Quarterlytics / Healthcare / Biotechnology / Zealand Pharma

Zealand Pharma

zeal · NASDAQ Healthcare
Claim this profile
Ticker zeal
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Healthcare
Industry Biotechnology
Employees 201-500
← All annual reports
FY2016 Annual Report · Zealand Pharma
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Annual Report
2016

Entering  
a new era

Zealand Pharma A/S
Company reg. no. 20045078

We are a Danish biotech company 
discovering and developing novel peptide-
based medicines. 

We are passionate about improving patients’ 
lives and committed to delivering value for 
all our stakeholders.

We intend to be a world leader in medicines 
focusing on specialty gastrointestinal and 
metabolic diseases

2

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewContents

Management 
review

About

In brief 

Letter from the CEO 

Financial highlights 

Consolidated key figures 

2016 key events 

4

6

8

9

10

Strategy and partnerships

Own clinical pipeline

Corporate matters

Financial statements

Financial 
statements

Strategy and roadmap 

Value creation 

Adlyxin®/Lyxumia® 

12

13

14

Soliqua™ 100/33/Suliqua™ 

15

Collaborations with 
Boehringer Ingelheim 
and Helsinn  

16

Building the future pipeline  17

Product pipeline 

Disease focus 

Glepaglutide for short 
bowel syndrome 

Dasiglucagon for acute, 
severe hypoglycemia 

Dasiglucagon for 
type 1 diabetes care 

19

20

21

23

25

Corporate governance 

28

Income statement 

Risk management and 
internal control 

Corporate social 
responsibility (CSR) 

Human resources 

Financial review 

Shareholder information 

Board of Directors 

Senior Management 

30

32

33

34

36

38

40

Statement of 
comprehensive income 

Statement of 
financial position 

Statement of cash flows 

Statement of 
changes in equity 

Notes 

Statement of the 
Board of Directors and 
Executive Management 

Independent auditor's 
report 

43

43

44

45

46

47

79

80

3

Front page: Louise from Molecular Pharmacology, working in one of Zealand's laboratories.

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewIn brief

Branded products in diabetes care commercialized by Sanofi 
under an exclusive worldwide license

Our approach 

Lixisenatide is marketed as Adlyxin® in the U.S. and 
is approved as Lyxumia® in more than 60 countries 
worldwide and marketed in over 40 of these by Sanofi. 
Commercial launches include most EU countries, Japan, 
Brazil, Mexico and India.

Soliqua™ 100/33 is a combination of lixisenatide and Lantus® 
and is marketed by Sanofi in the U.S. The product was 
approved as Suliqua™ in the EU in January 2017. Suliqua™ 
will be delivered in two pre-filled SoloSTAR® pens, providing 
different dosing options.

Product pipeline

3 fully owned product  
candidates in Phase 2

3 product candidates  
in partnerships

•  Glepaglutide* for short bowel syndrome (SBS)
•  Dasiglucagon* for acute, severe hypoglycemia
•  Dasiglucagon* for type 1 diabetes care

•  Elsiglutide for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea
•  A dual GLP1-GLU for obesity/type 2 diabetes
•  An undisclosed target for obesity/type 2 diabetes

Scientific focus and platform

Drug discovery

Peptides

We invent and develop medicines focusing on 
specialty gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases.

Zealand has a successful 18-year history of discovering 
and optimizing peptide therapeutics as novel drugs. 

*  Glepaglutide and dasiglucagon are proposed International Nonproprietary Names (pINN).

4

We build for success by 
maintaining a lean and agile 
organization and by partnering 
with the best in their fields, leading 
to greater efficiency and better 
results. 

We have a history of successful 
outlicensing partnerships. Going 
forward, we will engage in 
partnerships across all stages of 
the value chain, but we will retain 
greater control and profitability. 

In 2016, we partnered with 
high-quality device and drug 
manufacturers and leading centers 
and hospitals to run our clinical 
development. 

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
Financials

2016 year-end cash position

2012-2016 revenue

DKKm

319

642

323

Restricted 
cash

Cash and cash 
equivalents

DKKm

250

200

150

100

50

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2016 revenue

DKKm

Lyxumia® 
royalties

25

235

210

Milestone 
payments

Employees are one of our biggest assets

We aspire

122 employees 

to attract, develop and retain the 
best people and to be a company 
where employees thrive, regardless 
of their background.

More than 80% of our 
employees work in R&D, and 
36 of our employees hold a 
PhD.

Other

Research

23

46

53

Development

How we work

We have strengthened our organization with competencies enabling us to advance our 
product candidates through to registration and we will continue to expand our organization 
with relevant skills to fulfill our ambition, while maintaining our agility and leanness. 

Zealand Pharma A/S

Based in 
Denmark 

– home to a world-leading 
healthcare industry. 

– and the country with the largest 
commercial drug development 
pipeline in Europe, according to 
investindk.com.

Founded in 1998 

to design and develop peptide-based 
medicines.

Listed 

on Nasdaq Copenhagen: ZEAL  

5

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewLetter from the CEO

Zealand enters 
a new era

Dear Zealand stakeholders, 
2016 was an outstanding year for Zealand Pharma. We took 
major steps toward significant value creation and evolved 
Zealand into a more sustainable biotech company.

Two products based on Zealand’s invention lixisenatide were 
approved in the U.S. and made available to patients with type 
2 diabetes by Sanofi. These important milestones will reward 
Zealand with a steadily growing revenue stream in the form 
of milestone payments and royalties.

Within the scope of our new strategy of bringing selected 
medicines all the way to market ourselves, we successfully 
progressed the development of our clinical programs: 
glepaglutide for patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) 
and dasiglucagon for insulin shock and in combination with 
insulin for use in a dual-chamber pump. 

Two products approved and launched in the U.S.
Zealand entered into a partnership with Sanofi more 
than a decade ago. 2016 was a determining year for our 
partnership, with both Adlyxin® and Soliqua™ 100/33 
being approved in the U.S. We are reassured by the strong 
commitment of our partner Sanofi, which is responsible for 
development and commercialization, in making Soliqua™ 
100/33 a success in the U.S. 

Soliqua™ 100/33 was made available in U.S. pharmacies in 
the first week of 2017. The U.S. healthcare market was in 
the spotlight in 2016 due to the focus on price pressure, 
particularly in the insulin market. We are pleased by Sanofi’s 
pragmatic approach to ensuring that Soliqua™ 100/33 
is accessible to a large number of patients. Diabetes is, 
unfortunately, a growing disease with a continued need for 
better treatment. In fact, 50% of people with diabetes do not 
achieve their target blood sugar levels. 

Finally, we are excited about the EU approval of Suliqua™ in 
early 2017, with launches expected from Q2 2017 by Sanofi. 

6

Solid progress on our Phase 2 gastrointestinal and 
metabolic programs
In 2015, we launched a strategy based on the ambition to 
become a fully integrated biotechnology company. In 2016, 
we continued to strengthen the organization to successfully 
develop and make new and better medicines available to 
patients in the years to come. We build on our strong R&D 
platform, taking greater ownership of product candidates 
through late-stage clinical development and registration, 
and play an active part in bringing products to market. This 
will give us increased control and enable us to retain and 
significantly increase the future value for patients, Zealand 
and our shareholders. 

Glepaglutide, a GLP-2 analogue, targets patients with short 
bowel syndrome (SBS). This is a severe disease affecting 
more than 40,000 patients globally. In 2016, we initiated 
a Phase 2 trial, working with one of the leading specialists 
in this field, and we expect the results in mid-2017. We are 
committed to helping patients suffering from SBS and are 
working with patients, physicians and payers to understand 
how to best address their needs. In addition to this program, 
our R&D organization is working on other projects to 
improve the lives of patients suffering from gastrointestinal 
diseases.

In the field of diabetes, we reported positive Phase 2 results 
with dasiglucagon, which is a user-friendly treatment 
solution for insulin shock, an underappreciated life-
threatening condition and one of the greatest fears of 
insulin-dependent patients and their relatives. In 2016, 
Zealand entered into a collaboration with Beta Bionics, a 
Boston-based company, whereby dasiglucagon will be 
delivered in combination with insulin in a pump, thereby 
mimicking a healthy pancreas as this pump releases both 

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewinsulin and glucagon for optimal blood sugar control. We 
believe that this dual-hormone artificial pancreas has the 
potential to transform the treatment of diabetes and are 
dedicated to advancing dasiglucagon, since we believe it is 
the best glucagon for this application.

In 2016, we had to discontinue a clinical project program. 
Danegaptide, a gap junction modifier to address reperfusion 
injuries in connection with heart attacks, unfortunately did 
not show the intended effect in a 600-patient Phase 2 trial. 
Based on this result, we decided to discontinue the program. 

Building success through partnerships and maturing 
the organization
We build for success by maintaining a lean and agile 
organization and by establishing partnerships with the best 
in their fields, leading to greater efficiency and better results. 
We have a history of successful outlicensing partnerships 
and will continue to rely on external partnerships across all 
stages of the business. In 2016, we partnered with high-
quality device and drug manufacturers and leading centers 
and hospitals to run our clinical development. 

Our partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) achieved 
significant project milestones in 2016, and the two programs 
currently in development are scheduled to enter Phase 1 in 
2017. 

Elsiglutide, run by our partner Helsinn, failed to meet the 
primary endpoint in reducing chemotherapy-induced 
diarrhea, but Helsinn will continue the development of this 
treatment to hopefully find a way to help the many patients 
who suffer from diarrhea after chemotherapy. 

Strong financial outlook and the beginning of a new era 
2015 saw us embark on a diligent growth strategy. 2016 
showed that we are evolving into a sustainable biotech 
company that can deliver. In 2017, we aim to create more 
value through increased revenues from marketed products, 
moving our own medicines toward Phase 3 development 
and expanding our portfolio of new medicines addressing 
specialty gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases with 
significant unmet needs.

We are well positioned financially, with a solid cash base. 
This means that we can pursue increased investment in our 
own pipeline programs over the next few years to advance 
products that will benefit patients. 

Our employees are fundamental to our success, and 
we continue to be able to attract and retain people 
with vast experience and talent. We have a unique 
culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong 
engagement across the organization. I am therefore 
confident that we will successfully take the transformational 
step to the next level and deliver on our ambitions.

I would like to thank all our shareholders for their support 
and confidence in us. We ended 2016 in excellent shape, 
both financially and operationally. In 2017, we will move into 
a new era. Together with my colleagues, I look forward to 
making a difference to patients’ lives and creating value for 
all stakeholders.

Britt Meelby Jensen
President and
Chief Executive Officer

We intend to be a world leader in medicines 
focusing on specialty gastrointestinal and 
metabolic diseases. We will further exploit 
our peptide platform to deliver innovation 
and life-changing impact for people suffering 
from these diseases.

7

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewFinancial highlights

Financial highlights of 2016

Revenue
Zealand's revenue in 2016 amounted to DKK 
234.8 million (2015: DKK 187.7 million), which 
was an increase of 25% on 2015. 

The main revenue component consisted of 
milestone payments of DKK 210.4 million 
(2015: DKK 159.1 million) from Sanofi in 
connection with the U.S. approvals of 
lixisenatide as Adlyxin® amounting to DKK 33.5 
million, and Soliqua™ 100/33 amounting to 
DKK 169.9 million. 

Royalty revenue to Zealand from Sanofi's sales 
of Lyxumia® amounted to DKK 24.3 million 
(2015: DKK 28.6 million), corresponding to a 
15% decrease on the previous year.

Research, development and administrative 
expenses
Total research, development and 
administrative expenses amounted to DKK 
320.7 million (2015: DKK 259.5 million), up 
24% on 2015.

The increase is due to higher research 
and development expenses as a result of 
accelerated development activities. These 
included the costs of the dasiglucagon 
Phase 2 trial conducted in Germany 
and toxicology studies for glepaglutide. 
In addition, costs were impacted by an 
increase in the number of employees in our 
clinical development organization. 

Financial guidance for 2017

For 2017, Zealand expects a continued increase in royalty payments from 
Sanofi. No specific guidance on the level of royalties can be provided, as 
Sanofi has not given any guidance on expected 2017 sales. 

Additional revenue of up to DKK 100 million is expected from event-driven 
partner-related milestones. DKK 70 million of this was received in January 
2017.

Net operating expenses in 2017 are expected to be within the range DKK 
390-410 million. The increase compared with 2016 is explained by higher 
levels of clinical development costs associated with the advancements of 
glepaglutide and dasiglucagon.

The operating loss before royalty income/expenses is therefore expected to 
be within the range DKK 290-310 million, excluding royalty revenue.

Revenue

DKKm

250

200

150

100

50

0

R&D and administrative expenses

DKKm 

2017 guidance 

2016 realized

DKKm

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Milestone revenue 

Net operating expenses¹ 

Operating loss before royalty income/expenses 

100 

390-410 

290-310 

210

319

109

¹  Net operating expenses consist of research, development and administrative expenses less operating 

income.

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

  Milestone income
  Royalty income

8

  R&D expenses
  Administrative expenses

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
Consolidated key figures

DKK ’000 

  Restated¹ 
2015 

2016 

2014 

2013 

2012

DKK ’000 

  Restated¹ 
2015 

2016 

2014 

2013 

2012

Income statement and  
comprehensive income

Revenue 

Royalty expenses 

234,778 

187,677 

153,773 

6,574 

223,565

Cash outflow/inflow from investing activities 

  -299,958 

-1,594 

19,763 

96,808 

13,448

-31,459 

-22,267 

-13,776 

-872 

-15,933

Cash inflow from financing activities 

157,146 

96,413 

272,170 

0 

0

Cash outflow/inflow from operating activities 

40,904  -224,767 

-42,183  -169,618 

68,537

Cash flow

Research and development expenses 

  -268,159  -217,741  -180,036  -164,467  -182,759

Purchase of property, plant and equipment  

-2,600 

-4,040 

-4,497 

-4,569 

-8,849

-52,503 

-41,824 

-39,826 

-34,155 

-27,611

Free cash flow⁵ 

38,304  -228,807 

-46,680  -174,187 

59,688

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating result 

Net financial items 

Result before tax 

Income tax benefit² 

1,697 

12,828 

6,328 

7,302 

35,135

  -115,646 

-81,327 

-73,537  -185,618 

32,397

-43,764 

-38,505 

1,047 

1,942 

3,975

  -159,410  -119,832 

-72,490  -183,676 

36,372

5,500 

5,875 

7,500 

0 

0

Net result for the year 

  -153,910  -113,957 

-64,990  -183,676 

36,372

Comprehensive income/loss 

  -153,910  -113,957 

-64,990  -183,676 

36,372

Earnings/loss per share – basic (DKK) 

Earnings/loss per share – diluted (DKK) 

-6.33 

-6.33 

-4.94 

-4.94 

-2.87 

-2.87 

-8.10 

-8.10 

1.61

1.60

Statement of financial position

Cash and cash equivalents 

Restricted cash³ 323,330 

Securities 

Total assets 

323,330 

418,796 

538,273 

286,178 

358,922

318,737 

21,403 

0 0 

0 

0

0 

0 

0 

24,383 

126,940

694,626 

636,208 

596,756 

346,913 

520,983

Share capital (‘000 shares) 

26,142 

24,353 

23,193 

23,193 

23,193

Equity 

Equity ratio⁴ 

Royalty bond 

278,194 

252,231 

252,828 

316,141 

491,015

0.40 

0.40 

0.42 

332,243 

312,951 

272,170 

0.91 

0 

0.94

0

Other

Share price (DKK) 

Market capitalization⁶ (DKKm) 

Equity per share⁷ (DKK) 

Average number of employees 

Products in clinical development (year-end)⁸ 

Products in registration phase (year-end)⁹ 

Medicines on the market¹⁰ 

106.50 

151.50 

2,784 

11.69 

124 

6 

1 

1 

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

¹  Figures for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been restated due to certain misstatements. See Note 1 to the financial 

statements. 

²  According to Danish tax legislation, Zealand is eligible to receive DKK 5.5 million in cash relating to the tax loss in 2016.
³  Restricted cash serves as collateral for the royalty bond issued in 2014.
⁴  Equity ratio is calculated as equity at the balance sheet date divided by total assets at the balance sheet date.
⁵  Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow from operating activities less purchase of property, plant and equipment.
⁶  Market capitalization is calculated as outstanding shares at the balance sheet date times the share price at the balance 

sheet date. 

⁷  Equity per share is calculated as shareholders’ equity divided by total number of shares less treasury shares.
⁸  Please refer to our pipeline on page 19.
⁹  On January 17, 2017, Suliqua™ was approved in the EU by the European Commission, and the launch is expected in 

Q2 2017.

¹⁰  In November 2016, the FDA approved Soliqua™ 100/33, and the product was launched in January 2017.

9

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 key events

 First dosing of patients in 
Phase 2 with glepaglutide

 First dosing of patients in 
Phase 2 with glucagon 
analogue, dasiglucagon

 Phase 2b trial with 
elsiglutide failed to 
meet primary endpoint

 Positive Phase 
2 results for 
dasiglucagon in a 
ready-to-use hypo 
pen

 Phase 2 proof-of-
concept trial with 
danegaptide failed 
to meet primary 
endpoint

 Collaboration 
between Zealand 
and Beta Bionics on 
a first-in-class dual-
hormone bionic 
pancreas system

 Zealand raises 
USD 22m from a 
private placement 
of shares

 Start of Phase 
2a microdose 
clinical trial with 
dasiglucagon

 Start of Phase 2a 
clinical trial with 
dasiglucagon in 
a dual-hormone 
bionic pancreas 
system

February

March

May

June

July

August

September

November

December

January

April

October

 FDA acceptance 
of Sanofi's NDA 
for iGlarLixi 
(lixisenatide and 
insulin glargine)

 FDA Advisory 
Committee vote 
to recommend 
approval 
of iGlarLixi 
(lixisenatide and  
insulin glargine) 
in the U.S.

 Three-month delay 
in FDA decision on 
lixisenatide and 
insulin glargine

 FDA approval of Soliqua™  
100/33, triggering USD 25m 
milestone payment

 CHMP recommends approval 
of Suliqua™ in the EU

 FDA approval of 
Adlyxin® in the U.S., 
triggering USD 5m 
milestone payment

10

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewStrategy and 
partnerships

Ditte from Pharmacology, 
working in one of Zealand's 
laboratories.

Contents

Strategy and roadmap 

Value creation 

Adlyxin®/Lyxumia® 

Soliqua™ 100/33/Suliqua™ 

Collaborations with Boehringer 
Ingelheim and Helsinn  

Building the future pipeline 

12

13

14

15

16

17

11

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewStrategy and roadmap

The U.S. launch of Soliqua™ 100/33 confirms 
growing revenues for many years to come  
– an important precondition of our strategy.

We aim to realize the value of some of our own product 
candidates ourselves, to retain full control and increase 
profitability. To successfully advance products through 
clinical development and registration, we have significantly 
strengthened our competencies.

Successful implementation of our strategy will propel Zealand 
forward to being a fully integrated biotechnology company, 
building on our strong R&D platform while expanding 
relationships with our customers. Our pipeline will focus on 
addressing the needs of patients suffering from specialty 
gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, at the same time as 
incorporating opportunities in other specialty diseases that 
match our competencies and ambitions. 

Building the future pipeline
Zealand has a successful history of discovering and 
optimizing peptide therapeutics as novel drugs. We will 
continue to grow our pipeline through internal research, but 
also through inlicensing and/or acquisitions. 

We have built a strong organization and secured solid 
partnership agreements for clinical trial execution and 
manufacturing in order to advance our Phase 2 product 
candidates: the GLP-2 analogue glepaglutide, targeting short 
bowel syndrome, and the two glucagon analogue programs 
with dasiglucagon. All three programs are progressing at full 
speed.

We will engage in commercialization for selected product 
candidates, for example glepaglutide, and we will therefore 
gradually expand our commercial capabilities and establish 
a local presence in relevant markets, while relying on 
partnerships in other markets.

2016 

2017-2019

2020+

Entering a new era

Accelerating value creation

Integrated biotech company

Advance and expand the pipeline
•  Two U.S. product approvals
•  Three Phase 2 product candidates

Enhance our peptide competencies
•  Engagement in new research partnerships
•  Continued investments in innovation 

Enter partnerships to support the pipeline
•  Partnerships with Beta Bionics and device 

partners

•  Working with leading CMOs and CROs

Solid financial position 
•  Strengthened cash position
•  Milestone payments and royalties

12

Confirming the value of the product portfolio
•  Growing revenues from marketed 

Commercialization of own products  
in the U.S. and Europe

products

•  Milestone payments
•  Own late-stage development and 

registration

Engage in synergistic partnerships
•  Inlicensing to expand portfolio
•  Commercial partnerships

Building stakeholder relations
•  Dialogue with patients, key opinion 

leaders and payers intensified

Continued solid revenues from  
partnered products

Portfolio from internal innovation, 
partnering and acquisitions

“2016 was 
a year of 
significant 
achievements 
for Zealand, with solid 
progress on the execution of the 
strategy that was defined in 2015. 
Two U.S. approvals of products 
licensed to Sanofi will ensure 
increasing revenues so that we 
can bring product candidates in 
our pipeline all the way through 
registration and, ultimately, 
make them available to patients. 
Zealand’s ambition to play an 
active part in commercialization 
represents a major transformation 
of the company. It requires new 
competencies, and I am pleased 
to report that organizational 
developments are on track to realize 
the full value of this ambition.” 

Martin Nicklasson
Chairman 
Zealand Pharma A/S

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewValue creation

Pipeline projects: full control and value retained by Zealand

Partnered products and projects: revenue model

Glepaglutide*

Dasiglucagon*

Partner/product Milestone payments

Royalties

 Target indication  
Short bowel syndrome 
(SBS)

 Phase 2 recruitment 
completed

 USD > 0.5bn market 
potential assuming 
current treatment 
paradigm 

 20,000-40,000 SBS 
patients in the U.S. and 
the EU

 2016 sales of GLP-2 
SBS treatment, 
teduglutide, of 
USD 219.4m¹ (55% 
growth) – treating less 
than 1,000 patients

 Target indication  
Severe hypoglycemia 

 Target indication  
Dual-hormone artificial 
pancreas

 Phase 2 results available 

 Phase 2a ongoing 

 USD > 0.5bn market 
potential assuming 
market expansion due to 
improved offering 

 1.25m type 1 diabetes 
patients in the U.S. 
have the highest risk of 
severe hypoglycemia

 2016 sales in the U.S. 
of USD 314m². Market 
currently under-
penetrated (less than 
25% of at-risk patients)

 USD > 3bn market 
potential assuming 30% 
of U.S. type 1 diabetes 
patients use glucagon in a 
pump

 1.25m type 1 diabetes 
patients in the U.S., of 
which 35%³ on insulin 
pumps (growing) 

 Dual-hormone artificial 
pancreas with glucagon, 
with the potential to 
offer better blood 
glucose control

*  Glepaglutide and dasiglucagon are proposed International Nonproprietary Names (pINN). 
1  Shire 2016 full-year report and Zealand estimate. 
2 
3  Consultation response MT 11 ToR – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation PDF and Zealand estimate.

IMS Health data and Zealand estimate.

  Received

  Outstanding

 % of global sales

Adlyxin®/Lyxumia®

135m

100m

Low double-digit

USD

Soliqua™ 100/33/ 
Suliqua™

Elsiglutide

Glucagon/
GLP

Undisclosed 
target

EUR

16m

EUR

21m

EUR

8m

DKK

124m

High single- to  
low double-digit

365m

287m

High single- to  
low double-digit

High single- to  
low double-digit

Total outstanding 
milestones

6.5bn

13

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
Adlyxin®/Lyxumia®  
– a GLP-1 receptor 
agonist for type 2 
diabetes

Zealand's first invented medicine, lixisenatide, a 
once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist for the 
treatment of type 2 diabetes, is licensed to Sanofi. 
Lixisenatide is available as Adlyxin® in the U.S. and 
is approved as Lyxumia® in more than 60 countries 
worldwide and marketed in over 40 of these by Sanofi.

Adlyxin®/Lyxumia® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) 
receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise 
to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

Status

GLP-1 market 
value 2016

GLP-1 market 
growth

Approved in 60 countries 
worldwide and marketed in 
over 40 of these by Sanofi

Commercial launches as of January 2017 
include most EU countries, Japan, Brazil, 
Mexico, India and the U.S.

Worldwide  
USD 4.9bn

26% since 
2015

Based on 2016 annual results from Sanofi, 
Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, AZ and GSK for 
Lyxumia®, Victoza®, Bydureon™, Trulicity®, 
Syncria® and Byetta®.

•  The contract with Sanofi includes the GLP-1 receptor 

agonist lixisenatide and any combination product
•  Zealand pays 13.5% of its revenue from all lixisenatide 

products to third parties

•  The patent expires on different dates in different countries, 
but in most cases it is in 2025. The common number for 
all the patents in the Lixi patent family is the international 
publication no. WO 01/04156. The U.S. no. is US RE45,313 
and the EU no. is EP 1196444

14

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewSoliqua™ 100/33/Suliqua™  
– a combination of GLP-1 
and insulin

Soliqua™ 100/33 is a combination of lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor 
agonist, and insulin glargine (Lantus®) in a once-daily injection 
marketed in the U.S. by Sanofi. The product has been approved in the 
EU under the brand name Suliqua™ for type 2 diabetes patients.

•  Soliqua™ 100/33 has been approved in the 
U.S. as an adjunct to diet and exercise to 
improve glycemic control in adults with 
type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled 
on basal insulin (with a daily dose range 
from 15 to 60 units) or lixisenatide. 
Soliqua™ 100/33 is marketed in the U.S. by 
Sanofi.

•  Soliqua™ 100/33 is delivered in the U.S. 
in a single pre-filled pen for once-daily 
dosing using SoloSTAR® technology, the 
most frequently used disposable insulin 
injection pen in the world.

•  Suliqua™ has been approved in the EU 
for type 2 diabetes patients for use in 
combination with metformin to improve 
glycemic control when this has not 
been provided by metformin alone or 
metformin combined with another oral 
glucose-lowering medicinal product 
or with basal insulin. Suliqua™ will be 
marketed in the EU by Sanofi.

•  Suliqua™ will be delivered in two pre-

filled SoloSTAR® pens, providing different 
dosing options that may address 
individual market and patient insulin 
needs.

Status

Type 2 diabetes patients

Launched in 
the U.S. and 
approved 
in the EU in 
January 2017

50% of relatively 
new-onset patients 
require a second 
drug after three 
years of treatment

United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS).

15

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewCollaborations with Boehringer Ingelheim and Helsinn

Our collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim

Our collaboration with Helsinn

Zealand has a long-term and productive partnership with 
Boehringer Ingelheim developing two molecules targeting type 2 
diabetes and/or obesity. 

Zealand has a partnership with Helsinn relating to elsiglutide, 
a potential first-ever treatment for the prevention of 
chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID).

The first collaboration began in 2011, and in 2014 a second partnership agreement 
was signed for a different target. During our collaboration, we have invested time 
and effort in the discovery and development of clinical lead candidates.

The 2011 collaboration covered dual-acting GLP-1/glucagon molecules and 
included a once-daily clinical lead molecule, ZP2929. At the same time as 
taking this molecule into the clinic, significant preclinical work was put into the 
development of candidates. 

In 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim selected a new clinical lead and announced that it 
planned to initiate a Phase 1 trial with this molecule in 2017. All rights to ZP2929 
were returned to Zealand.

The 2014 collaboration covered a novel biological target, and in 2016 Boehringer 
Ingelheim selected a clinical lead with potential for diabetes and/or obesity, which 
it also planned to take into Phase 1 clinical testing in 2017.

The partnership relating to elsiglutide, a novel GLP-2 analogue invented by 
Zealand, began in 2008. Global development and commercial rights in the field of 
cancer-supportive care are licensed to Helsinn, which is developing elsiglutide as 
a potential first-ever treatment to help prevent chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in 
cancer patients.

Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea is a severe and potentially life-threatening 
condition affecting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily with 
regimens containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). 5-FU-based chemotherapy regimens 
result in up to 50-80% of cancer patients developing CID1. Currently, no effective 
treatments are available for these patients.

The condition is often associated with dehydration, hospitalization, reduced quality 
of life and suboptimal cancer treatment.

1  Stein, Voigt and Jordan, Ther. Adv. Med. Oncol. 2010.

16

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewBuilding the future pipeline

Zealand has a successful history of developing 
peptide-based therapeutics and is accelerating 
pipeline growth through internal research and  
inlicensing opportunities.

We are continuing to build on our 18-year track record 
to accelerate the growth of our pipeline through internal 
research as well as external partnerships, inlicensing and/
or acquisitions that bring additional value to our clinical 
development portfolio.

We have an established and experienced clinical 
development organization that has successfully advanced 
promising product candidates through Phase 2 development, 
and we have secured the necessary competencies and 
infrastructure to pursue late-stage clinical development and 
product registration. 

Our research team holds significant expertise in applying 
our peptide platform to core specialty disease areas to 
bring forward novel therapies for the treatment of specialty 
gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases.

Our peptide platform and technology
The strength of our peptide platform lies in our deep 
understanding of the role of peptides in normal physiology and 
disease. This enables us to select and modify native peptides 
using our expertise in peptide chemistry and computational 
drug design to identify potential novel therapeutics. It 
is underpinned by our extensive knowledge of peptide 
formulation, half-life extension technologies and strong 
intellectual property platform bringing together excellence in 
research, formulation and drug discovery. 

Aside from diabetes, there are hundreds of metabolic diseases, 
many of which are very rare and have no treatment. We are 
focused on those where peptides represent an attractive 
therapeutic option. 

In addition, building on our success with glepaglutide, we are 
researching novel therapies addressing patient needs in rare 
gastrointestinal diseases.

Inlicensing and partnership focus 
Our Business Development team has been strengthened 
in alignment with our increased focus on the acquisition of 
pipeline assets. We are progressing multiple internal preclinical 
programs alongside seeking inlicensing opportunities in specialty 
gastrointestinal and metabolic disease areas that will complement 
and expand our existing research and development pipeline. 

5,000 

peptides 
synthesized

10

projects advanced to 
clinical development

400

patents

20% 

is the regulatory approval 
rate for peptides¹

Peptides are biological molecules that 
offer advantages in terms of therapeutic 
administration and cost.

¹  The emergence of peptides in the pharmaceutical business: From exploration to exploitation – http://www.elsevier.com/locate/euprot.

17

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewOwn 
clinical 
pipeline

Contents

Product pipeline 

Disease focus 

19

20

Glepaglutide for short bowel syndrome  21

Dasiglucagon for acute, severe 
hypoglycemia 

Dasiglucagon for type 1 diabetes care 

23

25

Kennet from Molecular Pharmacology, 
working in one of Zealand's 
laboratories.

18

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewProduct pipeline

Clinical pipeline and preclinical partnered programs

Compound

Indication

Development stage

2017 milestone

Intended product

Unmet needs

Glepaglutide*,1

Short bowel 
syndrome

Phase 2

Phase 2 results

Repeat-use  
injection pen

Preclinical Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Registration

Dasiglucagon*,1

Acute, severe 
hypoglycemia 
(insulin shock)

Pump-based 
diabetes 
management

Phase 2

Phase 2a

Elsiglutide2

Chemotherapy-
induced diarrhea

Phase 2

Phase 3 initiation

Ready-to-use  
hypo pen

•   Reduce parenteral support
•   Reduce diarrhea/stoma output
•   Improve quality of life

•   Easy-to-use rescue treatment
•   Faster recovery 
•   Less fear of insulin treatment

Phase 2a results

Component of a  
dual-hormone 
artificial pancreas

•   Achieve glycemic target with 
lower risk of hypoglycemia 

•   Easier diabetes care

New Phase 2 trials

Injection

•   No effective treatment available
•   Prevent chemotherapy-induced 

diarrhea

GLP1-GLU3

Obesity/type 2 
diabetes

Preclinical

Phase 1 initiation

Once-weekly 
injection pen

•   Metabolic control

Undisclosed3

Obesity/type 2 
diabetes

Preclinical

Phase 1 initiation

Undisclosed

•   Metabolic control

*  Glepaglutide and dasiglucagon are proposed International Nonproprietary Names (pINN).
1  Fully owned by Zealand.
2  Global development and commercial rights are owned by Helsinn.
3  Global development and commercial rights are owned by Boehringer Ingelheim.

19

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewDisease focus

Zealand discovers and develops novel peptide-based medicines focusing on specialty gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases.

Specialty medicines

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases

Metabolic diseases

We use our internal research capabilities 
to discover peptide-based specialty 
medicines focusing on specialty 
gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases. 
We believe we have the capabilities and 
expertise to progress new drugs through 
development to registration ourselves, to 
retain control and realize significant value. 

There are over 1,000 rare diseases and 
disorders affecting more than 300 million 
people. Many of these diseases are life-
threatening, with no available therapy to 
help these patient groups. 

Peptides have proven to be effective drugs 
in a number of different diseases, with 
significant untapped potential across many 
therapy areas. 

We are committed to delivering innovation 
and life-changing impact for people 
suffering from some of these specialty and 
rare diseases.

20

Zealand is building on its experience with glepaglutide to 
further exploit its peptide platform and develop additional 
therapies addressing patient needs in GI diseases.

Diseases of the digestive system affect multiple organs, 
including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines 
as well as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

More than 180 GI diseases affect many millions of people. 
Some of these diseases have a high prevalence, such as 
ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome 
(IBS), but the majority of GI diseases affect smaller patient 
populations. There remains a significant need for innovation, 
as most GI diseases are not served well by current therapies.

We have a solid and advancing 
understanding of the molecular and 
cellular mechanisms dysregulated 
in GI diseases. Multiple regulatory 
peptides and secretory factors are 
produced by the gastrointestinal 
tract, and these represent high-
potential novel therapeutic targets.

60 million 
people in the U.S.  
suffer from  
GI diseases1

Zealand has already had considerable success in developing 
novel treatments for metabolic diseases, with two products 
on the market with our partner Sanofi providing benefit to 
diabetes patients. Our pipeline includes dasiglucagon, which 
completed a successful Phase 2 study in 2016, as well as two 
programs with Boehringer Ingelheim.

The world is facing a major obesity problem, increasing the 
prevalence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes. These 
diseases are associated with deleterious changes in the body’s 
ability to transform the food we eat into the fuel required 
to keep us alive. There is a complex interplay between the 
digestive system, liver, pancreas, endocrine system, body fat 
and muscles which, if altered, can result in the body having too 
much or too little of an essential element.

Aside from diabetes, there are 
hundreds of metabolic diseases, 
many of which are very rare and 
have no therapy available.

36.5%
of U.S. adults  
are obese2

1  National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Opportunities and Challenges in Digestive Diseases Research: 

Recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health; 2009. NIH Publication 08–6514.

2  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db219.pdf

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewGlepaglutide* for short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a life-threatening 
and complex chronic disease associated with 
reduced or complete loss of intestinal function.1

The main underlying causes of SBS are major intestinal 
surgery following Crohn’s disease, ischemia, radiation damage 
and surgery in adults. In pediatrics, congenital intestinal 
atresia, necrotizing enteric colitis and intestinal volvulus are 
the most common causes. In older children and adolescents, 
SBS is mainly due to volvulus or trauma. 

Current treatment options are insufficient
The most severely affected people are dependent on 
parenteral support for up to 16 hours every day. This requires 
them to be connected to infusion lines and pumps, posing 
significant restrictions on daily activities.² 

Glepaglutide for treatment of SBS
Zealand is developing glepaglutide, a novel GLP-2 analogue 
with a half-life in humans of 14-17 hours. In preclinical 
studies, significant effects on small and large intestinal 
function have been demonstrated, and glepaglutide was 
concluded to be safe and well tolerated in Phase 1 clinical 
trials. The molecule has been designed to be stable in liquid 
formulations for easy and convenient daily dosing in an 
injection pen.

Ready for Phase 3 in 2017
In 2016, Zealand initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial. The trial is 
a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding trial with cross-
over design testing the clinical efficacy and safety of three 
doses of glepaglutide in 18 patients with SBS. Pending the 
outcome of this Phase 2 clinical trial, a dialogue with the 
FDA and the EMA regarding a Phase 3 trial will be initiated 
later in 2017.

Existing treatment

Market potential

Our aspiration

Most patients are on parenteral 
nutrition, and our goal is to 
reduce or eliminate their 
dependence on this.2

USD > 0.5bn market assuming 
the current treatment paradigm 
for GLP-2 treatments. Market 
expansion to be fueled by 
broader applications.³

Glepaglutide, GLP-2 analogue, 
proven efficacy in a liquid 
formulation in a broader 
patient population than current 
treatment option.

*  Glepaglutide is a proposed International Nonproprietary Name (pINN).
1  http://www.ccfa.org/assets/short-bowel-syndrome-and.pdf
2  Carlsson E BB, Nordgreen S. Living with an ostomy and short bowel syndrome: practical aspects and impact on daily life. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2001;28(2):96-105.
³  Zealand estimate.

“Short bowel 
syndrome is a 
complex disease 
where we need 
better medicines to manage care 
for patients. A significant focus of 
my work is to improve intestinal 
absorption in patients.” 

Palle Jeppesen
Principal Investigator
Professor MD  
Department of Gastroenterology  
Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark

Short bowel syndrome (SBS)

People with SBS cannot absorb sufficient 
water, vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, 
calories and other nutrients from food, 
and the most severely affected patients 
are dependent on parenteral support 
(intravenous infusion of fluids, minerals, 
vitamins and other nutrients). Most people 
with SBS also suffer from significant diarrhea 
due to malabsorption and excessive loss of 
fluids into the gastrointestinal tract.

1
2
3

Glepaglutide in an injection pen – for illustration purposes only.

21

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewEvery day is a struggle to live a “normal” life

Andrew Jablonski was born with short bowel syndrome in 1986 and is the Founder and 
Executive Director of the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation. 

“When I was born with short bowel syndrome in 1986, and growing up, there was no 
known support for me or my family. 

Malnourishment plays a big role in cognition and personality development – why we act 
the way we do. Many patients have trouble with cognition, memory, focus, school, work, 
defiant behavior and anger/irritability, both in childhood and as adults. 

I saw a need to create more support and education for the short bowel syndrome 
population and, in 2010, started my mission to provide services to patients and providers 
in this disease area.

Living with short bowel syndrome is a constant daily struggle of trying to manage your 
condition while trying to live a ‘normal’ life. 

My hope for the future is that we can improve quality of life for people living with this 
rare disease and provide more patient-to-patient support.” 

Andrew Jablonski
Founder and Executive Director of  
the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation  
shortbowelfoundation.org

Many patients have trouble 
with cognition, memory, focus, 
school and work.

22

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewDasiglucagon* for acute, severe hypoglycemia

Severe hypoglycemia is an acute, life-threatening 
condition resulting from a critical drop in blood 
sugar levels associated primarily with insulin 
therapy. 

family members should know where it is and when and how 
to administer it. The effects of glucagon are the opposite 
of insulin – it helps to increase blood sugar levels when a 
person’s blood sugar decreases. 

Severe hypoglycemia is most frequently seen in people 
with type 1 diabetes, since they inject themselves with 
insulin multiple times a day. Severe hypoglycemic events 
occur when blood sugar levels get critically low and are still 
the biggest concern for insulin-dependent patients. It is a 
condition characterized by confusion, seizures and often loss 
of consciousness which, if left untreated, can result in death. 

Glucagon treatment underutilized due to complexity¹
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends 
in their guidelines from 2017 that glucagon should be 
prescribed for all individuals at increased risk of clinically 
significant hypoglycemia. Caregivers, school personnel and 

Treatment of severe hypoglycemia requires assistance from 
others. Today, there are glucagon kits available in the form 
of lyophilized powder which needs to be dissolved in water 
before injecting. This requirement can be complex and 
challenging, especially in a stressful situation, and may lead 
to errors and delays in injecting glucagon. 

Positive top-line results from Phase 2 trial
In 2016, Zealand reported positive top-line results from 
a Phase 2 clinical trial with dasiglucagon in people with 
type 1 diabetes. Following injection, dasiglucagon induced 
a clinically relevant blood glucose increase as fast as a 
marketed glucagon product, and the product was observed 
to be safe and well tolerated.

Existing treatment

U.S. market 2016 

Our aspiration

Current glucagon kits contain 
powder that needs to be 
dissolved in water before 
injecting. This can be complex in 
a stressful situation and may lead 
to errors and delays in treatment.

Events per patient range from 115 
to 320 per 100 patient-years for 
patients with type 1 diabetes and 
from 35 to 70 per 100 patient-
years in patients with type 2 
diabetes.²

A ready-to-use dasiglucagon 
hypo-pen to allow patients 
an efficacious, reliable and 
intuitive treatment for severe 
hypoglycemia.

“Diabetes 
patients and their 
families unfortunately 
learn quickly that hypoglycemia 
is physically aversive, potentially 
dangerous and a source of possible 
social embarrassment.”

Finn Kristensen
Director and Founder of JDRF Denmark 
Finn’s son has type 1 diabetes

Ready-to-use dasiglucagon hypo pen

Zealand is developing a ready-to-use 
dasiglucagon hypo pen to offer people 
with diabetes and their families a fast 
treatment solution for severe hypoglycemia. 
Dasiglucagon is an analogue of human 
glucagon designed to be stable in liquid 
formulations but otherwise have the same 
biological effects.

*  Dasiglucagon is a proposed International Nonproprietary Name (pINN).
1  Kedia N. Treatment of severe diabetic hypoglycemia with glucagon: an underutilized therapeutic approach. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy. 

Dasiglucagon in a ready-to-use hypo pen – for illustration 
purposes only.

2011;4:337-346.

²  Seaquist ER 2013: p3A.

23

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewUnderstanding the impact of 
severe hypoglycemia

T1D Exchange, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, was founded on 
the belief that people with type 1 diabetes need better solutions faster, 
and focuses on research that can positively impact the lives of people 
with type 1 diabetes.

“T1D Exchange is committed to understanding the impact of 
severe hypoglycemia in the community of people living with 
type 1 diabetes. In our study of 7,012 participants aged 26-93 with 
type 1 diabetes for at least two years, higher frequencies of severe 
hypoglycemia were associated with lower socioeconomic status. 

Severe hypoglycemia was strongly associated with diabetes 
duration, with 18.6% of those with diabetes for 40 years or more 
having had an event in the past 12 months. 

A key conclusion from this analysis is that severe hypoglycemia 
in adults who have had diabetes for more than 40 years cannot 
be eliminated, given the limitation of current 
therapies.” 

Henry Anhalt 
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, 
Chief Medical Officer
T1D Exchange

In 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control 
and Prevention, hypoglycemia was the first-listed 
diagnosis in 300,000 emergency room visits for 
adults aged 18 years and over.

24

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewDasiglucagon* for type 1 diabetes care

People with type 1 diabetes suffer from insulin 
deficiency and inappropriate glucagon secretion. 
Both hormones are essential to ensure stable and 
healthy blood glucose levels. 

Consequently, patients must monitor and adjust their blood 
sugar levels to remain in proper glycemic control, as both 
hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and hypoglycemia (low 
blood glucose) may affect their health, both in the short and 
long term.

Despite advances in both technology and medication, 
type 1 diabetes remains a disease with increased mortality 
and severe complications. In the U.S., approximately 35%1 
of people with type 1 diabetes use an insulin pump, often 
accompanied by continuous glucose monitoring that 
guides the insulin infusion. However, as glucagon is not yet 

available in liquid formulation, pumps that mimic a healthy 
pancreas are not commercially available today.

Working with Beta Bionics
Zealand is working with partners on a next-generation artificial 
pancreas device. These devices contain both insulin and 
glucagon (dasiglucagon) and can therefore both decrease and 
increase blood sugar levels, guided by an algorithm developed 
to maintain and control blood glucose levels without the 
intervention of the patient. In June 2016, Zealand initiated a 
collaboration with Beta Bionics, which is developing a dual-
hormone artificial (bionic) pancreas system based on advanced 
technology conceived and refined at Boston University. 

Dasiglucagon in Phase 2
Dasiglucagon is a Zealand-invented glucagon analogue with 
a unique stability profile in liquid formulation. Two Phase 2a 
trials were initiated in 2016 to assess the efficacy, safety and 
tolerability of microdoses of dasiglucagon, one of them in 
collaboration with Beta Bionics, using its technology platform.

Existing treatment

U.S. market 2016

Our aspiration 

In the U.S., 35% of people with type 1 
diabetes use an insulin pump, often 
accompanied by continuous glucose 
monitoring. However, no pump that 
fully mimics a healthy pancreas is 
commercially available today.

Approximately 1.25m 
Americans have type 1 
diabetes according to 
the American Diabetes 
Association. 

An artificial pancreas device that 
automates insulin and glucagon 
infusion for better diabetes 
management.

*  Dasiglucagon is a proposed International Nonproprietary Name (pINN).
1  Consultation response MT 11 ToR – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation PDF.
2  The Lancet, 2016. 

“Our previous 
studies have 
shown that a 
dual-hormone 
bionic pancreas can 
provide very effective management 
of glycemia in people with type 
1 diabetes2. Demonstrating the 
effectiveness of a stable glucagon 
analogue such as dasiglucagon is an 
essential step toward making a dual-
hormone bionic pancreas available 
to patients.”

Steven J. Russell
Principal Investigator, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital  
Diabetes Center, Boston, U.S.

Artificial pancreas device

An artificial pancreas in the form of a 
dual-hormone pump has the potential 
to significantly improve 
glucose control in 
diabetes.

The iLET™ from Beta Bionics.

25

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewA joint commitment to a paradigm shift 
in diabetes care

Edward Damiano, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, U.S., and 
President and CEO of Beta Bionics, has been dedicated to automating the treatment of 
type 1 diabetes ever since his infant son was diagnosed with the condition 17 years ago.

“After my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I began to dedicate more and more 
of my lab’s resources toward the problem of building a bionic pancreas, which would 
provide fully autonomous glycemic control in diabetes. Beginning with mathematical 
modeling, followed by animal studies, and then inpatient and outpatient clinical trials in 
adults and children with type 1 diabetes, we worked for almost 15 years on the system in 
an academic setting – testing and optimizing the algorithm and design elements needed 
for making the system as user-friendly as possible.

We have long awaited and eagerly anticipated the development of a stable glucagon 
analogue suitable for chronic use in our dual-hormone bionic pancreas. This has proven 
to be a challenging task. We are therefore very pleased that Beta Bionics now has access 
to Zealand's novel investigational glucagon analogue, and that Zealand can leverage our 
bionic pancreas platform to administer it.

Our collaboration is fueled by a common 
commitment to a paradigm shift in diabetes 
management, and to fulfill the promise and 
potential that our partnership holds for the 
health and well-being of people with type 1 
diabetes and their families.” 

Edward Damiano
President and CEO 
Beta Bionics

26

The FDA has established a multidisciplinary 
group of scientists and clinicians, in 
partnership with the National Institutes of 
Health, to address the clinical, scientific and 
regulatory challenges related to artificial 
pancreas device development.

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewCorporate 
matters

Charlotte from Pharmacology and Nina 
from Medicinal Chemistry, working 
together in Zealand's laboratories.

Contents

Corporate governance 

Risk management and internal control 

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) 

Human resources 

Financial review 

Shareholder information 

Board of Directors 

Senior Management 

28

30

32

33

34

36

38

40

27

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewCorporate governance

Zealand’s approach to corporate governance is 
founded on ethics and integrity, and forms the 
basis of our efforts to ensure strong confidence 
from our shareholders, partners, employees and 
other stakeholders. 

Open and transparent communication is the best way 
to maintain the confidence of our shareholders, and we 
achieve this through company announcements, investor 
meetings, company presentations, our company website 
and social media. 

As a company listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen, Zealand 
follows Danish securities law and is guided by the 
Corporate Governance Recommendations issued by 
Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S. We are committed to providing 
reliable and transparent information about our business, 
development programs and scientific results in a clear and 
timely manner. 

At Zealand, we regularly review our rules, policies and 
practices within Risk Management and internal control 
with the purpose of improving guidelines and policies for 
corporate governance, so that we meet our obligations to 
shareholders, employees, regulatory authorities and other 
stakeholders while maximizing long-term value.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee acts within the corporate 
governance area of Zealand Pharma. The current 
Nomination Committee consists of three members; the 
General Meeting elects up to two members from among the 
members of the Company's Board of Directors as well as up 
to three shareholder representatives.

28

The Nomination Committee specifies the qualifications 
required and evaluates the skills, knowledge and experience 
of the individual members of the Board of Directors and the 
CEO of the Company. It also considers proposals submitted 
by relevant persons, including shareholders, for Board and 
CEO positions, and identifies and recommends candidates 
for the Board of Directors. 

The rules of procedure for the Nomination  
Committee are available at: 
www.zealandpharma.com/nomination-committee/

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors plays an active role in setting the 
Company's strategies and goals and in monitoring its 
operations and results. The Board of Directors functions 
according to its rules of procedure. Board duties include 
establishing Zealand’s strategy, policies and activities to 
achieve the Company’s objectives in accordance with its 
Articles of Association. These also define the responsibilities 
of the Board of Directors, for example ensuring that 
Zealand’s bookkeeping, accounting, asset management, 
information technology systems, budgeting and internal 
control are properly organized. 

The Board of Directors meets at least six times a year and 
whenever the chairman decides that it is necessary. 

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with 
oversight of financial reporting, internal control and risk 
management systems, and external auditing of the annual 
report and control of the auditor's independence, including 

Corporate governance structure

Annual General Meeting

Nomination 
Committee

Board of Directors

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration 
and 
Compensation 
Committee

Senior Management

Organization

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewoversight of nonaudit services and other activities delegated 
by the Board of Directors. 

Specific topics discussed in 2016 included warrant 
programs, company goals, employee salary levels, employee 
pensions, and CEO and Board compensation. 

Specific topics discussed in 2016 included auditor's reports, 
accounting policies, internal controls and risk management, 
finance policy, insurance policy, year-end issues and 
external financing.

The charter of the Audit Committee is available at: 
www.zealandpharma.com/audit-committee/

Remuneration and Compensation Committee
The Remuneration and Compensation Committee proposes 
the remuneration policy and general guidelines for incentive 
remuneration for the Board of Directors and the CEO of 
the Company, as well as targets for company-operated 
performance-related incentive programs. These policies 
and guidelines set out the various components of the 
remuneration, including fixed and variable remuneration 
such as pension schemes, benefits, retention bonuses, 
severance and incentive schemes, as well as the related 
bonus and evaluation criteria. 

The charter of the Remuneration and Compensation 
Committee, the Remuneration Policy and the Guidelines for 
Incentive Pay are available at: 
www.zealandpharma.com/remuneration-and-
compensation-committee/

Zealand’s Statutory report on Corporate Governance, which 
has been prepared in accordance with the Danish Financial 
Statements Act, section 107b, is available in full at:  
www.zealandpharma.com/corporate-governance/

Overview of meetings in 2016

Physical meetings 

Telephone meetings 

6 

7 

1 

0 

3 

2 

3

0

Board of 
Directors 

Nomination 
Committee 

Audit 
Committee 

  Remuneration and 
Compensation 
Committee

Louise from Molecular 
Pharmacology, working in 
Zealand's laboratories. 

29

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management and internal control

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.

This section contains a summary of Zealand’s key risk areas 
and how we attempt to address and mitigate such risks. 
Environmental and ethical risks are covered in our corporate 
social responsibility reporting.

Doing business in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry 
involves major financial risks. The development period for 
novel medicines lasts several years; costs are high, and the 
probability of reaching the market is relatively low due to 
developmental and regulatory hurdles.

Zealand’s Management is responsible for implementing 
adequate systems and policies in relation to risk 
management and internal control, and for assessing the 
overall and specific risks associated with Zealand’s business 
and operations. Furthermore, Zealand’s Management seeks 
to ensure that such risks are managed optimally and in a 
responsible and efficient manner.

Risks of particular importance to Zealand are scientific and 
development risks, commercial risks, intellectual property 
risks, partner interest risks, financial risks and risks relating to 
financial reporting. Risk and mitigation plans are monitored 
by Management, and the continuous risk assessment is 
an integral part of the quarterly reporting to the Board of 
Directors.

Risk related to: 

Risk description 

Risk mitigation

Commercial 
activities – 
launched 
products

Commercial 
activities – 
products in 
research and 
development

Research and 
development

Intellectual 
property

Risks relating to market size, competition, pricing and 
reimbursement.

Risks relating to market size, competition, 
development time and costs, partner interest and 
pricing of products in development.

Research and development of new pharmaceutical 
medicines is inherently a high-risk activity. The 
probability of discovering and developing an efficient 
and safe new medicine with strong IP protection is 
very low.

If Zealand or its partners were to face infringement 
claims or challenges by third parties, an adverse 
outcome could subject Zealand or its partners to 
significant liabilities to such third parties. This could 
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, potentially 
involving a reduction in the royalties due to Zealand.

The commercial success of the products licensed to Sanofi (Soliqua™ 
100/33/Suliqua™ and Adlyxin®/Lyxumia®) is important to Zealand. Zealand 
closely monitors the commercial uptake of these products in order to 
align its operations based on expected future revenue.

Zealand’s partner Sanofi is responsible for managing these commercial 
risks. However, Zealand maintains close contact with Sanofi in order to 
assess these risks and their impact on Zealand. 

From early in the research phase and throughout development, 
commercial potential and risks are assessed to ensure that final products 
have the potential to be commercially viable. Any major changes in the 
commercial potential of a drug candidate can lead to reduced value 
prospects and, ultimately, discontinued development.

Throughout the research and development process, Zealand regularly 
assesses these risks by means of a quarterly risk assessment of all 
the Company’s research and development projects, conducted by 
Management together with the department heads and project managers. 
This assessment, which is presented to the Board of Directors, describes 
each project and measures its progress based on milestones. It analyzes 
the individual risks of each project and prioritizes the project portfolio.

Zealand’s patent department works closely with external patent counsels 
and partners’ patent counsels to minimize the risk of patent infringement 
claims as well as to prepare any patent defense should this be necessary.

Zealand’s employees receive training and updates on policies regarding 
the correct and lawful management of external intellectual property.

Future 
partnerships

Entering into collaborations with partners can bring 
significant benefits as well as involving risks. In 
addition, full control of the products is often given to 
the partner.

Financial

Financial risks relate to cash and treasury 
management, liquidity forecasts and financing 
opportunities.

Zealand has taken a decision to increase its focus on proprietary programs 
in order to decrease its dependency on partners in the development 
process and capture more of the value of its projects.

However, partnerships may still be relevant in the future and, in order to 
maximize the value of such partnerships, Zealand strives to foster a close 
and open dialogue with its partners, thereby building strong partnerships 
that work effectively.

Financial risks are managed in accordance with the Finance Policy, 
regularly assessed by the Company’s Management and reported to the 
Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. See also p. 75, Note 22 – 
Financial and operational risks.

30

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewRisk management and internal control related to financial reporting

Zealand has a number of internal control and risk 
management systems in place to ensure that its financial 
statements provide a true and fair view and comply with 
the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
adopted by the EU and additional requirements under the 
Danish Financial Statements Act. An annual evaluation – 
with particular emphasis on risk management and internal 
control related to financial reporting – is carried out to 
ensure that risks are managed in a responsible and efficient 
manner.

Zealand has several policies and procedures in key 
areas of financial reporting. The internal control and risk 
management systems are designed to mitigate, detect and 
correct material misstatements rather than eliminate the 
risks identified in the financial reporting process.

A review and prioritization of material accounting items is 
also performed. Items in the financial statements that are 
based on estimates or that are generated through complex 
processes carry a relatively higher risk of error. Zealand 
performs continual risk assessments to identify such items 
and assess their scope and related risks.

The Board of Directors approves the policies and 
procedures, and Senior Management is responsible for 
implementing them on a day-to-day basis. The Board of 
Directors has established an Audit Committee to advise the 
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has concluded 
that it is not necessary to establish an internal audit function 
at Zealand in view of the Company’s legal structure and size 
and the fact that operations are carried out at a single site. 

Description of management reporting systems and internal 
control systems
Zealand has management reporting and internal control 
systems in place that enable it to monitor performance, 
strategy, operations, business environment, organization, 
procedures, funding, risk and internal control. The Company 
believes that the reporting and internal controls are 
adequate to avoid misstatements in the financial reporting.

A description of the risk management and internal control 
system relating to financial reporting is included  
in the Statutory report on Corporate Governance, cf.  
section 107b of the Danish Financial Statements Act,  
which can be found at:  
www.zealandpharma.com/corporate-governance/

Maria from Bioanalysis 
and Pharmacokinetics  
at Zealand.

31

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewCorporate social responsibility (CSR)

Acting as a responsible part of society is a 
cornerstone of the way we conduct business. 
Our behavior should benefit the patients we 
strive to help, our employees, shareholders and 
the wider community.

At Zealand, we are passionate about improving care 
for patients and are committed to delivering value for 
our shareholders. In our operations, we are socially and 
environmentally responsible and comply with relevant laws, 
standards and guidelines. At the same time, we focus on the 
well-being of our employees, as they are the foundation of 
our success.

Our CSR efforts are based on the most common elements 
of some of the most widely implemented CSR initiatives 
in the world, notably the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 
and the United Nations Global Compact. Within these two 
systems, Zealand has found complementary frameworks 
for both guiding and reporting its CSR activities, along with 
several principles in the areas of labor, the environment, 
human rights and anticorruption. In addition to these, we 
have added a provisional category for animal rights, given 
the unique requirements of our industry.

Emphasis on selected areas
At Zealand, our particular emphasis in terms of our CSR 
work is on the areas that are most relevant to our business 
and operations: 
•  Employee well-being, including health, safety and labor 

practices

•  Diversity across all levels of the organization 

•  Ethics and quality in all research and development 

activities

•  Animal welfare
•  Environmental sustainability 

Our corporate social responsibility agenda is an area of 
continued focus, with new initiatives being added as our 
business develops.

Engaging with our community – locally and nationally 
We play an active role in the local community. We have 
established a collaboration with local job centers to offer 
“on-the-job training” opportunities at Zealand for refugees 
in order to strengthen their integration into Danish society. 

To benefit our employees and the environment, we are 
part of a coalition with other companies, governmental 
institutions and municipalities to ensure better access to 
public transportation. 

At national level, we work closely with academic institutions, 
in various ways, to improve job opportunities for graduates, 
for example by offering short-term assignments, internships 
and mentoring of master's and PhD students.

We work to create a better life for patients and are proud to 
be working with the following patient organizations within 
our disease focus areas:
•  Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation, U.S.
•  Association for Crohn's and Colitis, Denmark
•  Association for Users of Home Parenteral Nutrition, 

Denmark

•  Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Denmark
•  DiaTribe, U.S.
•  T1D Exchange, U.S.

32

Read more

Zealand’s Statutory report on Corporate Social 
Responsibility, which has been prepared 
in accordance with the Danish Financial 
Statements Act, sections 99a and 99b, is 
available in full on the Company’s website:  
www.zealandpharma.com/csr/

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewHuman resources

Zealand employs 122 full-time employees and is 
focused on maintaining a lean and agile organization 
with an efficient and engaging way of working.

Over the last few years, we have expanded our clinical 
development organization and optimized alignment across R&D. 
We have strengthened business development and we have started 
to build a competent commercialization team with, for example, 
market access and product supply knowledge. We continue to 
engage with high-quality partners in areas such as manufacturing 
and clinical trial execution.

Our employees are one of our biggest assets
Zealand’s employees are one of its most important assets, and we 
aspire to attract, develop and retain the best people and to be a 
company where employees thrive, regardless of their background 
or nationality. Key to our success are the competencies and 
innovative drive of our employees, coupled with an organizational 
culture and structure that supports open and dynamic interactions 
across functions. 

A diverse workforce is also good for business; it enhances 
innovation, increases our ability to work cross-culturally and 
gives us a better understanding of the communities in which we 
operate so that we can create value for our stakeholders. We 
have an even distribution of female and male employees at all 
levels of the organization. 18% of our employees are non-Danish. 
Approximately 80% of our employees work in R&D, and 36 of our 
employees hold a PhD. 

We work to ensure our employees’ well-being and have a number 
of policies in place to ensure the physical and psychological 
health and well-being of all employees as well as the safety of 
Zealand’s working environment.

Betina from Molecular Pharmacology 
and Henrik from Medical Chemistry in 
discussion at Zealand.

Key employee ratios

Other employee figures

2016 
Male 

2016 
Female 

2015 
Male 

2015 
Female

2016 

2015

Zealand total 

Senior Management 

Department heads 

Other employees 

44% 

75% 

48% 

42% 

56% 

25% 

52% 

58% 

48% 

60% 

59% 

46% 

52%

40%

41%

54%

Employees in R&D 

Employees in administration 

Average age of workforce 

Non-Danish employees (%) 

Employees holding a PhD 

PhD students 

Other trainees 

100 

22 

45.9 

18% 

36 

3 

3 

91

21

46,1

19%

37

3

3

Average numbers of employees 

124 

110

33

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review

Financial review for the period 
January 1 – December 31, 2016.

Since there is no significant difference in 
the development of the Group and the 
parent company, except for the royalty 
bond, the financial review is based on the 
Group’s consolidated financial information 
for the year ended December 31, 2016, with 
comparative figures for 2015 in brackets.

Income statement

The net result for the financial year 2016 
was a loss of DKK 153.9 million (loss of 
114.0). The decrease in net result is mainly 

Revenue

DKKm

250

200

150

100

50

0

a consequence of increased research and 
development expenses and administrative 
expenses, partly offset by increased revenue.

Revenue
Revenue in 2016 amounted to DKK 234.8 
million (187.7). 

Revenue from milestone payments amounted 
to DKK 210.4 million (159.1), corresponding 
to a 32% increase versus the previous 
year. The milestone payments comprised 
payments from Sanofi in connection with 
the U.S. approvals of lixisenatide as Adlyxin® 
amounting to DKK 33.5 million, and Soliqua™ 
100/33 amounting to DKK 169.9 million. 
There was also a milestone payment of 
DKK 1.6 million received from the license 
agreement with Protagonist.

R&D and administrative expenses

DKKm

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

  Sanofi
   Boehringer Ingelheim
  Helsinn

  Other
  Royalty income

  R&D expenses
  Administrative expenses

34

Royalty revenue from sales of Lyxumia® 
amounted to DKK 24.3 million (28.6), 
corresponding to a 15% decrease versus the 
previous year.

Royalty expenses
Royalty expenses for the year amounted to 
DKK 31.5 million (22.3) and relate to royalties 
paid to third parties on milestone payments 
received and royalty income relating to the 
license agreement with Sanofi.

Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses 
amounted to DKK 268.2 million (217.7). 
The increase in research and development 
expenses for the year ended December 
31, 2016 was primarily related to external 
costs of DKK 26.7 million from accelerated 
development activities, mainly development 
costs for the dasiglucagon Phase 2 trial 
conducted in Germany and toxicology 
studies for glepaglutide, as well as increased 
personnel expenses of DKK 15.1 million. 
The R&D share of the personnel expenses 
for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 
DKK 109.5 million (94.4). The increase is 
mainly related to an increase in the number 
of employees in the clinical development 
organization.

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses amounted to DKK 
52.5 million (41.8). The increase is mainly due 
to an increase in the number of employees 
as well as external consulting costs.

Other operating income
Other operating income amounted to DKK 
1.7 million (12.8) and mainly consists of 
government grants. In 2015 and the first 
quarter of 2016, it also included funding 
from Boehringer Ingelheim covering 
the development costs for a research 
collaboration that has now ended.

Operating loss
The operating loss for the year was DKK 
115.6 million (loss of 81.3).

Net financial items 
Net financial items amounted to DKK -43.8 
million (-38.5) and consist of interest 
income and expenses, amortized costs 
relating to the royalty bond financing, 
banking fees and exchange rate 
adjustments. Of the net financial items, 
DKK 32.2 million (32.4) relates to interest on 
the royalty bond, and DKK 8.4 million (9.7) 
relates to amortized costs of the royalty 
bond financing. 

Loss before tax
Loss before tax was DKK 159.4 million (loss 
of 119.8). 

Income tax benefit 
With a negative result, no tax has been 
recorded for the period. However, 
according to Danish tax legislation, Zealand 
is eligible to receive DKK 5.5 million (5.9) in 
cash relating to the tax loss for 2016. 

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewNo deferred tax asset has been recognized 
in the statement of financial position due 
to uncertainty as to when and whether tax 
losses can be utilized.

Net loss and comprehensive loss
The net loss and comprehensive loss both 
amounted to DKK 153.9 million (loss of 
114.0), in both cases due to the factors 
described above.

Allocation of result
No dividend has been proposed, and the 
year’s net loss of DKK 153.9 million (loss 
of 114.0) has been transferred to retained 
losses.

Statement of financial position

Cash and cash equivalents
As of December 31, 2016, cash and cash 
equivalents amounted to DKK 323.3 million 
(418.8). In addition, DKK 318.7 million (21.4) 
was held as restricted cash as collateral for 
the royalty bond. 

Equity
Equity amounted to DKK 278.2 million (252.2) 
at December 31, 2016, corresponding to an 
equity ratio of 40% (40%). The increase in 
equity is a result of the net loss for the year of 
DKK 153.9 million (loss of 114.0), offset by:

•  New equity of DKK 135.2 million (0.0) 

from a private placement of new shares 

with biotech specialist investors and other 
institutional investors in the U.S. and 
Europe

term liability of DKK 3.4 million. The increase 
is a result of the strengthening of the U.S. 
dollar versus the Danish krone.

Investments in plant and equipment for the 
period amounted to DKK 2.6 million (4.0), 
mainly related to new laboratory equipment. 

•  Equity of DKK 21.9 million (96.4) relating 
to the exercise of warrants by employees 
during the year

•  Warrant compensation expenses of DKK 

22.7 million (16.9)

Royalty bond
On December 12, 2014, Zealand raised 
USD 50.0 million, or DKK 298.7 million, 
in a non-dilutive and non-recourse bond 
financing arrangement, backed by 86.5% 
of the future annual royalties and other 
payments to which the Company is entitled 
on Lyxumia® and Adlyxin® under its license 
agreement with Sanofi. Repayment of the 
bond is based solely on this royalty revenue 
with no recourse to future royalty revenue 
on Soliqua™ 100/33 or Suliqua™. As part 
of the financing arrangement, regulatory 
milestone payments to which Zealand 
has been entitled on Adlyxin®, Soliqua™ 
100/33 and Suliqua™ have been placed in a 
collateral reserve account, not exceeding 
the remaining loan principal, which will be 
released to Zealand upon full repayment of 
the bond. The outstanding loan principal at 
December 31, 2016 was DKK 352.6 million 
(341.5), of which DKK 20.4 million (28.5) has 
been offset as transaction costs. The loan 
amount has been recorded as a long-term 
liability of DKK 328.9 million and a short-

The bond carries an annual interest rate of 
9.375% and, upon full repayment, all further 
revenue from Lyxumia® and Adlyxin® will be 
retained in full by Zealand.

The royalty bond has been renegotiated and 
partly redeemed as of March 15, 2017, see 
Note 26 to the financial statements.

Cash flow from financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities 
amounted to DKK 157.1 million (96.4) and 
relates to net proceeds of DKK 135.2 million 
(0.0) from the private placement of shares 
and a capital increase of DKK 21.9 million 
(96.4) due to exercise of warrants. The total 
cash flow for the full-year 2016 amounted 
to DKK -101.9 million (-129.9).

Cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow from operating activities 
amounted to DKK 40.9 million (-224.8), 
mainly as a result of a change in working 
capital of DKK 153.5 million (-140.8), partly 
offset by a negative result for the year 
adjusted for non-cash items. The positive 
effect from the change in working capital is 
explained by a milestone payment of DKK 
136.6 million that was recognized as a trade 
receivable at December 31, 2015 and where 
the cash was received in January 2016. 

Cash flow from investing activities
Cash flow from investing activities 
amounted to DKK -300.0 million (-1.6), as 
milestone revenues received from Sanofi 
during the year have been transferred to 
restricted cash. 

Cash, cash equivalents,  
restricted cash and securities

DKKm

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

  Securities
  Restricted cash
  Cash and equivalents

35

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewShareholder information

Zealand is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen under 
the ticker symbol ZEAL. On December 31, 2016, 
the nominal value of Zealand’s share capital was 
DKK 26,142,365, divided into 26,142,365 shares 
with a nominal value of DKK 1 each. The share 
capital has remained unchanged in 2017  
(at March 15, 2017). 

December 31, 2015, the number grew to 15,425 at 
December 31, 2016. 

At March 14, 2017, Zealand had 15,623 registered 
shareholders, representing a total of 26,142,365 shares. 

Ownership
The following shareholders are registered in Zealand’s 
register of shareholders as being the owners of a minimum 
of 5% of the voting rights or a minimum of 5% of the share 
capital (one share equals one vote):

In September 2016, the share capital was increased by 
a nominal value of DKK 1,475,221 as a result of a private 
placement with specialist biotech investors and other 
institutional investors in the U.S. and Europe. Approximately 
two-thirds of the offering was subscribed by U.S. investors 
and the rest by European investors. 

Sunstone LSV Management A/S 
Copenhagen, Denmark

LD Pension (Lønmodtagernes Dyrtidsfond) 
Copenhagen, Denmark

In addition, the share capital increased by a nominal value of 
DKK 314,375 in 2016 as a result of the exercise of employee 
warrants. 

Legg Mason (Royce) Inc. 
Maryland, U.S.

All Zealand shares are ordinary shares and belong to one 
class. Each share listed by name in Zealand’s shareholder 
register represents one vote at the annual general meeting 
and other shareholders' meetings.

Increased number of shareholders since the start of 2016
The number of registered Zealand shareholders increased 
during 2016. From 9,689 registered shareholders at 

Share price performance
The price of Zealand’s shares decreased by 30% during the 
year, which was below relevant indexes. The share price at 
year-end 2016 was DKK 106.50, compared with DKK 151.50 
at year-end 2015. The decrease in the share price was 
despite reaching several major milestones during the year, 
with the approval of Soliqua™ 100/33 in the U.S. being the 
most significant. The decrease in the share price was partly 
caused by a general downturn in biotech shares during the 

36

Core share data

Number of shares, end of 2016 

26,142,365

Listing 

Ticker symbol 

Nasdaq Copenhagen

ZEAL

Index membership 

OMX Copenhagen Midcap

Geographical distribution and 
ownership

%

11

11

19

Shares 
26m

59

  Denmark
  Europe
   North America
  Non-registered

Financial calendar 2017

Date 

April 5 

May 17  

Aug. 24 

Nov. 8  

Event

Annual General Meeting 

Interim report for Q1 2017 

Interim report for H1 2017 

Interim report for Q3 2017

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewyear, but also by sales pressure due to the third-quarter 
liquidation of several of the funds managed by Sunstone LSV 
Management A/S, corresponding to 13% of Zealand’s total 
share capital. 

Analyst coverage
Zealand is followed by the financial institutions and analysts 
listed below:

Institution 

Analyst's name

Positive development in share liquidity
Zealand's share liquidity remained strong in 2016, with an 
average daily turnover on Nasdaq Copenhagen of 121,919 
shares, or DKK 14.3 million. In the first months of 2017 
liquidity has continued to increase to a daily turnover of 
approximately DKK 16.8 million. 

Bryan, Garnier & Co 

Danske Bank 

Handelsbanken 

Jefferies 

Nordea 

Eric le Berrigaud

Thomas Bowers

Peter Sehested

Peter Welford

Michael Novod

Oddo Securities – Oddo & Cie 

Sébastien Malafosse

Share price

Index

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

  Zealand Pharma A/S 

  Nasdaq/Biotechnology 

  Euro STOXX Pharmaceuticals & Biotechology 

  OMX Copenhagen Midcap

Zealand product 
candidate.

37

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

Martin Nicklasson
Chairman of the Board
Chairman of the Remuneration and 
Compensation Committee 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
Elected to the Board in 2015 and 
regarded as an independent board 
member.

Qualifications
Certified pharmacist.
PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology from 
the University of Uppsala, where he is an 
Associate Professor in the Department of 
Pharmaceutics.

Competencies
Martin Nicklasson has held various 
executive vice president positions at 
AstraZeneca PLC and has served as 
President and CEO of Biovitrum AB and 
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB. Prior 
to this, he held a number of leadership 
positions at AB Astra and Kabi Pharmacia 
AB. Martin Nicklasson is chairman of 
the boards of Orexo AB and Farma 
Investment A/S. He serves as a board 
member of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd., 
BioInvent International AB and Biocrine 
AB. 

38

Rosemary Crane
Vice Chairman of the Board
Elected to the Board in 2015 and 
regarded as an independent board 
member.

Qualifications
BA in Communication from the State 
University of New York and MBA from 
Kent State University.

Competencies
Rosemary Crane has been CEO of Mela 
Sciences and Epocrates and has held a 
number of leading positions at Johnson & 
Johnson and BMS. She has a background 
in marketing and a knowledge base in 
diabetes and cardiovascular disease, 
among others. Rosemary Crane is 
a member of the boards of Teva 
Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and  
Unilife (a medical technology company).

Catherine Moukheibir
Board member
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Elected to the Board in 2015 and 
regarded as an independent board 
member.

Qualifications
MBA from Yale University.

Competencies
After a career in strategy consulting 
and investment banking in Boston and 
London, Catherine Moukheibir has 
held senior management positions at 
several European biotech companies. 
Her particular experience is in aligning 
corporate and financial strategy at various 
stages of a biotech’s development.

Catherine Moukheibir is chairman of the 
board of MedDay Pharmaceuticals S.A. 
and a board member of Ablynx NV and 
Cerenis Therapeutics Holding SA. She is 
also a member of the advisory board of 
Imperial College Business School, UK. 

Alain Munoz
Board member
Elected to the Board in 2005 (resigned 
in 2006 and was re-elected in 2007) 
and regarded as an independent board 
member. 

Qualifications
MD in Cardiology and Anesthesiology, 
head of the clinical department of 
cardiology at the University Hospital 
of Montpellier. He has numerous 
publications to his name and has been a 
member of the scientific committee of 
the French Drug Agency (ANSM).

Competencies
Alain Munoz is CEO and founder of 
Amistad Pharma S.A.S. and Science, 
Business and Management SARL (France), 
and has more than 20 years' experience 
in the pharmaceutical industry at senior 
management level. He served as SVP 
for international development within 
the Sanofi Group and as SVP for the 
pharmaceutical division of Fournier 
Laboratories. 

Alain Munoz is chairman of the board of 
Hybrigenics, a board member of Valneva 
SE and adviser to Kurma Biofund. 

Michael J. Owen
Board member
Elected to the Board in 2012 and regarded 
as an independent board member.

Qualifications
PhD in Biochemistry from Cambridge 
University and BA in Biochemistry from 
Oxford University.

Competencies
Michael J. Owen is co-founder and 
former CSO of Kymab Ltd. Before joining 
Kymab, he held several leading positions 
at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), latterly as SVP 
and head of biopharmaceuticals research. 
Prior to joining GSK in 2001, he headed the 
Lymphocyte Molecular Biology group at 
the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. He has 
more than 20 years' research experience 
with a focus on the immune system. He has 
more than 150 publications to his name, 
and is a member of the European Molecular 
Biology Organization and a Fellow of the 
Academy of Medical Sciences. 

Michael J. Owen is a board member of 
Blink Biomedical SAS, Ossianix Inc, Avacta 
Group plc, ReNeuron Group plc and 
GammaDelta Therapeutics. He is also 
adviser to Kymab Ltd and CRT Pioneer 
Fund LP. 

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewJens Peter Stenvang
Employee-elected board member
Elected to the Board in 2014.

Hanne Heidenheim Bak
Employee-elected board member
Elected to the Board in 2012-2014 and re-elected in 2016.

Rasmus Just
Employee-elected board member
Elected to the Board in 2016.

Qualifications
Laboratory Technician (Biology). Jens Peter Stenvang is a senior 
application specialist and has worked on cancer and diabetes research 
at leading universities, including UC Berkeley, California. Before joining 
Zealand in October 2010, he worked for Dako and Beckman Coulter in 
global flow cytometry support. 

Qualifications
M.Sc. (Pharm) from the Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences.  
Hanne H. Bak is Senior Project Director and R&D Operations Manager and 
previously worked as project leader of late-phase development programs 
at H. Lundbeck A/S, followed by a position as Executive Director at the 
Lundbeck Institute.

Qualifications
PhD in Molecular Pharmacology from the University of Copenhagen and 
Executive MBA from AVT Business School in Copenhagen. Rasmus Just 
is Director of Business Development and Innovation Sourcing and has 
previously held positions as Principal Scientist, Head of Cardiometabolic 
Innovation and been responsible for the collaboration with Boehringer 
Ingelheim GmbH. 

Zealand’s Board of Directors

Name 

Position 

Year of 
birth 

Nationality 

First 
elected 

  Zealand shares at  Zealand warrants at 
Committee  December 31, 2016  December 31, 2016 

Martin Nicklasson 

Chairman 

Rosemary Crane 

Vice Chairman 

Catherine Moukheibir 

Chairman of Audit Committee 

Alain Munoz 

Michael J. Owen 

Board member 

Board member 

Jens Peter Stenvang 

Employee-elected** 

Hanne Heidenheim Bak 

Employee-elected** 

Rasmus Just 

Employee-elected** 

1955 

1960 

1959 

1949 

1951 

1954 

1953 

1976 

Swedish 

American 

British 

French 

British 

Danish 

Danish 

2015 

2015 

2015 

2005* 

2012 

2014 

2012*** 

Danish  

2016 

1,000 

0 

0 

5,250 

0 

3,500 

21,221 

4,500 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

4,750 

22,500 

9,000 

Movement 
in ownership 
in 2016

+1,000

0

0

0

0

+2,500

+6,500

+1,233

*  Resigned in 2006 and re-elected in 2007.
**  Employee-elected board members are elected 

for a period of four years.

***  Elected term ended in 2014; re-elected in 

2016.

  Audit Committee
  Remuneration and Compensation Committee
  Nomination Committee

39

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Management

Britt Meelby Jensen

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Education
Britt has an M.Sc. from Copenhagen Business School, Denmark, and an 
MBA from Solvay Business School in Brussels, Belgium.

Experience
Britt joined Zealand as President and CEO in January 2015. Prior to joining 
Zealand, she headed the Agilent-owned Danish diagnostics company 
Dako as the company’s CEO.

Britt has extensive experience from a range of managerial positions within 
the life science industry, including 11 years' international experience 
with Novo Nordisk. At Novo Nordisk, she held various global leadership 
positions, including prelaunch commercial project lead, Diabetes 
Marketing Nordic, Global Diabetes Lifecycle Management, prelaunch 
commercial projects and, more recently, Corporate Vice President for 
Global Marketing, Market Access and Commercial Excellence.

Previously, Britt worked for McKinsey & Company and within the EU 
institutions in Brussels. 

From left to right:  
Mats Blom, 
Britt Meelby Jensen, 
Adam Steensberg and 
Andrew Parker

40

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management reviewMats Blom

Adam Steensberg

Andrew Parker

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Senior Vice President and Chief Medical and Development Officer (CMDO)

Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) 

Education
Mats holds a BA in Business Administration and Economics from the 
University of Lund, Sweden, and an MBA from IESE University of Navarra, 
Barcelona, Spain. 

Experience
Prior to joining Zealand, Mats served as CFO of Swedish Orphan 
International, a leading European orphan drug company. Mats has 
extensive managerial experience and has held CFO positions at Active 
Biotech and Anoto, both publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Previously, 
Mats worked for several years as a management consultant at Gemini 
Consulting and for Ernst & Young’s transaction services division.

Mats is chairman of the board of Medical Need AB.

Education
Adam is a certified medical doctor and holds a Doctor of Medical 
Sciences degree (D.M.Sc./dr.med.) from the University of Copenhagen, 
Denmark, and an MBA from IMD, Switzerland. Adam has published 
more than 45 peer-reviewed scientific papers in renowned international 
journals.

Experience
Prior to joining Zealand, Adam led clinical research teams as Medical 
Director at Novo Nordisk and worked as a clinician at the University 
Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark. Adam has served as a medical and 
scientific adviser within endocrinology, cardiology, gastroenterology and 
rheumatology. 

Adam has significant experience of leading regulatory strategies and 
has been instrumental in implementing a patient-centric discovery and 
development process at Zealand.

Education
Andrew holds a PhD from the National Institute for Medical Research 
in Mill Hill, London, UK. He conducted postdoctoral research at Johns 
Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, U.S., and also has an MBA from 
the University of Warwick Business School, UK. Andrew has published 
more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers in renowned international 
journals.

Experience
Prior to joining Zealand, Andrew was General Partner and Scientific 
Director for the life science investment fund Eclosion2 & Cie SCPC in 
Switzerland. At the same time, he was CEO of Arisgen SA, an Eclosion2 
portfolio company developing an oral peptide drug delivery technology. 

Andrew has more than 20 years’ experience from senior leadership and 
managerial positions in international pharmaceutical, biotech and start-
up companies, including several years at Shire Pharmaceuticals, Opsona 
Therapeutics and AstraZeneca. 

Name 

Position 

Year of birth 

Nationality 

Joined 
Zealand 

Zealand shares at 
December 31, 2016 

Zealand warrants at 
December 31, 2016 

Movement in 
ownership in 2016

Britt Meelby Jensen 

Mats Blom 

Adam Steensberg 

Andrew Parker 

President and CEO 

SVP, CFO 

SVP, CMDO 

SVP, CSO 

1973 

1965 

1974 

1965 

Danish 

Swedish 

Danish 

British 

2015 

2010 

2010 

2016 

15,000 

113,000 

25,000 

0 

200,000 

131,019 

118,500 

40,000 

+15,000

+3,000

+13,500

0

41

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Management review 
 
 
 
 
Financial 
statements

Contents

Income statement 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Statement of financial position 

Statement of cash flows 

Statement of changes in equity 

Notes 

Statement of the Board of Directors 
and Executive Management 

Independent auditor's report 

43

43

44

45

46

47

79

80

42

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsFinancial statements
Financial statements

Income statement

DKK thousand 

Revenue 

Royalty expenses 

Statement of comprehensive income

Note 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

2 

3 

234,778 

187,677 

1,748 

22,491

-31,459 

-22,267 

0 

0

DKK thousand 

Note 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

Net loss for the year 

-153,910 

-113,957 

-123,274 

-215,773

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

0 

0 

0 

0

Comprehensive loss for the year 

-153,910 

-113,957 

-123,274 

-215,773

Research and development expenses 

4, 5, 6 

-268,159 

-217,741 

-266,614 

-216,947

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating loss 

Income from subsidiaries 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Loss before tax 

Income tax benefit 

Net loss for the year 

Loss per share – DKK

Basic loss per share 

Diluted loss per share 

4,  5, 6 

-52,503 

-41,824 

-51,988 

-41,158

7 

1,697 

12,828 

1,697 

12,828

-115,646 

-81,327 

-315,157 

-222,786

13 

8 

9 

0 

592 

0 

180,000 

0

3,889 

6,730 

141,444

-44,356 

-42,394 

-347 

-306

-159,410 

-119,832 

-128,774 

-221,648

10 

5,500 

5,875 

5,500 

5,875

-153,910 

-113,957 

-123,274 

-215,773

11 

11 

-6.33 

-6.33 

-4.94 

-4.94 

-5.07 

-5.07 

-9.36

-9.36

43

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Statement of financial position at December 31

Statement of financial position at December 31

DKK thousand 

Assets

Non-current assets 

Plant and machinery 

Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Deposits 

Restricted cash 

Note 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

12 

12 

12 

13 

12,081 

14,672 

12,081 

1,154 

1,153 

1,154 

408 

0 

628 

0 0 

408 

380 

14,672

1,153

628

380

DKK thousand 

Equity and liabilities

Share capital 

Share premium 

Retained losses 

Equity 

Note 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

18 

26,142 

24,353 

26,142 

24,353

1,441,263 

1,263,179 

1,438,578 

1,260,494

  -1,189,211  -1,035,301  -1,266,297  -1,143,023

278,194 

252,231 

198,423 

141,824

2,690 

2,666 

2,690 

2,666

Royalty bond 

17 

305,120 

0 

0 

0

Non-current liabilities 

19 

328,878 

312,951 

328,878 

312,951 

0 

0 

0

0

Total non-current assets 

321,453 

19,119 

16,713 

19,499

Current assets

Trade receivables 

Receivables from subsidiaries 

Prepaid expenses 

Income tax receivable 

Other receivables 

Restricted cash 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Total current assets 

14 

11,510 

158,158 

0 

13,837 

5,500 

5,379 

13,617 

0 

2,430 

5,875 

10,427 

21,403 

15 

10 

16 

17 

17 

27 

76 

13,837 

5,500 

5,017 

0 

313

3,521

2,430

5,875

10,314

0

Trade payables 

Royalty bond 

Other liabilities 

Current liabilities  

Total liabilities 

19 

20 

19,739 

21,676 

19,739 

21,580

3,365 

64,450 

87,554 

0 

49,350 

71,026 

416,432 

383,977 

0 

29,406 

49,145 

49,145 

0

19,331

40,911

40,911

Total equity and liabilities  

694,626 

636,208 

247,568 

182,735

323,330 

418,796 

206,398 

140,783

373,173 

617,089 

230,855 

163,236

Significant accounting policies, and significant accounting estimates and assessments 

Fees to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting 

Total assets 

694,626 

636,208 

247,568 

182,735

Information on staff and remuneration 

Lease commitments 

Financial and operational risks 

Related parties 

Significant events after the balance sheet date 

44

1

5

6

21

22

23

26

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Statement of cash flows

DKK thousand 

Net loss for the year 

Adjustments for non-cash items 

Change in working capital 

Financial income received 

Financial expenses paid 

Income tax receipt 

Note 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

-153,910 

-113,957 

-123,274 

-215,773

24 

25 

57,685 

47,474 

20,142 

14,158

153,452 

-140,834 

5,855 

-14,715

592 

1,269 

-22,790 

-24,969 

10 

5,875 

6,250 

344 

-784 

5,875 

132

-308

6,250

Cash outflow/inflow from operating activities 

40,904 

-224,767 

-91,842 

-210,256

Transfer to restricted cash related to the royalty bond  

-305,120 

0 

Transfer from restricted cash for  
royalty bond interest payments 

Change in deposit 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

7,786 

-24 

-2,600 

Cash outflow from investing activities 

-299,958 

2,419 

27 

-4,040 

-1,594 

0 

0 

-24 

-2,600 

-2,624 

0

0

27

-4,040

-4,013

Proceeds from issue of shares related  
to exercise of warrants 

21,935 

96,413 

21,935 

96,413

Proceeds from private placement of new shares, net   

135,211 

0 

135,211 

0

Cash inflow from financing activities 

157,146 

96,413 

157,146 

96,413

Decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

-101,908 

-129,948 

62,680 

-117,856

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 

418,796 

516,849 

140,783 

255,335

Exchange rate adjustments 

6,442 

31,895 

2,936 

3,304

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 

323,330 

418,796 

206,399 

140,783

45

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of changes in equity

DKK thousand 

Group

Equity at January 1, 2015 

Comprehensive loss for the year 

  Net loss for the year 

Warrant compensation expenses 

Capital increases 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 

Retained 
losses 

Total

DKK thousand 

Share 
capital 

Share 
premium 

Retained 
losses 

Total

Parent company

23,193 

1,150,979 

-921,344 

252,828

Equity at January 1, 2015 

23,193 

1,148,294 

-927,250 

244,237

0 

0 

1,160 

0 

-113,957 

-113,957

  Net loss for the year 

Comprehensive loss for the year 

16,947 

95,253 

0 

0 

16,947

96,413

Warrant compensation expenses 

Capital increases 

0 

0 

1,160 

0 

-215,773 

-215,773

16,947 

95,253 

0 

0 

16,947

96,413

Equity at December 31, 2015 

24,353 

1,263,179  -1,035,301 

252,231

Equity at December 31, 2015 

24,353 

1,260,494  -1,143,023 

141,824

Equity at January 1, 2016 

Comprehensive loss for the year 

  Net loss for the year 

Warrant compensation expenses 

Capital increases 

0 

0 

24,353 

1,263,179  -1,035,301 

252,231

Equity at January 1, 2016 

24,353 

1,260,494  -1,143,023 

141,824

0 

-153,910 

-153,910

  Net loss for the year 

Comprehensive loss for the year 

0 

-123,274 

-123,274

0 

0 

22,727 

1,789 

155,357 

0 

0 

22,727

157,146

Warrant compensation expenses 

Capital increases 

22,727 

1,789 

155,357 

0 

0 

22,727

157,146

Equity at December 31, 2016 

26,142 

1,441,263  -1,189,211 

278,194

Equity at December 31, 2016 

26,142 

1,438,578  -1,266,297 

198,423

46

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

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

Significant accounting policies

For financial reporting purposes, fair value 

Implementation of new and revised  

Amendments to IAS 12 “Recognition of 

measurements are categorized into Level 1, 2 

standards and interpretations

Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealized Losses,” 

Basis of preparation

or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs 

The IASB has issued new standards and 

effective for annual periods beginning on or 

The consolidated and parent financial 

to the fair value measurements are observable 

revisions to existing standards and new 

after January 1, 2017. Zealand has assessed 

statements of Zealand have been prepared 

and on the significance of the inputs to the fair 

interpretations that are mandatory for 

the impact of the standard and it is not 

in accordance with International Financial 

value measurement in its entirety. The inputs 

accounting periods commencing on or after 

expected to have any material impact on the 

Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the 

are described as follows:

January 1, 2016. The implementation of these 

financial statements, as the Company does 

EU and additional requirements under the 

new or revised standards and interpretations 

not currently or in the near future expect to 

Danish Financial Statements Act. 

•   Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) 

has not resulted in any significant impact 

recognize deferred tax assets for unrealized 

The Board of Directors considered and 

liabilities that the entity can access at the 

position.

in active markets for identical assets or 

on the net loss for the year or the financial 

losses.

approved the 2016 Annual Report of Zealand 

measurement date

IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with 

on March 15, 2017. The Annual Report will be 

Standards and interpretations not yet in effect

Customers” (“IFRS 15”), effective for annual 

submitted to the shareholders of Zealand for 

•   Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted 

At the date of the approval of the annual 

periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 

approval at the Annual General Meeting on 

prices included within Level 1, that are 

report, the following new and revised 

Under the new standard, entities will apply a 

April 5, 2017.

observable for the asset or liability, either 

standards and interpretations have been 

five-step model to determine when, how and 

directly or indirectly

issued but are not yet effective. Therefore, 

at what amount revenue is to be recognized, 

The consolidated and parent financial 

they have not been adopted in these financial 

depending on whether certain criteria are 

statements are presented on a historical cost 

•   Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for 

statements:

basis.

the asset or liability

met. Zealand has assessed the impact of 

the standard and it is not expected to have 

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments,” effective for 

any material impact on current revenue 

Historical cost is generally based on the fair 

The consolidated and parent financial 

annual periods beginning on or after January 

from contracts with customers, but will be 

value of the consideration given in exchange 

statements are presented in Danish kroner 

1, 2018. IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is part of 

considered with regard to the impact of any 

for goods and services.

(DKK), which is the functional currency of the 

the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial 

contracts signed in the future on the financial 

Fair value is the price that would be received 

and the new standard will change the 

Company.

Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, 

statements.

to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability 

In the narrative sections of the financial 

classification, presentation and measurement 

IFRS 16 “Leases” (“IFRS 16”), effective for annual 

in an orderly transaction between market 

statements, comparative figures for 2015 are 

of financial instruments and hedging 

periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. 

participants at the measurement date, 

shown in brackets.

requirements. Zealand has assessed the impact 

In the consolidated financial statements of 

regardless of whether that price is directly 

observable or estimated using another 

valuation technique.

of the standard, and no material impact on the 

the lessees, IFRS 16 requires all leases (except 

financial statements is expected.

for short-term leases and leases of low-value 

assets) to be recognized as a right-of-use 

47

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

asset and lease liability, measured at the 

the accounting policies in the respective notes 

Group entities is performed after elimination of 

Consolidated financial statements

present value of future lease payments. The 

to the financial statements.

all intra-Group transactions, balances, income 

Income statement

right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated 

and expenses.

The income statement is classified by function.

in a similar way to other depreciable assets 

Basis of consolidation

over the lease term and interest calculated 

The consolidated financial statements 

Foreign currency translation

Segment reporting

on the lease liability in a similar way to on 

incorporate the financial statements of the 

Transactions denominated in foreign 

The Group is managed by a senior 

finance leases under IAS 17. Consequently, the 

Company and entities (including structured 

currencies are translated at the exchange rates 

management team reporting to the Chief 

change will also impact the presentation in the 

entities) controlled by the Company and its 

on the transaction dates.

income statement and the statement of cash 

subsidiaries. Control is achieved when the 

Executive Officer. The senior management 

team, including the Chief Executive Officer, 

flows. Zealand has assessed the impact of the 

Company:

Exchange differences arising between the rate 

represents the chief operating decision maker 

standard, and it is not expected to have any 

on the transaction date and the rate on the 

(CODM). No separate business areas or 

material impact on the financial statements.

•  Has power over the investee

payment day are recognized in the income 

separate business units have been identified 

statement as financial income or financial 

in connection with product candidates or 

Accounting policies

•  Is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns 

expenses.

The accounting policies for specific line 

from its involvement with the investee

geographical markets. Consequently, there is 

no segment reporting concerning business 

items and transactions are included in the 

Receivables, payables and other monetary 

areas or geographical areas.

respective notes to the financial statements 

•  Has the ability to use its power to affect its 

items denominated in foreign currencies that 

with the exception of basis of consolidation, 

returns

have not been settled at the balance sheet 

Statement of financial position

foreign currency translation and the cash flow 

date are translated by applying the exchange 

Financial assets

statement, which are included below.

The Company reassesses whether it controls 

rates at the balance sheet date. Differences 

Financial assets include receivables and 

an investee if facts and circumstances indicate 

arising between the rate at the balance sheet 

cash. Financial assets can be divided into the 

Recognition and measurement

that there are changes to one or more of the 

date and the rate at the date on which the 

following categories: loans and receivables, 

Income is recognized in the income statement 

three elements of control listed above.

receivable or payable arose are recognized in 

financial assets at fair value through the 

when generated. Assets and liabilities are 

the income statement as financial income and 

income statement, available-for-sale financial 

recognized in the balance sheet when it is 

Principles of consolidation

financial expenses.

probable that any future economic benefit 

The consolidated financial statements 

assets and held-to maturity investments. 

Financial assets are assigned to the different 

will flow to or from Zealand and the value can 

are prepared on the basis of the financial 

Non-monetary assets purchased in foreign 

categories by Management on initial 

be reliably measured. On initial recognition, 

statements of the parent company and the 

currencies are measured at the rate on the 

recognition, depending on the purpose for 

assets and liabilities are measured at cost. 

individual subsidiaries, which are based on 

transaction date.

Subsequently, assets and liabilities are 

uniform accounting policies and accounting 

measured as described in the description of 

periods in all Group entities. Consolidation of 

which the assets were acquired. All financial 

assets are recognized on their settlement date. 

All financial assets other than those classified 

48

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

at fair value through the income statement 

property, plant and equipment, investments 

are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions 

discounts. The revenue is recognized when 

are initially recognized at fair value, plus 

and deposits, as well as transfers to and from 

to accounting estimates are recognized in 

it is probable that future economic benefits 

transaction costs.

restricted cash related to the royalty bond.

the period in which the estimate is revised if 

will flow to Zealand and these benefits can be 

the revision affects only that period, or in the 

measured reliably.

Statement of cash flows

Cash flow from financing activities

period of the revision and future periods if 

The cash flow statement is prepared in 

Cash flow from financing activities includes 

the revision affects both current and future 

Agreements with commercial partners 

accordance with the indirect method on the 

new equity, loan financing and funds from 

periods.

basis of the net loss for the year. The statement 

private placements.

generally include non-refundable upfront 

license and collaboration fees, milestone 

shows the cash flows broken down into 

The estimates used are based on assumptions 

payments – the receipt of which is dependent 

operating, investing and financing activities, 

Cash and cash equivalents

assessed to be reasonable by Management. 

on the achievement of certain clinical, 

cash and cash equivalents at year-end, and 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and 

However, estimates are inherently uncertain 

regulatory or commercial milestones – as 

the impact of the calculated cash flows on the 

bank balances.

and unpredictable. The assumptions may be 

well as royalties on product sales of licensed 

cash and cash equivalents.

incomplete or inaccurate, and unexpected 

products, if and when such product sales 

Significant accounting estimates  

events or circumstances may occur. 

occur. For agreements that include multiple 

Cash flows in foreign currencies are translated 

and assessments

Furthermore, we are subject to risks and 

elements, total contract consideration 

into Danish kroner at the exchange rate on 

In preparing the financial statements, 

uncertainties that may result in deviations in 

is attributed to separately identifiable 

the transaction date. In the cash flows from 

Management makes a number of accounting 

actual results compared with estimates.

components on a reliable basis that reasonably 

operating activities, net loss is adjusted for 

estimates that form the basis for the 

reflects the selling prices that might be 

non-cash operating items and changes in 

presentation, recognition and measurement of 

No significant changes have been made in 

expected to be achieved in standalone 

working capital.

our assets and liabilities.

accounting estimates and assessments in 2016.

transactions, provided that each component 

Cash flow from operating activities

In applying our accounting policies, 

The following are the most significant 

The allocated consideration is recognized as 

Cash flow from operating activities is 

Management is required to make judgments, 

accounting estimates and assessments applied 

revenue in accordance with the principles 

presented indirectly and is calculated as the 

estimates and assumptions about the carrying 

by Management in these financial statements:

described above.

net loss adjusted for non-cash operating items, 

amounts of assets and liabilities that are not 

changes in net working capital, financial items 

readily apparent from other sources. The 

Revenue recognition

Employee incentive programs

paid and income tax benefits received.

estimates and associated assumptions are 

Revenue comprises the fair value of the 

In accordance with IFRS 2 “Share-based 

based on historical experience and other 

consideration received and income derived 

Payment,” the fair value of the warrants 

Cash flow from investing activities

factors that are considered to be relevant. 

from development services. Revenue is 

classified as equity settled is measured at grant 

Cash flow from investing activities includes 

Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

measured net of value added tax, duties, 

date and is recognized as an expense in the 

cash flows from the purchase and sale of 

The estimates and underlying assumptions 

etc. collected on behalf of a third party and 

income statement when the final right to the 

has value to the partner on a standalone basis. 

49

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

warrant is obtained. Warrants are considered 

December 31, 2015 included restatements with 

and cash equivalents within the consolidated 

receivables of DKK 15,365 thousand and a 

vested at grant date, and the fair value is not 

respect to classification of certain items within 

statement of cash flow as of December 31, 

corresponding increase in Trade receivables as 

remeasured subsequently. The fair value 

the income statements, statement of financial 

2015 of DKK 21,403 thousand.

of December 31, 2015.

of each warrant granted during the year is 

position and statement of cash flow. 

calculated using the Black–Scholes pricing 

In 2015, the Company used part of the 

D) VAT receivable

model. This pricing model requires the input of 

The restatements had no impact on the Net 

restricted cash for royalty bond interest 

The Company has a receivable related to 

subjective assumptions such as:

loss for the year or Loss per share for the year 

payments. The adjustment resulted in cash of 

VAT that the Company will receive from 

ended December 31, 2015. The nature and 

DKK 2,419 thousand being reclassified from 

the Danish tax authorities. The receivable 

•  The expected stock price volatility, which 

impact of each restatement is described below, 

restricted cash.

is based upon the historical volatility of 

including tickmarks linking the descriptions 

was previously presented in the line Prepaid 

expenses within the consolidated and parent 

Zealand’s share price

to the restated statements of cash flow and 

B) Change in working capital

statement of financial position and has now 

statements of financial position:

The Company had previously not adjusted for 

been reclassified to Other receivables. The 

•  The risk-free interest rate, which is 

all changes in working capital. The adjustment 

adjustment resulted in a decrease in Prepaid 

determined as the interest rate on Danish 

Statement of cash flow

resulted in an increase of DKK 75,492 thousand 

expenses of DKK 2,262 thousand (DKK 2,242 

government bonds with a maturity of five 

A) Restricted cash

in “Increase in receivables” and a decrease of 

in the parent company) and a corresponding 

years

The Company has restricted cash relating 

DKK 77,455 thousand in “Increase in payables” 

increase in Other receivables as of December 

•  The duration of the warrants, which is 

amount was previously presented within 

impact was an increase in the negative balance 

to the royalty bond issue agreement. This 

as of December 31, 2015; see Note 25. The net 

31, 2015.

assumed to be until the end of the last 

the consolidated statement of cash flow as 

of Change in working capital of DKK 1,963 

E) Sanofi withholding tax receivable

exercise period

a component of cash, restricted cash and 

thousand (decrease in the negative balance of 

The Company has a withholding tax receivable 

cash equivalents. The amount has been 

DKK 6,112 in the parent company), as stated in 

relating to the Sanofi royalty agreement. This 

The total costs of the warrants are recognized 

reclassified from this balance, and the activity 

the tables below. 

in the income statement at the grant date, 

in the restricted cash balance has been 

withholding tax receivable was previously 

treated as receivables from subsidiaries and 

adjusted for an expected attrition rate. The 

presented within Cash inflow from investing 

Statement of financial position 

was eliminated in the consolidation against 

attrition rate is re-estimated at year-end 

activities, specifically the line items “Transfer to 

C) Royalty receivable

Other liabilities. However, as the receivable 

based on the historical attrition rate. Warrant 

restricted cash related to the royalty bond” and 

The Company has a receivable related to 

is from Sanofi, a third party, this elimination 

programs that terminate are adjusted based on 

“Transfer from restricted cash for royalty bond 

royalty income. As of December 31, 2015, 

has been reversed. The adjustment resulted 

the actual attrition rate at year-end.

payments.” The line item reconciled from the 

the receivable was presented within the 

in an increase in Trade receivables and 

Restatements

has been renamed “Cash and cash equivalents” 

under the line Other receivables and has now 

of December 31, 2015 in the consolidated 

The consolidated and parent financial 

to reflect the revised components it contains. 

been reclassified to Trade receivables. The 

statement of financial position.

statements as of and for the year ended 

The adjustment resulted in a decrease in Cash 

adjustment resulted in a decrease in Other 

beginning of the period to the end of period 

consolidated statement of financial position 

Other liabilities of DKK 1,673 thousand as 

50

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

F) Prepaid expenses

have been reclassified to Other receivables. 

has resulted in a decrease in Deferred income 

Income statement 

The Company has prepayments related 

The adjustment resulted in a decrease in 

of DKK 2,091 thousand (DKK 2,063 thousand 

I) Allocation of overhead costs between 

to some of the Company’s vendors. Such 

Prepaid expenses of DKK 4,591 thousand and 

in the parent company), a decrease in Other 

Administrative expenses and Research and 

prepayments were previously presented 

a corresponding increase in Other receivables 

receivables of DKK 153 thousand (DKK 153 

development expenses

within the consolidated and parent statements 

in the consolidated and parent statements of 

thousand in the parent company) and an 

As of December 31 2016, Zealand corrected 

of financial position under the line Other 

financial position as of December 31, 2015.

increase in Other liabilities of DKK 1,938 

the allocation of overhead costs to be based 

receivables and have now been reclassified to 

thousand (DKK 1,910 thousand in the parent 

on the number of employees in the different 

Prepaid expenses. The adjustment resulted in 

G) Deferred income

company) as of December 31, 2015.

areas such as Research, Development and 

a decrease in Other receivables of DKK 2,430 

The Company has certain prepayments from 

thousand (DKK 7,021 thousand in the parent 

customers within Deferred income that have 

H) Miscellaneous

Administration. Previously, the allocation was 

based on total salary in the respective areas. 

company) and a corresponding increase in 

been paid by external contract research 

Certain individually immaterial adjustments 

This has resulted in DKK 2,781 thousand being 

Prepaid expenses in the consolidated and 

organizations (CROs) and will not flow to 

have been made to the consolidated and 

transferred from “Administrative expenses” to 

parent statements of financial position as 

the income statement, as the Company will 

parent statements of cash flow and statements 

“Research and development expenses” in the 

of December 31, 2015. The Company has 

not be performing the related research and 

of financial position as of December 31, 2015.

consolidated and parent income statement 

also recognized certain expenses related to 

development, but will be sending the funds to 

clinical studies that have been refunded by 

external CROs. Thus, the amount of such items 

the Helmsley Charitable Trust. Such expenses 

has been reclassified within the consolidated 

were previously presented within the parent 

and parent statements of financial position 

company under the line Prepaid expenses and 

under the line Other liabilities. The adjustment 

for the year ended December 31, 2015. The 

restatement has no impact on the operating 

loss or net loss for the year.

51

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

Total impact

The table below reflects the individual lines in the statements that are impacted by the restatements:

Consolidated statement of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2015 

Statement of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2015 

Group 

DKK thousand 

Net loss for the year 

Adjustments for non-cash items 

Change in working capital 

Financial income received 

Financial expenses paid 

Income tax receipt 

  As originally 
reported, 
2015 

Re- 
statement 

  Amount as 
adjusted, 
2015

Tickmark 

Parent 

DKK thousand 

  As originally 
reported, 
2015 

Re- 
statement 

  Amount as 
adjusted, 
2015

Tickmark 

-113,957 

43,553 

-138,871 

1,269 

3,921 

-1,963 

H 

B 

-113,957

47,474

-140,834

1,269

Change in working capital 

Financial income received 

-23,657 

-1,312 

H 

-24,969

Financial expenses paid 

6,250 

Income tax receipt 

Net loss for the year 

-215,773 

Adjustments for non-cash items 

20,714 

-6,556 

-20,827 

340 

1,004 

6,250 

6,112 

-208 

-1,312 

H 

B 

H 

H 

-215,773

14,158

-14,715

132

-308

6,250

Cash outflow from operating activities 

-225,413 

646 

Transfer from restricted cash related to the  
royalty bond interest payments 

Change in deposit 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Cash outflow from investing activities 

Proceeds from issue of shares related to  
exercise of warrants 

Cash inflow from financing activities 

2,419 

A 

2,419 

0 

27 

-4,040 

-4,013 

96,413 

96,413 

6,250

-224,767

2,419

27

-4,040

-1,594

96,413

96,413

Cash outflow from operating activities 

-208,292 

-1,964 

-210,256

Net financing of subsidiaries 

Change in deposit 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Cash outflow from investing activities 

Proceeds from issue of shares related to  
exercise of warrants 

Cash inflow from financing activities 

28 

27 

-4,040 

-3,985 

96,413 

96,413 

-28 

H 

-28 

0

27

-4,040

-4,013

96,413

96,413

Decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

-133,013 

3,065 

-129,948

Decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

-115,864 

-1,992 

-117,856

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 

Exchange rate adjustments 

538,273 

-21,424 

34,939 

-3,044 

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 

440,199 

-21,403 

A 

A 

A 

516,849

31,895

418,796

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 

255,335 

255,335

Exchange rate adjustments 

1,312 

1,992 

H 

3,304

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 

140,783 

0 

140,783

52

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

Consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 

Statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 

Group 

DKK thousand 

Assets

Plant and machinery  

Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Deposits 

Total non-current assets 

Trade receivables 

Prepaid expenses 

Income tax receivable 

Other receivables 

Restricted cash 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

  As originally 
reported, 
2015 

Re- 
statement 

  Amount as 
adjusted, 
2015

Tickmark 

14,672 

1,153 

628 

2,666 

19,119 

0 

141,120 

17,038 

2,262 

5,875 

168 

C,E 

D,F 

26,113 

-15,686 

C,D,F,G 

21,403 

418,796 

615,569 

1,520 

14,672

1,153

628

2,666

19,119

158,158

2,430

5,875

10,427

21,403

418,796

617,089

Parent 

DKK thousand 

Assets

Plant and machinery  

Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 

Leasehold improvements 

Investment in subsidiaries 

Deposits 

Total non-current assets 

Trade receivables 

Receivables from subsidiaries 

Prepaid expenses 

Income tax receivable 

Other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

  As originally 
reported, 
2015 

Re- 
statement 

  Amount as 
adjusted, 
2015

Tickmark 

14,672 

1,153 

628 

380 

2,666 

19,499 

313 

3,549 

2,242 

5,875 

10,627 

140,783 

163,389 

14,672

1,153

628

380

2,666

19,499

313

3,521

2,430

5,875

0 

-28 

188 

H 

D,F 

-313 

D,F,G 

10,314

-153 

140,783

163,236

Total assets 

634,688 

1,520 

636,208

Total assets 

182,888 

-153 

182,735

53

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 1 – Significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and assessments (continued)

Consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 

Statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 

Group 

DKK thousand 

Equity and liabilities

Share capital 
Share premium 

Retained losses 

Equity 

Royalty bond 

Non-current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Deferred income 

Other liabilities 

Current liabilities 

  As originally 
reported, 
2015 

Re- 
statement 

  Amount as 
adjusted, 
2015

Tickmark 

Parent 

DKK thousand 

  As originally 
reported, 
2015 

Re- 
statement 

  Amount as 
adjusted, 
2015

Tickmark 

24,353 
1,263,179 

  -1,035,301 

252,231 

312,951 

312,951 

21,676 

0 

0 

2,091 

-2,091 

45,739 

69,506 

3,611 

1,520 

G 

E,G 

Equity and liabilities

24,353 
1,263,179

  -1,035,301

252,231

Share capital 
Share premium 

Retained losses 

Equity 

312,951

312,951

21,676

0

49,350

71,026

Royalty bond 

Non-current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Deferred income 

Other liabilities 

Current liabilities 

24,353 
1,260,494 

  -1,143,023 

141,824 

0 

0 

0 

0 

21,580 

2,063 

-2,063 

17,421 

41,064 

1,910 

-153 

G 

G 

24,353 
1,260,494

  -1,143,023

141,824

0

0

21,580

0

19,331

40,911

40,911

Total liabilities 

382,457 

1,520 

383,977

Total liabilities 

41,064 

-153 

Total equity and liabilities 

634,688 

1,520 

636,208

Total equity and liabilities 

182,888 

-153 

182,735

54

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 2 – Revenue

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue comprises license payments, milestone payments and royalty income. License payments 
are recognized upon transfer of the associated licensing rights at the point at which risks and rewards 
have been transferred.  Milestone payments are related to the collaborative research agreements 
with commercial partners and are recognized in accordance with the agreements. Royalty income 
from licenses is based on third-party sales of licensed products and is recognized in accordance with 
contract terms in the period that the sales occur.

When the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, 
revenue associated with the transaction is recognized with reference to the stage of completion of the 
transaction at the end of the reporting period. The outcome of a transaction can be estimated reliably 
when all the following conditions are satisfied:

• 

 The amount of revenue can be measured reliably

• 

 It is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity

• 

• 

 The stage of completion of the transaction at the end of the reporting period can be measured 
reliably

 The costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction can be measured 
reliably. 

Payments are recognized in accordance with the collaborative research agreements.

The income from agreements with multiple components where the individual components cannot be 
separated is recognized over the period of the agreement. In addition, recognition requires all material 
risks and benefits related to the use of our intellectual property included in the collaboration to be 
transferred to the collaboration partner.

If all risks and benefits have not been transferred, the transaction is recognized as deferred income 
until all components of the transaction have been completed.

Accounting for the Sanofi License Agreement

competitor, AstraZeneca (and its affiliates), in 

In June 2003, Zealand entered into a license 

both administrative and court proceedings in 

agreement with Sanofi (the Sanofi License 

the U.S. and in certain other countries, and 

Agreement), pursuant to which Zealand 

AstraZeneca brought counterclaims in the U.S. 

granted Sanofi exclusive rights to our patents, 

proceedings asserting that products containing 

know-how and other intellectual property 

lixisenatide infringe its patents. Sanofi and 

relating to lixisenatide, for all fields. Pursuant 

AstraZeneca subsequently agreed to settle all 

to the Sanofi License Agreement, which has 

claims and counterclaims between them in 

been amended over the years, Sanofi assumed 

various proceedings relating to lixisenatide. 

responsibility for the further development, 

Our financial obligations related to this now-

manufacturing and marketing of lixisenatide, 

resolved intellectual property dispute could 

and we cannot research or develop lixisenatide 

have the effect of reducing our net revenue 

while the Sanofi License Agreement remains 

in effect.

from commercial milestone payments from 
Sanofi relating to Soliqua™ 100/33/Suliqua™. 
The amount and timing of any such reductions 

Under the Sanofi License Agreement, we 

are not currently known, but they will not 

are eligible to receive remaining milestone 

exceed USD 15 million in total.

payments relating to commercialized products 

of up to USD 100 million, contingent on the 

We pay Alkermes plc 13% of all payments 

achievement of certain sales levels, as well 

received on lixisenatide while lixisenatide is 

as royalties on global sales of such products. 

subject to a commercialization agreement, for 

Royalties correspond to tiered, low double-

example the Sanofi License Agreement. We 

digit percentages of Sanofi’s global net sales 
of lixisenatide (branded as Adlyxin® in the U.S. 
and as Lyxumia® in the EU and other countries) 
plus a 10% royalty on global net sales of a 

combination of lixisenatide and insulin glargine 
100 units/ml (Lantus®) marketed under the 
brand name Soliqua™ 100/33 in the U.S. and as 
Suliqua™ in the EU. In 2016, Sanofi challenged 
the validity of certain patents owned by a 

also pay one of the inventors of the Structure 

Induced Probe (SIP) technology employed 

in lixisensatide a 0.5% royalty on amounts 

received in connection with drug candidates 

that, like lixisenatide, are produced using our 

SIP technology.

Milestone payments are recognized as revenue 

when the relevant milestones are achieved.

55

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 2 – Revenue

Accounting for the Boehringer Ingelheim  

clinical programs for a period of up to four and 

Recognized revenue can be specified as follows:

License Agreements

a half years, with the aim of developing novel 

In June 2011, Zealand entered into a license, 

drugs to improve the treatment of patients 

research and development collaboration 

with cardio-metabolic diseases. In 2015, BI 

DKK thousand 

agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim 

selected a novel peptide therapeutic to be 

International GmbH (BI) to advance novel 

advanced into preclinical development under 

glucagon/GLP-1 dual-acting peptide receptor 

this agreement.

agonists (GGDAs) for the treatment of patients 

with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Under the 

Pursuant to this agreement, we have 

terms of the 2011 BI License Agreement, BI 

worked with BI to advance the therapeutic 

Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH 

Helsinn Healthcare S.A. 

Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. 

Total license and milestone revenue 

pays a fixed amount per full-time employee 

peptides stemming from this research 

Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 

and other costs related to all research, 

collaboration into preclinical development. 

development and commercialization in respect 

BI is responsible for conducting preclinical 

of the compounds covered by the agreement.

and clinical development, as well as for the 

Total royalty income 

Total revenue 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

208,692 

136,600 

0 

112 

1,636 

22,379 

112 

0 

210,440 

159,091 

24,338 

24,338 

28,586 

28,586 

0 

0 

112 

1,636 

1,748 

0 

0 

0

22,379

112

0

22,491

0

0

234,778 

187,677 

1,748 

22,491

commercialization of products stemming 

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

We are eligible to receive license and 

from the agreement and funding all activities 

milestone payments of up to EUR 386 million. 

under the agreement. We are eligible to 

of which EUR 365 million was outstanding 

receive license and milestone payments for 

as of December 31, 2016, related to the 

the first compound to be developed and 

Milestone payments are recognized as revenue 

commercialization, directly and/or through 

achievement of pre-specified development, 

marketed under the collaboration of up to  

when the relevant milestones are achieved.

any third parties, of elsiglutide or of any other 

regulatory and commercial milestones for 

EUR 295 million, of which EUR 287 million 

GLP-2 analogue compounds in the field of 

the lead product. We are also eligible to 

was outstanding as of December 31, 2016. 

Accounting for the Licensing Agreement  

cancer supportive care and support licensed 

receive tiered royalties ranging from high 

We are also eligible to receive tiered royalties 

with Helsinn

to Helsinn, unless undertaken on behalf of 

single-digit to low double-digit percentages 

ranging from low single-digit to low double-

In 2008, we entered into a license agreement 

Helsinn as contract research.

on BI’s sales of all products stemming from 

digit percentages on global sales of products 

with Helsinn (the Helsinn License Agreement). 

this collaboration. In addition, we retain 

arising from this collaboration. We retain 

Pursuant to the Helsinn License Agreement, 

The Helsinn License Agreement entitles us to 

copromotion rights in Scandinavia.

copromotion rights in Scandinavia and are not 

we granted a worldwide, exclusive license 

mid to high single-digit percentage non-

eligible for royalty payments in those countries 

to elsiglutide (referred to by us internally 

refundable royalty payments in respect of 

In 2014, Zealand entered into a second 

if we exercise such rights.

as ZP1846) to Helsinn, which assumed 

net sales and milestone payments, upon the 

global license, research and development 

responsibility for all further development, 

achievement of specified development and 

collaboration agreement with BI (the 2014 BI 

No product candidates outlicensed to BI are 

regulatory approvals, manufacturing, 

regulatory milestone events and sales levels 

License Agreement). This agreement pertains 

currently marketed, and accordingly we have 

marketing and sales of elsiglutide, either on its 

reached (of which EUR 124 million is currently 

to collaboration on a specific therapeutic 

not received any royalty payments to date 

own or through its sublicensees. We cannot 

outstanding). We also have an option to 

peptide project from our portfolio of pre-

under our licensing agreements with BI.

undertake any investigation, development or 

obtain marketing and sales rights in the Nordic 

56

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 2 – Revenue (continued)

countries if and when Helsinn obtains 

marketing approval in these.

amounting to DKK 33.5 million, and in 
connection with the approval of Soliqua™ 
in November 2016 amounting to DKK 175.2 

Revenue from Helsinn

Revenue from other agreements

In 2016 and 2015, we recognized DKK 

In 2016, we recognized DKK 1.6 million in 

0.1 million in payments from Helsinn, 

revenue from a milestone payment from 

No product candidates outlicensed to 

million, both in the U.S. Further, in 2016 

representing other contractual payments 

the Protagonist Therapeutics agreement 

Helsinn are currently marketed. Accordingly, 

we have not recognized any royalty 

payments to date under the Helsinn License 

we recognized DKK 24.3 million as royalty 
income, reflecting sales of Lyxumia® of EUR 
32.7 million.

Agreement.

In 2015, we recognized DKK 136.6 million 

rather than milestone payments. 

in connection with its selection of a 

development candidate.

Milestone payments are recognized as 

in revenue from milestone payments from 

revenue when the relevant milestones are 

Sanofi under the Sanofi License Agreement 

Note 3 – Royalty expenses

achieved. 

in connection with the submission of a New 

Drug Application (NDA) for iGlarLixi to the 

Accounting for other license agreements

FDA. The milestone payment less withholding 

In 2012, Zealand entered into an agreement 

taxes in Germany was received in January 

with Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc., but  

2016, and the withholding taxes were 

this earlier research collaboration was 

received from the German tax authorities in 

terminated in 2014. In line with the terms 

April 2016. Further, in 2015 we recognized 

of the terminated agreement, Zealand is 

entitled to receive up to USD 15 million if 

DKK 28.6 million as royalty income, reflecting 
sales of Lyxumia® of EUR 38.3 million.

certain milestone events occur. 

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Royalty expenses comprise contractual amounts due to third parties that are derived from 
the milestone payments and royalty income earned from the corresponding collaboration 
agreements.

We have agreed to pay some of our revenue 

In addition, we have agreed to pay a royalty 

in deferred payments or royalties to third 

of 0.5% of the total amounts we receive in 

Revenue from Boehringer Ingelheim

parties. At the time of the dissolution of a 

connection with our SIP-modified peptides, 

Milestone payments are recognized as 

No revenue was recognized from BI in 2016, 

former joint venture with Elan Corporation, 

including lixisenatide, to one of the inventors 

revenue when the relevant milestones are 

as no milestone event was reached.

plc (Elan) and certain of its subsidiaries that 

of our SIP technology, who is one of our 

achieved.

were party to the joint venture agreement 

employees. The royalty to be paid to this 

Revenue from Sanofi

revenue from a milestone payment from BI 

Elan – now Alkermes plc, as successor in 

the amounts we receive, including license 

In 2016, we recognized DKK 208.7 million 

in connection with the selection of a first 

interest to a termination agreement between 

payments, milestone payments and sales.

in revenue from milestone payments 

preclinical product candidate under the 

us and the Elan entities – including 13% 

In 2015, we recognized DKK 22.4 million in 

with us, we agreed to pay royalties to 

inventor is calculated on the basis of all 

from Sanofi under the Sanofi License 

2014 BI License Agreement.

Agreement in connection with the approval 
of lixisenatide as Adlyxin® in July 2016 

of future payments we receive in respect 

of lixisenatide under the Sanofi License 

Agreement.

In 2016 and 2015, the royalty expenses  
related to royalties from sales of Lyxumia® 
and milestone payments received from 
Sanofi.

57

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 4 – Research, development and administrative expenses

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Research and development expenses
Research expenses comprise salaries, contributions to pension schemes and other expenses, 
including patent expenses, as well as depreciation and amortization directly attributable to 
the Group’s research activities. Research expenses are recognized in the income statement as 
incurred.

Development expenses comprise salaries, contributions to pension schemes and other expenses, 
including depreciation and amortization, directly attributable to the Group’s development 
activities. Development expenses are recognized in the income statement as incurred.

No indirect costs that are not directly attributable to research and development activities 
are included in the disclosure of research and development expenses recognized in the 
income statement. Overhead expenses have been allocated to research and development or 
administrative expenses based on the number of employees in each department, determined 
according to the respective employees’ associated undertakings.

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses include expenses for administrative personnel, expenses related to 
company premises, operating leases, investor relations, etc. Overhead expenses have been 
allocated to research and development or administrative expenses according to the number 
of employees in each department, determined based on the respective employees’ associated 
undertakings. 

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES

A development project involves a single product candidate undergoing a large number of 
tests to demonstrate its safety profile and the effect on human beings, prior to obtaining the 
necessary final approval for the product from the appropriate authorities. The future economic 
benefits associated with the individual development projects are dependent on obtaining 
such approval. Considering the significant risk and duration of the development period for 
biological products, Management has concluded that whether the intangible asset will generate 
probable future economic benefits cannot be estimated with sufficient certainty until the 
project has been finalized and the necessary final regulatory approval of the product has been 
obtained. Accordingly, Zealand has not recognized such assets at this time, and all research and 
development costs are therefore recognized in the income statement when incurred. 

Capitalization of development costs assumes that, in the Group’s opinion, the development 
of the technology or the product has been completed, all necessary public registrations and 
marketing approvals have been received, and expenses can be reliably measured. Furthermore, 
it must be established that the technology or the product can be commercialized and that the 
future income from the product can cover not only the production, selling and administrative 
expenses but also development expenses. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Zealand has not 
capitalized any development expenses.

58

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 5 – Fees to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting

Note 6 – Information on staff and remuneration

DKK thousand 

Audit  

Audit-related services and 
other assurance engagements 

Tax advice 

Other 

Total fees 

2016 

2015

DKK thousand 

1,937 

4,107 

43 

232 

6,319 

315

30

104

29

478

Total staff salaries can be specified as follows:

Salaries  

Pension schemes (defined contribution plans) 

Other payroll and staff-related costs 

Total  

The amount is charged as: 

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total  

Average number of employees 

2016 

2015 
restated

104,614 

8,239 

32,838 

89,508

7,243

26,580

145,691 

123,331

109,509 

36,182 

94,390

28,941

145,691 

123,331

124 

110

59

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 6 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Remuneration 

DKK thousand 

Remuneration to the: 

Board of Directors 

Martin Nicklasson (1) 

Rosemary Crane 

Catherine Moukheibir 

Peter Benson (2) 

Alain Munoz 

Michael Owen 

Jens Peter Stenvang (3) 

Hanne Heidenheim Bak (3) 

Rasmus Just (3) 

Christian Thorkildsen (2) (3) 

Helle Størum (2) (3) 

Daniel Ellens (4) 

Jørgen Lindegaard (4) 

Florian Reinaud (4) 

Total 

Base  
board fee 
2016 

Base 
board fee 
2015

2016 

DKK thousand 

Base 
salary 

Bonus 

Pension 
contri- 
bution 

  Warrant 
  compen- 
sation 
benefits  payment  expenses 

Other  Severance 

Total

750 

400 

400 

104 

250 

250 

250 

167 

167 

83 

83 

0 

0 

0 

450

200

250

150

150

150

150

0

0

150

150

150

150

13

Remuneration to the:

Executive Management

Britt Meelby Jensen 

Mats Blom 

Total 

3,795 

2,448 

6,243 

Other senior management (1) 

6,422 

6,422 

683 

526 

1,209 

833 

833 

380 

245 

625 

642 

642 

231 

268 

499 

0 

0 

0 

4,442 

1,111 

9,531

4,598

5,553 

14,129

1,324 

1,324 

1,782 

1,782 

7,322 

18,325

7,322 

18,325

12,665 

2,042 

1,267 

1,823 

1,782 

12,875 

32,454

DKK thousand 

Base 
salary 

Bonus 
restated 

Pension 
contri- 
bution 

  Warrant 
  compen- 
sation 
benefits  payment  expenses 

Other  Severance 

Total

Total 

Total 

2015 

2,904 

2,113

Remuneration to the: 

(1)  In addition to the base board fee, Martin Nicklasson received an observation fee for his period as Observer to the Board 

before being appointed at the Annual General Meeting in 2015. This fee amounted to DKK 150,000. 

(2)  These board members resigned from the Board in 2016.
(3)  For the employee-elected board members, the table only includes remuneration for board work. 
(4)  These board members resigned from the Board in 2015.

Executive Management

Britt Meelby Jensen 

Mats Blom 

Total 

Other senior  
management (1) 

Total 

Total 

3,353 

2,400 

5,753 

751 

343 

1,094 

335 

240 

575 

190 

260 

450 

0 

0 

0 

3,163 

2,372 

7,792

5,615

5,535 

13,407

8,776 

8,776 

520 

520 

877 

877 

1,101 

1,101 

353 

353 

3,321 

14,948

3,321 

14,948

14,529 

1,614 

1,452 

1,551 

353 

8,856 

28,355

(1)  Other senior management in 2016 comprised four members, including two members who resigned during the year. Other 

senior management in 2015 comprised six members, including three members who resigned during the year. 

60

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 6 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Employee incentive programs

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The value of services received as consideration for granted warrants is measured at the fair value of the 
warrant. The fair value is determined at the grant date and is recognized in the income statement as staff 
costs over the period in which the final right to the warrant is obtained. Warrants are considered vested 
at grant date. The offsetting entry to this is recognized under equity. In respect of recognition of the 
warrants, an estimate is made of the number of warrants that the employees are expected to obtain rights 

to. Subsequently, an adjustment is made for changes in the estimate of the number of shares that the 
employees have obtained rights to so the total recognition is based on the actual number of shares that 
the employees have obtained rights to. The fair value of the granted warrants is estimated using the Black–
Scholes pricing model.

2010 employee incentive program 

02/Nov/10 

10/Feb/11 

17/Nov/11 

10/Feb/12 

19/Nov/12 

08/Feb/13 

01/Apr/14 

25/Mar/15 

05/May/15 

Total

Number of warrants 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015 

595,406 

403,000 

227,085 

220,250 

214,883 

343,512 

100,000 

0 

0 

2,104,136

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Expired during the year 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015 

Specified as follows:

Executive Management 

Other employees 

Total  

0   

0   

0   

-7,500   

0   

0   

-589,237   

-383,900   

-121,826   

-6,169   

0   

0   

0   

-3,750   

-64,759   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

-17,500   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

100,000   

46,359   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

146,359  

-28,750  

-1,159,722  

-6,169  

0 

0 

0 

0 

11,600 

105,259 

151,741 

214,883 

326,012 

100,000 

100,000 

46,359 

1,055,854

0 

11,600 

11,600 

31,019 

74,240 

105,259 

0 

151,741 

151,741 

31,019 

183,864 

214,883 

0 

326,012 

326,012 

0 

100,000 

100,000 

0 

100,000 

100,000 

0 

46,359 

46,359 

62,038

993,816

1,055,854

61

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 6 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

2010 employee incentive program 

02/Nov/10 

10/Feb/11 

17/Nov/11 

10/Feb/12 

19/Nov/12 

08/Feb/13 

01/Apr/14 

25/Mar/15 

05/May/15 

Total

Number of warrants

Outstanding at January 1, 2016 

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Expired during the year 

Outstanding at December 31, 2016 

Specified as follows:

Executive Management 

Other employees 

Total  

Exercise period

From 

until 

Black–Scholes parameters

Term (months)  

Volatility* 

Share price (DKK) 

Exercise price (DKK) 

Dividend  

Risk-free interest rate  

11,600 

105,259 

151,741 

214,883 

326,012 

100,000 

100,000 

46,359 

1,055,854

0 

0   

0   

0   

0   

0 

0 

0 

0 

0   

0   

0   

-11,600   

0 

0 

0 

0 

0   

0   

0   

0   

-105,259   

-145,491   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

-1,250   

-63,625   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0 

0 

0 

0 

6,250 

214,883 

261,137 

100,000 

100,000 

46,359 

0 

6,250 

6,250 

31,019 

183,864 

214,883 

0 

261,137 

261,137 

0 

100,000 

100,000 

0 

100,000 

100,000 

0 

46,359 

46,359 

0

-1,250

-314,375

-11,600

728,629

31,019

697,610

728,629

03/Nov/13 

10/Feb/14 

17/Nov/14 

10/Feb/15 

19/Nov/15 

10/Feb/16 

01/Apr/17 

25/Mar/18 

05/May/18

03/Nov/15 

10/Feb/16 

17/Nov/16 

10/Feb/17 

19/Nov/17 

10/Feb/18 

01/Apr/19 

25/Mar/20 

05/May/20

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 

60 

41.9% 

115.50 

127.05 

60

43.7%

92.0

101.2

not expected  

not expected  

not expected  

not expected  

not expected  

not expected  

not expected  

not expected 

not expected

2.64% 

3.09% 

1.02% 

0.37% 

0.86% 

0.66% 

0.71% 

-0.21% 

-0.10%

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

62

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 6 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

2015 employee incentive program 

05/May/15 

05/May/15 

05/Apr/16 

05/Apr/16 

15/Jul/16 

Total

Number of warrants 

Outstanding at January 1, 2015 

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Expired during the year 

0 

0 

100,000 

366,250 

0   

0   

0   

-3,000   

0   

0   

Outstanding at December 31, 2015 

100,000   

363,250   

Specified as follows: 

Executive Management 

Other employees 

Total  

Number of warrants 

100,000   

0   

100,000   

75,000   

288,250   

363,250   

Outstanding at January 1, 2016 

100,000   

363,250   

0 

0 

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0 

0 

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0 

0 

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

Granted during the year 

Forfeited during the year 

Exercised during the year 

Expired during the year 

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

347,250   

100,000   

40,000   

-6,000   

-2,250   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0   

0

466,250

-3,000  

0  

0  

463,250  

175,000  

288,250  

463,250  

463,250  

487,250  

-8,250  

0  

0  

Outstanding at December 31, 2016 

100,000   

357,250   

345,000   

100,000   

40,000   

942,250  

Specified as follows: 

Executive Management 

Other employees 

Total  

100,000   

0   

100,000   

75,000   

282,250   

357,250   

25,000   

100,000   

320,000   

345,000   

0   

100,000   

0   

40,000   

40,000   

300,000  

642,250  

942,250  

63

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 6 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Warrants may be exercised four times a year during a four-week period starting from the date of the 
publication of Zealand’s Annual Report or interim reports.

05/May/16  05/May/18 

05/Apr/19 

05/Apr/17 

15/Jul/19

05/May/20  05/May/20 

05/Apr/21 

05/Apr/21 

15/Jul/21

2010 employee incentive program

This program was established in 2010 for Zealand’s Board of Directors, Executive Management, employees 
and consultants.

Exercise period

From 

until 

Black–Scholes parameters 

Term (months)  

Volatility* 

Share price (DKK) 

Exercise price (DKK) 

Dividend  

60 

43.7% 

92.0 

101.2 

60 

43.7% 

92.0 

101.2 

60 

43.5% 

129.5 

60 

43.5% 

129.5 

142.45 

142.45 

60

45.0%

126

138.6

not  
expected 

not 
expected 

not 
expected 

not 
expected 

not 
expected

Risk-free interest rate  

-0.10% 

-0.10% 

-0.04% 

-0.04% 

-0.33%

*  For warrants granted in 2015 and earlier, the volatility rate is based on the actual volatility of the Zealand share price.  

For warrants granted after January 1, 2016, the volatility rate is based on the five-year historical volatility of the Zealand 
share price. 

Employee warrant programs

In order to motivate and retain key employees and encourage the achievement of common goals for 
employees, Management and shareholders, the Company has established an incentive plan based on 
warrant programs. Incentive programs were offered in 2005, 2007 and in the period 2009-2016.

The warrants are granted in accordance with the authorizations given to the Board of Directors by the 
shareholders. The Board of Directors has fixed the terms of and size of the grants, taking into account 
authorizations from the shareholders, the Group’s guidelines for incentive pay, an assessment of 
expectations of the recipient’s work efforts and contribution to the Group’s growth, as well as the need to 
motivate and retain the recipient. Grant takes place on the date of establishment of the program. Exercise of 
warrants is by default subject to continuing employment with the Group. The warrants granted are subject 
to the provisions of the Danish Public Companies Act regarding termination of employees prior to their 
exercise of warrants in the case of recipients covered by the act.

The exercise price is determined by the closing price of Zealand’s shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen on the 
day prior to the grant date plus 10%.

Warrants expire automatically after five years. Warrants are considered vested at grant date and may be 
exercised after three years, except warrants granted to the Chief Executive Officer, which may be exercised 
after one year.

64

The Board of Directors was authorized to issue up to 2,750,000 warrants until November 2, 2015. The 
program has expired and a total of 2,355,495 warrants have been granted. As of December 31, 2016, 
1,474,097 warrants have been exercised, and the total proceeds amount to DKK 116.3 million (2015: DKK 
19.9 million). As of December 31, 2016, 482,270 warrants can still be exercised.

2015 employee incentive program

This program was established in 2015 for Zealand’s Executive Management and employees.

The Board of Directors was authorized to issue up to 2,750,000 warrants until April 20, 2020, of which 
1,796,500 have not yet been granted. As of December 31, 2016, 953,500 warrants have been granted, of 
which 100,000 warrants can be exercised.

Effect on income statement

In 2016, the fair value of warrants recognized in the income statement amounted in total to DKK 22.7 
million (2015: DKK 16.9 million), of which DKK 5.6 million (2015: DKK 5.5 million) related to Executive 
Management. Further, costs for the warrant programs have been adjusted at the end of the year by DKK 2.4 
million (2015: DKK 0.2 million) due to the actual attrition rate and an adjustment to the warrant programs 
granted in 2015 to reflect the estimated attrition rate split between senior management and employees.

DKK thousand 

2016 

2015

The amount is charged as:

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total  

14,290 

8,437 

9,504

7,443

22,727 

16,947

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 7 – Other operating income

Note 8 – Financial income

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Other operating income comprises research funding from business partners and government 
grants. Research funding is recognized in the period when the research activities have been 
performed, and government grants are recognized periodically when the work supported by the 
grant has been reported.

Financial income is recognized in the income statement in the period in which it is earned. 

Financial income includes interest from trade receivables, as well as realized and unrealized 
exchange rate adjustments.

Government grants are recognized when a final and firm right to the grant has been obtained. 
Government grants are included in Other operating income, as the grants are considered to be 
cost refunds.

DKK thousand 

Research funding 

Government grants  

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

920 

777 

11,576 

1,252 

920 

777 

11,576

1,252

DKK thousand 

Interest income 

Exchange rate adjustments 

Total financial income 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

592 

0 

592 

139 

3,750 

3,889 

121 

6,609 

6,730 

132

1,312

1,444

Total other operating income 

1,697 

12,828 

1,697 

12,828

Note 9 – Financial expenses

As part of the license agreements with Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (BI), BI is responsible for 
conducting preclinical and clinical development, as well as for commercializing products stemming from 
the agreement and funding all activities under the agreement. In the first quarter of 2016, and the full year 
2015, Zealand was entitled to research funding from BI amounting to DKK 0.9 million (2015: DKK 11.6 
million). This funding related to the 2014 BI License Agreement, and ended in March 2016.

In addition, Zealand received government grants in both 2016 and 2015.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Financial expenses are recognized in the income statement in the period in which they are 
incurred. Financial expenses include interest expenses, as well as realized and unrealized 
exchange rate adjustments. Further, expenses related to the royalty bond are amortized over 
the expected duration of the bond and recognized as financial expenses. The royalty bond is 
described further in Note 19.

DKK thousand 

Interest expenses, royalty bond 

Amortization of financing costs 

Other financial expenses 

Exchange rate adjustments 

Total financial expenses 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

32,157 

32,372 

8,369 

255 

3,575 

9,689 

333 

0 

44,356 

42,394 

0 

0 

347 

0 

347 

0

0

306

0

306

65

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
assets and liabilities are not recognized if the 
temporary difference arises from the initial 
recognition (other than in a business combination) 
of other assets and liabilities in a transaction 
that affects neither the taxable profit nor the 
accounting profit. In addition, deferred tax liabilities 
are not recognized if the temporary difference 
arises from the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable 
temporary differences arising on investments in 
subsidiaries except where the Group is able to 
control the reversal of the temporary difference 
and it is probable that the temporary difference will 
not be reversed in the foreseeable future. Deferred 
tax assets arising from deductible temporary 
differences associated with such investments and 
interest are only recognized to the extent that it 
is probable that there will be sufficient taxable 
profits against which to utilize the benefits of the 
temporary differences and they are expected to be 
reversed in the foreseeable future.

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

This judgment is made on an ongoing basis 
and is based on recent historical losses carrying 
more weight than factors such as budgets and 
business plans for the coming years, including 
planned commercial initiatives. The creation and 
development of therapeutic products within the 
biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is 
subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. 
Zealand has so far reported significant losses and, 
consequently, has unused tax losses. Management 
has concluded that deferred tax assets should 
not be recognized at December 31, 2016 and 
2015. The tax assets are currently not deemed to 
meet the criteria for recognition, as Management 
determined that it was not probable that future 
taxable profit would be available against which the 
deferred tax assets could be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when 
there is a legally enforceable right to set off current 
tax assets against current tax liabilities and when 
they relate to income taxes levied by the same 
taxation authority and the Company intends to 
settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net 
basis.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are 
expected to apply in the period when the liability 
is settled or the asset is realized, based on tax laws 
and rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date.

Income tax receivables are recognized in 
accordance with the Danish tax credit scheme 
(Skattekreditordningen). Companies covered by 
the tax credit scheme may obtain payment of the 
tax base of losses originating from research and 
development costs of up to DKK 25 million.

Notes

Note 10 – Income tax benefit

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Income tax on results for the year, which 
comprises current tax and changes in deferred tax, 
is recognized in the income statement, whereas 
the portion attributable to entries in 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 the 
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 liabilities are generally 
recognized for all taxable temporary differences, 
and deferred tax assets are recognized to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profits will 
be available against which deductible temporary 
differences can be utilized. Such deferred tax 

66

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 10 – Income tax benefit (continued)

DKK thousand 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

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

The deferred tax for the parent company includes the tax positions of ZP Holding SPV K/S and 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.

Under Danish tax legislation, Zealand is eligible to receive DKK 5.5 million (2015: DKK 5.9 million) in cash 
relating to the surrendered tax loss for 2016 of DKK 81.5 million (2015: DKK 151.4 million) originating from 
qualifying research and development expenditures. These tax receipts comprise the entire current tax 
benefit in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

Net loss for the year before tax 

-159,410   

-119,832   

-128,774   

-221,648  

Tax rate 

22.0% 

23.5% 

22.0% 

23.5%

Expected tax expenses/(benefit) 

-35,070 

-28,161   

-28,330 

-52,087  

Adjustment for nondeductible expenses 

Adjustment for exercised warrants 

Tax effect from subsidiaries 

Reduction of corporate tax rate from 23.5% to 22% 

Tax effect on exercise of warrants 

Tax effect on expired warrants 

Change in tax assets (not recognized) 

Total income tax benefit 

100 

54   

-2,828 

-8,357   

0 

0 

0 

0 

0   

1,558   

-318   

6,500   

33 

-2,828 

-6,666 

0 

0 

0 

32,298 

-5,500 

22,849   

32,292 

-5,875   

-5,500 

54  

-8,357  

23,621  

1,558  

0  

6,500  

22,836  

-5,875  

Breakdown of unrecognized deferred tax assets

Tax losses carried forward (available indefinitely) 

722,186 

742,771 

722,101 

742,716

Research and development expenses 

145,822 

31,054 

145,822 

Rights 

Non-current assets 

Other 

43,019 

62,953 

43,019 

57,543 

43,019 

62,953 

102,074 

58,890 

102,074 

31,054

43,019

57,543

58,890

Total temporary differences 

1,076,054 

933,277 

1,075,969 

933,222

Tax rate 

22% 

22% 

22% 

22%

Calculated potential deferred tax asset  
at local tax rate 

236,732 

205,321   

236,713   

205,309  

Write-down of deferred tax asset 

-236,732 

-205,321   

-236,713   

-205,309  

Recognized deferred tax asset 

0 

0 

0 

0

67

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 11 – Basic and diluted loss per share

The following potential ordinary shares are antidilutive and are therefore excluded from the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted loss per share:

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basic loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated as the net result for the period that is allocated to the parent 
company’s ordinary shares, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding.

Diluted loss per share
Diluted loss per share is calculated as the net result for the period that is allocated to the 
parent company’s ordinary shares, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding, adjusted by the dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares.

Potential ordinary shares excluded  
due to antidilutive effect related to:

Outstanding warrants under the 2010  
employee incentive program 

Outstanding warrants under the 2015  
employee incentive program 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015

728,629 

1,055,854

942,250 

463,250

Total outstanding warrants, which are antidilutive 

1,670,879 

1,519,104

The loss and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted loss 
per share are as follows:

DKK thousand 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

Net loss for the year 

-153,910 

-113,957   

-123,274  

-215,773  

Net loss used in the calculation of basic and  
diluted loss per share 

-153,910 

-113,957   

-123,274  

-215,773  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 

  24,873,940  23,618,752    24,873,940    23,618,752  

Weighted average number of treasury shares 

-564,223   

-564,223   

-564,223   

-564,223  

Weighted average number of outstanding ordinary  
shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted  
loss per share 

Basic loss per share (DKK) 

Diluted loss per share (DKK) 

  24,309,717  23,054,529    24,309,717    23,054,529  

-6.33 

-6.33 

-4.94   

-4.94   

-5.07  

-5.07   

-9.36  

-9.36  

68

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 12 – Property, plant and equipment

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Plant and machinery, other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment and leasehold 
improvements are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Cost comprises acquisition price and costs directly related to acquisition until the time when the 
Group starts using the asset.

The basis for depreciation is cost less estimated residual value at the end of the useful life. Assets 
are depreciated under the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets. The 
depreciation periods are as follows:

•  Leasehold improvements 5 years

•  Plant and machinery 5 years

•  Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 3-5 years

Profits and losses arising from disposal of plant and equipment are stated as the difference 
between the selling price less the selling costs and the carrying amount of the asset at the time 
of the disposal. Profits and losses are recognized in the income statement under Research and 
development expenses and Administrative expenses.

At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amount of property, 
plant and equipment as well as non-current asset investments to determine whether there is an 
indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment 
loss (if any). If it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the 
Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset 
belongs. If a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, assets are also 
allocated to cash-generating units, or allocated to the smallest group of cash-generating units 
for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. The 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate 
that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to 
the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

Impairments are recognized in the income statement as a separate line item. No impairments 
have been recognized for 2015 or 2016.

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2015 

Additions 

Cost at December 31, 2015 

Depreciation at January 1, 2015 

Depreciation for the year 

Depreciation at December 31, 2015 

Other 
fixtures 
  machinery  and fittings 

Plant and  

Leasehold 
improve- 
ments

62,771 

3,735 

66,506 

46,777 

5,057 

51,834 

8,663 

131 

10,598

174

8,794 

10,772

7,090 

551 

9,537

607

7,641 

10,144

Carrying amount at December 31, 2015 

14,672 

1,153 

628

Depreciation for the financial year has been charged as:

Research and development expenses* 

Administrative expenses* 

Total 

Cost at January 1, 2016 

Additions 

Retirements 

Cost at December 31, 2016 

Depreciation at January 1, 2016 

Depreciation for the year 

Retirements 

Transfer 

5,057 

0 

5,057 

436 

115 

551 

480

127

607

66,506 

1,965 

8,794 

515 

-21,301 

-5,697 

10,772

120

-177

47,170 

3,612 

10,715

51,834 

4,556 

7,641 

534 

-21,301 

-5,697 

0 

-20 

10,144

320

-177

20

Depreciation at December 31, 2016 

35,089 

2,458 

10,307

Carrying amount at December 31, 2016 

12,081 

1,154 

408

Depreciation for the financial year has been charged as:

Research and development expenses 

Administrative expenses 

Total 

4,556 

0 

4,556 

438 

96 

534 

262

58

320

*  Due to change in allocation, the figures for depreciation allocated to other fixtures and leasehold improvements have 

changed.

69

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 13 – Investments in subsidiaries

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 thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2015 

Additions 

Transfers 

Cost at December 31, 2015 

Revaluation at January 1, 2015 

Depreciation for the year 

Write-off 

Revaluation at December 31, 2015 

Carrying amount at December 31, 2015 

Cost at January 1, 2016 

Additions 

Transfers 

Cost at December 31, 2016 

Revaluation at January 1, 2016 

Depreciation for the year 

Write-off 

Revaluation at December 31, 2016 

Carrying amount at December 31, 2016 

70

Parent 
 company

380

0

0

380

0

0

0

0

380

380

0

0

380

0

0

0

0

380

Company summary 

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 

Domicile  Ownership 

Voting 
rights

 Denmark 

 Denmark 

100% 

100% 

100%

100%

 Denmark 

 Denmark 

100% 

100% 

100%

100%

Pursuant to section 146(1) of the Danish Financial Statements Act, Management has chosen to submit an 
exemption declaration (“Undtagelseserklæring”) and has not issued annual reports for ZP SPV 1 K/S and 
ZP Holding SPV K/S.

The financial statements of the two companies are fully consolidated in the consolidated financial statements 
of Zealand Pharma A/S.

Income from subsidiaries relates to dividends from subsidiaries received during the year.

Note 14 – Trade receivables

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Trade receivables are recognized and derecognized on a settlement date basis. An allowance is 
recognized for trade receivables when objective evidence is received that the Group will not be 
able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of the receivables. The 
amount of the write-down is determined as the difference between the assets’ carrying amount 
and the present value of estimated future cash flows.

Trade receivables are mainly related to milestone and royalty payments from our collaboration agreements, 
and are due in 30-60 days.

There are no overdue receivables and there is no provision for bad debts, as no losses are expected on 
trade receivables.

As of December 31, 2016, trade receivables related to accrued royalty income on sales of Lyxumia®.

As of December 31, 2015, most of the trade receivables related to a DKK 136.6 million milestone payment 
from Sanofi under the Sanofi License Agreement in connection with the submission of a New Drug 
Application (NDA) for iGlarLixi to the FDA.

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 15 – Prepaid expenses

Note 17 – Cash and cash equivalents

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Prepaid expenses comprise amounts paid in respect of goods or services to be received in 
subsequent financial periods. Prepayments are measured at cost and are tested for impairment as 
of the balance sheet date.

Cash is measured at initial recognition at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost, usually 
equal to the nominal value.

Note 16 – Other receivables

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost, 
usually equal to the nominal value.

DKK thousand 

VAT 

Other  

Group 
2016 

4,464 

915 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

3,667 

6,760 

Parent 
2016 

4,127 

890 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

3,594

6,720

Total other receivables 

5,379 

10,427 

5,017 

10,314

As of December 31, 2016, most other receivables related to VAT.

As of December 31, 2015, Zealand had expenses of DKK 4.6 million to be refunded related to clinical studies 
under the grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust. This made up the majority of the balance in “Other.”

DKK thousand 

DKK 

USD 

EUR 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

16,609 

66,239 

14,861 

214,915 

306,296 

103,490 

91,806 

46,261 

88,047 

64,900

30,744

45,139

Total cash and cash equivalents 

323,330 

418,796 

206,398 

140,783

In addition, as of December 31, 2016, restricted cash amounted to DKK 318.7 million (2015: DKK 21.4 
million). 

As of December 31, 2016, this balance comprised cash held in the Milestone Payments Reserve Account 
amounting to DKK 305.1 million and cash held in the Interest Reserve Account amounting to DKK 13.6 
million, both relating to the USD 50 million senior secured notes (or the royalty bond; see also Note 19. 
As of December 31, 2015, restricted cash was held only in the Interest Reserve Account. According to the 
terms of the royalty bond indenture, funds in the Interest Reserve Account and Milestone Payments Reserve 
Account may only be used to fund the payment of interest in excess of the available amount generated 
from royalties received by ZP SPV 1 K/S pursuant to its 86.5% income under the License Agreement; see 
also Note 19.

71

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 18 – Share capital

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Costs and selling prices of treasury shares and dividends are recognized directly in equity within 
retained earnings. Capital reductions through cancellation of treasury shares reduce the share 
capital by an amount equal to the cost price of the shares.

At December 31, 2016, the total number of authorized oridinary shares was 27,813,244 (2015: 25,871,873).

The share capital at December 31, 2016 consisted of 26,142,365 (2015: 24,352,769) ordinary shares issued 
of DKK 1 each. The parent company has only one class of shares, and all shares rank equally. The shares are 
negotiable instruments with no restrictions on their transferability.

All shares have been fully paid. On September 29, 2016, Zealand issued 1,475,221 shares in a private 
placements. The net proceeds amounted to DKK 135.2 million. Other capital increases in 2016 and 2015 
related to exercise of warrant programs. 

Expenses directly related to capital increases are deducted from equity. Expenses related to the private 
placement on September 29, 2016 amounted to DKK 7.7 million, and DKK 0.1 million is related to the 
exercise of warrant programs.

At December 31, 2016, there were 564,223 treasury shares (2015: 564,223), equivalent to 2.2% (2015: 2.3%) 
of the share capital and corresponding to a market value of DKK 60.1 million (2015: DKK 85.5 million).

The treasury shares were purchased for DKK 1.3 million in 1999-2001 and DKK 0.4 million in 2011, giving a 
total cost of purchase of DKK 1.7 million.

Rules on changing Articles of Association 
All resolutions put to the vote of shareholders at general meetings are subject to adoption by a simple 
majority of votes, unless the DCA (Selskabsloven) or our articles of association prescribes other 
requirements.

Changes in share capital

Share capital at December 31, 2010 

Capital increase on December 12, 2011 

Share capital at December 31, 2014 

Share capital at January 1, 2015 

Capital increase on March 21, 2015 

Capital increase on April 11, 2015 

Capital increase on June 2, 2015 

Capital increase on June 20, 2015 

Capital increase on September 8, 2015 

Capital increase on September 26, 2015 

Capital increase on November 4, 2015 

Capital increase on November 13, 2015 

Capital increase on December 4, 2015 

Share capital at December 31, 2015 

Share capital at January 1, 2016 

Capital increase on March 30, 2016 

Capital increase on April 14, 2016 

Capital increase on May 26, 2016 

Capital increase on June 16, 2016 

Capital increase on September 6, 2016 

Capital increase on September 23, 2016 

Capital increase on September 29, 2016 

Capital increase on November 17, 2016 

Capital increase on November 25, 2016 

Capital increase on December 8, 2016 

Share capital at December 31, 2016 

72

  22,870,523

322,524

  23,193,047

  23,193,047

120,833

106,220

51,487

46,521

383,190

150,702

60,843

176,456

63,470

  24,352,769

  24,352,769

46,613

50,453

43,071

41,269

7,400

45,457

1,475,221

8,200

57,913

13,999

  26,142,365

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 19 – Royalty bond

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The royalty bond was initially measured at the time of borrowing at fair value less any 
transaction costs. In subsequent periods, the royalty bond has been measured at amortized cost 
corresponding to the capitalized value using the effective interest method. Consequently, the 
difference between the proceeds of the loan and the amount to be repaid is recognized as a 
financial expense in the income statement over the term of the loan.

In December 2014, Zealand established four 100%-owned subsidiaries: ZP Holding SPV K/S, ZP General 
Partner 1 ApS, ZP SPV 1 K/S, and ZP General Partner 2 ApS. The purpose of this structure was to make the 
royalty bond non recourse for Zealand and at the same time protect the bond investors from a parent 
company bankruptcy. On December 11, 2014, ZP SPV 1 K/S issued the royalty bond, which represents 
senior secured notes issued at par with a USD-denominated principal amount of USD 50 million (DKK 299.3 
million at issue) and a stated fixed interest rate of 9.375% per annum. The royalty bond falls due on March 
15, 2026.

Concurrent with the issue of the royalty bond, Zealand contributed the Sanofi License Agreement to ZP 
Holding SPV K/S, among other things. See Note 2 Revenue, Accounting for the Sanofi License Agreement. 

Among the rights arising under the License Agreement are the rights to receive patent royalties, including 
relating to Adlyxin®/Lyxumia®, a single remaining milestone payment relating to Adlyxin®/Lyxumia® and 
three regulatory event milestone payments in 2016 and January 2017 relating to certain other products 
containing lixisenatide combined with one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients (“Group 2 
Products”). ZP Holding SPV K/S sold and transferred to ZP SPV 1 K/S an interest in such royalties and 
milestone payments equal to 86.5% of the amount of such royalties payable from and after December 11, 
2014, and 86.5% of such milestone payments. 

Under the License Agreement, royalties are payable by Sanofi in EUR and at a varying percentage of annual 
net sales as defined in the License Agreement. Further, as of December 11, 2014, the aggregate remaining 
regulatory milestone payments (86.5% of which were transferred to ZP SPV 1 K/S) amounted to USD 60 
million, plus value added taxes, payable subject to various terms and conditions of the License Agreement. 
The milestone payments serve as collateral for the royalty bond. Cash received for the milestone payments 
is held in a specific account (the “Milestone Payments Reserve Account”) and is restricted as to use. 
Specifically, cash held in the Milestone Payments Reserve Account may only be used in connection with 
the exercise of remedies in the event of default on the royalty bond, or for funding an optional redemption 
subject to the terms of the royalty bond indenture. As of December 31, 2016, Zealand has received DKK 
305.1 million, equivalent to USD 43.3 million, as restricted cash held in the Milestone Payments Reserve 
Account. Further, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, restricted cash held by the Company is also related to 
the Interest Reserve Account, established upon issue of the royalty bond.

The source of payment of the principal of and interest on the royalty bond is ZP SPV 1 K/S’ interest in 
Adlyxin®/Lyxumia® royalties. Interest on the senior secured notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and 
September 15 every year.

The principal of the royalty bond was to be paid from available cash in ZP SPV 1 K/S commencing on the 
third payment date (March 15, 2016). Beginning with the third payment date, the royalty bond indenture 
states that available royalty revenue in ZP SPV 1 K/S in excess of interest payments is to be used for 
principal repayments of the royalty bond at each payment date. Upon full repayment of the royalty 
bond, the bondholders have no rights to future royalty payments. It is possible for ZP SPV 1 K/S to make 
voluntary repayments from March 2016, subject to various provisions and at various redemption premiums 
established in the royalty bond indenture.

The total outstanding amount as of December 31, 2016 was DKK 352.6 million (2015: DKK 341.5 million), of 
which DKK 20.4 million (2015: DKK 28.5 million) has been offset as transaction costs.

The change in the balance of the royalty bond from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 is 
attributable to movements in the USD/DKK exchange rate. 

The royalty bond has been renegotiated and partly redeemed as of March 15, 2017, see Note 26.

See Note 22 for further discussion of the risks associated with the royalty bond.

73

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsNotes

Note 20 – Other liabilities

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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. 
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the costs needed at the balance sheet date to 
settle obligations. Provisions also include contingent payments at the conclusion of agreements, 
contracts, etc.

DKK thousand 

Severance payments 

Employee benefits 

Royalty payable to third party 

Interest payable on royalty bond 

Other payables 

Total other liabilities 

Group 
2016 

3,854 

20,431 

25,222 

9,753 

5,190 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

613 

3,854 

613

15,085 

18,713 

9,516 

5,423 

20,431 

15,085

0 

0 

0

0

5,122 

3,633

64,450 

49,350 

29,406 

19,331

Note 21 – Contingent liabilities and other contractual obligations

Contingent liabilities and other contractual obligations include contractual obligations related to 
agreements with contract research organizations and lease commitments.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Contingent liabilities are disclosed, unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying 
economic benefits is remote.

74

At December 31, 2016, total contractual obligations related to agreements with CROs amounted to DKK 
39,849 thousand (DKK 37,335 thousand for 2017 and DKK 2,514 thousand for 2018 and 2019).

At December 31, 2015, total contractual obligations related to agreements with CROs amounted to DKK 
40,246 thousand (DKK 31,576 thousand for 2016 and DKK 8,670 thousand for 2017-2019 inclusive).

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Lease agreements are classified as either finance or operating leases based on the criteria in IAS 
17 Leases. Lease payments under operating leases and other rental agreements are recognized in 
the income statement over the term of the agreements. The Company has not entered into any 
finance leases.

DKK thousand 

2016 

2015

Total future minimum lease payments related  
to operating lease agreements:

Within 1 year 

2 to 5 years 

After 5 years 

Total 

4,005 

776 

0 

3,940

1,241

0

4,780 

5,181

Operating lease agreements include rental agreements for buildings, company cars and office equipment. 
Based on Management’s analysis according to the accounting policy, all leases have been determined to be 
operating lease commitments.

The leases are no-cancelable for terms of between 6 and 60 months.

In 2016, DKK 7.4 million (2015: DKK 7.6 million) was recognized as an expense in the income statement, 
with DKK 6.1 million (2015: DKK 6.0 million) allocated to Research and development expenses and DKK 1.3 
million (2015: DKK 1.6 million) to Administrative expenses.

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 22 – Financial and operational risks

Interest rate risk

The objective of Zealand’s financial management policy is to reduce the Group’s sensitivity to fluctuations 
in exchange rates, interest rates, credit rating and liquidity. Zealand’s financial management policy has been 
endorsed by Zealand’s Audit Committee and ultimately approved by Zealand’s Board of Directors.

Zealand receives milestone payments from its current partners in USD and EUR and royalty payments in 
EUR.

Zealand is mainly exposed to research and development expenditures. In addition, Zealand has a USD loan 
as well as a significant USD cash position. As such, Zealand is exposed to various financial risks, including 
foreign exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Capital structure

It is Zealand’s aim to have an adequate capital structure in relation to the underlying operating results and 
research and development projects, so that it is always possible to provide sufficient capital to support 
operations and its long-term growth targets.

The Board of Directors finds that the current capital and share structure is appropriate to the shareholders 
and to the Group.

Exchange rate risk

Most of Zealand’s financial transactions are in DKK, USD and EUR.

Due to Denmark’s long-standing fixed exchange rate policy vis-à-vis the EUR, Zealand has evaluated that 
there is no transaction exposure or exchange rate risk regarding transactions in EUR.

Zealand’s milestone payments have been agreed in foreign currencies, namely USD and EUR. However, 
as milestone payments are unpredictable in terms of timing, the payments are not included in the basic 
exchange risk evaluation.

As Zealand from time to time conducts clinical trials and toxicology studies in the U.S., Zealand will be 
exposed to the exchange rate fluctuation and risks associated with transactions in USD. Until now, Zealand’s 
policy has been to manage the transaction and translation risk associated with the USD passively, placing 
the revenue received from milestone payments in USD in a USD account for future payment of Zealand’s 
expenses denominated in USD, covering payments for the next 12-24 months and thus matching Zealand’s 
assets with its liabilities.

In December 2014, Zealand issued a royalty bond of USD 50 million, creating a large exposure against the 
USD. In order to hedge this, Zealand holds the same portion of its cash position in USD.

At December 31, 2016, Zealand held USD 75.7 million (2015: USD 48.0 million) in cash, while the value of 
the royalty bond was USD 50.0 million.

Zealand has a policy of avoiding any financial instrument that exposes the Group to any unwanted financial 
risk. Zealand is not exposed to interest rate risk because the Company borrows funds at fixed interest rates.

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

During 2016, all cash has been held in current bank accounts in USD, EUR and DKK. Interest rates on bank 
deposits in DKK and EUR have been negative for most of 2016, while USD accounts have generated a low 
level of positive interest.

Credit risks

Zealand is exposed to credit risks in respect of receivables and bank balances. The maximum credit risk 
corresponds to the carrying amount. Management believes that credit risk is limited, as counterparties to 
the accounts receivable are large global pharmaceutical companies.

Cash is not deemed to be subject to any credit risks, as the counterparties are banks with investment-grade 
ratings (i.e. BBB- or higher from Standard & Poor’s).

Liquidity risk

The purpose of Zealand’s cash management is to ensure that the Group has sufficient and flexible financial 
resources at its disposal at all times.

Zealand’s short-term liquidity is managed and monitored through the Company’s quarterly budget revisions 
to balance the demand for liquidity and maximize the Company’s interest income by matching its free cash 
in fixed-rate, fixed-term bank deposits with its expected future cash burn.

Sensitivity analysis

The table shows the effect on the profit/loss and equity of reasonably likely changes in the financial 
variables on the statement of financial position.

USD  

Interest rate 

2016 
Fluctuation 

2016 
Effect  

2015 
Fluctuation 

2015 
Effect 

+/- 10 % 

9,531 

+/- 10 % 

6,574

+/- 100 
basis point 

4,728 

+/- 100 
basis point 

4,735 

75

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent company

DKK thousand 

Restated 

Trade payables 

Royalty bond repayments 

Interest payments on royalty bond 

Other  

Total financial liabilities at December 31, 2015 

Trade payables 

Royalty bond repayments 

Interest payments on royalty bond 

Other  

Total financial liabilities at December 31, 2016 

< 6 
months 

6-12 
months 

1-5 
 years 

 Total*

21,580 

0 

0 

19,331 

40,911 

19,739 

0 

0 

29,406 

49,145 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

21,580

0

0

19,331

40,911

19,739

0

0

29,406

49,145

All cash flows are non-discounted and include all liabilities under contracts.

Interest payments on the royalty bond is calculated using the fixed interest rate (9.375%) and the expected 
payback time.

We expect interest payments on the royalty bond (interest rate 9.375%) of DKK 33.1 million in 2017 (2016: 
DKK 32 million).

Notes

Note 22 – Financial and operational risks (continued)

Contractual maturity (liquidity risk)

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

The following tables detail the Company’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities with 
agreed repayment periods. The tables have been prepared using the undiscounted cash flows for financial 
liabilities, based on the earliest date on which the Company can be required to pay. The tables include 
both interest and principal cash flows. To the extent that the specific timing of interest or principal flows is 
dependent on future events, the table has been prepared based on Management’s best estimate of such 
timing at the end of the reporting period. The contractual maturity is based on the earliest date on which 
the Company may be required to pay.

Group

DKK thousand 

Restated

Trade payables 

Royalty bond repayments 

Interest payments on royalty bond 

Other  

< 6 
months 

6-12 
months 

1-5 
 years 

 Total*

21,676 

0 

16,000 

22,226 

0 

0 

0 

21,676

341,486 

341,486

16,000 

76,000 

108,000

0 

0 

22,226

Total financial liabilities at December 31, 2015 

59,902 

16,000 

417,486 

493,388

Trade payables 

Royalty bond repayments 

Interest payments on royalty bond 

Other  

19,739 

0 

0 

19,739

0 

3,365 

349,275 

352,640

16,550 

29,636 

16,550 

121,800 

154,900

0 

0 

29,636

Total financial liabilities at December 31, 2016 

65,925 

19,915 

471,075 

556,915

76

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 22 – Financial and operational risks (continued)

Note 23 – Related parties

Fair value measurement of financial instruments

Zealand has no related parties with controlling interest.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no financial instruments carried at fair value.

Zealand’s other related parties comprise the Company’s Board of Directors and senior management.

DKK thousand 

Categories of financial instruments

Trade receivables 

Receivable from subsidiaries 

Income tax receivable 

Other receivables 

Prepaid expenses 

Restricted cash 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

Transactions with related parties

Remuneration of the Board of Directors and senior management is described in Note 6. 

11,510 

158,158 

0 

5,500 

5,379 

0 

5,875 

10,427 

27 

76 

313

3,521

5,500  53,5, 5,875

The parent company has receivables from group subsidiaries of DKK 76 thousand at December 31, 2016 
(December 31, 2015: DKK 3.521 thousand). In 2016, interests paid from the parent company to subsidiaries 
amounted to DKK 151 thousand (2015: DKK 0).

No further transactions with related parties were conducted during the year. 

13,837 

2,430 

13,837 

318,737 

21,403 

0 

5,017 

10,314

2,430

0

Ownership

The following shareholders are registered in Zealand’s register of shareholders as owning minimum 5% of 
the voting rights or minimum 5% of the share capital (1 share equals 1 vote) as of December 31, 2016:

Cash and cash equivalents 

323,330 

418,796 

206,398 

140,783

Financial assets measured at amortized cost 

678,293 

617,089 

230,855 

163,236

Royalty bond 

Trade payables 

Other liabilities 

332,243 

312,951 

19,739 

64,450 

21,676 

49,350 

0 

19,739 

29,406 

Financial liabilites measured at amortized cost 

416,432 

383,977 

49,145 

0

21,580

19,331

40,911

Except as detailed in the following table with respect to the royalty bond, as of December 31, 2016 and 
2015, the carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities approximated the fair value.

DKK thousand 

Royalty bond 

2016 
Carrying 
amount 

2016 
Fair 
value 

2015 
Carrying 
amount 

2015 
Fair 
value

332,243 

356,626 

312,951 

386,912

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

Sunstone LSV Management A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark

LD Pension (Lønmodtagernes Dyrtidsfond), Copenhagen, Denmark

Legg Mason (Royce) Inc., Maryland, US

Note 24 – Adjustments for non-cash items

DKK thousand 

Depreciation 

Warrant compensation expenses 

Income tax receipt 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Exchange rate adjustments 

Total adjustments 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015 
Restated

6,215   

5,410   

6,215  

16,947   

22,727   

 16,947 

-5,875 

-5,500 

-5,875

Group 
2016 

5,410 

22,727 

-5,500 

-592 

40,781 

42,394   

-139   

-121   

347   

-132  

306  

-5,141 

-12,068   

-2,721  

-3,303

57,685 

47,474   

20,142   

14,158

77

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 25 – Change in working capital

Note 27 – Approval of the annual report

DKK thousand 

Group 
2016 

Group 
2015 
Restated 

Parent 
2016 

Parent 
2015

The annual report is approved by the Board of Directors and Executive Management and authorized for 
issue on March 15, 2017.

Increase/decrease in receivables 

140,289 

-140,102   

-2,379 

12,895  

Increase/decrease in payables 

Change in working capital 

13,163 

-732   

8,234   

-27,610  

153,442 

-140,834   

5,855   

-14,715  

Note 26 – Significant events after the balance sheet date

On January 17, 2017, Zealand announced that Suliqua™ had been approved by the European Commission 
for marketing in Europe, which triggered a milestone payment of USD 10.0 million from Sanofi under the 
Sanofi License Agreement. 

As of March 15, 2017 Zealand has used restricted cash of USD 25 million (DKK 175 million) to repay half of 
the outstanding royalty bond.  In addition, additional restricted cash of USD 25 million (DKK 175 million) 
held as collateral for the royalty bond has been released in exchange for a parent company guarantee.

Following the transactions described above the outstanding royalty bond amounts to USD 25 million  
(DKK 175 million) and cash and cash equivalents has increased by USD 25 million (DKK 175 million). 

Except as noted above, there have been no significant events between December 31, 2016 and the date 
of approval of these financial statements that would require a change to or additional disclosure in the 
consolidated or parent financial statements.

78

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of the Board of Directors and Executive Management

The Board of Directors and Executive 

Management have today discussed and approved 

the Annual Report of Zealand Pharma A/S for the 

financial year January 1 – December 31, 2016.

Executive Management

The consolidated financial statements and 

parent company financial statements have 

Britt Meelby Jensen

been prepared in accordance with International 

President and  

Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by 

Chief Executive Officer

Mats Peter Blom

Senior Vice President and  

Chief Financial Officer

the EU and additional requirements under the 

Danish Financial Statements Act.

We consider the accounting policies used to 

be appropriate. In our opinion, the financial 

statements give a true and fair view of the 

Group’s and the parent company’s financial 

position as of December 31, 2016, and of 

the results of the Group’s and the parent 

company’s operations and cash flows for the 

financial year January 1 – December 31, 2016.

Board of Directors

In our opinion, the Management’s review 

Chairman

Alf Gunnar Martin Nicklasson

Rosemary Crane

Vice Chairman 

Catherine Moukheibir

Board member

includes a fair review of the development of the 

Group’s and the parent company’s operations 

and economic conditions, the results for 

the year, and the Group’s and the parent 

company’s financial position, as well as a review 

of the more significant risks and uncertainty 

the Group and parent company face, in 

accordance with the additional requirements 

under the Danish Financial Statements Act.

We recommend that the Annual Report be 

approved at the Annual General Meeting.

Glostrup, March 15, 2017

Alain Munoz

Board member

Michael John Owen

Board member

Jens Peter Stenvang

Board member

Employee elected

Hanne Heidenheim Bak
Board member
Employee elected

Rasmus Just

Board member

Employee elected

79

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsIndependent auditor’s report

To the shareholders of Zealand Pharma A/S

Opinion

Basis for opinion

Key audit matter

However, due to the financial significance to 

We have audited the consolidated financial 

We conducted our audit in accordance with 

Milestone revenue from Sanofi

the Group of milestone revenue from Sanofi, 

statements and the parent company 

International Standards on Auditing and 

(See Notes 1 and 2 in the consolidated 

we have identified this as a key audit matter.

financial statements of Zealand Pharma A/S 

the additional requirements applicable in 

financial statements.)

for the financial year January 1 – December 

Denmark. Our responsibilities under those 

How the matter was addressed in the audit

31, 2016, which comprise the income 

standards and requirements are further 

License and milestone revenue recognized 

Based on our risk assessment procedures 

statement, statement of comprehensive 

described in the Auditor’s responsibilities 

amounted to DKK 210 million in 2016. 

focused on the Group’s business process and 

income, statement of financial position, 

for the audit of the consolidated financial 

Milestone revenue primarily related to the 

internal controls for milestone revenue, we 

statement of changes in equity, statement 

statements and the parent company 

of cash flows and notes, including the 

financial statements section of this auditor’s 

summary of significant accounting policies. 

report. We are independent of the Group in 

The consolidated financial statements and 

accordance with the IESBA Code of Ethics 

Sanofi License Agreements, and the FDA 
regulatory U.S. approvals of Adlyxin® and 
Soliqua™. 

tested the appropriateness of the Group’s 

revenue recognition. 

We read the Sanofi License Agreements, 

the parent company financial statements 

for Professional Accountants and additional 

The Sanofi License Agreements include 

discussed them with Management and 

have been prepared in accordance with 

requirements applicable in Denmark, and we 

multiple elements, and recognition of revenue 

evaluated the related accounting treatment. 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 

is complex and significant, and requires 

During the audit, using third-party sources, we 

as adopted by the EU and additional 

in accordance with these requirements. 

subjective evaluations. Management therefore 

tested whether the performance obligations 

requirements of the Danish Financial 

We believe that the audit evidence we have 

exercises judgment in determining whether 

for revenue recognized under the Sanofi 

Statements Act.

obtained is sufficient and appropriate to 

the Group has fulfilled all of its performance 

License Agreements were met in 2016. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial 

We also evaluated the disclosures in the 

statements and the parent company 

Key audit matters

As the recognition event for the milestone 

financial statements related to revenue.

provide a basis for our opinion.

obligations. 

financial statements give a true and fair 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in 

revenue related to the Sanofi License 

view of the Group’s and Parent's financial 

our professional judgment, were of most 

Agreements recognized in 2016 was the 

position at December 31, 2016 and of their 

significance in our audit of the consolidated 

FDA regulatory approvals, there were limited 

financial performance and cash flows for 

financial statements and the parent company 

elements of judgment in determining the 

the financial year January 1 – December 

financial statements for the financial year 

appropriateness of recognition of milestone 

31, 2016 in accordance with International 

January 1 – December 31, 2016. These 

revenue in 2016.

Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 

matters were addressed in the context 

by the EU and additional requirements of 

of our audit of the consolidated financial 

the Danish Financial Statements Act.

statements and the parent company financial 

statements as a whole, and in forming our 

opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 

separate opinion on these matters.

80

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsStatement on the Management’s review

Management’s responsibilities for the 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 

procedures responsive to those risks, and 

Management is responsible for the 

consolidated financial statements and the 

consolidated financial statements and the 

obtain audit evidence that is sufficient 

Management’s review.

parent company financial statements

parent company financial statements

and appropriate to provide a basis for our 

Management is responsible for the preparation 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 

opinion. The risk of not detecting a material 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial 

of consolidated financial statements and 

assurance as to whether the consolidated 

misstatement resulting from fraud is higher 

statements and the parent company financial 

parent company financial statements that 

financial statements and the parent company 

than for one resulting from error, as fraud 

statements does not cover the Management’s 

give a true and fair view in accordance with 

financial statements as a whole are free 

may involve collusion, forgery, intentional 

review, and we do not express any form of 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

from material misstatement, whether due 

omissions, misrepresentations, or the 

assurance conclusion thereon.

as adopted by the EU and additional 

to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 

override of internal control.

requirements of the Danish Financial 

report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 

In connection with our audit of the 

Statements Act.

assurance is a high level of assurance, but 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control 

consolidated financial statements and the 

is not a guarantee that an audit conducted 

relevant to the audit in order to design 

parent company financial statements, our 

Management is also responsible for such 

in accordance with International Standards 

audit procedures that are appropriate in the 

responsibility is to read the Management’s 

internal control as Management determines 

on Auditing and additional requirements 

circumstances, but not for the purpose of 

review and, in doing so, consider whether 

is necessary to enable the preparation of 

applicable in Denmark will always detect 

expressing an opinion on the ef-fectiveness 

the Management’s review is materially 

consolidated financial statements and parent 

a material misstatement when it exists. 

of the Group’s and the parent company’s 

inconsistent with the consolidated financial 

company financial statements that are free 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error 

internal control.  

statements and the parent company financial 

from material misstatement, whether due to 

and are considered material if, individually 

statements or our knowledge obtained in the 

fraud or error.

or in the aggregate, they could reasonably 

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting 

audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 

be expected to influence the economic 

policies used and the reasonableness 

misstated.

In preparing the consolidated financial 

decisions of users taken on the basis of these 

of accounting estimates and related 

statements and the parent company financial 

consolidated financial statements and parent 

disclosures made by Management.

Moreover, it is our responsibility to consider 

statements, Management is responsible 

company financial statements.

whether the Management’s review provides 

for assessing the Group’s and the parent 

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of 

the information required under the Danish 

company’s ability to continue as a going 

As part of an audit conducted in accordance 

Management’s use of the going concern 

Financial Statements Act.

concern; for disclosing, as applicable, matters 

with International Standards on Auditing and 

basis of accounting in the preparation of 

related to going concern; and for using the 

the additional requirements applicable in 

the consolidated financial statements and 

Based on the work we have performed, we 

going concern basis of accounting in the 

Denmark, we exercise professional judgment 

the parent company financial statements, 

conclude that the Management’s review 

preparation of the consolidated financial 

and maintain professional skepticism 

and, based on the audit evidence obtained, 

is in accordance with the consolidated 

statements and the parent company financial 

throughout the audit. We also:

financial statements and the parent company 

statements unless Management either intends 

whether a material uncertainty exists 

related to events or conditions that may 

financial statements and has been prepared 

to liquidate the Group or the parent company 

•  Identify and assess the risks of material 

cast significant doubt on the Group’s and 

in accordance with the requirements of the 

or to cease operations, or has no realistic 

misstatement of the consolidated financial 

the parent company’s ability to continue 

Danish Financial Statements Act. We did not 

alternative but to do so.

statements and the parent company 

as a going concern. If we conclude that a 

identify any material misstatement of the 

Management’s review. 

financial statements, whether due to 

material uncertainty exists, we are required 

fraud or error, design and perform audit 

to draw attention in our auditor’s report to 

81

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsthe related disclosures in the consolidated 

the parent company financial statements 

the planned scope and timing of the audit 

in the audit of the consolidated financial 

financial statements and the parent 

represent the underlying transactions and 

and significant audit findings, including any 

statements and the parent company financial 

company financial statements or, if such 

events in a manner that gives a true and fair 

significant deficiencies in internal control that 

statements of the current period and that are 

disclosures are inadequate, to modify our 

view.

opinion. Our conclusions are based on the 

we identify during our audit. 

therefore the key audit matters. We describe 

these matters in our auditor’s report unless 

audit evidence obtained up to the date of 

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence 

We also provide those charged with 

law or regulation precludes public disclosure 

our auditor’s report. However, future events 

regarding the financial information of 

governance with a statement that we have 

about the matter or when, in extremely rare 

or conditions may cause the Group and the 

the entities or business activities within 

complied with relevant ethical requirements 

circumstances, we determine that a matter 

parent company to cease to continue as a 

the Group to express an opinion on the 

regarding independence, and communicated 

should not be communicated in our report 

going concern.

consolidated financial statements. We are 

to them all relationships and other matters 

because the adverse consequences of 

responsible for the direction, supervision 

that may reasonably be thought to bear on 

doing so would reasonably be expected to 

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure 

and performance of the Group audit. We 

our independence, and where applicable, 

outweigh the public interest benefits of such 

and content of the consolidated financial 

remain solely responsible for our audit 

related safeguards.

communication.

statements and the parent company 

opinion

financial statements, including the 

From the matters communicated to those 

disclosures in the notes, and whether the 

We communicate with those charged with 

charged with governance, we determine 

consolidated financial statements and 

governance regarding, among other matters, 

those matters that were of most significance 

Copenhagen, March 15, 2017

Deloitte

Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab

Company Reg. No. 33 96 35 56

Martin Norin Faarborg

Sumit Sudan

State Authorized  

Public Accountant

State Authorized  

Public Accountant

82

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsCompany information

Zealand Pharma A/S

Smedeland 36

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 

April 1, 1997

Registered office 

Albertslund

Auditors

Deloitte 

Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab

CVR no.: 33 96 35 56

Proofreading: Borella projects

Design and production: In-Mind Design

83

Zealand Pharma A/SAnnual Report 2016Financial statementsZealand Pharma A/S
Smedeland 36
2600 Glostrup
Denmark