Quarterlytics / Technology / Computer Hardware / Seagate / FY2016 Annual Report

Seagate
Annual Report 2016

STX · LSE Technology
Claim this profile
Ticker STX
Exchange LSE
Sector Technology
Industry Computer Hardware
Employees 11-50
← All annual reports
FY2016 Annual Report · Seagate
Loading PDF…
S

h

i

e

l

d

T

h

e

r

a

p

e

u

t

i

c

s

p

l

c

A

n

n

u

a

l

r

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

a

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

6

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

IMPROVING LIVES TOGETHER

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Improving lives together.
Delivering value 
to our shareholders.

Shield Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical 
company focused on the development and 
commercialisation of late‑stage, hospital‑focused 
pharmaceuticals which address areas of high 
unmet medical need.

4

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

HIGHLIGHTS

CONTENTS

Revenue

£0.3m

Adjusted loss

£(9.4)m

Loss for the year

Adjusted basic loss per share

£(15.0)m

(9)p

Operational
 • Marketing authorisation achieved across the EU for Feraccru® 

with first sales recorded in the UK and Germany

 • Feraccru® achieved attractive price points in the UK 

and Germany 

 • Approximately 20 customer-facing members of the team 

now interacting daily with customers in the UK and Germany, 
with our sales teams expanding further through 2017

 • First commercial product shipments completed to our 
Central & East European Commercialisation partner, 
AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals

 • New Composition of Matter patent granted for Feraccru®, 

extending the protection to mid 2030s

 • AEGIS-H2H and AEGIS-CKD Phase 3 studies progressing well 
with data anticipated towards the end of 2017 and positive 
data expected to facilitate broader commercialisation 
in Europe and NDA filing in the USA

 • Positive discussions with further licensing partners 

for Feraccru® in non-core markets 

 • PT20 and PT40 activities ongoing

Financial
 • Successful completion of an initial public offering (IPO) 
on AIM of the London Stock Exchange in February 2016, 
raising £32.5 million (gross) and further potential gross 
proceeds of £17.5 million, subject to Warrants exercise

 • First commercial revenues of £304,000 recorded, 
representing initial supplies of Feraccru® into the 
distribution channel

 • Net loss for FY2016 of £15.0 million (2015: £24.5 million) 
on IFRS basis; EPS loss of £0.15 per share (2015: £0.57)

 • Adjusted net loss for FY2016, excluding the impact of 
exceptional items, of £9.4 million (2015: £5.3 million); 
EPS loss of £0.09 (2015: £0.13)

 • Year-end net cash of £21.0 million (2015: £0.7 million)

Corporate
 • Joanne Estell will join the Group as Chief Financial Officer 

and Board member on 1 May 2017 

Strategic report
01  Highlights
02  At a glance
04  Chairman’s statement
06  Business model and strategy
08  Markets
10  Key performance indicators
12  Chief Executive Officer’s statement 

and financial review

16  Principal risks and risk management

Corporate governance
18  Board of Directors
20  Meet the senior team
22  Corporate governance report
24  Audit and risk report
25  Directors’ remuneration report

29 

30 

 Directors’ report

 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Financial statements

Independent auditor’s report

31 
32  Consolidated statement of profit and 
loss and other comprehensive income

33  Group balance sheet
34  Company balance sheet
35  Group and Company statements 

of changes in equity

36  Group statement of cash flows

 Company statement of cash flows

37 
38  Notes (forming part of the 
financial statements)

IBC  Advisors 
IBC  2017 financial calendar

Keep up to date
For more information on our 
business and all our latest news 
and press releases, simply visit us at:  
www.shieldtherapeutics.com

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 01

Strategic reportAT A GLANCE

Shield Therapeutics is a high potential, 
commercial‑stage specialty pharma company

Shield Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on 
the development and commercialisation of late-stage, hospital-focused 
pharmaceuticals which address areas of high unmet medical need.

OUR LEAD PRODUCTS

The Company’s key products are Feraccru®, commercially available for the treatment 
of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, and PT20, for the treatment of systemic phosphate 
accumulation (otherwise known as hyperphosphatemia).

Shield has a rare opportunity to build an integrated, highly profitable specialty pharma 
business, with an additional pipeline of three prescription pharmaceutical assets (PT20, 
PT30 and PT40) with commercial synergies. 

Our most advanced pipeline asset, PT20, has completed its first pivotal study with one 
further pivotal Phase 3 study planned in order to seek regulatory approval in major markets.

Feraccru®
Our lead product, Feraccru®, is a novel oral 
treatment for Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). 
Following receipt of marketing authorisation 
in early 2016, Feraccru® is now commercially 
available for use, initially in adult patients 
with inflammatory bowel disease and 
associated IDA.

The UK was the initial market. Feraccru® has 
now launched in Germany and will become 
more broadly available across Europe through 
2017/2018.

PT20
Our second asset, PT20, is a treatment for 
hyperphosphatemia that has successfully 
completed a first pivotal trial, with one 
further pivotal Phase 3 study planned in 
order to seek regulatory approval in major 
markets. In addition, the Group has earlier 
stage assets that it intends to develop or 
out-license over time.

WHAT SETS US APART

 • Revenue generation 

from approved product

 • Large market opportunities 

with unmet needs

 • Additional late-stage assets 
that have delivered proof 
of concept

 • Opportunity to create 

operational leverage across 
the product portfolio

 • Strong intellectual 

property protection

 • Experienced management 

team with extensive expertise

 H Read more about our lead products at shieldtherapeutics.com/lead-products/

02

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

OUR HISTORY/WHAT HAPPENED IN 2016

February 2016
 • EU marketing approval for Feraccru®

 • AIM IPO

June 2016
 • UK launch of Feraccru®

October 2016
 • German launch of Feraccru®

November 2016
 • Austrian launch of Feraccru®

OUR PIPELINE

2016 was a transformational year for Shield
 • We completed the IPO on AIM in February 2016, raising 

£32.5 million gross proceeds and bringing on board a group 
of blue-chip UK institutional investors.

 • We received centralised EU marketing approval for, and 

subsequently launched, our first drug, Feraccru®, into the UK 
and German markets. 

 • We built new commercial operations to launch Feraccru® 
in the UK and Germany and our partner in Central Eastern 
Europe has commenced its commercial operations. 

 • We continued to develop our central team to accelerate our 
progress from a development company to a fully fledged 
specialty pharma company.

 • We significantly expanded the range and depth of our 
intellectual property, including the UK approval of our 
composition of matter patent for Feraccru®, which now 
runs to 2034.

 • We commenced first US operations, starting 2 clinical trials 
involving approximately 50 expert centres in inflammatory 
bowel disease (IBD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Product

Indication

Pre-clinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Filed

Launch

Target peak 
annual sales

IDA in IBD (EU)

IDA in CKD (EU)

IDA in IBD and CKD (US)

Other indications

Hyperphosphatemia

Advanced IV iron 
formulation

Generic IV iron 
formulation

PT20

PT30

PT40

US ANDA regulations

2018

2019

2019+

2020

£500m+ 
opportunity

£200m+ 
opportunity

£100m+ 
opportunity

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 03

Strategic reportCHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Dr Andrew Heath

I am pleased to present Shield 
Therapeutics’ first annual report 
as a listed company following 
admission to AIM on the London 
Stock Exchange in February 
2016. This has been a year of 
remarkable progress for Shield as 
we transitioned into a fully-fledged, 
commercially-focused, specialty 
pharmaceutical company.

This has been a year of remarkable 
progress for Shield as we transitioned 
into a fully fledged, commercially-focused, 
specialty pharmaceutical company. 
Utilising the proceeds raised at the 
time of the IPO in February 2016, the 
Company has continued to grow, 
quadrupling its total number of staff 
from less than fifteen at the start of 
the year to more than sixty dedicated 
professionals today. 

04

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Overview
This has been a year of remarkable progress for Shield as we 
transitioned into a fully-fledged, commercially-focused, specialty 
pharmaceutical company. Utilising the proceeds raised at the 
time of the IPO in February 2016, the Company has continued 
to grow, quadrupling its total number of staff from less than 
fifteen at the start of the year to more than sixty dedicated 
professionals today. There are now approximately twenty 
Shield Therapeutics representatives interacting on a daily basis 
with customers in the UK and Germany. With Feraccru® now 
commercially available, we are seeing revenues from the sales 
of Feraccru® only six years since the Company commenced 
its development. 

Our initial focus remains on Feraccru®, the success of which 
is the yardstick by which we expect to be measured over time, 
but we are also very excited by the opportunities ahead. With 
access to the capital markets, along with the potential for an 
additional £17.5 million of equity-backed working capital through 
IPO-related Warrants, we have been able to build the core of 
our sales and marketing team. It is encouraging to see that our 
efforts are enabling more patients to benefit from Feraccru® 
day-by-day, such that we are planning to increase the number 
of customer-facing staff in both markets through 2017, together 
with market launch preparation activities in other major 
European markets including Spain, France and Italy. 

 H Read more about 
our governance 
on pages 22–23

Governance
Alongside the Chair, two independent Non-Executive 
Directors were appointed upon admission to AIM. Both 
James Karis and Peter Llewellyn-Davies have significant 
experience from executive and non-executive roles 
in the healthcare sector. As with all public companies, 
our commitment to the principles of good corporate 
governance has led to the implementation of a series of 
checks and balances to establish and maintain high 
standards through our transition from a privately-held 
to a publicly owned entity. Risk management remains 
a focus of attention and we recognise that our greatest 
single risk at this point on our journey is the execution 
of our commercial strategy.

People
I would like to thank our staff and welcome those 
new members, who I know will have a highly rewarding 
future at Shield. I am also delighted that we have 
appointed Joanne Estell to the Board and as Chief 
Financial Officer and I look forward to welcoming 
her joining the team. Joanne is a high calibre individual 
and we look forward to benefitting from her wealth 
of financial experience. I would also like to thank 
our former CFO, Richard Jones, who left Shield in 
January 2017, for his contribution to the Company. 

Finally, I will take this opportunity to extend a warm 
welcome to all of Shield Therapeutics’ shareholders 
who have joined the Company’s register during and 
after the IPO and on behalf of the Company I would 
like to thank all of our investors for their confidence 
in the organisation - your support makes me very 
proud to represent your interests as Chair. 

Yours faithfully,

Andrew Heath
Chairman
3 April 2017

The market environment 
Looking more broadly at the current market 
environment, we continue to see political interest 
in both Europe and the US regarding drug pricing, 
resulting from patient, prescriber and payor pressure. 
Success in today’s market requires an evidence-based 
proposition where value is key and several trends 
appear to be reshaping the marketplace1. These include:

 • An ageing population, with an increase in chronic 

disease, placing even greater pressure on 
stretched healthcare budgets;

 • Increasing demands from payors for real-life data 
from studies measuring the pharmaco-economic 
performance of a therapy through the use of 
electronic medical records, providing data 
to support outcomes-based pricing; and

 • Mandatory treatment guidelines, which constrain 
an individual physician’s choice of treatment.

Our assets
Our lead product, Feraccru®, is ideally positioned 
to benefit from these market dynamics and evolving 
treatment pathways. Feraccru® can remove cost from 
the healthcare system by preventing the requirement 
of intravenous iron therapies for patients who are 
intolerant of oral ferrous products. Fewer patients 
requiring intravenous therapy can in turn reduce the 
administrative, financial and patient inconvenience, 
in addition to the burdens that accompany such 
treatments. Together, these attributes make Feraccru® 
an attractive asset in today’s ever changing and 
increasingly value-based market.

With our attention now resolutely placed on delivering 
success over the course of 2017 and beyond, our 
focus for Feraccru® is on increasing market penetration 
within the initial IBD-specific indication, as well as 
label and geographic expansion that will come via 
data from our two Phase 3 studies ongoing in 
Europe and the US.

The development of PT20, our novel Phase 3 ready 
pharmaceutical for hyperphosphatemia, remains a 
priority as we work to broaden our sales offering, so 
we can leverage our sales and marketing capacity to 
increase efficiencies in these activities. We continue 
to actively consider value-enhancing opportunities 
- including in-licensing and/or M&A - in order to 
extract maximum value from our increasing 
investment in sales and marketing.

1.   Source: PwC Pharma 2020 series.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 05

Strategic reportBUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY

Shield has a rare opportunity to build an integrated, 
highly profitable specialty pharma business

Feraccru® – A novel Oral Ferric Iron
A compelling alternative to IV iron that addresses the need from 
Oral Iron Intolerant patients.

Patient diagnosed with 
Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)

 • IDA arises in diseases like 

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 
Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), and 
in women with excessive uterine 
bleeding, etc.

 • Failure to treat leads to lethargy 
as well as much more serious 
consequences and complications

Oral Iron

Oral Iron Tolerant

Up to 70% with 
gastro side effects

Oral Iron Intolerant

 • Able to take oral ferrous iron 

products (OFP)

 • Many patients are intolerant of 
OFP, especially those with other 
diseases (e.g. IBD and Chronic 
Kidney Disease (CKD))

Fe2+

Fe2+

Insoluble 
complexes
+
Radicals

Gut damage 
side effects

)

V
I
(
n
o
r
I

s
u
o
n
e
v
a
r
t
n
I

 • Iron directly into the blood

 • But:

 • Allergic reactions
 • Iron overload
 • Hospital only
 • Resuscitation team required
 • High overall cost

 • No patients in long term study of 
Feraccru® required interventional 
IV iron therapy

t
n
a
r
e
l
o
t
n
I
n
o
r
I

l
a
r
O

  Simple oral administration

  Efficient absorption

  Rapid Hb rise

  Placebo-like safety

  Cost effective

  Can be taken without food

06

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
Our strategy for growth
To become a diversified, internationally focused specialty pharma company.

Shield Therapeutics’ immediate growth is going 
to come from: 

 •  The successful commercialisation of Feraccru®, 
initially in Europe in IBD, followed as quickly as 
possible with; 

 • Label expansion in Europe; 

 • Approval in the US of an initially broader label; and

 •  In due course we expect to gain marketing 

authorisation for PT20 and this will add a second, 
organically developed, key product to the portfolio 
our commercial and medical marketing personnel 
will be able to promote. 

However, we recognise that organic growth takes time 
so in the meantime, with access to the capital markets, 
along with the potential for an additional £17.5 million 
of equity-backed working capital through an IPO-related 
Warrant, we are actively considering a select range 
of options for the inorganic addition of products 
through either M&A or licensing activities, whilst 
also pursuing a range of out-licensing discussions 
in non-core territories.

OUR GLOBAL STRATEGY

1

Drive Feraccru® adoption and sales

2

Expand EU footprint 
and label of Feraccru® 

3

Commercialise Feraccru® in US

4

5

Further develop PT20 
to commercialisation

Partner outside key territories/in-license 
additional complementary assets/seek 
M&A opportunities

  Shield core markets

  Inward enquiries

  AOP Pharma

  Non-core markets

  Active discussions

  Launched

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 07

Strategic reportMARKETS

Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A significant market 
opportunity that remains underserved

Feraccru®: Market opportunity
£500 million+ annual sales targeted in EU10 and the US in core indications.

PRIMARY INDICATIONS – CORE MARKETS

US CKD
1.3 million

EU10 CKD
1.2 million

CKD other
1.1 million

TOTAL
5.8 million

Initial target 
population
4.3 million

EU10 IBD
1.1 million

US IBD
0.7 million

IBD other
0.4 million

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES - ALL INDICATIONS

Paediatric (all causes)
4.9 million

Congestive heart failure
3.8 million

TOTAL
33.7 million

Women’s health
12.5 million

Surgery (PBM)
1.1 million

Elderly (all causes)
3.6 million

Oncology
2.0 million

Note:  EU10 denotes Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain and the UK.
Source: Company estimates.

08

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

ADDRESSED WITH A PHASED APPROACH

33.7 million

Geographic 
expansion
Indication 
expansion

8.2 million

EU/US 
Paediatric 
Indication

4.3 million

US CKD 1.3m

US IBD 0.7m

2.3 million

EU10 CKD

1.1 million

EU10 IBD

Near term addressable market

Medium to longer term

Feraccru®: Access to full IDA patient pool
Feraccru® has a significant opportunity to take share in all market segments.

Prevalent population with IBD - 2.5 million

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) 40% (1 million)

45% receiving no iron therapy
(450,000)

31% receiving oral iron therapy
(310,000)

24% receiving IV iron therapy
(240,000)

Market expansion
 • Dissatisfied patients have access 
to well tolerated oral therapy

 • Increasing capacity in hospital clinics 

increases access to untreated patients

Second line treatment
 • Feraccru® is first option for 
ferrous-intolerant patients 
in treatment guidelines

 • Reduces the requirement 

for IV therapy

Switch and step down
 • Capacity limits help switch 

from IV to Feraccru®

 • Patients can be sent home 
with Feraccru® to continue 
to treat anaemia

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 09

Strategic reportKEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance indicator

Measurement

1

To launch Feraccru® into key markets using highly 
experienced field-based sales teams.

 • Launched in the UK in June 2016.

 • Launched in Germany in October 2016.

2 To build a scalable, supportive infrastructure to 

facilitate current and future commercialisation 
efforts, including elements such as business 
development and marketing; we have significantly 
strengthened capacity and capability across all key 
functions of the business.

3 Facilitate reimbursement of Feraccru® at a premium 

price, yet ensure payers recognise the significant cost 
advantages over IV iron in the pricing achieved.

4 Prepare for launch of Feraccru® into the US market.
5 To evaluate opportunities to co-develop 

and co-promote across global markets.

opportunities for Feraccru® in peripheral markets.

6 To consider, where appropriate, out-licensing 
7 To consider in-licensing or acquiring other 

products, whether already marketed or close to 
market, that would enhance the Group’s offering 
in its core markets.

 • Launched via our partner AOP Pharma in Austria in November 2016.

 • In 2016 we went from a headcount of 15 in total at the start of the 

year to approximately 60 by the end of the year.

 • We recruited and trained a field-based sales team to support the 

launch of Feraccru® in the UK and Germany.

 • We have built a stronger central business in both commercial and 
support functions to support the growth of the business into 2017 
and beyond.

 • In 2016 we successfully launched Feraccru® in both the UK and 

Germany at advantageous pricing levels.

 • We have built and continue to enhance a comprehensive 

reimbursement dossier for future markets.

 • This will be a focus for 2017 and beyond.

 • During 2016 the focus for PT20 was to seek clarity around the regulatory 
pathway to approval and, to that end, we held an effective End of 
Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in Q4 2016.

 • In conjunction with the FDA we also finalised the outline protocol design 

for the required Phase 3 study.

 • In addition we commenced discussions with external parties 

interested in PT20 as an in-license opportunity.

 • Our focus in 2017 will be to pursue discussions with interested parties 
whilst completing some additional formulation development activity.

 • Significant progress made in identifying and engaging with potential 

partners in various markets.

 • Initial discussions have taken place and are expected to be a focus 

for 2017.

8 To seek to change the treatment guidelines for the 

treatment of IDA in general and specifically in core 
indications such as IDA in IBD and CKD, meaning 
Feraccru® is recognised as the clear second line 
therapy ahead of IV iron.

 • We continue to recruit for a Phase 3B study to generate head-to-head 

data versus an intravenous comparator.

 • Our medical teams have been active ahead of and subsequent to the 

launch of Feraccru® both at country and European level.

 • Continued focus in 2017 towards this medium term objective.

10

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Improving lives together
As a unified team we are constantly driven 
by and committed to our goals, seeking to 
deliver them with transparency and respect. 
Being consistent to this vision, while enjoying 
the journey, has brought us to where we are 
today and underpins our unwavering confidence 
in our ability to create a truly outstanding 
organisation that we are all proud to be part 
of and that will deliver value to all of our 
key stakeholders.

Carl Sterritt
Chief Executive Officer and co-founder

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

11

Strategic reportCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Carl Sterritt

We have significantly added resources 
and competencies through 2016 into 2017. 
This has resulted in Shield Therapeutics 
transforming over the course of 2016 from 
a small, wholly development-focused 
and privately owned company into a 
listed, significantly larger and increasingly 
commercially-focused, customer-facing 
organisation set up to sell our innovative 
and value-added specialty pharmaceuticals, 
such as Feraccru®, that effectively treat 
otherwise unmet medical needs.

Shield Therapeutics is a fast-
growing, revenue-generating, 
specialty pharmaceutical company 
focused on the development and 
commercialisation of late-stage 
prescription pharmaceuticals that 
address unmet medical needs.

Our purpose is clear, “to help our 
patients become people again, by 
enabling them to enjoy the things 
that make the difference to them in 
their everyday lives”, and we deliver 
on this by aligning our efforts with 
and committing to a set of clearly 
identified core values that together 
create the ‘Shield Therapeutics way’.

 H Read more about our strategy 

on pages 6–7

12

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

THE SHIELD THERAPEUTICS WAY…
Our purpose is clear, “to help our patients become people 
again, by enabling them to enjoy the everyday things that make 
the difference to them in their everyday lives”, and we deliver 
on this purpose by aligning our efforts with and committing to 
a set of clearly identified core values that together create 
the ‘Shield Therapeutics way’.

PATIENT CENTRIC 
The patients our therapies treat are at the heart 
of why we do it

ETHICAL 
Always professional, with the highest of standards

PRODUCT FOCUSED 
We have a great track record of identifying value 
and always look for more

FREEDOM TO OPERATE 
It is our Company and we avoid hierarchy; we challenge 
to succeed

RELATIONSHIPS 
Strong and human... everyone is valuable

CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT 
We are all people who are committed, effective 
and determined to succeed and constantly take the 
necessary steps to do so

Introduction
Set in motion in February by two key, simultaneous events of 
(1) a successful IPO, which generated gross proceeds of £32.5 million 
of additional working capital and (2) receipt of a European 
Marketing Authorisation for our lead prescription product, 
Feraccru®, Shield Therapeutics’ transition from being a “virtual” 
company to an integrated, commercially focused, ethical 
prescription pharmaceuticals business is ongoing with significant 
growth across our central and in-country commercial 
operations throughout 2016. 

Feraccru®: Early commercial progress in the UK 
and Germany
Having achieved attractive pricing in the UK and Germany in H2 
2016, Shield Therapeutics’ direct commercialisation plans for 
Feraccru® are progressing well and, through the second half of 
2016, after some initial challenges in gaining formulary access, 
in the UK we saw increasing prescription demand for Feraccru® 
in England and Germany, which has continued into the first 
quarter of 2017. The Board remains positive about the broader 
commercial opportunity for Feraccru® and the sound basis 
this will provide for the long-term success of the Group. 

UK
In the UK, Feraccru® became available to the National Health 
Service in England during Q2 2016. Our initial focus has been on 
achieving the required formulary access with hospitals and clinical 
commissioning groups (CCGs) that enables prescriber demand. 
As previously announced, we experienced process-related 
inertia from hospital formularies and budget-holding CCGs 
through the summer months and into autumn which led to an 
initial delay in physicians being able to prescribe Feraccru® whilst 
they waited for reimbursement to be confirmed. We focused our 
first wave of pricing and reimbursement (P&R) activities on 
achieving successful access at key prescriber locations within 
the approximately 190 NHS trusts in England. 

Reimbursement submissions have now been made to formularies 
that account for approximately 35% of the patient opportunity 
with more than 95% of decisions being positive. Given progress 
made in the latter part of 2016 and into 2017, we remain on target 
to make Feraccru® available to approximately 60% of the prescriber 
and patient communities in England by the end of 2017. We expect 
these activities will receive an additional boost - enhancing our 
commercialisation progress - once we have further supportive 
efficacy and pharmaco-economic data from the AEGIS-H2H 
and AEGIS-CKD Phase 3 studies towards the end of 2017.

Increasing UK formulary access
Encouragingly, our experience in a number of formulary areas 
where we achieved early approvals has been positive as in these 
hospitals we have seen good initial uptake, followed by increasing 
volume of Feraccru® usage, suggesting repeat prescribing and 
increasing penetration. Furthermore, we have improved the 
status of Feraccru®’s formulary access in some key areas from 
“red” (hospital only prescribing and use) to “amber” (hospital 
initiation, GP continuation) through to “green” (GP prescribing) 
which, in combination with new formulary access in England, 
has seen the number of ordering centres growing month on 
month to almost 50 currently.

1.  Source: GfK attitude and usage tracking research Oct-16.

2. Based on IDA in IBD & CKD in the EU5.

Sales growth in Germany 
In Germany, where the reimbursement environment and 
processes are fundamentally different to the UK, our sales team 
is able to be more focused on conversion of physician interest 
into prescription sales. Here, Feraccru® also benefits from 
significantly more pre-launch awareness as we had more hospitals 
in Germany actively involved in our key pre-approval clinical 
trials. Together these elements, combined with the benefits 
Feraccru® provides to patients, prescribers and payors, have 
led to continued good progress in terms of uptake in Q1 2017, 
following the previously reported positive start we experienced 
in Q4 2016. This progress, as well as the positive German prescriber 
advocacy we are witnessing, further endorses Feraccru®’s strong 
clinical profile and highlights the importance of focusing on 
market access in the UK as, when prescribers are able to 
prescribe, we have found that they do. 

Positive new market research 
Recently commissioned independent market research indicates 
that gastroenterologists’ future intention to prescribe Feraccru® 
is high, with 86% in Germany and 71% in the UK1 likely to prescribe. 
As our customer-facing teams in the UK and Germany continue 
to see new customers and gain new formularies, these intentions 
will continue to lead to positive and increasing clinical demand, 
which we will in turn support through the planned expansion 
of the sales teams in these markets.

Sales outlook
With Feraccru®’s IP suite now providing protection out to the 
mid-thirties following the grant of a composition of matter patent 
during 2016, Feraccru®’s sales performance is showing a promising 
start both in areas of the UK where Feraccru® has achieved 
market access as well as across Germany. In the early launch 
phase we have encountered two challenges:

(i) delays in the formulary reviews during the early launch phase 
in the UK and (ii) previously reported slower initial recruitment 
in the AEGIS-H2H trial (data anticipated by year end). Subsequently 
the launches in the three other EU-5 countries have been delayed, 
as head to head data further supports premium pricing of Feraccru®.

The impact of these is that the roll out of Feraccru® has been 
running behind our initial expectations, our near to medium-term 
revenue expectations have been affected from a timing perspective 
and we now expect 2020 sales will be £20-25 million2, reflecting 
a slower early build compared to analyst consensus sales estimates. 

In the nearer term, at the start of 2017, our internal estimates 
were that approximately 9% of our 2017 Feraccru® revenues would 
be achieved in Q1 2017. Whilst acknowledging that sales in the 
early stages of commercialisation with any newly launched drug 
will inevitably be irregular, the Board can confirm that in-market 
sales for Feraccru® in Q1 2017 of approximately £100,000 have 
met its expectations.

Out-licensing strategy set to yield revenues in 2017
Having made our first commercial sales to AOP in Q4 2016, we 
continue to make progress in pursuing further out-licensing 
opportunities with well-regarded licensing partners in several 
relevant, although non-core, territories. We are confident that 
these negotiations will translate into meaningful validations of 
the technology, and is anticipated to yield additional revenue 
in due course. Having recently recruited a Senior Director of 
Business Development and Licensing from Amgen, we are 
confident we will see an expansion of the licensing opportunities 
for Feraccru® in additional non-core markets.

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

13

Strategic reportCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT AND FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Strategy for growth
Shield Therapeutics’ growth strategy is based on Feraccru®, 
first marketed in Europe, and then followed by a US launch and 
label expansion. The Group aims to progress PT20, its second 
organically developed key product, onto the market and is 
evaluating the optimum strategy. As outlined at the time of the 
IPO, the Group is also carefully considering M&A or licensing 
activities to source additional products and maximise the 
investment in our infrastructure.

Feraccru® development progress to support 
broader commercialisation
Together with existing data on Feraccru®, the two Phase 3 
studies we are running are designed to further increase the 
product’s commercial opportunity by achieving a broader label 
in Europe and giving access to the US market via an NDA from 
the US FDA. These data will also facilitate marketing approvals 
and licensing agreements in additional non-core geographies.

 Feraccru® in the treatment of CKD-IDA 
(AEGIS-CKD Phase 3 study)
The absorption method of Feraccru® appears to give it an ability 
to be well absorbed even by patients with chronically elevated 
levels of inflammation, for example pre-dialysis chronic kidney 
disease (PD-CKD) patients, such that the Board believes it also 
can be an effective oral therapy in the treatment of their IDA. 
To test this hypothesis, we are conducting a pivotal study in 
approximately 170 PD-CKD patients with IDA in approximately 
30 US-based expert nephrology centres. 

Despite setting aggressive timelines, the AEGIS-CKD study is 
recruiting ahead of plan. The first subjects were randomised at 
the end of December 2016 and by the end of Q1 2017, with top 
line data expected to be available towards the end of 2017, 
facilitating NDA submission to the FDA shortly thereafter. This 
lends further evidence to the Board’s hypothesis that there is 
a large and readily identifiable pool of pre-dialysis CKD patients 
with chronic IDA requiring treatment, for whom an effectively 
absorbed and well tolerated oral iron therapy such as Feraccru® 
could provide significant ongoing benefit.

Feraccru® compared to IV iron 
(AEGIS-H2H non-inferiority Phase 3b study)
Due to the complex nature of this head to head study, we have 
previously reported that recruitment has been slower than desired. 
To expedite the process, centres have now been opened in the 
US and the anticipated progress has started to be seen, with US 
subjects being randomised to treatment and improved screening 
levels being maintained across the study. We anticipate data 
from this study will be available in the second half of 2017.

Feraccru® regulatory progress
Looking beyond 2017 we have begun to execute the regulatory 
strategies that will enable (i) access to increased geographies as 
well as (ii) a broader label claim for Feraccru®. We have already 
filed for marketing authorisation in Switzerland and in the USA we 
expect to file a new drug application (NDA) with the US Food and 
Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2018, leading to commercialisation 
in the USA in 2019. In Europe, we are targeting commercialisation 
activities in line with a broad label from 2018. 

Achieving a broad label for Feraccru® in these markets will 
increase the potential number of patients for whom Feraccru® 
will be an option from the initial target market of approximately 
4.3 million patients with IDA related to IBD and CKD, to more 
than 33 million by being able to target patients with IDA due 
to any primary morbidity.

PT20
PT20 is our second asset and is a novel therapy being developed 
for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with CKD. 
Previously, we have successfully completed a pivotal Phase 2 
study of PT20 in 153 CKD patients across 20 expert US institutions. 
A meeting with the FDA took place in Q4 2016 to agree additional 
clinical and non-clinical work required ahead of an NDA submission 
following the completion of a second pivotal study. Work on the 
development of a suitable commercial formulation of the drug 
product is ongoing and a strategic commercial/co-development 
partner for the asset is being sought. 

PT40
PT40, potentially the first generic version of iron sucrose, 
represents a unique opportunity to gain access to an attractive 
market within the dialysis-dependent CKD population in the 
USA. We have previously received guidance from the FDA on 
how to most efficiently develop PT40 to submit an Abbreviated 
New Drug Application (ANDA). Activities to identify and choose 
a suitable scale-up contract manufacturer and commercial 
partners which would license, co-develop and co-commercialise 
this technology from Shield have begun. 

Financial overview
The financial results for the Group to December 2016 reflect 
a transformational year for Shield, which was enabled by the 
successful completion of an initial public offering (IPO) on AIM of 
the London Stock Exchange in February 2016 raising £32.5 million 
(gross). Immediately prior to the IPO, £3.9 million was raised via 
an institutional exercise of pre-existing options. Also, as part of the 
listing process, Warrants were issued providing an opportunity 
for the Company to raise further gross proceeds of £17.5 million, 
subject to the full exercise of the Warrants.

Shield also acquired Phosphate Therapeutics Limited in 2016, 
in exchange for the issue of 19,887,791 Shield shares with a fair 
value of £27 million. The acquisition was accounted for as an 
acquisition of the Company’s assets and intellectual property. 
The comparative results shown for 2015 do not include the 
asset and intellectual property acquisition or the results of 
Phosphate Therapeutics Limited for that period.

Revenue
Shield Therapeutics recorded first revenues of £304,000 in 
2016 from sales of Feraccru®, our first prescription medicine, 
which was approved in Europe in February 2016.

Research and development costs
Following the successful European Marketing Approval, the Group 
commenced the capitalisation of R&D programmes which had 
moved out of research and into the development phase. Total 
research and development expenditure charged to the statement 
of profit and loss in 2016 was £2.0 million (2015: £5.3 million) 
and included initial costs relating to the Phase 3 CKD study in 
the US, the paediatric PK study in the UK and additional costs 

14

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

associated with the MA approval and its maintenance and scale 
up of manufacturing activity. Further development expenditure 
incurred during the year of £2.6 million (2015: £Nil) has been 
capitalised within intangible assets, including the costs of the 
continuing Feraccru® Phase 3b head to head study in the EU 
and US.

Loss per share
Net loss for 2016 was £15.0 million (2015: £24.5 million) on an IFRS 
basis, EPS loss was £0.15 per share (2015: £0.57) and the adjusted 
net shareholder loss for 2016, excluding the impact of exceptional 
items (see Note 14), was £9.4 million (2015: £5.3 million) with EPS 
loss of £0.09 (2015: £0.13).

Tax
Corporation tax reclaims on R&D relating to claims for 2014 
and 2015 equated to £0.6 million. 

Post balance sheet events 
There are no notable post balance sheet events.

Summary
In summary, thanks largely to the funds deployed following the 
IPO, we have significantly added resources and competencies 
through 2016 into 2017. This has resulted in Shield Therapeutics 
transforming over the course of 2016 from a small, wholly 
development-focused and privately owned company into a listed, 
significantly larger and increasingly commercially-focused, 
customer-facing organisation set up to sell our innovative and 
value-added specialty pharmaceuticals, such as Feraccru®, 
that effectively treat otherwise unmet medical needs. 

A number of key elements distinguish Shield Therapeutics, including:

 • Revenue generation from approved product;

 • Additional late-stage assets that have delivered proof 

of concept;

 • Large market opportunities with unmet needs;

 • Experienced management team with extensive expertise;

 • Opportunity to create operational leverage across the 

product portfolio;

 • Strong intellectual property protection.

Due to the strength of our products and team, and with thanks 
to all our supportive shareholders, I look forward to the future 
with much anticipation and confidence.

This strategic report was approved on 3 April 2017, by order 
of the Board.

Carl Sterritt
Chief Executive Officer
3 April 2017

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses were £4.6 million (2015: £1.0 million) 
due to the impact of increased headcount, establishment, legal 
and professional fees, together with one-off costs relating to 
the restructuring and IPO enabling work, which was charged 
to the statement of profit and loss.

Statement of financial position
At 31 December 2016, total Group cash was £21.0 million 
(2015: £0.7 million), resulting from net fundraising proceeds 
from the IPO subscription and placing, plus options exercised, 
less cash burn (cash flows from operating and investing activities) 
of £13.3 million (2015: £4.3 million).

Net assets at 31 December 2016 were £48.4 million (2015: net liabilities 
of £18.6 million), relating to the positive impact of changes to the 
capital structure, the acquisition of the intellectual property of 
Phosphate Therapeutics Limited and the funds raised at IPO.

Going forward - as set out above with respect to the development 
of Feraccru®, PT20 and PT40 - the Company has a number of 
options available to deliver returns for shareholders. To best execute 
the Company’s stated objectives, it expects to require additional 
capital in due course. Consequently, the Board continues to 
evaluate the multiple potential sources of funding available to 
it including, but not limited to, the potential exercise of the 
Company’s Warrants, which are due to expire on 30 June 2017, 
as well as opportunities to out-license any of our assets.

Intangible assets
At 31 December 2016, intangible assets were £29.0 million 
(2015: £0.5 million). The Group capitalised £2.6 million of R&D 
expenditure in the year in respect of the development of Feraccru®. 
In addition, the intellectual property of Phosphate Therapeutics 
was £25.3 million net of amortisation (2015: £Nil), with the balance 
representing the cost of acquiring, maintaining and expanding 
the patent portfolio for Feraccru®, net of amortisation during 
the year.

Cash flow
Cash outflow from operating and investing activities was £13.3 million 
(2015: £4.3 million), funded largely by proceeds from the IPO 
in February. 

Foreign exchange management
The Group takes a conservative position with regard to foreign 
exchange activities and does not take out forward contracts 
against uncertain or forecast expenditure, as the timings and 
extent of future cash flow requirements denominated in foreign 
currencies are difficult to predict. Part of our IPO-related funds 
inflow was in Euros and this had the benefit of providing us with 
a significant level of natural hedging against the Brexit-related 
weakening of Sterling. Future currency needs are continually 
monitored and we will purchase when the extent and timings of 
such needs are known. Further content on the Group’s foreign 
exchange management is provided in the Principal Risks and 
Risk Management section and Note 27.

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

15

Strategic reportPRINCIPAL RISKS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board has continued to identify, evaluate and monitor 
risks facing the Group and, during 2016, a particular focus 
has been placed on assessing the likely impact that each 
identified risk could have on the business.

Group Executive

Leadership Team

1. Setting 
the strategy

5. Monitoring and 
reassessing

2. Identifying  
and assessing

The Board

4. Design and 
implementation 
of mitigations

3. Evaluation

Risk management framework
The management of risk is a key responsibility of the Board 
of Directors. The Board ensures that all of the key risks are 
understood and appropriately managed in light of the Group’s 
strategy and objectives, and that an effective internal risk 
management process, including internal controls, is in place 
to identify, assess, minimise and manage important risks.

The Audit Committee oversees risk management on behalf of 
the Board. During the year the Committee has overseen the 
implementation of a new risk management framework post-IPO, 
which has a number of key objectives:

 • To confirm and communicate the Group’s policy 

on risk management;

 • To establish and promote the importance of risk management 

across the business;

 • To define what risk is and establish an understanding of when 
risk reaches an unacceptable level and how it may be mitigated;

 •  To establish a methodology for risk identification, mitigation, 

monitoring and reporting; and

 •  To assign responsibility as relevant for risk management 

and reporting.

As part of this implementation, a Risk Officer has been 
appointed and the risk register format reviewed and updated.

Operational risk management
 •  The Audit Committee meets regularly and, following the 
implementation of the new risk management framework, 
reviewed the risk register and mitigating action plans. 
These reviews will form part of the Audit Committee’s 
scope going forward.

 •  The senior management team meets at least once a week 

and holds monthly strategy meetings to identify areas of risk 
and to communicate these to the Board as appropriate. 

 • Operational meetings chaired by the finance team take place 
with all major divisions of the Company to review progress of 
all key projects. 

 •  The quality team meets monthly to review all aspects of 

quality management across the business.

16

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Risk description

Change

Key mitigation

Significant exchange 
rate movements

Increased exposure 
to USD and EUR 
from commercial 
and R&D activity.

The Group assesses its currency needs on a rolling basis to buy currencies 
sufficient for its short term needs. Pre-IPO the Group raised significant cash 
in Euros and remains commercially hedged against cash Euro costs in the 
short term. Over time, as its commercial business positions internationally, 
the Group should be able to naturally hedge its US Dollar positions and 
Euro positions.

Delays in local 
reimbursement

UK and German 
pricing agreed.

Delays in clinical 
study enrolment

Increased clinical 
development activity.

UK and German national pricing has been agreed and Feraccru® has launched. 
It is recognised that the UK local formulary approval is complex and the Group 
has employed the services of specialist market access consultants to facilitate 
broader access approval as local formulary levels continue to increase. 
The Group is reviewing its market access strategy for additional 
European markets.

Multiple CRO vendors utilised with multi-country strategy, detailed 
feasibility and close operational management by Shield as sponsor.
Timely subject enrolment is a well known challenge. Shield seeks to 
proactively address this with detailed feasibility, careful CRO partner 
selection (well matched) and close operational oversight of projects.

Shield continues to consider opportunities to in-license or acquire 
additional assets. During the year further regulatory clarity was received 
in respect of the pathway to approval for Shield’s second asset, PT20.

Shield has commissioned a programme to validate and approve second 
suppliers for its Drug Substance and Drug Product manufacture for 
Feraccru®. This programme is expected to be completed during 2017.

During the year the Group received UK approval for its new Composition 
of Matter patent (P012). Shield is now prosecuting this patent on a global 
basis and continued to develop its IP portfolio.

Whilst the risk is low (as the Group does not trade using eCommerce), 
during the year its IT systems have been upgraded to provide better firewall 
protection. The Group continues to rely on expert third party cloud-hosted 
applications, which provide cost-effective services with significant 
redundancies and disaster prevention and recovery strategies.

Post-IPO the Group has built a sustainable quality team which has 
overseen an updated and enhanced quality framework that is reviewed 
regularly by the management team.

Dependence on a 
single product

Disruption of 
product supply

Failure to protect IP

Cybersecurity

Non-compliance with 
regulatory requirements 
such as GxP

Availability of finance

The Group is partly 
dependent on the 
exercise of Warrants 
to secure medium 
term funding.

The Group continues to manage its existing resources carefully, exiting 
2016 with £21 million. As part of the IPO process Warrants were issued 
to participants in the placing, providing an opportunity for the Company 
to raise up to £17.5 million by 30 June 2017 when the Warrants expire. 

Ability to attract and 
retain key staff

Significant increase 
in headcount.

A new HR advisor has been appointed to implement a comprehensive 
HR plan and provide a competitive salary and benefits package including 
equity. We also have our own in-house Head of Talent Acquisition.

Key

No change

Increased

Decreased

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

17

Strategic reportBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr Andrew Heath
Non-Executive Chairman 

Carl Sterritt
Chief Executive Officer 
and co-founder

James Karis
Non-Executive Director 

Skills and experience
Dr Andrew Heath is a highly experienced 
healthcare and biopharmaceutical 
executive with in-depth knowledge of US 
and UK capital markets and international 
experience in marketing, sales, R&D and 
business development.

Other appointments
Dr Heath is currently Deputy Chairman 
and Senior Independent Director of 
Oxford BioMedica plc and is a Non-Executive 
Director of Novacyt SA and IHT. He was 
formerly a Director of the BioIndustry 
Association and he was Chief Executive 
Officer of Protherics plc from 1999 to 2008, 
taking the company from 30 to 350 staff 
and managing its eventual acquisition by 
BTG plc for £220 million. Prior to this 
Andrew served as Vice President 
of Marketing and Sales for Astra Inc. 
in the US and held senior positions 
at Glaxo, Sweden.

Skills and experience
With around 20 years’ of management 
and executive level experience in 
pharmaceutical development and 
commercialisation in both large and small 
company settings, Carl has led the Group 
as its CEO since he co-founded SHG in 
2008 and PTL in 2011.

Previously, Carl held senior management 
roles at United Therapeutics and 
Encysive Pharmaceuticals, working on 
innovative therapies for the treatment 
of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Carl 
joined United Therapeutics to establish 
the company’s European operations in 
preparation for the marketing approval of 
Remodulin, running the subsidiary for six 
years. In collaboration with physicians in 
Germany, he was responsible for and holds 
patents related to United Therapeutics’ 
decision to develop and commercialise 
treprostinil, now successfully commercialised 
in the US as Tyvaso.

Carl was instrumental in the successful 
commercial launch of Thelin and the rapid 
growth of Encysive’s European operations. 
Carl founded SHG Therapeutics after 
Encysive was acquired by Pfizer Inc. 
for more than $300 million.

Skills and experience
James is a life sciences and healthcare 
industry executive with over 35 years 
of experience in the pharmaceutical, 
healthcare services, technology and 
medical device industries.

James has previously held senior 
management and executive roles at 
CollabRx, Entelos, Inc., PAREXEL 
International, Pharmaco International 
and Baxter International. He has a BS 
in Management and Economics from 
Purdue University and a MA in Applied 
Economics from The American University.

Other appointments
James is currently Chief Executive Officer 
of privately held MAPI Group, a company 
focused on conducting late phase studies 
as well as providing regulatory and 
reimbursement support to the 
pharmaceutical and device industries.

A proven entrepreneur, he is also an 
experienced board member for public 
and private companies with extensive 
experience in corporate strategy, M&A 
and all aspects of company financing.

18

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Peter Llewellyn‑Davies
Non-Executive Director 

Skills and experience
Peter is a strategic CFO with an over 
25 year track record in international M&A 
deals, company turnarounds, licensing 
transactions and financing activities with 
particular experience in chemical and 
healthcare industries.

Peter is a founder of Accellerate Partners, 
focused on executing change and supporting 
private and listed companies and advising 
venture capital and private equity firms. 
Peter read Business Management, Banking, 
Marketing and Controlling in London, 
St. Gallen and Munich, and has a Certificate 
in Business Studies from the University 
of London.

Other appointments
Until recently Peter was CFO at Medigene AG 
and supported the turnaround process 
by out-licensing marketed and legacy 
products and enhancing shareholder 
value with a large international investor 
base. Prior to that he was CFO of Wilex 
AG, having orchestrated its IPO in 2006 
to fund a later stage pipeline and conclude 
subsequent partnering deals 
and acquisitions.

Peter was nominated for appointment 
to the Board pursuant to the 
Relationship Agreement.

DIRECTORS WHO 
SERVED IN THE YEAR

Richard CM Jones ACA
(Resigned 27 January 2017)
Chief Financial Officer 
and Company Secretary 

Skills and experience
Richard has a strong track record in 
advising clients on a wide range of 
transactions and fundraisings including 
IPOs, M&A and fundraisings. With more 
than ten years’ advisory experience in 
the investment banking industry, his 
particular focus was in the healthcare 
sector, where he developed extensive 
experience with a broad range of clients 
including private companies, private equity 
and UK and European quoted companies.

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

19

Corporate governanceMEET THE SENIOR TEAM

Paul Steckler
Chief Commercial Officer

Dr Mark Sampson
Chief Medical Officer

David Childs
Director of Product Supply 

Paul is a commercial leader with 
more than 17 years of pharmaceutical 
experience across a broad range of 
therapeutic areas. Paul gained a BSc 
in Microbiology and Virology from the 
University of Warwick before joining the 
pharmaceutical industry in 1997. Paul 
spent the majority of his career at Pfizer 
working across multiple therapy areas 
including Genotropin®, Somavert®, 
Zyvox®, Vfend, Ecalta, Rapamune® and 
Tygacil. Since leaving Pfizer in 2012 Paul 
has worked with a number of smaller 
pharmaceutical companies with a focus 
on specialty medications including 
launching Jinarc (in polycystic kidney 
disease) for Otsuka Pharmaceuticals.

Mark has more than 25 years of medical 
practice and pharmaceutical development 
and commercialisation experience. He has 
outstanding pedigree in the development 
and leadership of medical and clinical 
development activities at companies 
such as GSK, Amgen and Gilead, having 
been a key element of a number of 
successful commercialisation projects. 
Mark is a highly experienced pharmaceutical 
physician who combines broad medical 
knowledge and business acumen with 
an outstanding record of achievement 
in medical and clinical strategies at 
affiliate, regional and global levels across 
pharmaceutical, biotech and consumer 
products. In addition Mark has been a 
member of the UK Prescription Medicines 
Code of Practice Authority’s Appeals 
Board for 14 years.

David joined Shield in August 2011 as 
Director of Manufacturing. During his 
tenure at Wellcome, GlaxoWellcome and 
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), David gained over 
18 years of experience in chemical and 
pharmaceutical development. He has 
led several successful projects including 
Promacta and Relovair and has successfully 
led teams of scientists in the development 
of synthetic processes and analytical 
methodologies. During his tenure at GSK, 
David worked closely with several 
outsourcing partners as well as across 
GSK’s international network of manufacturing 
sites to ensure timely product delivery 
and successful methodology transfer 
between internal and external sites.

20

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Angela Hildreth
UK Finance Director 

Dr Jackie Mitchell
VP Regulatory Affairs 
and Quality

Angela has been with Shield since 2011. 
She set up all aspects of the Group’s 
financial processes and reporting 
procedures and managed the financial 
reporting aspects of the IPO. She manages 
day-to-day financial aspects of the Group’s 
operations and is directly involved in 
commercial contractual negotiations as 
well as influencing the Group’s strategy 
as part of the senior leadership team. 
She has developed a strong financial 
team that has been expanded since 
the IPO to reflect the increased levels 
of activity and reporting as a PLC.

Jackie has over 20 years of experience 
in regulatory affairs. She holds an MA in 
biochemistry from Lady Margaret Hall at 
the University of Oxford, where she also 
obtained a doctorate in Immunology and 
Molecular Biology. Following completion 
of her academic studies, Jackie spent 
a number of years working as a research 
scientist, including a period at Johns 
Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, 
USA. Since moving into the pharmaceutical 
industry, Jackie has worked in regulatory 
affairs for large, medium and small 
pharmaceutical companies, including 
Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbott and 
Archimedes. She has been involved in 
a broad range of global, EU and national 
applications across many therapeutic 
areas and has led several major regulatory 
projects, including successful MAA and 
NDA submissions, including MAAs for NCEs 
such as Kaletra and Humira. Jackie has run 
Shield’s regulatory activities since 2012.

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

21

Corporate governanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Under the rules of AIM, the Group is not required to comply 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2014 (the “Code”). 
Nevertheless, the Board has taken steps to comply with the 
Code where it can be applied practically and appropriately 
given the size of the Group and the nature of its operations. 
The Board recognises the importance of sound corporate 
governance and, with that aim, the Group has already adopted 
policies and procedures which reflect the principles of the 
QCA’s Corporate Governance Guidelines for Smaller Quoted 
Companies (the‘‘QCA Code’’), as are appropriate to a group 
whose shares are admitted to trading on AIM.

The role of the Board
The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate 
governance and maintaining a sound framework for the control 
and management of the Group’s business, and is responsible 
for leading and controlling the Group, with overall authority for 
the management and conduct of the Group’s business and its 

strategy and development. The Board is also responsible 
for ensuring the maintenance of a sound system of internal 
control and risk management (including financial, operational 
and compliance controls), for reviewing the overall effectiveness 
of systems in place and for the approval of any changes to the 
capital, corporate and/or management structure of the Group.

Board composition
The Board was formally constituted on 26 February 2016 
in preparation for the IPO. Prior to the IPO, the Executive 
Directors were the only members of the Board for the period 
from 1 January 2016 to 26 February 2016.

The Board composition complies with the Code as applicable 
to smaller companies in terms of the number of independent 
Non-Executive Directors. The Company intends to make further 
appointments to the Board in due course as the Group’s 
activities develop.

Role

Name

Key responsibilities

Other role(s)

Chairman

Andrew Heath*

Responsible for leading and managing the Board, its 
effectiveness and governance.

Chair of Nomination 
Committee. Member of 
Remuneration Committee.

CEO

CFO

Carl Sterritt

Responsible for day-to-day management of the business, 
developing the Group’s strategic direction and implementing 
the Board’s agreed strategy.

Richard Jones**

Supports the CEO in developing and implementing strategy. 
Responsible for financial and operational performance.

Independent NED James Karis*

Assists in the development of strategy and monitoring 
its delivery. Responsible for bringing sound judgment and 
objectivity to the Board’s deliberations and decision making 
and constructively challenging and supporting the Executive 
Directors. Also responsible for leading the review of 
performance of the Executive Directors.

Chair of Remuneration 
Committee. Member 
of Nomination and 
Audit Committees.

Independent NED Peter Llewellyn-Davies* Assists in the development of strategy and monitoring 

its delivery. Responsible for bringing sound judgment and 
objectivity to the Board’s deliberations and decision making 
and constructively challenging and supporting the Executive 
Directors. Also responsible for ensuring the integrity of 
financial reporting and risk management.

Chair of Audit Committee. 
Member of Nomination 
Committee.

*  Appointed on 26 February 2016.

** Resigned on 27 January 2017.

22

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Board meetings
The Board holds meetings at least five times a year, with 
additional ad hoc meetings as required. In addition the Board 
and full management team meet for a strategy day at least once 
a year to discuss the medium to long term aspirations of the 
Group. Prior to each Board meeting, a full operational briefing 
pack is circulated to the Board for review prior to the meeting.

All Directors maintain conflicts of interest declarations. 
All Directors are paid via the Group’s payroll. During the year 
no Director received payment for any other services and no 
company connected to any Director had a contractual relationship 
with the Group or received any payment, except as follows. Prior 
to the IPO, a company in which Andrew Heath is a Director received 
payments of £5,000 in respect of consultancy services to the Group.

The Board has the benefit of third party qualifying indemnity 
insurance and has access to advice from the Company 
Secretary, the Group’s external legal counsel and retained 
remuneration consultants.

Details of attendance at Board and Committee meetings during 
the financial year are as follows:

2016 meetings

Main Board
Audit Committee

Number of 
meetings

5
4

Remuneration Committee 1

Nomination Committee
Board strategy day

—
1

All Board members attended
All members of Committee 
attended
All members of Committee 
attended
n/a
All Board and executive 
management team 
members attended

Accountability
We have implemented a risk management system which has 
been reviewed and adopted by the Audit Committee on behalf 
of the Board. This includes:

 • Risk identification: risks are highlighted and documented in a 
centrally held register and reviewed regularly by the Audit 
Committee on behalf of the Board;

 • Risk assessment: risks are assessed in terms of likelihood and 

potential impact; and

 • Risk mitigation: required actions are agreed and assigned with 

target deadlines.

The principal risks and uncertainties are identified and their 
management discussed on pages 16 and 17 of the annual report.

Effectiveness
We have considered the balance between Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors and believe the structure is 
appropriate for the Group at this time, with a good balance 
between AIM, financial and business experience. 

Peter Llewellyn‑Davies
Audit Committee Chairman
3 April 2017

Independence
No equity-based compensation or incentives are granted to the 
Board. The Chairman, Andrew Heath, retains a small shareholding 
from investment in the pre-IPO group representing <0.1% of 
the currently issued share capital. Peter Llewellyn-Davies was 
put forward for election by the largest shareholder, W Health LP. 
However, whilst W Health LP does have the right under a shareholder 
agreement to appoint a representative to the Board, Peter was 
appointed independently and does not in any way represent 
W Health LP.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 23

Corporate governanceAUDIT AND RISK REPORT

Peter Llewellyn‑Davies
Audit Committee Chairman

I am delighted to present the Group’s 
first Audit and Risk report following the 
appointment of the Committee in 
February 2016. During the year, in 
the period post-IPO, we have devoted 
significant time to ensuring the Group’s 
processes, policies and controls are 
fit for purpose, as it develops and 
continues its journey as a PLC.

The Audit Committee
Whilst the Board has ultimate responsibility for reviewing 
and approving the annual report and the interim report, and 
for risk management, certain aspects are delegated to the 
Audit Committee, including:

 • The oversight of the risk management framework and regular 

risk reviews;

 • The monitoring of the financial integrity of the financial 

statements of the Group and the involvement of the Group’s 
auditor in that process; 

 • The review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
controls and risk management systems and overseeing 
the process for managing risks across the Group, including 
reviewing the Group’s corporate risk profile; and 

 • Oversight of the Group’s compliance with legal requirements 
and accounting standards and ensuring that an effective 
system of internal financial control is maintained. 

Membership
The Audit Committee was formed in February 2016 ahead of 
the IPO. 

It is chaired by Peter Llewellyn-Davies, an independent 
Non-Executive Director who has significant financial experience, 
most recently as CFO of Medigene AG from 2012 to 2016. 
James Karis, an independent Non-Executive Director with 
significant business experience, is a member of the Committee.

24

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Activities
The Committee met four times during 2016. Its key 
activities included:

Review and implementation of new risk 
management framework
As noted in the principal risks and risk management section 
on page 16 of this report, the Committee oversaw a full review 
and implementation of a new risk management framework 
that was approved and adopted during 2016.

Financial reporting
 • Reviewed and approved updated accounting policies 

introduced at the 2016 interims.

 • Reviewed the interim and annual accounts, and reviewed 

and challenged key judgments in their preparation.

 • Reviewed the work of the external auditor and matters 

requiring discussion following the 2016 audit.

 • Advised the Board that, taken as a whole, the annual report 

and accounts are fair, balanced and understandable.

 • Reviewed the basis for the going concern statement.

External audit
 • Approved the re-appointment of KPMG LLP as external auditor.

 • Reviewed and approved the annual audit plan.

 • Reviewed the independence, objectivity, performance 

and effectiveness of the auditor.

 • Approved the Group audit fees.

External audit
The Group’s external auditor, KPMG LLP, is engaged to provide 
its independent opinion on the Group’s financial statements. 
The terms of reference and findings of the auditor have been 
reviewed by the Audit Committee as part of the approval 
process for the 2016 annual report and accounts.

The Group maintains a separation between its auditor and 
other advisors, with Ernst & Young LLP appointed as the Group’s 
ongoing tax advisor and Deloitte LLP appointed as remuneration 
consultant, to ensure a separation of the audit from other key 
advisory work. 

Internal audit
The Committee considered the internal controls of the Group 
and the requirement for a formal internal audit function as part 
of its oversight of the new risk management framework. For now 
the Committee is of the opinion that an internal audit function 
is not appropriate for the Group in its current stage of development. 
This will be regularly reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Peter Llewellyn‑Davies
Audit Committee Chairman
3 April 2017

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

James Karis
Remuneration Committee Chairman

On behalf of the Board I am pleased to present the 
inaugural Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 
31 December 2016 (FY16). Although not subject to the reporting 
regulations of Main Market listed companies, the Remuneration 
Committee recognises the importance of shareholder engagement 
in relation to Executive remuneration. Accordingly, and as referred 
to in the 2015 annual report and accounts, the Committee has 
prepared this report as a matter of best practice and has taken 
account of those regulations in doing so.

Key principles
In early 2016, in anticipation of the IPO, the Company undertook 
a review of its remuneration policy to ensure that it was 
appropriate for a listed company. A summary of the policy was 
included in the Admission Document, and further detail is 
included on pages 26 and 27 of this report. 

Our remuneration arrangements for our Executive Directors are 
based on the key principles set out below. We have articulated 
how those principles are addressed within the policy. 

Key principle

How we reflect this in our policy

To promote the long term success 
of the Company.

To provide appropriate alignment 
with investors’ expectations in 
relation to the Company’s 
strategy and outcomes.

To provide a competitive package 
of base salary and benefits and 
short and long term incentives, with 
an appropriate proportion being 
subject to the achievement of 
stretching individual and corporate 
performance conditions.

The majority of the Executive 
Directors’ remuneration 
opportunity is performance 
based, and earned only subject 
to the satisfaction of stretching 
performance conditions. 

Performance conditions for the 
annual bonus and LTIP, while 
stretching, do not encourage 
the taking of undue risk.

Further alignment between 
Executive Directors and 
shareholders is achieved 
by our application of 
shareholding guidelines. 

Executive remuneration in 2016
2016 was our first year following admission to AIM. The salaries 
for the Executive Directors and fees for the Non-Executive 
Directors were disclosed in the Admission Document and 
applied throughout the year. 

In 2016 we granted our first awards under the LTIP to the 
Executive Directors and eight other senior executives. Three 
awards were subsequently forfeited during the year. These awards 
will vest, subject to the satisfaction of performance conditions 
measured over 2016, 2017 and 2018, in February 2019. 
Further information is included on pages 27 and 28. 

Carl Sterritt’s bonus for 2016 was based on a combination 
of corporate and personal objectives. Further information 
is included on page 27 but, reflecting the performance of 
the Group in 2016, Mr Sterritt has earned a bonus of £106,000 
in respect of 2016. As noted below, Richard Jones will not earn 
a bonus for 2016.

Looking forward to 2017
No significant changes are currently proposed to the 
remuneration policy for 2017. The Executive Directors’ bonus 
opportunity and LTIP awards for 2017 will be 100% of salary 
and 125% of salary respectively, with each award subject 
to the achievement of performance conditions. 

We have made some minor amendments to the way in which 
we implement our policy, such that the deferred element of 
the annual bonus will be awarded on a pre-tax basis (to apply 
in respect of the grants in 2018 of the deferred element of the 
2017 bonus).

LTIP awards may include a tax-qualifying option, enabling part 
of the LTIP opportunity to be awarded in a way which offers an 
advantageous tax treatment for the Group and the participant, 
but without increasing the pre-tax value of the award. More 
information is included in the policy table. 

We are committed to expanding participation in our share plans 
and I am pleased to report that in 2017 we propose to grant 
options to employees under the Company Share Option Plan 
we adopted at admission. 

Board changes
In October 2016, the Company announced the planned 
departure of Richard Jones as CFO. His contract terminated 
on 27 January 2017. No bonus was awarded to Mr Jones in 
respect of 2016 and his LTIP award granted in 2016 was 
forfeited on termination.

Joanne Estell will join the Company as CFO and Director 
on 1 May 2017.

The Committee will continue to monitor the remuneration 
policy to ensure it remains aligned to the business strategy 
and the delivery of shareholder value.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 25

Corporate governanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Executive Directors’ remuneration policy
The table below sets out the elements of Executive Directors’ compensation and how each element operates, as well as the maximum 
opportunity of each element and any applicable performance measures.

Element and purpose

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Fixed remuneration

Basic salary

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

Benefits

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

Retirement benefits

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

Variable remuneration

Annual bonus

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

Usually reviewed annually, taking 
account of:

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

 • Salary increases awarded 
to the wider workforce;

 • Group performance;
 • Role and experience;
 • Individual performance; and
 • Competitive environment.

 • Promotion;
 • Change in scope of role;
 • Realignment with the market; and
 • Development and performance in role (for example, 
if a new director is appointed on a salary which is 
increased over time to a market-competitive level).

Executive Directors currently receive:

 • Car allowance; and
 • Private medical insurance.

No overall maximum has been set, but the level of benefits 
provided is determined taking into account the overall cost 
to the Company. Other benefits may be provided to reflect 
individual circumstances, such as relocation expenses.

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

Awards are based on performance, measured 
over the year to which they relate, and 
split between financial, strategic and 
individual objectives. The measures and 
weightings are determined each year to 
reflect the Company’s strategic priorities.

Contributions for 2017 have been set at 12% of salary.

The maximum bonus opportunity is 100% of base salary.

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

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

Awards are made in the form of nil (or 
nominal) cost options. Vesting is subject 
to the achievement of specific 
performance conditions over three years.

Awards may be structured as Qualifying 
LTIP awards comprising an HMRC 
tax-qualifying option and an LTIP award*.

LTIP awards may include the right to an 
additional payment (in cash or shares) 
in respect of dividends over the 
vesting period on vested shares.

The maximum award in respect of any financial year is 
125% of base salary*.

Awards are made based on an assessment of the Executive 
Directors’ performance and cover a three-year period 
from grant.

The current performance condition is based on the 
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the Company’s 
share price. One-third of the award will vest for each year 
in the performance period in respect of which the CAGR 
target is achieved. Ordinarily, no part of an award will vest 
until the end of the three-year performance period.

The LTIP is subject to malus and 
clawback provisions.

The Committee will review and set performance 
conditions for future awards.

*   Where a Qualifying LTIP award is granted, the tax-qualifying option (which has a market value exercise price) is subject to the same performance condition 
as applies to the ordinary LTIP award. The two elements of the award are exercised at the same time, with the extent to which the ordinary LTIP award can 
be exercised being scaled back to reflect any gain made on the exercise of the tax-qualifying option. Because of this scale back, the shares subject 
to the tax-qualifying option are not taken into account in assessing the maximum opportunity.

26

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Non‑Executive remuneration policy
The remuneration policy for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors is to pay fees necessary to attract and retain individuals 
of the calibre required, taking into account the size and complexity of the business and the market in which it operates.

The fees of the Non-Executive Directors are agreed by the Chairman and the CEO and the fees of the Chairman are determined 
by the Board as a whole. 

Fees are paid as a base fee as a member of the Board together with additional fees for chairmanship of a Board Committee. 
All Non-Executive Directors may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties. 

Neither the Chairman nor the Non-Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the Group’s incentive arrangements.

Directors’ service contracts
Details of the service contracts are set out below. All Directors are subject to annual reappointment at each Annual General Meeting.

Name

Position

Carl Sterritt
Andrew Heath
James Karis
Peter Llewellyn-Davies

CEO
Chairman
NED (Chair of Remuneration Committee)
NED (Chair of Audit Committee)

Notice period

12 months
None
None
None

Notes

Subject to annual reappointment at AGM
Subject to annual reappointment at AGM
Subject to annual reappointment at AGM
Subject to annual reappointment at AGM

Annual report on remuneration
The tables below detail total remuneration earned by each Director in respect of FY16. As the Company was admitted to AIM on 
26 February 2016, there is no disclosure in respect of prior periods. The information below relates to the whole of 2016.

Name

Executive Directors
Carl Sterritt
Richard Jones

Non‑Executive Directors*
James Karis
Andrew Heath
Peter Llewellyn-Davies 

Salary
£000

Benefits
£000

Total before
bonus
£000

Annual bonus
£000

Total remuneration
FY16
£000

294
215

38
92
40

679

40
36

—
—
—

76

334
251

38
92
40

755

134
—

—
—
—

134

468
251

38
92
40

889

*  Non-Executive appointments were finalised on 12 February 2016 but were effective on admission on 26 February 2016.

No payments were made to Directors for loss of office, or to past Directors.

Carl Sterritt realised gains on share options exercised of £18,000 during the year. Richard Jones realised gains on share options 
exercised of £129,000 during the year.

£28,000 of Carl Sterritt’s bonus relates to the 2015 financial year.

No Director waived any emoluments in respect of the year.

2016 annual bonus
Carl Sterritt received a bonus of £106,000 in respect of the 2016 financial year. This reflects the achievement of corporate 
and personal objectives during the year and the level of bonuses paid to other staff.

Richard Jones did not earn a bonus for 2016. 

Long Term Incentive Plan options granted in the year
LTIP options were granted in the year to the Executive Directors as follows:

Name

Carl Sterritt
Richard Jones***

Number of shares subject 
to LTIP option*

463,836
338,050

Vesting date**

25 February 2019
25 February 2019

* 

 The options were granted in part on 29 February 2016 and in part on 12 September 2016 as approved at the 2016 AGM.

** 

 The vesting of the options is subject to the satisfaction of the performance condition described below.

***  Richard Jones’ options were forfeited when he left the business on 27 January 2017.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 27

Corporate governanceDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Share performance graph
The graph below shows the performance of the Company’s shares 
compared to the FTSE Small Cap, which forms the basis of the 
benchmark performance rate for LTIP vesting. The Company’s 
shares listed on 26 February 2016 on AIM at a price of £1.50. 

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

-5%

February 2016

A pril 2016

June 2016

August 2016

O cto ber 2016

D ece m ber 2016

 Shield Therapeutics plc 

 FTSE small cap

Remuneration Committee
The members of the Remuneration Committee are James Karis and 
Andrew Heath. James Karis is Committee Chairman. The Committee 
meets at least once a year and has responsibility for:

 • Maintaining the remuneration policy;

 • Reviewing and determining the remuneration packages 

of the Executive Directors;

 • Monitoring the level and structure of remuneration of senior 
management, including LTIP, CSOP and bonus awards; and

 • Production of the Directors’ remuneration report.

During the year, Deloitte LLP was appointed as advisor 
to the Committee.

The CEO typically attends meetings and provides information 
and support as requested, but is not present when his own 
remuneration is discussed. The duties of the Committee are 
set out in the terms of reference, which are available on the 
Group’s website, www.shieldtherapeutics.com, or on request 
from the Company Secretary.

This report was approved by the Board on 3 April 2017 
and signed on its behalf by:

James Karis
Remuneration Committee Chairman

Long Term Incentive Plan options granted in the year 
continued
All options are exercisable at 1.5 pence per share. No amounts 
were paid on grant. The mid-market price of the Ordinary Shares 
as at 31 December 2016 was £1.73. The highest mid-market 
price of the Ordinary Shares during the year was £1.88 
and the lowest price was £1.495.

The vesting of the options is subject to the satisfaction of a 
performance condition based on the Company’s share price. 
The CAGR in the Company’s share price shall be assessed on 
each of 25 February 2017, 25 February 2018 and 25 February 2019. 
Provided the CAGR at the relevant date is at least 11.7%, one-third 
of the option will become capable of vesting. In the ordinary course, 
options will not vest and become exercisable until 25 February 
2019. If the CAGR is less than 11.7% on the measurement date, the 
relevant portion of the option will lapse. 

In total awards have been made over 2,106,725 LTIP options 
during the year. At the year end 583,332 had been forfeited 
and 1,523,393 remained in issue.

Following the year end, the performance condition measured 
on 25 February 2017 was not met and a further one-third of the 
options lapsed accordingly.

Executive Director remuneration in 2017
No changes are proposed to the structure of the Executive 
Directors’ remuneration in 2017, although, as noted in the 
Remuneration Committee Chairman’s statement, minor 
amendments are being made to the way in which we 
implement the policy. 

Carl Sterritt’s annual bonus opportunity for 2017 will remain 
at 100% of salary and be based on corporate and personal 
objectives. It is proposed that Mr Sterritt be granted an LTIP 
option opportunity at the level of 125% of salary. 

During 2017, the Remuneration Committee will agree the 
remuneration terms of the new Chief Financial Officer, details of 
which will be disclosed in the 2017 Directors’ remuneration report.

In 2017 we propose to operate our Company Share Option 
Plan for the first time, granting options to all employees. 

Directors’ shareholdings 
With effect from admission, the Company has adopted 
share ownership guidelines under which Executive Directors 
must acquire shares with a value equal to twice their annual 
base salary. Until such time as the guideline is met, 
Executive Directors will be expected to retain 50% of shares 
acquired under the LTIP (net of sales to cover tax).

Name

Carl Sterritt
Richard Jones
Andrew Heath

Shares
31/12/16

% of
share capital

Warrants
as at
31/12/16 **

10,053,113*
1,448,990
85,719

9.30%
1.34%
0.08%

376,921
—
—

% of
warrants

5.5%
—
—

*   As part of a sale and purchase agreement between Carl Sterritt and 

Irorph GmbH, dated 12 February 2016, Carl Sterritt has a call option over up 
to 345,000 shares depending on certain conditions in Shield Therapeutics plc. 
The option is exercisable between 1 July 2017 and 1 July 2018. The price 
of the call option is £1. 

**  Warrants are exercisable at any time up to 30 June 2017, after which they 

lapse. Each Warrant is convertible to one Ordinary Share for a consideration 
of £1.50 per Warrant. Warrants are listed on the LSE under the ticker 
symbol STXW.L.

28

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their annual report on the affairs of the 
Group, together with the financial statements and auditor’s 
report, for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Political and charitable donations
The Group made no political or charitable donations during 
the course of both the current and prior years.

Principal activities
Shield Therapeutics plc is a specialty pharmaceutical company 
specialising in the development and commercialisation of 
late-stage, hospital-focused pharmaceuticals which address 
areas of high unmet medical need. 

Financial instruments
The Company’s financial risk management objectives and 
policies and disclosures regarding its exposure to foreign 
currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk are provided 
in Note 27 to the financial statements.

Future development
Disclosures relating to future developments are included in the 
Chief Executive Officer’s statement and financial review.

Capital structure
In February 2016 the Group completed its restructuring, 
extinguishing shareholder debt and the two-tier capital structure 
of preference and ordinary share capital in anticipation of an IPO. 
Share options were exercised raising £3.9 million and additional 
gross proceeds of £32.5 million were raised through the placing 
and subscription associated with the IPO process.

Following the IPO, Group cash balances at 31 December 2016 
were £21.0 million (2015: £0.7 million).

Results and dividend
The consolidated statement of profit and loss and other 
comprehensive income is set out on page 32. The Group’s loss 
after taxation for the year was £15.0 million. After taking into 
account non-cash adjustments under IFRS relating to the capital 
structure in place pre-IPO, adjusted net loss for the year was 
£9.4 million (see Note 14 on pages 45 and 46). On a proforma 
unaudited basis, assuming Phosphate Therapeutics Limited had 
been acquired on 1 January 2016, the adjusted net loss would 
have been £9.4 million.

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend 
in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016.

Directors
The Directors of the Company during the year and up to the 
date of approval of the annual report were as follows:

Carl Sterritt
Richard Jones (resigned 27 January 2017)
Andrew Heath (appointed 26 February 2016)
James Karis (appointed 26 February 2016)
Peter Llewellyn-Davies (appointed 26 February 2016)

Directors’ indemnities
The Group has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions 
for the benefit of its Directors, which remain in force at the 
date of this report. 

Post balance sheet events
None noted.

Research and development
The Group undertakes significant research and development 
activities in the course of bringing its core pharmaceutical 
assets to market. Details of the expenditure charge to the 
consolidated statement of profit and loss, expenditure 
capitalised during the year and the accounting policy for 
capitalising development expenditure are provided in the 
financial statements.

Corporate governance report
The Company’s corporate governance report can be found 
on pages 22 and 23 of the annual report. The corporate 
governance report forms part of this Directors’ report and 
is incorporated into it by cross-reference.

Major interests
As at the date of this report, the following shareholders had 
major interests in the shares of Shield Therapeutics plc:

W Health LP 
Irorph GmbH 
Carl Sterritt 
Christian Schweiger 
JP Morgan Asset Management 

49.996%
11.6%
9.3%
5.2%
3.8%

Auditor
Each person who is a Director at the date of approval of this 
annual report confirms that:

 • So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware; and

 • The Director has taken all reasonable steps as a Director in order 
to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Group’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in 
accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the Companies 
Act 2006.

KPMG LLP have expressed their wish to continue as auditor 
and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 
Stephenson Harwood, 1 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7SH, 
at 2.00pm on Tuesday 13 June 2017.

By order of the Board

Carl Sterritt
Chief Executive Officer
3 April 2017

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 29

Corporate governanceSTATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
in respect of the annual report and the financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report 
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and 
parent company financial statements for each financial year. 
As required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange 
they are required to prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable 
law and have elected to prepare the parent company 
financial statements on the same basis.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company 
and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of 
the Group and parent company financial statements the Directors 
are required to:

 • Select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

 • Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

 • State whether they have been prepared in accordance 

with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and

 • Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
parent company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the parent company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities.

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

By order of the Board

Carl Sterritt
Chief Executive Officer
3 April 2017

30

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the members of Shield Therapeutics plc

We have audited the financial statements of Shield Therapeutics plc 
for the year ended 31 December 2016 set out on pages 32 to 56. 
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their 
preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and, as regards the parent 
company financial statements, as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

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

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditor 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 30, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements 
is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at 
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. 

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion: 

 • The financial statements give a true and fair view of the 

state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as 
at 31 December 2016 and of the Group’s loss for the year 
then ended; 

 • The Group financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; 

 • The parent company financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU and as applied in accordance with the provisions 
of the Companies Act 2006; and 

 • The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed 
by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the strategic report 
and the Directors’ report for the financial year is consistent 
with the financial statements. 

Based solely on the work required to be undertaken in the 
course of the audit of the financial statements and from 
reading the strategic report and the Directors’ report:

 • We have not identified material misstatements in those 

reports; and 

 • In our opinion, those reports have been prepared 
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, 
in our opinion: 

 • Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 

parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited by us; or 

 • The parent company financial statements are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

 • Certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified 

by law are not made; or 

 • We have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit. 

Nick Plumb (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
Quayside House
110 Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3DX
3 April 2017

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

31

Financial statementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS 
AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 

Pre-
exceptional
items
2016
£000

Exceptional
items
(Note 10)
2016
£000

Notes

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Operating costs – selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating costs – depreciation and amortisation
Other operating income

Operating loss before research and development expenditure
Research and development expenditure

Operating loss
Net foreign exchange gains
Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains on financial instruments
Net loss on financial instruments designated as fair value 
through profit or loss
Financial income
Financial expense

Loss before tax
Taxation

Loss for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests

8

9

9

13
2

2
13
13

15

Pre-
exceptional
items
2015
£000

Exceptional
items
(Note 10)
2015
£000

—
—

—
(1,321)
(50)
221

(1,150)
(5,284)

(6,434)
266
—

—
—
28

—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—
1,675

(18,123)
—
(1,900)

Total
2016
£000

304
(100)

204
(8,739)
(1,936)
40

(10,431)
(2,029)

(12,460)
270
(1,059)

(2,398)
58
(14)

Total
2015
£000

—
—

—
(1,321)
(50)
221

(1,150)
(5,284)

(6,434)
266
1,675

(18,123)
—
(1,872)

304
(100)

204
(8,284)
(234)
40

(8,274)
(2,029)

(10,303)
270
—

—
58
(14)

—
—

—
(455)
(1,702)
—

(2,157)
—

(2,157)
—
(1,059)

(2,398)
—
—

(9,989)
587

(5,614)
—

(15,603)
587

(6,140)
—

(18,348)
—

(24,488)
—

(9,402)

(5,614)

(15,016)

(6,140)

(18,348)

(24,488)

(9,402)
—

(5,614)
—

(15,016)
—

(5,279)
(861)

(18,348)
—

(23,627)
(861)

Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently  
to profit or loss:
Foreign currency translation differences – foreign operations

112

—

112

(257)

—

(257)

Total comprehensive expenditure for the year

(9,290)

(5,614)

(14,904)

(6,397)

(18,348)

(24,745)

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests

(9,290)
—

(5,614)
—

(14,904)
—

(5,729)
(668)

(18,155)
(193)

(23,884)
(861)

Total comprehensive expenditure for the year

(9,290)

(5,614)

(14,904)

(6,397)

(18,348)

(24,745)

Earnings per share
Basic and diluted loss per share

Non-GAAP measure
Adjusted loss per share

14

14

£(0.15)

£(0.09)

£(0.57)

£(0.13)

32

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

GROUP BALANCE SHEET
at 31 December

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Other liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Other financial liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets/(liabilities)

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Warrants reserve
Merger reserve
Currency translation reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

2016
£000

2015
£000

513
17

530

—
1,605
725

2,330

2,860

28,984
19

29,003

418
1,985
20,978

23,381

52,384

(3,827)
(161)

(3,502)
(73)

(3,988)

(3,575)

—

—

(17,928)

(17,928)

(3,988)

(21,503)

48,396

(18,643)

1,622
77,963
2,760
28,358
73
(62,380)

690
—
—
28,358
(39)
(47,652)

48,396

(18,643)

17
16

19
20
21

22
23

24

28
29
29
29
29
29

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 3 April 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:

Carl Sterritt
Director
Company registered number: 09761509

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 33

Financial statementsCOMPANY BALANCE SHEET
at 31 December

Non-current assets 
Investments

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Non-current liabilities
Other financial liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Warrants reserve
Merger reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Notes

2016
£000

2015
£000

18

102,568

75,600

102,568

75,600

20
21

22

24

28
29
29
29
29

13,939
20,269

34,208

—
—

—

136,776

75,600

(121)

(121)

—

—

—

—

(17,928)

(17,928)

(121)

(17,928)

136,655

57,672

1,622
77,963
2,760
117,323
(63,013)

690
—
—
117,323
(60,341)

136,655

57,672

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 3 April 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:

Carl Sterritt
Director
Company registered number: 09761509

34

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December

Issued 
capital
£000

Share
premium
£000

Warrants
reserve
£000

Merger
reserve
£000

Currency
 translation 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Non-
controlling 
interest
£000

Total
£000

Balance at 1 January 2015
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation differences

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Group reorganisation
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Balance at 31 December 2015
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation differences

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Share issue – IPO
Share options exercised
Phosphate Therapeutics Limited acquisition
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

—

—

325
—

690
—

—

—

325
309
298
—

365
—

2,393
—

—

—

(2,393)
—

—
—

—

—

26,487
25,011
26,465
—

2,760
—
—
—

—
—

—

—

—
—

—
—

—

—

—
—

—

—

28,358
—

28,358
—

—

—

—
—
—
—

218
—

(23,006)
(23,627)

1,746
(861)

(18,284)
(24,488)

(257)

—

—

(257)

(257)

(23,627)

(861)

(24,745)

—
—

(39)
—

112

112

—
—
—
—

(1,901)
882

(47,652)
(15,016)

—

(15,016)

—
—
—
288

(885)
—

23,504
882

—
—

—

—

—
—
—
—

—

(18,643)
(15,016)

112

(14,904)

29,572
25,320
26,763
288

48,396

Balance at 31 December 2016

1,622

77,963

2,760

28,358

73

(62,380)

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December

Balance at 3 September 2015
Loss for the period

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Issuance of share capital
Group reorganisation

Balance at 31 December 2015
Loss for the year

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Share issue – IPO
Share options exercised
Phosphate Therapeutics Limited acquisition
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Issued 
capital
£000

Share
premium
£000

Warrants
 reserve
£000

Merger
 reserve
£000

—
—

—

690
—

690
—

—

325
309
298
—

—
—

—

—
—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—
—

—

26,487
25,011
26,465
—

2,760
—
—
—

—
—

—

—
117,323

117,323
—

—

—
—
—
—

Retained 
earnings 
£000

—
(60,341)

Total
£000

—
(60,341)

(60,341)

(60,341)

—
—

(60,341)
(2,960)

690
117,323

57,672
(2,960)

(2,960)

(2,960)

—
—
—
288

29,572
25,320
26,763
288

Balance at 31 December 2016

1,622

77,963

2,760

117,323

(63,013)

136,655

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 35

Financial statements2016
 £000 

2015
 £000 

(15,016)

(24,488)

1,936

2,398
288
—
984

(9,410)
(418)
(377)
(154)
103

50

18,123
882
1,872
(1,927)

(5,488)
—
(1,526)
2,808
23

(10,256)

(4,183)

(528)
(2,639)
(8)
177

(2,998)

32,500
(2,427)
(501)
3,935
—
—

(123)
—
(9)
—

(132)

—
—
—
—
1,062
3,501

33,507

4,563

20,253
725

20,978

248
477

725

GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 December

Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation

Loss on derivative financial instruments
Equity-settled share-based payment expenses
Financial expense
Unrealised foreign exchange losses/(gains)

Increase in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Increase in other liabilities

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of intangible assets
Capitalised development expenditure
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Cash acquired with Phosphate Therapeutics Limited

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of IPO
IPO costs
Other costs
Share options exercised
Issuance of convertible bonds
Issuance of preference shares

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase in cash 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

36

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 December

Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year
Adjustments for:
Impairment
Loss on derivative financial instruments
Equity-settled share-based payment expenses
Unrealised foreign exchange losses/(gains)

Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of IPO
IPO costs
Other costs
Share options exercised

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase in cash 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

2016
 £000 

2015
 £000 

(2,960)

(60,341)

—
2,398
85
1,057

580
(13,939)
121

(13,238)

32,500
(2,427)
(501)
3,935

33,507

20,269
—

20,269

60,400
(21)
—
(38)

—
—
—

—

—
—
—
—

—

—
—

—

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 37

Financial statementsNOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) 
for the year ended 31 December

1. General information
Shield Therapeutics plc (the “Company”) was incorporated in England and Wales as a public limited company on 3 September 2015.

The Company is domiciled in England and the registered office of the Company is at Northern Design Centre, Baltic Business Quarter, 
Gateshead Quays NE8 3DF.

Shield Therapeutics plc is the parent entity that holds investments in a number of subsidiaries. Its trading subsidiaries are engaged in 
the development of clinical state pharmaceutics to treat unmet medical needs. The previous legal parent of the consolidated Group 
at the beginning of the prior year was Shield Holdings AG. The incorporation of Shield Therapeutics plc during the prior financial year 
and the restructuring of the Group to make it the new legal parent of the Shield Group in the prior financial year was accounted for 
as a Group reorganisation. See “Basis of consolidation” in Note 5 below.

Subsidiaries and their countries of incorporation are presented in Note 18.

2. AIM listing
Shield Therapeutics plc was admitted to AIM on 26 February 2016 with a placing price of £1.50 per share for the additional 21.7 million 
new shares to be issued pursuant to the placing. The Company’s Shares and Warrants commenced trading on 26 February 2016. 
£32.5 million gross was raised through the listing process and £2.4 million of issue costs were incurred.

As part of the listing process Warrants with a subscription price of £1.50 were issued to participants in the placing, providing an opportunity 
for the Company to raise up to £17.5 million by 30 June 2017 when the Warrants expire. The Warrants trade under the ticker STXW.

On 26 February 2016 debt with a fair value of £21.4 million was converted to equity and this included certain options converted to 
equity at an exercise price of £3.9 million. As a consequence of this transaction, reserves have increased by £25.3 million and the 
Group is debt free. Fair value costs of £2.4 million and foreign exchange translation costs of £1.1 million were charged to the profit 
and loss account during the year as a consequence of the fair value remeasurement of the debt prior to its conversion.

3. Acquisition of Phosphate Therapeutics Limited
On 26 February 2016 Shield Therapeutics plc acquired 100% of the share capital of Phosphate Therapeutics Limited in consideration 
for 19,887,791 shares in the Company with a fair value of £27 million. This has been accounted for as the acquisition of Phosphate 
Therapeutics Limited’s intellectual property.

4. Merger of Swiss entities 
During the year the Group merged its Swiss legal entities, Shield Holdings AG, Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG and Iron Therapeutics 
(Switzerland) AG, with effect from 31 August 2016. Following completion of the merger process, Shield Holdings AG and Iron Therapeutics 
(Switzerland) AG have been dissolved. The surviving entity, Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG, changed its name to Shield TX (Switzerland) 
AG and now contains the assets formerly held by the dissolved Swiss entities.

5. Accounting policies
The consolidated and parent company financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“Adopted IFRSs”).

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these 
financial statements. The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments 
that are stated at their fair value. The functional currency of the Company is GBP. The consolidated financial statements are 
presented in GBP and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (£000), except as otherwise indicated. 

Company income statement
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own income statement. The loss for 
the financial year per the accounts of the Company was £3.0 million. The total comprehensive expenditure for the year comprises 
the net loss and is wholly attributable to the equity holders of Shield Therapeutics plc; therefore, no statement of comprehensive 
income has been disclosed.

Going concern
In its first year of commercial sales the Group remains at an early stage in its development and, as for all such companies, will be 
dependent on further fund raises to execute its business plan and establish a self-funding business model. As previously explained, 
the Group’s revenues and cash are ahead of expectations at IPO, albeit the positive cash variance is largely due to the rephasing 
of costs of certain clinical studies.

The Directors have prepared forecasts for the next 12 months from the date of approval of these accounts. Those forecasts assume 
that the warrants, which are due to expire on 30 June 2017, will be exercised raising net proceeds of £17 million. On this basis the Group 
would have headroom in the forecast period, which remains the case after sensitising for reasonably possible downside scenarios.

Whilst the directors consider it probable that the warrants will be exercised, they have also considered the scenario where the 
warrants are not exercised, or are not exercised in full. On the basis of these enquiries, and on the professional advice obtained, 
the directors are confident that the Group would be successful in raising sufficient additional or alternative funds.

38

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

5. Accounting policies continued
Going concern continued
Finally the Directors have also considered the scenario where there is a delay in raising those funds such that no additional funds 
were raised throughout the forecast period. In these unlikely circumstances the Group would be required to reduce significantly 
the level of discretionary spend, including delays to clinical and/or commercial development, and the Directors have further sensitised 
the forecasts on this basis. Whilst such delays could, if prolonged, ultimately have an impact on the level of future revenues and 
profits that the Group may achieve, those sensitised forecasts do demonstrate that the Group would have sufficient cash to meet 
its commitments for the 12 month period from the date of approval of these accounts.

After consideration of the above the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its key risks, including the funding of 
its further development. They have, therefore, a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue to meet 
its liabilities as they fall due for at least the next 12 months from the date of approval of these accounts. Accordingly they continue 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2016.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue 
to be consolidated until the date when such control ceases. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same 
reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances and transactions, unrealised 
gains and losses resulting from intra-group transactions and dividends are eliminated in full. 

Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interest even if that results in a deficit balance. A change in the ownership 
interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. 

Group reorganisations in the prior year were accounted for as a continuation of the existing Shield Group. Accordingly, the consolidated 
financial statements of Shield Therapeutics plc have been prepared as a continuation of the existing Group. Shield Holdings AG in 
effect remains the accounting parent entity. The consolidated financial statements reflect any difference in share capital between 
Shield Therapeutics plc and Shield Holdings AG as an adjustment to equity, recorded in the merger reserve.

Foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the Group’s functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of 
the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are retranslated to the 
functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation 
are recognised in the statement of profit and loss. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in 
a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at foreign exchange rates 
ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated 
to the Group’s presentation currency, Sterling, at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses 
of foreign operations are translated at an average rate for the year where this rate approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling 
at the dates of the transactions.

Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign operations are reported as an item of other comprehensive income 
and accumulated in the currency translation reserve or within non-controlling interests, as the case may be. 

Classification of financial instruments issued by the Group
Following the adoption of IAS 32, financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity only to the extent that they meet 
the following two conditions:

 • they include no contractual obligations upon the Company to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets 

or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Company; and

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

To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so 
classified takes the legal form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share 
capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to those shares. 

Where a financial instrument that contains both equity and financial liability components exists these components are separated 
and accounted for individually under the above policy.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 39

Financial statements5. Accounting policies continued
Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise trade and other receivables, cash at bank and in hand, restricted cash, loans 
and borrowings, and trade and other payables.

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

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

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances in the bank and restricted cash.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Interest bearing loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, interest bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. 
The cost of finished goods comprises raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production overheads. Net 
realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. 

Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in host contracts are accounted for as separate derivatives and recorded at fair value if their economic 
characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not held for trading or 
designated at fair value through the profit or loss. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value 
recognised in profit or loss.

Intangible assets
Research and development
Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the statement of profit and loss. 

During the year the Group met the criteria to capitalise development expenditure for the first time due to the progression of certain 
projects beyond the research phase. Consequently the policy on research and development costs has been expanded to include the 
capitalisation criteria for and composition of development costs. No previously reported balances have been restated as a consequence 
of this change. 

Expenditure on development activities directly attributable to an intangible asset is capitalised when the following conditions are met:

 • It is technically feasible to complete the product so that it will be available for use;

 • Management intends to complete the product and use or sell it;

 • There is an ability to use or sell the product;

 • It can be demonstrated how the product will generate probable future economic benefits;

 • Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the product are available; and

 • The expenditure attributable to the product during its development can be reliably measured.

The Group considers that Marketing Authorisation Approval (MAA) regulatory approval in the relevant jurisdiction confirms these criteria.

Internally developed intangible assets are recorded at cost and subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and accumulated impairment losses.

Capitalised directly attributable development costs include clinical trial costs, Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) costs 
and contractor costs. Internal salary costs have not been capitalised as they are not considered to directly relate to bringing the 
asset to its working condition and employee costs are not allocated by project.

Expenditure in relation to patent registration and renewal of current patents is capitalised and recorded as an intangible asset. 
Registration costs are continually incurred as the Group registers these patents in different countries. Patent assets are stated 
at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is charged to the statement of profit and loss on the straight-line basis. Amortisation commences when patents are 
issued, or in the case of other capitalised development expenditure when substantive revenue is being generated from products. 
Amortisation is charged as follows:

Patents, trademarks and development costs  
Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls costs (development costs)   – over five years
Intellectual property purchase costs  

– over the term of the patents

– over the term of the patents (currently until 2023–2029)

40

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December5. Accounting policies continued
Intangible assets continued
Impairment of assets
An impairment review is carried out annually for assets not yet in use. An impairment review is carried out for assets being amortised 
or depreciated when a change in-market conditions and other circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be 
recoverable. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of 
assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. The cost of property, plant and equipment includes 
the purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing it into working order.

Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated to allocate the cost to the residual values over the estimated useful 
lives, as follows:

Furniture, fittings and equipment 
Computer equipment 

25% reducing balance basis
33.33% straight-line basis

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

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.

Revenue
Revenue is net invoice value after the deduction of value-added tax and other sales taxes. Deductions are made for product returns 
based on historical experience.

Revenue is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income when the risks and rewards 
associated with the ownership of goods are transferred to the customer. This is deemed to occur when the customer collects and loads 
the product, resulting in the legal transfer of title. 

Other operating income
Other operating income is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable for management services supplied 
to related parties. Income is recognised when the service has been delivered.

Expenses
Financing income and expenses
Financing expenses comprise interest payable, finance charges on shares classified as liabilities and net foreign exchange losses that 
are recognised in the income statement (see foreign currency accounting policy). Financing income comprises interest receivable 
on funds invested, dividend income and net foreign exchange gains.

Interest income and interest payable are recognised in profit or loss as they accrue, using the effective interest method. Dividend 
income is recognised in the income statement on the date the entity’s right to receive payments is established. Foreign currency 
gains and losses are reported on a net basis.

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

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

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

Share-based payments
The Group operates equity-settled, share-based compensation plans, under which the entity receives services from employees 
as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the Group. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of 
the options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted:

 • Including any market performance conditions; 

 • Excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions; and

 • Including the impact of any non-vesting conditions.

Non-market performance and service conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. 
The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied.

In addition, in some circumstances employees may provide services in advance of the grant date and therefore the grant date fair value is 
estimated for the purposes of recognising the expense during the period between the service commencement period and the grant date.

The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Group is treated as a 
capital contribution. The fair value of employee services received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over 
the vesting period as an increase to investments in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity in the parent entity accounts.

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

41

Financial statements 
6. Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in Note 5, management is required to make judgments, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in 
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods 
if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Valuation of intellectual property acquired with Phosphate Therapeutics Limited
The valuation of intellectual property acquired with Phosphate Therapeutics Limited during the year is based on cash flow forecasts for 
the underlying business and an assumed appropriate cost of capital and other inputs in order to arrive at a fair value for the asset. The 
realisation of its value is ultimately dependent on regulatory approval and successful commercialisation of the asset. Work on the 
development of a suitable commercial formulation of the drug product is ongoing and a strategic commercial/co-development partner for 
the asset is being sought. In the event that commercial returns are lower than current expectations this may lead to an impairment. 

Share-based payment transactions
The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments 
at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determining the most appropriate 
valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires the determination of the 
most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the share option and volatility and making assumptions 
about them. The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in Note 31.

Fair value of derivative instruments
Where the fair value of derivative instruments recorded in the statement of financial position cannot be derived from active markets, 
their fair value is determined using valuation techniques. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible. 
Where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs 
such as entity value and volatility. 

Deferred tax assets
Estimates of future profitability are required for the decision whether or not to create a deferred tax asset. To date no deferred tax 
assets have been recognised. 

Development expenditure
Development expenditure is capitalised when the conditions referred to in Note 5 are met. 

7. New standards and interpretations 
The Group has adopted the following standards, amendments and interpretations in these financial statements for the first time. 
The adoption of these pronouncements has not had a material impact on the Group’s accounting policies, financial position or performance:

 • Amendment to IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements.

 • Amendment to IFRS 11 Joint arrangements.

 • Amendment to IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities.

 • Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements.

 • Amendment to IAS 16 Property, plant and equipment.

 • Amendment to IAS 27 Separate financial statements.

 • Amendment to IAS 28 Investments in associates and joint ventures.

 • Amendment to IAS 38 Intangible assets.

 • Amendment to IAS 41 Agriculture.

 • Annual improvements to IFRSs – 2012-2014 cycle.

At the balance sheet date the following standards, amendments and interpretations were in issue but not yet effective. 
The Group has not early adopted any of these standards, amendments and interpretations and is currently assessing their impact.

 • IFRS 9 Financial instruments.

 • IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers.

8. Segmental reporting
The following analysis by segment is presented in accordance with IFRS 8 on the basis of those segments whose operating results are 
regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (considered to be the Board of Directors) to assess performance and make 
strategic decisions about the allocation of resources. Segmental results are calculated on an IFRS basis.

A brief description of the segments of the business is as follows:

 • Feraccru® – development and supply of the Group’s lead Feraccru® product.
 • PT20 – development of the Group’s secondary asset.

Operating results which cannot be allocated to an individual segment are recorded as central and unallocated overheads.

42

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December8. Segmental reporting continued

Revenue

Operating loss
Net foreign exchange gains
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains 
on financial instruments
Net loss on financial instruments designated 
as fair value through profit or loss
Financial income
Financial expense
Tax

Loss for the year

Feraccru®
2016
£000

304

(9,179)

Central and
 unallocated
 overheads
2016
£000

—

(3,267)

PT20
2016
£000

—

(14)

Feraccru®
2015
£000

—

(5,611)

Central and
 unallocated
 overheads
2015
£000

—

(823)

PT20
2015
£000

—

—

Total
2016
£000

304

(12,460)
270

(1,059)

(2,398)
58
(14)
587

(15,016)

Total
2015
£000

—

(6,434)
266

1,675

(18,123)
—
(1,872)
—

(24,488)

The revenue analysis in the table below is based on the country of registration of the fee paying party. All revenue is derived from the 
sale of goods.

UK
Germany
Austria

An analysis of revenue by customer is set out in the table below.

Customer A
Customer B
Customer C

As at 31 December 2016

Segment assets
Segment liabilities

Total net assets

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Capital expenditure

Capitalised development costs

As at 31 December 2015

Segment assets
Segment liabilities

Total net liabilities

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Capital expenditure

Capitalised development costs

All material segmental non-current assets are located in the UK.

Year 
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year 
ended
31 December
2015
£000

240
33
31

304

—
—
—

—

Year 
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year 
ended
31 December
2015
£000

160
113
31

304

Feraccru®
£000

PT20
£000

Central and
unallocated
overheads
£000

—
—
—

—

Total
£000

6,450
(3,645)

25,394
(129)

20,540
(214)

52,384
(3,988)

2,805

25,265

20,326

48,396

172

8

2,639

1,764

—

—

—

—

—

Feraccru®
£000

PT20
£000

Central and
unallocated
overheads
£000

1,936

8

2,639

Total
£000

707
(2,107)

(1,400)

50

9

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

2,153
(19,396)

2,860
(21,503)

(17,243)

(18,643)

—

—

—

50

9

—

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 43

Financial statements9. Expenses and auditor’s remuneration 

Loss for the year has been arrived at after charging:
Research and development expenditure
Fees payable to Company’s auditor and its associates for the audit of parent company 
and consolidated financial statements
Fees payable to Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:
The audit of Company’s subsidiaries
Other non-audit services

Operating costs are comprised of:
Selling costs
General and administrative expenses

Year 
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year 
ended
31 December
2015
£000

2,029

5,284

27

22
9

4,174
4,565

8,739

18

14
—

317
1,004

1,321

10. Exceptional items
Exceptional items are separately disclosed on the basis that the Directors believe this is necessary to enable a fuller understanding of 
the performance of the Group. The Directors define exceptional items as:

 • Material items that are unusual by size or incidence – this includes costs related to the IPO, including those related to complex 

financial instruments that expired at IPO; or

 • Non-cash charges which, whilst recurring in nature, at this stage in the Group’s development, are of a disproportionate 
size relative to the Group’s other expenditure – this includes the amortisation of the Phosphate Therapeutics licences 
and share-based payment charges.

Interest on preference shares
FX movement on preference shares
Fair value remeasurement of preference shares embedded derivative
Interest on convertible bonds
FX movement on convertible bonds
Fair value remeasurement of convertible bond embedded derivative
Fair value remeasurement of share options (see Note 24)
Phosphate Therapeutics Limited intellectual property amortisation
FX movement on share options (see Note 24)
Non-recurring legal and professional fees
Share-based payments charge

Year 
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year 
ended
31 December
2015
£000

—
—
—
—
—
—
2,398
1,702
1,059
167
288

5,614

1,761
(259)
15,610
139
10
1,146
(59)
—
—
—
—

18,348

11. Staff numbers and costs
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the year, analysed by category, was as follows:

R&D
Medical
Commercial
Finance and administration

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Share-based payments (see Note 31)
Other employee benefits
Pensions

44

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

Number of employees

2016
Number

2015
Number

7
2
8
12

29

2016
£000

3,221
288
199
108

3,816

6
—
2
7

15

2015
£000

1,656
883
12
—

2,551

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 
12. Directors’ remuneration

A Heath
C Sterritt
R Jones
J Karis
P Llewellyn-Davies

2016

2015

Salary/fees
£000

Bonus
£000

Taxable
benefits
£000

Total 
£000

Salary/fees
£000

92
294
215
38
40

679

—
134
—
—
—

134

—
40
36
—
—

76

92
468
251
38
40

889

—
209
181
—
—

390

Bonus
£000

—
209
177
—
—

386

Taxable
benefits
£000

—
14
14
—
—

28

Total
£000

—
432
372
—
—

804

The aggregate of remuneration and amounts receivable under long term incentive schemes of the highest paid Director was £18,000 
(2015: £432,000). 

Two Directors exercised share options in the year (2015: one). Two Directors received shares or share options under long term 
incentive schemes in the year (2015: one).

£28,000 of C Sterritt’s bonus relates to the 2015 financial year. £180,000 of C Sterritt’s bonus in respect of 2015 was paid as a 
contribution into a personal pension plan.

£5,000 was paid to third parties in respect of director services (2015: £45,000).

13. Financial income and expenses

Financial income
Net foreign exchange gains

Total interest income on financial assets measured at amortised cost

Financial expense
Total interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Bank charges

14. Loss per share

Basic and diluted
Adjusted – basic and diluted
Proforma adjusted – basic and diluted

2016

Weighted
 shares
000

101,160
101,160
108,135

Loss
£000

(15,016)
(9,402)
(9,402)

Loss
 per
share 
£

(0.15)
(0.09)
(0.09)

Loss
£000

(23,627)
(5,279)
n/a

Year 
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year 
ended
31 December
2015
£000

270

58

—
(14)

(14)

2015

Weighted 
shares
000

41,507
41,507
n/a

266

—

(1,866)
(6)

(1,872)

Loss
 per
 share
£

(0.57)
(0.13)
n/a

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted 
average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average 
number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued on 
conversion of all the dilutive potential Ordinary Shares into Ordinary Shares.

The diluted loss per share is identical to the basic loss per share in both years, as potential dilutive shares are not treated as dilutive 
since they would reduce the loss per share. Warrants issued as part of the IPO process would potentially provide an additional 
11,666,658 shares (approximately 10.8% of the current share capital) if exercised between the year end and 30 June 2017, which 
are considered to be non-dilutive as they would increase the loss per share. At the date of approval of the accounts 1,042,262 of 
LTIP share options were also in issue, which are considered non-dilutive and potentially provide 1,042,262 additional Ordinary Shares 
(approximately 1% of the current share capital).

The adjusted loss is calculated after adding back non-recurring and exceptional items as illustrated in the table below, in order to 
illustrate the underlying performance of the business.

The adjusted loss is calculated using the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

The adjusted proforma loss per share is calculated using the number of Ordinary Shares in issue following the IPO, and is presented 
to show how the loss per share would appear had the post-IPO level of Ordinary Shares been in place for the full year.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 45

Financial statements14. Loss per share continued
The table below reflects the income used in the basic, diluted and adjusted (non-GAAP) EPS computations:

Loss for the period as used for calculating basic EPS
Interest on preference shares
FX movement of preference shares
Fair value remeasurement of preference share embedded derivative
Interest on convertible bonds
FX movement on convertible bonds
Fair value remeasurement of convertible bond embedded derivative
Fair value remeasurement of share options (see Note 24)
Phosphate Therapeutics Limited intellectual property amortisation
FX movement on share options (see Note 24)
Non-recurring legal and professional fees
Share-based payments charge

Loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent adjusted for the effect of one-off items as used 
for calculating Adjusted EPS

15. Taxation
Recognised in the income statement:

Current income tax – adjustments in respect of prior years
Deferred tax

Total tax credit

Reconciliation of total tax credit:

Loss for the year
Taxation
Loss before tax

Standard rate of corporation tax in the UK
Tax using the UK corporation tax rate
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Unrelieved tax losses carried forward and other temporary differences not recognised for deferred tax

Total tax credit

Year ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year ended
31 December
2015
£000

(15,016)
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,398
1,702
1,059
167
288

(23,627)
1,761
(259)
15,610
139
10
1,146
(59)
—
—
—
—

(9,402)

(5,279)

Year ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year ended
31 December
2015
£000

587
—

587

—
—

—

Year ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year ended
31 December
2015
£000

(15,016)
587
(15,603)

20%
(3,121)
9
567
3,132

587

(24,488)
—
(24,488)

20.25%
(4,959)
—
—
4,959

—

An R&D debit of £20,000 (2015: credit of £135,000) was also included as a credit within operating costs during the year.

Factors affecting the future tax charge
The standard rate of UK corporation tax for the period was 20.00% (2015: 20.25%). A reduction in the rate to 19% from 1 April 2017 
and 17% from 1 April 2020 were substantively enacted prior to the balance sheet date and have been applied to the company’s 
deferred tax balance at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax on losses has been calculated at a rate of 12.48% in respect of 
Switzerland and 29.72% in respect of Germany.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets
There is a potential deferred tax asset in respect of the unutilised tax losses, which has not been recognised due to the uncertainty 
of available future taxable profits.

Unutilised Swiss tax losses to carry forward
Potential deferred tax asset thereon
Unutilised German tax losses to carry forward
Potential deferred tax asset thereon
Unutilised UK tax losses to carry forward
Potential deferred tax asset thereon

Total potential deferred tax asset

46

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

2016
£000

17,799
2,128
90
27
21,910
3,725

5,880

2015
£000

13,610
1,100
—
—
15,440
2,780

3,880

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December16. Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost
Beginning balance
Additions

Ending balance

Accumulated depreciation
Beginning balance
Charge for the period

Ending balance

Net book value

The Company had no property, plant and equipment (2015: £Nil).

17. Intangible assets

Group

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2015
Additions – externally purchased
Effect of movements in foreign exchange

Balance at 31 December 2015
Additions – externally purchased
Additions – internally developed
Acquisition with Phosphate Therapeutics Limited
Effects of movements in foreign exchange

Balance at 31 December 2016

Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2015
Charge for the period

Balance at 31 December 2015
Charge for the period
Effects of movements in foreign exchange

Balance at 31 December 2016

Net book value

31 December 2016

31 December 2015

2016
£000

2015
£000

21
8

29

4
6

10

19

Patents and
 trademarks
£000

Development
 costs
£000

Phosphate
Therapeutics
 licences
£000

566
104
19

689
528
—
—
223

—
—
—

—
—
2,639
—
—

—
—
—

—
—
—
27,047
—

12
9

21

—
4

4

17

Total
£000

566
104
19

689
528
2,639
27,047
223

1,440

2,639

27,047

31,126

130
46

176
113
36

325

1,115

513

—
—

—
115
—

115

—
—

—
1,702
—

130
46

176
1,930
36

1,702

2,142

2,524

25,345

28,984

—

—

513

At the year end management reviewed the carrying value of the Phosphate Therapeutics licences for impairment. The balance of 
these intangible assets are considered to relate to one cash-generating unit, being the Phosphate Therapeutics Limited business. 
The recoverable amount has been determined based on value-in-use calculations, using pre-tax cash flow projections for the period 
of the patents. The following key assumptions have been included in the value-in-use calculations.

 • A discount factor of 20%, reflecting the inherent uncertainty attached to pharmaceutical projects.

 • Cash inflows which expire in 2029, based on the current patent life of the asset.

The Company had no intangible assets (2015: £Nil).

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 47

Financial statements18. Investments

Company

Cost
Beginning balance
Additions

Ending balance

Accumulated impairment
Beginning balance
Charge during the period

Ending balance

Net book value
Ending balance

Beginning balance

2016
£000

2015
£000

136,000
26,968

162,968

—
136,000

136,000

(60,400)
—

(60,400)

—
(60,400)

(60,400)

102,568

75,600

75,600

—

On 26 February 2016 Shield Therapeutics plc acquired 100% of the share capital of Phosphate Therapeutics Limited in consideration 
for 19,887,791 shares in the Company with a fair value of £26.8 million. As this does not meet the definition of a business combination 
this has been accounted for as an asset acquisition of the intellectual property of Phosphate Therapeutics Limited.

The remaining £0.2 million of additions to investments during the year relate to share-based payments costs in respect of Group 
share-based payments arrangements.

In the prior year an impairment loss was recognised on the investment, based on an assessment of the carrying value against the 
recoverable amount of the investment at 31 December 2015. The recoverable amount of £75.6 million was assessed based on the 
fair value less cost of disposal of the cash-generating unit (i.e. Shield Holdings AG and its subsidiaries). The impairment loss was 
recognised in the parent company financial statements and eliminated at the Group level.

The Group’s equity interests were as follows:

At 31 December 2016

Group company

Phosphate Therapeutics Limited
Shield TX (Switzerland) AG  
(formerly Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG)
Shield TX (UK) Limited  
(formerly Iron Therapeutics (UK) Limited)*
Shield Therapeutics (DE) GmbH*,**

*  Investment held indirectly.

** Incorporated on 25 August 2016.

At 31 December 2015

Group company

Shield Holdings AG
Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG
Iron Therapeutics (Switzerland) AG*
Shield TX (UK) Limited 
(formerly Iron Therapeutics (UK) Limited)* 

*  Investment held indirectly.

Holding

100%

100% 

100%
100%

Holding

100%
100%
100%
100%

Country of incorporation

United Kingdom

Switzerland

United Kingdom
Germany

Country of incorporation

Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
United Kingdom

With effect from 31 August 2016 Shield Holdings AG and Iron Therapeutics (Switzerland) AG were merged with Iron Therapeutics 
Holdings AG. As part of this transaction Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG changed its name to Shield TX (Switzerland) AG.

Iron Therapeutics (UK) Limited changed its name to Shield TX (UK) Limited on 17 March 2016.

The registered office address of Shield Therapeutics (DE) GmbH is Leopoldstrasse 23, 80802 München, Germany.

The registered office address of Shield TX (Switzerland) AG is Sihleggstrasse 23, 8832 Wollerau, Switzerland.

The registered office address of Shield TX (UK) Limited and Phosphate Therapeutics Limited is the same as the Shield Therapeutics plc 
address shown at Note 1.

48

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December19. Inventories

Group

Raw materials
Finished goods

2016
£000

187
231

418

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales was £67,000 (2015: £Nil).

The Company had no inventories (2015: £Nil).

20. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments
Amounts due from Group undertakings

At the year end no trade receivables were past due or impaired (2015: £Nil).

21. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

22. Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accruals

23. Other liabilities

Taxation and social security
Other payables

24. Other financial liabilities

Troy option instrument

2015
£000

—
—

—

2015
£000

—
—
—
—

—

2015
£000

—

2015
£000

—
—

—

2015
£000

—
—

—

Group

Company

2016
£000

24
1,034
927
—

1,985

2015
£000

—
96
1,509
—

1,605

2016
£000

—
26 
24
13,889

13,939

Group

Company

2016
£000

20,978

2015
£000

725

2016
£000

20,269

Group

Company

2016
£000

1,490
2,337

3,827

2015
£000

1,213
2,289

3,502

2016
£000

47
74

121

Group

Company

2016
£000

135
26

161

2015
£000

68
5

73

2016
£000

—
—

—

Group

Company

2016
£000

—

2015
£000

17,928

2016
£000

—

2015
£000

17,928

The Troy option instrument was a derivative. As part of the Group reorganisation, on 1 October 2015 Shield Therapeutics plc 
issued this new option instrument to a shareholder in exchange for the cancellation of all the options held by that shareholder and 
the subscription rights attached to the preference shares held. The instrument was treated as an embedded derivative and was 
carried at fair value through profit and loss. The fair value of the option instrument to subscribe for additional Ordinary Shares 
of Shield Therapeutics plc was calculated using a Black Scholes Merton model for a European option. 

The valuation required management to make certain assumptions about the model inputs, including forecasted cash flows and 
volatility. In particular, based on the Company valuation, strikes were determined and observable inputs like market interest rates 
and volatility indexes for similar listed companies were used. The ranges of estimates within the calculation could be reasonably 
assessed and are used in management’s estimate of fair value.

The instrument was exercised and was converted to equity as part of the IPO process in February 2016.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 49

Financial statements25. Fair value hierarchy
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1:  quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: 

 other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, 
either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: 

 techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable 
market data.

Other than the embedded derivatives included under “Other financial liabilities”, “Cash at bank and in hand”, “Trade and other 
receivables”, “Trade and other payables”, “Other liabilities” and “Interest bearing loans and borrowings” have fair values that 
approximate to their carrying values.

The table below summarises the fair values of embedded derivatives according to the fair value hierarchy:

Group

Assets/liabilities measured at fair value

Troy option instrument

Assets/liabilities measured at fair value

Troy option instrument

Company

Assets/liabilities measured at fair value

Troy option instrument

Assets/liabilities measured at fair value

Troy option instrument

31 December
2016
£000

—

31 December
2015
£000

(17,928)

31 December
2016
£000

—

31 December
2015
£000

(17,928)

Level 1
£000

—

Level 1
£000

—

Level 1
£000

—

Level 1
£000

—

Level 2
£000

—

Level 3
£000

—

Level 2
£000

Level 3
£000

—

(17,928)

Level 2
£000

—

Level 3
£000

—

Level 2
£000

Level 3
£000

—

(17,928)

26. Significant unobservable inputs to valuations

31 December 2015

Valuation technique

Significant unobservable inputs

Range (weighted average)

Sensitivity of the input to fair value

Troy option instrument Black Scholes 
Merton model

Volatility

18%

Company value

10% increase/decrease in 
the volatility rate would result 
in no change in fair value 
(parent company – £Nil)

5% increase/decrease in 
the Company value would 
result in increase/decrease in 
fair value by approximately 
£40,000 (parent company 
– £40,000)

The Troy option instrument was converted to equity as part of the IPO process in February 2016.

27. Risk management 
The Group is exposed to a variety of risks such as market risk, credit risk, foreign currency risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s principal 
financial instruments are: 

 • Loans and borrowings; and

 • Trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, and cash and short term deposits arising directly from operations. 

This Note provides further detail on financial risk management and includes quantitative information on the specific risks.

50

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December27. Risk management continued
Fair values
The carrying values of financial assets and liabilities reasonably approximate their fair values. 

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market 
prices. Market risk comprises three types of risk: interest rate risk, currency risk and credit risk. 

The Group’s exposure is currently primarily to the financial risk of changes in foreign currency exchange. 

Sensitivity analysis 
The Group recognises that movements in certain risk variables (such as foreign exchange rates) might affect the value of its loans and 
also the amounts recorded in its equity and its profit and loss for the period. Therefore the Group assessed the following risks:

Foreign currency risk
The following tables consider the impact of several changes to the spot £/Euro and £/USD exchange rates of +/– 5%. If these changes 
were to occur the tables below reflect the impact on loss before tax. Only the impact of changes in Euro and USD denominated 
balances have been considered as these are the most significant non-GBP denominations used by the Group. 

EUR

USD

EUR

USD

Change in GBP
vs. EUR rate

+5.00%
-5.00%

+5.00%
-5.00%

Change in GBP
vs. EUR rate

+5.00%
-5.00%

+5.00%
-5.00%

Effect on loss before tax

Year
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year
ended
31 December
2015
£000

(75)
75

(33)
33

(45)
45

(3)
3

Effect on equity

Year
ended
31 December
2016
£000

Year
ended
31 December
2015
£000

(506)
506

(33)
33

(1,217)
1,217

(3)
3

Liquidity risk
Cash flow is regularly monitored and the relevant subsidiaries are aware of their working capital commitments. The Group reviews 
its long term funding requirements in parallel with its long term strategy, with an objective of aligning both in a timely manner.

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s undiscounted financial liabilities at 31 December 2016 and 2015. 

Liquidity risk – 31 December 2016

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables

Liquidity risk – 31 December 2015

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables

On demand
£000

Less than
one year
£000

Between
two and
five years
£000

More than
five years
£000

Total
£000

—

1,490

—

—

1,490

On demand
£000

Less than
one year
£000

Between
two and
five years
£000

More than
five years
£000

Total
£000

—

1,213

—

—

1,213

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument leading to a financial loss. 
The Group is primarily exposed to credit risk from its financing activities in relation to its deposits with banks and financial institutions. 
There is considered to be no material credit risk associated with receivables, as all material receivables balances are with HMRC.

Financial instruments and cash deposits
Credit risk from balances with banks and financial institutions is managed by depositing with reputable financial institutions, from 
which management believes the risk of loss to be remote. The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk for the components of the 
statement of financial position is the carrying amounts of cash at bank and in hand. 

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

51

Financial statements 
 
28. Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

69 million Ordinary Shares at £0.01 each

108 million Ordinary Shares at £0.015 each

2016
£000

—

1,622

2015
£000

690

—

During the course of the Company’s IPO in February 2016 its 69 million Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of £0.01 each were 
increased by the issue of 62 million shares, in addition to a share consolidation that reduced the number of shares in issue by 
23 million and gave rise to a total equity share capital of 108 million Ordinary Shares with a nominal value of £0.015 each.

The Warrants issued by the Company during the year are considered to meet the criteria of equity as the Company has no 
contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial asset to the Warrant holders and the Warrant will be settled using the 
Company’s own shares, on a fixed-for-fixed basis.

29. Reserves
The Group’s balance sheet includes the following reserves:

 • Share capital – the share capital reserve contains the nominal value of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company.

 • Share premium – the share premium reserve contains the proceeds of share capital issued, less the nominal cost and the issue 

cost of the Company’s shares.

 • Warrants reserve – this reserve contains the portion of the nominal cost of share capital allocated to the Warrants issued together 

with the Ordinary Shares.

 • Merger reserve – this reserve records any difference in share capital between the former Shield Holdings AG group and the 

Shield Therapeutics plc Group which replaced it on reorganisation.

 • Currency translation reserve – this reserve contains currency translation differences arising from the translation of foreign operations.

 • Retained earnings – this reserve contains the accumulated losses and other comprehensive expenditure of the Group.

As part of its IPO in February 2016 the Company issued Warrants to its Ordinary Shareholders. 7 Warrants were issued for every 
additional 13 Ordinary Shares issued through the IPO process. The Warrants are exercisable at any time up until 30 June 2017 at 
an exercise price of £1.50. If exercised in full, the gross proceeds are expected to be £17.5 million. 

30. Non-controlling interests
At the beginning of the prior year the Company held investments of 83.53% in the shares of the following companies:

 • Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG;

 • Iron Therapeutics (Switzerland) AG;

 • Shield TX (UK) Limited (formerly Iron Therapeutics (UK) Limited); and

 • Iron Therapeutics (US) Corp. (dissolved 30 September 2015).

The following table summarises the information relating to Iron Therapeutics Holdings AG, which was a subsidiary of the Group 
with a material non-controlling interest, before intra-group eliminations.

31 December
2016
£000

31 December
2015
£000

—

—
—
—

—

—
—
—

—

—

—
(6,670)
—

(6,670)

(2,563)
(123)
2,288

(398)

Net assets 

Revenue
Loss
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expenditure

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

52

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December31. Share-based payments
The Group grants rights to the parent entity’s equity instruments to certain employees and non-employees, which are accounted 
for as equity-settled in the consolidated financial statements. 

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The Group operates a share option scheme for the Executive Directors of the Company and the Group’s senior management team. 
The scheme is intended to attract, retain and incentivise participants, whilst encouraging higher standards of performance and aligning 
the objectives of the senior management team with those of shareholders. The plan was established in February 2016 as part of 
the IPO process.

The total expense recognised for share-based payments, in relation to the LTIP, in the Group’s financial statements during the year 
was £288,000 (2015: £Nil).

The terms and conditions of grants are as follows:

Grant date

Method of settlement 
accounting

Number of instruments

Vesting conditions

Contractual life 
of options

March 2016

Equity

1,773,581

July 2016

Equity

80,000

September 2016

Equity

253,144

The number of share options are as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Forfeited during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

One-third on 25 February 2017, one-third on 
25 February 2018 and one-third on 25 February 2019 
in the event of a CAGR of 11.7% in the Company’s 
share price.

February 2026

One-third on 25 July 2017, one-third on 25 July 2018 
and one-third on 25 July 2019 in the event of a 
CAGR of 11.7% in the Company’s share price.

July 2026

One-third on 25 February 2017, one-third on 
25 February 2018 and one-third on 25 February 2019 
in the event of a CAGR of 11.7% in the Company’s 
share price.

February 2026

Number of options

Year ended
31 December
2016

Year ended
31 December
2015

—
2,106,725
(583,332)

1,523,393

—

—
—
—

—

—

The remaining contractual life of options is 2.2 years. The fair value of services received in return for share options granted 
are measured by reference to the fair value of share options granted. The fair value of the services received is measured using 
a Monte Carlo valuation model. Measurement inputs and assumptions are as follows:

Weighted average share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected option life
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate (based on UK government bonds)

Fair value at measurement date

March
2016

£0.79
£0.015
44%
3 years
Nil
0.6%

July
2016

September
2016

£0.75
£0.015
43%
3 years
Nil
0.17%

£0.60
£0.015
44%
3 years
Nil
0.16%

£0.79

£0.75

£0.60

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of quoted companies in a similar market environment.

The exercise of share options is conditional on a CAGR in the Company’s share price of 11.7% in each of the three years of the vesting 
period. One-third of the options value will be earned at the end of each year in the event of the required growth in the Company’s 
share price.

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 53

Financial statements31. Share-based payments continued
Company Share Option Plan (CSOP)
The Group operates a share option scheme which is able to issue both HMRC-approved and unapproved options to employees 
of the Group. No awards have been made to date under the scheme.

In future years the Black Scholes method will be used to account for these options with 2017 being the first year in which a charge 
will be made.

Group EMI Share Option Plan
The Group operated a share option scheme for certain employees of Shield TX (UK) Limited which was closed in the prior year. 
The scheme, which was an Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme, was intended to attract, retain and incentivise participants 
to higher standards of performance and encourage greater dedication and loyalty by enabling the Group to give recognition to past 
contributions and services, as well as motivating participants to contribute to the long term prosperity of the Group. All options were 
exercised or forfeited in the prior year.

The total expense recognised for share-based payments, in relation to the Shield Holdings AG EMI Share Option Plan, in the Company’s 
financial statements during the year was £Nil (2015: £842,000).

The terms and conditions of historic grants, which are now all exercised or forfeited, are as follows:

Grant date

Method 
of settlement
accounting

Number of
instruments

Vesting conditions

November 2011

Equity

2,110,172

February 2012

Equity

275,000

May 2013

Equity

1,250,000

May 2013
October 2013

Equity
Equity

40,000
25,000

October 2013

Equity

25,000

February 2014

Equity

25,000

August 2014
March 2015

Equity
Equity

75,000
377,010

July 2015

Equity

1,298,000

September 2015

Equity

144,779

One-third on grant date, one-third on first anniversary of employment 
and one-third on second anniversary of employment.
Subject to achievement of non-market-based performance conditions, 
one-third on 31 December 2015, one-third on 31 December 2016 
and one-third on 31 December 2017.
Subject to achievement of non-market-based performance conditions, 
one-third on 31 December 2015, one-third on 31 December 2016 
and one-third on 31 December 2017.
All vest immediately.
One-third on 30 April 2014, one-third on 31 October 2014 and one-third 
on 31 October 2015.
One-third on 30 April 2014, one-third on 30 April 2015 and one-third 
on 31 April 2016.
One-third on 1 September 2014, one-third on 1 September 2015 
and one-third on 1 September 2016.
One-third on 1 January 2015 and two-thirds on 31 December 2015.
One-third on 31 December 2015, one-third on 31 December 2016 
and one-third on 31 December 2017.
One-third on 31 December 2017, one-third on 31 December 2018 
and one-third on 31 December 2019.
One-third on 31 December 2017, one-third on 31 December 2018 
and one-third on 31 December 2019.

The number of share options are as follows:

Contractual life 
of options

November 2021

February 2022

May 2023

May 2023
October 2023

October 2023

February 2024

August 2024
March 2025

April 2023

April 2023

Number of options

Year ended
31 December
2016

Year ended
31 December
2015

— 1,570,000
— 1,860,342
(83,333)
—
— (3,347,009)

—

—

—

—

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

54

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December31. Share-based payments continued
Group EMI Share Option Plan continued
The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is measured by reference to the fair value of share options 
granted. The fair value of the services received is measured using a Black Scholes valuation model; measurement inputs and 
assumptions are as follows:

Weighted average share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected option life
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate (based on 
UK government bonds)

Fair value at measurement date

September
2015

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

July
2015

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

March
2015

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

August
2014

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

February
2014

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

October
2013

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

May
2013

February
2012

November
2011

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
Nil
Nil

3.50%

£0.40

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of quoted companies in a similar market environment.

There are no market conditions associated with the share option grants. 

Shield Group other share-based payments
In the prior year Shield Group had other equity-settled share-based payment agreements for services received by non-employees 
which are summarised as follows:

Grant date

January 2011
May 2011*
May 2011
November 2011
January 2012*
May 2013

September 2013
January 2014
February 2015

Method 
of settlement
accounting

Number of
instruments

Vesting conditions

Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity

Equity
Equity
Equity

75,656
189,237
10,000
25,000
36,960
600,000

175,788
17,000
52,596

All vest immediately
All vest immediately
All vest immediately
All vest immediately
All vest immediately
One-half vests on 1 May 2013, one-quarter vests on 1 May 2014 
and one-quarter vests on 1 May 2015
All vest immediately
All vest immediately
All vest immediately

Contractual life
of options

January 2021
May 2021
May 2021
November 2021
January 2022
May 2023

September 2023
January 2024
February 2025

*   Pertains to equity-settled share-based payments to suppliers and contractors which have a fair value of £79,600.

All options were exercised in the prior year.

The total expense recognised for share-based payments, in relation to the Shield Holdings AG other share-based payments 
in the Company’s financial statements during the year, was £Nil (2015: £40,000).

The number of share options are as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

Number of options

2016

2015

—
—
—

—

—

516,901
82,040
(598,941)

—

—

The fair value of services received for May 2011 and January 2011 share option issuances has been measured at the fair value of services 
received. The fair value of services received for all other share option issuances are measured by reference to the fair value of share 
options granted as the fair value of services could not be determined. The expense in relation to these share options is not material.

February
2015

January
2014

September
2013

May
2013

November
2011

May
2011

January
2011

Weighted average share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Expected option life
Expected dividends
Risk-free interest rate (based on UK government bonds)

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
2.5 years
Nil
3.50%

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
2.5 years
Nil
3.50%

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
2.5 years
Nil
3.50%

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
2.5 years
Nil
3.50%

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
4.5 years
Nil
3.50%

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
2.5 years
Nil
3.50%

£0.40
£0.00
70.00%
4.5 years
Nil
3.50%

Fair value at measurement date

£0.40

£0.40

£0.40

£0.41

£0.40

£0.41

£0.40

Shield Therapeutics plc

Annual report and accounts 2016 55

Financial statements31. Share-based payments continued
Shield Group other share-based payments continued
The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of quoted companies in a similar market environment.

There are no market conditions associated with the share option grants. 

32. Related party transactions
Prior to its acquisition on 26 February 2016 Phosphate Therapeutics Limited was considered to be a related party of the Group 
by virtue of its linked key management personnel.

Its trade with the Group comprised:

Management services provided
Amounts due from related parties

2016
£000

40
—

2015
£000

221
—

Income from related parties relates to management services provided. These services were made at arm’s length and on normal 
commercial trading terms.

Any amounts outstanding are unsecured and are settled in cash with a 30-day credit period.

Key management compensation information is as follows:

Wages and salaries
Share-based payments
Other employee benefits
Pensions

2016
£000

1,585
280
137
60

2,062

2015
£000

898
841
8
—

1,747

33. Capital and leasing commitments
The Group and parent company had no material capital commitments at either the current or prior period end.

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Less than one year
One to five years
More than five years

Group

Company

2016
£000

72
—
—

72

2015
£000

50
114
—

164

2016
£000

2015
£000

—
—
—

—

—
—
—

—

The lease expense in respect of the year was £333,000 (2015: £84,000).

34. Capital management policy
The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it has the capital required to operate and grow the 
business at a reasonable cost of capital without incurring undue financial risks. The Board periodically reviews its capital structure 
to ensure it meets changing business needs. The Group defines its capital as its share capital, share premium account and retained 
earnings. In addition, the Directors consider the management of debt to be an important element in controlling the capital structure 
of the Group. The Group may carry significant levels of long term debt to fund operations and working capital requirements. There 
have been changes to the capital requirements each year as the Group has required regular suitable levels of capital injections to 
fund development. As mentioned above the Board periodically monitors the capital structure of the Group. The table below details 
the net capital structure at the relevant balance sheet dates.

Cash and cash equivalents

Total net funds

35. Post balance sheet events
None noted.

56

Shield Therapeutics plc
Annual report and accounts 2016

2016
£000

20,978

20,978

2015
£000

725

725

NOTES (FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS) CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 DecemberADVISORS

Nominated advisor and broker
Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place
25 Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9LY

Auditor
KPMG LLP
Quayside House
110 Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3DX

Legal advisor
Stephenson Harwood LLP
1 Finsbury Circus
London
EC2M 7SH

Tax advisor
Ernst & Young LLP
Citygate 
St James’ Boulevard 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE1 4JD

Company Secretary and registrar
Capita Company Secretarial Services Limited/
Capita Registrars Limited
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 4TH

Financial PR
Consilium Strategic Communications
41 Lothbury
London
EC2R 7HG

2017 FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Preliminary results release
Annual report release
Annual General Meeting
Interim report release

4 April 2017
April 2017
13 June 2017
August 2017

Design Portfolio is committed to planting 
trees for every corporate communications 
project, in association with Trees for Cities.

 
S

h

i

e

l

d

T

h

e

r

a

p

e

u

t

i

c

s

p

l

c

A

n

n

u

a

l

r

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

a

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

6

London

Newcastle

Germany

Switzerland

Shield Therapeutics plc
One Euston Square
40 Melton Street
London
NW1 2FD 

Shield Therapeutics plc
Northern Design Centre
Baltic Business Quarter
Gateshead Quays
NE8 3DF 

Shield Therapeutics (DE) GmbH
Leopoldstrasse 23
80802 München
Germany 

Shield TX (Switzerland) AG
Sihleggstrasse 23
8832 Wollerau
Switzerland 

t  +44 (0)20 7186 8500 
e info@shieldtx.com

t  +44 (0)191 511 8500 
e info@shieldtx.com

t  +49 (0)8924 442 3076
e info@shieldtx.com

t  +41 (0)435 080 781 
e info@shieldtx.com