well below its December 2017 IPO price, 
I believe we are entering an exciting 
phase whereby substantial value will be 
capable of being recognised, rewarding 
all stakeholders.”   Thankfully, the 
achievements of our team have begun 
to be recognised by investors and I firmly 
believe that we are only at the beginning 
of this exciting journey in becoming a 
globally recognised participant in simple, 
low-cost, blood-based diagnostics, for the 
mass-market screening of cancer.

Last year, following a strategic review, 
the Board’s focus was to re-set the 
Company by creating a renewed, 
straightforward 12-month operating plan, 
with bi-monthly milestones, all of which 
were designed to de-risk and further 
develop our initial product for colorectal 
cancer – ColoSTAT®.  With the support 
of the Board, a major commitment from 
the whole team, led by our CEO, Glenn 
Gilbert, I’m pleased to say that the 
Company has faithfully executed on this 
objective and is on a clear path to realising 
its initial and primary potential to be a  

globally recognised supplier or licensee in 
colorectal cancer diagnostics.

Critically, during FY’21, Rhythm confirmed 
that its core technology works.  The 
technical validation of biomarkers, 
along with the successful delivery of 
Study 6, with third-party manufactured 
kits, delivered a watershed moment for 
your Company, alleviating substantial 
technology development risk and setting 
us on a clear path to commercialisation.  
This has been no mean feat, as the results 
we see today are the culmination of 
millions of dollars of investment, with 13 
years of research and development by the 
CSIRO and a further 4 years of technical 
development by Rhythm.

With clinical trial activity having been 
conducted in 11 centres, Rhythm has also 
built an excellent domestic reputation in a 
relatively short period of time. This should 
assist in our future commercial activities.

Although FY’21 was a critically important 
year for Rhythm, FY’22 and 1H’FY’23 
will be pivotal periods for your company.  
Inflection points being pursued and 
expected to be delivered over the next 16 
months include:

i.  A successful conclusion to Study 7 in 

Australia;

ii.  Submission and eventual grant of a 

CE Mark;

iii.  Further pipeline development for 
other cancer targets, leveraging 
both new and research already 
undertaken;

iv.  Final submission and eventual 

approval by the Therapeutic Goods 
Administration (TGA) in Australia; 

v.  Various commercial or strategic 

alignments with distribution partners 
both in Australia and overseas; and

vi.  Commercial sales, moving the 

Company from a development stage 
to a commercial entity.

Rhythm is a company at the point 
of transition to becoming a global, 
commercially active company.  Over 
the next 16 months, we will have device 
approval processes underway in the 
EU and other CE aligned countries, in 
Australia with the TGA and potentially 
in Asia and the U.S.A. via laboratory 
developed tests (LDT or better known 
as CLIA in the U.S.A.).  We expect 
commercial discussions to become 
more prevalent with several globally 
based organisations as we prepare for 
an expected commercial launch of 
ColoSTAT® before the end of CY’22.  

8

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 
Once, established in multiple jurisdictions, 
we expect Rhythm to transition to 
a financially sustainable, revenue-
generating company.

The transition from a development-
stage company to a commercial entity 
means that, as a Board, we must be more 
attuned to the competitive, regulatory 
and commercial risks that are inherent to 
the commercialisation process. These are 
exciting times for the Company, but they 
are also complex. Financial stability and 
the resulting operational resilience of a 
properly capitalised enterprise was also an 
important focus for the Company this past 
year. We are appreciative of the support 
from shareholders for recent capital 
raisings which is expected to bring in, in 
excess of $10 million of further capital over 
the last 15 months to the upcoming close.

Our augmented balance sheet puts us in 
a strong position to not only commence 
the launch of Rhythm’s first product 
ColoSTAT®, but to also to commence 
testing of biomarkers for our emerging 
diagnostic pipeline pipeline of cancer 
diagnostic products, further de-risking 
the commercial future of the Company.

Globally, we know, the issue of colorectal 
cancer continues to remain a leading 
cause of cancer death.  The new fear 
developing, considering the interruption 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, is that we 
will see increased cancer diagnosis in the 
coming years stemming from deferred 
screening.  Couple this with the emerging 
data on the incidence of colorectal cancer 
growth in much younger age groups, our 

timing to market may prove crucial.

We also note that some countries are now 
leading the call to lower the screening 
age. The US, via the US Preventative 
Services Task Force, has recommended 
the screening age be reduced from 50 
to 45 years, representing a potential 
21% increase in Rhythm’s addressable 
market in the US alone.  It is expected that 
other countries will follow suit.  Rhythm 
is well positioned on its US focus as a 
priority market, with ColoSTAT® already 
exceeding the criteria requirements for 
reimbursement eligibility in the US.

At this point, I would like to thank 
Rhythm’s current directors Trevor Lockett, 
Lou Panaccio and Eduardo Vom and 
past director, David White, for their 
dedication, focus and support during the 
year.  Similarly, I also thank our Company 
Secretaries, Adrien Wing and Pauline 
Moffatt.

At the coalface, cancer doesn’t stop 
for a pandemic and neither did the 
Rhythm team. Despite adverse operating 
conditions we continued to run clinical 
trials, deliver outcomes and grow the 
operational footprint of the business.  
For this, on behalf of the Board, I wish to 
extend my sincere gratitude to Rhythm’s 
people. Delivering advanced healthcare 
solutions is a people-centric business and 
over the last year Rhythm, led ably by our 
CEO Glenn Gilbert, the team has shown 
resilience in the face of challenges and 
excelled operationally. 

Our people have adopted a “can-do” 
culture with a pervasive belief that what we 

are doing is vitally important.  The fact that 
all within the Company can see ‘light at 
the end of the tunnel’ has seen everyone 
push harder, with even greater resolve, 
despite obvious headwinds.  I would like to 
acknowledge their additional energy and 
commitment over the past year.

Overall, we have a collective mission to 
assist people, governments and insurance 
companies avoid the emotional, health 
and economic ravages brought about by 
delayed or undiagnosed cancers.  Our aim 
is, quite simply, to ensure people who are 
diagnosed early live longer, better quality 
lives, a mission that has never been more 
important and relevant.

Finally, I would also like to take this 
opportunity to thank you, our growing 
number of shareholders, for your 
continued support.  I believe that we are 
at the start of a most rewarding journey, 
not just for stakeholder returns, but 
importantly for medical diagnostics and 
improving the quality of life.  FY’22 will 
be another pivotal year for Rhythm and 
we look forward to keeping shareholders 
closely and transparently informed of our 
progress.

Otto Buttula  
Chairman 

9

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTCHIEF EXECUTIVE  
OFFICER’S REPORT
GLENN GILBERT 

The 2021 Financial Year will be recorded 
as a transformational year in the 
Company’s development for its’ life saving 
cancer detection technology ColoSTAT®.  
Our vision is clear – it is to focus upon 
delivering simple, low cost, blood-
based diagnostics, for the mass-market 
screening of cancer.  Over this last year, 
the Company has taken a massive step 
toward making this vision a reality, with our 
initial product for colorectal cancer.

Technology

Rhythm successfully transitioned its 
cancer detection technology, from an 
optimised state to a technically validated 
platform.  The technical validation of 
four final adjunct biomarkers supporting 
the key lead biomarker for ColoSTAT®, 
was a critical milestone.  This meant 
the Company was able to prove that 
the core technology underpinning the 
ColoSTAT® blood test, is both stable 
and reproduceable.  In doing this, the 
Company eliminated a major technology 
development risk. 

With the technology foundation 
established, the progression and 
successful conclusion of Study 6 
confirmed the analytical performance 
of the third party commercially 

manufactured ColoSTAT® prototype 
test-kit.  The exceptional outcome 
delivered from Study 6, confirmed that 
ColoSTAT® exhibited very high accuracy 
for the detection of colorectal cancer, at a 
sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 95%, 
materially surpassing all prior test results.  
In fact, this result showed that ColoSTAT® 
performs 33% better than the current 
market standard Faecal Immunochemical 
Test (FIT)^ used in most countries around 
the world for colorectal cancer screening.

A main driver for this outstanding 
performance is attributed to continued 
enhancements of Rhythm’s proprietary, 
artificial intelligence (AI), algorithm.  This 
is an important and exciting aspect of our 
technology.  The AI based algorithm has 
the capability to continue “learning”, and 
potentially deliver further improvements 
in performance.  The Company 
demonstrated this potential with the 
Lifestyle Risk Factors (LRF) enhancement.  
LRF includes diet, weight, exercise, 
smoking and type 2 diabetes information, 
all of which have been strongly linked to 
the incidence risk of colorectal cancer.  
With the addition of only one of these 
easily obtainable LRF datapoints, Rhythm 
showed an improvement to the accuracy 
of the ColoSTAT® test from 84% to 88%.

Global Capability

In line with the completion of the technical 
development and performance validation 
of ColoSTAT®, the Company was able to 
quickly progress activities associated with 
the core technology transfer to a high-
volume manufacturer.

France based, global manufacturer, 
Biotem, was appointed to manufacture 
the ColoSTAT® test-kits for initial small-
scale third-party commercial test work.  
Biotem was chosen following a robust 
due diligence process that provided 
confidence they could execute on 
Rhythm’s ambition to enter priority 
countries for mass market screening.

Biotem manufactured ColoSTAT® test-kits 
were used to support the completion of 
Study 6, and critically, performed at the 
same high standard set by Rhythm’s own 
in-house prototype.  Further quality and 
regulatory testing remain ongoing to 
support product registration activities

 The Global Opportunity 

Establishment of the global 
manufacturing capabilities for the 
ColoSTAT® test-kit allowed for the 
commercialisation and market entry path 
to be advanced with confidence. It is a 

^ Source: Morikawa et al., Gastroenterology (2005); 129: 422-428 

10

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT well formed, global view, that the financial 
and societal burden of colorectal cancer 
continues to grow, presenting a very real 
opportunity for Rhythm to address this 
global unmet need.

Not only has the incidence of colorectal 
cancer continued to increase, but 
there has been a material shift in the 
demographics associated with affected 
population segments.  Colorectal 
cancer is no longer considered a disease 
impacting those greater than 50 years of 
age.

Across the world, a number of countries 
have noted the growing incidence in 
younger age groups.  In Australia, for 
example, the number one cause of cancer 
related deaths among 25–29 year-olds, 
is colorectal cancer.  In the past twenty 
years, the issue affecting younger age 
groups has largely gone unnoticed.  In 
1995, colorectal cancer deaths in 25-29 
year olds ranked number 15.  By 2010, 
colorectal cancer deaths ranked number 
1 and remain to this day the leading cause 
of cancer death in Australia in this age 
category.

Given this, it is not surprising that other 
countries such as the US are driving the 
need to increase the number of people 
being screened by lowering the age 
threshold. With the call to lower the 
screening age in all major markets, the 
need for a low cost, simple blood test for 
easier mass market screening is obvious.  
The reality is, that the majority of people 
below the current screening age, are not 
aware of the growing risk and do not have 
access to screening programs.

Performance

The outstanding performance of Rhythm’s 
ColoSTAT® means that the Company 
is ahead of the curve with respect to 
eligibility for reimbursement in priority 
markets like the US.  The US Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services released 
a draft decision outlining the criteria for 
the reimbursement of current and future 

blood-based colorectal cancer screening 
tests.*  At a test level, it must demonstrate 
both sensitivity greater than or equal to 
74% and specificity greater than or equal 
to 90%.  ColoSTAT® therefore meets 
this requirement in the US based on 
Study 6 performance of 84% sensitivity 
and 95% specificity (note, without LRF 
enhancement included).

For Rhythm, the focus on the global 
opportunity is clear.  Presently ~800M 
people sit in the current eligible screening 
market, with a potential short term growth 
runway of 20% to over 1B people as the 
screening age is lowered.  

The Company is well positioned 
to continue executing on its 
commercialisation plans and these are 
now taking a newfound precedence.      

Commercialisation and Market Entry

Rhythm has secured patents for the 
diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 19 
countries, with Brazil added recently to the 
priority markets already secured including: 
•  USA 
•  Australia 
•  China 
•  Japan 
•  United Kingdom 
•  Brazil 
•  Europe  –  Austria,  Belgium,  
Denmark,  Finland,  France,  
Germany,  Italy,  Luxemburg,  
Netherlands, Norway, Spain, 
Sweden, and Switzerland  

A further patent for India is under review 
that will complete a solid, global patent 
position.  The Company expects to file 
additional patents in FY’22.

Rhythm confirmed its acceleration of 
priority market activities under the FY’22 
Strategic Plan announced in May 2021.  
An initial focus is the US market, which 
represents a significant part of the global 
opportunity, as one of the world’s largest 

*www.cancerhealth.com/article/task-force-colon-cancer-screening-age-45

diagnostic markets.  

Post year end, the Company announced 
the establishment of a 100% owned 
USA domiciled entity, IchorDX Inc., as 
clear intent on accelerating international 
expansion activities.  Preliminary 
assessment work has commenced, with 
go-to-market plans being developed that 
incorporate an initial market entry via a 
CLIA laboratory (lab developed test, or 
‘LDT’) and an FDA approval pathway for 
approval of ColoSTAT® in the US.

More broadly, Rhythm is increasing 
its global business development and 
commercialisation focus via: 
•  Engaging governments and 

identifying pathways for a screening 
mandate;

•  Developing partnerships with 
health insurance companies

 –

 –

in vitro diagnostic device and 
pharmaceutical companies; and

 – pathology laboratories, possibly 

including LDT initiatives in the first 
instance.

Clinical Trial – Study 7

During a largely disruptive year with 
COVID-19 impacts, Rhythm made 
meaningful progress on the ColoSTAT® 
Clinical Trial (Study 7).  Over the year, 
the Company expanded the number 
of Clinical Trial sites, from 3 to 11, with a 
focus on highly experienced principal 
investigators and a geographical diversity 
of sites.  This has been critical given 80% 
of our trial sites were initially in COVID-19 
affected Victoria.

Following this geographical site 
expansion, patient recruitment 
accelerated as new sites  became 
operational.  Feedback from both patients 
and the trial sites has been positive.  The 
Company can confirm the completion of 
patient recruitment for the clinical trial 
remains on track for 1HFY’22 as planned.

11

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORT 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 

targeted plans adopted. Further, all 
employees were aligned with shareholders 
via a new long-term incentive structure.

I would like to acknowledge our dedicated 
Rhythm team members for their tireless 
commitment, passion, and drive making 
ColoSTAT® a success. I would also like to 
thank our shareholders and our business 
partners for their ongoing support.  There 
is substantially more value to unlock as we 
move into a pre-market and commercial 
phase.  The Company is in great shape, 
and I look forward to executing on our 
plans to deliver on our promise for simple, 
low cost, blood-based diagnostics, for the 
mass-market screening of cancer.

Glenn Gilbert  
CEO

Quality and Regulatory

The Company maintained its certification 
to the International Standard for In-
Vitro Diagnostics and Medical Devices 
(ISO13485:2016), passing an audit 
conducted by the British Standards 
Institution (BSI).  This standard certifies 
Rhythm’s Quality Management System, 
a key indicator for the high standard the 
Company has set.

Achieving ISO certification is also critically 
important as it supports the Company’s 
regulatory approvals required as part of its 
commercial and market entry strategy. 

Rhythm has confirmed its intention to 
file for CE Mark approval ahead of the 
completion of Study 7. The CE Mark filing 
remains on track to occur by 1HFY’22. 

With respect to the Therapeutic Goods 
Administration (TGA) application 
for approval in Australia, post year 
end, Rhythm submitted its initial 
documentation with the TGA, formally 
commencing the regulatory process. 
Rhythm anticipate filing for TGA approval 
by 2HFY’22.

Corporate

In line with the Company’s capital light 
model, Rhythm has been conservative 
with respect to raising of capital and 
deployment.  At the start of the year, 
circa $6 million was raised via a strategic 
placement, with the majority of funds 
coming via a 3 for 5 Rights Issue from 
existing shareholders.  Post year end, the 
Company chose to again reward existing 
shareholders for their ongoing support 
with a 1 for 40 Rights Issue Offer to raise 
circa $4.3 million.  

The successful completion of biomarker 
technical validation, granting of patents, 
global manufacturing capabilities and 
delivering a superior Study 6 analytical 
performance were key inflection points 
that contributed to an increase in the 
Company’s market value.  During the year, 
Rhythm updated its strategy, structure, 
operating plans, with disciplined and 

12

DIRETOR’S REPORT

The Directors of Rhythm Biosciences Limited (Rhythm, the Group, or the Consolidated Entity) present their report for 
the financial year ended 30 June 2021.

Directors

The Directors at any time during the year, or since the end of the financial year, were as follows:

Mr Otto Buttula 

Dr Trevor Lockett

Mr Louis (Lou) Panaccio 

Mr David White (resigned 14 July 2021)

Mr Eduardo Vom

Principal Activities 

Rhythm Biosciences Limited (ASX: RHY) is developing and commercialising Australian medical diagnostics technology 
for sale in domestic and international markets. Its ColoSTAT® product, which remains in development aims to provide an 
accurate and early detection test for colorectal cancer. 

Corporate Information

Rhythm, a company limited by shares, is incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Rhythm has prepared a consolidated 
financial report incorporating the entity that it controlled during the financial year.

The registered office is located at Level 2, 480 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria, Australia, 3000.

The major operations of the Company are located at Bio21 Institute, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, Australia, 
3010

Review of Operations

The Group incurred a loss after income tax of $6,612,148 for the year ended 30 June 2021 (2020: $4,022,984).

The Chairman’s Letter and Chief Executive Officer’s Report contain a review of operations.

Significant Changes in the State of Affairs

There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the consolidated entity during the financial year.

Future Developments

The Directors’ do not foresee any unusual future event that may significantly negatively impact the Group’s operations, 
results or state of affairs. 

Rhythm’s business model of developing diagnostic products for global markets will always bear some risk given the 
nature of technological development, competitors entering the market, changes in global healthcare, reliance on 
commercial partners and our ability to access capital to sustain operations. We cannot guarantee that Rhythm’s 
technology will be widely adopted and sold by pathology laboratories. Moreover, the global Healthcare industry is an 
ever-evolving landscape where changes may impact our business opportunities.

Dividends

No dividends were paid or declared since the start of the financial year. No recommendation for payment has been made.

13

DIRECTORS’ REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTDirectors 

Names, qualifications and experience 

Name

Title

Otto Buttula

Non-Executive Chairman

Experience and expertise

Mr Buttula has had extensive experience and success in investment research, funds 
management, information and biotechnologies and has held directorships in a number 
of public companies. Mr Buttula’s executive experience includes co-founder and CEO 
and Managing Director of IWL Limited, an online financial services company that listed 
on the ASX in 1999. The company grew from a market capitalisation of $48 million at 
listing before a takeover in 2007 by Commonwealth Bank of Australia for $373 million. 
Mr Buttula also founded and was Managing Director of Investors Mutual, prior to which 
he was a co-founder and director of Lonsdale Securities Limited.

Following his completion of executive duties, Mr Buttula was Non-Executive Chairman 
of platform and stockbroking provider Investorfirst Limited and led the acquisition of 
HUB24 Limited (ASX: HUB). More recently, he served on the Board as a non-executive 
director and Head of Audit and Risk at Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU) between 2014 and 
2016.

Other current directorships

HITIQ Limited (appointed 28 January 2021) 
OncoSil Medical Limited (appointed 20 July 2021)

Interests in shares

27,400,000 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options

Nil

Name

Title

Dr Trevor Lockett

Technical Director

Experience and expertise

A molecular biologist by trade, Trevor Lockett received his PhD in biochemistry from 
the University of Adelaide and postdoctoral experience at the Rockefeller University 
in New York. With over 30 years of research experience, predominantly at the CSIRO, 
Trevor has led large, multidisciplinary research efforts in the areas of prostate cancer 
gene therapy, colorectal cancer prevention and the promotion of gastrointestinal 
health. In his role as Theme Leader, Colorectal Cancer and Gut Health, Trevor oversaw 
the research efforts leading to the technology that is to become ColoSTAT™.

Interests in shares

160,000 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options

1,500,000 options with an exercise price of 20 cents expiring on 14 September 2023

Name

Title

David White

Non-Executive Director (Resigned 14 July 2021)

Experience and expertise

David is based in Chicago in the US and is currently the Vice President of Business 
Development for Bluechiip Limited.  Bluechiip is an ASX listed company with unique 
technology that assists Biotech and Pharmaceutical companies to track biological 
samples in and out of cryogenic storage.  Prior to Bluechiip, David spent 4 years with 
Planet Innovation in Project Management and Business Development roles, assisting 
PI in commercializing their IP in the Point of Care diagnostics space.  David brings over 
20 years’ experience with diverse companies such as GenMark Diagnostics and Leica 
Biosystems in developing, marketing and selling IVD products in regulated markets.  
David’s experience, networks and contacts within the US diagnostics market will 
accelerate the path to commercialization in this key geography. 

14

DIRECTORS’ REPORTName

Title

Lou Panaccio

Non-Executive Director

Experience and expertise

A chartered accountant with extensive management experience in business and 
healthcare services. Lou is currently on the boards of ASX listed companies Sonic 
Healthcare Limited and Avita Therapeutics, Inc. Lou is also on the board of Unison 
Housing Limited.  Lou has more than twenty years’ experience as a board member of 
both public and private, for profit and not for profit companies. Previously, Lou was the 
CEO of Melbourne Pathology and Monash IVF, and also executive Chairman of Health 
Networks Australia.

Other current directorships

Sonic Healthcare Limited 
Avita Therapeutics, Inc

Former directorships  
(last 3 years)

Genera Biosystems Limited (resigned 28 June 2019)

Interests in shares

800,000 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options

Nil

Name

Title

Eduardo Vom

Non-Executive Director

Experience and expertise

Mr Vom has over 20 years’ experience in technology and development and 
commercialisation in the biotech industry, having held leadership roles at cancer 
diagnostics manufacturer Vision BioSystems and molecular diagnostics company 
Genetic Technologies. He currently serves as a non-executive director with privately 
owned health and wellbeing companies and is well known for his expertise in digital 
healthcare, management of multi discipline projects, business strategy and technology 
commercialisation. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Technology 
and an honours degree in Industrial Engineering and Computing from Monash 
University.

Interests in shares

3,552,667 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options

Nil

‘Other current directorships’ quoted above are current directorships for listed entities only and excludes directorships of 
all other types of entities, unless otherwise stated.

 ‘Former directorships (last 3 years)’ quoted above are directorships held in the last 3 years for listed entities only and 
excludes directorships of all other types of entities, unless otherwise stated.

Company Secretaries

Adrien Wing is a certified practicing accountant. He previously practiced in the audit and corporate advisory divisions of a 
chartered accounting firm before working with several public companies listed on the ASX as a corporate and accounting 
consultant and company secretary. 

Pauline Moffatt is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a fellow GIA ICSA of the 
Governance Institute of Australia. Ms Moffatt has a wealth of experience, providing specialised accounting and company 
secretary services to public companies for over 20 years.

15

DIRECTORS’ REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTMeetings of Directors 

The following table sets out the number of Director meetings of the Company held during the financial year, and the 
number of meetings attended by each Director.

Director

Mr O Buttula

Dr T Lockett

Mr L Panaccio

Mr D White

Mr E Vom

Corporate Governance

Directors’ Meetings

 Held

Attended

15

15

15

15

15

15

13

15

15

15

Details on the Company’s corporate governance procedures, policies and practices are at www.rhythmbio.com.

16

DIRECTORS’ REPORTThe Remuneration Report, which forms part of the Directors’ report, sets out information about the remuneration of the 
Company’s Directors and its Key Management Personnel for the financial year ended 30 June 2021. 

Directors’ Report – Remuneration Report (Audited)

Names and positions held by Directors and Key Management Personnel at any time during the financial year were:

Name

Mr Otto Buttula

Dr Trevor Lockett

Position

Non-Executive Chairman

Technical Director

Date Appointed to Position

28 October 2019

27 November 2018 (previously Managing 
Director from 1 June 2017)

Mr Louis (Lou) Panaccio

Non-Executive Director

1 August 2017

Mr David White

Mr Eduardo Vom

Mr Glenn Gilbert

Mr Adrien Wing

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer

Company Secretary

1 June 2017 (Resigned 14 July 2021)

5 June 2020

27 November 2018 

1 June 2017

Directors’ and Key Management Personnel Interests in Shares and Options

Directors’ and Key Management Personnel’s interests in the ordinary shares of Rhythm Biosciences Limited and options 
over ordinary shares as at the date of this report are detailed below:

Name

Position

Mr Otto Buttula

Non-Executive Chairman

Dr Trevor Lockett

Technical Director

Mr Louis (Lou) Panaccio

Non-Executive Director

Mr Eduardo Vom

Mr Glenn Gilbert

Mr Adrien Wing

Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer

Company Secretary

Remuneration Policy

Number of  
Ordinary Shares

27,400,000

160,000

800,000

3,552,667

1,183,341

19,049,761

52,145,769

Number  
of Options

-

1,500,000

-

-

3,500,000

-

5,000,000

The aim of the Company’s remuneration policy is to align the interests of directors and employees with those of 
shareholders. To do this Rhythm sets remuneration levels that attract and retain highly skilled and experienced directors 
and employees; and motivates and rewards performance that advances the Company’s strategic goals. 

Remuneration Structure

The remuneration of Key Management Personnel and employees is structured in two parts:
•  Fixed Remuneration, comprising: base salary, superannuation (payable under the Superannuation Guarantee Act) and 

other benefits in lieu of salary; and

•  Variable Remuneration, may include: a short-term incentive bonus (cash) and a long-term incentive in the form of options 

under the ESOP.

The Company aims to set the level of fixed remuneration at market levels for comparable jobs, in similarly structured and 
sized companies in the industry in which the Company operates. No advice from a remuneration consultant was sought 
during the financial year.

17

DIRECTORS’ REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTShort-Term Incentive Plan

The short-term incentive plan provides an incentive to employees to achieve an annual cash bonus on the achievement 
of corporate goals set at the beginning of each calendar year. These corporate goals are clearly defined, drive shareholder 
value and can be objectively measured. The percentage of an employee’s base salary that can be earned through the 
Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) is set by the Board for Key Management Personnel and by Key Management Personnel 
for all other employees. At the end of the calendar year the Board assesses the level of achievement of these corporate 
goals. Payments made pursuant to the STIP are at the discretion of the Board. 

Long-Term Incentive Plan

The purpose of the long-term incentive plan is to align the interests of directors, key management personnel and 
employees with those of the shareholders and provide reward for sustained achievement of the Group’s strategic 
objectives. Rhythm’s long-term incentive plan is implemented through the Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP). 

Options

During the 2021 year, 8,150,000 Options were issued to key management personnel and employees. The fair value of 
employee share options was $1,063,298. $531,649 was expensed in the current financial year (2020: $18,592). The options 
were issued for nil consideration and granted in accordance with performance guidelines established by the Board.

The following Share Options arrangements existed at 30 June 2021:

Number of 
Options

Exercise Price 
($)

Grant Date

Vesting Period Vesting Date

Expiry Date 

Holder

Fair Value 
per Option at 
Grant Date

750,000

750,000

1,750,000

1,750,000

1,575,000

1,575,000

$0.20

$0.20

$0.20

$0.20

$0.20

$0.20

18.11.2020

n/a

18.11.2020

14.9.2023

Dr T Lockett

$0.3545

18.11.2020

See below (i)

See below (i)

14.9.2023

Dr T Lockett

$0.3545

14.9.2020

n/a

14.9.2020

14.9.2023

G Gilbert

14.9.2020

See below (i)

See below (i)

14.9.2023

G Gilbert

$0.0799

$0.0799

14.9.2020

n/a

14.9.2020

14.9.2023

Employees

$0.0799

14.9.2020

See below (i)

See below (i)

14.9.2023

Employees

$0.0799

8,150,000

Total ESOP Options

(i)  Vesting conditions related to these options not yet achieved are as follows:

- 50% upon the granting of a CE Mark; and 
- 50% upon achieving Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) registration. 

All options granted are in respect of ordinary shares in Rhythm Biosciences Limited and confer a right of one ordinary share for each option held.

Movement in the number of share options on issue

2021

2021

2020

2020

Number 
of Options

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price (cents)

Number  
of Options

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price (cents)

3,000,000

(3,000,000)

8,150,000

(675,000)

7,475,000

3,400,000

26.67

26.67

20.00

20.00

20.00

20.00

3,000,000

-

-

3,000,000

3,000,000

26.67

-

-

26.67

26.67

Opening balance

Forfeited

Granted

Exercised

Outstanding at year-end

Exercisable at year-end

Shares

On 14 September 2020, 183,241 fully paid ordinary shares were issued to the CEO, Mr Glenn Gilbert, as a sign-on 
incentive for a revised employment agreement. Included under employee costs in the income statement is a share-based 
payments expense of $26,570 (2020: $nil) based on a price of 14.5 cents per share at the date of issue.

18

DIRECTORS’ REPORTNon-Executive Director Remuneration

The Board considers the level of remuneration necessary to attract and retain Directors with the skills and experience 
required by the Company at its stage of development. Non-executive Directors fees are paid within an aggregate limit 
which is approved by the shareholders from time to time. No retirement payments are made to Non-executive Directors. 

For the 2021 financial year, the Non-executive Chairman’s fees were $84,000 per annum while the Australian based 
Non-executive Directors’ fees were $42,000 per annum. The United States based Non-executive Directors’ fees were 
$36,000 per annum. No options were issued to Non-Executive Directors under the ESOP during the 2021 financial year.

Key Management Personnel Remuneration 

Key Terms of the CEO’s employment contract 

The Company entered into a revised executive services agreement effective 1 July 2020 for Mr Glenn Gilbert as Chief 
Executive Officer (CEO) to receive an annual salary of $270,400 (exclusive of 9.5% superannuation). A sign-on incentive 
for this revised agreement of 183,241 fully paid ordinary shares were issued (at a fair value of 14.5 cents per share). The 
Company also issued Glenn 3,500,000 unlisted Options exercisable at 20 cents on or before 14 September 2023. Refer 
to Note 17 for details on Options vesting conditions. Glenn may also receive short-term incentives dependent upon 
performance, as assessed against key performance indicators. The Company may terminate Glenn’s employment upon 3 
months’ written notice.

Key Terms of the Technical Director’s employment contract 

The Company entered into a revised consulting services agreement effective 1 July 2020 for Dr Trevor Lockett to 
receive an annual salary of $112,000 (inclusive of 9.5% superannuation). The Company also issued Trevor 1,500,000 
unlisted Options exercisable at 20 cents on or before 14 September 2023. The issue of these Options was approved 
by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the Company on 18 November 2020. Refer to Note 17 for details on 
Options vesting conditions.

Details of the remuneration of Directors and Key Management Personnel for the 2021 financial year are provided below:

Short-term Benefits 

Long-term Benefits

Cash salary 
and fees
($)

Cash 
bonus
 ($)

Annual 
Leave 
Provision
($)

Long Service 
Leave 
Provision 
($)

Post-employment
Superannuation
($)

Equity-based 
compensation
Shares
and Options  
($)

Total 
($)

% 
Performance 
Based

Non-Executive Directors

O Buttula

D White

L Panaccio

E Vom

76,712

36,000

38,963

38,356

Executive Director

T Lockett

102,283

CEO

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7,288

-

3,037

3,644

-

-

-

-

84,000

36,000

42,000

42,000

-

-

-

-

9,717

265,860

377,860

70.4

G Gilbert

270,400

61,977

19,945

3,605

28,943

166,459

551,329

30.2

Company Secretary

A Wing

Total

105,600

-

-

-

-

-

105,600

-

668,314

61,977

19,945

3,605

52,629

432,319

1,238,789

19

DIRECTORS’ REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTDetails of the remuneration of Directors and Key Management Personnel for the 2020 financial year are provided below:

Short-term Benefits 

Long-term Benefits

Cash salary 
and fees
($)

Cash 
bonus
 ($)

Annual 
Leave 
Provision
($)

Long Service 
Leave 
Provision 
($)

Post-employment
Superannuation
($)

Equity-based 
compensation
Shares
and Options  
($)

Total 
($)

% 
Performance 
Based

Non-Executive Directors

O Buttula

S Tanner

T Lockett

D White

L Panaccio

E Vom

CEO

51,142

28,000

174,436

36,000

42,000

3,033

G Gilbert

265,700 52,310(1)

Company Secretary

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(13,317)

(2,744)

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,858

-

10,054

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

56,000

28,000

168,429

36,000

42,000

3,033

-

-

-

-

-

-

16,000

3,030

24,700

18,592

380,332

18.6

A Wing

Total

105,600

-

705,911

52,310

2,683

-

286

-

-

105,600

39,612

18,592

819,394

-

-

(1) Included in this bonus is an amount of $23,750 relating to the 2019 financial year which was not finalised and agreed upon until during the 2020 financial year. 
The bonus awarded for 2020 represented 30% of the total available and was based on leadership, investor support and overall contribution. The bonus awarded 
for 2019 represented 50% of the total available and was based on scientific progress, relocation to Bio21 premises and staffing arrangements. 

Share-Based Payments

The Group operates an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP). Each option provides the holder with the right to purchase 
an ordinary share in the parent entity at a pre-determined price. During the financial year ended 30 June 2021, 8,150,000 
options were issued pursuant to the Group’s ESOP. Options offered to Rhythm Directors and staff are subject to several 
conditions which can restrict both vesting and the exercising of the options. At the date of the Directors Report a total of 
7,475,000 options were on issue.

There were 675,000 ordinary shares issued during the financial year from the exercise of employee share options.

Option Holdings

The number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held during and at the end of the financial year by each 
Director and Key Management Personnel, including related parties, are set out below (refer also to Note 17 for further 
details): 

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year

Granted 
During Year

Exercised 
During Year

Forfeited 
During Year

Balance at 
End of Year

Vested and 
Exercisable 
at End of Year

Unvested at 
End of Year

T Lockett

G Gilbert

Total

2,000,000

1,500,000

1,000,000

3,500,000

3,000,000

5,000,000

-

-

-

(2,000,000)

1,500,000

750,000

750,000

(1,000,000)

3,500,000

1,750,000

1,750,000

(3,000,000)

5,000,000

2,500,000

2,500,000

20

DIRECTORS’ REPORTShareholdings

The number of ordinary shares in the Company held during and at the end of the 2021 financial year by each Director and 
Key Management Personnel of the Group, including related parties, are set out below.

Share-based 
Compensation

Exercise of 
Options

Upon 
Appointment/
Resignation

On-market 
and Other 
Transactions

Balance at 
End of Year

Non-Executive Directors

O Buttula

D White

L Panaccio

E Vom

Executive Director

T Lockett

CEO

G Gilbert

Company Secretary

A Wing

TOTAL

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year

1,500,000

530,220

500,000

2,710,000

100,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

183,241

11,100,000

-

16,440,220

183,241

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,900,000

27,400,000

-

530,220

300,000

800,000

842,667

3,552,667

60,000

160,000

1,000,000

1,183,241

7,949,761

19,049,761

36,052,428

52,675,889

Additional Information

The earnings of the consolidated entity are summarised below:

Loss after income tax of $6,612,148 for the year ended 30 June 2021 (2020: $4,022,984).

The factors that are considered to affect total shareholders return (‘TSR’) are summarised below:
•  Share price at the end of the financial year was 88.5 cents (2020: 6.9 cents).
•  Basic Loss per share (cents per share) of 3.57 for the year ended 30 June 2021 (2020: 3.99).

This concludes the remuneration report, which has been audited.

Voting and comments made at the Company’s 2020 Annual General Meeting

At the 2020 Annual General Meeting the 2020 Remuneration Report was voted upon by shareholders with 2.96% votes 
against the resolution.

Environmental Issues

Rhythm’s operations are subject to certain environmental regulations under the laws of the Commonwealth and State. 
The Directors are not aware of any breaches during the period covered by this report. 

Related Party Transactions

Both Mr Buttula and Mr Wing charged a fee at commercial market rates of $25,000 in respect to an underwriting 
commitment for the Rights Issue completed during the year.

During the 2021 and 2020 financial years there were no other transactions with related parties other than remuneration.

21

DIRECTORS’ REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTAfter Balance Date Events 

Rights Offer

On 30 July 2021, the Company announced on the ASX a non-renounceable rights issue offer to eligible shareholders on the basis of 
one (1) new share for every forty (40) shares held at an issue price of $0.85 (85 cents) per new share plus 1 Class A Option and 1 Class B 
Option for every 2 New Shares subscribed under the Offer to raise up to $4.3 million before costs. Binding commitments have been 
received for approximately $2.75 million for any shortfall shares from the Rights Issue Offer. All Directors have indicated that they 
intend to take up some or all of their entitlement, representing an investment of approximately $0.62 million.

COVID-19 Impact

The Company has been able to maintain its Research & Development staff within the laboratory.  The Company has experienced some 
delays in the receipt of various materials from international suppliers primarily due to the backlog and re-routing of ports associated 
with freight processing, particularly in Victoria.

There has been no other matter or circumstance which has arisen since 30 June 2021 that has significantly affected or may significantly 
affect:
•  the operations, in financial years subsequent to 30 June 2021, of the consolidated entity; or
•  the results of those operations; or 
•  the state of affairs, in financial years subsequent to 30 June 2021, of the consolidated entity.

Proceedings on behalf of the Company

No person has applied to the Court under Section 237 of the Corporation Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on 
behalf of the Company, or to invervene in any proceedings to which the Company is a part for the purpose of taking 
responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or any part of those proceedings.

Indemnity and Insurance of Officers

The Company has paid a premium for Directors’ and Officers’ Liability (Management Liability) Insurance. 

Under the Company’s constitution:

i.  To the extent permitted by law and subject to the restrictions in sections 199A and 199B of the Corporations Act 2001, the 
Company indemnifies every person who is or has been an officer of the Company against any liability (other than for legal 
costs) incurred by that person as an officer of the Company.

ii.  To the extent permitted by law and subject to the restrictions in sections 199A and 199B of the Corporations Act 2001, the 

Company indemnifies every person who is or has been an officer of the Company against reasonable legal costs incurred in 
defending an action for a liability incurred by that person as an officer of the Company.

The Company insures its Directors, Company Secretary and executive officers under a Management Liability Insurance 
policy. Under the Company’s Management Liability Insurance Policy, the Company cannot release to any third party or 
otherwise publish details of the nature of the liabilities insured by the policy or the amount of the premium. Accordingly, 
the Company relies on section 300(9) of the Corporations Act 2001 to exempt it from the requirement to disclose the 
nature of the liability insured against and the premium amount of the relevant policy.

Indemnity and Insurance of Auditor

The company has not, during or since the end of the financial year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify the auditor of the 
company or any related entity against a liability incurred by the auditor. During the financial year, the company has not 
paid a premium in respect of a contract to insure the auditor of the company or any related entity.

22

DIRECTORS’ REPORTAuditors’ Independence Declaration 

A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as required under s307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on 
page 24.

Non-Audit Services

BDO Audit Pty Ltd were paid $7,830 (2020: $7,450) for non-audit services during the 2021 financial year.

The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the financial year, by the auditor, is compatible 
with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:
•  all non-audit services have been reviewed and approved to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of 

the auditor; and

•  none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of 

Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, including reviewing 
or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or decision-making capacity for the company, acting as 
advocate for the company or jointly sharing economic risks and rewards.

Officers of the company who are former directors of BDO Audit Pty Ltd

There are no officers of the company who are former directors of BDO Audit Pty Ltd.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

Otto Buttula 
Chairman

Melbourne, Australia 
Dated this 31st day of August 2021

23

DIRECTORS’ REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTTel: +61 3 9603 1700 
Fax: +61 3 9602 3870 
www.bdo.com.au 

Collins Square, Tower Four  
Level 18, 727 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3008 
GPO Box 5099 Melbourne VIC 3001 
Australia 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY JAMES MOONEY TO THE DIRECTORS OF RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES 
LIMITED 

As lead auditor of Rhythm Biosciences Limited for the year ended 30 June 2021, I declare that, to the 
best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

1.  No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

2.  No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Rhythm Biosciences Limited and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 

James Mooney 
Director 

BDO Audit Pty Ltd 

Melbourne, 31 August 2021 

BDO Audit Pty Ltd ABN 33 134 022 870 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO 
Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members 
of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent 
member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

24

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income 

Notes

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Other Income

Interest Income

Government Stimulus Income

Research and Development Tax Refund

Expenses

Employment related costs

4

Office and compliance costs

Research and development costs

Marketing and investor relations

Occupancy costs

Travel and meetings

Finance costs – lease liabilities

Finance costs - other

Depreciation - PPE

Depreciation - ROU

Amortisation of intangibles

Loss Before Income Tax

Income tax expense

Loss After Tax

Other comprehensive income

Total Comprehensive Loss for the Year

Loss Per Share

Basic loss per share (cents per share)

Diluted loss per share (cents per share)

9

5

6

6

13,973

-

1,108,507

(2,189,773)

(730,253)

(4,554,750)

(62,821)

(45,479)

(3,724)

(785)

(396)

(70,665)

(40,012)

(35,971)

46,266

100,000

-

(1,397,801)

(549,617)

(1,939,431)

(41,846)

(49,918)

(41,554)

(3,713)

(4,083)

(60,017)

(45,299)

(35,971)

(6,612,148)

(4,022,984)

-

-

(6,612,148)

(4,022,984)

-

-

(6,612,148)

(4,022,984)

(3.57)

(3.57)

(3.99)

(3.99)

25

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Notes

30 June 2021 ($)

30 June 2020 ($)

2,228,397

163,982

45,000

56,580

1,797,958

139,175

45,000

23,234

2,493,959

2,005,367

462,015

-

113,800

575,815

3,069,774

1,206,237

137,047

-

1,343,284

19,686

19,686

1,362,970

1,706,804

15,981,488

531,650

(14,806,334)

1,706,804

497,986

40,012

102,546

640,544

2,645,911

676,099

75,888

42,437

794,424

8,428

8,428

802,852

1,843,059

10,037,245

194,000

(8,388,186)

1,843,059

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Other financial assets – term deposit

Prepayments

Total Current Assets

Non-Current Assets

Intangible assets

Right-of-use assets

Property, plant and equipment

Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Total Current Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Provisions

Total Non-Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Equity

Issued capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Total Equity

7

8

9

10

11

12

12

13

14

26

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Balance at 1 July 2020

10,037,245

194,000

(8,388,186)

1,843,059

Issued Capital  
($)

Reserves  
($)

Accumulated 
Losses ($)

Total  
($)

Loss attributable to members

Lapse of performance rights

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issued capital

Capital raising costs

-

-

6,168,754

(251,081)

-

(6,612,148)

(6,612,148)

(194,000)

194,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,168,754

(251,081)

558,220

Share-based payments expense (Note 17)

26,570

531,650

Balance at 30 June 2021

15,981,488

531,650

(14,806,334)

1,706,804

Balance at 1 July 2019

10,037,245

184,239

(4,374,033)

5,847,451

Loss attributable to members

Lapse of performance rights

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Share-based payments expense (Note 17)

-

-

-

-

(4,022,984)

(4,022,984)

(8,831)

8,831

-

18,592

-

18,592

Balance at 30 June 2020

10,037,245

194,000

(8,388,186)

1,843,059

27

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Interest received

20,212

47,197

Payments to suppliers and employees

(6,580,420)

(3,575,821)

Interest paid

Government COVID-19 stimulus

Research and development tax refund

(785)

50,000

1,108,507

(7,796)

50,000

743,822

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

15

(5,402,486)

(2,742,598)

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Proceeds from issues of shares and options

Costs of capital raising

Repayment of lease liabilities

Repayment of other borrowings

(68,271)

(68,271)

6,168,754

(225,121)

(42,437)

-

(45,535)

(45,535)

-

-

(59,860)

(82,364)

Net Cash From/(Used in) Financing Activities

5,901,196 

(142,224)

Net Increase/(Decrease) In Cash Held

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year

Cash And Cash Equivalents at End of Financial Year

7

430,439

1,797,958

2,228,397

(2,930,357)

4,728,315

1,797,958

28

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Note 1: Statement of Significant Accounting 
Policies

The consolidated financial statements and notes represent 
those of Rhythm Biosciences Limited and Controlled 
Entities (the ‘consolidated entity’ or ‘Group’). The 
separate financial statements of the parent entity, Rhythm 
Biosciences Limited, have not been presented within this 
financial report as permitted by amendments made to 
the Corporations Act 2001. The financial report covers 
the economic entities of Rhythm Biosciences Limited and 
its controlled entities as an economic entity for the year 
ended 30 June 2021. Comparatives are disclosed for the 
year ended 30 June 2020.

The financial statements are presented in Australian 
dollars, which is the Group’s functional and presentation 
currency. The financial statements were authorised 
for issue on 31st August 2021 by the Directors of the 
Company.

Statement of Compliance

These financial statements are general purpose financial 
statements which have been prepared in accordance 
with the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting 
Standards and Interpretations, and comply with other 
requirements of the law. The financial statements 
comprise the consolidated financial statements of the 
Group. For the purposes of preparing the consolidated 
financial statements, the Company is a for-profit entity. 
Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards 
ensures that the financial statements and notes of the 
company and the Group comply with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’).

Basis of Preparation

Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting 
policies that the AASB has concluded would result 
in a financial report containing relevant and reliable 
information about transactions, events and conditions to 
which they apply. Material accounting policies adopted 
in the preparation of this financial report are presented 
below. They have been consistently applied unless 
otherwise stated.

The financial report has been prepared on an accruals 
basis and is based on historical costs, modified, where 
applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected 
non-current assets, financial assets, and financial liabilities.

Going Concern

The consolidated entity incurred an operating loss of 
$6,612,148 (2020: $4,022,984) and had cash outflows from 

operating activities of $5,402,486 (2020: $2,742,598) for 
the year ended 30 June 2021. The consolidated entity is in 
start-up phase and does not yet have an income stream. 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of 
normal business activities and the realisation of assets 
and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of 
business for the following reasons:
•  as at 30 June 2021, the consolidated entity had a strong 

cash position of $2.2 million;

•  a research and development refund, based on expenditure 

incurred, is expected in the second half of 2021;
•  the consolidated entity is still in the early stages of 

operations and is able to scale back activity if required; and

•  post balance date capital raising plans comprise 
conducting a Rights Issue Offer to raise a total of 
approximately $4.3 million before costs. Refer to Note 22 
for further details.

Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate 
the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of Rhythm 
Biosciences Limited (‘company’ or ‘parent entity’) as at 30 
June 2021 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year 
then ended. 

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the 
consolidated entity has control. The consolidated entity 
controls an entity when the consolidated entity is exposed 
to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power to direct the activities of the entity. 
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which 
control is transferred to the consolidated entity. They are 
de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. 

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains 
on transactions between entities in the consolidated entity 
are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless 
the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the 
asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have 
been changed where necessary to ensure consistency 
with the policies adopted by the consolidated entity.

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the 
acquisition method of accounting. A change in ownership 
interest, without the loss of control, is accounted for as 
an equity transaction, where the difference between the 
consideration transferred and the book value of the share 
of the non-controlling interest acquired is recognised 

29

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.directly in equity attributable to the parent.

Operating Segments

Operating segments are presented using the 
‘management approach’, where the information presented 
is on the same basis as the internal reports provided to the 
Chief Operating Decision Makers (‘CODM’). The CODM 
is responsible for the allocation of resources to operating 
segments and assessing their performance.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognised at the fair value of the consideration 
received net of the amount of goods and services tax 
(GST) payable to the taxation authority. For each contract 
with a customer, the consolidated entity: identifies the 
contract with a customer; identifies the performance 
obligations in the contract; determines the transaction 
price which takes into account estimates of variable 
consideration and the time value of money; allocates 
the transaction price to the separate performance 
obligations on the basis of the relative stand-alone selling 
price of each distinct good or service to be delivered; 
and recognises revenue when or as each performance 
obligation is satisfied in a manner that depicts the transfer 
to the customer of the goods or services promised.

Interest income is recognised as it accrues, taking into 
account the effective yield on the financial asset.

Government stimulus and research and development tax 
refund Income Is recognised when there Is reasonable 
assurance that the eligibility conditions are met and that 
the grants will be received.

Income Tax

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax 
currently payable and deferred tax.

Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet 
liability method in respect of temporary differences arising 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their 
carrying amounts in the financial statements. No deferred 
income tax will be recognised from the initial recognition 
of an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, 
where there is no effect on accounting or taxable profit or 
loss.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected 
to apply in the period when the asset is realised or liability 
is settled. Deferred tax is credited in the income statement 
except where it relates to items that may be credited 
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is adjusted 
directly against equity.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent 
that it is probable that future tax profits will be available, 
against which deductible temporary differences can be 
utilised. No deferred tax assets have been recognised on 
the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2021, as 
the probability of deriving a benefit is uncertain. 

The amount of benefits brought to account or which may 
be realised in the future is based on the assumption that 
no adverse change will occur in income taxation legislation 
and the expectation that the Group will derive sufficient 
future assessable income to enable the benefit to be 
realised and comply with the conditions of deductibility 
imposed by the law. 

Current and Non-current Classification

Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of 
financial position based on current and non-current 
classification.

An asset is classified as current when: it is either expected 
to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in the 
consolidated entity’s normal operating cycle; it is held 
primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be 
realised within 12 months after the reporting period; or 
the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from 
being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least 
12 months after the reporting period. All other assets are 
classified as non-current.

A liability is classified as current when: it is either expected 
to be settled in the consolidated entity’s normal operating 
cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due 
to be settled within 12 months after the reporting period; 
or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of 
the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. 
All other liabilities are classified as non-current.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as 
non-current.

 Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, 
deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-
term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of 
three months or less that are readily convertible to known 
amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant 
risk of changes in value. For the statement of cash flows 
presentation purposes, cash and cash equivalents 
also includes bank overdrafts, which are shown within 
borrowings in current liabilities on the statement of 
financial position. 

30

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Trade and Other Receivables

Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value 
and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method, less any provision for 
impairment. Trade receivables are generally due for 
settlement within 30 days.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an 
ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectable 
are written off by reducing the carrying amount directly. A 
provision for estimated credit losses of trade receivables 
is raised when there is objective evidence that the 
consolidated entity will not be able to collect all amounts 
due according to the original terms of the receivables 
expected. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, 
probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or 
financial reorganisation and default or delinquency in 
payments (more than 60 days overdue) are considered 
indicators that the trade receivable may be impaired. The 
amount of the impairment allowance is the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present 
value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to 
short-term receivables are not discounted if the effect of 
discounting is immaterial.

 Other receivables are recognised at amortised cost, less 
any provision for impairment.

Intangibles

Research and Development

Expenditure during the research phase of a project 
is recognised as an expense when incurred. Product 
development costs are capitalised only when each of the 
following specific criteria has been satisfied:

i.  Technical feasibility of completing development of the 

product and obtaining approval by regulatory authorities. 

ii.  Ability to secure a commercial partner for the product.

iii.  Availability of adequate technical, financial and other 
resources to complete development of the product, 
obtain regulatory approval and secure a commercial 
partner.

iv.  Reliable measurement of expenditure attributable to the 

product during its development. 

v.  High probability of the product entering a major 

diagnostic market.

Capitalised development costs have a finite life and are 
amortised on a systematic basis over the period from when 
the product becomes available for use and ceases at the 

earlier of the date the asset is expected to exit the market 
or that the asset is classified as held for sale (or included 
in a disposal group that is classified as held for sale) in 
accordance with AASB 5.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets comprise licences and are stated 
at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment 
losses.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at 
cost or fair value less, where applicable, any accumulated 
depreciation and impairment.

Plant and Equipment

The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed 
annually by the Directors to ensure it is not in excess of the 
recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable 
amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash 
flows that will be received from the assets’ employment 
and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash 
flows have been discounted to their present values in 
determining recoverable amounts.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying 
amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, 
only when it is probable that future economic benefits 
associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost 
of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and 
maintenance are charged to the income statement during 
the financial period in which they are incurred. 

Depreciation

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets, including 
building and capitalised lease assets but excluding 
freehold land, is depreciated on a straight line basis over 
their useful lives to the Group commencing from the time 
the asset is held ready for use. Items of property, plant and 
equipment, are depreciated over their estimated useful 
lives. 

The depreciation rates for each class of asset are:

Class of Non-
Current Asset

Office Equipment

Computer 
Equipment

Laboratory 
Equipment

Depreciation  
Rate

Estimated Useful 
Lives

10%

33.3%

33.3%

10 years

3 years

3 years

31

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, 
and adjusted if appropriate, at each end of reporting 
period.

Contributions are made by the Group to employee 
superannuation funds and are charged as expenses when 
incurred.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately 
to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is 
greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

The consolidated entity leases office space. The lease is 
short-term, so it has been expensed as incurred and not 
capitalised as right-of-use assets.

Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

At each reporting date the Group reviews the carrying 
values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those assets have 
been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair 
value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the 
asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying 
value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the 
statement of comprehensive income.

Impairment testing is performed annually for intangible 
assets with indefinite lives and capitalised development 
costs not yet ready for use. 

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable 
amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the 
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which 
the asset belongs.  

Payables

Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the 
future for goods or services received. Due to their short-
term nature they are measured at amortised cost and 
are not discounted. Trade accounts payable and other 
creditors are normally settled within 60 days.

Employee Entitlements

Short-term and long-term employee benefits

A liability is recognised for benefits accruing to employees 
for wages and salaries and annual leave in the year the 
related service is rendered.

Liabilities recognised in respect of short-term employee 
benefits are measured at their nominal values using 
the remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of 
settlement. Liabilities recognised in respect of long-term 
employee benefits are measured as the present value 
of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by the 
Group in respect of services provided by employees up to 
reporting date.

Share-based compensation

Equity-settled and cash-settled share-based 
compensation benefits are provided to employees.

Equity-settled transactions are awards of shares, or 
options over shares, that are provided to employees in 
exchange for the rendering of services. Cash-settled 
transactions are awards of cash for the exchange of 
services, where the amount of cash is determined by 
reference to the share price.

Employee Entitlements (continued)

Share-based compensation (continued)

The cost of equity-settled transactions are measured 
at fair value on grant date. Fair value is independently 
determined using either the Binomial or Black-Scholes 
option pricing or models that takes into account the 
exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of 
dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price 
volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend 
yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the 
option, together with non-vesting conditions that do not 
determine whether the consolidated entity receives the 
services that entitle the employees to receive payment. No 
account is taken of any other vesting conditions.

 The cost of equity-settled transactions are recognised as 
an expense with a corresponding increase in equity over 
the vesting period. The cumulative charge to profit or 
loss is calculated based on the grant date fair value of the 
award, the best estimate of the number of awards that are 
likely to vest and the expired portion of the vesting period. 
The amount recognised in profit or loss for the period is 
the cumulative amount calculated at each reporting date 
less amounts already recognised in previous periods.

The cost of cash-settled transactions is initially, and at each 
reporting date until vested, determined by applying either 
the Binomial or Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking 
into consideration the terms and conditions on which the 
award was granted. The cumulative charge to profit or loss 
until settlement of the liability is calculated as follows:
•  during the vesting period, the liability at each reporting 

date is the fair value of the award at that date multiplied by 
the expired portion of the vesting period.

•  from the end of the vesting period until settlement of the 
award, the liability is the full fair value of the liability at the 
reporting date.

32

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  All changes in the liability are recognised in profit or loss. 
The ultimate cost of cash-settled transactions is the cash 
paid to settle the liability.

Market conditions are taken into consideration in 
determining fair value. Therefore, any awards subject to 
market conditions are considered to vest irrespective 
of whether or not that market condition has been met, 
provided all other conditions are satisfied.

If equity-settled awards are modified, as a minimum 
an expense is recognised as if the modification has 
not been made. An additional expense is recognised, 
over the remaining vesting period, for any modification 
that increases the total fair value of the share-based 
compensation benefit as at the date of modification.

If the non-vesting condition is within the control of the 
consolidated entity or employee, the failure to satisfy 
the condition is treated as a cancellation. If the condition 
is not within the control of the consolidated entity or 
employee and is not satisfied during the vesting period, 
any remaining expense for the award is recognised over 
the remaining vesting period, unless the award is forfeited.

Issued Capital

Impairment

An ‘expected credit loss’ (‘ECL’) model is used to recognise 
an allowance. Impairment is measured using a 12-month 
ECL method unless the credit risk on a financial instrument 
has increased significantly since initial recognition in which 
case the lifetime ECL method is adopted.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit 
attributable to the owners of Rhythm Biosciences Limited, 
excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary 
shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus 
elements in ordinary shares issued during the financial 
year.

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the 
determination of basic earnings per share to take into 
account the after income tax effect of interest and other 
financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary 
shares and the weighted average number of shares 
assumed to have been issued for no consideration in 
relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’) and Other Similar Taxes

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new 
shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of 
tax, from the proceeds.

Financial Instruments

Recognition

Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value  
on transaction date, plus or minus transaction costs 
directly attributable to the acquisition. Subsequent to 
initial recognition these instruments are measured as  
set out below. 

Receivables 

Receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed 
or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method. 

Financial liabilities 

Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at 
amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal 
payments and amortisation. Lease liabilities have been 
recorded adopting an Incremental borrowing rate of 
4.99%.

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of 
the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred 
is not recoverable from the tax authority. In this case it is 
recognised as part of the cost of the acquisition of the 
asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the 
amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount 
of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority 
is included in other receivables or other payables in the 
statement of financial position.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST 
components of cash flows arising from investing or 
financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable 
to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the 
amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax 
authority.

Comparative Figures 

When required by Accounting Standards, comparative 
figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in 
presentation for the current financial year. 

33

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The Directors evaluate estimates and judgments 
incorporated into the financial report based on historical 
knowledge and best available current information. 
Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future 
events and are based on current trends and economic 
data, obtained both externally and within the Group.

Key Estimates

Share-based payments

Rhythm operates an Employee Share Option Plan 
(ESOP). The non-cash expense of issuing these options 
is calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. 
This model requires the input of a number of variables 
including an estimate of future volatility and a risk-free 
interest rate. Refer to Note 17 to the financial statements.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets comprise licences and are stated 
at cost less accumulated amortisation. The consolidated 
entity assesses impairment of non-financial indefinite 

life intangible assets and intangible assets not yet ready 
for use at each reporting date by evaluating conditions 
specific to the consolidated entity and to the particular 
asset that may lead to impairment. If an impairment trigger 
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. 
This involves fair value less costs of disposal or value-
in-use calculations, which incorporate a number of key 
estimates and assumptions. 

Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards

During the current year, the Group has adopted all of the 
new and revised Australian Accounting Standards and 
Interpretations applicable to its operations which became 
mandatory.

New Accounting Standards for Application in Future 
Periods

The Board has assessed the impact of the new, but not 
yet mandatory, accounting standards issued by Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (AASB). The adoption of 
these Standards is not expected to have a material impact 
on the financial statements.

34

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  2021 ($)

2020 ($)

2,331,673

25,464

2,357,137

630,647

19,686

650,333

15,981,488

531,650

(14,806,334)

1,706,804

2021 ($)

(6,612,148)

(6,612,148)

1,918,815

260,959

2,179,774

328,287

8,428

336,715

10,037,245

194,000

(8,388,186)

1,843,059

2020 ($)

(4,022,984)

(4,022,984)

Note 2: Parent Information

Statement of Financial Position

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total Assets

Current liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Issued Capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Total Equity

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Total loss

Total Comprehensive Income

Guarantees

The Parent Company has not entered into any guarantees in relation to 
its subsidiary.

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At 30 June 2021, the Parent Company had no capital commitments and 
no contingent liabilities (2020: Nil). 

Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies of the parent entity are consistent with those of 
the consolidated entity, as disclosed in Note 1, except for investments in 
subsidiaries which are accounted for at cost, less any impairment, in the 
parent entity.

Note 3: Controlled Entities

Controlled Entities Consolidated

Country of Incorporation

 Percentage Owned (%) 2021

 Percentage Owned (%) 2020

Vision Tech Bio Pty Ltd

Australia

100%

100%

* Percentage of voting power in proportion to ownership

35

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.Note 4: Employment Related Costs

Loss from continuing activities before income tax after charging  
the following 

Employment Related Costs 

Staff salaries and wages

Superannuation

Share-based payments expense (Refer to Note 17 for options and shares issued)

Other employment related expenses

Total

Note 5: Income Tax Relating to Continuing Activities

Prima facie income tax benefit from continuing activities before income tax 
at 27.5% (2020: 27.5%)

Add/(subtract) Tax Effect:

- Research and development claim

- Government COVID-19 stimulus

- Share based payments expense

- Other non-deductible expenditure

- Tax losses and temporary differences not brought to account

Income Tax Expense

Total tax losses and temporary differences not brought to account $3,466,469 (2020: $2,132,457).  

Note 6: Loss Per Share

The following reflects the income and share data used in the calculations of 
basic and diluted loss per share:

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

1,498,760

120,491

558,219

12,303

1,267,197

102,876

18,592

9,136

2,189,773

1,397,801

2021 ($)

1,818,341

304,839

-

(153,510)

(1,554)

(1,968,116)

-

2020 ($)

1,106,321

-

27,500

(5,113)

(1,035)

(1,127,673)

-

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Loss used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share

(6,612,148)

(4,022,984)

2021 
No. of Shares

2020 
No. of Shares

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic loss 
per share

185,464,174

100,750,000

Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (cents)

(3.57)

(3.99)

Calculation of diluted loss per share

Potential ordinary shares are considered to be antidilutive, therefore diluted 
loss per share is equivalent to the basic loss per share.

36

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Note 7: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank

Short term deposits

Note 8: Trade and Other Receivables

GST receivable

Government stimulus

Other receivables

Note 9: Intangible Assets

Intellectual Property

Licences at cost (i)

Licences accumulated amortisation (i)

Movement in Carrying Amounts

Balance at the beginning of the year

Amortisation (i)

Balance at the End of the Year

2021 ($)

2,228,397

-

2,228,397

2021 ($)

162,879

-

1,103

163,982

2020 ($)

297,958

1,500,000

1,797,958

2020 ($)

81,833

50,000

7,342

139,175

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

600,000

(137,985)

462,015

600,000

(102,014)

497,986

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

497,986

(35,971)

462,015

533,957

(35,971)

497,986

(i) A licence was granted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (“CSIRO”) on 23 August 2017 and is being amortised over a 
period of 17 years based on contract terms.

37

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.Note 10: Property, Plant and Equipment

Computers – at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Office equipment – at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Laboratory equipment - at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Total

2021 ($)

58,356

(33,196)

25,160

1,986

(1,391)

595

200,310

(112,235)

88,075

113,800

Movement in Carrying Amounts 2021

Computer  
Equipment ($)

Office  
Equipment ($)

Laboratory  
Equipment ($)

Balance at the beginning of the year

Additions

Depreciation

Balance at the End of the Year

17,818

19,906

(12,564)

25,160

1,093

-

(498)

595

83,635

62,043

(57,603)

88,075

Movement in Carrying Amounts 2020

Computer  
Equipment ($)

Office  
Equipment ($)

Laboratory  
Equipment ($)

Balance at the beginning of the year

Additions

Depreciation

Balance at the End of the Year

Note 11: Trade and Other Payables

21,532

7,467

(11,181)

17,818

1,590

-

(497)

1,093

67,043

50,213

(33,621)

83,635

2021 ($)

603,163

603,074

1,206,237

Trade creditors

Accruals 

38

2020 ($)

38,450

(20,632)

17,818

1,986

(893)

1,093

138,267

(54,632)

83,635

102,546

Total ($)

102,546

81,949

(70,665)

113,800

Total ($)

90,165

57,680

(45,299)

102,546

2020 ($)

560,535

115,564

676,099

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Note 12: Provisions

Current

Provision for Annual Leave

Non-Current

Provision for Long Service Leave

Note 13: Issued Capital

Ordinary Shares Fully Paid

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

137,047

75,888

19,686

156,733

8,428

84,316

2021 (No.)

2020 (No.)

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Balance at the beginning of the year

100,750,000

100,750,000

10,037,245

10,037,245

Rights issue and placement at 6 cents per share

100,562,570

Options exercised at 20 cents per share

Employee remuneration

Capital raising costs

675,000

183,241

-

-

-

6,033,754

135,000

26,570

(251,081)

-

-

-

-

Balance at the End of the Year

202,170,811

100,750,000

15,981,488

10,037,245

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the company in 
proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. Ordinary shares have no par value and the company 
does not have a limited amount of authorised capital. On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person 
or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

Capital Risk Management

The consolidated entity’s objectives when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, 
so that it can provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimum capital 
structure to reduce the cost of capital.

Capital is regarded as total equity, as recognised in the statement of financial position, plus net debt. Net debt is 
calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the 
consolidated entity may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new 
shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The consolidated entity would look to raise capital when an opportunity to invest further into development and 
commercialisation or in a business seen as value adding relative to the current company’s share price at the time of the 
investment. The consolidated entity is not actively pursuing additional investments in the short term as it continues to 
integrate and grow its existing businesses in order to maximise synergies.

The capital risk management policy remains unchanged from 30 June 2020.

39

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.Note 14: Reserves

Share Based Payments Reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Employee share-based payments expense

Lapse/forfeiture of performance rights

Balance at the End of the Year

Notes

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

17

17

194,000

531,650

(194,000)

184,239

18,592

(8,831)

531,650

194,000

Share based payments reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to Directors and executives as part of their remuneration.

Note 15: Cash Flow Information

a.   Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the cash flow 

statement is reconciled to the related items in the balance sheet as 
follows:

Cash at bank

Short term deposits

b.  Reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities with  
loss from continuing activities after income tax benefit

Notes

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

2,228,397

297,958

-

1,500,000

7

2,228,397

1,797,958

Loss from continuing activities after significant items and income tax

(6,612,148)

(4,022,984)

Non-Cash Items

Depreciation and amortisation

Insurance expense (funded via borrowings)

Expense recognised in respect of equity-settled share-based payments

Changes In Assets and Liabilities

Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other receivables

Decrease/(Increase) in prepayments

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase in provision for employee entitlements

Net Cash Used In Operating Activities

c.   Total cash outflow for leases

146,647

-

558,220

(40,197)

(33,345)

505,920

72,417

141,287

82,364

18,592

658,522

11,064

361,822

6,735

(5,402,486)

(2,742,598)

(43,222)

(63,573)

40

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Note 16: Related Party Transactions

Rhythm Biosciences Limited is the parent entity. Refer to Note 3 for details on the subsidiary. 

The names of each person holding the position of director of Rhythm Biosciences Limited during the year were Mr Otto 
Buttula, Dr Trevor Lockett, Mr David White, Mr Lou Panaccio and Mr Eduardo Vom. Company secretaries were Mr Adrien 
Wing and Ms Pauline Moffatt.

Both Mr Buttula and Mr Wing charged a fee at commercial market rates of $25,000 in respect to an underwriting 
commitment for the Rights Issue completed during the year.

During the 2021 and 2020 financial years there were no other transactions with related parties other than remuneration 
as disclosed in the Remuneration Report.

Note 17: Share-Based Payments

a.  Shares

On 14 September 2020, 183,241 fully paid ordinary shares were issued to the CEO, Mr Glenn Gilbert, as a sign-on 
incentive for a revised employment agreement. Included under employee costs in the income statement is a share-
based payments expense of $26,570 (2020: $nil) based on a price of 14.5 cents per share at the date of issue.

b.  Options

During the 2021 financial year the Company granted 8,150,000 options to key management personnel and other 
employees as part of their remuneration. Set out below are summaries of options granted. Vesting conditions related to 
these options not yet achieved are as follows:
•  25% upon the granting of a CE Mark; and
•  25% upon achieving Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) registration. 

Unvested options shall lapse upon employment termination without notice (with cause) or cessation.

An expense of $531,650 (2020: $18,592) is included in the Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. 
Details are as follows:

Grant Date

14.9.2020

Expiry  
Date

Ecercise  
Price  

Granted

Exercised

Expired/ 
Forfeited 

Balance at End 
of the Year

Vested

14.9.2023

$0.20

6,650,000

(675,000)

18.11.2020

14.9.2023

$0.20

1,500,000

-

Total

8,150,000

(675,000)

-

-

-

5,975,000

2,650,000

1,500,000

750,000

7,475,000

3,400,000

The valuation model inputs used to determine the fair value at the grant date, are as follows:

Grant Date

14.9.2020

18.11.2020

Expiry  
Date

Share Price at 
Grant Date

Exercise  
Price

Expected 
Volatility

Dividend  
Yield 

Risk-free 
Interest Rate*

Fair Value at 
Grant Date

14.9.2023

14.9.2023

$0.145

$0.47

$0.20

$0.20

100%

100%

-

-

0.24%

$0.0799

0.11%

$0.3545

* The risk-free interest rate is based on the Australian Government 3 year bond yield (Reserve Bank of Australia website) 
at the grant date.

 3,000,000 Options were forfeited during the year without being exercised.

A share option plan has been established by the consolidated entity, whereby the consolidated entity may, at the 
discretion of the Board, grant options over ordinary shares in the company to certain key management personnel of 
the consolidated entity. The options are issued for nil consideration and are granted in accordance with performance 
guidelines established by the Board.

All options granted are in respect of ordinary shares in Rhythm Biosciences Limited and confer a right of one ordinary 
share for each option held.

41

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 
Movement in the number of share options on issue

2021

2021

2020

2020

Number of  
Options

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price (cents)

Number of  
Options

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price (cents)

Opening balance

Granted

Forfeited

Exercised

Expired

Outstanding at Year-end

Exercisable at year-end

3,000,000

8,150,000

(3,000,000)

(675,000)

-

7,475,000

3,400,000

26.67

20.00

26.67

20.00

-

20.00

20.00

3,000,000

26.67

-

-

-

-

3,000,000

3,000,000

-

-

-

-

26.67

26.67

The fair value of issued employee share options granted during the year pursuant to the ESOP in 2021 was calculated to 
be $1,063,300. The total amount expensed in the income statement is a share-based payments expense of $531,650 
(2020: $18,592). No value has been included for the Options not yet vested. Vesting conditions related to 4,075,000 
(50% of the amount granted) options not yet achieved are as follows:
•  50% upon the granting of a CE Mark; and
•  50% upon achieving Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) registration. 

The value of the vested employee share options issued has been calculated by using a Black-Scholes option pricing 
model applying the following inputs:

Options granted

Grant date

Exercise price

Underlying share price

Expiry date

Vesting period

Expected share price volatility

Risk free interest rate

Fair value per option at grant date

Total fair value at grant date

The life of the options is based on the contracted expiry date.

T Lockett

750,000

18.11.2020

$0.20

$0.47

G Gilbert

Other Employees

1,750,000

14.9.2020

$0.20

$0.145

1,575,000

14.9.2020

$0.20

$0.145

14.9.2023

14.9.2023

14.9.2023

n/a

100%

0.11%

$0.3545

$265,860

n/a

100%

0.24%

$0.0799

$139,890

n/a

100%

0.24%

$0.0799

$125,900

42

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.  Note 18: Financial Risk Management

The Group’s financial instruments consist mainly of term deposits with banks, other receivables and trade payables.

The totals for each category of financial instruments, measured in accordance with AASB 9 as detailed in the accounting 
policies to these financial statements, are as follows:

Financial Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Other financial assets – term deposits

Financial Liabilities

Trade and other Payables

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

2,228,397

163,982

45,000

1,797,958

139,175

45,000

2,437,379

1,982,133

1,206,237

1,206,237

676,099

676,099

There are no impaired assets within trade and other receivables; these balances, and the balance of trade and other 
payables, are expected to be settled within 1 year.

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral 

No financial assets have been pledged as security for any financial liability.

Financial Risk Management Policies

The Board are responsible for, among other issues, monitoring and managing financial risk exposures of the Group. The 
Board monitors the Group’s transactions and reviews the effectiveness of controls relating to credit risk, liquidity risk, and 
market risk. Discussions on monitoring and managing financial risk exposures are held regularly by the Board. The Board’s 
overall risk management strategy seeks to ensure that the Group meets its financial targets, while minimising potential 
adverse effects of cash flow shortfalls.

The Group did not have any derivative instruments at 30 June 2021.

Specific Financial Risk Exposures and Management

The main risk the Group is exposed to through its financial instruments is liquidity risk.

Credit Risk

Exposure to credit risk relating to financial assets arises from the potential non-performance by counterparties of 
contract obligations that could lead to a financial loss to the Group.

Credit risk is managed through maintaining procedures ensuring, to the extent possible, that members and 
counterparties to transactions are of sound credit worthiness. 

Credit Risk Exposures

Cash reserves form the majority of the Group’s financial assets. At 30 June 2021, cash was deposited with a large 
Australian bank in order to limit risk and ensure interest rate competitiveness. 

43

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Group might encounter difficulty in settling its debts or otherwise meeting its 
obligations related to financial liabilities. The Group manages this risk through the following mechanisms:
•  preparing forward-looking cash flow analysis in relation to its operational, investing and financing activities; and
•  only investing surplus cash with major financial institutions.

Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of 
changes in market interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk arises on interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and 
term deposits.

The consolidated entity’s cash and cash equivalents and term deposits were $2,273,397 as at 30 June 2021 (2020: 
$1,797,958). An official increase/decrease in interest rates of 100 (2020: 100) basis points would have an adverse/
favourable effect on loss before tax of $22,734 (2020: $17,979) per annum. The percentage change is based on the 
expected volatility of interest rates using market data and analysts’ forecasts. 

Price Risk

Price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in 
market prices. The Group is not exposed to price risk.

Currency Risk 

Currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in 
foreign exchange rates. The Group’s exposure to currency risk is minimal at present as the majority of transactions are in 
Australian dollars.

Note 19: Segment Reporting

In accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 8 Operating Segments, the Company has determined that 
it has one reporting segment, consistent with the manner in which the business is managed. This is the manner in which 
the chief operating decision maker receives information for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of 
performance. The Group operates predominantly in one business and geographical segment being the research and 
development of biosciences in Victoria, Australia.

Note 20: Key Management Personnel Compensation

The Key Management Personnel compensation included in employee expenses are as follows:

Share-based 
payments ($)

Short-term 
benefits ($)

Post-employment 
benefit ($)

Other Long-term 
benefits ($)

Total ($)

2021

Total compensation

432,319

750,236

52,629

3,605

1,238,789

2020

Total compensation

18,592

760,904

39,612

286

819,394

Further details on the above remuneration is disclosed in the Remuneration Report in the Directors’ report.

44

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.   
 
 
Note 21: Auditor Remuneration

Remuneration of the Auditor of the Group for:

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Auditing or reviewing the financial report

41,500

35,500

Other services:

- Taxation advice

7,830

49,330

7,450

42,950

Note 22: Events Subsequent to Reporting Date

Rights Offer

On 30 July 2021, the Company announced on the ASX a non-renounceable rights issue offer to eligible shareholders 
on the basis of one (1) new share for every forty (40) shares held at an issue price of $0.85 (85 cents) per new share plus 1 
Class A Option and 1 Class B Option for every 2 New Shares subscribed under the Offer to raise up to $4.3 million before 
costs. Binding commitments have been received for approximately $2.75 million for any shortfall shares from the Rights 
Issue Offer. All Directors have indicated that they intend to take up some or all of their entitlement, representing an 
investment of approximately $0.62 million.

COVID-19 Impact

The Company has been able to maintain its Research & Development staff within the laboratory.  The Company has 
experienced some delays in the receipt of various materials from international suppliers primarily due to the backlog and 
re-routing of ports associated with freight processing, particularly in Victoria.

There has been no other matters or circumstance which has arisen since 30 June 2021 that has significantly affected or 
may significantly affect:
•  the operations, in financial years subsequent to 30 June 2021, of the consolidated entity; or
•  the results of those operations; or 
•  the state of affairs, in financial years subsequent to 30 June 2021, of the consolidated entity.

Note 23: Commitments

The Group has no capital commitments for expenditure as at 30 June 2021 (2020: $nil). 

Note 24: Contingent Assets and Liabilities

The Group has no contingent assets or liabilities as at 30 June 2021 (2020: $nil). 

45

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTThe financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.The Directors declare that:

1.  The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 25 to 45 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, and:

a.  comply with Australian Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting 

requirements; and

b.  give a true and fair view of the Consolidated Entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2021 and of its performance for the year 

ended on that date;

2.  The attached financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 

International Accounting Standards Board as described in note 1 to the financial statements;

3.  The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer have provided the declarations as required by section 295A of the 

Corporations Act 2001 to the Company;

4.  In the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the entity will be able to pay its debts as and when they 

become due and payable; and

5.  Remuneration disclosures on pages 17 to 21 comply with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors pursuant to section 295(5)(a) of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

Otto Buttula 
Chairman

Melbourne, Australia 
Dated this 31st day in August 2021

46

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATIONTel: +61 3 9603 1700 
Fax: +61 3 9602 3870 
www.bdo.com.au 

Collins Square, Tower Four  
Level 18, 727 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3008 
GPO Box 5099 Melbourne VIC 3001 
Australia 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT 

To the members of Rhythm Biosciences Limited 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  

We have audited the financial report of Rhythm Biosciences Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(the Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2021, the 
consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the consolidated statement 
of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes 
to the financial report, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the directors’ 
declaration. 

In our opinion the accompanying financial report of the Group, is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including:  

(i) 

Giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 2021 and of its 
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and  

(ii) 

Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  

Basis for opinion  

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report.  We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s 
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) 
that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia.  We have also fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been 
given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the 
time of this auditor’s report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion.  

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current period.  These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide 
a separate opinion on these matters.  

BDO Audit Pty Ltd ABN 33 134 022 870 is a member of a national association of independent entities which are all members of BDO 
Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Audit Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of 
BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent member 
firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

47

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Carrying Value and Useful Life of Intangible Asset 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

Note 9 to the financial report discloses the 
individual intangible asset, and Note 1 
discloses the policy used by the Group for its 
recognition, measurement and assessment 
for indicators of impairment. 

This is a key audit matter due to the 
materiality of the recorded asset, and the 
degree of estimation required to be made by 
the Group, regarding its amortisation period 
and impairment assessment. 

Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Evaluating whether management’s estimate of 
the amortisation period and amortisation 
method had changed in the period 

Recalculating the amortisation charge for the 
period 

Evaluating management’s assessment of 
indications of impairment at the reporting date 

Checking the completeness and appropriateness 
of the disclosures included in the financial 
report. 

Going Concern 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

Note 1 to the financial statements outlines 
the basis of preparation of financial 
statements.  The financial statements have 
been prepared on a going concern basis 
which contemplates that the Group will 
continue to meet its commitments and can 
therefore continue normal business activities 
and realise its assets and settle its liabilities 
in the ordinary course of business. 

As the Group generates no operating revenue 
and is reliant on funding from other sources 
such as capital raising, there is significant 
judgement involved in determining whether 
the going concern basis adopted is 
appropriate and is critical to the 
understanding of the financial statements as 
a whole. As a result, this matter was 
considered key to our audit. 

Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Reviewing cash-flow forecasts and challenging 
management’s assumptions around future 
capital raising and expenditure; 

Applying sensitivities to future cash outflows to 
assess the impact of forecast cash inflows not 
being achieved; 

Sighting supporting documentation confirming 
commitments to subscribe to the share 
placement and to take up shortfall of the right 
issue; 

Vouching the receipt of funds from the rights 
issue; and 

Assessing the adequacy of the Group's 
disclosures within the financial statements. 

48

 
 
 
 
Research and Development (R&D) Grant Revenue Recognition 

Key audit matter  

How the matter was addressed in our audit 

Other income includes a Research and 
Development (“R&D”) Tax Refund and Note 
1 discloses the accounting policy used by the 
Group for its recognition and measurement 
of its R&D revenue. 

Accuracy of the calculation of R&D claimed 
was considered a key audit matter due to 
the materiality of the recorded amount and 
the inherent subjectivity associated with the 
calculation of R&D tax incentives.  

Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

•  Updating our understanding of the revenue 
recognition policies in order to ensure 
continued compliance with applicable 
Accounting Standards and consistent 
application from previous financial years; 

•  Assessing the adequacy of procedures and 
key internal controls surrounding the 
recording of revenue; 

• 

• 

Engaging an R&D tax specialist to evaluate 
the assessment by management and 
management’s external expert of its 
allowable R&D expenditure claimed under 
Australian Tax Office rules;  

Vouching a sample of R&D expenditure 
claimed to underlying support documents; 
and  

•  Checking the completeness and 

appropriateness of the disclosures included in 
the financial report. 

Other information  

The directors are responsible for the other information.  The other information comprises the 
information in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2021, but does not include the 
financial report and the auditor’s report thereon.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

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.  

Responsibilities of the directors for the Financial Report  

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group 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 to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.  

49

RHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORT 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Report  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is 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 the Australian Auditing Standards 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 this financial report.  

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website (http://www.auasb.gov.au/Home.aspx) at:  

https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report  

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 17 to 21 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2021. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Rhythm Biosciences Limited, for the year ended 30 June 
2021, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards.  

BDO Audit Pty Ltd 

James Mooney 
Director 

Melbourne, 31 August 2021 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhythm Biosciences Ltd is quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the ticker code RHY. The following 
information was extracted from the Company’s records as at 10 August 2021 and is required by the ASX Listing Rules. 
Rhythm’s securities are not quoted on any other stock exchange. 

Twenty Largest Holders of Ordinary Shares

Number of Fully Paid 
Ordinary Shares

Percentage of Total 
Issued Capital

Rank

Shareholder

1

2 

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

WEBINVEST PTY LTD

NEWFOUND INVESTMENTS PTY LTD

FERNDALE SECURITIES PTY LTD 

LOUMEA INVESTMENT PTY LTD 

NORTHERN STAR NOMINEES PTY LTD 

MRS SARAH CAMERON 

ROJO NERO CAPITAL PTY LTD 

GIOKIR PTY LTD 

MR HSIEN MICHAEL SOO

10

JAWAF ENTERPRISES PTY LTD

11

12

13

14

15

15

17

18

19

MR DANIEL EDDINGTON & MRS JULIE EDDINGTON 

MS NATALIE LOUISE PATTERSON

GARNSWORTHY PENSION FUND PTY LTD

DR GAVIN JAMES SHEPHERD & MRS CATHERINE SHEPHERD

E & W NOMINEE PTY LTD

DC & PC HOLDINGS PTY LTD

MR RICHARD STANLEY DE RAVIN

DR PAUL MAXWELL MILLER & MRS LOUISE MONIQUE MILLER

20

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

Total

Balance of register

Grand total

COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION 

2,500,000

16,666,667

10,733,333

10,100,000

9,915,000

7,200,000

6,300,000

4,166,668

3,400,000

3,224,783

3,150,000

2,460,000

2,416,666

2,250,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

1,750,000

1,600,000

1,509,188

1,491,945

94,834,250

107,411,561

8.24

5.31

4.99

4.90

3.56

3.12

2.06

1.68

1.59

1.56

1.24

1.22

1.19

1.11

0.99

0.99

0.87

0.79

0.75

0.74

46.89

53.11

202,245,811

100.00

51

ADDITIONAL ASX INFORMATIONRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTDistribution Schedule

The following is a distribution schedule of the number of holders of fully paid ordinary shares in the Company, within the 
bands of holding specified by the ASX Listing Rules:

Range

No. of Shareholders

No. of Ordinary Shares

Percentage of Total  
Issued Capital

100,001 and Over

10,001 to 100,000

5,001 to 10,000

1,001 to 5,000

1 to 1,000

Total

222

1,057

565

1,058

635

3,537

158,441,170

35,823,000

4,542,037

3,020,941

418,663

78.34

17.71

2.25

1.49

0.21

202,245,811

100.00

233 shareholders held less than a marketable parcel of fully paid ordinary shares.

Substantial Shareholdings Register

Shareholder

Otto Buttula

Michelle Wing

Number of fully paid ordinary shares

Percentage of Total Issued Capital

27,400,000

18,749,761

13.55%

9.27%

A substantial holder is a shareholder who either alone or together with their associates has an interest in 5% or more of the 
voting shares of the Company. 

Options Over Ordinary Shares

Rhythm has options granted under the company’s Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP). Each option entitles the holder 
to purchase one ordinary share in the Company at a predetermined price. No voting rights attach to options. Further 
details are provided below:

Share Option Type

Number of Options

Number of Holders

Exercise Price (Cents)

Unlisted (ESOP)

7,400,000

12

20

Escrow Arrangements

There are no shares subject to mandatory escrow arrangements.

Voting Rights

The voting rights attached to ordinary shares are set out below:

Ordinary Shares

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each 
share shall have one vote.

There are no other classes of equity securities.

52

ADDITIONAL ASX INFORMATIONDirectors

Mr Otto Buttula 
Dr Trevor Lockett 
Mr Louis (Lou) Panaccio  
Mr Eduardo Vom

Company Secretaries

Mr Adrien Wing 
Ms Pauline Moffatt

Registered Office

Level 2 
480 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000

The major operations of the Company are located at:

Bio21 Institute 
30 Flemington Road 
Parkville VIC 3010

Auditor

BDO Audit Pty Ltd
Level 18
727 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Legal Advisers

Quinert Rodda and Associates
Level 6 
400 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000

K & L Gates 
Level 25 
525 Collins Street 
Melbourne VIC 3000

Share Registry

Link Market Services Limited
Level 12
250 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000

Phone: +61 1300 554 474

53

CORPORATE DIRECTORYRHYTHM BIOSCIENCES  2021  ANNUAL REPORTRhythm Biosciences Limited  
ACN 619 459 335

Level 2,  480 Collins Street 

Melbourne VIC 3000 

Phone +61 3 9614 0600 

rhythmbio.com

RHYZ016 08/21