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Zealand Pharma

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FY2015 Annual Report · Zealand Pharma
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ANNUAL 
REPORT 
2015

From
peptide 
to
patient 

Zealand Pharma A/S

01_Our business

01_Zealand in brief and Highlights

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Zealand in brief and 2015 highlights

Value creation at Zealand

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance

Letters from the Chairman & the CEO

Zealand’s strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Contents 

Zealand in brief 

Highlights in 2015 and early 2016    
– Progress on all fronts

Management review

Our business

Value creation at Zealand 
– Turning  peptides into medicines  

2

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance  4

Letters from the Chairman and the CEO 

Zealand’s strategy 

Key Performance Indicators 

Our portfolio

Portfolio overview 

2015 achievements 

2016 achievements and news outlook 

Out-licensed portfolio 

Proprietary pipeline 

Corporate matters

Board of Directors and senior management 

Risk management and internal control 

Corporate Governance, Corporate  
Social Responsibility and Human Resources 

Shareholder information 

Financial review 

Financial statements

Financial statements 

Notes 

Statements 

Company information 

6

10

11

14

16

17

18

24

34

38

41

44

48

50

55

78

80

Zealand is a maturing biotech company with established scientific 

expertise and a leading-edge position in turning peptides into 

medicines (see p. 2). 

The company has a mature portfolio with five products out-licensed 

to Sanofi, Helsinn and Boehringer Ingelheim, including one marketed 

medicine and two under regulatory review in the US. 

Zealand’s strategic focus is on its growing proprietary pipeline, which 

includes four investigational medicines in clinical development.  

Out-licensed products: Lixisenatide (Type 2 diabetes), marketed 
as Lyxumia® outside the US and under US regulatory review, and a 
combination of lixisenatide and Lantus® (LixiLan) (Type 2 diabetes), 
also under US regulatory review, both by Sanofi; elsiglutide 

(chemotherapy induced diarrhea) in Phase IIb development by 

Helsinn; and two preclinical projects (diabetes and/or obesity) by 

Boehringer Ingelheim. On all our out-licensed products, Zealand has 

no financial obligations and is eligible to potential milestone payments 

and sales royalties. 

Proprietary pipeline (all rights with Zealand): ZP4207 glucagon 

rescue treatment (acute, severe hypoglycemia) in Phase II; ZP1848 

(short bowel syndrome) in Phase II; ZP4207 multiple-dose version 

(hypoglycemia control) in preparation for next clincal Phase; and 

ZP2929 (diabetes/obesity) in Phase I. In addition, Zealand has several 

therapeutic peptides in preclinical development. 

Zealand’s management is highly international with broadly diversified 

competencies. The organization is agile and efficient with established  

in-house expertise from early research to late-stage clinical 

development. At the beginning of 2016, the company had just over 

110 employees of wich 80% work in R&D functions. 

Zealand is publicly listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (ZEAL.CO) with a 

market value of DKK 3 billion / EUR 397 million as of 1 March 2016. 

(Market value 31 December 2015: DKK 3.7 billion / EUR 498 million). 

Zealand’s financial position is solid including cash resources of DKK 

440 / EUR 59 million by end 2015. 

In 2016 and onwards, royalty and milestone revenues from the 

out-licensed portfolio are expected to grow, providing financing for 

the continued advancement and expansion of Zealand’s proprietary 

pipeline. 

Our business has considerably matured since the beginning of 2015. Under 
our agreement with Sanofi, both lixisenatide and LixiLan have been filed 
for US approvals with prospects of significant revenue growth and a path to 
profitability for our company in the years to come. We have advanced our own 
pipeline, including initiation of two Phase II trials with two Zealand invented 
investigational medicines. All in line with our strategy for accelerated value 
creation, where we will take select specialty peptide medicines all the way 
through registration ourselves for the benefit of patients and shareholders. 

President & CEO / Britt Meelby Jensen

Out-licensed products:

Lyxumia 20mcg

injection
lixisentatide

Fixed-ratio combination 

of lixisenatide and insulin 

Lixisenatide (Type 2 diabetes):   

glargine (Type 2 diabetes)  

Elsiglutide (chemotherapy 

Boehringer Ingelheim 

∞ 

 Cardiovascular safety 

∞ 

 Successfully completed 

induced diarrhea): 

∞ 

 A new lead drug candidate 

established (ELIXA trial) 

Phase III

∞ 

 Filed for US approval

∞ 

 Filed for US approval with 

∞ 

∞ 

 Started in Phase IIb 

 Completed patient 

priority review 

enrollment

advanced into preclinical 

development under each 

of two collaborations

Proprietary pipeline (all rights with Zealand):

ZP4207 (acute, severe 

ZP1848 (Short bowel 

ZP4207 (hypoglycemia 

Danegaptide (cardiac 

hypoglycemia): 

syndrome):

control): 

reperfusion injuries):

∞ 

 Phase I trial completed with 

positive results

∞ 

∞ 

 Advanced into Phase II 

∞ 

 Advanced into Phase Ib 

∞ 

 Completed Phase II 

 Start of patient dosing in 

development

Proof-of-Concept trial, 

∞ 

 Advanced into Phase II with 

Phase II Proof-of-Concept 

∞ 

 Phase Ib completed with  

unfortunately with 

start of patient dosing

trial

positive results  

negative results

Expansion of  
clinical competencies, 
including in-house 
regulatory, quality and 
medical expertise 

New Board members  
with broad international  
competencies

New CEO and senior 
management team

92%

increase in  
market value 
in 2015

Doubling of 
shareholders to 
> 10,000*

US ownership  
share of  
17-20%*

*  As per 1 March 2016

2015 YEAR END 
CASH POSITION
DKKm 
440

DKKm
22

DKKm
29

DKKm
137

2015 REVENUE 
DKKm 188

Lyxumia® royalties

Sanofi milestone  payments

 Boehringer Ingelheim 
milestone payments 

Front cover features Zealand employees from left to right: Nina from Medicinal 
Chemistry, Thomas from Clinical Development and Hanne from Project Management.

1

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
 
 
 
  
01_Value creation at Zealand

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Zealand in brief and 2015 highlights

Value creation at Zealand

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance

Letters from the Chairman & the CEO

Zealand’s strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Value creation at Zealand   
– Turning peptides into medicines

Preclinical development

Dynamic 
interaction in 
R&D to optimize 
therapeutic 
profile

~7,400 
Zealand 
peptides with 
optimized 
profile

What are peptides? 
Peptides are naturally occurring biological molecules. 

Zealand’s approach and focus
Zealand has an established leading scientific expertise in the 

Like proteins, they are made up of chains of amino 

field of peptide-based medicines. Our in-house competencies 

acids, however typically shorter (2-50 amino acids long). 

include a deep understanding of peptide chemistry and 

In the human body alone, there is an estimated 7,000 

functionality coupled with extensive experience applying 

native peptides, which are involved in many essential 

structural design principles to develop novel medicines. 

physiological functions. Due to their important roles, 

peptides represent a highly relevant basis for medicines. 

For each new project we apply our capabilities to identify 

Peptides generally have high potency (strong biological 

novel peptides with optimal therapeutic profiles in terms of 

effect at low concentrations) and strong selectivity (effect 

efficacy and safety as well as ensuring cost effectiveness 

primarily on the intended biological target), which is of 

and development of strong intellectual property (IP) 

therapeutic relevance. Due to their smaller size, peptides 

protection. Our R&D organization is structured to progress 

also offer advantages over proteins in terms of therapeutic 

a novel investigational peptide medicine effectively through 

administration routes and cost of manufacturing.

preclinical development, including the establishment of 

Key steps in the value chain 
for a new medicine

proof-of-mechanism in cell based disease assays (in vitro) 

and in key animal disease models (in vivo).

Over the past few years, we have expanded and 

strengthened our development competencies downstream 

The development of a new investigational medicine 

to include a strong clinical experience team including 

is a long, expensive and highly regulated process. 

quality assurance and regulatory. Today, Zealand has the 

Addressing patients’ unmet medical needs is of high 

necessary in-house capacity to advance investigational 

long-term value, when taking into consideration also 

medicines from idea to pre-clinical IND-enabling studies 

that new medicines usually are protected by patents or 

and through the clinical development Phases I to III.

data exclusivity for several years after launch. It takes 

on average 12–15 years from the identification of a new 

Our therapeutic focus lies in specialty disease areas where 

drug project idea to market launch of a new medicine. 

peptide-based medicines have particular relevance and 

As a project successfully advances from design phase to 

where the patient populations are easily identifiable and 

selection of a lead investigational medicine candidate 

treated by specialists. In such areas, the complexity and 

for preclinical development (laboratory and animal 

size of the clinical development program will typically be 

studies) and subsequently into and through the clinical 

manageable for Zealand to take the proprietary medicine all 

development Phases I to III, its probability of success, 

the way through registration.

i.e. of market approval, and value increases significantly. 

This is a result of additional supportive efficacy and 

safety data being generated and validated by healthcare 

authorities at each step.

Partnering is an essential element 
for our value creation

With reference to the table below, on average one out 

Partnering activities (in-licensing, out-licensing, acquisitions 

of 10 investigational medicines advanced into clinical 

and R&D collaborations) are becoming an increasingly 

development will succeed all the way to the market.

essential component in the development of Zealand’s 

Probabilities of success to market for 

biotech companies, but also with medical centers and 

portfolio. We collaborate with academia, pharma and 

an investigational medicine

Development 
stage 

  Clinical  Clinical  Clinical 
Phase II  Phase III 

Phase I 

Under  
regulatory  
review

Market probability 

10% 

16% 

50% 

83%

Source: Hay, M. et al. (2014): Clinical development success rates for 
investigational drugs, Nature biotechnology

patient organizations as we progress along our strategic 

focus “From peptide to patient” taking select medicines all 

the way through registration. 

We look for new opportunities in specialty disease areas 

where peptides have strong potential, but also relevant 

non-peptide clinical opportunities where Zealand’s 

competencies can be applied.

Idea generation 
We initiate new peptide medicine projects 
by focusing on a selected biological target 
of relevance in a specialty disease area. Key 
in the idea phase is to carefully evaluate and 
define the IP space and opportunities to 
create novel IP.

Intellectual Property

Peptide structure optimization
Based on the native peptide, we optimize 
the molecular structure in order to get:
•  Strong therapeutic effect
•   High stability of the peptide to provide a 

Establish Proof-of-Principle
We study the effect of the peptide 
medicine in relevant disease models and 
preclinical evaluation of the products’ 
safety profile.

convenient dosing profile
•   Strong patent protection
•   Good safety profile 

Protection of our proprietary peptide therapeutics, processes, technologies and know-how are important for us.

Partnerships: Value enhancement and 
sourcing of new opportunities

Access to competencies and external opportunities via partnerships with academia, biotech and clinical 
centers is important to grow our pipeline while retaining a dynamic organization. New external opportunities 
are persued in preclinical and early clinical development, where Zealand competencies can be applied.

Clinical development

Efficacy

2 
medicines
based on 
Zealand peptide
advanced into
Phase III

8 
Zealand 
peptide 
medicines 
advanced into 
Phase II

~670  
active  
patents

10 
Zealand 
peptides  
advanced 
into clinical 
development

Phase III 
In Phase III the therapeutic benefits of 
an investigatonal peptide medicine are 
confirmed in a representative number 
of patients. The objective is to provide 
evidence to support 
regulatory filings.

2 
medicines 
based on 
Zealand peptides 
filed for 
approval

Phase II
The objective is to show relevant 
therapeutic effect in patients (clinical 
Proof-of-Concept). Often 2-3 different 
doses are investigated in parallel (dose-
finding). The number of patients 
enrolled depends on the 
disease indication.

1  
marketed 
medicine

Phase I
First dosing in a small number of humans 
to investigate the clinical safety of an 
investigational medicine. This Phase 
typically involves healthy volunteers but 
can also include patients. 

Regulatory review process

On the market

Submissions of files for regulatory approvals in the US, EU and Japan. Acceptance 
and review processes by the respective authorities US Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). 

Zealand peptide-based medicines 
are made available for patients.

Lyxumia 20mcg

injection
lixisentatide

2

3

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
01_Key figures and Financial highlights

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Zealand in brief and 2015 highlights

Value creation at Zealand

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance

Letters from the Chairman & the CEO

Zealand’s strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Consolidated 
key figures 

Financial highlights of 2015  
and 2016 financial guidance 

DKK ’000 

Note 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

2011

Financial highlights of 2015

Income statement and comprehensive income 

Revenue 

Royalty expenses 

Gross profit 

187,677 

-22,267 

153,773 

-13,776 

165,410 

139,997 

6,574 

-872 

5,702 

223,565 

142,284

-15,933 

-112

207,632 

142,172

Research and development expenses 

-214,959 

-180,036 

-164,467 

-182,759 

-126,938

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating result 

Net financial items 

-44,606 

-39,826 

-34,155 

12,828 

-81,327 

-38,505 

6,328 

7,302 

-73,537 

-185,618 

1,047 

1,942 

Result from ordinary activities before tax 

-119,832 

-72,490 

-183,676 

Tax on ordinary activities 

1 

5,875 

7,500 

0 

Net result  

Comprehensive income 

Earnings per share – basic (DKK) 

Earnings per share – diluted (DKK) 

Statement of financial position 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-183,676 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-183,676 

-4.82 

-4.82 

-2.87 

-2.87 

-8.10 

-8.10 

Cash, cash restricted and cash equivalents 

440,199 

538,273 

286,178 

-27,611 

35,135 

32,397 

3,975 

36,372 

0 

36,372 

36,372 

1.61 

1.60 

358,922 

126,940 

23,193 

-34,905

28,435

8,764

4,613

13,377

0

13,377

13,377

0.60

0.60

278,342

149,358

469,481

23,193

Securities 

Total assets 

Share capital (‘000 shares) 

Shareholders’ equity 

Equity/assets ratio 

Royalty bond 

Cash flow 

Depreciation 

Change in working capital 

Investments in fixed assets 

Free cash flow 

0 

0 

24,383 

634,688 

596,756 

346,913 

520,983 

24,353 

23,193 

252,231 

252,828 

0.40 

0.42 

312,951 

272,170 

23,193 

316,141 

0.91 

0 

491,015 

441,397

0.94 

0 

0.94

0

6,215 

-138,871 

-4,040 

5,932 

15,521 

-4,497 

5,911 

-3,643 

-4,569 

2 

-221,373 

-46,680 

-174,187 

5,319 

13,782 

-8,849 

59,688 

4,129

-30,943

-11,475

-13,281

Other 

Share price (DKK) 

Market capitalization (DKKm) 

Equity per share (DKK) 

Average number of employees 

Products in clinical development (year end) 

Products in registration phase (year end) 

Medicines on the market 

151,50 

3,689 

10.60 

110 

6 

2 

1 

83.00 

1,925 

11.17 

103 

5 

0 

1 

59.00 

1,368 

13.97 

107 

6 

0 

1 

84.00 

1,948 

21.70 

104 

7 

0 

0 

3 

4 

5 

57.00

1,322

19.51

91

6

0

0

Notes:
(1)   According to Danish tax legislation Zealand is eligible to receive DKK 5.9 million in cash relating to the tax loss of 2015
(2)  Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less purchase of property, plant and equipment
(3)   Equity per share is calculated as shareholders’ equity divided by total number of shares less treasury shares
(4)   On 20 May 2015, Zealand initiated clinical Phase Ib development of ZP4207 for mulitple-dose use, and on 17 September 2015, ZP1848 was advanced into 

clinical Phase II development

(5)   End of July 2015, Sanofi filed lixisenatide for regulatory approval in the US, and the file was accepted for review by the FDA in September 2015.  

In  December 2015, Sanofi filed LixiLan for regulatory approval in the US. The file was accepted for review by the FDA in February 2016.

Revenue

DKKm

250

200

150

100

50

0

Net operating expenses

DKKm

250

200

150

100

50

0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Milestone income

Royalty income

Net R&D expenses

Administrative expenses

Revenue 

Net operating expenses

Zealand’s revenue amounted to DKK 188 million in 2015, which 

Total net operating expenses were DKK 247 million in 2015, 

was an increase of 22% over 2014. 

up 16% compared to 2014. The increase was mainly driven 

by higher net research and development (R&D) expenses 

The main revenue component was milestone payments of DKK 

as a result of accelerated development activities. These 

159 million, generated under the license collaborations with 

included clinical Phase I and Ib single and multiple dose 

Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim. Milestone payments were up 

trials with ZP4207 (stable glucagon for hypoglycemia) and 

19% compared to 2014. 

the preparation and advancement of ZP1848 (short bowel 

syndrome) into clinical Phase II development. 

Royalty revenue to Zealand from Sanofi’s sales of Lyxumia® 
increased 41% in 2015 to DKK 29 million.

Financial guidance for 2016

In 2016, Zealand expects continuously growing royalty 
payments from Sanofi on sales of Lyxumia® outside the US. 
Pending positive US regulatory decisions on both lixisenatide 

Net operating expenses in 2016 are expected to increase to 

a range of DKK 340-360 / EUR 45-48 million. The increase 

over 2015 is explained primarily by a higher level of clinical 

and LixiLan in Q3 2016 and potential subsequent commercial 

development costs associated with the advancement of 

launches by Sanofi also in 2016, royalty payments on US sales 

Zealand’s proprietary clinical pipeline.

may be received as well. However, no specific guidance on 

the level of royalties can be provided, as Sanofi has given no 
guidance on 2016 sales of Lyxumia® or LixiLan.

Operating loss before royalty income/expenses is therefore 

expected in a range of DKK 140-160 / EUR 19-21 million.

Additional revenue of up to DKK 200 / EUR 27 million may be 

received from event driven partner related milestones.

4

5

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
01_Letters from the chairman and the CEO

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Zealand in brief and 2015 highlights

Value creation at Zealand

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance

Letters from the Chairman & the CEO

Zealand’s strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Letter from  
the Chairman 

In this context, I see substantial potential for Zealand based 

on its well-established scientific competencies to design and 

develop novel peptide medicines, which represents a field of 

significant unexplored potential.

Since innovation and effective execution are key success 

components in the biotech industry and in Zealand, we 

continuously strive to support innovation and improve our 

processes, to remain efficient in terms of the time and cost 

required to bring new medicines through development to 

meet patients’ needs. 

A highly international Board – And new senior  

management team in place 

In 2015, we strengthened both Zealand’s Board composition 

and its senior management. I am pleased that the new Board 

composition has led to a strengthened diversity of skills and 

Martin Nicklasson, Chairman of the Board of Directors

international experience to effectively govern Zealand through 

Dear Shareholder

the next phases of its exciting development. Furthermore, our 

new CEO Britt Meelby Jensen joined Zealand at the beginning 

of 2015 and she has brought additional important leadership 

In 2015 and into 2016, Zealand’s business has advanced 

qualities to the company. Under her firm leadership, a new 

remarkably. I am very pleased to state that Zealand is in its 

competent senior management team has been put in place 

strongest position ever. 

as well as we have launched a new value creating business 

The corporate objective of Zealand is to invent and provide 

strategy. 

new and better medicines with clear benefits to patients 

Diligent growth strategy for accelerated value creation

in areas of unmet medical need. Towards this end, we are 

The new strategy for accelerated value creation at Zealand 

determined to create a sustainable, innovative and profitable 

has its foundation in both Zealand’s achievements to date 

business with strong shareholder value. In order to support 

and its prospects for significant royalty revenue growth in 

these objectives, we have in 2015 significantly enhanced the 

the coming years. The aim of the strategy is to take select 

capabilities and competencies of our Board, installed a new 

specialty peptide medicines all the way from design through 

dynamic management team and launched a strategy for 

development to registration. Thereby, we aim long term to 

accelerated value creation under the headline “From peptide 

retain the full value creation and control of our own products. 

to patient”. I am confident that with these initiatives, we have 

the right foundation for Zealand to continue to succeed. 

All lights on green for Zealand in 2016 

The need for better medicines is eternal and Zealand  

development prospects. 2015 was a transforming year, firmly 

has established a leading position 

setting the foundation for meeting our strategic goals.

The fundamentals for the pharmaceutical/biotech industry 

remain solid with significant needs for new and better 

I am convinced that Zealand has what it takes to remain 

I am optimistic about Zealand’s future opportunities and 

medicines in many disease areas. 

”I am confident that Zealand has the 
right management, the right strategy 
and the necessary competencies to 
remain successful and continue to 
develop its business for the benefit 
of patients and our shareholders.”

successful and continue to grow its business for the benefit 

of our shareholders. I wish to thank you all for your trust 

while expressing, on behalf of the Zealand board, a strong 

commitment to work diligently also in the future in the best 

interests of the company and in the best of your interests.

Martin Nicklasson

Chairman, Board of Directors

Zealand’s corporate objective

Accelerate  
value 
creation for 
patients and 
share holders 

6

7

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Zealand in brief and 2015 highlights

Value creation at Zealand

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance

Letters from the Chairman & the CEO

Zealand’s strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Letter from the CEO   
– Building for accelerated value creation

Dear Zealand shareholders

Launch of an ambitious strategy: “From peptide to patient”

2015 was an exciting and eventful year where our business 

Building on our current position of strength and the prospects 

considerably matured. 

of significant revenue growth from our portfolio of out-

We had defined 2015 as a catalyst year for our company. 

licensed products, we launched an ambitious growth strategy 

Looking back, it became a catalyst year as we reached all the 

in November 2015. The new strategy sets the direction 

milestones defined and we delivered more than we had guided 

for accelerated value creation for Zealand, and it marks an 

on. We have seen advancements for both our proprietary and 

important change of focus with regard to our proprietary 

out-licensed products, we have developed our organization 

portfolio and future playing field. We want to advance and 

and competencies, we have strengthened the Board and the 

expand our proprietary pipeline with the intention to take 

senior management team, and we have launched our new 

select proprietary medicines through to registration. We focus 

ambitious strategy “From peptide to patient”.

on specialty disease areas where peptides have high relevance, 

Entering 2016 there is no doubt that Zealand is in a stronger 

in-house and external innovation, maintaining a dynamic and 

and advancement of new products will be based on both 

position than ever.

agile organization. Engagement in strategic partnerships from 

early research to commercialization is a key element in the 

In 2015, Zealand’s business advanced to a higher level

strategy as well as we will consider potential asset acquisitions 

Over the years, Zealand has built both a proprietary and an 

if attractive opportunities appear.

out-licensed portfolio. Zealand fully owns and controls the 

proprietary pipeline, leaving us the potential of a significant 

Building on more than 17 years’ leading-edge scientific 

share of future sales revenue. The out-licensed portfolio is 

expertise and today’s strong in-house capabilities, we are 

resourced and financed by our partners, and it represents 

excited about our journey to invent and bring new and better 

medicines with broad potential and a maturity stage, which 

medicines to patients.

can generate important milestone and royalty revenues in the 

years to come. In 2015, important progress was delivered for 

Prospects for 2016 point to another great year with 

both parts of the portfolio. 

potential of considerable revenue growth

For our proprietary pipeline, we reached the following 

was initiated in two Phase II trials with ZP4207 for better 

milestones:

hypoglycemia management in diabetes and with ZP1848 

• 

 Danegaptide, a novel gap junction modifier for reperfusion 

for treatment of short bowel syndrome, respectively. For 

injuries: Completion of the enrollment of almost 600 

danegaptide, the readout of Phase II unfortunately showed no 

patients with an acute myocardial infarction in Phase II

effect against cardiac reperfusion injuries. 

We have had a strong beginning of 2016. Dosing of patients 

• 

 ZP4207, a glucagon analogue for acute, severe 

hypoglycemia in diabetes, completed Phase I with positive 

As a key milestone in February, FDA accepted LixiLan for 

results

priority review, and we are now awaiting regulatory decisions 

• 

 ZP1848, a long acting GLP-2 analogue, advanced into 

on both lixisenatide and LixiLan this year in July and August, 

Phase II for treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome

respectively. This leaves hope that two medicines based on a 

• 

 ZP4207 for multiple dose use to better manage 

Zealand invention will be available for US diabetes patients in 

hypoglycemia in patients on insulin, advanced into and 

2016 – with prospects of considerable revenue growth for our 

completed Phase Ib with positive results.

company in the years to come.

The increased level of late stage clinical development activities 

For our out-licensed portfolio, we also reached very important 

leads to higher operating expenses. This is reflected in our 

milestones:

2016 financial guidance and will be financed via our solid cash 

• 

 Lixisenatide, the first once-daily prandial GLP-1 agonist, 

position and expected revenue growth from both milestone 

was filed in the US

payments and royalties.

• 

 The fixed-dose single-injection combination of lixisenatide 
and Lantus® (LixiLan), was submitted for regulatory review 
in the US using a priority review voucher

I am proud to conclude, that we have built a strong foundation 

and kicked-off a very exciting journey for accelerated growth 

• 

 Elsiglutide, a GLP-2 analogue for chemotherapy induced 

and continued success. We have a strong scientific platform, 

diarrhea, was advanced into Phase IIb

a high-value portfolio of out-licensed products and a 

• 

 Progress under both license agreements with Boehringer 

growing proprietary pipeline, which I am confident will create 

Ingelheim with the selection of new preclinical lead 

significant value for both patients and shareholders in the 

candidates and an associated milestone payment.

coming years. Also, we more than doubled our number of 

shareholders, and I would like to deeply thank everybody for 

the strong confidence in our company.

Our diligent growth 
strategy has four 
elements

  We will build a proprietary portfolio, 
taking select medicines through 
registration with full ownership 
retained

  We will focus on specialty disease 
areas of high relevance for peptide 
medicines

  We will strengthen our leading 
position in therapeutic peptide 
R&D while maintaining a dynamic 
organization with both in-house and 
external innovation

  We will accelerate growth via 
strategic partnerships and reduce 
focus on full out-licensing

Britt Meelby Jensen

President and  

Chief Executive Officer

8

9

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
01_Zealands strategy

01_Key Performance Indicators

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Zealand in brief and 2015 highlights

Value creation at Zealand

Key figures, financial highlights and 2016 guidance

Letters from the Chairman & the CEO

Zealand’s strategy

Key Performance Indicators

Zealand’s strategy 

Key Performance 
Indicators 

Building on Zealand’s position of strength, in November 2015, management 
launched a diligent growth strategy for accelerated value creation. The strategy is 
labelled “From peptide to patient” and consists of four main elements. 

Every year, Zealand defines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure its 
performance towards continued success of the company. These are a combination 
of financial, pipeline and organizational objectives. For 2016, our KPIs reflect our 
new strategic direction.

Build a portfolio of proprietary 
medicines 

Focus on specialty disease  
areas

2015: Zealand performed strongly on all KPIs defined for the year

1. Advance and grow our portfolio of medicines for the 

3. Grow the portfolio of partnerships

benefit of patients

As a key element in our strategy, we will take a 

We will build on over 17 years’ experience in 

There were substantial advancements in both the out-licensed 

During 2015, the company strategy was redefined with 

growing number of existing and new investigational 

optimizing the therapeutic benefits of peptides and 

and proprietary portfolio (the latter covered below), with 

increasing focus on growing our proprietary pipeline. As 

medicines further in development ourselves – and 

we focus on carefully selected specialty disease 

successful progress to the next phase on four of the five 

a consequence, it was decided not to extend the research 

in select specialty disease areas, all the way through 

areas, where peptide-based medicines have high 

out-licensed projects:

collaboration with Eli Lilly and instead allocate the related 

registration and to launch for patients. By keeping 

relevance. More specifically, we pay attention to four 

• 

 Lixisenatide and LixiLan (both Type 2 diabetes) were 

R&D resources to the proprietary preclinical specialty disease 

the ownership of commercial rights to our products, 

different parameters:

we will retain the full value creation and control. For 

submitted for US regulatory approvals, including the 

activities. 

decision by Sanofi to redeem a priority review voucher for 

our out-licensed products, we generate milestone 

1)   the patient population is well-defined; 

LixiLan

On 1 December 2015, a new Chief Business Officer with broad 

revenue and high-single to low-double digit 

2)   there is a clear unmet medical need to be fulfilled 

• 

 Elsiglutide (chemotherapy induced diarrhea) was advanced 

international experience was appointed to drive Zealand’s 

percentages in sales royalties, which is vital to fund 

by better medicines; 

into Phase IIb by Helsinn

strategic partnership activities. 

our growth strategy.  

3)   the relevant group of health care providers is 

Over time proprietary medicines will provide higher 

distinct and addressable; and 

• 

 A lead product candidate (diabetes/obesity) was selected 

and entered preclinical development under the Boehringer 

revenue shares, determined by the go-to-market 

4)   the clinical development path through to 

Ingelheim collaboration. 

model.

registration is considered manageable to Zealand 

in size and complexity.

Enhance our peptide expertise 
and maintain a dynamic R&D 
organization

Accelerate growth via strategic 
partnerships

Zealand has an established and validated leading-

We aim to grow the value of our proprietary pipeline 

edge expertise in design and development of 

while maintaining a dynamic and agile organizational 

peptide-based medicines. We continue to invest in 

model. We will increasingly engage in strategic 

enhancing and expanding our competencies, and 

partnerships and leverage strategic collaborations 

2. Increase the proprietary part of the pipeline

4. Generate growing revenues and retain a solid financial 

position

During 2015, the proprietary portfolio was expanded with two 

new medicines in clinical development: 

• 

 Start and completion of a Phase Ib trial with ZP4207 for 

Royalty revenues in 2015 increased based on Sanofi’s growing 
sales of lixisenatide (Lyxumia®). However, the majority of 
the total revenues of DKK 188 / EUR 25 million came from 

multiple-dose use (hypoglycemia control) 

milestone payments from Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, 

• 

 Initiation of new Phase II development program for ZP1848 

which financed a considerable part of our operational costs 

(short bowel syndrome). 

and helped to retain a solid financial position.

2016: The KPIs for 2016 are set to measure our performance in accordance 
with the strategy

combine internal scientific innovation with externally 

across the value chain, i.e. from early research to 

1. Advance and expand the pipeline of proprietary 

3. Enter new strategic partnerships in support of pipeline 

sourced projects to expand both our preclinical and 

commercialization, with academia, biotech and 

investigational specialty medicines

value creation 

early-stage clinical pipeline.

pharma companies, as well as clinical centers and 

The objective is to advance at least two existing proprietary 

In alignment with the updated strategy, Zealand will engage in 

commercialization partners.

products to the next development phase during 2016 and to 

strategic collaborations across the value chain to increase and 

It is essential for our continued success that we 

expand the proprietary pipeline with at least one new specialty 

accelerate pipeline value creation.  

maintain a dynamic and agile organization, to be able 

We have a couple of existing projects that are better 

drug candidate; either invented internally or externally sourced. 

to act fast on new opportunities.  

suited for out-licensing, but overall, the past focus on 

As we grow our pipeline, we will stepwise build 

pure out-licensing will be reduced as the proprietary 

2. Enhance our leading-edge peptide competencies 

4. Retain a solid financial position with growing revenues  

critical competencies in-house and supplement 

portfolio of specialty medicines grows.

The objective is to: 

The aim is to secure growing revenue for Zealand, from 

these with external expertise. 

• 

 Engage in new technology or research based collaborations 

milestone payments and royalty payments on global sales 

to strengthen or broaden our peptide competencies

while retaining a strong cash position. 

• 

 Expand clinical competencies via new collaborations with 

clinical centers of excellence in specialty disease areas. 

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_Our portfolio

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

Our  
portfolio

12

Our portfolio includes several 
out-licensed products and 
projects, including one medicine 
marketed outside the US 
(Lyxumia®) and two products 
under regulatory review.

Our strategic focus is to 
continuously advance our 
growing pipeline of proprietary 
investigational medicines, 
of which four are in clinical 
development.

All products and projects currently in our 
portfolio are based on in-house invented 
therapeutic peptides. In this section, we 
present an overview of the portfolio and 
each product in detail.

Portfolio overview  

2015 achievements 

2016 achievements and news outlook  

 Out-licensed portfolio 

Proprietary pipeline 

Photo features Zealand employee:  
Jens, industrial PhD student in Pharmaceutical 
Development, working in one of Zealand’s laboratories.

14

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_Portfolio overview

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

Portfolio 
overview 

Out-licensed products and projects

Proprietary pipeline

Five products and projects are under license collaborations: Two with Sanofi, one with Helsinn and two with Boehringer 

We have a growing number of novel proprietary investigational medicines in development, which all stem from our profound  

Ingelheim. These include one medicine on the market outside the US, two investigational medicines under US regulatory review, 

expertise in peptide therapeutics. It is our strategic focus to continue to expand and advance our proprietary pipeline targeting 

one in clinical development, and two preclinical projects. For all products under license collaborations, Zealand has no financial 

unmet medical needs in specialty disease areas.  

obligations and is eligible to potential milestone payments of up to a total of DKK 4.8 billion / EUR 652 million and on future sales 

We have four products in clinical development and several preclinical projects.  

royalties.

Lyxumia® (lixisenatide) – ex-US Type 2 diabetes

ZP4207 (Single-dose) Rescue treatment for acute, severe hypoglycemia

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Reg.

Marketed

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

A once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes developed and commercialized 
as Lyxumia® by Sanofi in 50 countries outside the US. Lixisenatide significantly lowers blood glucose with a 
profound effect on prandial or meal-related glucose, making it relevant to use for insulin intensification.

A novel glucagon analogue with high stability in liquid formulation, intended for use as a convenient ready-to-use rescue pen for acute, 
severe hypoglycemia. Phase I results have demonstrated good safety and tolerability of ZP4207 after single-dosing in healthy volunteers 
and Type 1 diabetes patients. In February 2016, Zealand initiated patient dosing in a Phase II trial, expected to complete in H2 2016.

Lixisenatide – US Type 2 diabetes 

ZP1848 Short bowel syndrome

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Under regulatory review

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Lixisenatide was filed by Sanofi for regulatory approval in the US in July 2015. The FDA accepted the file in 
September and regulatory review is ongoing with a decision expected in July 2016.

A long-acting GLP-2 analogue with high stability in liquid formulation. In February 2016, the first patients were dosed in a clinical Phase II trial 
expected with enrollment of 18 patients with short bowel disease. Clinical update on enrollment and timeline for completion in Q4 2016. 

Lixisenatide/insulin glargine fixed-ratio combination Type 2 diabetes

ZP4207 (Multiple-dose) Component in artificial pancreas for hypoglycemia management in diabetes

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Under regulatory review

Preclinical

Phase I

In preparation for next clinical Phase

An investigational single-injection combination of lixisenatide and insulin glargine, referred to as LixiLan. Phase III 
successfully completed showing significant HbA1c reduction over both Lantus® alone and lixisenatide alone. Under 
regulatory priority review in the US with FDA decision expected in August 2016. EU filing expected in March 2016.

A multiple-dose version of our stable glucagon analogue in development as hypoglycemia component of a dual-hormone artificial 
pancreas system for better management of insulin dependent diabetes. Phase Ib results showed good safety and tolerability of the product 
and its ability to provide a clinically relevant blood glucose response after repeat daily dosing in healthy subjects. 

Elsiglutide Chemotherapy induced diarrhea

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

ZP2929 Diabetes/obesity

Preclinical

Phase I

A novel GLP-2 receptor agonist licensed to Helsinn in Cancer Supportive Care. In Phase IIb development by Helsinn. 
The enrollment of approximately 500 patients with colon cancer has been completed. Results expected in H2 2016.

A once-daily dual acting glucagon/GLP-1 receptor agonist for subcutaneous administration. ZP2929 is in Phase I clinical development as a 
potential new treatment for patients with Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. Additional preclinical data provided for discussion with the FDA.

Glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonists Diabetes/obesity

Several peptide projects & indications

Preclinical

Preclinical

Global license collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity. In February 
2016, Boehringer selected a new once-weekly lead product candidate for advancement into preclinical 
development.

Our proprietary preclinical pipeline comprises of several projects. Those disclosed include a novel GIP receptor agonist, a GLP-1-gastrin 
dual agonist, a GLP-1-GIP receptor dual agonist, which all represent potentially more efficacious approaches for treatment of diabetes 
and/or obesity. We also have a dual-acting GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor agonist in preclinical development. 

Undisclosed target Cardio-metabolic disease

Preclinical

Global license collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim in the field of cardio-metabolic diseases. In September 
2015, Boehringer selected a lead product candidate which has been advanced into preclinical development. 

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_2015 achievements

02_2016 achievements and news outlook

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

2015 achievements 

2016 achievements 
and news outlook

Out-licensed products and projects

Out-licensed products and projects

Lixisenatide  
(Lyxumia®)  
– Sanofi

H1

   Positive results from the ELIXA cardiovascular (CV) safety outcomes trial presented as key note at 
ADA, demonstrating  lixisenatide to be safe on all CV parameters

    Positive results from GetGoal Duo-2 trial presented at ADA, showing advantages of lixisenatide versus 
rapid-acting insulin as add-on to Lantus® for insulin intensification 

  Submission of a New Drug Application to the FDA for regulatory approval in the US (by Sanofi) 

H2

H2

H1

Fixed-ratio 
combination of 
lixisenatide and 
insulin glargine 
(Lantus®) 
– Sanofi

Elsiglutide 
– Helsinn

  FDA acceptance of Sanofi’s New Drug Application and initiation of the regulatory review process
    Full year royalty revenue of DKK 29 / EUR 4 million

   Positive outcome of the first pivotal Phase III trial, LixiLan-O, meeting the primary endpoint
     Positive outcome of the second pivotal Phase III trial, LixiLan-L, meeting the primary endpoint
    Submission of a New Drug Application to the FDA for regulatory priority review in the US (by Sanofi) 
with a DKK 137 / USD 20 million milestone payment to Zealand

   Initiation of Phase IIb dose-finding trial by Helsinn in up to 480 patients with colorectal cancer
   Enrollment of app. 1,700 patients with colorectal or breast cancer completed in observational study by 
Helsinn to analyze the incidence and severity of chemotherapy induced diarrhea in Europe and the US 

Lixisenatide  
(Lyxumia®)  
– Sanofi

Fixed-ratio 
combination of 
lixisenatide and 
insulin glargine 
(Lantus®) 
– Sanofi

Elsiglutide 
– Helsinn 

H1

•  Quarterly royalty reports and status updates

H2

•  Quarterly royalty reports and status updates

•  US regulatory decision by the FDA (July)

H1

  FDA acceptance of Sanofi’s New Drug Application for priority review in the US

•  Submission for regulatory approval in Europe (by Sanofi)

•  Presentation of results from the two Phase III trials, LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L, at a medical conference

H2

•  US regulatory decision by the FDA (August)

H1

  Confirmed completion of enrollment in Phase IIb with approximately 500 patients enrolled

H2

•  Top-line results from Phase IIb dose-finding trial

•  Publication of results from observational study of chemotherapy induced diarrhea in the EU and US

Boehringer Ingelheim 
collaborations

H2

    2nd license collaboration – Undisclosed target for diabetes/obesity:  
Selection of a novel lead peptide therapeutic for advancement into preclinical development (by 
Boehringer Ingelheim) and a DKK 22 / EUR 3 million milestone payment to Zealand.

Boehringer Ingelheim 
collaboration

H1

   1st license collaboration – Glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonists for diabetes/obesity:  
Selection of a novel once-weekly lead peptide therapeutic candidate for advancement into 
preclinical development

Proprietary pipeline

Proprietary pipeline

Danegaptide

H2

    Completion of enrollment (585 patients with an acute myocardial infarction (STEMI)) in Phase II 
Proof-of-Concept trial 

Danegaptide

H1

   Results from Phase II Proof-of-Concept trial

ZP4207 
Single-dose 

ZP1848

ZP4207 
Multiple-dose

ZP2929

Preclinical   
proprietary projects

Other

H1

   Positive results from Phase I trial 

ZP4207 Single-dose

H1

  Initiation and dosing of the first patients with Type 1 diabetes in clinical Phase II trial

H2

    Advancement of ZP1848, a novel long-acting GLP-2 analogue, into clinical Phase II development for 
short bowel syndrome

H2

•  Top-line results from clinical Phase II trial

ZP1848

H1

  Dosing of the first patients with short bowel syndrome in Phase II trial

H2

•  Update on patient enrollment and timelines for study completion

H1

H2

H2

H1

H1

H2

    Advancement into clinical Phase Ib multiple ascending dose trial backed by a DKK 12 / USD 1.8 million 
grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust 

ZP4207 Multiple-dose  H2

• 

 Advance into next stage of clinical development for use as component in a dual-hormone artificial 
pancreas device for better glucose management in diabetes

   Positive results from the Phase Ib trial, showing ZP4207 to be safe and well tolerated after multiple 
dosing

   Completion of additional supportive preclinical studies  

   Presentation of preclinical data on novel GLP-1/GIP dual agonist, showing support for its potential as 
a novel treatment for Type 2 diabetes/obesity

   Presentation of preclinical data on novel GLP-1-gastrin dual agonist, showing the ability of the 
compound to increase beta-cell mass and improve glycemic control in diabetes models 

  New management team and enhancement of international Board competencies

   Presentation of growth strategy, labelled “From peptide to patient” for accelerated value creation 
   Appointment of new Chief Business Officer

ZP2929

Preclinical   
proprietary projects

H1

H1

•  Decision on next clinical step – engagement with the FDA

  Collaboration with BioSolveIT to create unique therapeutic peptide design software 

•  Presentations of new data on proprietary preclinical peptide therapeutics at medical conference

H2

•  Presentations of new data on preclinical peptide therapeutics at medical conference 

Other

H1

  Appointment of new Chief Science Officer

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_Lixisenatide

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

Out-licensed 
portfolio 

Five products and projects are under 
license collaborations with Sanofi, 
Helsinn and Boehringer Ingelheim. 
These include lixisenatide, which is 
marketed as Lyxumia® outside the US 
and is part of two regulatory filings 
in the US, plus one product in clinical 
development and two preclinical 
projects.

On the out-licensed portfolio, Zealand 
has no financial obligations and is 
eligible to remaining potential milestone 
payments of up to a total of DKK 4.8 
billion / EUR 652 million and on future 
sales royalties. 

Lixisenatide (Lyxumia® & LixiLan) – Sanofi 

Elsiglutide – Helsinn 

Two preclinial projects – Boehringer Ingelheim 

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22

23

Photo features Zealand employee: 
Jens from Business Development working on both 
in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities.

Lixisenatide  
– Type 2 diabetes 

Lixisenatide – First Zealand invented medicine on the market

Lixisenatide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, invented by Zealand for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Lixisenatide is 

licensed globally to Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN) who has developed the product both as a stand-alone medicine and as part of a 
fixed-ratio combination product with insulin glargine (Lantus®), refered to as LixiLan. Lixisenatide was launched in 2013 outside 
the US under the name Lyxumia®. Both lixisenatide and the combination product are under regulatory review in the US and with 
regulatory decisions expected in July and August, respectively. 

Type 2 diabetes – A serious chronic disease

Key to effective management of Type 2 diabetes is to 

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder with hyperglycemia 

control hyperglycemia. Diabetes is associated with a 

(high blood sugar levels) resulting from inadequate insulin 

significantly increased risk of heart disease and stroke, 

secretion or insulin resistance. It is the most common form of 

limb amputations, blindness and kidney failure – and is 

diabetes as it represents 90% of all cases. It is estimated that 

projected to be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030. 

over 500 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes, 

with management costs exceeding USD 600 billion annually.

What is GLP-1?

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a native peptide hormone 

produced in the human body by intestinal L-cells in response 

to meal intake. The main actions of GLP-1 are to stimulate 

insulin secretion and regulate appetite and food intake.

GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a new class of injected medicines 

for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. They mimic the action of 

GLP-1 and stimulate the release of insulin only upon ingestion 

and with additional effects on slowing gastric emptying 

and inducing satiety with beneficial impact on weight. In 

clinical practice, GLP-1 therapy is associated with significant 

HbA1c (blood sugar) lowering, weight loss and a low risk of 

hypoglycemia.

Lixisenatide (Lyxumia®) royalty revenue 2013-2015

DKKm

10

8

6

4

2

0

Q1

Q2
Q3
2013

Q4

Q1

Q4

Q1

Q3
Q2
2014

Q4

Q2
Q3
2015

Invented by Zealand 

Global rights licensed  
to Sanofi

License collaboration with Sanofi 
– Terms of agreement:

Sanofi has the global development and 

commercialization rights to lixisenatide and any 

combination product including lixisenatide. All 

financing of products under the agreement is 

covered by Sanofi. 

Zealand is eligible to total milestones of up to 

USD 275 million (of which up to USD 140 million 

are outstanding). In terms of royalties on global 

sales, Zealand is entitled to tiered low double-digit 

percentages on lixisenatide and a fixed, low double-

The US market represents ~70% of the total market for GLP-1 

digit percentage on sales of LixiLan and any other 

medicines. With US regulatory decisions on both lixisenatide 
and the lixisenatide/Lantus® combination product expected in 
2016, royalty revenue is projected to increase significantly.  

combination including lixisenatide.

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
02_Lixilan

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

Lixisenatide (Lyxumia®) 

Fixed-ratio combination of lixisenatide 
and insulin glargine (Lantus®) 

ex-US

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Reg.

Marketed

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Under regulatory review

US

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Under regulatory review

First Zealand invented medicine on the market – A once-daily GLP-1 agonist with a pronounced prandial effect

Lixisenatide belongs to a sub-class of GLP-1 receptor agonists with a short acting profile. The medicine has demonstrated a 

pronounced lowering effect on meal-related blood sugar increase (post-prandial glucose) in addition to its effect on fasting 

New combination drug for Type 2 diabetes: Fixed-ratio combination of lixisenatide and insulin glargine (LixiLan)

Lixisenatide has been developed by Sanofi as part of a fixed-ratio, single-injection combination with insulin glargine 100 Units/mL 
(Lantus®). Lantus® is a Sanofi product and the most prescribed basal insulin worldwide. The therapeutic relevance of a combination 
treatment with basal insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist for patients with Type 2 diabetes has been shown in several clinical trials. 

glucose. With this profile, lixisenatide has particular therapeutic relevance as an add-on treatment to basal insulin for better 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March)

glucose management. 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March)
•  Launched by Sanofi in more than 50 countries (Lyxumia®)
•  Total Sanofi sales of Lyxumia® in 2015: EUR 38 million
•  Key supportive safety (cardiovascular) and efficacy (insulin intensification) results presented at ADA 

•  September 2015: FDA accepted Sanofi’s NDA for lixisenatide in the US.  

• 

• 

• 

• 

 The primary endpoints were met in two pivotal Phase III trials, LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L, showing significant HbA1c lowering 

 December 2015: Sanofi submitted an NDA for regulatory review of the combination product in the US and redeemed a Priority 

Review Voucher as part of the submission

 The NDA for the combination product was associated with a USD 20 million milestone payment from Sanofi to Zealand

 February 2016: FDA accepted the NDA for priority review, shortening the regulatory review time for the combination product 

from ten months to six months.

Lixisenatide’s therapeutic profile

•  Significantly lowers HbA1c 

•  Reduces body weight 

In 2015: Additional strong support for lixisenatide’s 

Positive results from two pivotal Phase III trials

therapeutic profile 

LixiLan-O

LixiLan-L

•   Associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia

ELIXA results – Cardiovascular safety profile established 

Enrollment: 1,170 patients with Type 2 diabetes insufficiently 

• 

 Slows gastric emptying with pronounced lowering of post 

Top-line results from ELIXA, a Cardiovascular Safety Outcome 

controlled on oral medication (OAD).

Enrollment: 736 patients with Type 2 diabetes insufficiently 
controlled on basal insulin (insulin glargine (Lantus®)).

prandial glucose (PPG) 

Trial, have demonstrated lixisenatide to be safe versus 

Lixisenatide is administered as a once-daily injection. For the 

population of more than 6,000 adults with Type 2 diabetes. 

a statistically superior lowering of average blood glucose 

showing a statistically superior lowering of average blood 

placebo on all cardiovascular safety parameters in a high-risk 

Results: LixiLan met the primary efficacy endpoint of showing 

Results: LixiLan met the primary efficacy endpoint of 

first two weeks after initiation of treatment with 10 mgr. per 

day, thereafter with a maintenance dose of 20 mgr. per day. 

Results from GetGoal Duo-2

Lyxumia 20mcg

injection
lixisentatide

In a Phase IIIb trial, lixisenatide has shown to have a similar 

effect on glucose reduction with advantages on body weight 

(HbA1c) compared with lixisenatide, and compared with 
insulin glargine (Lantus®) in Type 2 diabetes patients treated 
with metformin.

glucose (HbA1c) in Type 2 diabetes patients insufficiently 
controlled with insulin glargine (Lantus®) alone with or without 
metformin.

compared to rapid-acting insulin, when added to basal insulin 

Relevant Type 2 diabetes populations to target: 

Relevant Type 2 diabetes populations to target: 

for treatment intensification in patients with Type 2 diabetes. 

In the US, ~5.5 million are not well controlled on OADs*

In the US, ~4 million are not well controlled on basal insulin*

* Source: 2017 projections based on model from Adelphi

Effective diabetes management: Both fasting and prandial (meal-related) glucose levels must be controlled

HbA1c is a measure of average 2-3 months plasma glucose (sugar) levels. To effectively control diabetes, an HbA1c target value of 

<7% or even <6.5% is recommended. It is important also to keep glucose fluctuations to a minimum, which means to effectively 

control both fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial (meal-related) plasma glucose (PPG). So, the following applies: 

effective HbA1c control=effective FPG control & effective PPG control. 

Trademarks for lixisenatide
Lyxumia® is the trademark approved for lixisenatide 
outside the US. 

In the US, no trademark has yet been approved. 

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook

• 

 July: US regulatory decision by the FDA on 

lixisenatide

• 

 Expected increase in royalty revenue from Sanofi’s 
sales of lixisenatide (Lyxumia®) outside the US

Lantus® SoloStar®
100 units/ml (U-100)

0

1

+

Lyxumia 20mcg

injection
lixisentatide

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook

• 

 March: Submission for regulatory approval  

in the EU

• 

 June: Sanofi will present results from the two 

Phase III trials at a medical congress

• 

 August: US regulatory decision by the FDA on the 

fixed-ratio combination of lixisenatide and insulin 
glargine (Lantus®) in the US

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_Elsiglutide

02_Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

Elsiglutide 

Boehringer Ingelheim 
collaborations 

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Preclinical

Preclinical

Elsiglutide, a potential first-ever treatment for the prevention of chemotherapy induced diarrhea
Elsiglutide is a novel GLP-2 analogue invented by Zealand. Global development and commercial rights in the field of cancer 
supportive care are licensed to Helsinn, who is developing elsiglutide as a potential first ever treatment to help prevent 
chemotherapy induced diarrhea in cancer patients.  

Two license collaborations ongoing with Boehringer Ingelheim for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity 
Zealand has two collaborations ongoing with Boehringer Ingelheim, each covering novel therapeutic peptides invented by 
Zealand for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. Under both collaborations, Boehringer Ingelheim is progressing a 
selected lead development candidate in preclinical development for the potential advancement into clinical development. 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March) 
• 
• 

 In February 2015, Helsinn initiated dosing of patients in a Phase IIb dose-finding trial
 In June 2015, Helsinn completed the enrollment of approximately 1,700 cancer patients in an observational study of 
chemotherapy induced diarrhea
In February 2016, Helsinn completed the enrollment of approximately 500 patients in the Phase IIb trial.

• 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March) 
• 

 Collaboration on undisclosed target (obesity/diabetes): In October 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim selected a novel lead peptide 
therapeutic for preclinical development with an associated DKK 22 / EUR 3 million milestone payment to Zealand.
 Collaboration on glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonists (diabetes/obesity): In February 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim selected a novel 
lead glucagon/GLP-1 peptide therapeutic for preclinical development.

• 

Phase IIb trial – Enrollment has been completed
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess 
the effect of elsiglutide in the prevention of CID. The trial 
has enrolled approximately 500 colorectal cancer patients 
receiving 5-FU based chemotherapy regimens (FOLFOX or 
FOLFIRI), randomized to treatment with one of three doses 
of elsiglutide (10 mg, 20 mg. and 40 mg.) or placebo. The 
primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with diarrhea 
of grade ≥2 during the first cycle of chemotherapy. Topline 
results are expected in H2 2016.

For further details on the Phase IIb trial, see:  
ClinicalTrials.gov – Identifier: NCT02383810.

Large observational study in CID conducted by Helsinn
Helsinn has conducted a large international, multi-center, 
prospective, cohort observational study involving more than 
a hundred sites in six European countries and in the US. 
The study objective is to gain a better understanding of the 
incidence rate and clinical impact of CID in colorectal and 
breast cancer patients. Together with the results from the 
Phase IIb trial, this study is important to guide the design of a 
potential pivotal Phase III program for elsiglutide.

Elsiglutide – Supportive preclinical and clinical results
Results from Phase IIa trials have shown that elsiglutide 
reduces the severity of CID in colorectal cancer patients and 
has a good safety profile. In preclinical models, elsiglutide 
has shown to stimulate growth of the intestinal mucosa and 
decrease the incidence and severity of CID.

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook
• 

 H2: Top-line results from Phase IIb dose-finding 
trial
  H2: Results from observational study of CID 
incidence and severity in 1,700 patients 

• 

Chemotherapy induced diarrhea (CID)
CID is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition 
affecting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy 
primarily with regimens containing 5-fluorouracil 
(5-FU). The condition is associated with: 
•  Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
•  Renal insufficiency and immune dysfunction
•  Hospitalization and reduced quality of life
•  Sub-optimal cancer treatment 

5-FU based chemotherapy regimens can result in up to 
50-80% of cancer patients developing CID*. Today, no 
effective treatments are available for patients.

*   Source: Stein, Voigt and Jordan, Ther. Adv. Med. Oncol. 2010

Terms of the license agreement with Helsinn 
Helsinn has global development and commercial 
rights to elsiglutide for its use in Cancer Supportive 
Care. Zealand is eligible to milestone payments of 
up to EUR 140 million (of which EUR 16 million have 
been received) on elsiglutide and to royalties on global 
sales of the product. Zealand retains an option to 
obtain commercial rights to elsiglutide in the Nordic 
countries. 
Helsinn (www.helsinn.com)is a privately owned 
pharmaceutical group with an extensive portfolio of 
marketed products and a broad development pipeline.

Collaboration on glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonists  
(diabetes/obesity)
This collaboration covers the development and 
commercialization of novel dual acting glucagon/GLP-1 
peptide agonists for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and/or 
obesity. 

In February 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim selected a new lead 
development candidate from the portfolio of novel glucagon/
GLP-1 dual agonists designed by Zealand under a former 
reseach part of the collaboration. This new lead candidate 
has now been progressed into preclinical development by 
Boehringer Ingelheim.

Collaboration on undisclosed target (obesity/diabetes)
This collaboration was initiated in July 2014 based on a novel 
therapeutic peptide project from Zealand’s preclinical portfolio. 
Under the collaboration, Zealand and Boehringer Ingelheim 
have jointly designed and developed novel therapeutic 
peptides for the improved treatment of patients with cardio-
metabolic diseases, specifically in the field of obesity and 
diabetes. The biological target has not been disclosed.

With the selection of a first preclinical development 
candidate in October 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim became 
sole responsible for the conduct and financing of the 
preclinical and potentially clinical development as well as 
commercialization. The lead candidate is being progressed 
through preclinical development.

Terms of the agreement on glucagon/GLP-1 dual 
agonists
Boehringer Ingelheim retains global development and 
commercialization rights to all compounds covered 
by the agreement, while being solely responsible for 
all development, manufacturing and commercial 
activities including the necessary financing. 

Zealand is eligible to milestone payments of up to EUR 
376 million (up to EUR 365 million are outstanding) 
related to the achievement of pre-specified 
development, regulatory and commercial milestones 
for the first product, and to tiered royalties ranging from 
high single to low double digit percentages on global 
sales of products developed and commercialized 
under the agreement. Zealand also retains co-
commercialization rights in the Scandinavian countries.

Terms of the agreement on an undisclosed target
Boehringer Ingelheim retains global development and 
commercialization rights to all compounds invented 
and covered under the agreement, while being solely 
responsible for all development, manufacturing 
and commercial activities including the necessary 
financing. 

Zealand is eligible to milestone payments of up to EUR 
295 million (up to EUR 287 million are outstanding) 
related to the achievement of pre-specified 
development, regulatory and commercial milestones 
for the first lead product. Zealand is also entitled to 
tiered high single digit percentages on global sales of 
products developed and commercialized under the 
agreement, while retaining co-commercialization 
rights in the Scandinavian countries.

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook
 Advancement towards clinical Phase I 
• 
development

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook
 Advancement towards clinical Phase I 
• 
development

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_ZP4207

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

Proprietary 
pipeline 

Zealand has a growing pipeline of novel 
proprietary investigational medicines 
in development, focused on the field of 
specialty diseases: 

Two products are in clinical Phase II 
development, another in preparation 
for next clinical Phase, one in clinical 
Phase I and a number of projects are in 
preclinical development.

ZP4207 (Stable Glucagon) – Hypoglycemia in diabetes 

– Rescue treatment 

– Component in an artificial pancreas device 

ZP1848 – Short bowel syndrome (SBS) 

ZP2929 – Diabetes and/or obesity 

Preclinical proprietary projects 

25

26

27

28

30

31

Photo features Zealand employee: 
Anne from Clinical Development working on 
the Phase II trial of ZP4207 

ZP4207 (Stable Glucagon) 
Hypoglycemia in diabetes 

Hypoglycemia is a challenge for more effective diabetes control

The most feared side effect associated with effective insulin treatment in diabetes

Substantial clinical evidence shows that the fear of hypoglycemia is a serious obstacle for better glucose control in diabetes, as 

patients often are inclined to take less insulin than prescribed to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Inoptimal control of diabetes is 

associated with serious long-term complications.

Hypoglycemia – When blood glucose levels get too low

Symptoms include anxiety, sweating, tremors, palpitations, 

Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood glucose (sugar) 

nausea and pallor. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to

levels drop to low levels. It is most frequently associated with 

loss of consciousness, seizures and coma, and in some cases 

diabetes and primarily in patients on insulin therapy only. 

death.

Type-1 diabetes patients are the most likely to experience 

episodes of hypoglycemia since they inject themselves with 

• 

 In the US alone, 2.9 million diabetes patients are on insulin 

insulin several times per day or use an insulin pump. Diabetes 

only therapy1. 

patients on insulin can experience episodes of low blood 

• 

 All patients with Type-1 diabetes and approximately 20% of 

sugar levels with varying frequency and severity.  

Type-2 diabetes patients in the US are treated with insulin2. 

Sources:  1 www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/diabetes-resources/tools-tech/insulin-pumps; 2 Decision Resource, 2012.

About glucagon

Glucagon is a native peptide, which plays an important 

increase blood sugar levels. The therapeutic use of native 

role in the control of blood sugar levels. The effects 

glucagon in cases of hypoglycemia is challenging due to 

of glucagon are opposite to those of insulin – it helps 

the peptide’s low solubility and very poor stability in liquid 

to release stored glucose into the blood stream to 

solution. 

Two parallel clinical development programs ongoing for ZP4207

ZP4207 is a novel analogue of human glucagon, invented by Zealand. ZP4207 shows superior stability compared to native glucagon, 
which is unstable in liquid formulation. The features of ZP4207 support its potential use to improve management of hypoglycemia 

associated with insulin treatment in diabetes patients. Two product routes are pursued in parallel: 1) As a single-dose ready-to-use rescue 

treatment for severe hypoglycemia and 2) As an essential component in an insulin-glucagon dual hormone artificial pancreas system. 

ZP4207 – Rescue treatment 

ZP4207 – As component in an artificial pancreas

A liquid glucagon, which 

is readily available for use 

can provide patients and 

relatives with a much more 

An artificial pancreas device 

could significantly improve 

For illustration only

glucose control. An artificial 

pancreas in the form of a dual-

SENSOR

108

convenient product, than what is currently available. In cases 

hormone (insulin + glucagon) 

of an acute, severe hypoglycemia event, this may lead to a 

pump has the potential to 

For illustration only

faster treatment.

significantly improve glucose 

control in diabetes. ZP4207 as the most advanced glucagon 

available for liquid formulation could provide basis for 

important advancements in the field.

24

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

ZP4207 (single-dose) 
Rescue treatment 

ZP4207 (multiple-dose) 
Component in artificial pancreas 

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

Preclinical

Phase I

In preparation for next clinical Phase

ZP4207 – A single-dose ready-to-use rescue treatment for severe hypoglycemia

ZP4207 for multiple-dose use has potential as an important component in an artificial pancreas

Zealand is developing its novel, stable glucagon analogue, ZP4207, as a single-dose rescue treatment for acute, severe 

The properties of ZP4207 indicate its relevance for multiple-dose use as a more general treatment to better manage low blood 

hypoglycemia. ZP4207 is well suited for liquid formulation and has potential to be offered as a ready-to-use rescue medication to 

sugar levels, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes who are treated with insulin. This could translate into an 

provide diabetes patients and caregivers a more convenient and faster treatment. 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March)

overall more effective glucose control to avoid long-term complications. We are preparing a multiple-dose version of ZP4207 for 

advancement into clinical Phase II trials as a potential component in a dual-hormone artificial pancreas system. 

• 

 Phase I completed with positive results showing that ZP4207 is safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers and patients with 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March)

Type 1 diabetes

• 

 In February 2016, Zealand dosed the first patients in a Phase II trial.

• 

• 

 In 2015, Zealand initiated and succesfully completed a Phase Ib trial of its stable glucagon analogue for multiple-dose use 

 A grant of USD 1.8 million from the Helmsley Charitable Trust received to fund initial clinical and pre-clinical activities.

ZP4207 Phase I results: Good safety and tolerability 

effect to that of a marketed native glucagon product. Patients 

Phase Ib trial design and results – safe and well-tolerated

Current treatments and the potential of an artificial pancreas

with the ability to effectively raise glucose levels  

in the trial will be randomized to one of four groups and four 

ZP4207 has been evaluated in a Phase Ib trial. Results have 

Currently, patients with Type 1 diabetes manually measure 

Zealand has evaluated ZP4207 in a single-dose Phase I  

different single doses of ZP4207 administered subcutaneously 

demonstrated that ZP4207 is safe and well-tolerated with the 

levels of glucose in their blood by either using the traditional 

two-part trial comparing ZP4207 to a marketed glucagon.  

after an insulin-induced hypoglycemia event. In the lowest 

ability to provide a clinically relevant blood glucose response 

method of pricking one’s finger, or by using a continuous 

In the trial: 64 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with Type 

dose group, a parallel design is applied, and in dosing groups 

after repeat daily dosing in healthy volunteers. 

glucose monitor (CGM). Based on these measurements, they 

1 diabetes were enrolled. They were treated with single 

2-4, patients will be dosed with both ZP4207 and a marketed 

must adjust glucose levels by taking multiple injections of 

ascending doses of 0.01 mg to 2.0 mg. 

glucagon in a crossover design. 

The Phase Ib clinical trial with ZP4207 was a randomized, 

insulin daily or by continually infusing insulin with a pump via 

Results showed that ZP4207 is safe and well-tolerated across 

For further details on the Phase II trial, see:  

primarily the safety and tolerability of the compound 

tremendous amount of manual effort by the user.

all doses evaluated. Furthermore, blood glucose levels were 

ClinicalTrials.gov – Identifier: NCT02660008.

after multiple dosing. Secondary endpoints measured the 

increased as expected across a broad dose range. In addition, 

pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (blood sugar levels) 

By automating detection of blood sugar levels and delivery 

ZP4207 showed the expected effects in raising blood glucose 

Existing glucagon rescue treatments 

of ZP4207 after multiple dosing. The trial was conducted at a 

of insulin in response to those levels, an artificial pancreas 

levels after insulin induced hypoglycemia in Type 1 diabetes 

– An underpenetrated market

clinical diabetes center in Germany and is planned to enroll 24 

has the potential to transform the lives of people with 

patients, similar to the effects of marketed glucagon.

Current glucagon treatments are solely available in the form 

healthy volunteers, who will receive three different cohorts of 

type 1 diabetes. Zealand is part of the Artificial Pancreas 

Phase II trial ongoing

of a lyophilized powder, which requires reconstitution with 

sterile water in a multi-step process before use. In the case of 

daily doses of ZP4207, each over five days. 

Project driven forward by JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research 

Foundation). 

double blind and placebo-controlled study to evaluate 

needles placed under the skin. This requires diligence and a 

In February 2016, Zealand dosed the first patients in a Phase II 

an acute, severe hypoglycemia event, this can lead to handling 

For further information on the Phase Ib trial, see:  

trial. 

errors, delayed administration of glucagon and results in 

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT02390141

The Phase II trial is a single-center, randomized, double-blind 

trial, which will enroll 56 patients with Type 1 diabetes. The 

Due to the complexity of the current glucagon rescue kits 

primary trial objective is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and 

many patients do not have a rescue kit with them at all times 

sub-optimal treatment. 

pharmacodynamics of ZP4207 to be able to fully compare its 

even though this is recommended by the ADA.

Professor, MD, Ph.D Kirsten Nørgaard, University Hospital of Hvidovre:

A severe hypoglycemic event  

– An abnormal drop in blood sugar

Hypoglycemia can happen suddently. Type 1 and 

Type 2 diabetes patients on insulin therapy are 

at risk of hypoglycemia because glucagon is not 

automatically released to raise blood glucose level.  

23% of Type 1 diabetes patients on insulin therapy fear 
to die of low blood sugar while they are sleeping.1

1   Survey conducted by YouGov 2013

Rikke Mikkelsen who has Type 1 diabetes – from the book 

“Angsten er der jo altid” (The fear is always there): 

“It has always been difficult for me to 
control my blood sugar and it has for 
example resulted in two car accidents.” 

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook
• 

 H2: Results from ongoing clinical Phase II trial

“Insulin pumps improve glucose control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. 
An important next step for better diabetes treatment would be the introduction 
of fully automated dual-hormone pumps providing both insulin and glucagon.”

S E N S O R

1 0 8

For illustration only

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook

• 

 H2: Advancement into the next clinical Phase to 

explore the use of ZP4207 in a dual-hormone 

artificial pancreas system.

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_ZP1848

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

ZP1848 

Preclinical

Phase I

Phase II

ZP1848  
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) 

SBS is a growing disease area of high unmet medical needs

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a serious and complex chronic 

disease associated with severely reduced or complete loss 

of intestinal function. The main underlying causes of SBS are 

Crohn’s disease, ischemia, radiation damage and colon cancer, 

which often result in surgical removal of smaller or larger parts 

of the small intestine and colon. Reduced intestinal function 

can also occur as a result of bowel damage.

Short bowel syndrome is a specialty disease area of increasing 

awareness. This is the result of improved treatment of the 

underlying causes combined with the increasing availability of 

nutritional support to help patients with SBS.

ZP1848 – An attractive treatment for short bowel syndrome (SBS)

ZP1848 is a novel, long-acting GLP-2 analogue with a unique stability profile in liquid formulation, which is invented and fully owned 

by Zealand. ZP1848 can be administered in a ready-to-use/pen devise which will give patients an easy-to-use treatment for SBS. Many 

patients are dependent on several hours of parental nutrition per day, and we are truly excited about the potential of releasing these 

patients of their burden. ZP1848 can potentially improve patients’ quality of life by reducing time on infusion and reduce number of days 

Healthy person

Patient with short bowel syndrome

on parenteral nutrition. 

Advancements in 2015 and 2016 (until 16 March)

• 

• 

 In September 2015, Zealand advanced ZP1848 into clinical Phase II development

In February 2016, the first patients with SBS were dosed in a clinical Phase II Proof-of-Concept trial

Short bowel syndrome – Treatment options

Serious challenges for SBS patients:

In preclinical studies, ZP1848 has shown efficacy on small 

In February 2016, Zealand dosed the first patients in the Phase II 

Depending on the severity of the disease the following 

treatment options for patients with SBS are available:

• 

• 

• 

 Increased food intake

 Parenteral (intravenous) nutrition from a catheter in up to 

16 hours a day
 Teduglutide (Gattex®), a short-acting GLP-2 analogue* 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Lack of ability to retain a proper fluid and nutritional balance

intestine growth and demonstrated the physico-chemical 

Proof-of-Concept trial with ZP1848. It is a randomized, double-

 Dependency on nutritional support, in the most severe cases 

properties of a long-acting, stable and soluble peptide 

blind, dose-finding trial to investigate the clinical efficacy and 

parenterally administered via central catheter

 Enormous fecal (often via stoma) and urinary output

 Severe co-morbidities in the form of malnutrition, liver and 

kidney damage and infections

therapeutic with the potential for convenient administration in 

safety of the compound in the treatment of SBS. The trial is 

liquid formulation.

conducted at the world-leading gastrointestinal center at the 

University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet), Denmark, 

Zealand has also investigated ZP1848 in a combined single 

and will enroll 18 patients with SBS.

• 

 Hospitalization and severely reduced quality of life

(SAD) and multiple (MAD) ascending dose Phase I trial. Results 

ZP1848 has attractive therapeutic potential for SBS

Clinical Phase II trial design and primary objective

SBS prevalence is increasing due to higher awareness and 

improving care:

EU = ~10,000-20,000 patients1

US = ~10,000-20,000 patients2

*  Annual cost of USD 410,000 per patient in the US. 

Sources: 

 1 Jeppesen PB. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2014;38  (suppl 1): 8S-13S.  
2 Byrne TA, et al. Ann Surg. 1995;222(3): 243-255

GLP-2 is an important intestinal hormone

Patient with short bowels syndrome:

GLP-2 (glucagon like peptide 2) is a naturally 

occurring peptide hormone produced primarily by 

the small intestine. It is secreted together with GLP-1 

in response to food ingestion and acts by binding to 

the GLP-2 receptor, which is predominantly found 

in the gastrointestinal tract. GLP-2 plays a key role 

in intestinal growth and formation by promoting 

regeneration of the epithelial surface of the gut and 

thus is an obvious therapeutic target in the field of 

gastrointestinal diseases. 

“It has turned our life upside down. 
We can’t travel, or plan anything. 
We don’t go out, we invite in, on our 
terms. You can’t live a normal life.”

from this trial demonstrated that ZP1848 is safe and well-

The primary objective of the trial is to assess the effect of 

tolerated with a supportive effect on bowel function. 

ZP1848 on improving patients’ intestinal absorption capacity 

measured as reduction in fecal wet weight output. 

For further information on the Phase II trial, see:  

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02690025

Phase II trial design: Double-blind, Proof-of-Concept, dose-finding trial (18 patients)

DOSE

High

CROSSOVER

DOSE

High

Screening 
and 
recruitment

Medium

Wash out

Medium

Follow-up

Timeline (days)

-21

T1

0

Low

Low

T2

21

T3

49

T4

70

105

Thomas Breuer, Clinical Trial Manager at Zealand: 

“Our Phase II trial is uniquely designed 
to provide clinical support for ZP1848 
as a potential new therapy and generate 
data to also better understand the 
disease and patients’ needs.”

2016 – Next steps and news flow outlook

• 

 In 2016, further development updates on the 

advancements of Phase II trial will be announced

• 

 Completion of end results from the Phase II trial 

are expected in 2017  

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
02_ZP2929

02_Preclinical proprietary projects

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Portfolio overview

2015 achievements

2016 achievements and news outlook

Lixisenatide

LixiLan

Elsiglutide

Boehringer Ingelheim collaborations

ZP4207

ZP1848

ZP2929

Preclinical proprietary projects

ZP2929  
Glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonist 

Preclinical 
proprietary projects 

Preclinical

Phase I

ZP2929 – A once-daily dual acting glucagon/GLP-1 peptide receptor agonist

ZP2929 is a once-daily dual acting glucagon/GLP-1 peptide receptor agonist, invented by Zealand. ZP2929 is in Phase I clinical 

development as a potential new treatment for patients with Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. 

Several late-stage preclinical projects

Our proprietary pipeline comprises several therapeutic peptides in preclinical development. Of these, the most advanced primarily 

target diabetes and obesity, while earlier projects focus more on specialty diseases. The below listed preclinical projects are the 

most advanced and they have been presented at diabetes conferences in the US and Europe. 

ZP2929 acts with high potency on both the glucagon and the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. In preclinical studies, 

ZP-I-98 is a novel GIP receptor agonist which in preclinical 

In preclinical studies ZP3022 has been shown to increase 

ZP2929 has shown the ability to improve glycemic control while causing a significant and sustained weight loss.

studies has shown an enhanced effect on the treatment of 

ß cell mass and improve glycemic control in db/db mice and 

GIP receptor agonist (ZP-I-98) – Type 2 diabetes

GLP-1-gastrin dual agonist (ZP3022) 

Preclinical results 

Obesity model (DIO mice)

Diabetes model (db/db mice)

be suitable for convenient once-weekly dosing. 

GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist 

Type 2 diabetes when combined with a GLP-1 receptor agonist 

Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. ZP3022 produces a unique 

by inducing both robust glycemic control as well as a greater 

gene expression response compared to exendin-4 given alone 

loss of body weight than seen with standalone treatments. 

or in combination with gastrin17 and may have therapeutic 

ZP-1-98 has a long-acting profile, which indicates that it could 

potential in the prevention/delay of ß cell dysfunction.

Body weight gain (g)
4

n = 9-10

3

2

1

0

-1

-2

-3

-4

HbA1c (%) Relative to day 0
1.50

n = 11

*

*

1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

0.00

-0.25

-0.50

0

7

14

21
Days of treatment

28

35

42

0

7

* p<0.001

14

21
Days of treatment

28

*

35

42

* p<0.001

GLP-1-GIP receptor dual agonist (ZP-DI-70) 

GLP-2 receptor agonists promote intestinal barrier function 

The potent and selective GLP-1-GIP receptor dual agonist is 

and can thereby help to reduce inflammation, associated 

a promising candidate for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes 

with obesity and diabetes. The hypothesis that by adding the 

with superior body weight lowering effect compared to 

effect of a GLP-2 receptor agonist to the established beneficial 

existing therapies. The in-vivo profile of the compound 

effects of a GLP-1 receptor agonist on glycemic control, may 

further suggests that ZP-DI-70 could be used as a 

therefore represent a novel strategy for treating diabetes. A 

convenient once-weekly treatment. The pharmacokinetic 

novel Zealand invented GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist, ZP-GG-72 

and pharmacodynamic preclinical results demonstrate 

has been evaluated for potency on GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptors 

the possibility of prolonging the activity of GLP1-GIP dual 

with pharmacological effects investigated in DIO (Diet 

agonists, which builds on existing evidence from animal 

Induced Obese) mice versus teduglutide (a GLP-2 analogue) 

studies which suggests that the anti-obesity efficacy of GLP-1 

and exendin-4 (a GLP-1 analogue). Results have shown that 

can be enhanced by co-administration with the incretin 

treatment with ZP-GG-72 cause an increase in intestinal 

ZP2929

Marketed GLP-1 agonist

Placebo

ZP2929

Marketed GLP-1 agonist

Placebo

hormone GIP. 

weight and improved glycemic control.

ZP2929: Additional data for FDA review

ZP2929 has been evaluated in the first part of a single-dose 

Phase I trial in healthy volunteers with no safety issues. 

Subsequently, the FDA has raised concerns regarding findings 

in a preclinical study and requested additional data to support 

ZP2929’s profile before accepting further clinical evaluation. 

We have been in an ongoing dialogue with the FDA to agree 

on what additional preclinical data to provide, and this data is 

currently being generated. 

2016 – next steps and news flow outlook

• 

 H1: Submission of additional preclinical data to 

the FDA. 

Protecting our peptide innovations 

through Intellectual Property

Protection of our proprietary peptide therapeutics, 

processes, technologies and know-how are essential. 

We own and license patents and focus intensively on 

building broad coverage and establishing a very solid 

patent portfolio that ensures maximum protection 

of our products and core technologies. The strategy 

also involves seeking broad protection for specific 

products and their formulation. The ultimate goal is 

to ensure that Zealand and its collaborative partners 

avoid or are aware of patent challenges that could 

obstruct any of their projects. 

Photo features Zealand employee:  
Kennet from Molecular Pharmacology working 
in one of Zealand’s laboratories.

Photo features Zealand employees:  
Charlotte from Pharmacology and Nina from Medicinal 
Chemistry working together in Zealand’s laboratories.

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
03_Corporate matters

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Corporate 
matters 

32

The people at Zealand and how 
we organize and manage our 
business.

Efficient management systems and a 
dynamic organization are important for 
developing our business and creating 
value for our patients and shareholders. 

However, the most essential element for 
our success is the skills and dedication of 
the people who work for and at Zealand. 

In 2015, we introduced new members to 
our Board of Directors as well as to our 
senior management team.

We strive to ensure openness and 
transparency and to provide stakeholders 
with relevant insight into our business 
and the way it is managed. 

Board of Directors 

Senior management 

Risk management and internal control 

Corporate Governance 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

Human Resources 

Shareholder information 

Financial review 

Photo features Zealand employees: 
Gitte, Marion and Helle from the Finance Department talking 
with Hans-Christian from Legal on the preparations for the 
Annual General Meeting 2016.

34

36

38

41

42

43

44

48

33

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
03_Board of Directors

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Board  
of Directors 

Martin Nicklasson

Rosemary Crane

Catherine Moukheibir

Chairman of the Board

Vice Chairman of the Board

Board member

Chairman of the Remuneration and 

Compensation Committee 

Qualifications

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Qualifications

Certified pharmacist

BA in communication from the  
State University of New York, MBA  

from Kent State University

Qualifications
MBA from Yale University

Alain Munoz

Board member

Peter Benson

Board member

Michael J. Owen

Board member

Qualifications

Qualifications

MD in Cardiology and Anesthesiology

MA in Business Economics

Qualifications

PhD in Biochemistry

Competencies

Competencies

Competencies

Competencies

Medical insight, substantial clinical 

Extensive managerial and strategic 

Broad operational, drug discovery and 

PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology

Competencies

Extensive experience with European 

and strategic experience in the field of 

experience and understanding within 

clinical expertise from the international 

Business insight and commercial 

biotech business models, financial 

pharmaceutical R&D.

the biotech industry.

biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Competencies

understanding of the US 

strategy and reporting.

Broad-based executive experience from 

pharmaceutical market.

positions in European pharmaceutical 

Member of the executive board of:

and biotech companies.

Member of the Board of:

Innate Pharma S.A.

Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries 

Chairman of the Board of:

Ltd., Oswego State University 

Member of the Board of:

Orexo AB, Farma Holding AS and  

Business School (Advisory board), 

Creabilis Ltd. (chairman), Ablynx S.A., 

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.

The Foundation Board of Oswego 

Cerenis Therapeutics Holding S.A. 

State University (Advisory board), 

and Imperial College Business School 

Member of the Board of:

The Transplant House Committee at 

(Advisory Board).

Biocrine AB, PledPharma AB, Premier 

University of Pennsylvania (Advisory 

Research Group Ltd and the Swedish 

board).

Heart-Lung Foundation.

Christian Thorkildsen

Helle Størum

Jens Peter Stenvang

Board member/employee elected

Board member/employee elected

Board member/employee elected

Project Director

Director of Business  Development

Senior Application Specialist

Qualifications

Cand.pharm. PMP

34

Qualifications

M.Sc. Business Administration

Diploma in Basic Pharmaceutical 

Medicine

Qualifications

Degree in biology

Chairman of the Board of:

Hybrigenics

Managing partner in:

Sunstone Capital

Member of the Board of:

Blink Biomedical SAS, Ossianix Inc., 

Avacta Group plc and ReNeuron Ltd. 

Member of the Board of:

Valneva SE and Oxthera AB.

Advisor to:

Kurma Biofund

Member of the Board of

plc.

Arcoma AB., Alligator Bioscience AB. 

and Opsona Therapeutics Ltd.

Advisor to:

Kymab Ltd., Qure Invest SARL and 

CRT Pioneer Fund LP.

Zealand’s Board of Directors 

Name 

Year of 
birth 

Natio- 
nality 

First time 
election 

Position  

Zealand 
ownership per
1 March 2016 
(no. of shares)

Martin Nicklasson 

Rosemary Crane 

Catherine Moukheibir 

Alain Munoz 

Peter Benson 

Michael J Owen 

Christian Thorkildsen 

Helle Størum 

Jens Peter Stenvang 

1955 

1960 

1959 

1949 

1955 

1951 

1968 

1967 

1954 

Swedish 

American 

British 

French 

Swedish 

British 

Danish 

Danish 

Danish 

2015 

2015 

2015 

Chairman 

Vice Chairman 

Chairman of Audit Committee 

2005* 

Board member 

2007 

2012 

2006 

2008 

2014 

Board member 

Board member 

Employee elected** 

Employee elected** 

Employee elected** 

-

-

-

5,250 

-

-

15,000 

7,500 

1,000 

*   Resigned in 2006 and was re-elected 2007
**  Employee elected board members are elected for a period of four years

35

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
03_Senior management

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Senior 
management 

Adam Steensberg
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical and Development Officer  

Hanne Leth Hillman
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications 

Adam Steensberg (Danish, born 1974) joined Zealand in 2010 

Hanne Leth Hillman (Danish, born 1965) joined Zealand as 

as Head of Clinical Development. Since 2011 he has been 

Vice President for IR and Communications in 2011 and was 

leading all development activities and was promoted to Senior 

promoted to Senior Vice President in March 2015. 

Vice President and Chief Medical and Development Officer in 

March 2015.

Prior to joining Zealand, Hanne served in positions with 

responsibility for Investor Relations, financial market relations 

Prior to joining Zealand, Adam led clinical research teams as 

and corporate communications at two other publicly listed 

medical director at Novo Nordisk A/S, and worked as clinician 

biotech companies. She has more than ten years of broad-

at the University hospital of Copenhagen. Adam has served as 

based experience from Life Science banking, having held 

medical and scientific advisor within endocrinology, cardiology, 

senior positions in equity research, asset management and 

gastroenterology, and rheumatology. He has significant 

corporate finance.

experience with leading regulatory strategies and has been 

instrumental in implementing a patient-centric discovery and 

Hanne holds an MBA in International Finance from the Aarhus 

development process at Zealand. Adam has published more 

University School of Business and has studied International 

than 45 peer-reviewed scientific papers in international journals.

Economics at the University of Montréal’s Business School and 

Adam holds a Doctor of medicine followed by a Doctor of 

Co-Chairman of the Board in the Danish Investor Relations 

at École Superieure de Commerce in Marseille, France. She is 

Medical Sciences (DMSc/ dr.med) from the University of 

Association (DIRF). 

Copenhagen, Denmark and an MBA from IMD, Switzerland.

Ownership: 72,000 warrants / 11,500 shares

Ownership: 62,000 warrants 

From left to right: Mats Blom, Hanne Leth Hillman, Britt Meelby Jensen, Adam Steensberg and Carlos de Sousa

Zealand’s Executive management comprises of Britt Meelby Jensen and Mats Blom.

Britt Meelby Jensen
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

Mats Blom
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Carlos de Sousa
Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer (CBO) 

Andrew Parker  (Joining Zealand 1 July 2016)
Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer (CSO)  

Britt Meelby Jensen (Danish, born 1973) joined Zealand as 

Mats Blom (Swedish, born 1965) joined Zealand as CFO in 

Carlos de Sousa (Portuguese, born 1958) joined Zealand in 

Andrew Parker (1965, British) comes from a position as General 

CEO in January 2015. Prior to joining Zealand, she headed the 

March 2010. Prior to joining Zealand, Mats served as CFO at 

December 2015 as Senior Vice President, and Chief Business 

Partner and Scientific Director for the Life Sciences Investment 

world leading Agilent-owned Danish diagnostics company, 

Swedish Orphan International a leading European orphan drug 

Officer.

Dako, as the company’s CEO.

company.

Fund Eclosion2 & Cie SCPC in Switzerland. In parallel, he has 

held the position as CEO for Arisgen SA (an Eclosion2 portfolio 

For the last 25 years, Carlos held numerous senior 

company developing an oral peptide drug delivery technology). 

Britt has extensive experience from a range of managerial 

Mats has extensive managerial experience and has held CFO 

management positions in the international pharmaceutical 

positions within the life science industry, including 11 years of 

positions at Active Biotech and Anoto both publicly listed on 

and biotech industries, including roles at Nycomed/

Andrew has more than twenty years of experience from 

international experience with Novo Nordisk. At Novo Nordisk, 

Nasdaq Stockholm. Previously, Mats worked for several years 

Takeda, Pfizer, Novartis, BBB Therapeutics and Newron 

senior leadership and managerial positions in international 

she held various global leadership positions, including head 

as a management consultant at Gemini Consulting and at 

Pharmaceuticals. Throughout his career, Carlos has worked 

pharmaceutical, biotech and start-up companies, including 

of Diabetes Marketing Nordic, Global Diabetes Lifecycle 

Ernst & Young’s Transaction Services division.

extensively with business development including in-licensing, 

several years with Shire Pharmaceuticals, Opsona 

Management, prelaunch commercial projects and more 

partnering, mergers and acquisition, corporate leadership, 

Therapeutics, and AstraZeneca to mention a few. 

recently Corporate Vice President for Global Marketing, Market 

Mats holds a BA in Business Administration and Economics 

strategy, marketing and medical affairs.

Access and Commercial Excellence.

from the University of Lund followed by an MBA from IESE 

He holds a Ph.D. from the National Institute for Medical 

University of Navarra, Barcelona. 

Carlos de Sousa is a Medical Doctor by training and holds an 

Research at Mill Hill, London, conducted post-doctoral 

Previously, Britt has worked for McKinsey and Company and 

executive MBA from the Stern School of Business, New York.

research at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, USA, 

within the EU Institutions in Brussels. She has a M.Sc. from 

Mats is Chairman of the Board for Medical Need AB.

Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and an MBA from 

Solvay Business School in Brussels, Belgium.

and also has an MBA from the University of Warwick Business 

School, UK. Andrew has published more than 25 scientific 

articles in renowned international journals.

Ownership: 100,000 warrants

Ownership: 137,038 warrants / 110,000 shares

Ownership: -

Ownership: -

36

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
 
03_Risk management

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Risk management and 
internal control 

At Zealand, we constantly monitor and assess both the overall risk of doing 
business in the pharmaceutical biotech industry and the particular risks 
associated with our current activities and corporate profile.

Below is a summary of Zealand’s key risk areas and how we 

Doing business in the pharmaceutical / biotech industry 

Zealand’s management is responsible for implementing 

Risks of specific/particular importance to Zealand are scientific 

attempt to address and mitigate such risks. Environmental and 

involves major financial risk. The development period for novel 

adequate systems and policies on risk management and 

and development risks, commercial risks, intellectual property 

ethical risks are covered in our Corporate Social Responsibility 

medicines typically stretches over many years; costs are high 

internal control and to assess the overall risks and specific 

risks, partner interest risks, financial risks and risks relating to 

reporting.

and the probability of reaching the market is relatively low due 

risks associated with Zealand’s business and operations. 

financial reportings. Risk and mitigation plans are monitored 

to developmental and regulatory hurdles.

Furthermore, Zealand’s management seeks to ensure that 

by Management and this continuous risk assessment is 

such risks are managed best possible in a responsible and 

an integral part of the quarterly reporting to the Board of 

efficient manner.  

Directors.

Risk related to

Risk description

Risk mitigation

Risk related to

Risk description

Risk mitigation

Research and 

Research and development of new  

During the course of the research and  

Intellectual 

If Zealand or its partners were to face 

Zealand’s internal patent department work in close 

development

pharmaceutical medicines is by its nature 

development process Zealand regularly assesses these 

property

infringement claims or challenges by 

collaboration with external patent councils and  partners 

a very risky activity. The probability of 

risks through a quarterly risk assessment of all the 

third parties, an adverse outcome could 

patent councils to minimize the risks of patent infringement 

discovering and developing an efficient 

company’s research and development projects conducted 

subject Zealand or its partners to significant 

claims as well as to prepare any patent defense should it be 

and safe new medicine with strong IP 

by Management in collaboration with the department 

protection is very low.

heads and project managers and presented to the Board 

of Directors. Each project is described and progress is 

measured based on milestones. An individual risk analysis 

for each of the projects is conducted and a prioritizing of 

the project portfolio is performed.

Commercial 

Commercial activities relates to market 

From early on in the research phase and all the way 

activities

size, competition, development time and 

through development, commercial risks are assessed to 

costs, partner interest and pricing.

make sure that final products are potentially commercially 

By having the first products on the market 

the risks relating to pricing, reimbursement 

and competition has increased. 

viable. Any major changes in the commercial potential for 

a drug candidate can lead to reduced value prospects and 

eventually discontinued development.

When it comes to the launched partnered products, it is 
Zealand’s partners that are responsible for managing the 

commercial risks. However, Zealand stay in close contact 

with its partners to be able to assess these risks and if 

possible support our partners in managing them.

liabilities to such third parties. This could 

necessary.

lead Zealand or its partners to curtail or 

cease the development of some or all of 

their candidate drugs, or cause Zealand’s 

partners to seek legal or contractual 

remedies against Zealand including, in some 

cases, a reduction of royalties owing to 

Zealand.

Zealand employees are educated and kept updated on 

policies regarding the proper and legal management of 

external intellectual property.  

Partner 

interest

Entering into collaborations with partners 

In order to mitigate these risks, Zealand strives to foster a 

can bring significant benefits but also 

close and open dialogue with its partners, thereby building 

potentially involves risks. In addition, full 

strong partnerships that work effectively.

control of the products is often given over 

to the collaborator.

Zealand has also taken a decision to increase the focus on 

proprietary programs in order to decrease the dependency 

of partners in the development process and to capture more 

of the value of its projects.

Financial

Financial risks relate to cash and treasury  

The financial risks are managed in accordance with the 

management, liquidity forecasts and 

Finance Policy and regularly assessed by the company’s 

financing opportunities.

management and reported to the audit committee and the 

Board of Directors. See also page 77; Note 21 – Financial 

and operational risk.

38

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
03_Corporate Governance

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Corporate 
Governance 

Risk management and internal control 
related to financial reporting

Zealand follows the Danish securities law and as a company listed on Nasdaq
Copenhagen, we are guided by the Corporate Governance Recommendations
designated by Nasdaq Copenhagen.

Zealand has a number of internal control and risk  

The Board of Directors approves policies and procedures and 

Nasdaq Copenhagen has incorporated the Recommendations 

recommendations. The reason is that the Board of Directors’ 

management systems in place to ensure that its financial 

senior management has the daily responsibility. The Board 

by the Danish Committee of Corporate Governance, and 

is of the conviction that the external advisors will provide 

statements provide a true and fair view and is in accordance 

of Directors has established an audit committee with an 

Zealand intends to meet these recommendations in all 

professional and unbiased advice in both their capacities as 

with the International Financial Reporting Standards as 

advisory role relative to the Board of Directors. The Board of 

respects of material relevance to our company. As part of 

advisers to the executive management and to the remuneration 

adopted by the EU and Danish disclosure requirements for 

Directors has concluded that it is not relevant to establish an 

our Corporate Governance policy, we apply the “comply or 

committee. 

listed companies. On a yearly basis, an evaluation – with 

internal audit function in Zealand, considering Zealand’s legal 

explain” principle as recommended.

special emphasis on risk management and internal control 

structure, size and the fact that operations are carried out at 

Recommendations section 4.1.4: The Committee 

related to the financial reporting – is done to ensure that risks 

one single site. 

are managed in a responsible and efficient manner.

Zealand regularly reviews its rules, policies and practices 

recommends that if share-based remuneration is provided, 

related to the overall governance of our company with 

such programs should be established as roll-over programs, 

Description of management reporting 

the purpose of ensuring that we meet our obligations to 

i.e. the options are granted periodically and should have a 

Zealand has several policies and procedures in key areas of 

systems and internal control systems

shareholders, employees, regulatory authorities and other 

maturity of at least three years from the date of allocation. 

financial reporting. The internal control and risk management 

Zealand has management reporting and internal control 

stakeholders, while serving to maximize long-term value.

Some of the warrants granted to executive management can 

systems are designed to mitigate, detect and correct material 

systems in place that enables it to monitor performance, 

be exercised in a period from one to five years after grant.

misstatements rather than eliminate the risks identified in the 

strategy, operations, business environment, organization, 

It is the view of management that Zealand complies with the 

financial reporting process.

procedures, funding, risk and internal control. The company 

recommendations set forward with two exceptions, which is 

Zealand’s statutory report on Corporate Governance, which 

A review and prioritization of material accounting items is also 

to avoid misstatements in the financial reporting.

Statements Act, section 107b, is available in full at the 

performed. Items in the financial statements that are based on 

Recommendations section 3.4.8: The remuneration committee 

company’s website:  

estimates or that are generated through complex processes 

A full description of the risk management and internal control 

will be using the same external advisors as the executive 

www.zealandpharma.com/investors/corporategovernance

carry a relatively higher risk for error. Zealand performs 

system in relation to financial reporting is included in the 

management, even if this is against the Corporate Governance 

believes that the reporting and internal controls are adequate 

highlighted and explained below: 

has been prepared in accordance with the Danish Financial 

continual risk assessments to identify such items and to assess 

statutory report on Corporate Governance, cf. section 107b of 

the scope and related risk.

the Danish Financial Statements Act, which can be found on 

the company’s website:  

www.zealandpharma.com/investors/corporategovernance

40

41

Photo features Zealand employee: Mette from Medicinal Chemistry working in Zealand’s laboratories.

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
03_CSR

03_HR

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Corporate Social 
Responsibility (CSR) 

Human Resources 

At Zealand we are developing our company both through in-house 
development and through external collaborations while we are committed 
to be socially and environmentally responsible and comply with relevant 
laws, standards and guidelines. 

We have a lean organization that helps to keep us agile and efficient. We have 
an inclusive corporate culture where we care about our colleagues, our external 
stakeholders and not least the people we develop medicines for.

Zealand’s policies with regards to CSR cover many areas of our business. 
Our CSR status report describe the status and activities within the 
following focus areas considered important to Zealand’s business:

At Zealand, we have an engaging and dynamic work environment that is 
driven by our core values:

1. Employee well-being including 

health, safety and labor practices

2. Ethics and quality in relation to 

research and development activities

We prioritize the well-being of our employees and it is 

Our quality policies comply with international 

our policy to actively ensure the physical and mental 

recognized standards and guidelines in all stages  

health and safety of all our employees.

of research and development. 

Passionate

Courageous

Ambitious

Curious

Empathetic

We are dedicated 

We speak our 

We challenge 

We approach every 

We care for our 

and determined to 

mind and dare to 

ourselves everyday

new idea and 

colleagues and the 

excel our goals

challenge

opportunity in an open 

people we discover 

and receptive way

medicine for

3. Environmental sustainability and climate

4. Business ethics

We aim to reduce the impact on  

the environment and climate.

We strive to conduct business according  

to the highest ethical standards.

We strive to attract and retrain the most qualified employees 

Key employee ratios

Employees at Zealand are our most important resource, and 

it is important for us to attract and retain skilled people with 

curiosity, engagement and determination who have the ability 

with integrity and rational to interact constructively with both 

colleagues and partners to deliver on our ambitious corporate 

goals. 

2015 
2014 
Male  Female  Male  Female

2014 

2015 

Zealand Pharma A/S  48% 

52% 

46% 

54%

Executive  
management 

50% 

50% 

100% 

0%

Senior management  60% 

40% 

60% 

40%

Head of departments  59% 

41% 

73% 

27%

Diversity at Zealand

whereas the senior management team constitutes 40% 

Zealand’s culture and policy is rooted in a respect of diversity 

women end of 2015 (2014: 40%). When looking at the gender 

We work with developing our employees’ competencies 

as knowledge and experience are the key to our success 

and is fully compliant with Danish regulation regarding equal 

split for the head of departments, 41% were female end of 

as a biotech company. We believe that an experienced 

Other employees 

46% 

54% 

40% 

60%

opportunity employment. 

2015 (2014: 27%).

management team and a talented pool of employees’ with 

profound experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech 

Other employee figures 

Zealand is committed to hiring and retaining the most 

Furthermore, when looking at the members of the Board of 

industry and with diverse backgrounds is the best way to drive 

qualified employees without regard to race, creed, gender or 

Directors, we currently constitute 3 women and 6 men, of 

performance and innovative thinking. 

age, but strives for diversity throughout the organization with 

which 2 women and 4 men have been elected at the Annual 

respect to age, nationality and gender. Moreover, Zealand aims 

General Meeting (AGM) 2015 (33% female representation). The 

We have an even distribution of female and male employees 

to achieve a reasonable representation of both genders on 

target in 2014 was a minimum of 25% AGM elected female 

and approximately 19% of our employees are non-Danish. 

all management levels – from Board of Directors to head of 

board members within 2 years. This target has been achieved 

>80% of the employees work in R&D and 37 of our employees 

departments. We will encourage female candidates’ interest in 

by the election of Rosemary Crane and Catherine Moukheibir 

holds a PhD. 

taking on managerial tasks. 

at the AGM in 2015.

Our split of female vs. male employees can be seen on page 

Read the full CSR report 

43 in the table “key employee ratios”.  

Zealand has in accordance with the Danish Financial 

The executive management has an even split of female and 

report on CSR, which can be found on the company’s website:

male representation in 2015 (2014: 0% female representation), 

www.zealandpharma.com/investors/csr

Statements Act, section 99a and 99b, prepared a statutory 

Employees in R&D 

Employees in administration 

Average age of workforce 

% of non-Danish employees 

Employees holding a PhD 

PhD students 

Other trainees 

2015 

2014

91 

21 

46,1 

19% 

37 

3 

3 

78

19

45.0

22%

34

3

1

FTE at the end of the year 

110 

103

42

43

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
03_Shareholder information

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Shareholder 
information 

Zealand’s shares are publicly listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen

Significant share price increase in 2015

Number of shares, end 2015 

24,352.769

Listing 

Ticker symbol 

Nasdaq Copenhagen

ZEAL.CO

Index membership 

OMX Copenhagen Midcap

Share capital and ownership structure

Zealand’s share capital increased in 2015 due to exercise of 

representing an increase of 112%. In February, we crossed a 

employee warrants 

milestone, when the number of shareholders passed 10,000.

As per 31 December 2015, Zealand’s share capital had a 

nominal value of DKK 24,352,769 divided into 24,352,769 

On 1 March 2016, Zealand had 10,720 registered shareholders, 

shares with a nominal value of DKK 1 each. The share capital 

representing a total of 21,917,836 shares or 90% of the total 

has remained unchanged in 2016 (as per 15 March). 

outstanding share capital of the company. 

In 2015, the share capital was increased by a nominal value of 

Ownership distribution

DKK 1,159,722 as a result of the exercise of employee warrants. 

Of Zealand’s share capital, 60% is held by Danish investors. 

All Zealand shares are ordinary shares, belonging to one class. 

LD, represent combined 34% and retail investors about 19%. 

Each share listed by name in Zealand’s shareholder registry 

Of registered non-Danish shareholders, 15% are US-based 

represents 1 vote at the Annual General Meeting and other 

and another 15% are European, with France and the UK 

Hereof, the two largest shareholders, Sunstone Capital and 

DKK
200

175

150

125

100

75

50

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

2015

2016

Zealand Pharma
Euro STOXX Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology

Nasdaq Biotechnology
OMX Copenhagen Mid Cap

Share price performance and liquidity 

shareholder assemblies. 

representing the largest holdings.

Zealand’s share price increased 83% in 2015

In parallel, we succeeded in progressing and expanding 

In 2015, Zealand’s share price increased 83%, closing at DKK 

our own proprietary pipeline, including the initiation of 

A doubling of the number of shareholders since  

Through 2015, there has been a slight shift in ownership from 

151.50 on 30 December 2015 compared to a closing price of 

two new clinical development programs with ZP4207 for 

the start of 2015

Denmark to Europe.

The number of registered Zealand shareholders has more 

DKK 83 at the end of 2014. With this increase, Zealand shares 

hypoglycaemia management and with ZP1848 for short bowel 

significantly outperformed all relevant benchmark indexes, 

syndrome.

than doubled during 2015 and further increased into 2016. 

Of the 10% of non-registered shareholdings, about half is 

including the OMX Copenhagen Midcap index, the EuroSTOXX 

From 4,549 registered shareholders on 31 December 2014, 

estimated to be held by US institutional shareholders and 

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology index as well as Nasdaq 

Our strong news flow has continued into 2016, where our 

the number has grown to 9,689 on 31 December 2015, 

another half by non-Danish European institutional shareholders. 

Biotechnology index. With this share price development 

share price, however, has been negatively affected by a 

Geographical distribution and ownership

Ownership

The strong outperformance of Zealand’s shares was driven 

investors in the US. During January and February, our shared 

and the increase in share capital, Zealand’s Market Value has 

strong deterioration in investor appetite due to growing 

almost doubled in 2015 from DKK 1.9 billion to DKK 3.7 billion. 

macroeconomic uncertainly – in particular as a spill-over 

effect from a very negative sentiment among biotech 

10%

15%

15%

Denmark
North America

EU
Non-registered

60%

44

The following shareholders are registered in Zealand’s register 

mainly by a positive and high-frequent news flow through 

underperformed both Danish midcap and biotech indexes in 

of shareholders as being the owners of minimum 5% of the 

voting rights or minimum 5% of the share capital (1 share 

equals 1 vote):

Sunstone BI Funds and Life Science Ventures Fund,  

Copenhagen, Denmark

LD Pension (Lønmodtagernes Dyrtidsfond),  

Copenhagen, Denmark

Legg Mason (Royce) Inc.,  

Maryland, US

2015 with considerable progress for both our portfolio 

the US and Europe, but performance has picked up positively 

of out-licensed products and our pipeline of proprietary 

since mid-February. 

investigational medicines. In particular, have the important 

advancements for lixisenatide, which was filed for US 

Positive development in share liquidity

regulatory review in July, and most notably for the fixed-ratio 
combination of lixisenatide and Lantus® (referred to as LixiLan) 
with positive results in two Phase III trial, under our license 

Liquidity in Zealand’s share has also increased significantly 

in 2015. Average daily turnover on Nasdaq Copenhagen in 

2015 has almost 10-doubled to an average of close to DKK 

collaboration with Sanofi, impacted positively. This positive 

14 million compared to DKK 1.4 million in 2014. In 2016, with 

development was accentuated in December 2015 with Sanofi’s 

the downturn in market sentiment and in particular a marked 

submission of LixiLan for regulatory approval in the US, 

increase in risk aversion, liquidity in our shares has fallen to 

redeeming a Priority Review Voucher in the filing to decrease 

approximately DKK 12 million in daily turnover.

the regulatory review time from 10 to six months. 

45

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Investor Relations at Zealand

In line with the disclosure requirements for companies 

IR Newsletters

listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen, Zealand issues company 

In addition, we issue online IR newsletters on a regular 

announcements to inform publicly of material news relating 

basis to update on recent news and the status of our 

to the company and its activities. This include issuance of 

activities. Under the investor section of Zealand’s website: 

Calendar 2016

Event calendar

Date 

Event

quarterly interim financial reports. In addition, Zealand issues 

zealandpharma.com/investors, we provide access to relevant 

31 Mar 

Oddo Biotech / Medtech Investor Forum, Paris

press releases to inform of business news of non-material 

information in the form of all our news releases, our IR 

character, and Investor News to inform of upcoming IR news 

newsletters. investor presentations, our IR event calendar, 

and events.

and recent financial and annual reports. Zealand can also be 

Direct access to management 

Zealand’s objective is to have an open, accessible and 

Register on our website to get news  

proactive interaction with the investor community. Our main 

and IR newsletters directly

followed on Twitter and LinkedIn. 

4-6 Apr 

Bio-Europe Spring, Stockholm

12-13 Apr 

Needham & Company’s 15th Annual Healthcare Conference, New York

12-13 Apr 

2016 Danish Biotech Conference, New York

10-11 May 

BioEquity Europe 2016, Copenhagen

6-9 Jun 

2016 BIO Internaional Convention, San Francisco

IR activities consist of direct access to the management team 

Zealand has shifted almost entirely to online 

7-9 Jun 

Goldman Sachs 37th Annual Global Healthcare conference, Palos Verdes, CA

via conference calls and webcasts, Capital Market Days, 

communication and provision of information in order 

conference attendance and 1-to-1 meetings in both the US 

to protect the environment and minimize administrative 

and the main cities in Europe. 

expenditures. Therefore, we kindly ask all our shareholders 

to register their email address via our homepage under  

zealandpharma.com/investors/shareholder-portal

Zealand shares are covered by eight Scandinavian 

Hanne Leth Hillman, M.Sc., Senior Vice President and  

and International banks:

Head of Investor Relations & Communications:

Institution 

Analyst

Bryan, Garnier & Co 

Danske Bank 

Goldman Sachs 

Handelsbanken 

Jefferies 

Nordea 

Eric le Berrigaud

Thomas Bowers

Eleanor Fung

Peter Sehested

Peter Welford

Michael Novod

Oddo Securities – Oddo & Cie 

Sébastien Malafosse

Rx Securities 

Samir Devani

Retaining strong and trustful relations 
is essential for our success. Therefore it 
remains a key focus area for us, across 
our business, to have an open, engaging 
and respectful dialogue with our 
shareholders and all other stakeholders 
as we progress our company.

Contact IR 

We encourage our shareholders, 

Zealand Pharma A/S

Hanne Leth Hillman

investors, analysts and other 

Smedeland 36

Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations  

stakeholders to contact us with 

DK-2600 Glostrup

and Communications

questions or enquiries relating to 

Denmark

Phone: +45 50 60 36 89

Zealand – and if there is an interest 

e-mail: investors@zealandpharma.com

to meet.

46

7-10 Jun 

Jefferies 2016 Healthcare Conference, New York

7 Jun 

InvestorDagen, Aarhus

10-14 Jun 

American Diabetes Association (ADA) 76th Scientific Sessions, New Orleans

21 Jun 

Citi’s EU Healthcare Conference, London

9 Sep 

Goldman Sachs Third Annual Biotech Symposium, London

12-16 Sep 

52nd EASD Annual Meeting, Munich

20 Sep 

InvestorDagen, Copenhagen

27-28 Oct 

11th Annual Peptide Therapeutics Symposium, La Jolla, California

An updated version of the event calendar is always available on zealandpharma.com/investors/events

Financial calendar

Date 

Event

19 Apr 

Annual General Meeting for 2016 

18 May  

Interim report for Q1 2016 

25 Aug 

Interim report for H1 2016 

9 Nov  

Interim report for 9 months 2016 

Photo features Zealand employee:
Hanne from IR and Communications presenting 
Zealand at an international IR conference. 

47

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
03_Financial review

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Board of Directors

Senior management

Risk management and internal control

Corporate Governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Human Resources

Shareholder information

Financial review

Financial  
review 

Financial review for the period 1 January – 31 December 2015

Operating result

Royalty bond

Operating result for the period was a loss of DKK -81.3 million 

On 12 December 2014, Zealand raised USD 50 / DKK 298.7 

Since there is no significant difference in the development 

Royalty expenses

of the group and the parent company, except for the royalty 

Royalty expenses for the year amounted to DKK 22.3 million 

Net financial items 

(-73.5). 

million in a non-dilutive and non-recourse bond financing 

backed by 86.5% of the future annual royalties and other 

payments which the company is entitled to on lixisenatide 

bond, the financial review is based on the group’s consolidated 

(13.8) and relates to royalty paid to third parties on received 

Net financial items amounted to DKK -38.5 million (1.0). Net 

as stand-alone product under its license agreement with 

financial information for the year ended 31 December, 2015, 

milestone payments and royalty income relating to the license 

financial items consist of interest income and expenses, 

Sanofi. Repayment of the bond is based solely on lixisenatide 

with comparative figures for 2014 in brackets.

agreement with Sanofi.

amortized costs relating to the royalty bond financing, banking 

stand-alone royalty revenue with no recourse to future royalty 

fees and changes in exchange rates. Of the net financial items 

revenue on LixiLan. Regulatory milestone payments, to which 

Income statement

Research and development expenses

DKK 32.0 million is related to interest on the royalty bond and 

Zealand is entitled on lixisenatide and LixiLan, will as part of 

The net result for the year 2015 was a loss of DKK -114.0 

Research and development expenses amounted to DKK 215.0 

DKK 9.3 million is related to amortized costs of the royalty bond 

the financing be placed in a collateral reserve account, which 

million (-65.0). The decrease in net result is a consequence 

million (180.0). The increase is related to accelerated  

financing. 

mainly of increased financial costs relating to interest on the 

development activities amounting to DKK 27.1 million, mainly 

can never exceed the remaining principal on the loan, and 

which will be released to Zealand upon full repayment of the 

royalty bond, increased net operating expenses partly offset 

development costs for the ZP4207 Phase I trial conducted 

Result from ordinary activities before tax

bond. The outstanding principal of the loan at year end 2015 

by increased revenues.

Revenue

in Germany and preparation costs for the ZP1848 (short 

bowel syndrome) Phase II trial conducted at Rigshospitalet, 

Copenhagen. The research and development share of the 

Result from ordinary activities before tax came to a loss of DKK 

were DKK 341.5 million (306.1). The increase is a result of the 

-119.8 million (-72.5). 

strengthening of the US dollar versus the Danish crown.

Revenue in 2015 amounted to DKK 187.7 million (153.8). 

personnel costs amounted to DKK 93.0 million (85.7), an 

Tax on ordinary activities

The bond carries an annual interest rate of 9.375% and upon 

increase of DKK 7.3 million which is related to employee 

With a negative result from ordinary activities, no tax has been 

full repayment of the bond, all further future lixisenatide 

In October, Boehringer Ingelheim selected a novel peptide 

warrant programs granted in 2015. In 2014, only one program 

recorded for the period. However, according to Danish tax 

revenue will be fully retained by Zealand.

therapeutic to be advanced into preclinical development 

was granted to one member of senior management.  

legislation Zealand is eligible to receive DKK 5.9 million (7.5) in 

under one of two ongoing collaboration agreements resulting 

in a milestone of DKK 22.4 / EUR 3 million. In December, 

Administrative expenses

cash relating to the tax loss of 2015. 

Cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to DKK 

Sanofi submitted an NDA for LixiLan leading to a milestone 

Administrative expenses amounted to DKK 44.6 million (39.8). 

No deferred tax asset has been recognized in the statement of 

-225.4 million (-42.2), and cash flow from investing activities 

payment of DKK 136.6 / USD 20 million. Total milestones in 

The increase is mainly due to employee warrant programs 

financial position due to uncertainty as to when and whether 

amounted to DKK -4.0 million (19.8) of which DKK 0.0 

2015 amounted to DKK 159.1 million (133.5) corresponding to 

granted in 2015.

tax losses can be utilized.

a 19% increase versus previous year.

million (24.4) relates to disposal of securities. Cash flow from 

financing activities amounted to DKK 96.4 million (272.2) and 

Royalty revenue from sales of Lyxumia® continued to grow and 
amounted to DKK 28.6 million (20.3) corresponding to a 41% 

Other operating income

Net result and comprehensive income

relates to capital increase due to exercise of warrants and 

Other operating income amounted to DKK 12.8 million (6.3). 

Net result and comprehensive income both amounted to DKK 

the 2014 amount related to net proceeds from the royalty 

Other operating income mainly consists of funding from 

-114.0 million (-65.0) in each case due to the factors described 

bond financing. The total cash flow for the full year of 2015 

increase versus previous year.

Boehringer Ingelheim covering the development costs in one 

above.

amounted to DKK -133.0 million (249.8).

of the research collaborations.

Allocation of result

Cash and cash equivalents

No dividend has been proposed and the year’s net loss of DKK 

As of 31 December 2015, cash and cash equivalents amounted 

Lyxumia® royalty revenue

Net operating expenses

-114.0 million (-65.0) has been transferred to retained earnings.

to DKK 440.2 million (538.3). 

DKKm

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

DKKm

250

200

150

100

50

0

2013

2014

2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Net R&D expenses

Administrative expenses

Equity

Equity amounts to DKK 252.2 million (252.8) at the end of the 

Cash and securities

year, corresponding to an equity ratio of 38% (42). The decrease 

in equity is a result of the net loss for the year of DKK -114.0 

million (-65.0) compensated by new equity relating to the 

exercise of warrants by employees during the year of DKK 96.4 

million (0.0) and warrant compensation expenses of DKK 16.9 

million (1.7).

Capital expenditure

Investments in plant and equipment for the period amounted 

to DKK 4.0 million (4.5) mainly related to new laboratory 

equipment.

DKKm

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

48

49

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management reviewZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Management review 
04_Financial statements

04_Statement of comprehensive income

04_Income statements

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Financial 
statements

Income statement 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Statement of financial position 

Statement of changes in equity 

Statement of cash flows 

Notes 

Statement of the Board of Directors  
and executive management 

Independent auditors report 

51

51

52

53

54

55

78

79

Financial statements 

Income statement

DKK ’000 

Revenue 

Royalty expenses 

Gross profit 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating result 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Result from ordinary activities before tax 

Tax on ordinary activities 

Net result for the year 

Earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

Note 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

2 

3 

4, 21 

4, 21 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

9 

187,677 

-22,267 

153,773 

-13,776 

22,491 

0 

141,585

-12,129

165,410 

139,997 

22,491 

129,456

-214,959 

-180,036 

-214,167 

-180,036

-44,606 

-39,826 

12,828 

-81,327 

6,328 

-73,537 

-43,938 

12,828 

-39,826

6,328

-222,786 

-84,078

3,889 

-42,394 

3,064 

-2,017 

1,444 

-306 

3,064

-64

-119,832 

-72,490 

-221,648 

-81,078

5,875 

7,500 

5,875 

7,500

-113,957 

-64,990 

-215,773 

-73,578

-4.82 

-4.82 

-2.87 

-2.87 

-9.13 

-9.13 

-3.25

-3.25

Statement of comprehensive income

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Net result for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-215,773 

-73,578

0 

0 

0 

0

Comprehensive income for the year 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-215,773 

-73,578

50

51

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04_Statement of financial position

04_Statement of changes in equity

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Financial statements 

Financial statements 

Statement of financial position at 31 December

Statement of changes in equity

DKK ’000 

Note 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

DKK ’000 

Assets 
Plant and machinery 

Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Deposits 

Non current assets total 

Trade receivables 

Receivable from subsidiaries 

Prepaid expenses 

Tax receivable 

Other receivables 

Cash restricted 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Current assets total 

Total assets 

Liabilities and equity 
Share capital 

Retained earnings 

Equity total 

Royalty bond 

Non-current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Royalty bond 

Prepayments from customers 

Other liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

10 

10 

10 

11 

12 

13 

8 

14 

15 

15 

16 

17 

17 

18 

19 

14,672 

1,153 

628 

0 

2,666 

19,119 

15,994 

1,573 

1,060 

0 

2,693 

21,320 

141,120 

25,031 

0 

2,262 

5,875 

0 

2,209 

6,250 

26,113 

3,6733,673 

21,403 

2121,424 

418,796 

615,569 

516,849 

575,436 

14,672 

1,153 

628 

380 

2,666 

19,499 

313 

3,549 

2,242 

5,875 

10,627 

0 

15,994

1,573

1,060

380

2,693

21,700

12,843

11,727

2,209

6,250

22,694

0

Group
Equity at 1 January 2014 

Warrants compensation expenses 

Comprehensive income for the year 

Equity at 31 December 2014 

Equity at 1 January 2015 

Warrants compensation expenses 

Capital increase 

Comprehensive income for the year 

Equity at 31 December 2015 

140,783 

163,389 

255,335

291,058

DKK ’000 

Parent
Equity at 1 January  2014 

Warrants compensation expenses 

Comprehensive income for the year 

Equity at 31 December 2014 

Equity at 1 January  2015 

Warrants compensation expenses 

Capital increase 

Comprehensive income for the year 

Equity at 31 December 2015 

634,688 

596,756 

182,888 

312,758

24,353 

227,878 

252,231 

23,193 

229,635 

252,828 

24,353 

117,471 

141,824 

23,193

221,044

244,237

312,951 

312,951 

267,170 

267,170 

0 

0 

0

0

21,676 

0 

2,091 

45,739 

69,506 

18,487 

5,000 

14,383 

38,888 

76,758 

21,580 

18,487

0 

2,063 

17,421 

41,064 

0

14,383

35,651

68,521

382,457 

343,928 

41,064 

68,521

Total equity and liabilities  

634,688 

596,756 

182,888 

312,758

Share 
capital 

Retained 
earnings 

Total

23,193 

292,948 

316,141

0 

0 

1,677 

1,677

-64,990 

-64,990

23,193 

229,635 

252,828

23,193 

229,635 

252,828

0 

1,160 

16,947 

95,253 

16,947

96,413

0 

-113,957 

-113,957

24,353 

227,878 

252,231

Share 
capital 

Retained 
earnings 

Total

23,193 

292,948 

316,141

0 

0 

1,674 

1,674

-73,578 

-73,578

23,193 

221,044 

244,237

23,193 

221,044 

244,237

0 

1,160 

16,947 

95,253 

16,947

96,413

0 

-215,773 

-215,773

24,353 

117,471 

141,824

Significant accounting policies, and significant 

Financial and operational risks 

accounting estimates and assesments 

Lease commitments 

Information on staff and remuneration 

1

20

21

Related parties 

Fees to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting  26 

Significant events after the balance sheet date 

27

22

23

52

53

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04_Statement of cash flows

04_Notes

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Financial statements 

Notes 

Statement of cash flows

DKK ’000 

Note 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Net result for the year 

Adjustments 

Change in working capital 

Cash flow from operating activities  
before financing items 

Financial income received 

Financial expenses paid 

Tax received 

24 

25 

8 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-215,773 

-73,578

43,553 

-138,871 

6,559 

15,521 

20,714 

-20,827 

4,606

13,722

-209,275 

-42,910 

-215,886 

-55,250

1,269 

-23,657 

6,250 

1,494 

-2,017 

1,250 

340 

1,004 

6,250 

1,494

-64

1,250

Cash flow from operating activities  

-225,413 

-42,183 

-208,292 

-52,570

Change in deposit 

Net finansing of foreign subsidiaries 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Disposal of securities  

Cash flow from investing activities 

Proceeds from issuance of royalty bonds 

Royalty bond issuance costs 

Capital increase 

Cash flow from financing activities 

Decrease / increase in cash, cash restricted  
and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Exchange rate adjustments 

27 

0 

-123 

0 

-4,040 

-4,497 

0 

242424,383 

-4,013 

19,763 

0 

0 

96,413 

96,413 

298,675 

-26,505 

0 

272,170 

27 

28 

-4,040 

0 

-3,985 

0 

0 

96,413 

96,413 

-123

-380

-4,497

24,383

19,383

0

0

0

0

-133,013 

538,273 

34,939 

249,750 

286,178 

2,345 

-115,864 

255,335 

1,312 

-33,187

286,178

2,344

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and 
significant accounting estimates and assesments

Significant accounting policies

recognized depending on whether certain criteria are met. 

Before implementation of the standard, Zealand will assess 

The financial statements of Zealand Pharma A/S (Zealand) 

whether IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers has 

for 2015 has been prepared in accordance with International 

an impact on the current and new significant contracts. The 

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU 

new standard is not expected to have any material impact on 

and Danish disclosure requirements for listed companies. The 

the future financial statements.  

Board of Directors considered and approved the 2015 Annual 

Report of Zealand on 16 March 2016. The Annual Report will 

IFRS 16 Leases was issued in January 2016 and is effective 

be submitted to the shareholders of Zealand for approval at 

for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. 

the Annual General Meeting on 19 April 2016. 

The standard has not yet been endorsed by the EU. In the 

Functional and presentation currency

(except for short term leases and leases of asset of low value) 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in Danish 

to be reognized as a right-of-use asset and lease liability, 

kroner (DKK ´000) which is also the functional currency of the 

respectively, measured at the present value of future lease 

financial statements of the lessees IFRS 16 requires all leases 

parent company.

payments. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated 

in a similar way to other depreciable assets over the lease term 

During 2014 four subsidiaries were established by Zealand in 

and interest shall be calculated on the lease liability similar 

relation to the royalty bond financing that was concluded in 

to finance leases under IAS 17. Consequently, the change will 

December 2014. 

also impact the presentation in the income statement and 

the statement of cash flows. As the standard is newly issued, 

The notes comprise both the parent company and the group 

Zealand has not yet assessed the impact on the future financial 

unless specifically stated otherwise.

statements, but it is not expected to have any material impact 

on the future financial statements.

Future IFRS changes

At the date of the approval of the consolidated financial 

The consolidated financial statements 

statements, a number of new and amended standards and 

The consolidated financial statements and the financial 

interpretations have not yet entered into force or have not yet 

statements comprise the parent company Zealand Pharma 

been adopted by the EU. Therefore, they are not incorporated 

A/S and the group enterprises, for which Zealand is entitled to 

Cash, cash restricted and cash equivalents at 31 December 

440,199 

538,273 

140,783 

255,335

in the financial statements. 

determine finance and operational policies and which normally 

applies on ownership interests of more than half of the voting 

Cash could be specified as:

Cash and cash equivalents according to financial statements 

418,796 

516,849 

140,783 

255,335

IASB has issued IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, effective for 

rights. The consolidated financial statements are prepared 

annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. IFRS 9 

based on uniform accounting policies in all group entities. 

Cash restricted 

21,403 

21,424 

0 

0

Financial Instruments is part of the IASB’s project to replace 

Consolidation of group entities is performed after elimination 

Cash, cash restricted and cash equivalents at 31 December 

440,199 

538,273 

140,783 

255,335

IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, 

of all intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses. 

and the new standard will change the classification, 

presentation and measurement of financial instruments and 

Foreign currency translation

hedging requirements. Zealand is assessing the impact of the 

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated 

standard, but it is not expected to have any material impact on 

at the exchange rates at the dates of transaction.

the future financial statements.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers was issued 

transaction and the rate on the payment day are recognized in 

in May 2014 and is effective for annual periods beginning 

the income statement as financial income or financial expenses.

Exchange differences arising between the rate on the date of 

on or after 1 January 2018. The standard has not yet been 

endorsed by the EU. Entities will apply a five-step model to 

Receivables, payables and other monetary items denominated 

determine when, how and at what amount revenue is to be 

in foreign currencies that have not been settled at the balance 

54

55

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

sheet date are translated by applying the exchange rates at the 

items, changes in the net working capital, financial items paid 

have been transferred to the buyer. Collaboration agreements 

currently not deemed to meet the criteria for recognition as 

balance sheet date. Differences arising between the rate at 

and income taxes paid.

balance sheet date and the rate at the date of the arising of the 

are reviewed carefully to understand the nature of risks and 

management is not able to provide any convincing positive 

rewards of the arrangement. All the company’s revenue-

evidence that deferred tax assets should be recognized.

receivable or payable are recognized in the income statement 

Cash flow from investment activities

generating transactions, including those with Sanofi S.A, 

under financial income and expenses.

Cash flow from investment activities includes payments 

Helsinn Group and Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH 

Research and development

Fixed assets purchased in foreign currencies are measured at 

investments.

the rate of the date of transaction.

Employee incentive programs

arising from development projects should be recognized in 

the statement of financial position. The criteria that must be 

associated with the purchase and sale of fixed assets and 

have been subject to such evaluation by management.

According to the IAS 38, “Intangible Assets,” intangible assets 

Consolidated financial statements

Cash flow from financing activities

In accordance with IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment,” the fair 

met for capitalization are that:

Cash flow from financing activities comprises new equity, loan 

value of the warrants, classified as equity settled, are measured 

financing and repayment of interest bearing debt.

at grant date and is recognized as an expense in the income 

• 

 The development project is clearly defined and identifiable 

statement over the vesting period and the period of delivery 

and the attributable costs can be measured reliably during 

Income statement

Cash and cash equivalents

of work. Subsequently, the fair value is not re-measured. The 

the development period;

The income statement is classified by function.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and bank balances.

fair value of each warrant granted during the year is calculated 

Segment reporting

The group is managed by a management team reporting to 

the Chief Executive Officer. No separate business areas or 

separate business units have been identified in connection 

with product candidates or geographical markets. As 

Significant accounting 
estimates and assesments

using the Black Scholes pricing model. This pricing model 

• 

 The technological feasibility, adequate resources to 

requires the input of subjective assumptions such as:

complete and a market for the product or an internal use of 

The expected stock price volatility, which is based upon the 

historical volatility of Zealand’s stock price;

• 

 Management has the intent to produce and market the 

the product can be documented; and

product or to use it internally.

a consequence of this, no segment reporting is made 

In the statement of the carrying amounts of certain assets 

The risk-free interest rate, which is determined as the interest 

concerning business areas or geographical areas.

and liabilities estimates are required on how future events will 

rate on Danish government bonds (bullet issues) with a 

Such an intangible asset should be recognized if sufficient 

Statement of financial position

the balance sheet date.

affect the carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities at 

maturity of five years;

certainty can be documented that the future income from 

the development project will exceed the aggregate cost of 

The expected life of warrants, which is based on vesting terms, 

production, development and the sale and administration of 

Financial assets

The used estimates are based on assumptions assessed 

expected rate of exercise and life terms in current warrant 

the product. A development project involves a single product 

Financial assets include receivables, securities and cash. 

reasonable by management, however, estimates are 

Financial assets can be divided into the following categories: 

inherently uncertain and unpredictable. The assumptions 

loans and receivables, financial assets at fair value through 

can be incomplete or inaccurate and unexpected events or 

program.

Deferred tax

candidate undergoing a high number of tests to illustrate 

its safety profile and the effect on human beings prior to 

obtaining the necessary final approval of the product from 

the income statement, available-for-sale financial assets and 

circumstances might occur. Furthermore, the enterprise is 

Zealand recognizes deferred tax assets, including the tax base 

the appropriate authorities. The future economic benefits 

held-to maturity investments. Financial assets are assigned to 

subject to risks and uncertainties that might result in deviations 

of tax loss carry-forwards, if management assesses that these 

associated with the individual development projects are 

the different categories by management on initial recognition, 

in actual results compared to estimates.

tax assets can be offset against positive taxable income within 

dependent on obtaining such approval. Considering the 

depending on the purpose for which the investments 

were acquired. All financial assets are recognized on their 

Revenue

a foreseeable future.

significant risk and duration of the development period related 

to the development of biological products, management has 

settlement date. All financial assets that are not classified 

Evaluating the criteria for revenue recognition with respect to 

This judgment is made on an ongoing basis and is based on 

concluded that the future economic benefits associated with 

as fair value through the income statement are initially 

the company’s research and development and collaboration 

budgets and business plans for the coming years, including 

the individual projects cannot be estimated with sufficient 

recognized at fair value, plus transaction costs.

agreements requires management’s judgment to ensure 

planned commercial initiatives. The creation and development 

certainty until the project has been finalized and the necessary 

Statement of cash flows

that all criteria have been fulfilled prior to recognizing any 

amount of revenue. In particular, such judgments are made 

of therapeutic products within the biotechnology and 

regulatory final approval of the product has been obtained. 

pharmaceutical industry is subject to considerable risks and 

Accordingly, Zealand has not recognized such assets at this 

The statement of cash flows shows the cash flow for the year 

with respect to determination of the nature of transactions, 

uncertainties. Zealand has so far reported significant losses, 

time and therefore all research and development costs are 

together with the cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 

whether simultaneous transactions shall be considered as 

and as a consequence, has unused tax losses. Management 

recognized in the income statement when incurred. The total 

and end of the year.

Cash flow from operating activities

one or more revenue-generating transactions, allocation 

of the contractual price (upfront and milestone payments 

subscribed in connection with a collaboration agreement) 

Cash flow from operating activities is presented indirectly and 

to several elements included in an agreement, and the 

is calculated as the net result adjusted for non-cash operating 

determination of whether the significant risks and rewards 

has concluded, that deferred tax assets should not be  

research and development costs amounted to DKK 215.0 

recognized as of 31 December 2015. The tax assets are 

million in 2015 compared to DKK 180.0 million in 2014.

56

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Note 2 – Revenue

DKK ’000 

Sanofi S.A. 

Boehringer Ingelheim Int. GmbH 

Helsinn Group 

Total milestone payments 

Sanofi S.A. 

Total royalty income 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

136,600 

22,379 

112 

81,191 

37,279 

15,015 

0 

22,379 

112 

81,191

37,279

15,015

159,091 

133,485 

22,491 

133,485

28,586 

28,586 

20,288 

20,288 

0 

0 

8,100

8,100

Total revenue 

187,677 

153,773 

22,491 

141,585

All Zealand revenue can be attributed to other countries than Denmark. 

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Revenue comprises royalties and milestone payments. These 

The income from agreements with multiple components 

revenues are recognized in accordance with the agreements 

and where the individual components cannot be separated 

and is recognized when it is probable that future economic 

is recognized over the period of the agreement. In addition, 

benefits will flow to the group and these economic benefits 

recognition requires that all material risks and benefits related 

can be measured reliably.

to the ownership of the goods and services included in the 

Royalty income from licenses is based on third-party sales 

of licensed products and is recognized in accordance with 

If all risks and benefits have not been transferred, the revenue 

contract terms when third-party results are available and are 

is recognized as deferred income until all components in the 

deemed to be reliable.

transaction have been completed. 

transaction are transferred to the purchaser.

Note 3 – Royalty expenses
In 2015, the royalty expenses are related to royalty from sales of Lyxumia® and milestone payments received from Sanofi S.A. 

In 2014, the royalty expenses are related to royalty from sales of Lyxumia® received from Sanofi S.A. and milestone payments 
received from Sanofi S.A. and Helsinn Group.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Royalty expenses comprise royalty paid to third parties on certain milestone payments and royalty income from collaboration 

agreements. 

Notes 

Note 4 – Research, development and administrative expenses 

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Research and development expenses

that the technology or the product can be commercialized 

Research expenses comprise salaries, contributions to pension 

and that the future income from the product can cover, not 

schemes and other expenses, including patent expenses, 

only the production, selling and administrative expenses, 

as well as depreciation and amortization attributable to the 

but also development expenses. Currently, Zealand has not 

group’s research activities. Research expenses are recognized 

capitalized any development expenses.

in the income statement as incurred.

Development expenses comprise salaries, contributions to 

development based on the salaries to employees in research 

Overhead expenses have been allocated to research and 

pension schemes and other expenses, including depreciation 
and amortization, attributable to the group’s development 

and development. 

activities.

Administrative expenses

Capitalization assumes that the development of the 

personnel, expenses related to company premises, operating 

technology or the product in the group’s opinion has been 

leases, investor relation, etc. Overhead expenses have been 

completed, that all necessary public registrations and 

allocated to administration based on the salaires to employees 

Administrative expenses include expenses for administrative 

marketing approvals have been received, and that expenses 

in administration.

can be reliably measured. Furthermore, it has to be established 

Note 5 – Other operating income

DKK ’000 

Research funding 

Government grants  

Total other operating income 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

11,576 

1,252 

12,828 

5,812 

516 

6,328 

11,576 

1,252 

12,828 

5,812

516

6,328

In 2015 and 2014, Zealand has, in addition to government grants, also received research funding from Boehringer Ingelheim 

International GmbH.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Other operating income comprises research funding from 

Government grants are recognized when a final and firm 

business partners and government grants. Research funding 

right to the grant has been obtained. Government grants 

is recognized in the period where the research activities have 

are included in other operating income as the grants are 

been performed and government grants are recognized 

considered to be cost refunds. Grants related to investments 

periodically when the work supported by the grant has been 

are set off against the purchase price. 

reported.

58

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

Note 6 – Financial income

Note 8 – Tax expenses

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Interest income 

Exchange rate adjustments 

Total financial income 

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

139 

3,750 

3,889 

719 

2,345 

3,064 

132 

1,312 

1,444 

720

2,344

3,064

Financial income are recognized in the income statement with 

Financial income include interest receivable, as well as realized 

the amounts related to the financial year. 

and unrealized exchange rate adjustments

Note 7 – Financial expenses

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Interest expenses, royalty bond 

Amortization financing costs 

Other interest expenses 

Total financial expenses 

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

32,372 

9,689 

333 

42,394 

0 

0 

2,017 

22,017 

0 

0 

306 

306 

0

0

64

64

Financial expenses are recognized in the income statement 

Further, expenses related to the royalty financing are 

with the amounts related to the financial year. Financial 

amortized over the expected duration of the bond and 

expenses include interest payable, as well as realized and 

recognized as financial expenses.

unrealized exchange rate adjustments. 

Net result for the year before tax 

-119,832     

-72,490     

-221,648     

-81,078    

Tax rate 

Expected tax expenses 

Adjustment for non-deductible expenses 

Adjustment for exercised warrant programs 

Tax effect from subsidiaries 

Reduction of corporate tax rate from 25% to 22% 

Prior year adjustments 

Tax effect on warrant programs 

Tax effect on expired warrant programs 

Change in tax assets (not recognized) 

Total tax expenses 

Breakdown of unrecognized deferred tax assets: 

23.5% 

-28,161 

54 

-8,357 

0 

1,557 

0 

-318 

6,500 

22,849 

-5,875 

24.5% 

-17,760 

69 

0 

0 

1,180 

-1,375 

0 

0 

10,386 

-7,500 

23.5% 

-52,087 

54 

-8,357 

23,621 

1,557 

0 

0 

6,500 

22,837 

-5,875 

24.5%

-19,864

69

000000

2,583

1,131

-1,375

0

0

9,956

-7,500

Tax losses carried forward (available indefinitely) 

 742,771    

 591,326  

 742,716   

 591,271 

Research and development expenses 

 31,054    

 92,885  

 31,054    

 92,885 

Rights 

Non-current assets 

Other 

 43,019    

 57,543    

 43,019  

 51,329  

 43,019    

 57,543    

 43,019 

 51,329 

 58,890    

 50,856  

 58,890    

 50,856 

Total temporary differences 

933,277 

829,415 

933,222 

829,360

Tax rate 

22% 

22% 

22% 

22%

Calculated potential deferred tax asset at local tax rate   

205,321 

182,471 

205,309 

182,042

Write-down of deferred tax asset 

Recognized deferred tax asset 

-205,321 

-182,471 

-205,309 

-182,042

0 

0 

0 

0

As a consequence of tax losses from previous years, there are no deferred taxes. Deferred tax reductions (tax assets) has not been 
recognized in the statement of financial position due to uncertainty as to when and whether this can be utilized. 

The deferred tax for the parent company include the tax positions of ZP Holding SPV K/S as well as ZP SPV 1 K/S, as these entities 
are transparent from a tax point of view. Hence the activity of these entities is subject to taxation in the parent company.

According to Danish tax legislation Zealand is eligible to receive DKK 5.9 million (6.3) in cash relating to the tax loss of 2015.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Tax on results for the year which comprises current tax and 
changes in deferred tax is recognized in the income statement 
with the portion of taxes related to the taxable income for the 
year whereas the portion attributable to entries on equity is 
recognized directly in equity.

Current tax liabilities and current tax receivables are 
recognized in the statement of financial position as tax 
calculated on the taxable income for the year adjusted for tax 
on previous years’ taxable income and taxes paid on account/
prepaid. Deferred tax is measured according to statement 
of financial position liability method in respect of temporary 

differences between the carrying amount and the tax base of 
assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets including the tax value 
of tax losses carry forward, are measured at the expected 
realizable value, either by elimination in tax on future earnings 
or by set-off against deferred tax liabilities within the same 
legal tax entity and jurisdiction.

Deferred tax is measured on the basis of the tax rules and tax 
rates in force at the balance sheet date when the deferred 
tax is expected to crystallize as current tax. Any changes in 
deferred tax as a consequence of amendments to tax rates are 
recognized in the income statement. 

60

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

Note 9 – Basic and diluted earnings per share

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

DKK ’000 

Plant and 
  machinery 

Other 
fixtures 
and fittings 

Leasehold  Fixed assets 
under 
improve- 
ments  construction

Net result for the year 

Adjusted net profit/loss accruing  
to the company’s ordinary shares 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-215,773 

-73,578

Cost at 1 January 2015 

-113,957 

-64,990 

-215,773 

-73,578

Average number of ordinary shares 

Average number of treasury shares 

24,203,657 

23,193,047 

24,203,657 

23,193,047

-564,223 

-564,223 

-564,223 

-564,223

Adjusted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 

23,639,434 

22,628,824 

23,639,434 

22,628,824

Basic earnings per share 

-4.82 

-2.87 

-9.13 

-3.25

Reversal of impairment and depreciation on disposed assets 

Depreciation at 31 December 2015 

Additions 

Transfers 

Cost at 31 December 2015 

Depreciation at 1 January 2015 

Depreciation for the year 

62,771 

3,735 

0 

8,663 

10,598 

131 

0 

174 

0 

66,506 

8,794 

10,772 

46,777 

5,057 

0 

7,090 

9,537 

551 

0 

607 

0 

51,834 

7,641 

10,144 

Diluted earnings per share 

-4.82 

-2.87 

-9.13 

-3.25

Carrying amount at 31 December 2015 

14,672 

1,153 

628 

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated as the net result for the 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated as the net result for 

period that accrue to the parent company’s ordinary shares 

the period that accrue to the parent company’s ordinary 

divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 

shares divided by the weighted average number of ordinary 

outstanding.

shares outstanding adjusted by the dilutive effect of potential 

ordinary shares.

Note 10 – Property, plant and equipment

DKK ’000 

Cost at 1 January 2014 

Additions 

Transfers 

Cost at 31 December 2014 

Depreciation at 1 January 2014 

Depreciation for the year 

Depreciation at 31 December 2014 

Plant and 
  machinery 

Other 
fixtures 
and fittings 

Leasehold  Fixed assets 
under 
improve- 
ments  construction

57,807 

2,784 

2,180 

62,771 

41,793 

4,984 

46,777 

7,201 

1,462 

0 

10,346 

252 

0 

8,663 

10,598 

6,792 

 298 

7,090 

8,887 

650 

9,537 

2,180

0

-2,180

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Carrying amount at 31 December 2014 

15,994 

1,573 

1,060 

Depreciation for the financial year has been charged as: 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total 

4,984 

0 

4,984 

235 

63 

298 

514 

136 

650 

Depreciation for the financial year has been charged as: 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total 

5,057 

0 

5,057 

413 

138 

551 

455 

152 

607 

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Plant and machinery, other fixtures and fittings, tools and 

the selling costs and the carrying amount of the asset at the 

equipment and leasehold improvements are measured at cost 

time of the disposal. Profits and losses are recognized in the 

less accumulated depreciation.

income statement under research and development expenses 

and administrative expenses.

Cost comprises acquisition price and costs directly related 

to acquisition until the time when the group starts using the 

The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment as well 

asset.

as non-current asset investments is reviewed for impairment 

when events or changed conditions indicate that the carrying 

The basis for depreciation is cost less estimated residual value 

amount may not be recoverable. If there is such an indication, 

after the end of useful life. Assets are depreciated under the 

an impairment test is made. An impairment loss is recognized 

straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the 

in the amount with which the carrying amount exceeds the 

assets. The depreciation periods are as follows:

recoverable amount of the asset, which is the higher of the net 

•  Leasehold improvements 5 years

•  Plant and machinery 5 years

present value and the net selling price. In order to assess the 

impairment, the assets are grouped on the least identifiable 

group of assets that generates cash flows (cash flow 

• 

 Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 3–5 years

generating units). Impairments are recognized in the income 

statement under the same items as the related depreciation 

Profits and losses arising from disposal of plant and equipment 

and amortization.

are stated as the difference between the selling price less 

62

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

Note 11 – Investments in subsidiaries

Note 12 – Trade receivables

DKK ’000 

Cost at 1 January 2014 

Additions 

Cost at 31 December 2014 

Revaluation at 1 January 2014 

Revaluation at 31 December 2014 

Carrying amount at 31 December 2014 

Cost at 1 January 2015 

Additions 

Cost at 31 December 2015 

Revaluation at 1 January 2015 

Revaluation at 31 December 2015 

Carrying amount at 31 December 2015 

Parent

Trade receivables are mainly related to milestones and royalty from our collaboration agreements, and are due within 30 - 60 days. 
There are no overdue receivables and there is no provision for bad debts as no losses are expected on trade receivables. 

0

380

380

0

0

380

380

0

380

0

0

380

Part of the receivables has been withheld by the German Tax Authorities (app. 15% royalty received on Lyxumia®), and is expected 
to be paid in 2016.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Trade receivables are provided against when objective 

the receivables. The amount of the write-down is determined 

evidence is received that the group will not be able to collect 

as the difference between the assets’ carrying amount and the 

all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of 

present value of estimated future cash flows.

Note 13 – Prepaid expenses

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Prepaid expenses comprise incurred expenses related to the following financial year.

Subsidiaries: 

As a consequence of the royalty bond financing in December 2014 four new subsidiaries were established.  

Name 

Zealand Pharma A/S subsidiaries:

ZP Holding SPV K/S 

ZP General Partner 1 ApS 

ZP Holding SPV K/S subsidiaries: 

ZP SPV 1 K/S 

ZP General Partner 2 ApS 

  Ownership 
and votes 
2015

Domicile 

Denmark 

 Denmark 

100 %

100 %

Denmark 

Denmark 

100 %

100 %

Note 14 – Other receivables

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Helmsley Charitable Trust (ZP4207) 

Royalty income 

Other  

Total other receivables 

4,592 

15,366 

6,155 

26,113 

0 

0 

3,673 

333,673 

4,592 

0 

6,035 

10,627 

0

00

2,694

2,694

The management has in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act, §5, chosen to submit an exeption declaration 

(“undtagelseserklæring”) in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act, 146:1, and has not issued Annual Reports for ZP 

Note 15 – Cash and cash equivalents

SPV 1 K/S and ZP Holding SPV K/S.

The accounts of the two companies are fully consolidated in the consolidated financials statements of Zealand.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost in the parent company’s financial statements. Where the recoverable amount of 

the investment is lower than cost, the investments are written down to this lower value. 

DKK ’000 

DKK 

USD 

EURO 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

66,239 

306,296 

46,261 

227,922 

280,215 

8,712 

64,900 

30,744 

45,139 

227,542

19,081

8,712

Total cash and cash equivalents 

418,796 

516,849 

140,783 

255,335

Restricted cash: DKK 21.4 million (21.4) is restricted based on the royalty bond issuance agreement until the royalty bond has been 

fully repaid.

64

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

Note 16 – Share capital and treasury shares

Note 18 – Prepayments from customers

Changes in share capital (‘000 shares) 

Share capital at 31 December 2010 

Capital increase at 12 December 2011 

Share capital at 31 December 2014 

Share capital at 1 January 2015 

Capital increase at 21 March 2015 

Capital increase at 11 April 2015 

Capital increase at 2 June 2015 

Capital increase at 20 June 2015 

Capital increase at 8 September 2015 

Capital increase at 26 September 2015 

Capital increase at 4 November 2015 

Capital increase at 13 November 2015 

Capital increase at 4 December 2015 

Share capital at 31 December 2015 

22,871

322

23,193

23,193

121

106

51

47

383

151

61

177

63

24,353

The share capital consists of 24,352,769 (23,193,047) ordinary shares of DKK 1 each. All shares have been fully paid. Capital 
increases in 2015 relates to exercise of warrant programs. 

At the end of 2015, treasury shares amounted to 564,223 (564,223), equivalent to 2.3% (2.4) of the share capital at 31 December. 
The number of treasury shares corresponds to a market value of DKK 85,479,785 (46,830,509) at 31 December. 
The full number of treasury shares have been purchased for DKK 1.7 million.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Purchase and sales prices as well as dividend from own shares 
are recognized directly under retained earnings under equity. 
Capital reductions by cancellation of own shares reduce the 
share capital by an amount equaling the nominal values of 

the shares. Profit from sale of own shares, respectively issue 
of shares in connection with exercise of warrants is entered 
directly on equity.

Note 17 – Royalty bond
In December 2014, Zealand established four subsidiaries in connection with the royalty bond issuance. Part of the establishment 
was a contribution/transfer from the parent of certain rights, including intellectual property rights to future royalty payments from 
the sale of Lyxumia® and LixiLan. 

The principal amount, USD 50 million, is payable in full at 15 March 2026 if not redeemed before. It is possible for Zealand to make 
voluntary repayments as of 2016. Royalty payments in excess of interest payments are used for (and shall be used for) principal 
repayments of the notes at each payment date. Upon full repayment of the royalty bond, the right to future royalty payments 
belongs to Zealand. 

See note 22 – Financial and operational risks, for information about due date, interests etc.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The royalty bond is measured at the time of borrowing at 
fair value less any transaction costs. The difference between 
the proceeds of the loan and the amount to be repaid is 

recognized in the income statement over the term of the loan 
as a financial expense using the effective interest method.

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Prepayments from customers comprise not yet consumed prepayments relating to the research collaboration with Boehringer 
Ingelheim International GmbH.

Note 19 – Other liabilities

DKK ’000 

Severance payment 

Employee benefits 

Provision for clinical study on ZP1609 

Royalty to third-party 

Interest, royalty bond 

Other  

Total other liabilities 

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

613 

15,085 

0 

18,713 

9,516 

1,812 

45,739 

18,802 

10,511 

4,432 

0 

00 

5,143 

38,888 

613 

15,085 

0 

0 

0 

1,723 

17,421 

18,802

10,511

4,432

00

00

1,906

35,651

Financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value less 
transaction costs. In subsequent periods, financial liabilities are 
measured at amortized cost corresponding to the capitalized 
value using the effective interest method; consequently the 
difference between the proceeds and the nominal value is 

recognized in the income statement over the maturity period 
of the loan.

Other payables are measured at amortized cost corresponding 
to nominal value.

Note 20 – Lease commitments

DKK ’000 

Operating lease agreements:

Within 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

Total 

2015 

2014

3,940 

1,241 

5,181 

4,376

908

5,284

Operating lease agreements include rental agreement of building, company cars and office equipment. 
The leases are subject to terms of interminability of between 6 and 60 months.
In 2015 DKK 7.6 million (7.8) was recognized in the income statement.  

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Lease agreements are classified as either financial or operating 
leases based on the criteria in IAS 17. Lease payments under 

operating leases and other rental agreements are recognized 
in the income statement over the term of the agreements.

66

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Note 21 – Information on staff and remuneration

DKK ’000 

The total staff salaries can be specified as follows:

Salaries  

Pension schemes  

Other social security costs 

Total  

The amount is charged as: 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total  

Average number of employees 

2015 

2014

105,336 

98,740

7,243 

10,752 

6,560

8,763

123,331 

114,063

93,039 

30,292 

85,684

28,379

123,331 

114,063

110 

103

Average number of employees has been calculated based on ATP expenses. 

DKK ’000 

Remuneration included above to the: 

Base 
board fee 
2015 

Other 
2015 

Total 
2015 

Base 
board fee 
2014 

Other 
2014 

Total 
2014

Board of Directors

Martin Nicklasson 

Rosemary Crane 

Catherine Moukheibir 

Peter Benson 

Alain Munoz 

Michael Owen 

Christian Thorkildsen¹ 

Jens Peter Stenvang¹ 

Helle Størum¹ 

Daniel Ellens2 

Jørgen Lindegaard2 

Florian Reinaud2 

Jutta af Rosenborg3 

Hanne Heidenheim Bak1 3 

Total 

450 

200 

250 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

13 

0 

0 

2,113 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

450 

200 

250 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

150 

13 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

150 

150 

150 

150 

75 

150 

450 

375 

150 

150 

75 

0 

0 

0 

0 

715 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

0

0

150

865

150

150

75

150

450

375

150

150

75

2,113 

2,025 

715 

2,740

1 The table only includes remuneration related to board work for the employee elected board members. 
2 The board members resigned from the board in 2015.

3 The board members resigned from the board in 2014.

Notes 

2014 
DKK ’000 

Remuneration included above to the:  

Executive management

David Solomon 

Mats Blom 

Total 

Other senior management  

Total 

Total 

2015 
DKK ’000 

Remuneration included above to the:  

Executive management

Britt Meelby Jensen 

Mats Blom 

Total 

Other senior management  

Total 

Base 
salary 

Bonus 

Pension 
contri- 
bution 

  Warrant 
Other  Severance  compens. 
payment  expenses 

benefits 

Total

6,079 

1,735 

7,814 

5,382 

5,382 

0 

400 

400 

1,083 

1,083 

304 

137 

441 

535 

535 

238 

242 

480 

540 

540 

16,440 

0 

16,440 

0 

0 

0 

23,061

2,514

25,575

2,362 

2,362 

2,105 

2,105 

12,007

12,007

13,196 

1,483 

976 

1,020 

18,802 

2,105 

37,582

Base 
salary 

Bonus 

Pension 
contri- 
bution 

  Warrant 
Other  Severance  compens. 
payment  expenses 

benefits 

Total

3,353 

2,400 

5,753 

8,776 

8,776 

0 

200 

200 

928 

928 

335 

240 

575 

877 

877 

190 

260 

450 

1,101 

1,101 

0 

0 

0 

3,163 

2,372 

5,535 

7,041

5,472

12,513

353 

353 

3,321 

3,321 

15,356

15,356

Total senior management  

14,529 

1,128 

1,452 

1,551 

353 

8,856 

27,869

Other senior management in 2015 counts 6 members, including 3 members resigned during the year. Other senior management 

in 2014 counts 3 members. 

68

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

DKK ’000 

Number of warrants 

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2010 
02-Nov-10  10-Feb-11  17-Nov-11  10-Feb-12  19-Nov-12  08-Feb-13  01-Apr-14 

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2010 

Total

Outstanding as per 1 Jan. 2014 

595.406 

423.000 

227.085 

231.500 

214.883 

367.262 

0  2.059.136

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Expired during the year 

Outstanding as per  
31 December 2014 

Specified as follows: 

Board of Directors 

Executive management 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

-20.000 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

-11.250 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

100.000 

100.000

-23.750 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

-55.000

0

0

595.406 

403.000 

227.085 

220.250 

214.883 

343.512 

100.000  2.104.136

134,024 

327,358 

0 

0 

0 

165,047 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

134,024

152,845 

67,012 

100,000 

812,262

Other employees 

134,024 

403,000 

62,038 

220,250 

62,038 

276,500 

0  1,157,850

Total  

595,406 

403,000 

227,085 

220,250 

214,883 

343,512 

100,000  2,104,136

Number of warrants 

Outstanding as per 1 Jan. 2015 

595.406 

403.000 

227.085 

220.250 

214.883 

343.512 

100.000  2.104.136

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

0 

0 

0 

-7.500 

0 

0 

0 

-3.750 

Exercised during the year 

-589.237 

-383.900 

-121.826 

-64.759 

Expired during the year 

-6.169 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

-17.500 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

-28.750

0  -1.159.722

0 

-6.169

Outstanding as per  
31 December 2015 

Specified as follows: 

Board of Directors 

Executive management 

Other employees 

Total  

Exercise period 

From 

until 

Black & Scholes parameters 

Term (months)  

Volatility* 

Share price 

Exercise price DKK 

Dividend  

0 

11.600 

105.259 

151.741 

214.883 

326.012 

100.000 

909.495

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

31.019 

0 

0 

0 

31.019 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

62.038

11.600 

74.240 

151.741 

183.864 

326.012 

100.000 

847.457

11.600 

105.259 

151.741 

214.883 

326.012 

100.000 

909.495

3-Nov-13  10-Feb-14  17-Nov-14  10-Feb-15  19-Nov-15  10-Feb-16  01-Apr-17 

3-Nov-15  10-Feb-16  17-Nov-16  10-Feb-17  19-Nov-17  10-Feb-18  01-Apr-19 

60 

56% 

86.0 

94.6 

60 

33% 

70.0 

77.0 

60 

34% 

45.70 

50.27 

60 

44% 

70.0 

77.0 

60 

56% 

86.0 

113.3 

60 

39.3% 

79.50 

87.45 

60 

37.5% 

69.0 

75.9 

not expected  not expected  not expected  not expected  not expected  not expected  not expected  

Risk free interest rate  

2.64% 

3.09% 

1.02% 

0.37% 

0.86% 

0.66% 

0.71% 

* The volatility rate used is based on the actual volatility in the Zealand share price.

Notes 

Programs granted in 2015:

DKK ’000 

Number of warrants

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2015 
25-Mar-15  5-May-15  5-May-15  5-May-15 

Program 
of 2010 

Program 
of 2015 

Total

Outstanding as per 1 Jan. 2015 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

Granted during the year 

100.000 

46.359 

100.000 

366.250 

612.609

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Expired during the year 

Outstanding as per  
31 December 2015 

Specified as follows: 

Board of Directors 

Executive management 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

-3.000 

-3.000

0 

0 

0

0

100.000 

46.359 

100.000 

363.250 

609.609

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

100.000 

75.000 

175.000

Other employees 

100.000 

46.359 

0 

288.250 

434.609

Total  

100.000 

46.359 

100.000 

363.250 

609.609

Exercise period 

From 

until 

Black & Scholes parameters 

Term (months)  

Volatility* 

Share price 

Exercise price DKK 

25-Mar-18  5-May-18  5-May-16  5-May-18  

25-Mar-20  5-May-20  5-May-20  5-May-20 

60 

41.9% 

115.50 

127.05 

60 

43.7% 

92.0 

101.2 

60 

43.7% 

92.0 

101.2 

60 

43.7% 

92.0 

101.2 

Dividend  

not expected  not expected  not expected  not expected  

Risk free interest rate  

-0,21% 

-0,10% 

-0,10% 

-0,10% 

* The volatility rate used is based on the actual volatility in the Zealand share price.

Employee warrant programs

The 2010 employee warrant program

Employee warrant programs have been established, which 

The program was established in 2010 for the Board of 

have to be settled in the enterprise’s equity instruments, and 

Directors, executive management, employees and consultants 

are offered to a number of employees and the executive 

of Zealand.

management. Incentive programs were offered in 2005, 2007, 

2009-2015. 

The Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 2,750,000 

warrants until 2 November 2015. The program has expired and 

a total of 2,355,495 warrants have been granted. By December 

31, 2015 1,159,722 warrants have been exercised and the total 

proceeds amount to DKK 96.4 million. Per December 31, 2015 

1,055,084 warrants can still be exercised. 

70

71

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

The 2015 employee warrant program

Effect on income statement

The program was established in 2015 for the executive 

In 2015 the fair value of warrants recognized in the income 

management and employees of Zealand.

statement amounts to DKK 16.9 million (1.7) of which DKK 5.5 

Note 22 – Financial and operational risks

The Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 2,750,000 

million (0.0) relates to the executive management. Further, 

The goal of Zealand’s financial policy is to create a set of 

to hedge against this Zealand intend to hold a similar portion 

warrants until 20 April 2020. By December 31, 2015 2,283,750 

costs for the warrant programs have been adjusted at the end 

general guidelines for the financial risk management in order 

of its cash position in USD. 

warrants of the authorization have not yet been granted. Per 

of the year by DKK 0.2 million (0.4) due to actual attrition rate.

to reduce the group’s sensitivity towards fluctuations in 

December 31, 2015 463,250 warrants can be exercised. 

exchange rates, interest rates, credit rating and liquidity. 

By 31 December 2015 Zealand holds USD 48.0 million in cash, 

DKK ’000 

The amount is charged as: 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total  

§

                 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

2015 

2014

9.504 

7.443 

16.947 

1.764

-90

1.674

The value of services received as consideration for granted 

number of warrants that the employees are expected to obtain 

warrants is measured at the fair value of the warrant. The fair 

rights to. Subsequently, an adjustment is made for changes 

value is determined at the grant date and is recognized in 

in the estimate of the number of shares that the employees 

the income statement as staff costs over the period in which 

have obtained rights to so the total recognition is based on 

the final right to the warrant is obtained. The contra entry 

the actual number of shares that the employees have obtained 

to this is recognized under equity. In connection with the 

rights to. The fair value of the granted options is estimated by 

initial recognition of the warrants, an estimate is made of the 

application of the Black and Scholes pricing model.

Zealand’s financial policy has been endorsed by Zealand’s 

audit committee and ultimately approved by Zealand’s Board 

Interest rate risk

of Directors.

Zealand has the policy to avoid any financial instrument which 

exposes the group to any unwanted financial risk. Zealand 

Zealand is a biopharmaceutical company with revenues 

does not speculate in the underlying trends in the basic 

while the value of the royalty bond is USD 50.0 million.

consisting of royalties, up-front payments and milestones 

economy.

received as part of Zealand’s partnering activities. Zealand 

receives milestone payments from its current partners in USD 

The royalty bond has a fixed interest rate of 9.375%.

and EUR and royalty payments in EUR.

Zealand is mainly exposed to research and development 

deposits. During 2015, interest rates have been negative on 

expenditures. In addition Zealand has an USD loan as well as a 

bank deposits in DKK and EUR.

Zealand invests its free cash in fixed rate, time defined bank 

significant cash position, as such Zealand is exposed to various 

financial risks, which among other relate to foreign exchange 

Credit risks

rate risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

Zealand is exposed to credit risks in respect of receivables 

Exchange rate risk

and bank balances. The maximum credit risk corresponds to 

the carrying amount. Management believes that credit risk is 

Most of Zealand’s financial transactions are made in DKK, USD 

limited as counter parties to the accounts receivables are large 

and EUR.

global pharmaceutical companies. 

The EUR/DKK exchange rate has politically been fixed within 

Cash is not deemed to be subject to any credit risks, as the 

very narrow limits and Zealand has evaluated that there are 

counterparts are banks with investment grade ratings. (i.e 

no transaction exposure or exchange rate risk regarding 

BBB- or higher by Standard&Poors).

transactions in EUR. Although there has been some pressure 

on the DKK, Zealand does not expect the EUR/DKK exchange 

Liquidity risk

rate to be changed.

The purpose of Zealand’s cash management is to ensure 

that the group at all times has sufficient and flexible financial 

Zealand’s milestone payments have been agreed in foreign 

resources at its disposal. 

currency, USD and EUR. However, as milestone payments 

are unpredictable in terms of timing, the payments are not 

Zealand’s short-term liquidity situation is matched with 

included in the basic exchange risk evaluation. 

Zealand’s quarterly budget revisions to balance the demand 

for liquidity and maximize Zealand’s interest income by 

As Zealand from time to time conduct clinical trials and 

matching Zealand’s free cash in fixed rate, time defined bank 

toxicology studies in the US, Zealand will be exposed to 

deposits with Zealand’s expected future cash burn. 

the exchange rate fluctuation and risks associated with 

transactions in USD. Zealand’s policy has up until now been 

Capital structure

to manage the transaction and translation risk associated 

It is Zealand’s aim to have an adequate capital structure in 

with the USD passively, placing the revenues received from 

relation to the underlying operating results and R&D projects, 

milestone payments in USD on an USD account for future 

so that it is always possible to provide sufficient capital to 

payment of Zealand’s expenses denominated in USD, covering 

support operations and its long term growth targets.

payments for the next 12 – 24 months, hereby matching 

Zealand’s assets with its liabilities.

In December 2014, Zealand issued a royalty bond of USD 50 

million and created a large exposure against the USD. In order 

The Board of Directors finds that the current capital and share 

structure is appropriate to the shareholders and to the group.

72

73

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

USD 

Interest rate 

Notes 

2015 
  Fluctuation  

2015 
2014 
Effect  Fluctuation  

2014 
Effect

We expect interest payment next year of DKK 40 million on the royalty bond (interest rate 9.375%).

See the cash flow statement for a specification of capital resources as of 31 December 2015 and 2014.

+/- 10% 

6,574 

+/- 10% 

10,399

Fair value measurement of financial instruments

+/- 100  

4,735 

+/- 100  

3,074

The fair value of the royalty bond is based on amortized costs.  

basis point 

basis point

In 2015 and 2014 there are no financial instruments carried at fair value.

The fair value of the royalty bond disclosed in the note is based on Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. 

The table shows the effect on the profit/loss and equity of probable changes in the financial variables on the statement of 

financial position.

Liquidity risk

A breakdown of the group and parent company’s aggregate liquidity risk on financial assets and liabilities is given below:

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Categories of financial instruments 

0 

0 

0 

0

Trade receivables 

Receivable from subsidiaries 

Tax receivable0 

Other recivables 

Prepaid expenses 

Cash restricted 30,797 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Loans and receivables 

Royalty bond 

Trade payables 

Prepayment from customers 

Other liabilities 

141,120 

25,031 

0 

5,875 

26,113 

2,262 

21,403 

418,796 

615,569 

0 

6,250 

3,673 

2,209 

221,424 

516,849 

575,436 

312,951 

272,170 

21,676 

2,091 

45,739 

18,487 

14,383 

38,888 

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost 

382,457 

343,928 

313 

3,549 

5,875 

10,627 

2,242 

0 

12,843

11,727

6,250

 2,694

 2,209

 0

140,783 

255,335

163,389 

 291,058

0 

21,580 

2,063 

17,421 

41,064 

 0

 18,487

 14,383

 35,651

 68,521

DKK ’000 

Group
At amortized cost

Trade and other creditors  

Royalty bond 

Other liabilities 

Total financial liabilities at 31 December 2014 

At amortized cost 

Trade and other creditors  

Royalty bond 

Interests, royalty bond 

Other liabilities  

Total financial liabilities at 31 December 2015 

DKK ’000 

Parent
At amortized cost 

Trade and other creditors  

Other liabilities 

Total financial liabilities at 31 December 2014 

At amortized cost 

Trade and other creditors  

Other liabilities  

Total financial liabilities at 31 December 2015 

<6 
months 

6<12 
months 

1-5 
years 

Carrying 
amount/ 
Total*  Fair value**

18,487 

0 

0 

0 

5,000 

267,170 

0 

0 

18,487 

272,170 

38,888 

18,487

272,170

38,888

38,888 

57,375 

21,676 

0 

0 

45,739 

67,415 

5,000 

267,170 

329,545 

329,545

0 

0 

0 

21,676 

21,676

341,486 

341,486 

341,486

32,000 

76,000 

108,000 

108,000

0 

0 

45,739 

45,739

32,000 

417,486 

516,901 

516,901

<6 
months 

6<12 
months 

1-5 
years 

Carrying 
amount/ 
Total*  Fair value**

18,487 

35,651 

54,138 

21,580 

17,421 

39,001 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18,487 

35,651 

54,138 

21,580 

17,421 

39,001 

18,487

35,651

54,138

21,580

17,4211

39,001

*  All cash flows are non-discounted and include all liabilities under contracts. 
**   The fair value of financial liabilities is determined as the discounted cash flows based on the market rates and credit conditions at the balance 

sheet date. 

Interests on royalty bond is calculated on basis of the fixed interest rate 9.375% and the expected payback time.

74

75

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Notes 

Notes 

Note 23 – Related parties

Note 25 – Change in working capital

SPV K/S. ZP Holding SPV K/S has then sold and contributed 

Zealand has receivables from group companies of DKK 3.6 

Other assurance engagements 

Zealand has no related parties with controlling interest. 

lixisenatide as stand-alone product and certain milestones to a 

second 100% owned subsidiary, ZP SPV 1 K/S. No gain has been 

Zealand’s related parties with significant influence comprise of 

recognized in the separate financial statements of Zealand 

the company’s Board of Directors and senior management.

and costs of the subsidiaries are the carrying amount of the 

Transactions with related parties

assets contributed to the subsidiaries, i.e. the nominal value of 

cash contribution and nil with respect of the contribution of 

Compensation to the Board of Directors and senior 

the intellectual property as the intellectual property was not 

management is described in note 21. 

recognized in the financial statements of Zealand before the 

No further transactions with related parties were conducted 

transactions.

during the year. In 2014, transactions with the Board of 

ZP SPV 1 K/S has then issued a royalty bond against these 

Directors for consultancy fee amounted to DKK 0.7 million. 

assets. The purpose of this structure is to make the royalty 

bond non-recourse to Zealand and at the same time protect 

Zealand has in 2014, contributed all IP and rights relating to the 

the bond investors from a parent company bankruptcy. 

agreement with Sanofi to its fully owned subsidiary ZP Holding 

rights to 86.5% of the future annual royalties relating to 

(11.7) million at year end.

Ownership

The following shareholders are registered in Zealand’s register of shareholders as being the owners of minimum 5% of the voting 

rights or minimum 5% of the share capital (1 share equals 1 vote):

Sunstone BI Funds and Life Science Ventures Fund, Copenhagen, Denmark

LD Pension (Lønmodtagernes Dyrtidsfond), Copenhagen, Denmark 

Legg Mason (Royce) Inc., Maryland, US

Note 24– Adjustments

DKK ’000 

Depreciation 

Warrants compensation expenses 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Exchange rate adjustments 

Total adjustments 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

6,215 

16,947 

-3,889 

42,394 

-18,114 

43,553 

5,932 

1,674 

-3,064 

2,017 

000000 

66,559 

6,215 

16,947 

-1,444 

306 

-1,310 

20,714 

5,932

1,674

-3,064

64

0

4,606

DKK ’000 

Group 2015  Group 2014 

Parent 2015  Parent 2014

Change in receivables 

Increase in payables 

Change in working capital 

-215,594 

-25,467 

6,631 

-24,027

76,723 

-138,871 

40,988 

15,521 

-27,458 

-20,827 

37,749

13,722

Note 26 – Fees to auditors appointed  
at the Annual General Meeting

DKK ’000 

Audit  

Tax advice 

Non-audit services 

Total fees 

2015 

2014

315 

30 

104 

29 

478 

400

61

818

677

1,956

Note 27 – Significant events after the balance sheet date

No events have occurred after the balance sheet date of importance to the consolidated financial statements.

76

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04_Statements

Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Income statement

Statement of comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes

Statements

Statement of the Board of Directors 
and executive management 

Independent  
auditors report 

Today the Board of Directors and executive management have 

In our opinion the management’s review includes a fair review 

discussed and approved the Annual Report of Zealand Pharma 

about the development of the Group and Parent’s operations 

A/S for the financial year 1 January – 31 December 2015.

and economical conditions, the results for the year and the 

Group and Parent’s financial position as well as a review of the 

The consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

more significant risks and uncertainty the Group and Parent 

statements have been prepared in accordance with 

faces, in accordance with the Danish disclosure requirements 

International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 

for listed companies.

EU and Danish disclosure requirements for listed companies.

To the shareholders of Zealand Pharma A/S

Report on the consolidated 
financial statements and parent 
financial statements

statements that give a true and fair view in order to design 

audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 

but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 

effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements and 

includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting 

We recommend that the Annual Report be approved at the 

parent financial statements of Zealand Pharma A/S for the 

policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates 

We consider the accounting policies used to be appropriate. 

Annual General Meeting.

In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair 

view of the Group and the Parent’s financial position as of 

Glostrup, 16 March 2016

31 December 2015 and of the results of the Group and Parents 

operations and cash flows for the financial year 1 January – 

31 December 2015.

Executive management

Britt Meelby Jensen

President and  

Chief Executive Officer

Mats Blom

Senior Vice President and  

Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

Martin Nicklasson

Chairman

Rosemary Crane

Vice Chairman 

Catherine Moukheibir

Board member

Alain Munoz

Board member

Peter Benson

Board member

Michael J. Owen

Board member

Christian Thorkildsen

Board member

Employee elected

Helle Størum

Board member

Employee elected

Jens Peter Stenvang

Board member

Employee elected

financial year 1 January – 31 December 2015, which comprise 

made by management, as well as the overall presentation of 

the income statement, statement of comprehensive income, 

the consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

statement of financial position, statement of changes 

statements. 

in equity, cash flow statement and notes, including the 

accounting policies, for the Group as well as for the Parent. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is 

The consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit 

statements are prepared in accordance with International 

opinion.

Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and 

Danish disclosure requirements for listed companies.

Our audit has not resulted in any qualification.

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated 

Opinion

financial statements and parent financial statements

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and 

Management is responsible for the preparation of consolidated 

parent financial statements give a true and fair view of the 

financial statements and parent financial statements that 

Group’s and the Parent’s financial position at 31 December 

give a true and fair view in accordance with International 

2015, and of the results of their operations and cash flows for 

Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and Danish 

the financial year 1 January - 31 December 2015 in accordance 

disclosure requirements for listed companies and for such 

with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 

internal control as management determines is necessary to 

by the EU and Danish disclosure requirements for listed 

enable the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated 

companies.

financial statements and parent financial statements that are 

free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated 

Statement on the management 
commentary
Pursuant to the Danish Financial Statements Act, we have read 

financial statements and parent financial statements based 

the management commentary. We have not performed any 

on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance 

further procedures in addition to the audit of the consolidated 

with International Standards on Auditing and additional 

financial statements and parent financial statements.

requirements under Danish audit regulation. This requires that 

we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform 

On this basis, it is our opinion that the information provided 

the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 

in the management commentary is consistent with the 

the consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

statements are free from material misstatement. 

statements. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit 

Copenhagen, 16 March 2016

evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 

consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

Deloitte 

statements. The procedures selected depend on the 

Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab 

auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks 

CVR no.: 33 96 35 56

of material misstatements of the consolidated financial 

statements and parent financial statements, whether due to 

fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 

Martin Faarborg

considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation 

State Authorised  

of consolidated financial statements and parent financial 

Public Accountant

Flemming Larsen

State Authorised  

Public Accountant

78

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ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statementsZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
Our business

Our portfolio

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Company  
information 

Zealand Pharma A/S

Smedeland 36

DK-2600 Glostrup

Denmark

Tel: +45 88 77 36 00

Fax: +45 88 77 38 98

info@zealandpharma.com

www.zealandpharma.com

CVR no.: 20 04 50 78

Established 

1 April 1997

Registered office 

Albertslund

Auditors

Deloitte 

Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab

CVR no.: 33 96 35 56

Design and production: In-Mind Design

80

ZEALAND PHARMA A/S ANNUAL REPORT 2015Financial statements 
ANNUAL 
REPORT 
2015

Zealand Pharma A/S
Smedeland 36
2600 Glostrup (Copenhagen)
Denmark
Tel +45 88 77 36 00
www.zealandpharma.com

82