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Zealand Pharma

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FY2021 Annual Report · Zealand Pharma
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Focused on 
Growing our Most 
Valuable Asset   

Zealand Pharma
Annual Report
2021

Company reg. no. 20045078

Contents

Contents

Management review

Overview
Zealand Pharma in short 
Letter from the CEO and the Chairman 
2021 Achievements 
Consolidated key figures 
2022 Outlook and Objectives 

Zealand Pharma’s US launch
Zealand Pharma’s first independent launch 
Five in 25 

Zealand Pharma’s R&D platform and pipeline
Peptide platform 
Zealand Pharma pipeline 
Severe Hypoglycemia in diabetes/Zegalouge 
Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) 
Type 1 diabetes 
Obesity / Type 2 diabetes 
Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) 

Corporate matters
Corporate Matters  
Corporate Social Responsibility  
Our People and Culture 
Risk management and internal control 
Financial review 
Shareholder information 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Management  

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CEO Letter

  Read more on page 5

See our pipeline

  Read more on page 19

2

Other supplementary 
reports 2021

  Corporate Social Responsibility Report

  Remuneration Report

  Corporate Governance Report

Follow us

Today

Annual General  
Meeting 2021

#WithZeal

Financial statements

Consolidated financial statements
Income statement 
Statement of comprehensive income 
Statement of financial position 
Statement of cash flows 
Statement of changes in equity 
Business overview 
Notes 

Financial statements of the parent company
Income statement 
Statement of comprehensive income 
Statement of financial position 
Statement of cash flows 
Statement of changes in equity 
Notes 
Alternative performance measures 
for the group (non-audited) 

Reports 
Statement of the Board of Directors and 
Executive Management 
Independent auditor’s report 

Other information
Sources 
Company information 

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Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Overview

3

Overview

Zealand Pharma in short 

4

Letter from the CEO and the Chairman  5

2021 Achievements 

Consolidated key figures 

2022 Outlook and Objectives 

8

9

10

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand Pharma 

in short

We work to pursue our mission 
of transforming patients’ lives 
through peptide innovation and 
novel treatment solutions.

ZP in short

4

1998

Our deep knowledge 
and expertise with peptides has 
enabled us to develop a broad 
pipeline of both clinical and pre-
clinical programs.

Founded 
in 1998 and headquartered in 
Copenhagen, we are a global 
company with  locations in Boston 
and Marlborough, MA.

Our ambition 
is to be a leading provider of 
innovative peptide therapeutics 
and novel treatment solutions to 
address the unmet medical needs 
of patients. We have a unique 
peptide research platform that 
we leverage to discover, develop 
and commercialize innovative 
treatments focusing on metabolic 
and gastrointestinal diseases, 
including rare disease areas. 

5 by 25

Our strategy 
is to launch five products by 2025 as part of 
our “5 by 25” plan. Two of these, the V-Go® 
insulin delivery device and the Zegalogue® 
(dasiglucagon) injection for the treatment of 
severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes 
aged 6 years an above and these products are on 
the market in the US through our US subsidiary.

Our goal
is to make all our pipeline 
candidates available. In addition 
to the products that we will market 
for ourselves in the US, we have 
and will continue to enter into 
strategic partnerships, where 
appropriate, with larger biotech 
and pharmaceutical companies to 
licence non-clinical and clinical 
assets for further development and 
eventual sale by them. 

Find out more about Zealand at
zealandpharma.com/about-us

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Letter from the chairman

Letter from the CEO

5

Letter from 
the CEO and 
the Chairman

Once again, we are pleased to report remarkable 
business achievements from yet another 
challenging year. This is a tribute to all our 
employees who have had to adapt to new ways 
of thinking to overcome the continuing effects 
of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue our 
mission to help our patients. 

Our peptide design strength was further validated when 
we received our first authorization for Zegalouge (dasi-
glucagon) injection for the treatment of severe hypo-
glycemia in people with diabetes.¹ This was a significant 
milestone in the company’s history. We have decided to 
enter the market with Zeaglouge in the US with our own 
sales force and aimed to ensure the widest possible access 
to patients at the end of 2021. We are making progress on 

¹ 

 ZEGALOGUE (dasiglucagon) injection is a prescription medicine authorized by the FDA for sale in the US market 
only and is used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes aged 6 years and 
older.

Emmanuel Dulac 
President and  
Chief Executive 
Officer

Martin Nicklasson 
Chairman of  
the Board of Directors

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 20216

Glepaglutide in SBS

Our aim is to apply for 
authorization in the US as 
quickly as possible in the 
event of a successful read out. 
We have great hopes for this 
product candidate in providing 
a real medical and quality of life 
advantages to sufferers of this 
serious rare disease.

this ambitious goal. This achievement cements our tran-
sition into a fully integrated biotech company which we 
demonstrated by launching Zegalogue. We remain confi-
dent that this product will establish itself in the US market 
and, alongside V-Go, contribute to fulfilling our aim to put 
5 products on the market by 2025. This has been only one 
of our many accomplishments this year.

Clinical Progress
Progress of our late-stage pipeline is a key part of the fu-
ture of Zealand. These programs are rooted in our exper-
tise with peptide design and will contribute to our future 
growth. Zealand has met the ambition it set for itself for 
2021 to advance the clinical assets and ensure that we are 
in the best possible position to provide them to patients. 
We were pleased to be able to close the recruitment into 
our Phase 3 trial for glepaglutide, which is being inves-
tigated for the treatment of Short Bowel Disease (SBS). 
We now have enough patients for a pivotal readout in the 
third quarter of 2022. Our aim is to apply for authorization 
in the US as quickly as possible in the event of a successful 
read out. The acceleration in patient recruitment allows 
us to mitigate future delays caused by the pandemic. We 
have great hopes for this product candidate to provide a 
real medical and quality of life advantage to patients with 
this serious rare disease. Our other clinical development 
programs have also made progress with dasiglucagon in 
the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) nearing 
its conclusion and our dapiglutide program is now ready 
to advance to Phase 2 enabling us to place Zealand on 

a firm footing for its next generation of investigational 
products. 

This means that in the coming year, we have two major 
pivotal program read-outs: dasiglucagon in CHI and glep-
aglutide in SBS. Due to the relatively small patient popu-
lation size, both conditions are classified as rare diseases 
and we are very excited to demonstrate their potential in 
the clinical trials. We are extremely grateful to the patients, 
their caregivers, the clinicians and our employees who 
continued to advance these trials despite all the restric-
tions and complexities imposed by COVID-19 in 2020 and 
2021. We look forward to the results for CHI in late quarter 
2 and SBS in late third quarter 2022. 

Enrichment of our early pipeline
We have successfully progressed amylin into a single 
ascending dose study in Phase 1. Amylin, together with 
our GLP-1/Glu dual agonists and GIP, form part of our 
developing strength in the potential treatment of obe-
sity. We are pleased with the progress of these assets 
as they demonstrate Zealand’s ability to explore novel 
peptide-based therapies in additional disease areas. We 
have also utilized Zealand’s strengths in peptide design 
and modification to provide additional treatment options 
in inflammatory diseases. We are working on ion channel 
blockers and an Alpha-4-Beta-7 program both having 
made progress in their development. These are achieve-
ments on top of our collaboration with Alexion (now part 
of AstraZeneca) with the complement system (C3) asset.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Thank you

On behalf of the Board, the 
Management team and all 
our colleagues, we extend our 
thanks to our shareholders, 
all patients taking part in 
our development activities 
and other stakeholders for 
their continued trust in 
Zealand Pharma. 

Focus on finances
The recent pressure and volatility in the financial markets 
have placed biotech companies in a highly challenging 
position when attempting to raise capital. The closing of 
the deal with Oberland Capital LLC, in late 2021, provided 
financial strength that allows us to execute on how to ad-
vance the company later in its future transition to a mid-
cap biotech. The deal with Oberland provided access to 
a total of $200m at staged intervals, tied to performance 
and is regarded as key at this stage of our growth journey.

In addition to this we will focus on additional areas of 
finance and financial management to ensure that the 
company can meet its financial requirements over the 
next year. 

There will be a continued focus by the Zealand manage-
ment on the company’s financial position to ensure the 
future growth of the company.

7

We have come far
Once again Zealand continues to show its flexibility, resil-
ience, and strength in pursuing its future. It has journeyed 
from its origins as a research organization to one that now 
has a global footprint, multiple clinical trials running with 
unique breakthrough molecules and fantastic employees. 
We are at a point where we may have a clinical Phase 3 
data read out from our key product candidate, glepaglu-
tide, and a positive read out is expected to have the po-
tential of transforming the company once again and drive 
shareholder value. 

On behalf of the Board, the Management team and all our 
colleagues, we extend our thanks to our shareholders, 
patients and employees for taking part in our development 
activities and to our other stakeholders for their continued 
trust in Zealand Pharma. 

Emmanuel Dulac
President and Chief Executive Officer

Martin Nicklasson
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 20212020  Achievements

We have advanced our pipeline programs, most promi-
nently enrolling our last patient in our EASE-SBS 1 Phase 
3 Trial assessing glepaglutide in Patients with Short Bowel 
Syndrome. That should provide a readout in 2022. During 

the year we successfully continued to keep our operations 
running with a highly engaged work force through the 
COVID-19 health crisis.

8

2021 Achievement

Advanced our presence in US by expanding 
Zealand Pharma U.S.

•   Approval of Zegalogue by the FDA on 22 March 2021

•  Launch of Zeaglogue in the US market and ensuring patient access in approximately 65% of 

commercial lives and approximately 55% of Medicaid lives

Executed on the clinical pipeline

•  Zegalogue: Approved by Food Drug Administration (“FDA”) in March 2021 and launched in 

US 

•  Glepaglutide for short bowel syndrome: Patient enrolment for Phase 3 completed.

•  Progress on dasiglucagon for congenital hyperinsulinism 

•  Dasiglucagon for bi-hormonal artificial pancreas pump: Patient screening for Phase 3 pro-

gram initiated

•  Dapiglutide for short bowel syndrome: Phase 1b trial completed

•  Amylin for Obesity: Phase 1 initiated

Advanced our early pipeline

•  Advanced four programs in pre-clinical development towards Phase 1 initiation (Com-

plement C3 inhibitor¹, ZP 10000 α4β7 integrin inhibitor; ZP6590 GIP (glucose dependent 
insulin peptide); ZP 9830 Kv1.3 ion channel blocker).

Expanded our strong financial and 
organizational position

•  Secured approximately DKK 749 million in private placement completed in January 2021

•  Completed $200M financing agreement in late 2021 with Oberland Capital

2021 

Achievements

In 2021, we took a 
transformational step by 
launching our own product 
Zegalogue in the US.

Find out more about Zealand at
zealandpharma.com/about-us

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Consolidated key figures

9

Consolidated key figures

DKK ’000 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

2017

DKK ’000 

2021 

2020 

2019 

2018 

2017

Income statement and  
comprehensive income

292,567 
173,753 
-588,453 
-375,269 
-260,987 

353,314 
Revenue 
262,749 
Gross margin 
-604,081 
Research and development expenses   
-285,256 
Sales and Marketing expenses 
-202,771 
Administrative expenses 
  -1,224,709  -1,092,108 
Net operating expenses 
-792,361 
  -1,052,370 
Operating result 
-47,292 
25,430 
Net financial items 
-839,653 
  -1,026,940 
Result before tax 
-7,076 
8,791 
Income tax¹ 
-846,729 
Net result for the period 
  -1,018,149 
-837,752 
Comprehensive result for the period    -1,012,972 
Earnings/loss per share  
– basic/diluted (DKK) 

-23,75 

-22.07 

41,333 
40,918 
-561,423 
0 
-67,881 
-629,304 
-587,942 
11,265 
-576,677 
5,136 
-571,541 
-571,541 

37,977 
34,621 
-438,219 
0 
-43,543 
-481,762 
652,385 
-27,334 
625,051 
-43,773 
581,278 
581,278 

136,322
122,159
-323,949
0
-47,343
-371,292
-248,526
-31,387
-279,913
5,500
-274,413
-274,413

-16.91 

18.94 

-9.85

Statement of financial position 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Marketable securities 
Cash, cash equivalents  
and Marketable securities 
Total assets 
Share capital ('000 shares) 
Equity 
Equity ratio² 

1,129,103 
299,042 

960,221 
297,345 

1,081,060 
299,448 

860,635 
298,611 

588,7180
75,111

1,428,145 
2,067,629 
43,634 
927,803 
0.45 

1,257,566 
1,761,949 
39,800 
1,229,311 
0.70 

1,380,508 
1,599,514 
36,055 
1,242,673 
0.78 

1,159,246 
1,229,797 
30,787 
1,116,281 
0.91 

663,829
721,285
30,751
514,669
0.71

Cash flow

Cash (used in)/provided by 
operating activities 
Cash (used in)/provided by 
investing activities 
Cash (used in)/provided by 
financing activities 
Purchase of property, plant  
and equipment 

-1,211,971 

-688,716 

-409,455 

-461,420 

-278,746

-18,121 

-196,807 

-51,666 

882,925 

221,351

1,332,751 

760,941 

674,480 

-155,449 

337,930

-22,133 

-25,044 

-21,036 

-4,038 

-7,226

Free cash flow³ 

  -1,234,104 

-713,760 

-430,491 

-463,418 

-285,972

Other 

Share price (DKK) 
Market capitalization (DKKm)⁴ 
Equity per share (DKK)⁵ 
Average number of employees 
Number of full time employees 
at the end of the year 

145.10 
6,220 
21.26 
346 

220.60 
8,464 
32.04 
297 

235.40 
8,487 
34.52 
173 

82.40 
2,537 
36.33 
146 

85.00
2,614
16.77
128

355 

329 

179 

149 

133

¹ 

² 
³ 
⁴ 

⁵ 

 Zealand expects to be eligible to receive up to DKK 5.5 million in Danish corporate tax benefit related to R&D expenses incurred for 2021, 
of which DKK 5.5 million has been recognized for the period ended December 31, 2021.
 Equity ratio is calculated as equity at the balance sheet date divided by total assets at the balance sheet date.
 Free cash flow is calculated as the sum of cash flows from operating activities and purchase of property, plant and equipment.
 Market capitalization is calculated as weighted outstanding shares at the balance sheet date times the share price at the balance sheet 
date.
 Equity per share is calculated as shareholders' equity divided by weighted total number of shares less weighted treasury shares.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2022 Outlook  

and Objectives

We expect 2022 to be a year 
where we build on our success 
and continue to develop as a 
biopharmaceutical company. Our 
first products in the US provide 
us a stepping stone to the next 
chapter in our development.

2021 Outlook

Financial guidance
In 2022, Zealand Pharma expects net product revenue 
from the sales of its commercial products of DKK 235.0 
million +/-10% compared to 2021 of DKK 184.0 million.

In 2022, Zealand Pharma expects revenue from existing 
license agreements. However, since such revenue is un-

certain in terms of size and timing, Zealand Pharma does 
not intend to provide guidance on such revenue.

Net operating expenses in 2022 are expected to be DKK 
1,200.0 million +/-10% compared to 2021 of DKK 1,224.7 
million.

10

2022 Objectives

Execute on our commercial targets

•   Deliver on net revenue targets for V-Go and Zegalogue

Deliver on the late-stage clinical pipeline

•  Dasiglucagon for congenital hyperinsulinism: Complete second Phase 3 study and prepare 

NDA for execution in 2022

•  Dasiglucagon for bi-hormonal artificial pancreas pump: Advance Phase 3 study

•  Glepaglutide for short bowel syndrome: Complete Phase 3 study and prepare the NDA

Enrich early pipeline and develop  
our next generation platform

•  Amylin for Obesity: Advance Phase 1 study 

•  Develop our early pipeline and next generation peptide platform

Maintain a strong financial position

•  Ensure disciplined financial management and productive investments

•  Address company's finacial position by ensuring access to additional sources of finance

Deliver on our environmental, social, and 
governance responsibility

•  Initiate carbon footprint reduction initiatives

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021ZPs first independent launch - Indhold

11

Zealand 
Pharma’s 
US launch

Zealand Pharma’s first  
independent launch 

Five in 25 

12

13

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand Pharma’s first independent launch

12

Zealand 
Pharma’s first 
independent 

launch

With our established US 
commercial presence and 
introduction of Zegalogue to 
supplement our sales of V-Go to 
patients, Zegalogue became the 
second of our five products to be 
launched by 2025 in the US.  

US organization
In line with our strategy of independently commercializ-
ing our medicines, Zealand Pharma has established and 
then further optimized our own fully-fledged commercial 
operation in the US, preparing us for our future launches 
expected by 2025.

Our purchase of the assets of Valeritas Inc. in 2020 pro-
vided us with the infrastructure to sell our products in the 
US market. In 2021, we have utilized the benefit of that 
acquisition and further developed our commercial pres-
ence as a fully integrated biotech company with an es-
tablished footprint in the US diabetes market by launching 
Zegalogue. This focus on developing our US commercial 
platform was a pivotal element in our strategy and ena-
bled us to make progress with the launch of Zegalogue in 
the US. This development will allow us to independently 
launch and market the future medicines we develop in the 
US market. 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Five in 25

Our broad pipeline provides the 
potential to build a diversified 
product portfolio with five 
marketed products by 2025.

13

We are excited about our 
first independent launch 
of Zegalogue and the 
potential of having multiple 
new product launches 
in the metabolic and 
gastrointestinal disease areas 
over the next 5 years.

Five in 25

The launch of Zegalogue in the US is just the first of a 
number of launches of new medicines expected from 
Zealand Pharma in the coming years. Our goal is to have 
five commercialized products in the US by 2025.

Zegalogue is the first product in our franchise built on 
the dasiglucagon molecule. The next potential launch 
is a continuous infusion for the treatment of Congenital 
Hyperinsulinism (CHI), a rare disease with often devas-
tating consequences for patients and their families. We 
expect our second Phase 3 trial to readout in the first half 
of 2022.

We are also planning to advance our Phase 3 trial with 
dasiglucagon used in a fully automated bi-hormonal 
pump, in collaboration with Beta Bionics. This "bionic" 
pancreas has been shown in Phase 2 studies to achieve 
low and stable levels of blood glucose levels, while reduc-
ing hypoglycaemia. If successful, in its Phase 3 trial this 
opportunity constitutes another possibility to extend the 
use of dasiglucagon in the coming years.

In the gastrointestinal field we have the potential to launch 
a new treatment for patients with Short Bowel Syndrome 
(SBS). Glepaglutide, a long-acting GLP-2 analog, is being 
developed in an auto-injector with potential for weekly 
administration. We have completed recruitment of pa-
tients into Phase 3, and we remain on track for trial results 
to be obtained in the third quarter of 2022.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand Pharma’s R&D platform and pipeline

14

Zealand Pharma’s 
R&D platform 
and pipeline

Peptide platform 

Zealand Pharma pipeline 

15

19

Severe Hypoglycemia in diabetes/Zegalouge  20

Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) 

Type 1 diabetes 

Obesity / Type 2 diabetes 

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) 

21

22

23

24

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Peptide platform

15

Our platform
Since our founding in 1998, our sole focus has been on 
the discovery and development of peptide-based med-
icines to harness the power of native peptides and en-
hancing their effects. We have a unique peptide platform 
and design process built around a deep understanding of 
peptide chemistry, formulation know-how and intellec-
tual property rights combined with advanced computer 
science. This allows us to engineer peptide analogs with 
enhanced biological activity, extended duration of action 
or increased stability to provide innovative and better 
treatments for a range of diseases.

Our peptide platform is validated by the fact that we have 
now advanced more than ten novel peptide-analogs into 
clinical development, two of which are currently market-
ed¹. 

Vital to human health
Peptides are produced by all living organisms and humans 
have peptides in every cell and tissue. They can function 
as biological messengers (hormones) carrying information 
between cells or organs and thereby perform a wide range 
of essential functions, e.g., regulating appetite and blood 
glucose and stimulating tissue growth. This makes pep-
tides vital to keeping us functioning and healthy.

Native peptides are composed of amino acids in a linear 
or cyclic form, have powerful biological functions but are 
inherently unstable and short-lived in the bloodstream. 
To convert these native peptides into effective peptide 
therapeutics requires the instability and thus duration of 
action to be changed while maintaining or enhancing the 
biological activity. This requires modifications to the amino 
acid sequence of the peptide, generally using substitution 
with another amino acid.

Nature’s own inventions
We use our unique in-depth understanding of peptide 
chemistry and biology to focus the substitution process 
on key amino acids to remove the weak points that result 
in poor solubility, stability or activity, and thus create 
new drug candidates. We have successfully applied this 
approach to glucagon, amylin, GLP-1, GLP-2 and GIP. 
Enhancing their natural properties or combining their 
activities in single peptides present multiple therapeutic 
opportunities.

We base our research and development on endogenous 
peptides found in humans and peptides from venoms 
from various animals. We also manipulate bacteria to pro-
duce peptide libraries. In other words, we make broad use 
of nature’s own inventions to improve human health and 
quality of life.

Peptide 

platform

Our peptide platform allows us 
to engineer peptide analogs 
with enhanced biological 
activity, extended duration of 
action and increased stability 
to provide innovative and 
better treatments for a range of 
different diseases.

Find out more in our movie on 
zealandpharma.com/peptide-platform-video

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021In line with our strategy to access cutting-edge technol-
ogy, we have a range of research collaborations providing 
us with access to novel peptide libraries or new technolo-
gies for peptide stabilization and delivery.

Because of their unique features, specificity, physical 
size and attractive risk profile, peptide-based medicines 
may allow us to in the future treat diseases that we can’t 
treat today. Furthermore, they may enable us to treat 
more patients, initiate treatment earlier and ensure better 
treatment compliance, all of which could improve health 
outcomes.

16

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Peptide Platform
New technologies and scientific 
advancements within peptides enable us to 
continuously optimize our peptide platform. 
Our Research and Development capabilities 
and current pre-clinical programs provide 
opportunities to grow our scientific and 
medical presence by expanding into 
indications like obesity and inflammatory 
diseases.

Our pre-clinical pipeline contains programs 
focused on analogs of endogenous peptide 
hormones, as well as programs with 
innovative peptide candidates acting on 
components of the complement cascade, 
ion channels and other target classes. 
We are also exploring ways to deliver 
these innovative products to patients 
using oral delivery mechanisms that may 
afford patients a more convenient way to 
administer the product. 

Peptide Platform

17

Programs focusing on obesity
The global prevalence of obesity has tripled since the mid-1970s 
with 650 million adults and 124 million children and adolescents 
suffering from obesity. In the US alone, more than 40% of the 
population are considered obese². We aspire to address the obesity 
pandemic with peptide molecules with built-in dual-acting 
pharmacology or molecules with mono pharmacology that can be 
combined or co-formulated with other anti-obesity treatments.

Long-acting amylin analog
Amylin is derived from β-cells in the pancreas and is 
co-secreted with insulin. It both regulates blood glucose 
by delaying gastric emptying after meal ingestion and 
directly modulates satiety signals in the brain. Preclini-
cal studies also suggest that amylin, like glucagon, can 
increase energy expenditure, contributing to its weight 
loss effect. Our lead molecule, ZP8396, is a long-acting 
analog of amylin designed to allow for co-formulation 
with other anti-obesity treatments.

It has shown significant weight loss in pre-clinical models 
of obesity.

A Phase 1 clinical trial was initiated in November 2021.

Long-acting GIP analogs
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) is synthe-
sized by K cells, which are found in the proximal intestine. 
GIP receptors are expressed in many organs and tissues 
including the central nervous system, enabling GIP to 
influence regulation of appetite and satiety, while show-
ing antiemetic effects. Thus, GIP can contribute to the 
efficacy of other anti-obesity peptides by both a comple-
mentary effect and by providing an improved therapeutic 
window of the other peptide.

Our lead molecule, ZP6590, has shown additive effects 
when co-administered with a GLP-1 receptor agonist in 
pre-clinical obesity models. 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Programs focusing  
on chronic inflammatory diseases
Peptide medicines have proven their effectiveness in other therapeutic areas such as type 
2 diabetes and obesity and we believe that they represent a great opportunity for new 
innovation in the chronic inflammatory diseases area. The programs we are progressing 
represent high-profile peptide targets that have shown to be difficult to address with 
small molecules and antibodies as well as orally available peptides against disease targets 
that have already been clinically proven with injectable antibodies.

18

Complement C3 inhibitor
The complement system is a part of the innate 
immune system, and a central component of the 
complement cascade is the C3 protein.

Altered activation of the complement cascade is 
implicated in many immune-mediated diseases 
and in particular rare diseases such as paroxysmal 
nocturnal hemoglobinuria, cold agglutinin disease, 
myasthenia gravis and C3 glomerulopathy. There is 
currently only one approved drug to treat comple-
ment mediated diseases: an antibody that blocks 
the complement C5, the final step in complement 
activation. We have selected a candidate molecule 
that acts on C3, upstream of C5 and thus offering 
potential differentiation and broader utility than the 
current therapy. The candidate peptide is potent, 
selective, and long-acting and has the potential to 
be best-in-class, which we are currently progress-
ing into the next stage of development in collabo-
ration with Alexion (AstraZeneca).

Integrin α4β7 inhibitor
ZP10000, is being developed as an orally deliv-
ered peptide drug to target integrin α4β7, which 
is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory 
bowel disease (IBD). Specific binding to surface 
α4β7 on the T cells prevents the interaction with 
MAdCAM-1 on the endothelial cells, which plays a 
critical role in immune cell recruitment to the in-
testinal tissue. This mode of action has been clini-
cally validated in IBD by vedolizumab, an approved 
injection-only α4β7 integrin inhibitor antibody. 
ZP10000, is a peptide ligand that selectively binds 
to α4β7, and its efficacy has been demonstrated in 
vivo in IBD models. ZP10000, has binding prop-
erties on par with marketed antibodies as well as 
oral bioavailability as demonstrated in vivo. We are 
currently exploring the optimal oral formulation 
for this compound while we progress the program 
towards clinical testing.

Kv1.3 ion channel blockers
Kv1.3 is a potassium conducting ion channel, 
which is selectively upregulated on T effector 
memory cells. T effector memory cells play a key 
role in autoimmunity and chronic inflammation by 
releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which drives 
tissue damage. The anti-inflammatory effects of 
blocking the Kv1.3 ion channel have been demon-
strated in multiple pre-clinical models of autoim-
mune diseases. The specific and selective location 
of the Kv1.3 on the effector memory T cells makes 
it an attractive pharmaceutical target, as blocking 
preserves the protective effects of the rest of the 
immune system. ZP9830, is a potent and selective 
Kv1.3 blocker with potential to treat a broad range 
of T cell driven autoimmune diseases. Currently 
we are progressing the molecule into IND enabling 
toxicity studies.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand Pharma 

Pipeline

Zealand Pharma Pipeline

Product Candidate

Preclinical

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Registration

19

s
e
t
e
b
a
i
d
1
e
p
y
T

e
s
a
e
s
i
d
e
r
a
R

y
t
i
s
e
b
O

n
o
i
t
a
m
m
a
l
f
n
I

Dasiglucagon Mini-Dose Pen

Type 1 Diabetes  
Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia

Dasiglucagon Bihormonal Artificial Pancreas

Type 1 Diabetes management

Dasiglucagon SC Continuous Infusion

Congenital Hyperinsulinism

Glepaglutide (GLP-2 Analog)

Short Bowel Syndrome

BI 456906  
(GLP-1/GLU Dual Agonist)¹

Obesity, NASH and T2D

ZP8396 (Amylin Analog)

Obesity and T2D

ZP6590 (GIP Agonist)

Obesity

Dapiglutide (GLP-1/GLP-2 Dual Agonist)

ZP9830 (Kv1.3 Ion Channel Blocker)

ZP10000 (ɑ4β7 Integrin Inhibitor)

SBS

IBD

IBD

Complement C3 Inhibitor²

Undiscl.

GIP, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide; GLP, glucagon-like peptide; GLU, glucagon; hypo, hypoglycemia; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; 
SBS, short bowel syndrome; SC, subcutaneous; T1D, type 1 diabetes; T2D, type 2 diabetes; Undiscl., undisclosed

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
Severe Hypoglycemia in diabetes/Zegalouge

20

Severe 
Hypoglycemia 
in diabetes/
Zegalogue

Severe hypoglycemia is an 
acute, life-threatening condition 
resulting from a critical 
drop in blood glucose levels. 
Unpredictable and among the 
most feared complications 
of diabetes treatment, severe 
hypoglycemia requires another 
person for rescue.

The International Hypoglycemia Study Group defines 
hypoglycemia as blood sugar levels below the normal 
range, generally arising as a consequence of pharma-
cologic treatment. While mild hypoglycaemia usually 
resolves with prompt ingestion of carbohydrates, more 
significantly reduced glucose levels can lead to severe hy-
poglycemia, in which the affected individual needs other 
people to help treat the event. Severe hypoglycemia leads 
to impaired cognitive function, loss of consciousness, 
and even threatens life. The link between hypoglycaemia 
and increased mortality has been documented in several 
studies.¹

Zegalogue (dasiglucagon) was approved in March 2021 
by the FDA and launched in the USA in June 2021 to treat 
severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes aged 6 years 
and older. Zegalogue reverses hypoglycemia, typically 
within 10 min, without the need for additional intervention, 
and is well tolerated.² The drug is available in a convenient 
auto-injector and in a prefilled syringe, both of which can 
be refrigerated for up to three years or carried at room 
temperature for up to a year.³

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021CHI

The most severely affected children need to have their 
pancreas surgically removed within a few months of birth 
in order to prevent hypoglycemia. This invariably results 
in the development of type 1 diabetes, which will follow 
them for the rest of their lives.³ 

Current treatment options are insufficient: less than one-
third of newborns and less than two-thirds of older chil-
dren respond to approved medical therapy. The burden of 
disease is significant not just for the affected children but 
for their families and caregivers and represents a signifi-
cant unmet medical need.⁴

21

CHI

Congenital hyperinsulinism 
(CHI) is a rare disease affecting 
mainly newborns and toddlers. It 
is caused by a defect in pancreatic 
beta-cells, resulting in insulin 
overproduction and leading to 
persistent and dangerously low 
blood sugar levels. CHI develops 
in one out of 50,000 (or fewer) 
children, which corresponds 
to approximately 300 children 
diagnosed in the U.S. and Europe 
every year.¹,²

Find out more on  
zealandpharma.com

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202122

Type 1 diabetes

While advances have been made in insulin chemistry and 
delivery systems to help patients manage their disease, 
achieving tight control over blood-glucose levels remains 
a daily challenge for those living with Type 1 diabetes. Mi-
crovascular complications are still high due to an inability 
to optimize insulin treatment and hypoglycemia remains 
an important contributing factor in increased mortality.

It is a well-known fact that Type 1 diabetes is not a single- 
hormone disease, and that glucagon secretion is dys-
functional in these patients. We believe that insulin-only 
treatment approaches do not mimic physiology and that 
therapies should be aimed at restoring physiology through 
bi-hormonal supplementation. The aqueous formulation 
of dasiglucagon potentially renders it suitable for chron-
ic administration. As such, it is being investigated for the 
treatment of patients with Type 1 diabetes, both as part of 
a Bi-Hormonal Artificial Pancreas therapy (in collaboration 
with BetaBionics) and as a single agent to prevent and 
treat exercise-induced hypoglycemia.

Type 1 diabetes

In spite of newer insulins and 
better administration systems, the 
vast majority of people with Type 
1 diabetes are unable to reach 
glycemic goals as defined by the 
American Diabetes Association.

Find out more on  
zealandpharma.com

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202123

Obesity / Type 2 diabetes

The global prevalence of obesity has tripled since the mid-
1970s with 650 million adults and 124 million children and 
adolescents suffering from obesity. In the US alone, more 
than 40% of the population are considered obese.¹ This is 
a complex metabolic disease modulated by several mo-
lecular pathways; whereas single-peptide therapies have 
shown profound weight loss, it is expected that dual or tri-
ple-peptide treatments are needed to achieve weight loss 
levels comparable to those seen with bariatric surgery.

Zealand is investigating both an amylin analog and a GIP 
analog, with the potential for monotherapy or co-formu-
lation with other anti-obesity peptide agents. Additionally, 
and in collaboration with Boehringer-Ingelheim, a GLP-1/
Glucagon dual agonist is being evaluated in obese pa-
tients, as well as in patients with Type 2 diabetes and in 
patients with NASH.

Obesity / 

 Type 2 diabetes

Excessive weight and obesity are 
among the leading risk factors 
for heart disease, ischemic stroke, 
liver diseases and Type 2 diabetes 
as well as for a number of cancers.

Find out more on  
zealandpharma.com

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202124

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a complex disease that 
occurs due to the physical loss, most often due to surgical 
removal, of half or more of the small intestine. As a result, 
individuals with SBS often have a reduced ability to absorb 
nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, 
trace elements and fluids, which can lead to malabsorp-
tion and in more severe cases, to the need for parenteral 
support (PS) to maintain life. Diarrhoea, malnutrition, 
unintended weight loss, and a greatly reduced quality of 
life are all present to different degrees in affected individ-
uals. Although life-saving, the provision of PS is associated 
with potentially life-threatening complications and poses a 
burden to the patients.¹

Despite the lack of a cure, the disorder usually can be 
treated effectively in highly specialized, multi-discipli-
nary centers, involving the use of agents that promote 
rehabilitation of the of the intestinal lining, such as GLP-2 
analogs. Zealand is currently investigating glepaglutide, a 
soluble, long-acting GLP-2 analog, in Phase 3 studies for 
the treatment of SBS.

Short Bowel 

Syndrome (SBS)

Patients with Short bowel 
syndrome (SBS) have undergone 
massive intestinal surgery 
resulting in significantly reduced 
or complete loss of intestinal 
function. 

Find out more on  
zealandpharma.com

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Corporate matters overview

25

Corporate 
matters

Corporate Matters  

Corporate Social Responsibility  

Our People and Culture 

Risk management and internal control 

Financial review 

Shareholder information 

Board of Directors 

Corporate Management  

26

29

31

33

36

39

41

44

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Corporate 
Matters

Our 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.

Corporate matters

As a company incorporated under the laws of Denmark, 
and with our shares admitted to trading and official listing 
on Nasdaq Copenhagen, as well as having American 
Depositary Shares representing Zealand shares trading on 
Nasdaq Global Select Market in New York, we are subject 
to various applicable legislations, standards and other 
regulations for publicly traded companies. These include 
Danish and US securities law and the recommendations 
on corporate governance issued by the Danish Committee 
on Corporate Governance (in the below ‘‘the Recommen-
dations’’).

Management structure
Zealand has a two-tier management structure com- 
posed of the Board of Directors (“the Board”) and the 
Corporate Management. The Board is responsible for the 
overall visions, strategies and objectives, the financial and 
managerial supervision of Zealand as well as for regular 
evaluation of the work of the Corporate Management. 
In addition, the Board provides general oversight of our 
activities and ensures that it is managed in a manner and 
in accordance with applicable law and our Articles of 
Association.

The Board approves the policies and procedures, and 
Corporate Management is responsible for the day-to-day 
management of Zealand in compliance with the guidelines 
and directions set by the Board of Directors. The alloca-
tion of responsibilities between the Board and the Corpo-
rate Management is stipulated in the Rules of Procedure.

26

Corporate governance structure

Annual General Meeting

Board of Directors

Nomination 
Committee¹

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Scientific 
Committee²

Corporate Management

Organization

¹  The Nomination Committee is a sub-set of the board.
²  Formalized of April 2021.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202127

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors plays an active role in setting our 
strategies and goals and in monitoring the operations and 
results. The Board of Directors functions according to its 
rules of procedure. Board duties include establishing our 
strategy, policies and activities to achieve our objectives in 
accordance with the Articles of Association.

In line with the Recommendations, the Board of Directors 
annually reviews and determines the qualifications and 
experience needed on the Board. The chairman super-
vises the Board of Director's annual self-evaluation of its 
performance.

Board Committees
The Board has established four committees to support the 
Board in its duties: Audit Committee, Remuneration and 
Compensation Committee, Scientific Committee, and a 
Nomination Committee.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with 
oversight of financial reporting, internal control and risk 
management systems, external auditing of the annual 
report, and control of the auditor’s independence, includ-
ing oversight of non-audit services and other activities 
delegated by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors met 10 times in 2021.

Overview of meetings in 2021

  Attended 

  Absent

Board 

Audit  
Committee 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Scientific 
Committee 

Nomination 
Committee

Martin Nicklasson 
Kirsten A. Drejer 
Jeffrey Berkowitz 
Bernadette Connaughton 
Alain Munoz 
Leonard Kruimer 
Michael J Owen 
Jens Peter Stenvang  
Frederik Barfoed Beck 
Getrud Koefoed Rasmussen1 
Anneline Nansen2 
Iben Louise Gjelstrup 

  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 
  •••••••••• 

N/A 

•••••••• 
•••••••• 
•••••••• 
•••••••• 

N/A 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

1  Resigned from company and as employee elected board member in September 2021
2  Joined the board as of Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen’s resignation in September 2021

••••• 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

••••• 
••••• 

N/A 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

N/A 

••• 

N/A 
N/A 

••• 
••• 

N/A 

N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 
N/A 

••••••••••
••••••••••
••••••••••
••••••••••
••••••••••
••••••••••
••••••••••

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specific topics discussed in 2021 included the composi-
tion of the independent members of the Board of Direc-
tors.

The Nomination Committee met after each board meeting 
in 2021.

Scientific committee
The Scientific Committee is a forum with the purpose of 
leveraging the scientific expertise of the appointed Board 
of Directors, understanding and challenging the approach 
and assumptions of the Company’s Research & Develop-
ment strategy, provide technical assistance to the Board 
on Research & Development related issues and in both 
instances to provide guidance to the Board on the risks of 
the Company’s Research & Development strategy.

Specific topics discussed in 2021 included discussions 
on the development of the pre-clinical pipeline and the 
rationale for the development of products in that pipeline.

The Scientific Committee met under its new governance 
structure 3 times in 2021.

In 2021, specific topics discussed included auditor’s 
reports, accounting policies, internal controls, including 
SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) compliance, finance, risk man-
agement, insurance policy, year-end issues and external 
financing.

The Audit Committee met 8 times in 2021.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee proposes the remunera-
tion policy and general guidelines for incentive pay for the 
Board of Directors and the CEO of Zealand as well as tar-
gets for company-operated performance-related incen-
tive programs. These policies and guidelines set out the 
various components of the remuneration, including fixed 
and variable remuneration such as pension schemes, ben-
efits, retention bonuses, severance and incentive schemes 
as well as the related bonus and evaluation criteria.

In 2021, specific topics discussed included long-term in-
centive programs for management and Board of Directors, 
US based employees, company goals, compensation poli-
cy for eligible employees, CEO and Board compensation. 

The Remuneration Committee met 5 times in 2021.

Nomination committee
The Nomination Committee makes recommendations for 
decisions to the Board of Directors regarding board and 
CEO positions and identifies and recommend candidates 
for the Board of Directors.

28

Compliance with the Corporate Governance 
Recommendations
Zealand complies with the Recommendations 
on Corporate Governance issued by the Danish 
Committee on Corporate Governance, December 
2, 2020, with two exceptions:

•  Interaction with the company’s shareholders, in-

vestors and other stakeholder (Recommendation, 
section 1.1.2): The company does not have a for-
mal written policy on shareholder engagement. 
Members of Executive Management believe that 
investor management is best advanced by direct 
interaction with investors as appropriate.

•  Interaction with the company’s shareholders, 
investors and other stakeholder (Recommen-
dation, section 1.4.2): The company does not 
have a public tax policy. The company is still in 
its growth phase and transition to a commercial 
company and its revenue is growing but still 
modest. Zealand pays all its applicable corporate 
taxes in Denmark.

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

The charter of the Remuneration Committee, the 
remuneration report, the remuneration policy and 
the guidelines for incentive pay are available at: 
zealandpharma.com/remuneration-committee

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

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202129

Corporate Responsibility

We have incorporated selected UN Sustainable Devel-
opment Goals that are aligned to our business to further 
connect our efforts with those of other companies to 
address global challenges.

Our CSR policy focuses on areas most relevant to our core 
business:

•  Environmental sustainable development,
•  Diverse work environment,
•  Quality in relation to research, development and prod-

uct supply activities,

•  Exceptional treatment for patients, and
•  Business ethics.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 
We are committed to addressing global challenges 
through support of the Sustainable Development Goals 
established by the United Nations. Six goals that are 
relevant to our business were placed into focus last year, 
and we continue to identify and implement initiatives and 
metrics to evaluate our progress in these areas. Additional 
goals may be considered as our company continues to 
grow and evolve.

Gender Diversity
Diversity provides better understanding of the communi-
ties in which we operate, so that we can create value for 
patients and our stakeholders. We aim to achieve equal 
representation of both genders at all management levels, 
from the Board of Directors to the heads of departments.

Corporate Social 
Responsibility

As we work toward realizing 
our ambition to improve care 
for patients and deliver value 
for our shareholders, we further 
recognize the importance of 
protecting the world around 
us. We believe in operating as a 
responsible company that serves 
broader economic, societal, and 
environmental interests.

For the statutory reporting on corporate 
social responsibility, gender distribution 
and diversity in management cf. the Danish 
Financial Statement Act §99a, §99b and 
§107d, please see the Corporate Social 
Responsibility Report 2021 at 
zealandpharma.com/csr

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand has an even distribution of female and male 
managers, and slightly more women than men across the 
organization in general. Overall Zealand is made up of 58% 
females in 2021 (2020: 58%).

As of December 31, 2021, the Board of Directors consist-
ed of four women and seven men, giving a female rep-
resentation of 36% (2020: 36%).

We are committed to providing equal employment op-
portunities for all employees, by recruiting, hiring, training, 
promoting, and making other personnel decisions, without 
regard to race, colour, gender identity/expression, religion, 
age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military 
or veteran status or any other protected basis.

Quality in everything we do
Our quality policy describes compliance with rigorous 
internationally recognized standards and guidelines at all 
stages of research, development and commercial produc-
tion to ensure that we do not place patients or animals at 
risk due to inadequate safety, quality or efficacy. We main-
tain oversight of the outsourced GxP activities to ensure 
vendor compliance with the requirements of pharmaceu-
tical quality standards as articulated in Good Laboratory 
Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good 
Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Pharmacovigilance Practice 
(GVP), Good Distribution Practice (GDP), to the relevant 
ISO standards with respect to medical devices and others.

Focus on patients
At Zealand, we work to create better lives for patients 
through collaborations with advocacy groups and patient 
organizations. We aim to demonstrate our commitment 
to patients and caregivers by serving their interests with 
the aim of consolidating relations and obtaining better 
treatment options.

Data Ethics
This statement forms part of the management commen-
tary of the annual report of Zealand Pharma for the last 
financial year. The new Danish regulation - Section 99d of 
the Danish Financial Statements Act - requires larger com-
panies, which have a policy for data ethics, to supplement 
the management commentary of the annual report with 
a report on data ethics. As an innovative fast-moving fully 
integrated biotech company the importance of responsi-
ble data sharing and data ethics is appreciated within the 
organization. Zealand Pharma is committed to apply data 
ethics that are consistent with the appropriate privacy reg-
ulations and consistent with accepted industry practice. 
Zealand Pharma currently has policies on Data Integrity 
and Good Documentation that apply to the integrity and 
quality of data for its clinical trials and a Data Governance 
Manual that governs the way that certain categorires are 
handled and used. It is undertaking an assessment of 
whetether it needs to adapt these to align with this new 
statutory requirement.

30

Zealand Board of Directors

%

36 (36)

2021

2020

Men
Women

64 (64)

Zealand Pharma  
Board of Directors as of 
December 31, 2021: 

4 women and 
7 men
giving a female 
representation of 36% 
(2020: 36%). 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Our People and 

Culture

Our team's well-being, competency 
development, and engagement 
are key to realizing our ambitious 
business goals. We strive to cultivate 
a diverse, unique, energizing, 
and respectful environment for 
all employees, regardless of their 
background.

Our People and culture

Engagement
We are proud that close to 100% of employees across 
all geographies and functional areas believe in the future 
of Zealand, according to our 2021 engagement survey 
results. Our people are as dedicated and ambitious as ever, 
helping to achieve major organizational goals despite the 
global COVID-19 pandemic. We aspire to maintain this 
level of engagement as we continue our journey.

One Team
We aim to change lives through next generation therapeu-
tics, and our employees are at the center of the solutions. 
We pride ourselves on our ability to work together as one 
team, and foster a strong company culture founded on 
collaboration, innovation, empowerment, and trust. 

To support our employees’ well-being, we work sys-
tematically to maintain a safe and healthy work environ-
ment. We have a number of policies and committees in 
place to promote physical and psychosocial health. Our 
committees include a Works Council, a COVID response 
committee and an Occupational Safety and Health Com-
mittee (OSHA Committee), on which both management 
and employees are represented and regularly discuss 
matters related to our work environment. Employees are 
also represented on the company’s Board of Directors 
per Danish law.  

31

Zealand total

%

2021

42 (42)

2020

Men
Women

58 (58)

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202132

Talent
Zealand strives to be among the very best employers in 
our industry as we continue our strategic focus on build-
ing a world-class, fully integrated biopharmaceutical 
organization. While building on Zealand’s unique strengths 
and culture, Zealand is increasingly diversifying our work-
force to meet tomorrow's demands and keep our innova-
tion power to attract and retain global talent, we refreshed 
our company DNA in 2020 and our values are that our 
employees are bold, work as one team, can be trusted and 
empower our teams. The process of rolling these values 
out values across the organization has continued across 
2021. Through our employees, we can continue to grow a 
company with highly specialized employees committed to 
changing lives by evolving our business and our pipeline.

Safe work environment
Zealand works systematically to maintain a safe and 
healthy work environment. We maintain numerous pro-
cedures to support our work environment and train all 
Zealand employees in standard safety protocols to enable 
self-management of their own occupational safety.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Risk 
management 
and internal 

control

We constantly monitor and 
assess the overall risk of doing 
business in the pharmaceutical/
biotech industry and the 
particular risks associated 
with our current activities and 
corporate profile.

Risk management and internal control

This section contains a summary of our key risk areas and 
how we attempt to address and mitigate such risks. Envi-
ronmental and ethical risks are covered in our corporate 
social responsibility reporting, and risks related to finan-
cial reporting are covered in our corporate governance 
reporting.

Doing business in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry 
involves major financial risks. The development of nov-
el medicines takes several years, costs are high, and the 
probability of reaching the market is relatively low due to 
developmental and regulatory hurdles.

Our Management is responsible for implementing ade-
quate systems and policies in relation to risk management 
and internal control, and for assessing the overall and 
specific risks associated with our business and operations. 
Furthermore, our Management seeks to ensure that such 
risks are managed optimally and in a responsible and effi-
cient manner.

33

The main risks related to our activities include employees’ 
and business partners’ violation of our anti-corruption 
commitment and potential legal and financial conse-
quences thereof. Zealand’s whistleblower program and 
insider information list are two methods for mitigating 
such risk. We are developing programs to support ongoing 
maintenance of code of business conduct understanding 
among employees, as well as a more robust program to 
ensure data privacy and protection.

Risks of particular importance to us are scientific and 
development risks, commercial risks, intellectual property 
risks, clinical trial risks, regulatory risks, partner interest 
risks, and financial risks. Risk and mitigation plans are 
monitored by Management, and the continuous risk as-
sessment is an integral part of the yearly reporting to the 
Board of Directors.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand risk and mitigation

34

Commercial activities – products  
in research and development

Research and  
development

Clinical trials

Intellectual property

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

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

Our product candidates will need to 
undergo time-consuming and expensive 
trials to document efficacy and safety, the 
outcome of which is unpredictable, and for 
which there is a high risk of failure.

If clinical trials of our product candidates 
fail to satisfactorily demonstrate safety and 
efficacy to the FDA, the EMA and other 
comparable regulatory authorities, we may 
incur additional costs or experience delays 
in completing, or ultimately not be able 
to complete, the development of these 
product candidates

If we or our partners were to face infringe-
ment claims or challenges by third parties, 
an adverse outcome could subject us or 
our partners to significant liabilities to such 
third parties. This could lead us or our part-
ners to curtail or cease the development 
of some or all of their candidate drugs, 
or cause our partners to seek legal or 
contractual remedies against us, potentially 
involving a reduction in the royalties due 
to us.

We maintain a reporting system for our 
products to monitor sales and inventory 
and will establish similar systems for future 
launches. 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. In order to cope with 
the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 we 
have adapted our marketing activities to 
protect our staff, providers and patients.

Throughout the research and development 
process, we regularly assess these risks by 
means of a quarterly risk assessment of all 
of our research and development projects, 
conducted by Management together with 
the department heads and project man-
agers. 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

Our clinical project teams work closely 
with external expert clinicians and product 
development experts within the industry 
to design, set up and conduct the clinical 
programs. Our employees have been 
selected due to their extensive experi-
ence within their field of expertise, receive 
training and are continuously developed 
to fulfill requirements. We also engage in 
meetings with regulatory authorities to 
ensure that there is alignment on the regu-
latory strategy and trial requirements.

Our 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.

Our employees receive training and up-
dates on policies regarding the correct and 
lawful management of external intellectual 
property.

k
s
i
R

n
o
i
t
a
g
i
t
i

M

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand risk and mitigation – continued

35

Regulatory

Future partnerships

Financial

IT

The regulatory approval processes of the 
FDA, the EMA and other comparable regu-
latory authorities are lengthy, time consum-
ing and inherently unpredictable, and if we 
or our collaboration partners are ultimately 
unable to obtain regulatory approval for 
internal or outlicensed product candidates, 
our business could be substantially harmed.

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

Financial risks relate to cash and treas-
ury management, liquidity forecasts and 
financing opportunities.

Our information technology systems are 
key to its operations and need protection 
from intrusion from unauthorized entry.

Risks realted to the company's financial 
position and its cash requirments for the 
next 12 months.

Our qualified staff in the regulatory depart-
ment works closely with external consult-
ants and regulatory agents to develop regu-
latory strategies and frequently interacts 
with regulatory agencies.

We have taken a decision to increase our 
focus on proprietary programs in order 
to decrease our dependence on partners 
in the development process and capture 
more of the value of its projects.

Partnerships may still be relevant in the 
future and, to maximize the value of such 
partnerships, we strive to foster a close and 
open dialogue with our partners, thereby 
building strong partnerships that work 
effectively.

Financial risks are managed in accordance 
with the Finance Policy, regularly assessed 
by our Management and reported to the 
Audit Committee and the Board of Direc-
tors. During 2021 we have continued to 
optimize our Internal Control Framework 
in response to the requirements of the Sar-
banes-Oxley Act as a result of being listed 
in the US. See also p. 88-90 note 30.

The company employs qualified IT profes-
sionals who use external assistance from 
qualified vendors to provide advice on 
cybersecurity and systems security were 
relevant. All members of staff are trained in 
IT security and its IT systems use authen-
tication systems to reduce the risk of 
unauthorized entry into its systems. It has 
appropriate protection from viruses and 
malware. Its most sensitive data is encrypt-
ed and subject to restricted internal use.

k
s
i
R

n
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i
t
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i
t
i

M

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Financial review

Financial review for the period 
January 1 – December 31, 2021.

Financial review

36

Comparative figures for the corresponding period in 2020 
are shown in brackets except for the financial position, 
which expresses the comparative figures as of December 
31, 2020.

Financial results
Zealand Pharma received approval by the Food and Drug 
Administration for Zegalogue in March 2021 and began 
commercial promotion and sales for the product in June 
2021.  Revenue, Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Margin, and 
Sales and Marketing Expenses in 2021 all reflect new ac-
tivities for Zegalogue not incurred by the company in prior 
periods.

Revenue

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Product sales 
License and  
milestone revenue 
Total revenue 

184.0 

161.3 

22.7 

14%

108.6 
292.6 

192.0 
353.3 

-83.4 
-60.7 

-43%
-17%

Increase in revenue from the sale of goods is primarily 
attributable to the sales of V-Go and Zegalogue in 2021.  
Zegalogue became commercially available in June of 2021 
and did not have any product revenue prior to that date. 
The decrease in license and milestone revenue is mainly 
due to a milestone payment of DKK 149.1 million triggered 
and recognized as revenue in June 2020 from our part-
nership agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim offset by 

smaller milestones received in 2021 through partnerships 
with Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Protagonist.

Gross margin

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Gross margin 

173.8 

262.8 

-89.0 

-34%

The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to the 
milestone payment of DKK 149.1 million triggered and 
recognized as revenue in June 2020 from our partnership 
agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim. 

Research and development expenses

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Research and  
development expenses 

588.5 

604.1 

-15.6 

25.8%

Research and development expenses are primarily related 
to activities with our late-stage clinical programs for dasi-
glucagon and glepaglutide.  The decrease in research and 
development expenses is related to the regulatory activi-
ties required for Zegalogue in 2020, which was approved 
by the Food and Drug Administration in March 2021.

Sales and marketing expenses

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Sales and marketing  
expenses 

375.3 

285.3 

90.0 

32%

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The increase in sales and marketing expenses is related 
to efforts for the Zegalogue launch as well as continued 
commercial support for the V-Go wearable insulin delivery 
device.

Financial income and financial expenses, which we refer 
to collectively as net financial items, consist of interest 
income and expense, fair market value adjustments, bank-
ing fees and impact from adjustments related to foreign 
exchange rates.

Net result

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Net result 

-1,018.1 

-846.7 

-171.4 

20%

37

Administrative expenses

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

The positive development from 2020 to 2021 is mainly re-
lated to the development in the DKK/USD exchange rate.

Administrative  
expenses 

261.0 

202.7 

58.3 

29%

Result before tax

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Result before tax 

-1,026.9 

-839.7 

-187.2 

22%

The decrease in the net result is primarily a result of in-
creased sales and marketing and administrative expenses. 
The expense increase is due to 2020 only having com-
mercial infrastructure effective April 2020 following the 
Valeritas asset purchase agreement and the company’s 
commercially launch of Zegalogue in June of 2021. In 
addition, there was a one-time milestone of DKK 149.1 
million triggered in June 2020 from our partnership 
agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim.

The increase in administrative expenses is costs related 
to the buildup and operations of the US subsidiary, which 
supports the commercial infrastructure as well as general 
and administrative purposes. Substantial US operations 
were acquired in April 2020 following the close of the 
Valeritas asset purchase agreement.

Operating result

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Operating result 

-1,052.4 

-792.4 

-260.0 

-33%

The operating result reflects gross margin, research and 
development expenses, sales and marketing and adminis-
trative expenses, as discussed above. 

Financial income and financial expenses

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Net financial items 

25.4 

-47.3 

72.7 

154%

Result before tax reflects the operating result and net 
financial items, as discussed above.

Liquidity and capital resources

Income tax

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Income tax 

8.8 

-7.1 

15.9 

224%

Equity

DKK million 

Equity 
Equity ratio 

Dec. 

Dec. 
31, 2021  31, 2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

927.8 
45% 

1,229.3 
70% 

-301.5 
N/A 

-25%
N/A

The net income tax (income) is mainly impacted by the tax 
deduction in Denmark, a prior period correction offset by 
tax expenses in US.

No deferred tax asset regarding the Danish parent compa-
ny has been recognized in the statement of financial po-
sition due to uncertainty as to whether tax losses carried 
forward can be utilized within the near term.

Equity ratio is calculated as equity at the balance sheet 
date divided by total assets at the balance sheet date. 
The decrease in equity was mainly driven by the loss for 
the period offset by a capital increase in January 2021 
amounting to DKK 748.9 million.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38

Cash, cash equivalents and  
Marketable securities

DKK million 

Dec. 

Dec. 
31, 2021  31, 2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Cash, cash  
equivalents and 
Marketable securities 

1,428.1 

1,257.6 

170.5 

14%

The increase was mainly driven by the capital increase in 
January 2021 amounting to DKK 748.9 million and the 
DKK 650.0 million received from the Oberland Note Pur-
chase Agreement offset by cash spent in the period.

Cash flow

DKK million 

2021 

2020 

∆ in 
∆  percent

Cash used in  
operating activities 
Cash used in  
investing activities 
Cash flow from  
financing activities 
Net cash flow 

-1,212.0 

-688.7 

-523.3 

76%

-18.1 

-196.8 

178.7 

-91%

1,332.8 
-1,234.1 

760.9 
-713.8 

571.9 
-520.3 

75%
73%

The increase in cash used in operating activities from the 
same period in 2020 is mainly related to our sales and 
marketing and administrative expenses increasing as a 
result of the commercial activities and support for Zega-

logue and the V-Go wearable insulin delivery device.  In 
2020 Zealand only had the sales and marketing expense 
and infrastructure effective April 2020 following the Valeri-
tas asset purchase agreement. 

Cash used in investing activities in 2021 related mainly to 
acquisition of tangible assets. The investing activities in 
2020 are mainly related to the acquisition of Valeritas.

Cash from financing activities increased primarily because 
of the January 2021 financing with an aggregate gross 
amount of DKK 748.9 million and the Oberland Note 
Purchase Agreement for DKK 650.0 million. Cash from 
financing activities for 2020 was mainly related to June 
financing of gross DKK 657.7 million but also a private 
placement of gross DKK 137.2 million.

The Company monitors its funding position on a month-
ly basis to ensure that it has access to sufficient liquidity 
to meet its forecasted cash requirements. Analyses are 
run to reflect different scenarios including, but not lim-
ited to, cash runway, human capital resources and pipe-
line priorities in order to identify liquidity risk and enable 
Management and the Board of Directors to prepare for 
new financing transaction and/or take relevant expense 
management activities to allow the Company to continue 
as a going concern.

As of the date of these financial statements the Company, 
with it's current strategic plans, anticipates that the current 
cash position and the cash requirements per the 2022 
Annual Budget will provide a positive cash runway until 
April 2023 but will exceed the terms of liquidity cove-
nant as part of the Oberland Note Purchase Agreement 
and hence, a working capital deficit in September 2022 
without additional financing and/or cost reductions. While 
reviewing the Company’s strategic plans and priorities, 
Management and the Board of Directors are working on 
extending the cash runway by means of new addition-
al funding for the Company, either through issuance of 
shares, issuance of debt instruments, establishment of 
royalty arrangements, divestments, expense manage-
ment activities or a combination of such, and on this basis 
believes it is probable that sufficient resources will be ob-
tained in due time prior to the end of September 2022 to 
enable the Company to continue its activities as planned 
well into 2023. On this basis Management has prepared 
the financial statements based on a going concern as-
sumption.

Since such new source of funding is not obtained of 
the date of these financial statements, substantial doubt 
regarding going concern exist, and therefore the Com-
pany may be unable to realize its assets and discharge its 
liabilities in the normal course of business.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information

At December 31, 2021, the nominal value of our share 
capital was DKK 43,634,142, divided into 43,634,142 shares 
with a nominal value of DKK 1 each. 

In 2021 the share capital increased by a nominal value of 
DKK 3.8 million through one directed issues and private 
placements (DKK 3.6 million in total) and exercise of em-
ployee warrants (DKK 0.2 million). 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 sharehold-
ers’ meetings.

Change in number of shareholders during 2021
The number of registered shareholders in Zealand Pharma 
increased to 24,143 at December 31, 2021, from 17,678 at 
December 31, 2020.  In addition, 1,742,842 shares were 
represented by ADSs traded on Nasdaq Global Select Mar-
ket, New York.

39

Ownership
The following shareholders are registered in Zealand 
Pharma’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) at December 
31, 2021:

•  Van Herk Investments, Netherlands (16.8% of 

votes/16.8% of capital)

•  Credit Suisse Group AG. Switzerland (6.20% of 

votes/6.20% of capital)

•  Capital Group Companies Inc., USA (5.61% of votes/0% 

of capital)

•  SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., USA (0% of votes/5.61% of 

capital)

Institutional shares by geography

%

2021

0 (0)

28 (22)

27 (36)

1 (1)
1 (0)
1 (5)

2020

41 (35)

United States
Denmark
United Kingdom
Sweden
France
Rest of Europe
Rest of World

Shareholder 
information

We are dual listed on Nasdaq 
Copenhagen and Nasdaq Global 
Select Market, New York, under the 
ticker symbol ZEAL.

Find out more about our investor relations at 
zealandpharma.com/investor-relations

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202140

Share price performance
The price of Zealand’s shares decreased by 34.2% during 
2021 with a market closing share price at year-end of DKK 
145.1, compared to DKK 220.6 at year-end 2020.

Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting is scheduled to be held elec-
tronically on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 3:00 PM CET. 
Additional information will become available at https://
www.zealandpharma.com/annual-general-meeting no 
later than 3 weeks before the annual general meeting.

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

Institution

US
Needham

United Kingdom
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Jefferies

Netherlands
Kempen

Denmark
Carnegie
Danske Bank
Nordea

Analyst's name

Joseph Stringer

Keyur Parekh
Peter Welford

Suzanne van Voorthuizen

Jesper Ilsøe
Thomas Bowers
Michael Novod

Financial Calendar 2022

Core share data

Date

April 6

May 12

August 11

November 10

Event

Annual General Meeting

Q1 Earnings Release / Interim Report First 
Quarter 2022

H1 Earnings Release / Interim Report First 
Half 2022

Q3 Earnings Release / Interim Report Third 
Quarter 2022

All dates are subject to NASDAQ deadlines and reporting require-
ments and are subject to change

Number of shares and 
ADSs at Dec. 31, 2021

Listing 

Denmark

U.S.

43,634,142

1,742,842

Nasdaq  
Copenhagen

Nasdaq Global Select 
Market, New York

Ticker symbol 

ZEAL

ZEAL

Index  
memberships

Nasdaq  
Copenhagen

STOXX Europe 
TMI Pharm
Large Cap

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Board of  Directors and Corporate Management

Zealand Board of Directors at March 10, 2022

41

Position

Year of birth

Nationality

Gender

First elected

Committee

Martin Nicklasson

Kirsten A. Drejer

Jeffrey Berkowitz

Chairman

1955

Swedish

Male

2015

Vice Chairman

Board member

1956

Danish

Female

2018

1966

American

Male

2019

AdCom, RemCom chair and  
NomCom chair

NomCom and SciCom

NomCom and AdCom

Independent

Yes

Yes

Yes

Special competen-
cies

Current positions

Extensive general management and 
research and development experience 
from AstraZeneca Plc and Swedish Orphan 
Biovitrum AB.

More than 30 years of international expe-
rience in the pharmaceutical and biotech 
industry. Before co-founding Symphogen 
A/S in 2000, held several scientific and 
managerial positions at Novo Nordisk A/S.

Global executive with extensive branded 
and generic pharmaceutical, retail pharma-
cy, wholesale drug distribution, specialty, 
payor and healthcare services leadership 
experience in P&L accountable roles.

Board member of Basilea Pharmaceutica 
Ltd. and chairman of Nykode Therapeutics 
AS.

Chairman of the board of Antag Thera-
peutics, Bioneer and ResoTher Pharma. 
Board member of Curasight A/S and Malin 
Corporation.

Board member of H. Lundbeck A/S, Espe-
rion Theraptics, Inc. and Uniphar PLC.

Zealand shares at 
December 31, 2021

2,570

Zealand warrants at 
December 31, 2021

0

Zealand RSUs at  
December 31, 2021

8,000

Change in ownership 
in 2021

0

800

0

4,000

0

200

0

4,000

0

Board of 
Directors and 
Corporate 

Management

Find out more about the Board of Directors at
zealandpharma.com/board-of-directors-and-
nomination-committee

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
Zealand Board of Directors at March 10, 2022, continued

42

Bernadette Connaughton

Leonard Kruimer

Position

Board member

Board member

Year of birth

1958

Nationality

American

Gender

First elected

Committee

Female

2019

1958

Dutch

Male

2019

Alain Munoz

Board member

1949

French

Male

2005¹

Michael John Owen

Board member

1951

British

Male

2012

NomCom and AdCom

NomCom and AdCom

NomCom, RemCom and ScCom 

NomCom, RemCom and ScCom

Independent

Yes

Yes

No2

Yes

Special competen-
cies

More than 30 years of global strategic, com-
mercial and leadership expertise, and a broad 
perspective on the strategy, capabilities and 
governance required for successful execution in 
U.S. and international markets.

More than 30 years of experience in corporate 
finance, planning and strategy, including 15 years 
in senior executive positions in private and pub-
licly listed biotechnology companies.

Current positions

Board member of the board of Halozyme Thera-
peutics Inc. and Syneos Health.

Chairman of the board of BioInvent Int. AB., 
board member of Oncoytics Biotech Inc. and 
board member and Chairman of Audit Commit-
tee of Pharming Group NV. Director AI Global 
(Netherlands) PCC Ltd.

Physician qualified cardiology and intensive 
care. Experience in the pharmaceutical industry 
at senior management level. Served as SVP for 
international development in the Sanofi Group 
and in the pharmaceutical division of Fournier 
Laboratories.

Research experience focusing on the immune 
system and more than 150 publications. Has held 
several leading positions at GlaxoSmithKline, 
most recently as SVP and head of biopharma-
ceuticals research.

Scientific Advisory Board of Valneva SE, chairman 
of the board of directors of Acticor Biotech, and 
a board member of Auris Medical and Amryt 
Pharma Plc.

Chairman of the board of Ossianix Inc., and is a 
member of the board of  ReNeuron Group plc, 
Sareum Holdings plc, and GammaDelta Thera-
peutics.

Zealand shares at 
December 31, 2021

500

Zealand warrants at 
December 31, 2021

0

Zealand RSUs at 
 December 31, 2021

4,000

Change in ownership 
in 2021

0

4,000

0

5,500

0

5,250

0

4,500

0

300

0

4,500

0

1  Resigned in 2006 and re-elected in 2007. 

  2  Not considered independent in accordance with the Danish Recommendations on Corporate Governance of 2 December 2020.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
Zealand Board of Directors at March 10, 2022, continued

43

Position

Year of birth

Nationality

Gender

First elected

Committee

Independent

Frederik Barfoed Beck

Anneline Nansen

Louise Gjelstrup

Jens Peter Stenvang

Employee-elected board member1

Employee-elected board member1

Employee-elected board member1

Employee-elected board member¹

1967

Danish

Male

2020

None

No

1969

Danish

Female

20212

None

No

1977

Danish

Female

2020

None

No

1954

Danish

Male

2014

None

No

Current positions

Senior Outsourcing Manager

Principal Scientist.

Principal Laboratory Technologist.

Senior Application Specialist.

Zealand shares at 
December 31, 2021

Zealand warrants at 
December 31, 2021

Zealand RSUs at  
December 31, 2021

4,798

7,200

2,100

Change in ownership 
in 2021

0

1,571

5,500

875

0

1,255

1,500

1,750

+415

6,300

750

1,750

+1,250

1  Employee-elected board members are elected for a period of four years. 

  2  Joined the board on 1 September 2021 as an employee elected member following the resignation of Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
Corporate management

Zealand Corporate Management at March 10, 2022

44

Position

Year of birth

Nationality

Gender

Joined Zealand

Experience

Emmanuel Dulac 

Executive Management 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

1969

French

Male

2019

Matthew Dallas

Executive Management 
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

1975

American

Male

2019

Adam Steensberg

Executive Management
Executive Vice President, Research & Development,  
and Chief Medical Officer

1974

Danish

Male

2010

Emmanuel Dulac has been Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 
Zealand Pharma (Nasdaq: ZEAL), since April 2019. Since becoming 
CEO, Emmanuel led a transformation to build Zealand Pharma 
into a leading global Biotech company: He clarified the path to 
growth for the company, accelerated Zealand readiness to market 
their own drug while expanding their unique and highly productive 
peptide therapeutics platform. Under his leadership, the company 
filed their first NDA, completed their first in-licensing, led their first 
acquisition, received their first NDA approval and has set an ambi-
tious goal to have five commercialized products by 2025.

Most recently, Mr. Dallas served as chief financial officer at Aveo 
Pharmaceuticals, leading finance for the publicly traded biotechnol-
ogy company and was additionally responsible for investor relations, 
facilities and information technology. He was previously CFO at 
CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Eli Lilly. His earlier 
career included positions at Genzyme, NEN Life Science Products, 
and Kimberly Clark.

Prior to joining Zealand, Adam led clinical research teams as medi-
cal director at Novo Nordisk and worked as a clinician at Rigshospi-
talet, University of Copenhagen. Adam was a medical and scientific 
advisor in the areas of endocrinology, cardiology, gastroenterology 
and rheumatology, and has significant experience of leading regu-
latory strategies.

Adam is a chairman of the board of directors of Cessatech ApS, 
board member of Dansk Biotek and a board observer of Beta Bion-
ics, Inc.

Zealand shares at 
December 31, 2021

7,692

Zealand warrants at 
December 31, 2021

113,848

Zealand PSUs at  
December 31, 2021

Zealand RSUs at  
December 31, 2021

123,609

44,915

Change in ownership 
in 2021

+7,692

841

51,275

34,552

15,536

+841

0

188,286

39,809

15,571

0

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand Corporate Management at March 10, 2022, continued

45

Ivan Møller

Frank Sanders

Christina Sonnenborg Bredal

Position

Executive Vice President,  
Technical Development & Operations

Year of birth

1972

Nationality

American/Danish

Gender

Joined Zealand

Experience

Male

2018

Prior to joining Zealand, Ivan worked for Novartis in both generics 
and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as in strategy, quality 
assurance, contract manufacturing and supply chain leadership in 
Germany, the U.S. and Switzerland.

Ivan was project leader at The Boston Consulting Group in the 
pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing areas.

President of Zealand Pharma U.S.

Vice President, People & Organization

1969

American

Male

2020

1985

Danish

Female

2020

Frank has an accomplished career with over 25 years of experience 
in the pharmaceutical industry.  Prior to Zealand, Frank was Senior 
Vice President, US Commercial for Sage Therapeutics, a biopharma-
ceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  At Sage, he 
had direct General Manager responsibility for Sales, Account Man-
agement, Marketing, Patient Services and Commercial Operations 
and was responsible for the design, build, and overall performance 
of the US commercial function.  Prior to joining Sage, Frank served 
as Vice President, Market Access Strategic Account Management 
at Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and 
held a wide range of leadership roles for GlaxoSmithKline including 
Vice President, Customer Strategy and Vice President, Field Sales.

Most recently, Christina was a consultant in PwC Legal, specializ-
ing in employment law and employee share programs. Previously, 
Christina worked at EY, People Advisory Services, specializing in 
global mobility tax and rewards. 

Christina has also worked as a trial lawyer litigating civil court cases 
and as an attorney specializing in M&A and legal due diligence.

Zealand shares at 
December 31, 2021

0

Zealand warrants at 
December 31, 2021

Zealand PSUs at  
December 31, 2021

Zealand RSUs at  
December 31, 2021

81,420

37,547

14,599

Change in ownership 
in 2021

0

0

43,217

34,744

17,445

0

0

2,500

1,500

500

0

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Financial statements

46

Financial 
statements

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Con Fin – Content

Contents –  
consolidated 
financial 

statements

Consolidated financial statements

Income statement 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Statement of financial position 

Statement of cash flows 

Statement of changes in equity 

Business overview   

Notes

  1    Significant accounting policies, and significant 

accounting estimates and assessments 

  2  Going Concern uncertainties 

  3   Revenue 

  4   Royalty expenses 

  5  Research, development and administrative expenses 

  6    Fees to auditors appointed at the Annual  

General Meeting 

  7   Information on staff and remuneration 

  8   Other operating income and expenses 

  9   Financial income 

 10   Financial expenses 

  11   Income tax  

 12   Basic and diluted earnings per share 

 13 

Intangible assets 

 14  Property, plant and equipment 

 15  Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities 

 16  Other investments 

  17 

Impairment 

 18 

Inventory 

48

48

49

49

50

51

52

56

57

61

61

62

63

69

69

70

71

73

74

76

78

80

80

81

 19  Trade receivables 

 20  Prepaid expenses 

 21  Other receivables 

 22  Marketable securities 

 23  Cash and cash equivalents 

 24  Share capital 

 25  Borrowings 

 26  Deferred revenue 

 27  Provision 

 28  Other liabilities 

 29 

 Contingent assets and liabilities, other contractual  
obligations and collateral provided 

 30  Financial risks 

 31  Business combinations 

 32  Related parties 

 33  Adjustments for non-cash items 

 34  Change in working capital 

 35  Reconciliation of borrowings 

 36  Significant events after the balance sheet date 

 37  Approval of the annual report 

47

82

82

82

82

83

83

84

86

86

87

87

88

91

93

93

93

94

94

94

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Con Fin – Income Statement

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated income statement for the years ended  
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended  
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

48

DKK thousand 

Revenue 
Cost of goods sold 
Royalty expenses 
Gross margin 

Research and development expenses 
Sales and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Operating expenses 
Other operating income 
Other operating expense 
Operating result 

Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Result before tax 

Income tax (expense)/benefit 
Net result for the year 

Earnings/(loss) per share – basic (DKK) 
Earnings/(loss) per share - diluted (DKK) 

Net result attributable to shareholders  
of Zealand Pharma A/S 

Note 

2021 

2020 

2019

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020 

2019

Net result for the year 
Other comprehensive income
Items that will be reclassified to income statement  
when certain conditions are met:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 
Comprehensive result for the year 

-1,018,149 

-846,729 

-571,541

5,178 
-1,012,972 

8,977 
-837,752 

0
-571,541

Total comprehensive income attributable to  
shareholders of Zealand Pharma A/S 

-1,012,972 

-837,752 

-571,541

3 
18 
4 

292,567 
-107,844 
-10,970 
173,753 

353,314 
-90,565 
0 
262,749 

5,7 
5,7,13 
5,7 

8 
8 

-588,453 
-375,269 
-260,987 
-1,224,709 
759 
-2,173 
-1,052,370 

-604,081 
-285,256 
-202,770 
-1,092,107 
36,997 
0 
-792,361 

41,333
0
-415
40,918

-561,423
0
-67,881
-629,304
444
0
-587,942

9 
10 

41,211 
-15,781 
-1,026,940 

2,022 
-49,314 
-839,653 

14,655
-3,390
-576,677

11 

12 
12 

8,791 
-1,018,149 

-7,076 
-846,729 

5,136
-571,541

-23,75 
-23,75 

-22.07 
-22.07 

-16.91
-16.91

-1,018,149 

-846,729 

-571,541

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Financial position

49

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statements of financial position  
as of December 31, 2021 and 2020

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020

Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets 
Other Investments 
Deposits 
Corporate tax receivable 
Deferred tax assets 
Prepaid expenses 
Total non-current assets 

Current assets 

Inventories 
Trade receivables 
Prepaid expenses 
Corporate tax receivable 
Other receivables 
Marketable securities 
Cash and cash equivalents (incl cash subject to liquidity cove rnant) 
Total current assets 

53,790 
86,454 
134,994 
26,907 
12,638 
1,268 
13,525 
16,457 
346,033 

57,485
85,040
127,998
32,333
16,650
1,268
8,370
13,117
342,261

Liabilities and equity 
Share capital 
Treasury shares 
Share premium 
Currency translation reserve 
Retained losses 
Shareholders' equity 

Borrowings 
Deferred revenue 
Other liabilities 
Lease liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

118,436 
73,025 
64,626 
21,562 
15,802 
299,042 
1,129,103 
1,721,596 

65,040
46,484
35,156
5,500
9,942
297,345
960,221
1,419,688

Trade payables 
Corporate tax payables 
Lease liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Rebate and product return liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

13 
14 
15 
16 

11 
11 
20 

18 
19 
20 
11 
21 
22 
23 

Total assets 

2,067,629 

1,761,949

Total shareholders' equity and liabilities 

24 

25 
26 
28 
15 

15 
26 
27 
28 

43,634 
-71,890 
4,250,306 
14,155 
-3,308,402 
927,803 

39,800
-1,700
3,472,487
8,977
-2,290,253
1,229,311

647,906 
14,551 
18,426 
124,626 
805,509 

64,558 
0 
14,897 
53,033 
28,695 
173,134 
334,317 

0
44,587
16,744
116,047
177,378

70,384
30,394
14,072
53,182
36,673
150,555
355,260

1,139,826 

532,638

2,067,629 

1,761,949

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Con Fin – Cash Flow

Con Fin – Equity

Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years  
ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020 

2019

Net result for the year  
Bargain purchase 
Adjustments for other non-cash items 
Change in working capital 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Deferred revenue 
Income tax paid/received 
Cash flow from operating activities  

Acquisition of Valeritas business, net of cash acquired 
Change in deposits 
Purchase of other investments and marked securities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Sale of property, plant and equipment 
Dividends on securities 
Cash flow from investing activities 

Proceeds from issuance of shares related to  
exercise of share based compensation 
Proceeds from issuance of shares 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Proceeds from borrowings 
Costs related to issuance of shares 
Lease installments 
Cash flow from financing activities 

Decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Exchange rate adjustments 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

-1,018,149 
0 
47,615 
-166,325 
0 
-3,296 
-30,185 
-41,631 
-1,211,971 

0 
4,012 
0 
-22,133 
0 
0 
0 
-18,121 

26,070 
748,975 
-28,590 
647,906 
-46,895 
-14,715 
1,332,751 

102,659 
960,221 
66,223 
1,129,103 

31 
33 
34 

26 

31 

16 
14 
13 

24 
24 
24 
35 
24 
15 

23 

23 

-846,729 
-36,395 
143,138 
97,818 
895 
-4,562 
-42,881 
0 
-688,716 

-167,791 
-3,972 
0 
-25,044 
0 
0 
0 
-196,807 

41,363 
791,503 
0 
0 
-42,706 
-29,219 
760,941 

-571,541
0
9,207
10,873
5,413
-3,390
139,890
93
-409,455

0
-6,250
-22,803
-21,036
-2,480
25
878
-51,666

52,468
645,145
0
0
-14,444
-8,689
674,480

-124,582 
1,081,060 
3,743 
960,221 

213,359
860,635
7,066
1,081,060

50

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity  
at December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

DKK thousand 

Share  Treasury 
shares 

capital 

Share 
premium 

Trans- 
lation 
reserve 

Retained 
losses  

Total

Equity at January 1, 2021 

39,800 

-1,700 

3,472,487 

8,977  -2,290,253  1,229,311

Other comprehensive income 
Net result for the year 
Treasury shares 
Share-based compensation 
Capital increases 
Cost related to capital increases 
Equity at December 31, 2021 

0 
0 
0 
0 
3,834 
0 
43,634 

0 
0 
-70,190 
0 
0 
0 

0 
0 
0 
53,504 
771,211 
-46,896 
-71,890  4,250,306 

5,178 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 
5,178
-1,018,149  -1,018,149
-70,190
0 
53,504
0 
775,045
0 
-46,896
0 
927,803
14,155  -3,308,402 

Equity at January 1, 2020 

36,055 

-1,700 

2,651,842 

0  -1,443,524  1,242,673

Other comprehensive income 
Net result for the year 
Share-based compensation 
Capital increases 
Cost related to capital increases 
Equity at December 31, 2020 

0 
0 
0 
3,745 
0 
39,800 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
-1,700 

0 
0 
30,485 
832,866 
-42,706 
3,472,487 

0 

8,977 
0 
0 
0 
0 

8,977
-846,729  -846,729
30,485
836,611
-42,706
8,977  -2,290,253  1,229,311

0 
0 
0 

Equity at January 1, 2019  

30,787 

-1,700 

1,959,177 

0 

-871,983  1,116,281

Other comprehensive income 
Net result for the year 
Share-based compensation  
Capital increases 
Cost related to capital increases 
Equity at December 31, 2019 

0 
0 
0 
5,268 

36,055 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
-1,700 

0 
0 
14,764 
692,345 
-14,444 
2,651,842 

0
0 
0 
-571,541
-571,541 
0 
14,764
0 
0 
697,613
0 
0 
0 
-14,444
0 
0  -1,443,524  1,242,673

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Business overview

51

Consolidated financial statements

Business overview

Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) ("Zealand", the “Company”, the “Group”, “Zealand” and “we”) is a 
biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative 
peptide-based medicines. More than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand have advanced into clinical 
development, of which two have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development.  
In addition, license collaborations with Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca create opportunities for 
more patients to potentially benefit from Zealand-invented peptide investigational agents currently in 
development.  Zealand was founded in 1998 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has presence throughout the 
U.S. that includes key locations in Boston, and Marlborough (MA).

In April 2020, we acquired substantially all of the medical technology business from Valeritas Holdings, 
Inc. Refer to note 31.

Company summary 

Zealand Pharma A/S subsidiaries
ZP Holding SPV K/S 
ZP General Partner 1 ApS 
Zealand Pharma US Inc. 
Encycle Therapeutics Inc. 
ZP SPV 3 K/S 
ZP General Partner 3 ApS 

ZP Holding SPV K/S subsidiaries
ZP SPV 1 K/S 
ZP General Partner 2 ApS 

Zealand Pharma US Inc. subsidiary
Zealand Pharma California US, LLC. 

Domicile 

Owner- 
ship 

Voting 
rights

Denmark 
Denmark 
United States 
Canada 
Denmark 
Denmark 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Denmark 
Denmark 

100% 
100% 

100%
100%

United States 

100% 

100%

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 1

52

Notes

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

Significant accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Zealand have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and 
as adopted by the EU and additional requirements under the Danish Financial Statements Act (class D).

The Board of Directors considered and approved the 2021 Annual Report of Zealand on March 10, 2022. 
The Annual Report will be submitted to the shareholders of Zealand for approval at the Annual General 
Meeting on April 6, 2022.

The consolidated financial statements are presented on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial 
assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods and 
services.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of  whether that price is 
directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique.

For financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorized into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on 
the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and on the significance of 
the inputs to the fair value measurement as a whole. The inputs are described as follows:

•  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the 

entity can access at the measurement date

•  Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the 

asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

•  Level 3 inputs are fair value measures derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the 

asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in Danish kroner (DKK), which is the functional cur-
rency of the Parent Company.

In the narrative sections of the financial statements, comparative figures for 2020 and 2019 are shown in 
brackets if not indicated otherwise. 

Implementation of new and revised standards and interpretations
Management has assessed the impact of new or amended and revised accounting standards and inter-
pretations (IFRSs) issued by the IASB and IFRSs endorsed by the EU effective on or after 1 January 2021. It 
is assessed that application of amendments effective from 1 January 2021 has not had a material impact 
on the consolidated financial statements for 2021. Furthermore, Management does not anticipate any 
significant impact on future periods from the adoption of these amendments.

Standards and interpretations issued, but not yet applied 
IASB has issued a number of new and amended standards which are not yet effective. None of these new 
standards or amendments are expected to impact the Group.

Accounting policies
The accounting policies are unchanged from last year. The accounting policies for specific line items and 
transactions are included in the respective notes to the financial statements except for basis and princi-
ples of consolidation, foreign currency translation, classification of income statement, segment reporting, 
classification of financial assets and the cash flow statement, which are included below.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities 
(including structured entities) controlled by the Company and its subsidiaries. Control is achieved when 
the Company:

•  has power over the investee;
•  is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
•  has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The Company reassesses whether it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are 
changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202153

Notes

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

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of the financial statements of the parent 
company and the individual subsidiaries, which are based on uniform accounting policies and account-
ing periods in all Group entities. Consolidation of Group entities is performed after elimination of all intra 
Group transactions, balances, income and expenses.

Functional currency
A functional currency is determined for each Group entity. The functional currency is the currency used 
in the primary financial environment in which the individual Group entity operates.

Foreign currency translation
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the transacting entity's functional currency are trans-
lated at the exchange rates on the transaction dates. 

Exchange differences arising between the rate on the transaction date and the rate on the payment day 
are recognized in the income statement as financial income or financial expenses.

Receivables, payables and other monetary items denominated in foreign currencies that have not been 
settled at the statement of financial position date are translated by applying the exchange rates at the 
statement of financial position date. Differences arising between the rate at the statement of financial 
position date and the rate at the date on which the receivable or payable arose are recognized in the 
income statement as financial income and financial expenses.

Recognition in the consolidated financial statements
On preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the income statements of entities with a func-
tional currency different from DKK are translated at the average exchange rate for the period, and balance 
sheet items are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the reporting date.

Foreign exchange differences arising on translation of the equity of foreign entities and on translation of 
receivables considered part of net investment are recognized directly in other comprehensive income.

Foreign exchange differences arising on the translation of income statements from the average exchange 
rate for the period to the exchange rate ruling at the reporting date are also recognized in other compre-
hensive income. Adjustments are presented under a separate translation reserve in equity.

Materiality in financial reporting
In preparing the Annual Report, Management seeks to improve the information value of the consolidated 
financial statements, the notes to the statements and other measures disclosed by presenting the infor-
mation in a way that supports the understanding of the Group’s performance in the reporting period.

This objective is achieved by presenting fair transactional aggregation levels at line items and other 
financial information, emphasizing information that is considered of material importance to the user and 
making relevant rather than generic descriptions throughout the Annual Report.

All disclosures are made in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, the Danish 
Financial Statements Act and other relevant regulations, ensuring a true and fair view throughout the 
Annual Report.

Consolidated financial statements

Income statement
The expenses recognized in the income statement is presented as an analysis using a classification based 
on their function.

Segment reporting
The Group is managed by a Corporate Management team reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The 
Corporate Management team, including the Chief Executive Officer, represents the chief operating 
decision maker (CODM). No separate business areas or separate business units have been identified in 
connection with line of business, product candidates or geographical markets. Consequently, there is no 
segment reporting concerning business areas.

Statement of financial position

Financial assets
Financial assets include receivables, marketable securities and cash. Financial assets are divided into cate-
gories of which the following are relevant for the Group:

1.  Financial assets at amortized cost comprising of receivables with contractual cash flows solely 

comprising of payment of principal and interest and which are held for the purpose of collecting the 
contractual cash flow. 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202154

Notes

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

2.  Financial assets at fair value through the income statement, which are marketable securities catego-
rized as equity instruments are held for trading and classified at fair value through profit and loss.

If a loan commitment is subject to meeting certain conditions, it is considered an unconditional loan 
commitment if the Group considers it probable that the conditions will be met. 

3.  Equity investments. These investments are measured at fair value through the profit and loss.

Financial assets are assigned to the different categories by Management on initial recognition, depending 
on the cash flow characteristics and purpose for which the assets were acquired. All financial assets are 
recognized on their settlement date. All financial assets other than those classified at fair value through 
the profit and loss are initially recognized at fair value, plus transaction costs.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities include borrowings, trade payables and certain other payables. Financial liabilities are 
divided into categories of which the following are relevant for the Group:

1. Financial liabilities at amortised cost.

Borrowings:

Statement of cash flows
The cash flow statement is prepared in accordance with the indirect method on the basis of the net result 
for the year. The statement shows the cash flows broken down into operating, investing and financing ac-
tivities, cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of the year, and the impact of the calculated 
cash flows on cash and cash equivalents. The cash flow statement cannot be derived directly from the 
balance sheet and income statement.

Cash flows in foreign currencies are translated into Danish kroner at the exchange rate on the transaction 
date.

Cash flow from operating activities 
Cash flow from operating activities is presented indirectly and is calculated as the net operating result 
adjusted for depreciation and amortization, sale of royalties, non-cash operating items, changes in net 
working capital, financial items paid, bargain purchase gain, and income tax benefits received and paid.

On initial recognition, borrowings are evaluated for the existence of non-closely related embedded de-
rivatives, i.e. cash flows or potential cash flows whose economic characteristics and risks are not closely 
related to the economic characteristics and risks in the debt host contract. The cash flows attributable to 
such non-closely related embedded derivatives are separated and accounted for as derivative financial 
instruments. 

Cash flow from investing activities
Cash flow from investing activities includes cash flows from the sale of future royalties and milestone 
relating to the Sanofi license, purchase and sale of property, plant and equipment, investments and de-
posits, net cashflow from acquisition of Valeritas activities, as well as transfers to and from restricted cash 
related to the royalty bond.

On initial recognition borrowings are measured at fair value which is generally equal to the proceeds 
received. Fair value is allocated between the debt host contract and, if applicable, an embedded deriva-
tive. Transaction costs attributable to the debt host contract are deducted from the initial fair value and 
amortised over the term of the loan as part of the effective interest rate on the loan. Transaction costs 
attributable to a non-closely related embedded derivatives are expensed on initial recognition. 

Loan commitments are not accounted for.  Lender fees and transaction costs attributable to uncondi-
tional loan commitments are treated as prepaid transaction costs if the Group expect to draw down on 
the facility. If the Group has no specific plans for draw down on the loan commitment, the transaction 
costs are amortised over the commitment period. 

Cash flow from financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities includes proceeds from issuance of new ordinary shares, proceeds 
from issuance of shares related to exercise of sharebased compensation. and related costs, finance lease 
installments, loan financing and purchase of treasury shares. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and bank balances. Cash and cash equivalents are instruments 
with original maturities of 90 days or less. The Company does not have any cash equivalents for the years 
ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202155

Notes

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

Information on COVID-19
Our business, operations and clinical studies were, of course, impacted by the effects of  
COVID-19. Although our clinical studies continued without interruption during 2021, there were delays 
and increased total costs arising from the implications of COVID-19.

However, we have not recognized any write-offs, impairments of assets, or losses to onerous contracts 
due to COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is also having an effect on other aspects of our business, including: our 
third-party manufacturers, and other third parties; albeit with no material effect or impact. The COV-
ID-19 pandemic may, in the long-term, affect the productivity of our staff; our ability to attract, integrate, 
manage and retain qualified personnel or key employees; our global supply chains and relationships with 
vendors and other parties; significant disruption of global financial markets; and reduced ability to secure 
additional funding. We continuously monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on our 
business and financials.

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires Management to make judgments and 
estimates that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accom-
panying disclosures. In applying our accounting policies, Management is required to make judgements 
and estimates about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 
sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors 
that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and 
underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recog-
nized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period 
of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The estimates used are based on assumptions assessed to be reasonable by Management. However, 
estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. The assumptions may be incomplete or inaccurate, 
and unexpected events or circumstances may occur. Furthermore, we are subject to risks and uncertain-
ties that may result in deviations in actual results compared with estimates.

Please refer to the table below to see in which note the accounting estimates and judgements are pre-
sented.

Notes including management’s estimates and judgements

2 - Going concern uncertainties 
3 – Revenue 
7 – Employee incentive programs 
27 – Rebate and product return liabilities 

Estimates 

  Judgements

X 
X 
X 

X
X

X

Additional description of Management's estimates and judgements made are described below and in note 2.

Revenue recognition (management estimate and judgement)
Revenue comprises license payments, upfront- and milestone payments, product revenue and royalty 
income. License payments which provide the buyer with the right to use the license as it exists at the 
date of transfer are recognized upon transfer of the associated licensing rights at the point at which the 
buyer obtains the right to use the license. Upon entering into agreements with multiple components, 
Management determines whether individual components are distinct, which is the case if the buyer can 
obtain benefits from the goods or service and the promise is distinct within the context of the contract. 
If no individual components are distinct, the contract is treated as a single performance obligation. When 
entering into licensing and development agreements, a critical judgment relates to whether the custom-
er could continue development of the Intellectual Property (IP) to the stage promised by Zealand under 
the promise to provide R&D services. If this is not the case, the IP and the R&D services are considered a 
single performance obligation. 

Milestone payments are related to the collaborative research agreements with commercial partners and 
are recognized when it is highly probable that Zealand Pharma will become entitled to the milestone 
which is generally when the milestone is achieved. Royalty income from licenses is based on third-party 
sales of licensed products and is recognized in accordance with contract terms in the period in which the 
sales occur.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 2

56

Notes

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

Revenue from transactions involving the rendering of services which are consumed by the customer 
simultaneously with delivery is recognized along with delivery of the services.

Employee incentive programs (management estimates)
In accordance with IFRS 2, Share-based Payment, the fair value of the warrants classified as equity settled 
is measured at the grant date and recognized as an expense in the income statement over the vesting pe-
riod. The fair value of each warrant granted during the year is estimated using the Black– Scholes option 
pricing model. This requires the input of subjective assumptions such as:

•  The expected stock price volatility, which is based on the historical volatility of Zealand’s share price
•  The selection of the risk-free interest rate, which is determined as the interest rate on Danish 

 government bonds with a maturity equal to the expected term

• The duration of the warrants, which is assumed to be until the middle of the exercise period

The total fair value of the warrants is recognized in the income statement over the vesting period. An 
adjustment is made to reflect an expected attrition rate during the vesting period. The attrition rate is 
re-estimated at year-end based on the historical attrition rate resulting in recognition of an expense equal 
to grant date fair value of the number of warrants which actually vest.

Rebate and product return liabilities (management estimate and judgement)
Liabilities regarding sales rebates and discounts granted to government agencies, wholesalers, retail phar-
macies, managed care and other customers are recorded at the time the related revenues are recorded 
or when the incentives are offered. 

For both managed care rebates and the Medicare part D rebates, the key assumptions relate to the rebate 
percentages by each pharmacy as determined in each pharmacy's contract with the Company and 
forecasted number of prescriptions that will be filled by each pharmacy (referred to as payor mix). For 
co-pay card redemptions, the key assumptions relate to expected settlement rate for sales units remain-
ing in the channel that have yet to be presented under co-pay terms. These assumptions are made based 
on historical actuals, which are used to estimate forecasted trends, including payor mix and settlement 
rates, which are used to estimate the expected settlement of managed care rebates and Medicare part 
D rebates, and co-pay card redemption, and the specific terms in the individual agreements. Unsettled 
rebates are recognized as liabilities when the timing or amount is uncertain. Where absolute amounts are 
known, the rebates are recognized as accruals. Please refer to note 27 for further information on sales 
rebates and liabilities.

iXBRL reporting
Zealand Pharma is required to file its annual report in the European Single Electronic Format (‘ESEF’) and 
The Annual Report is therefore prepared in the XHTML format that can be displayed in a standard brows-
er. The primary statements in the consolidated financial statements are tagged using inline eXtensible 
Business Reporting Language (iXBRL). The iXBRL tags comply with the ESEF taxonomy, which is included 
in the ESEF Regulation and developed based on the IFRS taxonomy published by the IFRS Foundation. 
Where a financial statement line item is not defined in the ESEF taxonomy, an extension to the taxono-
my has been created. Extensions are anchored to elements in the ESEF taxonomy, except for extensions 
which are subtotals. The Annual Report submitted to the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority consists 
of the XHTML document together with certain technical files, all included in a file named 549300ITB-
B1ULBL4CZ12-2021-12-31-en.zip.

Note 2 – Going Concern uncertainties

The Company monitors its funding position on a monthly basis to ensure that it has access to sufficient li-
quidity to meet its forecasted cash requirements. Analyses are run to reflect different scenarios including, 
but not limited to, cash runway, human capital resources and pipeline priorities in order to identify liquid-
ity risk and enable Management and the Board of Directors to prepare for new financing transaction and/
or take relevant expense management activities to allow the Company to continue as a going concern.

As of the date of these financial statements the Company, with it's current strategic plans, anticipates that 
the current cash position and the cash requirements per the 2022 Annual Budget will provide a positive 
cash runway until April 2023 but will exceed the terms of liquidity covenant as part of the Oberland Note 
Purchase Agreement and hence, a working capital deficit in September 2022 without additional financing 
and/or cost reductions. While reviewing the Company’s strategic plans and priorities, Management and 
the Board of Directors are working on extending the cash runway by means of new additional funding for 
the Company, either through issuance of shares, issuance of debt instruments, establishment of royalty 
arrangements, divestments, expense management activities or a combination of such, and on this basis 
believes it is probable that sufficient resources will be obtained in due time prior to the end of September 
2022 to enable the Company to continue its activities as planned well into 2023. On this basis Manage-
ment has prepared the financial statements based on a going concern assumption.

Since such new source of funding is not obtained of the date of these financial statements, substantial 
doubt regarding going concern exist, and therefore the Company may be unable to realize its assets and 
discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Con Fin – Note 3

57

Notes

Note 3 – Revenue

  Accounting policies

Revenue comprises milestone payments, license payments and sale of goods.  

Milestone and license payments
Milestone payments related to the collaborative research agreements with commercial partners are 
recognized when it is highly probable that Zealand Pharma will become entitled to the milestone which 
is generally when the milestone is achieved. Royalty income from licenses is based on third-party sales of 
licensed products and is recognized in accordance with contract terms in the period in which the sales 
occur.

License payments which provide the buyer with the right to use the license as it exists at the date of trans-
fer are recognized upon transfer of the associated licensing rights at the point at which the buyer obtains 
the right to use the license.

Upon entering into agreements with multiple components, Management determines whether individual 
components are distinct, which is the case if the buyer can obtain benefits from the goods or service and 
the promise is distinct within the context of the contract. If no individual components are distinct, the 
contract is treated as having a single performance obligation.

Revenue from Alexion (license and collaboration agreement)
Revenue is recognized based on the percentage of completion of the R&D services, which is estimated 
based on the expenses incurred during that period compared to planned service periods and budgetted 
costs. Zealand applies the output based method (budget cost) when determining the timing of satisfac-
tion of performance obligations as the development services are performed by an indeterminate number 
of acts over the development timeline.

Product sales
Product sales represent net invoice value less estimated sales rebates and product returns, which are 
considered to be variable consideration and include significant estimates. Sales are recognised when 
the control of the goods has been transferred to a third party. This is usually when title passes to the 
customer, either on shipment or on receipt of goods by the customer, depending on local trading terms. 
In markets where returns are significant, estimates of returns are accounted for at the point revenue is 
recognised. Revenue is not recognised in full until it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the 
amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur.

Recognized revenue can be specified as follows for all agreements and product sales:

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. 
Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. 
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 
Undisclosed counterpart 
Total license and milestone revenue 

Gross product sales 
Sales rebates 
Returns and sales reductions 
Total net product sales 

22,311 
30,185 
25,381 
30,669 
0 
108,546 

149,120 
42,881 
0 
0 
0 
192,001 

354,599 
-157,016 
-13,562 
184,021 

303,658 
-133,924 
-8,421 
161,313 

0
38,021
0
0
3,312
41,333

0
0
0
0

Total revenue 

292,567 

353,314 

41,333

Total revenue recognized over time 
Total revenue recognized at a point in time 

30,185 
262,382 

42,881 
310,433 

38,021
3,312

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58

Information about Geographical Areas
Net revenue in Germany comprises DKK 53.0 million (2020: DKK 149.1 million) in milestone revenue and 
net revenue in United States comprise DKK 239.6 million (2020: DKK 204.2 million) including license 
revenues and sale of goods. No other country accounts for more than 10% of the net total sales. In 2021 
we had 3 significant customers with revenue from sale of goods. Customer A, amounted to DKK 67.2 
million (2020: DKK 60.6 million), Customer B amounted to DKK 52.8 million (2020: DKK 48.4 million) and 
Customer C DKK 45.0 million (2020: DKK 37.7 million).

Of the Company’s non-current assets, which comprise intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, 
right-of-use assets and prepayments, DKK 184.8 million is located in Denmark and DKK 106.9 million in 
United States.

Notes

Note 3 – Revenue (continued)

Revenue from Boehringer Ingelheim (BI)
In 2021, we recognized DKK 22.3 million (2020: DKK 149.1 million) as income from milestone payments.

Revenue from Alexion
In 2021, we recognized DKK 30.2 million (2020: DKK 42.9 million and 2019: DKK 38.0 million) as income 
from the license, research and development agreement signed in March 2019 reflecting the progress on 
the lead project. Under the agreement DKK 67.6 million is accounted for as deferred revenue at Decem-
ber 31, 2021.

In 2019, DKK 0.6 million of other revenue is recognized related to other projects with Alexion.

Revenue from Protagonist Therapeutics Inc.
In 2021, we recognized DKK 25.4 million as a milestone payment (2020 and 2019: DKK 0.0 million).

Revenue from other agreements
In 2021 and 2020, we recognized zero revenue from other agreements.

In 2019, we recognized DKK 3.3 million in revenue from a license option payment from an undisclosed 
counterpart relating to a Material Transfer Agreement.

Revenue from Sanofi
In 2021, we recognized DKK 30.7 million as a milestone payment.

No revenue was recognized in 2020 or 2019.

Revenue from product sales
Revenue in 2021 of DKK 184.0 million from sale of goods comprise our current two products, V-Go 
and Zegalogue. In 2020, we recognized DKK 161.3 million as net sales from goods sold generated from 
our V-Go product. The rights to the V-Go product was acquired on April 2, 2020 as part of the business 
combination described in note 31. Thus revenue from sale of the V-Go product recognized in 2020 solely 
relates to the period April 2 - December 31.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202159

Notes

Note 3 – Revenue (continued)

Accounting treatment for the Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Agreement
In March 2019, Zealand entered into a license, research and development agreement with Alexion Phar-
maceuticals, Inc. (Alexion) to develop novel therapies to treat complement mediated diseases. This agree-
ment provided Zealand an immediate cash injection as well as further external validation of Zealand’s 
peptide platform.

The collaboration with Alexion is not limited to the project C3 but offers the potential to work on identi-
fication of peptide inhibitors to up to three additional components of the complement cascade. Zealand 
will have responsibility for the C3 project and other targets up to IND and Alexion will then progress the 
peptides into clinical development. 

Under the Alexion license, research and development agreement, Zealand has received an upfront 
non-refundable payment of USD 25 million for the C3 program and a concurrent USD 15 million equity 
investment in Zealand at a premium to the market price. The agreement also provides the potential for 
development-related milestones of up to USD 115 million, as well as up to USD 495 million in sales-re-
lated milestones and high single- to low double-digit royalty payments. The 3 additional programs will 
provide further non-refundable upfront payments (USD 15 million each), development and sales mile-
stone and royalties.

The non-refundable up-front fee was allocated to the combined license, research and development ser-
vices, and is being recognized as revenue along with provision of the research and development services 
under the lead program. Expenses to provide the services is being recognized when incurred. Further, the 
premium over the market share price on the Zealand shares subscribed by Alexion, DKK 12.7 million, is 
attributed to the Agreement as further consideration and consequently also recognized over the period 
over which the R&D services are provided. Alexion has paid USD 40 million, corresponding to DKK 262.9 
million that as of December 31, 2019 has affected equity by DKK 85.6 million, deferred revenue by DKK 
139.9 million, and revenue by DKK 37.4 million in 2019. Hence the cash flow from operating activities was 
DKK 177.3 million and the cash flow from financing activities was DKK 85.6 million.

In 2021 revenue of DKK 30.2 million (2020: DKK 42.9 million and 2019: DKK 38.0 million) was recognized.

Milestone payments, if any, will be recognized as revenue when the relevant milestones are achieved 
as they relate to performance obligations already satisfied at this stage. Royalty payments, if any, will be 
recognized along with the underlying sales.

Significant judgement applied (performance obligations and revenue recognition) 
Determination of whether the license transferred and the research and development services constitute 
separate performance obligations, or form part a single performance obligation comprising a combined 
output has a significant impact on the accounting treatment. Zealand has applied significant judgment 
to determine whether the promised services are distinct and concluded that Alexion cannot benefit from 
the license alone. It is Zealand assessment that the R&D services under this agreement requires specif-
ic Zealand know-how and expertise which cannot be easily identified or sourced externally. Therefore, 
Alexion would not in the absence of the contractual provisions have had the practical ability to engage a 
third-party R&D service provider to provide the agreed R&D services.

Judgments and estimates in respect of output is made when entering the agreement and is based on 
research and development budgets and plans. The planned service periods (output) and budget costs 
for the respective research and development projects are assessed on an ongoing basis. If the expected 
service period is changed significantly, this will require a reassessment.  

All Zealand’s revenue-generating transactions have been subject to such evaluation by management.

As the nature of the collaboration with Alexion may affect the accounting treatment of the agreement, 
Zealand has considered whether the agreement takes the form of a collaborative partnership with Alexion 
rather than a customer-vendor agreement. After consideration of all facts and circumstances, Zealand 
has assessed that the agreement takes the form of a customer-vendor relationship. Accordingly, the 
agreement is treated under the guidelines of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

As any additional programs are optional and paid for separately, they are not considered part of the initial 
agreement. It has been considered whether the options for additional components represent a material 
right and, thus, a separate performance obligation under the initial agreement to which a portion of the 
initial upfront payment should be allocated. Zealand has determined that the probability of exercising the 
option is low and in combination with the fact that the development is significantly less advanced than 
the lead target, we have determined that the options do not represent a material right.

Accounting treatment for revenue from product sales
Revenue from sale of goods is recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to 
the customer and recorded net of adjustments for managed care rebates, wholesale distributions fees, 
cash discounts, prompt pay discounts, and co-pay card redemptions, all of which are established at the 
time of sale.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Notes

Note 3 – Revenue (continued)

In order to prepare the consolidated financial statements, the company is required to make estimates 
regarding the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related product sales, including the following: 

•  Managed care and Medicare rebates, which are based on the estimated end user pay or mix and related 

contractual rebates;

•  Distribution fees, prompt pay discounts and other discounts, which are recorded based on specified 

payment terms, and which vary by customer and other incentive programs; and 

•  Co-pay card redemption charges which are based on the net transaction costs of prescriptions filled 

via a company-subsidized card program and other incentive programs.

Zealand believes rebates and co-pay card redemptions related to sales in the U.S. are complex in nature 
and establishing appropriate provisions requires assessment of multiple factors as well as significant 
judgement and estimation by management as not all conditions are known at the time of sale.

The Group has concluded that it is the principal in which revenue arrangements since it controls the 
goods before transferring them to the customer.

We record allowances for product returns as a reduction of revenue at the time product sales are record-
ed. Several factors are considered in determining whether an allowance for product returns is required, 
including the customers’ return rights and our historical experience with returns and the amount of prod-
uct sales in the distribution channel not consumed by patients and subject to return. Management replies 
on historical return rates to estimate returns. In the future, as any of these factors and/or the history of 
product returns change, adjustments to the allowance for product returns will be reflected.

60

Accounting for the Sanofi License Agreement
All future royalties and all but up to DKK 98.4 million (USD 15 million) of future milestone payments relat-
ing to the Sanofi License Agreement were sold to Royalty Pharma in September 2018. 

In 2021, Zealand Pharma received a milestone of DKK 30.7 million (USD 5.0 million. None in 2020 or 
2019), and as of December 31, 2021, there is one milestone that remains outstanding for DKK 65.6 million 
(USD 10 million). Outstainding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were DKK 98.4 million (USD 15 million)

Accounting for the Boehringer Ingelheim License Agreements
In 2011, Zealand entered into a license, research and development collaboration agreement with 
Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (BI) to advance novel GLP-1/glucagon dualacting peptide 
receptor agonists (GGDAs) for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Under the terms 
of the 2011 BI License Agreement, BI paid a fixed amount per full-time employee and other costs related 
to all research, development and commercialization in respect of the compounds covered by the agree-
ment. 

Zealand is eligible to receive license and milestone payments of up to EUR 386 million, of which EUR 345 
million was outstanding at December 31, 2021, related to the achievement of pre-specified development, 
regulatory and commercial milestones for the lead product. We are also eligible to receive tiered royalties 
ranging from high single-digit to low double-digit percentages on BI’s sales of all products stemming 
from this collaboration. In addition, we retain copromotion rights in Scandinavia.

In 2014, Zealand entered into a second global license, research and development collaboration agree-
ment with BI (the 2014 BI License Agreement). This agreement pertained to a collaboration on a specific 
therapeutic peptide project from our portfolio of preclinical programs for a period of up to four and a half 
years, with the aim of developing novel drugs to improve the treatment of patients with cardiometabolic 
diseases. In 2015, BI selected a novel peptide therapeutic to be advanced into preclinical development 
under this agreement.

No product candidates out licensed to BI are currently marketed, and accordingly we have not received 
any royalty payments to date under our licensing agreements with BI.

Milestone payments are recognized as revenue when the relevant milestones are achieved.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Notes

Note 4 – Royalty expenses

  Accounting policies

Con Fin – Note 4-5

61

Note 5 – Research, development, sales, marketing and administrative expenses

  Accounting policies

Royalty expenses comprise contractual amounts payable to third parties that are derived from milestone 
payments. Royalty expense is recognized in the income statement when the related payments and mile-
stone events in the corresponding collaboration agreements materialize. 

Research expenses comprise salaries, share-based compensation, 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. 

We have agreed to pay some of our revenue in deferred payments or royalties to third parties. At the time 
of the dissolution of a former joint venture with Elan Corporation, plc (Elan) and certain of its subsidiaries 
that were party to the joint venture agreement with us, we agreed to pay royalties to Elan – now Alkermes 
plc, as successor in interest to a termination agreement between us and the Elan entities – including 13% 
of future payments we receive in respect of lixisenatide under the Sanofi License Agreement.

In addition, we have agreed to pay a royalty of 0.5% of the total amounts we receive in connection with 
our SIP-modified peptides, including lixisenatide, to one of the inventors of our SIP technology, who is 
one of our employees. The royalty to be paid to this inventor is calculated on the basis of all the amounts 
we receive, including license payments, milestone payments and sales. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, the royal-
ty expenses relate to mentioned inventor.

Development expenses comprise salaries, share-based compensation, contributions to pension schemes 
and other expenses, including depreciation and amortization, directly attributable to the Group’s devel-
opment activities. Development expenses are recognized in the income statement as incurred, except 
where the capitalization criteria are met.

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’ associat-
ed undertakings.

Research and development expenses 
A development project involves a single product candidate undergoing a large number of tests to 
demonstrate its safety profile and its 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 signif-
icant 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 expenses 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 regulatory and 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. Zealand has not capitalized any development expenses in 2021, 2020 or 2019.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
Con Fin – Note 6

62

Notes

Note 5 – Research, development, sales, marketing and administrative expenses (continued)

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Staff costs, cf. note 7 
Depreciation and impairment losses, property,  
plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, cf. note 13-15 
Other external research and development costs  
Total research and development costs 

-239,512 

-204,210 

-178,089

-20,636 
-328,305 
-588,453 

-17,417 
-382,454 
-604,081 

-4,422
-378,912
-561,423

Sale and Marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses include expenses for sales personnel and expenses related to company 
premises in the US used for sales activities. Other significant expenses include product demonstration 
samples, trade show expenses, professional fees for our contracted customer support center and other 
consultants, insurance, facilities and information technology expenses. Overhead expenses have been 
allocated to sales and marketing expenses according to the number of employees in each department, 
based on the respective employees’ associated undertakings.

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Staff costs, cf. note 7 
Depreciation and impairment losses, property,  
plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, cf. note 13-15 
Other external sale and marketing costs 
Total Sale and Marketing expenses 

-145,245 

-130,568 

-92 
-229,932 
-375,269 

-640 
-154,048 
-285,256 

0

0
0
0

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses include expenses for administrative personnel, expenses related to compa-
ny premises, depreciation on tangible assets and right-of-use assets, investor relations, etc. Overhead 
expenses have been allocated to research and development or administrative expenses according to the 
number of employees in each department, based on the respective employees’ associated undertakings.

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Staff costs, cf. note 7 
Depreciation and impairment losses, property,  
plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, cf. note 13-15 
Other external administrative costs 
Total Administrative expenses 

-127,630 

-78,639 

-40,141

-4,390 
-128,967 
-260,987 

-5,042 
-119,089 
-202,770 

0
-27,740
-67,881

Note 6 – Fees to auditors appointed at the Annual General Meeting

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Audit 
Audit-related services and other assurance engagements 
Other 
Total fees 

7,879 
721 
0 
8,600 

5,941 
1,002 
0 
6,943 

1,847
1,731
12
3,590

The fee for audit-related services and other assurance engagements and other services provided to the 
Group by EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab in 2021 and 2020 consisted of Audit of Annual Report, 
Audit of 20-F SEC filing, including SOX 404b attestation procedures, quarterly reviews, other auditor’s 
reports on various statements for public authorities, and other accounting advisory services. (Deloitte 
Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab in 2019).

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 7

63

Notes

Note 7 – Information on staff and remuneration

  Accounting policies

The value of services received as consideration for granted warrants is measured at the fair value of the 
warrant. The fair value of equity settled share-based compensation is determined at the grant date and is 
recognized in the income statement as employee benefit expense over the period in which the warrants 
vest. The offsetting entry to this is recognized under equity. An estimate is made of the number of war-
rants expected to vest. Subsequently, an adjustment is made for changes in the estimate of the number 
of warrants, which will vest, so the total expense is equal to fair value of the actual number of warrants 
which vest. The fair value of warrants granted is estimated using the Black–Scholes pricing model and 
Monte Carlo model in programs with value caps whereas the average share price prior to grant is used for 
RSU and PSUs. 

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Total staff costs can be specified as follows: 
Wages and salaries 
Share-based compensation 
Pension schemes (defined contribution plans) 
Other payroll and staff-related costs 
Total staff costs 

The amount is charged as: 

Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Cost of goods sold 
Inventory 
Total staff costs 

410,007 
53,737 
23,993 
54,541 
542,278 

337,295 
30,485 
16,716 
37,241 
421,737 

175,104
14,764
13,430
14,932
218,230

239,512 
145,245 
127,630 
20,954 
8,937 
542,278 

204,210 
130,568 
78,639 
3,713 
4,607 
421,737 

178,089
0
40,141
0
0
218,230

Average number of employees 

346 

297 

173

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64

Notes

Note 7 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Base 
board fees 

Committee 
fees 

Total  
fees 

Base 
board fees 

Committee 
fees 

Total  
fees 

Base 
board fees 

Committee 
fees 

Total  
fees

Remuneration to the Board of Directors 
Martin Nicklasson 
Kirsten Drejer 
Alain Munoz 
Michael Owen 
Bernadette Mary Connaughton 
Jeffrey Berkowitz 
Leonard Kruimer 
Jens Peter Stenvang1 
Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen1,2 
Frederik Barfoed Beck1 
Iben Louise Gjelstrup¹ 
Hanne Heidenheim Bak² 
Rosemary Crane 
Catherine Moukheibir 
Anneline Nansen3 
Total 
1   Employee-elected board members; the table only includes remuneration for board work.
2   Hanne Heidenheim Bak resigned from the board in 2020 and Gertrud Koefod Rasmussen resigned from the Board in 2021.
3  Anneline Nansen joined the Board in 2021.
The disclosed remuneration for board members excludes minor mandatory social security costs paid by the company.
It also excludes reimbursed expenses incurred in connection with board meetings, such as travel and accommodation.

999 
446 
308 
308 
308 
308 
308 
308 
67 
308 
308 
0 
0 
0 
33 
4,009 

208 
208 
415 
415 
346 
346 
553 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
2,491 

1,207 
653 
723 
723 
653 
653 
861 
308 
67 
308 
308 
0 
0 
0 
33 
6,497 

750 
500 
400 
400 
400 
400 
400 
400 
267 
267 
267 
133 
0 
0 
0 
4,584 

100 
0 
50 
50 
33 
50 
150 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
433 

850 
500 
450 
450 
433 
450 
550 
400 
267 
267 
267 
133 
0 
0 
0 
5,017 

750 
467 
400 
400 
267 
267 
267 
400 
0 
0 
0 
400 
133 
133 
0 
3,884 

100 
0 
50 
50 
0 
33 
100 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
17 
50 
0 
400 

850
467
450
450
267
300
367
400
0
0
0
400
150
183
0
4,284

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 7 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

65

DKK thousand 

2021
Remuneration to the Executive Management 
Emmanuel Dulac¹ 
Adam Sinding Steensberg² 
Matthew Donald Dallas³ 
Total 

Total Other Corporate Management⁵ 

Total 

2020
Remuneration to the Executive Management 
Emmanuel Dulac¹ 
Adam Sinding Steensberg² 
Matthew Donald Dallas³ 
Total 

Total Other Corporate Management⁵ 

Total 

2019
Remuneration to the Executive Management 
Emmanuel Dulac¹ 
Adam Sinding Steensberg² 
Matthew Donald Dallas³ 
Britt Meelby Jensen⁴ 
Mats Blom⁴ 
Total 

Total other Corporate Management⁵  

Base salary 

Pension 
Bonus  contribution 

Other  Share-based  
short term  compensation 
expenses 

benefits 

Severance 
payments 

5,099 
3,056 
2,878 
11,033 

9,022 

20,055 

4,950 
2,967 
2,721 
10,638 

6,386 

17,024 

3,100 
2,807 
588 
1,745 
655 
8,895 

6,559 

3,059 
1,193 
1,182 
5,434 

3,429 

8,863 

3,267 
1,266 
1,191 
5,724 

2,739 

8,463 

9,072 
1,032 
534 
419 
248 
11,305 

2,580 

1,020 
611 
37 
1,668 

497 

2,165 

990 
593 
36 
1,619 

313 

1,932 

620 
505 
0 
175 
66 
1,366 

389 

1,755 

243 
286 
48 
577 

564 

12,182 
4,829 
4,086 
21,097 

8,319 

1,141 

29,416 

0 
0 
0 
0 

2,772 

2,772 

699 
282 
15 
996 

286 

1,282 

855 
269 
5 
60 
61 
1,250 

46 

1,296 

2,534 
2,281 
1,707 
6,522 

3,423 

9,945 

832 
2,304 
82 
0 
1,677 
4,895 

1,972 

6,867 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 

0 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

0 

0 

Total

21,603
9,975
8,232
39,810

24,602

64,412

12,440
7,389
5,670
25,499

13,147

38,646

14,479
6,917
1,209
2,399
2,707
27,711

11,546

39,257

¹  Emmanuel Dulac was appointed as CEO at April 25, 2019.
²  Former Interim CEO Adam Sinding Steensberg was appointed EVP, 

R&D and CMO at April 25, 2019.

³  Matthew Donald Dallas was appointed CFO at October 10, 2019.
⁴  Former CEO Britt Meelby Jensen and former CFO Mats Blom 

resigned from Zealand at February 28, 2019 and March 28, 2019, 
respectively.

⁵  Other Corporate Management in 2021 comprised three members 

(2020: three and 2019: three.)

Total 

15,454 

13,885 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 7 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

In order to motivate and retain key employees, management and board of directors and encourage the 
achievement of common goals for employees, management and shareholders, the Group has established 
this incentive plan based on RSUs, PSUs and warrants programs.

Total share-based costs split on share-based type 

2021 

2020 

2019

PSUs 
RSUs 
Warrants 
Total 

14,765 
23,701 
15,271 
53,737 

900 
1,100 
28,485 
30,485 

500
0
14,264
14,764

Movement table of PSU granted shares below:

No of PSUs 

Number of shares 
At January 1 
Granted during the year 
Vested during the year 
Forfeited during the year 
At December 31 

66

2021 

2020 

2019

19,765 
282,852 
0 
-30,856 
271,761 

19,765 
0 
0 
0 
19,765 

0
22,915
0
-3,150
19,765

Total share-based costs split on cost type 

2021 

2020 

2019

Cost of goods sold 
Research and development expenses 
Sale and Marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Inventory 
Total 

521 
22,158 
2,259 
27,972 
827 
53,737 

0 
14,005 
6,045 
10,435 
0 
30,485 

0
12,191
0
2,573
0
14,764

PSU programs
The number of performance share units granted in 2021 are 282,852 of which 185,162 were granted on 
May 12 and 97,090 on May 27. The value is determined based on the Company's share price on Nasdaq 
Copenhagen A/S on the day of the grant.

The programs granted in 2021 are initially valued at DKK 51.7 million (2020: DKK 3.2 million).

The PSU's vest linear or gradually over 3 years. 

RSU programs
The number of restricted share units granted in the period April 29 to December 7, 2021, totals 507,461. 
The value is determined based on the Company's share price on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S on the day of 
the grant.

The programs granted in 2021 are initially valued at DKK 92.2 million (2020: DKK 6.1 million). The RSU's 
vest linear or gradually over 3 years.

Movement table of RSU granted shares below:

No of RSUs 

Number of shares 
At January 1 
Granted during the year 
Vested during the year 
Forfeited during the year 
At December 31 

2021 

2020 

2019

27,466 
507,461 
-163 
-74,675 
460,089 

0 
27,466 
0 
0 
27,466 

0
0
0
0
0

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67

Notes

Note 7 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Employee warrant programs
Incentive programs have been offered in 2005, 2007 and in the 2009-2020 period. No new warrant pro-
grams were issued in 2021.

Warrant programs existing during the period 

2020 

2015

Warrant programs existing during the period 

2020 

2015 

2010

The employee incentive programs of

The employee incentive programs of

Maximum years of options granted 
Method of settlement  

2021 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 
Granted during the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Expired during the period 
Outstanding at the end of the period  
Exercisable at the end of the period 

Warrants outstanding at the end of the period 
Range of exercise prices 
Weighted-average remaining contractual life 
Number held by Executive Management 

The Board of directors have not been granted warrants.

10 years 

5 years
  equity-settled  equity-settled

Maximum years of options granted 
Method of settlement  

10 years 

5 years 
  equity-settled   equity-settled

5 years

63,217 
0 
0 
0 
0 
63,217 
21,073 

1,908,920
0
-214,348
-233,595
-47,000
1,413,977
529,596

216.8 
8.7 
0 

90-224.4
3.8
353,409

2020 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 
Granted during the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Expired during the period 
Outstanding at the end of the period  
Exercisable at the end of the period 

Warrants outstanding at the end of the period 
Range of exercise prices 
Weighted-average remaining contractual life 
Number held by Executive Management 

0 
63,217 
0 
0 
0 
63,217 
0 

1,647,788 
631,288 
-53,747 
-276,409 
-40,000 
1,908,920 
301,529 

42,359
0
0
-42,359
0
0
0

216.8 
9.7 
0 

90.0-224.4 
4.9 
373,409 

101.2-127.1
0
0

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 7 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Warrants exercised during the period 

Weighted-average share price at the date of exercise 
Weighted-average exercise price for warrants expired during the period 
Weighted-average exercise price for warrants forfeited during the period 
Weighted-average exercise price for warrants outstanding at period end 

2021 

2020

186.1 
142.5 
206.2 
159.6 

234.7
101.2
169.2
158.5

Determination of fair value of the warrants granted during the period
The exercise price is determined by the closing price of Zealand’s shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen on the 
day prior to the grant date. For warrants granted before April 19, 2018, the exercise price was determined 
by the closing price of Zealand’s shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen on the day prior to the grant date plus 
10%.

Warrants granted prior to April 15, 2020 expire automatically after five years. Warrants vest either after 3 
years of service, with 1/36 each month from the grant date, or with 1/3 after one year, 1/3 after two years 
and 1/3 after three years. The service cost is recognized over the respective vesting periods. Warrants 
granted from April 15, 2020 and going forward expires automatically after 10 years.

Warrants may be exercised four times a year during a four-week period starting from the date of the pub-
lication of Zealand’s Annual Report or interim reports. Dividend is not expected.

For warrants granted before January 1, 2019, the volatility rate used is based on the 5-year historical vola-
tility of the Zealand share price. For warrants granted after January 1, 2019, the volatility rate used is based 
on a historical volatility of the Zealand share price calculated as the vesting period of 3 years plus 50% of 
the exercise period (2020: 7 years, 2019: 2 years).

68

The fair value of the warrants compensation granted in 2020 was determined using the Black-Scholes 
and Monte Carlo model using the following inputs as at day of grant and using average fair market value 
for RSUs and PSUs:

Grant year 

2021 

2021 

2020 

2020 

2019 

2019

PSUs 

RSUs 

RSUs 

Warrants 

PSU 

Warrants

36 months   36 months  36 months 

- 

- 

185.9- 

131.2- 

191.6 

207.6 

- 

216.8- 

224.4

Up to 78 
months 

216.8 
to 224.4 

- 

Exercise price (DKK) 

0 

0 

0 

224.1 

Volatility (%) 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

44.68 
to 46.45 

-0.31 
to -0.41 

Apr'21 
to Apr'30 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

Type 

Term 

Weighted average 
share price (DKK) 

Share price at 

grant date (DKK) 

Risk-free  
interest rate (%) 

Exercise period 
to-from 

No granted 

Cost price (DKK) 

36 months 

- 

138.6 

0 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

Up to 48 
months

127.0 
to 220.0

-

127.0 
to 220.0

41.9 
to 43.5

-0.45 
to -0.63

Jun'20 
to Dec'24

282,852 

507,461 

 21,602  

631,288 

22,915 

641,029

185.9- 
191.6 

131.2- 
207.6 

216.8 
to 224.4 

48.4 
to 95.4 

138.6 

41.9 
to 69.5

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 8-9

69

Notes

Note 8 – Other operating income and expenses

  Accounting policies

Other operating income and expenses comprises gains from sale of intangible assets, research funding 
from business partners and government grants and bargain purchase gain.

Research funding is recognized in the period when the research activities have been performed and gov-
ernment grants are recognized periodically when the work supported by the grant has been reported.

Bargain purchase are recognized when the purchase price allocation is finalized.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 

2021 

2020 

2019

Government grants 
Gain from Bargain Purchase, cf. note 31 
Total other operating income 

Loss on retirement of fixed assets 
Total other operating expenses 

759 
0 
759 

-2,173 
-2,173 

602 
36,395 
36,997 

0 
0 

444
0
444

0
0

Zealand Pharma received government grants in the periods 2021, 2020 and 2019.

A bargain purchase gain of DKK 36 million was recognized in 2020 as part of the acquistion explained in 
note 31.

Note 9– Financial income

  Accounting policies

Financial income includes interest from trade receivables, as well as realized and unrealized exchange 
rate adjustments, fair value adjustments of other investments and marketable securities and dividends 
from marketable securities.

Interest income is recognized in the income statement in accordance with the effective interest rate 
method.

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Interest income from financial assets measured  
at amortized costs 
Fair value adjustments of marketable securities, cf. note 22 
Fair value adjustments of other investments, cf. note 16 
Exchange rate adjustments (primarily on USD deposits) 
Dividend, marketable securities 
Total financial income 

44 
1,852 
0 
39,315 
0 
41,211 

895 
0 
936 
0 
191 
2,022 

5,413
837
2,009
5,518
878
14,655

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 10 NY

70

Notes

Note 10 – Financial expenses

  Accounting policies

Financial expenses include interest expenses, as well as realized and unrealized exchange rate adjust-
ments, interest on lease obligations and fair value adjustments of securities.

Interest expense is recognized in the income statement in accordance with the effective interest rate 
method.

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Interest expenses  
Fair value adjustments of marketable securities, cf. note 22 
Fair value adjustments of other investments, cf. note 16 
Other financial expenses 
Exchange rate adjustments (primarily on USD deposits) 
Total financial expenses 

-4,091 
0 
-8,217 
-3,473 
0 
-15,781 

-2,895 
-2,103 
0 
-4,829 
-39,487 
-49,314 

-3,205
0
0
-185
0
-3,390

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 11

71

Notes

Note 11 – Income tax

  Accounting policies

Income tax on results for the year, which comprises current tax and changes in deferred tax, is recog-
nized 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 assets and liabilities are not recog-
nized 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 subsidi-
aries 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 ben-
efits 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 statement of financial position 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 phar-
maceutical industry is subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. Zealand Pharma Group 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, 2021 
(none recognized in 2020 or 2019), except for the US entities, which are profitable and therefore recog-
nize deferred tax on the balance sheet.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax 
assets against current tax liabilities, they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and 
the Group 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 set-
tled or the asset is realized, based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
at the statement of financial position date. Deferred tax from business combinations is initially recognized 
at fair value.

Income tax receivables are recognized in accordance with the Danish tax credit scheme 'Skattekreditord-
ningen'. Companies covered by the tax credit scheme may obtain payment of the tax base of losses origi-
nating from research and development expenses of up to DKK 25 million (tax value of DKK 5.5 million). 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202172

Notes

Note 11 – Income tax (continued)

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Net result for the year before tax 
Corporate tax rate in Denmark 

-1,026,940 
22.0% 

-839,653 
22.0% 

-576,677
22.0%

Expected tax benefit/(expenses) 
Adjustment for foreign tax rates 
Adjustment for non-deductible expenses 
Adjustment for non-taxable income 
Adjustment for warrants 
Adjustment for R&D extra deduction 
Adjustment to prior year 
Change in tax assets (not recognized) 
Total income tax expense/benefit 

-225,927 
461 
888 
0 
11,573 
-14,379 
-12,602 
231,196  
-8,790 

184,724 
-769 
1,927 
-6,844 
2,387 
-8,811 
931 
-180,621 
-7,076 

126,869
0
-947
964
8,664
1,676
0
-132,090
5,136

The above specifications related to warrants have been gathered in one line in 2021 and therefore the 
comparative numbers have been adjusted accordingly.

Specification of deferred tax assets: 
Tax losses carried forward (available indefinitely)  
Research and development expenses 
Intangible assets 
Non-current assets 
Liabilities 
Other 
Total temporary differences 

2,231,049 
842,775 
51,154 
89,414 
126,174 
55,075 
3,395,641 

1,281,505 
732,389 
40,373 
66,419 
188,787 
58,483 
2,365,956 

681,531
460,007
35,849
51,677
139,890
70,306
1,439,260

Calculated potential deferred tax asset at local tax rate 
Deferred tax asset not expected to be utilized 
Recognized deferred tax asset 

749,198 
-735,673 
13,525 

514,239 
-505,869 
8,370 

316,637
-316,637
0

Under Danish tax legislation, Zealand is eligible to receive DKK 5.5 million in 2021 (DKK 5.5 million in 2020 
and 2019) in tax return based on qualifying research and development expenses. 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 12

73

Notes

Note 12 – Basic and diluted earnings per share

  Accounting policies

Basic result per share
Basic result per share is calculated as the net result for the period that is allocated to the parent compa-
ny’s ordinary shares, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding deducted 
the treasury shares held by the company, cf. note 24.

Diluted result per share
Diluted result per share is calculated as the net result for the period that is allocated to the parent com-
pany’s ordinary shares, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding deducted 
the treasury shares, and adjusted by the dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares held by the company, 
cf. note 24.

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

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Net result for the year 
Net result used in the calculation of basic and  
diluted earnings/losses per share 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
Weighted average number of treasury shares 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used  
in the calculation of basic earnings per share 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used  
in the calculation of diluted earnings per share  

-1,018,149 

-846,729 

-571,541

-1,018,149 

-571,541
  43,192,383  38,433,923  33,866,709
-64,223

-322,988 

-846,729 

-64,223 

  42,869,395  38,369,700  33,802,486

  42,869,395  38,369,700  33,802,486

Basic earnings/loss per share (DKK) 
Diluted earnings/loss per share (DKK) 

-23,75 
-23,75 

-22.07 
-22.07 

-16.91
-16.91

The following potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive at December 31, 2021 (anti-dilutive at December 
31, 2020 and dilutive December 31, 2019) and are therefore not included in the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per share:

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Outstanding warrants under the 2010 employee  
incentive program 
Outstanding warrants under the 2015 employee  
incentive programs 
Outstanding Restricted Share Units (RSUs) under  
the LTIP programs 
Outstanding Performance Share Units (PSUs) under  
the LTIP program 
Outstanding warrants under the 2020 employee  
incentive program 
Total outstanding warrants 

0 

0 

42,359

1,413,977 

1,908,920 

1,647,788

460,089 

27,466 

0

271,761 

19,765 

19,765

63,217 
2,209,044 

63,217 
2,019,368 

0
1,709,912

- out of which these are dilutive 
- out of which these are anti-dilutive 

0 
2,209,044 

0 
2,019,368 

0
1,709,912

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 13

74

Notes

Note 13 – Intangible assets

  Accounting policies

Separately acquired licenses, rights and patents are initially measured at cost. Licenses, rights and patents 
acquired in connection with the purchase of a legal entity where substantially all of the fair value of the 
gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset are considered an asset acquisition and initially 
recognized at cost at the acquisition date. The cost accumulation model has been applied for accounting 
for contingent considerations, whereby all further consideration is added when incurred, to the cost of 
the asset initially recorded.

The acquired intangibles have a finite useful life and are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated 
amortizations using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life and impairment losses.  The 
amortization periods are as follows:

License, rights and patents: Amortization period will be determined once these IP rights are available for 
use

Intellectual property: 10 years

Physician relationship: 8 years

Amortizations will recognized in the income statement as Research & Development expenses when the 
intangibles are available for use based on the determined useful life. Useful lifetime is assessed continu-
ously for all new acquired assets.

If circumstances or changes in Zealand's operations indicate that the carrying amount of the intangibles 
may not be recoverable, Management will review the intangibles for impairment. Refer to note 17.

At December 31, 2021, licenses, rights and patents comprise a right that will be included in a future devel-
opment project originating from the acquisition of Encycle Therapeutics in October 2019. The useful life 
will be determined when the intangible asset is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capa-
ble of operating in the manner intended by management, which is when the amortizations will begin.

The right has been measured based on the overall cost of the transaction less the fair value of the cash 
balance and trade payables also acquired. The fair value of the contingent considerations related to En-
cycle Therapeutics was assessed to be zero as per the acquisition date due to Zealand applying the cost 
accumulation model for accounting for contingent considerations, whereby all further consideration is 
added when incurred, to the cost of the asset initially recorded.

Physician relationships and IP rights acquired through business combinations are measured at fair value at 
the acquisition date and amortized on a systematic basis over their useful life 8 and 10 years respectively 
(unless the asset has an indefinite useful life, in which case it is not amortized).

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202175

Notes

Note 13 – Intangible assets (continued)

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2021 
Additions 
Currency translation  
Cost at December 31, 2021 

Amortization and impairment at January 1, 2021  
Amortization for the year 
Currency translation 
Amortization and impairment at December 31, 2021 
Carrying amount at December 31, 2021 

Amortization and impairment for the financial year  
has been charged as:
Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

Remaining amortization period 

Licenses 
rights 
  and patents 

Intellectual 

Physician 
property  relationship

DKK thousand 

Licenses 
rights 
  and patents 

Intellectual 

Physician 
property  relationship

2,530 
0 
0 
2,530 

0 
0 
0 
0 
2,530 

0 
0 
0 
0 

- 

13,692 
0 
0 
13,692 

13,692 
0 
0 
13,692 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

60,576
0
5,037
65,613

5,621
7,859
873
14,353
51,260

0
7,859
0
7,859

Cost at January 1, 2020 
Additions due to business combinations, cf. note 31 
Additions 
Currency translations 
Cost at December 31, 2020 

Amortization and impairment at January 1, 2020 
Amortization for the year 
Impairment, cf. note 17 
Currency translation 
Amortization and impairment at December 31, 2020 
Carrying amount at December 31, 2020 

Amortization for the financial year has been charged as:
Sale and marketing expenses 
Total 

- 

6.25 years

Remaining amortization period 

2,480 
0 
0 
 50  
 2,530  

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
 2,530  

0 
13,692 
0 
0 
13,692 

0 
957 
12,735 
0 
13,692 
0 

0
68,459
0
-7,883
60,576

0
5,901
0
-280
5,621
54,955

0 
0 

- 

13,692 
13,692 

5,901
5,901

- 

7.25 years

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 14

76

Notes

Note 14 – Property, plant and equipment

  Accounting policies

The fair value of property, plant and equipment is assessed equivalent to the carrying amounts.

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.

Tangible assets under construction are recorded as work in progress until construction has been com-
pleted and use of asset commenced.

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

Buildings 5-13 years

Plant and machinery 5-10 years

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

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

At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amount of property, plant and equip-
ment 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 to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). If it is not possible to estimate the re-
coverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-gener-
ating 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.

No impairments to property. plant and equipment have been recognized for 2021, 2020 or 2019

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Plant and 
machinery 

Other fixtures 
and fittings 

Building 
improvements 

Assets under 
construction

Notes

Note 14 – Property, plant and equipment (continued)

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2021 
Transfer 
Additions 
Retirements 
Currency translation 
Cost at December 31, 2021 

Accumulated depreciation  
at January 1, 2021 
Transfer 
Depreciation for the year 
Retirements 
Currency translation 
Accumulated depreciation 
at December 31, 2021 
Carrying amount 
at December 31, 2021 

Depreciation for the  
financial year has been  
charged as:
Cost of goods sold 
Research and  
development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

85,898 
949 
7,118 
-3,169 
1 
90,797 

43,987 
0 
11,558 
-1,330 
1 

54,216 

36,581 

-7,151 

-3,621 
0 
-786 
-11,558 

15,279 
664 
1,444 
-1,630 
78 
15,835 

6,942 
0 
3,461 
-1,203 
40 

9,240 

6,595 

-121 

-2,568 
-92 
-680 
-3,461 

34,104 
0 
2,449 
-84 
131 
36,600 

2,335 
0 
3,128 
-73 
44 

5,434 

3,023
-1,613
11,122
-419
-1
12,112

0
0
0
0
0

0

31,166 

12,112

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2020 
Transfer 
Addition from  
business combinations 
Additions 
Retirements 
Currency translation 
Cost at December 31, 2020 

Accumulated depreciation  
at January 1, 2020 
Transfer 
Depreciation for the year 
Retirements 
Currency translation 
Accumulated depreciation 
at December 31, 2020 
Carrying amount 
at December 31, 2020 

0 

-2,715 
0 
-413 
-3,128 

0

0
0
0
0

Depreciation for the  
financial year has been  
charged as:
Research and  
development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

77

Plant and 
machinery 

Other fixtures 
and fittings 

Building 
improvements 

Assets under 
construction

57,153 
0 

33,875 
8,479 
-5,935 
-7,674 
85,898 

43,696 
0 
4,974 
-4,304 
-379 

43,987 

41,911 

-4,128 
-846 
0 
-4,974 

12,501 
0 

2,572 
1,566 
-985 
-375 
15,279 

4,164 
0 
2,301 
-985 
1,462 

6,942 

8,337 

-1,378 
-282 
-640 
-2,301 

13,773 
13,796 

1,707 
14,889 
-9,856 
-205 
34,104 

9,860 
0 
2,301 
-9,804 
-22 

2,335 

31,769 

-1,910 
-391 
0 
-2,301 

14,001
-13,796

2,984
109
0
-275
3,023

0
0
0
0
0

0

3,023

0
0
0
0

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
Con Fin – Note 15

78

Notes

Note 15 – Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities

  Accounting policies

Contracts may contain both lease and non-lease components. The group allocates the consideration in 
the contract to the lease and non-lease components according to the specific pricing of the services in 
the agreements.

Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and condi-
tions. The lease agreements do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the leased 
assets that are held by the lessor.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the 
income statement over the lease period to ensure a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining 
balance of the liability for each period.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following: 
•  the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability 
•  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received 
•  any initial direct costs and restoration costs.

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term 
on a straight-line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use 
asset is depreciated over the underlying asset’s useful life.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities 
include the net present value of the following lease payments:
•  fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable
•  variable lease payment that are based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as 

at the commencement date 

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the meas-
urement of the liability. 

Short-term and low value leases are also recognized as right-of-use assets.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be 
readily determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Group, the Group’s incremental borrow-
ing rate is used, being the rate that the group would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain 
an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, 
security and conditions.

The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, 
which are not included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments 
based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use 
asset. 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 202179

Notes

Note 15 – Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities (continued)

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position
The statement of financial position shows the following amounts relating to right-of-use assets:

Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the period:

DKK thousand 

As at January 1, 2021 
Additions 
Depreciation expense 
Currency translation 
As at December 31, 2021 

As at January 1, 2020 
Additions due to business combination, cf. note 31 
Additions 
Retirements 
Reversal of depreciations 
Depreciation expense 
Currency translation 
As at December 31, 2020 

Other 
Office   fixtures and 
fittings

Buildings 

126,821 
18,677 
-13,177 
1,050 
133,371 

84,148 
14,299 
42,725 
-6,035 
6,035 
-12,779 
-1,572 
126,821 

1,177
1,512
-1,066
0
1,623

1,484
0
581
-144
0
-744
0
1,177

The Group leases office buildings, equipment and vehicles. The rental contract for the HQ office building 
has been made for a minimum period of 13 years (terminable by the landlord after 15 years). Management 
has assessed the lease period to be 13 years. The rental contract for the US office site has been made 
for a minimum period of 16 years. Equipment and vehicles are leased over a period of 3-4 years with no 
extension option.

Variable lease payments are considered immaterial in 2021 and 2020.

As at January 1 
Additions due to business combinations, cf. note 31 
Additions 
Accretion of interest 
Payments 
Currency translation 
As at December 31 

Current 
Non-current 

The following are the amounts recognized in income statement:
Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Total amount recognized in profit and loss 

Cashflow 
Total cash outflow for leases 

Depreciation for the financial year has been charged as:
Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

2021 

2020

130,119 
0 
20,189 
2,953 
-14,715 
977 
139,523 

85,760
14,046
43,151
2,763
-14,098
-1,503
130,119

14,897 
124,626 

14,072
116,047

-14,243 
-2,953 
-17,196 

-13,524
-2,763
-16,287

-14,715 
-14,715 

-14,098
-14,098

-11,732 
0 
-2,511 
-14,243 

-10,001
0
-3,523
-13,524

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 16-17

80

Notes

Note 16 – Other investments

  Accounting policies

Other investments are measured on initial recognition at cost, and subsequently at fair value. Changes in 
fair value are recognized in the income statement under financial items.

The Group’s other investments consist of an investment in Beta Bionics, Inc., the developer of iLet™, a 
fully integrated dual-hormone pump (bionic pancreas) for autonomous diabetes care. The investment 
in Beta Bionics, Inc. is measured at fair value through profit and loss. This investment represents 1.6% 
(2020:1.6%) ownership of Beta Bionics, Inc., and is measured at a fair value of DKK 26.9 million as of De-
cember 31, 2021 (DKK 32.3 million as of December 31, 2020).

In determining fair value, Zealand considered the impact of any recent share capital issuances by Beta Bi-
onics as an indicator of the fair value of the shares. In particular, Beta Bionics undertook a capital offering 
in June 2019 and subsequent infliction points was used as the basis for determining fair value. Measure-
ment is considered a level 3 measurement. 

The following have been recognized as financial items:

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Other investments at January 1 
Fair value adjustments 
Currency adjustments 
Other investments at December 31 

32,333 
-8,217 
2,791 
26,907 

35,557 
69 
-3,293 
32,333 

32,582
2,193
782
35,557

Note 17 – Impairment

  Accounting policies

Assets with indefinite useful lives are annually tested for impairment and whenever there is an impairment 
indication, whereas assets with finite useful lifetime are assessed for impairment indicators at the end of 
each reporting period. If such impairment indicators exists, the recoverable amount, determined as the 
higher amount of the fair value of the asset adjusted for expected costs to sell and the value in use of the 
asset, is calculated. The value in use is calculated based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted by 
using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the 
risks specific to the asset.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit is lower than the carrying amount, an 
impairment charge is recognized in respect of the asset. The impairment loss is recognized in the income 
statement. In addition, for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, impairment 
tests are performed at each balance sheet date, regardless of whether there are any indications of impair-
ment. For acquisitions, the first impairment test is performed before the end of the year of acquisition.

Key assumptions in the impairment test
The impairment assessment for 2020 identified a need for impairment on the V-Go related Intellectual 
property of DKK 12.7 million. The impairment loss was primarily related to Management’s decision to allo-
cate resources to support future product launches while limiting the investment in the V-Go product. 

Management has reassessed for 2021 whether indicators that the impairment loss recognized in 2020 
may no longer exist or may have decreased. No such indicators were identified in 2021. Through the 
assessment of impairment indicators regarding the V-Go intellectual property, Management identified 
impairment indicators and an impairment test was performed by calculating recoverable amount of the 
V-Go intellectual property.

The recoverable amount was determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flow and 
projections for subsequent years up to and including 2030, equivalent to the expected useful life of the 
intangible asset. The expected future net cash flows are determined based on budgets and business plans 
approved by Management Board.  From 2031 onwards, a perpetual cash flow decreasing by the terminal 
growth rate of -50% is used. The pre-tax discount rate applied to the cash flow projections was 13 %. The 
analysis showed a need of an impairment of DKK 12.7 million regarding the V-Go Intellectual property. 
The amount is recognized as sales and marketing expenses in the income statement. Due to the full im-
pairment of the V-Go related intellectual property in 2020, no additional sensitivity analysis is performed.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 18

81

Notes

Note 18 – Inventories

  Accounting policies

Raw materials, work in progress and finished goods are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable 
value. Cost is determined on a first in, first out basis and comprises direct materials, direct labor and an 
appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead expenditure, the latter being allocated on the basis 
of normal operating capacity. Costs of purchased inventory are determined after deducting rebates and 
discounts. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the 
estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to complete the sale. 

Inventory manufactured prior to regulatory approval (prelaunch inventory) is capitalized but immediately 
provided for, until there is a high probability of regulatory approval for the product. A write-down is made 
against inventory, and the cost is recognized in the income statement as research and development 
costs. Once there is a high probability of regulatory approval being obtained, the write-down is reversed, 
up to no more than the original cost.

We review our inventory for excess or obsolescence and write down inventory that has no alterna-
tive uses to its net realizable. Economic conditions, customer demand and changes in purchasing and 
distribution can affect the carrying value of inventory. As circumstances warrant, we record provisions 
for potentially obsolete or slow-moving inventory and lower of cost or net realizable value inventory 
adjustments. In some instances, these adjustments can have a material effect on the financial results of 
an annual or interim period. In order to determine such adjustments, we evaluate the age, inventory turns, 
future sales forecasts and the estimated fair value of inventory.

DKK thousand 

Raw materials 
Work in process 
Finished goods 
Total 

Direct costs 
Indirect production costs 

2021 

2020

35,816 
29,588 
53,032 
118,436 

85,270 
33,166 

14,398
13,723
36,919
65,040

48,224
16,816

Write downs recognized on inventories were reflected in the cost of goods sold. They were comprised as 
follows:

DKK thousand 

Accumulated write downs, January 1 
Addition from business combination, cf. note 31  
Write downs in the reporting period 
Utilization of write downs 
Reversal of write downs 
Exchange differences 
Accumulated write downs, December 31 

2021 

2020

-6,948 
0 
-10,766 
12,641 
0 
-119 
-5,192 

0
-11,294
486
3,860
0
0
-6,948

Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold includes raw materials, labor costs, manufacturing overhead expenses and reserves 
for anticipated scrap and inventory obsolescence.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 19-22

82

Notes

Note 19 – Trade receivables

  Accounting policies

On initial recognition, receivables are measured at fair value. The Group holds the trade receivables with 
the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and therefore measures them subsequently at amor-
tized cost. 

Trade receivables are written down for expected credit losses. The Group applies the simplified approach 
in IFRS 9 to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for trade 
receivables and contract assets. A write-down is recognized in sales and marketing expenses.

There are no material overdue receivables and the write-down for expected credit losses is not material.

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, Zealand had no trade receivables related to milestone payments.

Note 20 – Prepaid expenses

  Accounting policies

Prepaid expenses comprise amounts paid in respect of goods or services to be received in subsequent 
financial periods. Clinical trials, which are outsourced to Clinical Research Organizations (“CROs”), take 
several years to complete. As such, Management is required to make estimates based on the progress 
and costs incurred to-date for the ongoing trials. Judgements are made in determining the amount of 
costs to be expensed during the period, or recognized as prepayments or accruals on the statement of 
financial position. 

Other receivables are measured at amortized cost less impairment. Prepayments include expenditures 
related to future financial periods and are measured at nominal value.

The increase in Prepaid expenses of DKK 32.8 million from 2020 to 2021 is primarily related to higher 
insurance costs for coverage of Management and Board members and timing of invoices received from 
the Contract Research Organizations (CRO's).

Note 21 – Other receivables

  Accounting policies

Other receivables are measured on initial recognition at cost and subsequently at amortized cost.

DKK thousand 

VAT 
Other 
Total other receivables 

Note 22 – Marketable securities

  Accounting policies

2021 

2020

10,682 
5,120 
15,802 

3,887
6,055
9,942

The Group’s Marketable securities portfolio comprises an equity investment in a bond portfolio. The 
investment is categorized as equity instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss. Refer to note 
30, Financial risks.

A net fair value adjustment of DKK 1.9 million from marketable securities have been recognized in finan-
cial income in 2021 (2020: DKK -2.1 million in financial expenses, and 2019: DKK 0.8 million in financial 
income).

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 23-24

83

Notes

Note 23 – Cash and cash equivalents

Note 24 – Share capital (continued)

  Accounting policies

Cash is measured on initial recognition at cost.

the nominal share capital by nominally DKK 9,013,665 during the period until April 2, 2025. At December 
31, 2021 nominally DKK 1,986,547 of the authorization remains.

DKK thousand 

DKK 
USD 
EUR 
Total cash and cash equivalents 

2021 

2020

11,336 
1,098,160 
19,607 
1,129,103 

286,222
568,444
105,555
960,221

Cash includes proceeds from draw down on “Oberland”, USD 100 million. As discussed in note 25, the 
loan is subject to a liquidity covenant under which the Group must hold at least USD 100 million until cer-
tain conditions are met.

Note 24 – Share capital

  Accounting policies

Consideration paid for the acquisition of treasury shares transactions is recognized directly in equity with-
in treasury shares reserve. Capital reductions through cancellation of treasury shares reduce the share 
capital by an amount equal to the original cost price of the shares. Dividend payments are recognized as 
a deduction of equity and a corresponding liability when declared.

No, of shares (thousand) 

January 1 
Increase due to issue of new shares 
December 31 

2021 

2020

39,800 
3,834 
43,634 

36,055
3,745
39,800

The share capital solely consists of one class of ordinary shares all issued of DKK 1 each and all shares 
rank equally. The shares are negotiable instruments with no restrictions on their transferability. All shares 
have been fully paid. At the annual general meeting on April 2, 2020 Zealand was authorized to increase 

On February 1, 2021 a total of 3.600.841 new shares have been subscribed through a private and direct 
shares issue with a net proceeds of DKK 745.4 million. In the period 19 March, 2021 to 10 December, 
2021, a total of 233.595 new shares have been issued due to exercise of warrant programs with a net 
proceeds of DKK 26.1 million. The expenses related to share issues amounts to DKK 46.9 million.

On June 22, 2020 a total of 2,684,461 new shares have been subscribed through a private and direct 
shares issue with a net proceeds pf DKK 655.0 million. On March 26, a total of 741,816 new shares have 
been subscribed through a private share issue to US based investors with a net proceeds of DKK 136.5 
million. The cost of share issues amounts to DKK 42.7 million. 

Expenses directly related to capital increases are recognized in equity. 

At December 31, 2021, there were 418,247 treasury shares (2020: 64,223), equivalent to 1.0% (2020: 0.2%) 
of the share capital and corresponding to a market value of DKK 60.7 million (2020: DKK 14.1 million). The 
treasury shares are allocated to performance shares units (PSUs) and restricted stock units (RSUs). 

Rules on changing the 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 Danish Companies Act 'Selskabsloven' or our Articles of Association pre-
scribe other requirements.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 25

84

Notes

Note 25 – Borrowings

  Accounting policies

For accounting policy we refer to note 1.

On December 30, 2021, the Group entered into a loan agreement with Oberland. The agreement com-
prises of three tranches of which the first tranche of USD 100 million was drawn down on December 31, 
2021. Tranche 2 can be drawn down subject to obtaining FDA marketing approval for Glepaglutid where-
as tranche 3 can be draw down only upon Oberland’s explicit acceptance. 

Loan terms

Loan amount, tranche 1: 

Loan amount, tranche 2: 

Loan amount tranche 3: 

Maturity date: 

Repayment profile:  

Base Interest: 

100 MUSD

50 MUSD to be drawn no later than December 31, 2023

50 MUSD to be drawn down no later than June 30, 2023 

December 31, 2028

Repayment at maturity:

Higher of 12 months US Libor and 3 months Libor / [leverage 
formula] with a floor of 0.25%

Credit spread:  

6% p.a., fixed over the term of the contract

Revenue participation payments: 

Repayment amount at maturity: 

Lender option to require repayment of 
the debt: 

Draw down on tranche 1: 2.67% of consolidated revenue, not 
exceeding 75 MUSD and  
Draw down on tranche 1 & 2: 4% of consolidated revenue, not 
exceeding 75 MUSD

An amount resulting in an investor IRR of 9.75% p.a. including 
interest payments and royalty payments 

Change of control event  
Sale of certain assets – proceeds from sale to be used to 
repay the loan, however, no more than up to 75% of the out-
standing amount

Zealand option to prepay the debt:  

Throughout the term of the loan 

Early repayment amount:

Before January 1, 2023:

An amount equal to 120.0% of the principal amount of the 
Notes issued 

From January 1, 2023 until January 1, 
2024: 

An amount equal to 135.0% of the principal amount of the 
Notes issued

From January 1, 2024 until January 1, 
2026:

An amount equal to 150.0% of the principal amount of the 
Notes issued 

From January 1, 2026 until January 1, 
2027:

From January 1, 2027 until December 31, 
2028: 

An amount equal to the greater of 150.0% of the principal 
amount of the Notes issued and the amount (greater than 
zero) that would generate an internal rate of return to the 
Purchasers equal to 12.0% on the aggregate purchase price 
paid for the Notes 

An amount equal to the greater of (i) 150.0% of the principal 
amount of the Notes issued and (ii) the amount (greater than 
zero) that would generate an internal rate of return to the 
Purchasers equal to 11.0% on the aggregate purchase price 
paid for the Notes

Liquidity covenant
The loan is subject to certain covenants including a requirement to retain cash balances in the amount of 
at least USD 100 million (DKK 656 million) until trailing 6 months total net revenue excluding sales from 
V-Go, Alexion Licensed Products and Sanofi Licensed Products exceeds USD 50 million.

After deduction of transaction costs, DKK 8.2 million, the carrying amount is DKK 647.9 million.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
85

Notes

Note 25 – Borrowings (continued)

Accounting Accessment
Due to the fact that the lenders are entitled to a fixed return of 9.75% p.a., the debt host contract is con-
sidered to be a fixed rate loan with variable cash flows. 

Management has assessed the contract for non closely related embedded derivatives and has concluded 
that the prepayment option is not closely related to the debt host contract due to the fact that the repay-
ment amount could differ with more than an insignificant amount from the debts amortised cost. 

As of the balance sheet date December 31, 2021, no reasonably possible alternative assumption regarding 
the development in these two inputs will lead to any significant fair value of the prepayment options. The 
credit spread in the loan corresponds to a rating of CCC. An increase of the Group’s credit quality to a 
rating between B and BB by the end of 2025 would establish an economic break-even point for exer-
cise of the prepayment options. After 2025, the prepayment options would, in virtually all instances not 
become economically attractive to exercise. The assessment is based on the 31 December 2021 US Libor 
yield curve and observable credit spreads for traded debt instrument. 

The revenue based payments are not separated from the debt host contract and assessed separately due 
to the fact that they will mainly affect the timing of the cash flows and not the total IRR. They could to a 
limited extent impact the prepayment premium.

The Group has up until now not held complex financial instruments measured at fair value and has 
currently no processes for determining fair value of such instruments. Therefore, third party valuation 
specialists have been engaged to determine fair value of the prepayment option as of 31 December 2021.

The interest rate clause comprises an element which could potentially result in leverage. The interest 
rate clauses are non-closely related and not separated as embedded derivatives due to the fact that they 
will mainly affect the timing of the cash flows and not the total IRR. Interest rate movements could to a 
limited extent impact the prepayment premium.

Fair value measurement
Due to the significant premium, the prepayment options will have value for Zealand only if Zealand’s 
credit quality increases significantly (refer to Note 2). The likelihood of instances which would entitle the 
lender to require repayment and which would have economic value to the lender is currently consid-
ered very low. Based on the above, the fair value of the prepayment options on inception is considered 
insignificant. 

Fair value is determined primarily based on unobservable data (level 3). The most significant input is:

1. Development in future credit rating 
2. US Libor forward interest rates 

Due to the fact that the loan agreement has been entered into in December 2021, fair value of the loan 
as of 31 December 2021 is considered to equal its nominal amount of USD 100 million equal to DKK 656 
million. It is considered a level 2 measurement (recent transation).

Collateral provided
The Group has provided floating charge collateral with all assets which can be collaterised including 
shares in subsidiaries.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Con Fin – Note 26-27

86

Notes

Note 26 – Deferred revenue

  Accounting policies

We refer to accounting policy description in Note 3 Revenue.

The Group has recognized the following liabilities related to contracts with customers.

DKK thousand 

Deferred revenue at January 1 
Customer payment received, cf. note 3. 
Revenue recognized during the year 
Total deferred revenue 

Non-current deferred revenue 
Current deferred revenue 
Total deferred revenue 

2021 

2020

97,769 
0 
-30,185 
67,584 

14,551 
53,033 
67,584 

139,890
0
-42,881
97,769

44,587
53,182
97,769

Deferred revenue occurred in connection with the agreement with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as dis-
closed in Note 3. An up-front payment of DKK 177.3 million was received of which DKK 30.2 million has 
been recognized during DKK 2021 (2020: DKK 42.9 million and 2019: DKK 37.4 million)

Management expects that approx. DKK 53 million of the up-front payment received will be recognized as 
revenue during 2022. The remaining payment is expected to be recognized during 2023 according to the 
progress of the development project.

Note 27 – Rebate and product return liabilities

  Accounting policies

Product sale rebate liabilities and product return liabilities are amounts payable or credited to a customer, 
usually based on the quantity or value of product sales to the customer for specific products in a certain 
period. Product sales rebates, which relate to product sales that occur over a period of time, are normally 
issued retrospectively. At the time product sales are invoiced, rebates and deductions that the Group ex-
pects to pay, are estimated. These rebates typically arise from sales contracts with government agencies, 
wholesalers, retail pharmacies, Managed Care and other customers, which are recorded at the time the 
related revenues are recorded or when the incentives are offered, cf. note 3. 

DKK thousand 

Beginning of the year 
Addition due to acquisition, cf. note 31 
Additions for the year 
Utilization during the period 
Reversal of accruals from previous years 
Currency translation adjustments 
End of the year 

Sale 
rebate 
liabilities 

Product  
return 
liabilities 

2021 
total 

2020 
total

36,434 
0 
155,910 
-167,045 
0 
2,544 
27,843 

239 
0 
2,124 
-1,555 
0 
45 
852 

36,673 
0 
158,033 
-168,600 
0 
2,589 
28,695 

0
6,969
137,321
-103,766
-1,184
-2,668
36,673

Sale rebate liabilities are calculated based on historical experience and the specific terms in the individual 
agreements. Unsettled rebates are recognized as accruals when the timing or amount is uncertain. Where 
absolute amounts are known, the rebates are recognized as other liabilities. 

Please refer to note 1 and note 3 for further information on sale rebates related liabilities and manage-
ments estimates and judgements. 

Zealand Pharma issues credit notes for expired goods as a part of normal business. Where there is histor-
ical experience or a reasonably accurate estimate of expected future returns can otherwise be made, an 
accrual for estimated product returns is recorded. The accrual is measured at gross sales value.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 28 – Other liabilities

  Accounting policies

Con Fin – Note 28-29

87

Note 29 – Contingent assets and liabilities, other contractual obligations and collateral 
provided

Financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value less transaction costs. In subsequent periods, finan-
cial liabilities are measured at amortized cost corresponding to the capitalized value using the effective 
interest method.

  Accounting policies

Contingent assets and liabilities are disclosed, unless the possibility of an inflow or outflow of resources 
embodying economic benefits is virtually certain.

DKK thousand 

Employee benefits 
Royalty payable to third party 
Development project costs 
Other payables 
Total other liabilities 

Current 
Non-current 

2021 

2020

84,800 
5,860 
18,736 
82,164 
191,560 

101,028
5,732
28,267
32,272
167,299

173,134 
18,426 

150,555
16,744

Contingent assets include potential future milestone payments. Contingent liabilities and other contrac-
tual obligations include contractual obligations related to agreements in development projects such as 
contract research organizations (CROs), milestone payments and lease commitments.

Contingent Assets
At December 31, 2021, Zealand is still eligible for a payment from Sanofi of up to USD 10.0 million, of 
which USD 10.0 million is expected in 2022. However, it is Management’s opinion that the amount of 
any payment cannot be determined on a sufficiently reliable basis, and therefore have not recognized an 
asset in the statement of financial position of the Group.

Contingent liabilities and Contractual obligations
At December 31, 2021, total contractual obligations related to agreements for development projects, 
including CROs, amounted to DKK 317.4 million (DKK 184.4 million for 2022 and DKK 133.0 million for the 
years 2023 up to and including 2025). 

Zealand may be required to pay future development, regulatory and commercial milestones related to the 
acquisition of Encycle Therapeutics. Refer to note 13.

Collateral provided
The Group has provided floating charge collateral with all assets which can be collaterised including 
shares in subsidiaries.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 30

88

Notes

Note 30 – Financial risks

Zealand is exposed to various financial risks, including foreign exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, credit 
risk and liquidity 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.

Capital structure
Zealand aims 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 long-term growth targets. We refer to Note 2.

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 material 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 rate risk evaluation.

Currency exposures regarding our US activities are managed by having revenue and expenses in the same 
currency.

As Zealand conducts clinical trials and toxicology studies around the world, Zealand will be exposed to 
exchange rate risks associated with the denominated currency, which is primarily USD based on volume 
and fluctuations against DKK. To date, Zealand’s policy has been to manage the transaction and transla-
tion 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.

As of December 31, 2021, Zealand holds DKK 862.9 million (2020: DKK 568.4 million) of its cash in USD. 
Additionally, Zealand has a financial debt of DKK 656.1 million denominated in USD.

Interest rate risk
Zealand has a policy of avoiding financial instruments that expose the Group to any unintended financial 
risks. 

During 2021, 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 since 2018, while USD accounts have generated a low level 
of interest income.

During 2021 and 2020, Zealand has invested in low-risk marketable securities. The Group’s marketable 
securities portfolio comprises bonds in Danish kroner. The average weighted duration of the bond portfo-
lio on the statement of financial position date was 3 years in both years.

As of December 31, 2021, Zealand has borrowings amounting to DKK 656.1 million (2020: DKK 0 million) 
and Lease liabilities amounting to DKK 139.5 million (2020: DKK 130.1 million). As discussed in note 25 
borrowings bears a fixed interest rate.

Credit risk
Zealand is exposed to credit risk in respect of receivables, bank balances and bonds. The maximum credit 
risk corresponds to the carrying amount. Management believes that credit risk is limited, as the counter-
parties to the trade receivables are large global pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers.

Cash and bonds are not deemed to be subject to credit risk, as the counterparties are banks with invest-
ment-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 finan-
cial resources at its disposal at all times. Refer to Note 2.

Zealand’s short-term liquidity is managed and monitored by means of 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 and bonds with its expected future cash burn.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Notes

Note 30 – Financial risks (continued)

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

With the exception of leasing and borrowings, there are no interest cash flows to be included in the table 
below for the existing financial liabilities as they are not interest-bearing financial liabilities.

89

DKK thousand 

USD 

2021 

2020 

DKK thousand 

Fluctuation  Effect 

Fluctuation 

Effect

+/-10%  20,675 

+/-10%  58,124

The decline in currency exposure is primarily related to reduced net cash balance from borrowings de-
nominated in USD.

Contractual maturity (liquidity risk)
A breakdown of the Group’s aggregate liquidity risk on financial assets and liabilities is given below.

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities with 
agreed repayment periods. The table has been prepared using the undiscounted cash flows for financial 
liabilities, based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes 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 Group may be required to pay.

Borrowings 
Trade payables 
Leasing 
Other liabilities 
Total financial liabilities at December 31, 2021   

Trade payables 
Leasing 
Other liabilities 
Total financial liabilities at December 31, 2020   

< 12 
months 

50,954 
64,558 
14,608 
173,134 
303,254 

71,442 
14,072 
150,555 
236,069 

1-5 Years 

> 5 Years 

Total

252,042 
0 
62,558 
0 
314,600 

0 
53,039 
16,744 
69,783 

736,410 
0 
75,415 
18,426 
830,251 

1,039,406
64,558
152,581
191,560
1,448,105

0 
76,354 
0 
76,354 

71,442
146,465
167,299
382,209

All cash flows are non-discounted and include all liabilities under contracts but not contractual obliga-
tions related to payments under agreements for development projects, including CROs, as disclosed in 
note 29, as their maturity dates are uncertain.

The expected future cash flows from borrowing repayments in USD are estimated based on USD Forward 
Libor rates as of 31 December 2021 and the Group’s revenue forecast and translated into DKK at the USD/
DKK forward rates applicable as of 31 December 2021.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 30 – Financial risks (continued) 

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020

Categories of financial instruments 
Deposits 
Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Financial assets at amortized costs 

Marketable securities 
Other investments 
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss  

Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 
Trade payables 
Other liabilities 
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost  

12,638 
73,025 
15,802 
1,129,103 
1,230,568 

16,650
46,484
9,942
960,221
1,033,297

299,042 
26,907 
325,949 

647,906 
139,523 
64,558 
191,560 
1,043,547 

297,345
32,333
329,678

0
130,119
70,384
167,299
367,802

The fair value of marketable securities is based on Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. 

The fair value of other investments is based on level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Refer to note 16.

There were no transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 for recurring fair value measurement during the period 
ended December 31, 2021 or 2020. 

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities approximated the fair value.

90

Capital Management
Zealand’s goal is to maintain a strong capital base to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence, 
and a continuous advancement of Zealand’s product pipeline and business in general. Zealand is primarily 
financed through capital increases, long-term borrowings and partnership collaboration income. The 
Group had, as of December 31, 2021, a cash position of DKK 1,129 million i.e. DKK 473 million in excess of 
the minimum cash position discussed below. As of 31 December 2020, the cash position was DKK 960.2 
million. Refer to Note 2 Going concern uncertainties.

The cash position supports the advancement of our product pipeline and operations and the objective is 
to maintain a cash position which secures financing of development costs over the next 12 to 15 months, 
refer to Note 2. The adequacy of our available funds will depend on many factors, including progress 
in our research and development programs, the magnitude of those programs, our commitments to 
existing and new clinical collaborators, our ability to establish commercial and licensing arrangements, 
our capital expenditures, market developments, and any future acquisitions. Accordingly, we may require 
additional funds and may attempt to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings, collabora-
tive agreements with partners, or from other sources. To strengthen the cash position, the Group entered 
into a USD 100 million Loan agreement with Oberland in December 2021. Under the loan agreement, the 
Group has to maintain a cash position of at least USD 100 million (DKK 656 million) until trailing 6 months 
net sales excluding sales from V-Go, Alexion Licensed Products and Sanofi Licensed Products exceeds 
USD 50 million. Refer to note 25 for discussion of the terms of the loan.

The Board of Directors monitors the share and capital structure to ensure that Zealand’s capital resources 
support the strategic goals. There was no change in the group’s approach to capital management pro-
cedures in 2021 besides the issuance of borrowings as described in Note 25. Neither Zealand Pharma A/S 
nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirements other than the liquidity 
covenant related to the borrowing agreement.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 31

91

Notes

Note 31 – Business combinations

  Accounting policy

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. At the date of the 
acquisition, the Company initially recognizes the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities 
assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business.

The consideration transferred is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition and the excess of the 
consideration transferred over the fair value of net identifiable assets of the business acquired is recorded 
as goodwill. In circumstances where the consideration transferred is less than the fair value of net iden-
tifiable assets of the business acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated income 
statement as a bargain purchase.

Where the settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future 
are discounted to their present value. Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial 
liability and is recognized at fair value on the acquisition date. Amounts classified as a financial liability are 
subsequently remeasured to fair value in accordance with IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments), with changes in 
fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss as an administrative expense.

Business combinations require management making an assessment of the fair value of the net assets ac-
quired as well as an assessment regarding whether control exists. Management judgement is particularly 
involved in the recognition and measurement of the following items at fair value:
•   intellectual property: this may include patents, licenses, trademarks and similar rights for currently mar-
keted products, and also the rights and scientific knowledge associated with projects that are currently 
in research or development phases, and requires the projection of estimated future cash inflows and 
outflows and relevant risks, the terminal value of these assets, discount rates and weighted average 
costs of capital,

•  working capital items such as trade receivables, inventory (raw materials, work in process, parts and 

finished goods), prepaid expenses, trade payables, and fixed assets

•  Guarantees, warranties, indemnities, rights, claims, counterclaims etc. set off against third parties 

relating to the acquired assets or assumed liabilities, including rights under vendors’ and manufacturers’ 
warranties, indemnities, guaranties and avoidance claims and causes of action under any applicable 
Law, employee liabilities and other contingencies

In all cases, management makes an assessment based on the underlying economic substance of the 
items concerned, and not only on the contractual terms, in order to fairly present these items. In making 
these assessments, management relies to a significant extent on the work of valuation experts. However, 
the assessments are highly subjective and sensitive to the assumptions used.

In accordance with IFRS 3, if a business combination indicates a bargain gain all applied assumptions will 
be reassessed by Management before recognition.

Directly attributable acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred within the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive loss.

Customer relationships and IP rights acquired through business combinations are measured at fair value 
at the acquisition date and amortized on a systematic basis over their useful life 8 and 10 years respec-
tively (unless the asset has an indefinite useful life, in which case it is not amortized).

Acquisition of medical technology business from Valeritas, Inc.
On April 2, 2020 (or “the acquisition date”) Zealand acquired substantially all of the medical technology 
business from Valeritas Holdings, Inc. (or “Valeritas”) pursuant to the terms of the stalking horse asset 
purchase agreement previously entered into with Valeritas and following approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy 
Court for the District of Delaware on March 20, 2020.

Valeritas was a U.S. based commercial-stage company whose activities comprised development, pro-
duction and sale of wearable disposable insulin pumps and has therefore been acquired to accelerate 
Zealand’s plans for establishing U.S. operations to support the anticipated launch of the auto-injector and 
pre-filled syringe for severe hypoglycemia.

The acquisition comprises all medical technology business related tangible and intangible assets that 
pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code was transferred to Zealand free and clear of all claims, liabilities and en-
cumbrances including the Valeritas workforce. Additionally, the acquisition includes most of the working 
capital assets and selected liabilities.

Under IFRS 3, Business Combinations, the acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination 
using the acquisition method. The consolidated financial statements include the results of Valeritas for 
the from the acquisition date.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Notes

Note 31 – Business combinations (continued)

The consideration transferred was DKK 167.7 million (USD 24.5 million), and the fair values of the identifia-
ble assets and liabilities of Valeritas as at the date of acquisition were:

DKK thousand 

Fair value recognized on acquisition

Assets 
Physician Relationship 
V-Go IP 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right-of-use assets 
Inventories 
Trade receivables 
Other assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Liabilities 
Deferred tax liability 
Trade payables 
Lease liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets at fair value 

Bargain purchase recognized 
Purchase consideration transferred 

Analysis of cash flows on acquisition: 
Net cash acquired  
(included in cash flows from investing activities)  
Cash paid 
Net cash flow on acquisition 

68,459
13,692
41,138
14,299
55,796
50,603
10,132
66

-11,880
-4,050
-14,046
-19,792

204,417

-36,692
167,725

66
-167,725
-167,659

92

The fair value attributable to intangible assets (DKK 82.2 million as of the acquisition date) consists of the 
value arising from the existing Valeritas physician network and relationships, valued at DKK 68.5 million 
which is based on the estimated cost it would require to establish similar network and relationships, or 
a so-called with/without valuation method, and intellectual property related to the V-Go technology, 
valued at DKK 13.7 million using an excess earnings model. (Subsequently impaired. Refer to note 17) 
The valuations are determined using cash flow projections from financial budget approved by Corporate 
Management covering a 10-year period. The discount rate applied to the cash flow projections is 13%. 
The growth rate used to extrapolate the cash flows of the unit beyond the 10-year period is -50% which 
reflects our estimate of the expected lifetime of the product of 10 years with a significant decrease in 
revenues afterwards.

The calculation of the fair value of intangible assets is most sensitive to the revenue and gross margin 
growths. Revenue and gross margin: Revenue and gross margin are based on historical trends. The reve-
nue growth applied in the calculation is between 1-20% in the 10-year budget period with the first years 
having the highest revenue growth in percentage. Operating costs: Operating costs are based on histori-
cal trends and industry knowledge. Operating costs over the 10-year budget period has been adjusted to 
incorporate the allocation related to shared efforts of future product launches.

Trade receivables have been measured at the contractual amount expected to be received which ap-
proximates the fair value of DKK 50.6 million. The amounts have not been discounted, as maturity on 
receivables is generally very short and the discounted effect therefore immaterial.

The acquisition resulted in a bargain purchase gain of DKK 36.7 million which was recognized within 
other operating income in the consolidated income statement. The gain arose as the fair value of the 
net assets acquired (DKK 204.4 million) exceeded the fair value of the purchase consideration (DKK 167.7 
million). The gain is primarily attributable to the Company purchasing the medical technology business 
of Valeritas out of bankruptcy. Valeritas encountered operational and financial difficulties in late 2019 
and filed for Bankruptcy in February 2020. Specifically, the fair value of the tangible and financial assets 
acquired (DKK 147.5 million), such as inventories, trade receivables, and property, plant and equipment, 
represents a significant component of the purchase price prior to consideration of the fair value of the 
identified intangible assets.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 32-34

93

Notes

Note 31 – Business combinations (continued)

Note 33 – Adjustments for non-cash items

Acquisition-related costs of DKK 7.1 million have been expensed and are included in administrative expenses 
in profit or loss and are part of operating cash flows in the statement of cash flows have all been incurred 
in the three months period ended March 31, 2020. Adjustments may be applied to the various net asset 
categories when full alignment to Zealand accounting policies is finalized. Consequently, adjustments may 
be applied for a period of up to twelve months from the acquisition date in accordance with IFRS 3.

The Valeritas business acquisition has contributed with net revenues of approximately DKK 161.3 million 
in net revenue and profit and loss of approximately DKK -278.8 million to the Group for the period ending 
December 31, 2020 since the acquisition on April 2, 2020.

If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2020, the consolidated pro forma revenue and operating 
result of Zealand Pharma Group for the period ended 31 December 2020 would have been approximately 
DKK 395.8 million and DKK -868.9 million, respectively.

Note 32 – Related parties

Zealand has no related parties with controlling interest.

Zealand’s other related parties comprise the Company’s Board of Directors and Corporate Management.

Remuneration to the Board of Directors and Corporate Management is disclosed in note 7.

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

Ownership
The following shareholders are registered in Zealand Pharma’s register of shareholders as owning mini-
mum 5% of the voting rights or minimum 5% of the share capital (1 share equals 1 vote) at December 31, 
2021:

•  Van Herk Investments, Rotterdam, Netherlands
•  Credit Suisse Bank, Zürich, Switzerland
•  SMALLCAP World Fund, Los Angeles, USA (shares)
•  The Capital Group Companies, Los Angeles, USA (votes)

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Depreciation, amortization and impairment 
Share-based compensation expenses 
Income tax 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Net loss on sale of fixed assets 
Fair value adjustments 
Exchange rate adjustments 
Total adjustments 

Note 34 – Change in working capital

40,249 
53,504 
-1,190 
-1,896 
16,674 
2,697 
6,520 
-68,943 
47,615 

42,692 
30,485 
9,865 
-1,127 
3,511 
0 
0 
57,712 
143,138 

13,682
14,763
-5,385
-9,306
3,390
0
0
-7,937
9,207

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

(Increase)/decrease in receivables 
(Increase)/decrease in Inventory 
Increase/(decrease) in payables  and other liabilities 
Adjustment for non-cash investing activities 
Cash outflow for investment in Beta Bionics 
Change in working capital 

-64,494 
-52,772 
-49,059 
0 
0 
-166,325 

-7,716 
-14,404 
119,938 
0 
0 
97,818 

-21,059
0
17,061
-7,932
22,803
10,873

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Con Fin – Note 35-36

94

Notes

Note 35 – Reconciliation of borrowings

DKK thousand 

As at January 1 
Additions 
Transaction costs 
As at December 31 

2021 

2020 

2019

0 
-656,120 
8,214 
-647,906 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0
0
0
0

Note 36 – Significant events after the balance sheet date

No significant events have occurred after the end of the reporting period.

Note 37 – Approval of the annual report

The Annual Report has been approved by the Board of Directors and Executive Management and author-
ized for issue on March 10, 2022.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents –  

Parent company

Par Fin – Contents

Financial statements of the parent company

Income statement 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Statement of financial position 

Statement of cash flows 

Statement of changes in equity 

Notes

  1 

 Significant accounting policies, and significant 
accounting estimates and assessments 

  2   Revenue 

  3 

Information on staff and remuneration 

  4  Financial income 

  5  Financial expenses 

  6  Other operating income and expenses 

  7 

Income tax 

  8 

Intangible assets 

  9  Property, plant and equipment 

 10  Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities 

  11 

Investments in subsidiaries 

 12  Other investments 

 13 

Inventories 

 14  Prepaid expenses 

 15  Other receivables 

 16  Cash and cash equivalents 

  17  Share capital 

96

96

97

98

98

99

99

100

103

103

104

104

105

106

107

108

108

109

109

109

109

110

95

110

110

110

112

112

112

112

112

112

 18  Other liabilities 

 19 

 Contingent assets, liabilities and other contractual 
obligations 

 20  Financial risks 

 21  Transactions with related parties 

 22  Adjustments for non-cash items 

 23  Change in working capital 

 24  Allocation of result 

 25   Significant events after the balance sheet date  

 26  Approval of the annual report 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
Par Fin – Income Statement

Par Fin – comprehensive income

Financial statements of the parent company

96

Income statement

DKK thousand 

Revenue 
Cost of goods sold 
Royalty expenses 
Gross margin 
Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Operating expenses 
Other operating income 
Other operating expense 
Operating result 
Income from subsidiaries 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Result before tax 
Income tax (expense)/benefit 
Net result for the year 

Note 

2021 

2020

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020

Statement of comprehensive income 

Net result for the year 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Comprehensive result for the year 

-1,004,603 
0 
-1,004,603 

-826,799
0
-826,799

2 
13 

3 

3 

6 
6 

11 
4 
5 

7 

255,776 
-121,240 
-10,133 
124,403 
-585,458 
-366,509 
-253,125 
-1,205,092 
759 
-2,161 
-1,082,091 
36,745 
48,898 
-15,080 
-1,011,528 
6,925 
-1,004,603 

337,808
-85,878
0
251,930
-604,081
-334,118
-138,671
-1,076,870
36,996
0
-787,944
0
7,139
-51,537
-832,342
5,543
-826,799

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Financial position

Financial statements of the parent company

Statement of financial position at December 31

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020

97

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangibles (Intellectual property) 
Property, plant and equipment 
Right of use assets 
Investment in subsidiaries 
Other investments 
Intercompany 
Deposits 
Corporate tax receivable 
Prepaid expenses 
Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Trade receivables 
Inventory 
Receivables from subsidiaries 
Prepaid expenses 
Corporate tax receivable 
Other receivables 
Marketable securities 
Cash and cash equivalents  
Total current assets 

8 
9 
10 
11 
12 

7 
14 

13 

14 

15 

16 

35,691 
80,075 
107,781 
62,228 
26,906 
135,817 
8,920 
1,268 
16,456 
475,142 

13,546 
78,767 
9,087 
59,172 
5,500 
1,865 
299,042 
377,189 
844,168 

35,691
82,377
118,002
62,228
32,333
325,645
8,920 
1,268
13,117
679,581

0
45,700
0
28,517
5,500
7,195
297,345
860,772
1,245,029

Liabilities and equity 
Share capital 
Treasury shares 
Share premium 
Retained loss 
Shareholders' equity 

Deferred revenue 
Other liabilities 
Lease liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Trade payables 
Payables to subsidiaries 
Lease liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Other liabilities 
Current liabilities  

Total liabilities 
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities 

17 

18 
10 

10 

18 

43,634 
-71,890 
4,247,442 
-3,320,164 
899,022 

39,800
-1,700
3,454,550
-2,315,561
1,177,089

14,551 
18,426 
99,769 
132,746 

48,430 
59,078 
11,686 
53,033 
115,315 
287,542 

44,587
16,744
108,456
169,787

59,307
359,869
11,392
53,182
93,983
577,733

420,288 
1,319,310 

747,520
1,924,610

Total assets 

1,319,310 

1,924,610

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Cash flow

Par Fin – Equity

Financial statements of the parent company

Statement of cash flows

Statement of changes in equity

DKK thousand 

Note 

2021 

2020

DKK thousand 

Share 
capital 

Treasury 
shares 

Share 
premium 

Retained 
loss 

Total

98

Net result for the year 
Adjustments for non-cash items 
Change in working capital 
Financial income received 
Financial expenses paid 
Deferred revenue 
Income tax receipt 
Cash inflow/outflow from operating activities   

Change in deposit 
Investment in subsidiaries 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Cash outflow from investing activities 

Proceeds from issuance of shares related to exercise of warrants 
Proceeds from issuance of shares 
Costs related to issuance of shares 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Leasing installments 
Cash inflow from financing activities 

Decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 
Exchange rate adjustments 
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 

22 
23 

11 

-1,004,603 
127,223 
-257,057 
0 
-3,296 
-30,185 
5,500 
-1,162,418 

0 
0 
0 
-16,903 
-16,903 

26,070 
748,975 
-46,894 
-28,590 
-12,260 
687,301 

-492,020 
860,772 
8,437 
377,189 

-826,799
54,758
30,682
897
-4,562
-42,881
0
-787,905

48
-59,627
-41,167
-51,846
-152,592

38,832
794,929
-42,706
0
-12,449
778,606

-161,891
1,019,811
2,852
860,772

Equity at January 1, 2021  

39,800 

-1,700 

3,454,550 

-2,315,561 

1,177,089

Comprehensive income for the year 
Net result for the year 
Treasury shares 
Share-based compensation 
Capital increases 
Costs related to capital increases 
Equity at December 31, 2021 

0 
0 
0 
3,834 
0 
43,634 

0 
-70,190 
0 
0 
0 
-71,890 

0 
0 
68,577 
771,211 
-46,896 
4,247,442 

-1,004,603 
0 
0 
0 
0 
-3,320,164 

-1,004,603
-70,190
68,577
775,045
-46,896
899,022

Equity at January 1, 2020  

36,055 

-1,700 

2,648,117 

-1,488,762 

1,193,710

Comprehensive income for the year 
Net result for the year 

0 

0 

0 

-826,799 

-826,799

Share-based compensation 
Capital increases 
Costs related to capital increases 
Equity at December 31, 2020 

0 
3,745 
0 
39,800 

0 
0 
0 
-1,700 

16,273 
832,866 
-42,706 
3,454,550 

0 
0 
0 
-2,315,561 

16,273
836,611
-42,706
1,177,089

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 1-2

99

Notes

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

Note 2 – Revenue

Significant accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The separate financial statement of the parent company have been prepared in accordance with Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and additional requirements under the 
Danish Financial Statements Act (Class D).

The accounting policies for the financial statements of the parent company are unchanged from the pre-
vious financial year. A number of new or amended standards became applicable for the current reporting 
period. The parent company did not change its accounting policies as a result of the adoption of these 
standards. The accounting policies are the same as for the consolidated financial statements with the 
supplementary accounting policies for the parent described below. For a description of the accounting 
policies of the group, please refer to the consolidated financial statements.

Note disclosures have only been included in the Parent Financial Statement where amounts differ from 
the Consolidation financial statement.

In the narrative sections of the financial statements, comparative figures for 2020 are shown in brackets.

Supplementary accounting policies for the Parent Company

Revenue from research and development services rendered to ZP SPV 3 K/S
Revenue from research and development services are performed and satisfied over time given that ZP 
SPV 3 K/S simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by Zealand Pharma A/S. 

Other operating income
Non-cash contributions to subsidiaries are measured at fair value. Any gain is recognized as other operat-
ing income provided the increase does not result in an impairment of the investment.

Investments in subsidiaries
Please refer to note 11 Investments in subsidiaries.

Please refer to note 3 in the consolidated financial statements for accounting policies for the revenue 
streams. 

Recognized revenue can be specified as follows for all agreements:

DKK thousand 

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. 
Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. 
ZP SPV 3 K/S 
Total license and milestone revenue 

Intercompany sales 
Total revenue from product sales 

Total revenue 

Total revenue recognized over time 
Total revenue recognized at a point in time 

2021 

2020

22,311 
30,185 
25,380 
9,187 
87,063 

168,713 
168,713 

149,120
42,881
0
7,410
199,411

138,397
138,397

255,776 

337,808

30,185 
225,591 

42,881
294,927

Please refer to note 3 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding revenue.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 3-4

100

Notes

Note 3 – Information on staff and remuneration

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020

Total staff salaries can be specified as follows: 
Wages and salaries 
Share based payment costs 
Pension schemes (defined contribution plans) 
Other payroll and staff-related costs 
Total  

The amount is charged as: 
Research and development expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Inventory 
Total  

217,995 
39,890 
18,700 
132 
276,717 

209,549 
63,881 
3,287 
276,717 

200,732
16,273
14,605
9,615
241,225

204,210
37,015
0
241,225

Average number of employees 

219 

195

For remuneration to the Board of Directors please refer to note 7 in the consolidated financial statements 
and for additional information regarding staff costs.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 3 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

DKK thousand 

2021 
Remuneration to the Executive Management 
Emmanuel Dulac 
Adam Sinding Steensberg 
Matthew Donald Dallas1  
Total 

Total Other Corporate Management2 

Total 

2020 
Remuneration to the Executive Management 
Emmanuel Dulac 
Adam Sinding Steensberg 
Matthew Donald Dallas1  
Total 

Total Other Corporate Management2 

Total 

1  Matthew Dallas has tax obligations in Denmark, so a part of his salary is paid out in Denmark.
2  Other Corporate Management in 2021 comprised two members (2020: One).

Base salary 

Bonus 

Pension 
contribution 

Other 
short term 
benefits 

Warrant 
compensation 
expenses 

5,099 
3,056 
449 
8,604 

3,873 

12,477 

4,950 
2,967 
408 
8,325 

2,604 

10,929 

3,059 
1,193 
184 
4,436 

1,469 

5,905 

3,267 
1,266 
192 
4,725 

1,135 

5,860 

1,020 
611 
0 
1,631 

387 

2,018 

990 
593 
0 
1,583 

260 

1,843 

243 
286 
38 
567 

186 

753 

699 
282 
2 
983 

51 

1,034 

12,182 
4,829 
0 
17,011 

4,791 

21,802 

2,534 
2,281 
0 
4,815 

1,544 

6,359 

101

Total

21,603
9,975
672
32,250

10,705

42,955

12,440
7,389
602
20,431

5,594

26,025

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 3 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Warrant programs existing during the period 

2020 

2015

Warrant programs existing during the period 

  2020 2020 

2015 

2010

The employee 
incentive programs of

The employee 
incentive programs of

102

Maximum term of options granted 
Method of settlement  

10 years 

10 years 
equity-settled  equity-settled

5 years

Maximum term of options granted 
Method of settlement  

2021 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 
Granted during the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Expired during the period 
Outstanding at the end of the period; and 
Exercisable at the end of the period 

Warrants outstanding at the end of the period 
Range of exercise prices 
Weighted-average remaining contractual life 
Number held by Executive Management 

10 years 
equity- 
settled 

10 years
equity-
settled

63,217 
0 
0 
0 
0 
63,217 
21,073 

1,908,920
0
-214,348
-233,595
-47,000
1,413,977
529,596

216.8 
8.7 
0 

90-224.4
3.8
353,409

2020 
Outstanding at the beginning of the period 
Granted during the period 
Forfeited during the period 
Exercised during the period 
Expired during the period 
Outstanding at the end of the period; and 
Exercisable at the end of the period 

Warrants outstanding at the end of the period 
Range of exercise prices 

Weighted-average remaining contractual life 
Number held by Executive Management 

Warrants exercised during the period 

Weighted-average share price at the date of exercise 
Weighted-average exercise price for warrants expired during the period 
Weighted-average exercise price for warrants forfeited during the period 
Weighted-average exercise price for warrants outstanding at period end 

0 
63,217 
0 
0 
0 
63,217 
0 

1,647,788 
631,288 
-53,747 
-276,409 
-40,000 
1,908,920 
301,529 

42,359
0
0
-42,359
0
0
0

216.8  90.0-224.4 

101.2-127.1 

9.7 
0 

4.9 
373,409 

0
0

2021 

2020

186.1 
142.5 
206.2 
159.6 

234.7
101.2
169.2
158.5

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 5-6

103

Note 3 – Information on staff and remuneration (continued)

Note 4 – Financial income

Expense arising from share-based payment transactions

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020

Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

2021 

2020

20,981 
0 
18,580 
39,561 

14,254
0
2,513
16,767

Effect of fair value of PSUs recognized in the income statement is DKK 11.2 million (2020: DKK 0.8 million).

Effect of fair value of RSUs recognized in the income statement is DKK 14.1 million (2020: DKK 0.6 million).

Long-term incentive programs (LTIP) for Corporate Management and employees 

Interest income from financial assets measured at amortized costs  
Interest income 
Fair value adjustments of marketable securities   
Fair value adjustments of other investments 
Dividend, marketable securities 
Exchange rate adjustments 
Total financial income 

44 
6,744 
1,852 
0 
0 
40,258 
48,898 

897
5,306
0
936
0
0
7,139

Please refer to note 9 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding 
 financial income.

No of PSUs 

Number of units 
At January 1 
Granted during the year 
Vested during the year 
Forfeited during the year 
At December 31 

No of RSUs 

Number of units 
At January 1 
Granted during the year 
Vested during the year 
Forfeited during the year 
At December 31 

Note 5 – Financial expenses

DKK thousand 

Other financial expenses 
Fair value adjustments of Marketable securities 
Fair value adjustments of other investments 
Interest expenses 
Exchange rate adjustments 
Total financial expenses 

2021 

2020

-3,224 
0 
-8,217 
-3,639 
0 
-15,080 

-4,931
-2,103
0
-2,391
-42,112
-51,537

Please refer to note 10 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information 
regarding financial expenses.

2021 

2020

16,703 
185,762 
0 
0 
202,465 

16,703
0
0
0
16,703

2021 

2020

13,665 
258,883 
-163 
-17,318 
255,067 

0
13,665
0
0
13,665

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 7-8

Notes

Note 6 - Other operating income and expenses

Note 7 – Income tax (continued)

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020

DKK thousand 

Government grants 
Contributed IP rights to Zealand Pharma SPV 3 K/S 
Other 
Total other operating income 

Other 
Total other operating expenses 

759 
0 
0 
759 

-2,161 
-2,161 

645
35,496
855
36,996

0
0

Please refer to note 8 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding other 
operating income and expenses

Note 7 – Income tax

DKK thousand 

Net result for the year before tax 
Corporate tax rate in Denmark 

Expected tax benefit/(expenses) 
Adjustment for non-deductible expenses 
Adjustment for non-taxable income 
Adjustment for warrants 
Adjustment for R&D extra deduction 
Adjustment to prior years 
Change in tax assets (not recognized) 
Total income tax expense/benefit 

2021 

2020

-1,011,529 
22.0% 

-832,342
22.0%

-222,536 
5,469 
-8,084 
6,501 
-14,379 
-5,143 
231,247 
-6,925 

-183,115
1,873
-7,181
-72
-8,811
313
191,450
-5,543

104

2021 

2020

5,588 
-5,588 
0 

2,325
-2,325
0

Tax on equity
Warrants - shareprice development 
Change in tax assets (not recognized) 
Total income tax expense (income) 

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020

Specification of unrecognized deferred tax assets: 
Tax losses carried forward (available indefinitely)  
Research and development expenses 
Licenses, rights and patents 
Non-current assets 
Liabilities 
Other 
Total temporary differences 

2,231,010 
842,775 
41,512 
88,676 
73,444 
30,822 
3,308,239 

1,269,107
732,389
36,260
66,179
131,147
51,413
2,286,495

Please refer to note 11 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding 
income tax.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 9

Note 8 – Intangible assets

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2021 
Additions 
Retirements 
Cost at December 31, 2021 

Depreciations and impairment at January 1, 2021 
Depreciation for the year 
Impairment 
Depreciation and impairment at December 31, 2021 
Carrying amount at December 31, 2021 

Depreciation and impairment for the financial year has been charged as:
Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

Licenses, 
rights 
  and patents

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2020 
Additions 
Cost at December 31, 2020 

Depreciation at January 1, 2020 
Depreciation for the year 
Impairment 
Depreciation and impairment at December 31, 2020 
Carrying amount at December 31, 2020 

Depreciation and impairment for the financial year has been charged as:
Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Total 

41,167
0
0
41,167

5,476
0
0
5,476
35,691

0
0
0
0

105

Licenses, 
rights 
  and patents

0
41,167
41,167

0
411
5,065
5,476
35,691

411
5,065
5,476

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 10

106

Notes

Note 9 – Property, plant and equipment

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2021 
Transfer 
Additions 
Retirements 
Cost at December 31, 2021 

Accumulated depreciation  
at January 1, 2021 
Depreciation for the year 
Retirements 
Accumulated depreciation 
at December 31, 2021 
Carrying amount 
at December 31, 2021 

Depreciation for the  
financial year has been  
charged as:
Cost of goods sold 
Research and  
development expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

Plant and 
machinery 

Other fixtures 
and fittings 

Building 
improvements 

Assets under 
construction

85,877 
949 
7,118 
-3,166 
90,778 

43,977 
11,551 
-1,327 

54,201 

36,577 

7,143 

3,621 
786 
11,550 

12,706 
204 
1,444 
-5 
14,349 

5,711 
2,681 
-4 

8,388 

5,961 

117 

2,564 
0 
2,681 

32,448 
0 
2,449 
0 
34,897 

1,988 
2,715 
0 

4,703 

3,022
-1,153
5,893
-419
7,343

0
0
0

0

30,194 

7,343

0 

2,716 
0 
2,716 

0

0
0
0

DKK thousand 

Cost at January 1, 2020 
Transfer 
Additions 
Retirements 
Cost at December 31, 2020 

Accumulated depreciation  
at January 1, 2020 
Depreciation for the year 
Retirements 
Accumulated depreciation 
at December 31, 2020 
Carrying amount 
at December 31, 2020 

Depreciation for the  
financial year has been  
charged as:
Research and  
development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Administrative expenses 
Total 

Plant and 
machinery 

Other fixtures 
and fittings 

Building 
improvements 

Assets under 
construction

57,153 
0 
33,103 
-4,379 
85,877 

43,696 
4,585 
-4,304 

43,977 

41,900 

4,000 
0 
585 
4,585 

12,501 
0 
1,190 
-985 
12,706 

4,164 
2,533 
-986 

5,711 

6,995 

2,133 
0 
400 
2,533 

13,773 
13,796 
14,735 
-9,856 
32,448 

9,860 
1,933 
-9,805 

1,988 

14,001
-13,796
2,817
0
3,022

0
0
0

0

30,460 

3,022

1,634 
0 
299 
1,933 

0
0
0
0

Please refer to note 14 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding property, 
plant and equipment.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
Par Fin – Note 11

Notes

Note 10 – Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position
The statement of financial position shows the following amounts relating to lease assets:

Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements  
during the period.

DKK thousand 

As at January 1, 2021 
Additions 
Retirements 
Reversal of depreciations 
Depreciation expense 
As at December 31, 2021 

As at January 1, 2020 
Additions 
Retirements 
Reversal of depreciations 
Depreciation expense 
As at December 31, 2020 

Other 
  fixtures and 
fittings

Buildings 

116,824 
0 
0 
0 
-10,666 
106,158 

84,148 
43,698 
-6,036 
6,036 
-11,022 
116,824 

1,178
1,511
0
0
-1,066
1,623

1,484
581
-143
0
-744
1,178

As at January 1 
Additions 
Accretion of interest 
Payments 
As at December 31 

Current 
Non-current 

The following are the amounts recognized in profit and loss:
Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets 
Interest expense on lease liabilities 
Total amount recognized in profit and loss 

Cashflow 
Total cash outflow for leases 

107

2021 

2020

119,848 
1,418  
2,449 
-12,260 
111,454 

85,760
44,209
2,386
-12,507
119,848

11,686 
99,769 

11,392
108,456

-11,732 
2,449 
-9,283 

-12,260 
-12,260 

-11,766
2,391
-9,375

-12,507
-12,507

Please refer to note 15 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding right-
of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 12

Notes

Note 11 – 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 
Additions 
Cost at December 31 

Value adjustments at January 1 
Value adjustments for the year 
Value adjustments at December 31 

2021 

2020

62,228 
0 
62,228 

2,601
59,627
62,228

0 
0 
0 

0
0
0

Carrying amount at December 31 

62,228 

62,228

Company summary 

Zealand Pharma A/S subsidiaries: 
ZP Holding SPV K/S 
ZP General Partner 1 ApS 
Zealand Pharma US, Inc. 
Encycle Therapeutics, Inc. 
ZP SPV 3 K/S 
ZP General Partner 3 ApS 

ZP Holding SPV K/S subsidiaries: 
ZP SPV 1 K/S 
ZP General Partner 2 ApS 

Zealand Pharma US Inc. subsidiary
Zealand Pharma California US, LLC. 

108

Voting 

Domicile  Ownership 

rights

Denmark 
Denmark 
 United States 
Canada 
Denmark 
Denmark 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 

 Denmark 
Denmark 

100% 
100% 

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%

United States 

100% 

100%

ZP Holding SPV K/S has in 2021 distributed dividend of DKK 36.7 million to Zealand Pharma A/S. No divi-
dend has been distributed from subsidiaries during 2020.

Note 12 – Other investments

Please refer to note 16 in the consolidated financial statements.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 14-16

Notes

Note 13 – Inventories

Inventories were comprised as follows:

DKK thousand 

Raw materials 
Work in process 
Finished goods 
Total 

Direct costs 
Indirect production costs 

2021 

2020

35,816 
29,498 
13,453 
78,767 

59,128 
19,639 

14,398
13,665
17,637
45,700

35,653
10,047

Note 15 – Other receivables

DKK thousand 

VAT 
Other 
Total other receivables 

109

2021 

2020

420 
1,445 
1,865 

3,887
3,308
7,195

Please refer to note 21 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding other 
receivables.

Note 16 – Cash and cash equivalents

Write downs recognized on inventories were reflected in the cost of goods sold. They were comprised as 
follows:

DKK thousand 

DKK 
USD 
EUR 
Total cash and cash equivalents 

2021 

2020

9,056 
354,951 
13,182 
377,189 

253,262
521,977
85,533
860,772

Please refer to note 23 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding cash 
and cash equivalents.

DKK thousand 

Accumulated write downs, January 1 
Additions 
Write downs in the reporting period 
Utilization of write downs 
Reversal of write downs 
Accumulated write downs, December 31 

2021 

2020

-6,425 
0 
-8,089 
11,702    

0 
-2,812 

0
-5,707
-718
0
0
-6,425

Please refer to note 18 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding 
inventory. 

Note 14 – Prepaid expenses

The increase in Prepaid expenses of DKK 34.0 million from 2020 to 2021 is primarily related to higher 
insurance costs for coverage of Management and Board members and timing of invoices received from 
the Contract Research Organizations (CRO's).

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 18-21

110

Notes

Note 17 – Share capital

Note 20 – Financial risks

Please refer to note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.

Note 18 – Other liabilities

DKK thousand 

Employee benefits 
Development project costs 
Other payables 
Total other liabilities 

Current: 
Non-current 

2021 

2020

59,506 
18,736 
55,499 
133,741 

67,173
28,266
15,287
110,727

115,315 
18,426 

93,983
16,744

Please refer to note 28 in the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding other 
liabilities.

Note 19 – Contingent assets, liabilities and other contractual obligations

Zealand Pharma A/S is part of a Danish joint taxation. Consequently, referring to the Danish Corporation 
Tax Act regulations, Zealand Pharma A/S is liable for any income taxes, etc. for the jointly taxed compa-
nies and Zealand Pharma A/S is likewise liable for any obligations to withhold tax at source on interest, 
royalties and returns for the jointly taxed companies.

Please refer to note 29 in the consolidated financial statements for information on contractual obliga-
tions.

For Capital structure, Exchange rate risk, Credit risk and Liquidity risk we refer to note 30 in the consoli-
dated financial statements.

Exchange rate risk
As of December 31, 2021, Zealand Pharma A/S holds DKK 355.0 million (2020: DKK 522.0 million) of its 
cash in USD.

Interest rate risk
As of December 31, 2021, Zealand Pharma A/S has lease liabilities amounting to DKK 111.5 million (2020: 
DKK 119.8 million).

Contractual maturity (liquidity risk)
A breakdown of the Company’s aggregate liquidity risk on financial assets and liabilities is given below.

The following table details the Company’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities with 
agreed repayment periods. The table has 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 table includes 
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.

With the exception of leasing, there are no interest cash-flows to be included in the table below for the 
existing financial liabilities as they are not interest-bearing financial liabilities.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

Note 20 – Financial risks (continued)

DKK thousand 

Trade payables 
Payables to subsidiaries 
Leasing  
Other liabilities 
Total financial liabilities  
at December 31, 2021 

Trade payables 
Leasing  
Other liabilities 
Total financial liabilities  
at December 31, 2020 

< 12  
months 

48,430 
59,078 
11,772 
115,315 

1-5 Years 

 >5 years 

 Total 

0 
0 
44,946 
0 

0 
0 
67,547 
18,426 

48,430
59,078
124,265
133,741

234,595 

44,946 

85,973 

365,514

59,307 
11,392 
92,983 

0 
43,949 
0 

0 
78,648 
0 

59,307
133,989
92,983

163,682 

43,949 

78,648 

286,279

All cash flows are undiscounted and include all liabilities under contracts.

111

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020

Categories of financial instruments 
Deposits 
Trade receivables 
Receivables from subsidiaries 
Other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Financial assets measured at amortized cost 

Marketable securities 
Other investments 
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss  

Trade payables 
Payables to subsidiaries 
Lease liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost  

8,920 
13,546 
144,904 
1,865 
377,189 
546,424 

8,920
0
325,645
7,195
860,772
1,502,532

299,042 
26,906 
325,948 

297,345
32,333
329,678

48,430 
59,078 
111,455 
133,741 
352,704 

59,307
8,562
119,848
109,292
297,009

The fair value of marketable securities is based on Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of other investments is based on level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the carrying amount of other financial assets and financial liabilities 
approximated the fair value.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Note 22-27

Notes

Note 21 – Transactions with related parties

Note 23 – Change in working capital

‘Zealand Pharma A/S' related parties are the board of directors, executive management, and close mem-
bers of the family of these persons. Refer to note 7 in the consolidated financial statements for remunera-
tion of Board of Directors. Refer to note 3 in these parent company financial statements for remuneration 
of the executive management team.

The parent company had the following transactions with subsidiaries:

DKK thousand 

Increase/decrease in receivables 
Increase/decrease in inventory 
Increase/decrease in payables 
Increase/decrease in other liabilities 
Change in working capital 

Note 24 – Allocation of result

2021 

2020

168,713 
9,186 
54,055 
365,851 
92,149 
144,904 
59,078 

138,396
35,500
0
327,829
0
325,645
359,869

DKK thousands 

Revenue 
Other income 
Research and development expenses 
Sale and marketing expenses 
Admin Expenses 
Receivables 
Payables 

Note 22 – Adjustments for non-cash items

DKK thousand 

Depreciation 
Warrant compensation expenses 
Income tax receipt 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Net loss on sale of fixed assets 
Fair value adjustments 
Exchange rate adjustments 
Total adjustments 

The Board of Directors proposes that the parent company’s 2021 net result of DKK -1,004.6 million (2020: 
DKK -826.8 million) be carried forward to next year by transfer to retained loss.

Note 25 – Significant events after the balance sheet date

Please refer to note 36 in the consolidated financial statements.

2021 

2020

Note 26 – Approval of the annual report

Please refer to note 37 in the consolidated financial statements.

28,678 
68,577 
1,426 
-8,596 
17,436 
2,258 
-2,007 
19,451 
127,223 

26,293
16,273
0
0
5,327
0
0
9,623
57,516

112

2021 

2020

-184,413 
-33,067 
-10,876 
-28,701 
-257,057 

-9,666
-45,700
39,720
46,328
30,682

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Par Fin – Alternative performance measures

113

Alternative performance measures for the Group (non-audited)

Free cash flow
Free cash flow is calculated as the sum of cash flows from operating activities less purchase of property, 
plant and equipment. A positive free cash flow shows that the Group is able to finance its activities and 
that external financing or capital raises is thus not necessary for the Group’s operating activities. There-
fore, Executive Management believes that this non-IFRS liquidity measure provides useful information to 
investors in addition to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure “Net cash flow from operat-
ing activities.” The table below shows a reconciliation of free cash flow for 2021, 2020 and 2019:

DKK thousand 

2021 

2020 

2019

Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities   
Less purchase of property, plant and equipment  
Free cash flow 

-1,211,971 
-22,133 
-1,234,104 

-688,716 
-25,044 
-713,760 

-409,455
-21,036
-430,491

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement – Management

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, 2021.

The consolidated financial statements and parent company financial 
statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and additional requirements 
under the Danish Financial Statements Act.

We consider the accounting policies used to be appropriate. In our opin-
ion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the Group’s and 
the parent company’s financial position as of December 31, 2021, 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, 2021.

In our opinion, the Management’s review 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 
principal risks and uncertainties to which the Group and the parent 
company are exposed.

In our opinion, the Annual Report of Zealand Pharma A/S for the fi-
nancial year January 1 - December 31, 2021 identified as 549300ITB-
B1ULBL4CZ12-2021-12-31-en.zip has in all material respects been 
prepared in compliance with the ESEF Regulation. 

We recommend that the Annual Report be approved at the Annual 
General Meeting.

114

Executive Management

Søborg, March 10, 2022

Emmanuel Dulac
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Douglas Dallas
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

Adam Sinding Steensberg
Executive Vice President,  
Research & Development, and  
Chief Medical Officer

Board of Directors

Alf Gunnar Martin Nicklasson
Chairman

Kirsten Aarup Drejer
Vice Chairman

Jeffrey Berkowitz
Board member

Bernadette Connaughton
Board member

Leonard Kruimer
Board member

Alain Munoz
Board member

Michael John Owen
Board member

Iben Louise Gjelstrup
Board member
Employee elected

Jens Peter Stenvang
Board member
Employee elected

Frederik Barfoed Beck 
Board member
Employee elected

Anneline Nansen 
Board member
Employee elected

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Independent 

auditor’s report

Statement – Independent auditor

To the shareholders of Zealand Pharma A/S

Report on the audit of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and Parent Company Financial Statements

Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements 
and the parent company financial statements of Zealand 
Pharma A/S for the financial year January 1 – December 
31, 2021, which comprise income statement, statement of 
comprehensive income, statement of financial position, 
cash flow statement, statement of changes in equity and 
notes, including accounting policies, for the Group and the 
Parent Company. The consolidated financial statements 
and the parent company financial statements are prepared 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Stand-
ards as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) and as adopted by the EU and additional 
requirements of the Danish Financial Statements Act. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and 
the parent company financial statements give a true and 
fair view of the financial position of the Group and the 
Parent Company at December 31, 2021 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, 
2021 in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Stand-
ards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the EU and additional 
requirements of the Danish Financial Statements Act.

115

Our opinion is consistent with our long-form audit report 
to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and additional requirements 
applicable in Denmark. Our responsibilities under those 
standards and requirements are further described in the 
"Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the consolidat-
ed financial statements and the parent company financial 
statements" (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the 
financial statements") section of our report. We believe 
that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the 
International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' Inter-
national Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA 
Code) and the additional ethical requirements applicable in 
Denmark, and we have fulfilled our other ethical respon-
sibilities in accordance with these requirements and the 
IESBA Code. 

To the best of our knowledge, we have not provided any 
prohibited non-audit services as described in article 5(1) of 
Regulation (EU) no. 537/2014.

Material uncertainty related to going concern
The financial statements have been prepared assuming that 
the Company will continue as a going concern. As dis-

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021116

cussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company, 
with its current strategic plans, has identified a working 
capital deficit by September 2022 and substantial doubt 
exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. Management's evaluation of the events and con-
ditions and management’s plans regarding these matters 
are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do 
not include any adjustments that might result from the 
outcome of this uncertainty. We have not modified our 
opinion in respect of this matter.

Appointment of auditor
We were initially appointed as auditor of Zealand Pharma 
A/S on April 2, 2020 for the financial year 2020. We have 
been reappointed by resolution of the general meeting on 
April 15, 2021 for the financial year 2021.

Key audit matters
A key audit matter is a matter that, in our professional 
judgement, was of most significance in our audit of the 
financial statements for the financial year 2021. The matter 
was addressed during our audit of the financial statements 
as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon. We do not 
provide a separate opinion on the matter. For the matter 
below, our description of how our audit addressed the 
matter is provided in that context.

We have fulfilled our responsibilities described in the 
"Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements" section, including in relation to the key audit 
matter below. Accordingly, our audit included the design 

and performance of procedures to respond to our assess-
ment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
statements. The results of our audit procedures, including 
the procedures performed to address the matter below, 
provide the basis for our audit opinion on the financial 
statements.

Accounting for rebates and discounts related to the 
Company’s sales in the United States
As disclosed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial state-
ments, revenue from products sold by the Company in 
the United States (U.S.) is impacted by estimates related to 
managed care rebates, medicare part D rebates, and co-
pay card redemption.

The estimates for managed care rebates, medicare part D 
rebates, and co-pay card redemption and related liabilities 
are recognised as a reduction to gross product sales in the 
period in which the underlying sales are recognised. As of 
December 31, 2021, the liabilities for sales discounts and 
rebates amounts to DKK 27.8 million, as disclosed in Note 
27 in the consolidated financial statements. 

the Company and forecasted number of prescriptions that 
will be filled by each pharmacy (referred to as payor mix). 
For co-pay card redemptions, the key assumptions relate to 
expected settlement rates for sales units remaining in the 
channel that have yet to be presented under co-pay terms. 
These assumptions are made based on historical actuals, 
which are used to estimate forecasted trends, including 
payor mix and settlement rates, which are used to estimate 
the expected settlement of managed care rebates and 
medicare part D rebates, and co-pay card redemption, and 
the specific terms in the individual agreements.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, 
and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over 
the Company's process to develop the estimates around 
managed care rebates, medicare part D rebates, and co-
pay card redemption. For example, we tested controls over 
management’s review of key assumptions, including payor 
mix for managed care rebates and medicare part D rebates, 
and settlement rates for sales units remaining in channel 
for co-pay card redemptions.   

Auditing managed care rebates and medicare part D re-
bates, and co-pay card redemptions and related liabilities 
is complex due to the judgmental nature of management’s 
estimates, which involves multiple assumptions, as not all 
conditions are known at the time of sale. For both man-
aged care rebates and the medicare part D rebates, the 
key assumptions relate to the rebate percentages by each 
pharmacy as determined in each pharmacy's contract with 

Our procedures included, among others, checking cler-
ical accuracy of management’s calculation of liabilities 
for managed care rebates, medicare part D rebates, and 
co-pay card redemptions. We assessed the assumptions 
applied by management, and compared them to appli-
cable commercial policies, historical experience, and the 
terms in the rebate agreements with the pharmacy benefit 
managers and agreements with co-pay program partners. 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021We further examined subsequent settlement obligations to 
assess completeness and accuracy of the recorded liabil-
ities. We performed an independent assessment on the 
key assumptions of the liabilities as of December 31, 2021, 
including the payor mix and expected settlement rates by 
developing our own point estimates through the use of his-
torical trends to predict current year liabilities and compar-
ing these to the actual liabilities recognised.  In addition, we 
have assessed the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures 
on rebates and discounts related to the matter described 
above.

Statement on the Management's review
Management is responsible for the Management's review.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the 
Management's review, and we do not express any form of 
assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 
our responsibility is to read the Management's review and, 
in doing so, consider whether the Management's review is 
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our 
knowledge obtained during the audit, or otherwise appears 
to be materially misstated. 

Moreover, it is our responsibility to consider whether the 
Management's review provides the information required 
under the Danish Financial Statements Act. 

Based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
the Management's review is in accordance with the finan-
cial statements and has been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Danish Financial Statements Act. 
We did not identify any material misstatement of the Man-
agement's review. 

Management's responsibilities for the financial 
statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of consol-
idated financial statements and parent company financial 
statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by 
the EU and additional requirements of the Danish Financial 
Statements Act and for such internal control as Manage-
ment determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstate-
ment, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, Management is re-
sponsible for assessing the Group's and the Parent Com-
pany's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters related to going concern and using 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
financial statements unless Management either intends 
to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

117

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

As part of an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and 
additional requirements applicable in Denmark, we exercise 
professional judgement and maintain professional scepti-
cism throughout the audit. We also:

•  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of 
the financial statements, whether due to fraud or er-
ror, design and perform audit procedures responsive to 
those risks and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk 
of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from 
fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud 
may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations or the override of internal control.

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021118

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to 

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regard-

the audit in order to design audit procedures that are ap-
propriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group's 
and the Parent Company's internal control.

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used 
and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and 
related disclosures made by Management.

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of Management's use 
of the going concern basis of accounting in preparing 
the financial statements and, based on the audit evidence 
obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to 
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on 
the Group's and the Parent Company's ability to con-
tinue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material 
uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the fi-
nancial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, 
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the 
audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's 
report. However, future events or conditions may cause 
the Group and the Parent Company to cease to continue 
as a going concern.

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and contents 
of the financial statements, including the note disclo-
sures, and whether the financial statements represent the 
underlying transactions and events in a manner that gives 
a true and fair view.

ing the financial information of the entities or business 
activities within the Group to express an opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for 
the direction, supervision and performance of the group 
audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance 
regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and 
timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including 
any significant deficiencies in internal control that we iden-
tify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a 
statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to commu-
nicate with them all relationships and other matters that 
may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, 
and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or 
safeguards applied.

From the matters communicated with those charged with 
governance, we determine those matters that were of 
most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial 
statements and the parent company financial statements of 
the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. 
We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law 
or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter 
or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine 
that a matter should not be communicated in our report 
because the adverse consequences of doing so would 

reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest 
benefits of such communication.

Report on compliance with the ESEF Regulation 
As part of our audit of the financial statements of Zealand 
Pharma A/S we performed procedures to express an opin-
ion on whether the annual report for the financial year Jan-
uary 1 – December 31, 2021 with the file name 549300ITB-
B1ULBL4CZ12-2021-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all material 
respects, in compliance with the Commission Delegated 
Regulation (EU) 2019/815 on the European Single Electron-
ic Format (ESEF Regulation) which includes requirements 
related to the preparation of the annual report in XHTML 
format and iXBRL tagging of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements. 

Management is responsible for preparing an annual report 
that complies with the ESEF Regulation. This responsibility 
includes: 

•  The preparing of the annual report in XHTML format; 

•  The selection and application of appropriate iXBRL tags, 
including extensions to the ESEF taxonomy and the an-
choring thereof to elements in the taxonomy, for finan-
cial information required to be tagged using judgement 
where necessary; 

•  Ensuring consistency between iXBRL tagged data and 
the Consolidated Financial Statements presented in 
human readable format; and 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021•  For such internal control as Management determines 

•  Reconciling the iXBRL tagged data with the audited 

necessary to enable the preparation of an annual report 
that is compliant with the ESEF Regulation. 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

119

In our opinion, the annual report for the financial year Jan-
uary 1 – December 31, 2021 with the file name 549300ITB-
B1ULBL4CZ12-2021-12-31-en.zip is prepared, in all material 
respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation.

Copenhagen, March 10, 2022
EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab

Christian Schwenn Johansen
State Authorised  
Public Accountant
mne33234

Rasmus Bloch Jespersen
State Authorised  
Public Accountant
mne35503

Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance on 
whether the annual report is prepared, in all material 
respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation based 
on the evidence we have obtained, and to issue a report 
that includes our opinion. The nature, timing and extent of 
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, 
including the assessment of the risks of material depar-
tures from the requirements set out in the ESEF Regulation, 
whether due to fraud or error. The procedures include: 

•  Testing whether the annual report is prepared in XHTML 

format; 

•  Obtaining an understanding of the company’s iXBRL 

tagging process and of internal control over the tagging 
process; 

•  Evaluating the completeness of the iXBRL tagging of the 

Consolidated Financial Statements; 

•  Evaluating the appropriateness of the company’s use of 
iXBRL elements selected from the ESEF taxonomy and 
the creation of extension elements where no suitable 
element in the ESEF taxonomy has been identified; 

•  Evaluating the use of anchoring of extension elements 

to elements in the ESEF taxonomy; and 

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Other – COVER

120

Other 
information

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Other – Sources - Company info

Type 1 diabetes

¹    Hypoglycemia in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. The Diabetes Control and 

Complications Trial Research Group. Diabetes. 1997;46:271-286; 
 Abraham et al. Pediatr Diabetes. 2018;19(Suppl. 27):178-192; 
 International Hypoglycaemia Study Group; Diabetes Care. 2015;38:1583-1591; 

² 
³ 
⁴  Edridge et al. PloS ONE. 2015:10:e0126427.
⁵ 

 Chronic usage of other 2nd generation products is likely hindered by DMSO additive and 
inhalation format, respectively

Obesity / Type 2 diabetes

¹  Kumanyika S et al., N Engl J Med (2020) 383:2197-2200

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)

Sources  

2021 Achievements

¹ 

(Partnered with Alexion (AstraZeneca))

Peptide platform

¹ 

 (This includes Lixisenatide licensed to Sanofi and sold under the mark Lyxumia® in the EU 
and Adlyxin® in the US as well as Dasiglucagon)

²  Kumanyika S et al., N Engl J Med (2020) 383:2197-2200

Zealand Pharma Pipeline

¹  Licensed to Boehringer Ingelheim. 
²  Licensed to AstraZeneca.

Severe Hypoglycemia in diabetes/Zegalouge

¹  Jeppesen P. Expert Opinion on Orphan Drugs (2013) 1(7):515-525

¹ 

² 

³ 

 International Hypoglycemia Study Group. Glucose concentrations of less than 3.0 
mmol/L (54 mg/dL) should be reported in clinical trials: a joint position statement of the 
American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. 
Published in both Diabetes Care 2017 Jan; 40(1): 155-157 and Diabetologia 2017;6-:3-6.
 Siyed Y. Dasiglucagon in severe hypoglycemia: a profile of its use. Drugs & Therapy Per-
spectives 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-022-00894-x
 Zegalogue (dasiglucagon). Prescribing information. Zealand Pharma A/S; April 2021

Corporate Matters

¹  The Nomination Committee is a sub-set of the board.
²  Formalized of April 2021.
³  Resigned from company and as employee elected board member in September 2021
⁴  Joined the board as of Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen’s resignation in September 2021

CHI

¹ 
² 
³ 
⁴ 

 Congenital Hyperinsulinism International. Available at: http://congenitalhi.org
 De Leon et al. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab 2007;3:57-68
 Yorifuji et al. Pediatrics International 2014;56:467
 Eljamel et al. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 2018;13:123

Board of Directors and Corporate Management
¹  Resigned in 2006 and re-elected in 2007.
²  Employee-elected board members are elected for a period of four years.

121

Company 
information  

Zealand Pharma A/S
Sydmarken 11
2860 Søborg
Denmark

CVR no.: 20 04 50 78

Tel: +45 88 77 36 00
Fax: +45 88 77 38 98

Zealand Pharma U.S., Inc.
44 Farnsworth Street 
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02210 

info@zealandpharma.com
www.zealandpharma.com

Established
1998

Registered office
Gladsaxe

Auditors
EY Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab
CVR no.: 30 70 02 28

Zealand Pharma ∞ Annual Report 2021Zealand Pharma A/S
Sydmarken 11
DK-2860 Søborg
Denmark

Tel: +45 88 77 36 00
Fax: +45 88 77 38 98
CVR no.: 20 04 50 78

zealandpharma.com

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