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Mersana Therapeutics(MRSN) - 2023 Q3 - Quarterly Report

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) This section presents the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including the balance sheets, statements of operations and comprehensive loss, statements of stockholders' equity, and statements of cash flows, along with detailed notes explaining the company's financial position, performance, and significant accounting policies Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets The balance sheet shows a decrease in total assets and total stockholders' equity from December 31, 2022, to September 30, 2023, primarily driven by a reduction in marketable securities and an increase in accumulated deficit, despite an increase in cash and cash equivalents | Metric | September 30, 2023 (in thousands) | December 31, 2022 (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $186,283 | $128,885 | | Short-term marketable securities | $54,703 | $151,827 | | Accounts receivable | $— | $30,000 | | Total current assets | $249,738 | $319,219 | | Total assets | $262,904 | $334,340 | | Total current liabilities | $67,933 | $91,533 | | Total liabilities | $210,709 | $242,283 | | Total stockholders' equity | $52,195 | $92,057 | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss The company reported a reduced net loss for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the prior year, driven by increased collaboration revenue and decreased research and development expenses, despite new restructuring expenses | Metric | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 (in thousands) | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Collaboration revenue | $7,698 | $5,573 | $26,154 | $11,893 | | Research and development | $30,531 | $50,639 | $126,774 | $127,676 | | General and administrative | $12,894 | $14,573 | $49,409 | $42,158 | | Restructuring expenses | $8,214 | $— | $8,214 | $— | | Total operating expenses | $51,639 | $65,212 | $184,397 | $169,834 | | Net loss | $(41,656) | $(59,811) | $(152,126) | $(159,288) | | Net loss per share (basic and diluted) | $(0.35) | $(0.61) | $(1.33) | $(1.75) | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' equity decreased from December 31, 2022, to September 30, 2023, primarily due to the accumulated net loss, despite increases in common stock and additional paid-in capital from equity offerings | Metric | September 30, 2023 (in thousands) | December 31, 2022 (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Common stock (shares) | 120,548,980 | 105,144,864 | | Additional paid-in capital | $858,999 | $746,889 | | Accumulated deficit | $(806,817) | $(654,691) | | Total stockholders' equity | $52,195 | $92,057 | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash used in operating activities increased significantly, but was offset by a substantial increase in cash provided by investing activities (primarily marketable securities maturities) and continued cash generation from financing activities, resulting in an overall increase in cash and cash equivalents | Cash Flow Activity | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $(136,920) | $1,866 | | Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $99,735 | $(107,290) | | Net cash provided by financing activities | $94,583 | $111,559 | | Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $57,398 | $6,135 | Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements These notes provide detailed disclosures and explanations for the condensed consolidated financial statements, covering the company's business, accounting policies, collaboration agreements, fair value measurements, cash and marketable securities, accrued expenses, debt, stockholders' equity, stock-based compensation, net loss per share, commitments, and recent restructuring activities Note 1. Nature of business and basis of presentation Mersana Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) for cancer, leveraging its Dolasynthen and Immunosynthen platforms. The company has incurred significant net losses since inception, with an accumulated deficit of $806.8 million as of September 30, 2023, and expects to continue incurring operating losses for the foreseeable future - Company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ADCs for cancer, utilizing proprietary Dolasynthen and Immunosynthen platforms29 - Key product candidates include XMT-1660 (Dolasynthen ADC in Phase 1) and XMT-2056 (Immunosynthen STING-agonist ADC in Phase 1, clinical hold lifted in October 2023)30 - The UpRi program was discontinued following the failure of its Phase 2 UPLIFT clinical trial to meet its primary endpoint, leading to winding down of related development activities31 | Metric | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Loss | $(41.7) million | $(59.8) million | $(152.1) million | $(159.3) million | | Accumulated Deficit (as of Sep 30, 2023) | | | $(806.8) million | | Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies The company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, consolidating its wholly-owned subsidiary. Management makes estimates for revenue recognition, accrued expenses, and stock-based awards. The company operates as a single segment and uses a three-level fair value hierarchy for financial instruments, primarily classifying cash equivalents and marketable securities as Level 1 or Level 2 - The company operates and manages its business as a single operating segment focused on discovering and developing ADCs41 - Fair value measurements are categorized into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 for quoted prices in active markets, Level 2 for observable inputs for similar assets/liabilities, and Level 3 for unobservable inputs444546 - Cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of three months or less, primarily in money market funds, commercial paper, and government agency securities48 Note 3. Collaboration agreements The company has significant collaboration agreements with GSK, Janssen, and Merck KGaA, generating revenue from upfront fees, development activities, and milestones. Deferred revenue from these agreements represents substantial unsatisfied performance obligations - GSK Agreement (August 2022) includes a $100.0 million upfront fee and a potential $90.0 million option exercise payment for XMT-20565152 - Janssen Agreement (February 2022) involved a $40.0 million upfront payment, with a revised total transaction price of $48.0 million as of September 30, 20235965 - 2022 Merck KGaA Agreement (December 2022) provided a $30.0 million upfront payment for Immunosynthen platform ADCs70 | Collaboration | Q3 2023 Revenue (in thousands) | Q3 2022 Revenue (in thousands) | 9M 2023 Revenue (in thousands) | 9M 2022 Revenue (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | GSK Agreement | $500 | $700 | $1,800 | $700 | | Janssen Agreement | $4,900 | $4,900 | $14,000 | $10,900 | | 2022 Merck KGaA Agreement | $2,300 | $— | $7,900 | $— | | Asana BioSciences (milestone/services) | $— | $— | $2,500 | $300 | | Deferred Revenue (Contract Liabilities) | Sep 30, 2023 (in thousands) | Dec 31, 2022 (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | GSK Agreement | $96,200 | $98,000 | | Janssen Agreement | $9,900 | $15,800 | | 2022 Merck KGaA Agreement | $23,100 | $30,000 | | 2014 Merck KGaA Agreement & Supply Agreement (aggregate) | $3,900 | $3,900 | | Total Deferred Revenue | $133,096 | $147,653 | Note 4. Fair value measurements The company's assets measured at fair value, primarily cash equivalents and marketable securities, are classified within Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, indicating valuation based on quoted prices in active markets or observable inputs | Asset Type (in thousands) | September 30, 2023 Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Money market funds | $137,795 | $137,795 | $— | | U.S. treasury securities | $29,811 | $29,811 | $— | | U.S. government agency securities | $24,892 | $— | $24,892 | | Total Marketable Securities | $54,703 | $29,811 | $24,892 | | Asset Type (in thousands) | December 31, 2022 Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Money market funds | $50,471 | $50,471 | $— | | U.S. government agency securities | $9,993 | $— | $9,993 | | Total Cash Equivalents | $60,464 | $50,471 | $9,993 | - The carrying value of the company's long-term debt under the New Credit Facility approximated fair value (Level 2) as of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 202294 Note 5. Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term marketable securities The company's total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash increased significantly for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, while its marketable securities portfolio decreased, with some unrealized losses attributed to rising market interest rates | Metric | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 (in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents (beginning of period) | $128,885 | $177,947 | | Cash and cash equivalents (end of period) | $186,283 | $184,082 | | Restricted cash (beginning & end of period) | $478 | $478 | | Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (end of period) | $186,761 | $184,560 | | Marketable Securities (in thousands) | September 30, 2023 Fair Value | December 31, 2022 Fair Value | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | U.S. treasury securities | $29,811 | $107,810 | | U.S. government agency securities | $24,892 | $44,017 | | Total | $54,703 | $151,827 | - As of September 30, 2023, the debt security portfolio had $29.9 million in unrealized losses due to market interest rate increases, with the company intending and having the ability to hold these securities until recovery100 Note 6. Accrued expenses Accrued expenses significantly decreased from $43.2 million at December 31, 2022, to $29.3 million at September 30, 2023, primarily due to reductions in accrued clinical, payroll, and manufacturing expenses, partially offset by newly accrued restructuring expenses | Accrued Expense Type (in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Accrued clinical expenses | $8,544 | $14,822 | | Accrued payroll and related expenses | $7,168 | $11,558 | | Accrued manufacturing expenses | $4,250 | $11,536 | | Accrued restructuring expenses | $4,190 | $— | | Accrued research and non-clinical expenses | $3,062 | $2,767 | | Accrued professional fees | $1,583 | $1,865 | | Accrued other | $524 | $636 | | Total Accrued Expenses | $29,321 | $43,184 | Note 7. Debt The company has drawn $25.0 million under its New Credit Facility as of September 30, 2023, with no additional borrowing amounts available. The company was in compliance with all debt covenants and reported increased interest expense for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the prior year - The company has drawn $25.0 million under the New Credit Facility as of September 30, 2023, with no additional borrowing amounts available103 - As of September 30, 2023, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Facility104 | Interest Expense (in thousands) | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Interest expense related to New Credit Facility | $1,017 | $880 | $3,025 | $2,364 | Note 8. Stockholders' equity The company's common stock authorized shares increased in June 2022. It utilized ATM equity offering programs, with the November 2022 ATM having $55.9 million remaining for sale as of September 30, 2023. All outstanding warrants expired in September 2023 - The number of authorized common stock shares increased from 175,000,000 to 350,000,000 in June 2022112 - Under the November 2022 ATM, the company sold 14,208,145 shares for net proceeds of $92.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, with approximately $55.9 million remaining unsold110 - All outstanding warrants to purchase common stock expired on September 27, 2023, with none remaining as of September 30, 2023111 | Shares Reserved for Issuance | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Stock options | 12,178,126 | 10,051,283 | | Restricted stock units | 4,122,365 | 1,870,791 | | Warrants | — | 22,590 | | Total | 16,300,491 | 11,944,664 | Note 9. Stock-based compensation The company's stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased to $17.1 million, primarily from stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). Significant amounts of unrecognized compensation expense remain for unvested options and RSUs - The 2017 Stock Incentive Plan had 864,450 shares available for future issuance as of September 30, 2023, after an increase of 4,205,794 shares on January 1, 2023118 - During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, 3,972,166 stock options and 3,982,567 RSUs were granted124129 | Stock-based Compensation Expense (in thousands) | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Stock options | $3,211 | $3,901 | $11,718 | $11,952 | | Restricted stock units | $694 | $1,365 | $4,647 | $3,832 | | Employee stock purchase plan | $96 | $109 | $686 | $424 | | Total operating expenses | $4,001 | $5,375 | $17,051 | $16,208 | - As of September 30, 2023, there was $18.7 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for unvested stock options (weighted-average period of 1.8 years) and $15.1 million for unvested RSUs (weighted-average period of 2.5 years)133 Note 10. Net loss per share Basic and diluted net loss per share were identical for all periods presented because all potentially dilutive securities, such as stock options, unvested RSUs, and warrants, were anti-dilutive due to the company's net loss - Stock options, unvested restricted stock units, and warrants were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation because their effect would be anti-dilutive138 | Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded (shares) | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Stock options | 12,178,126 | 10,524,780 | | Unvested restricted stock units | 4,122,365 | 1,870,682 | | Warrants | — | 22,590 | | Total | 16,300,491 | 12,418,052 | Note 11. Commitments The company recorded no research and development expense related to non-refundable license payments or development milestones during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, in contrast to prior periods - No research and development expense was recorded for non-refundable license payments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023140 - No research and development expense was recorded for development milestones during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023141 Note 12. Restructuring In July 2023, the company initiated a restructuring, including a 50% workforce reduction, following the failure of the UpRi clinical trial. Total restructuring costs incurred to date are $8.2 million, primarily for severance and employee-related costs, with $4.2 million accrued as of September 30, 2023 - On July 27, 2023, the company announced a restructuring plan, including a reduction of approximately 50% of its employee base, following the discontinuation of the UpRi clinical development program143 - The company expects to incur approximately $7 million for severance and benefits and $2 million for contract terminations related to the restructuring144 | Restructuring Costs (in thousands) | Cumulative Costs to Date | | :--- | :--- | | Severance & Employee Related Costs | $6,425 | | Contract Termination and Other Costs | $1,789 | | Total Costs | $8,214 | - Accrued restructuring costs totaled $4.19 million as of September 30, 2023145 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations This section provides management's perspective on the company's financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. It highlights the strategic shift to focus on next-generation ADC platforms following the discontinuation of the UpRi program, the associated restructuring, and the financial impact of these changes, including revenue from collaborations and ongoing operating losses Overview Mersana Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is focusing on its next-generation ADC platforms, Dolasynthen and Immunosynthen, after discontinuing the UpRi program due to a failed Phase 2 trial. This strategic shift led to a 50% workforce reduction and continued development of XMT-1660 and XMT-2056, despite significant cumulative operating losses - The company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing ADCs for cancer using proprietary Dolasynthen and Immunosynthen platforms150 - The Phase 2 UPLIFT clinical trial of UpRi did not meet its primary endpoint, leading to the discontinuation of UpRi-related development activities and termination of Phase 3 trials152153 - A restructuring plan was announced on July 27, 2023, involving a reduction of approximately 50% of the employee base, expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2023153 - Development continues for XMT-1660 (Dolasynthen ADC, Phase 1, Fast Track designation for TNBC) and XMT-2056 (Immunosynthen STING-agonist ADC, Phase 1, clinical hold lifted in October 2023)154155 - The company incurred a net loss of $152.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and had an accumulated deficit of $806.8 million as of that date159 Financial Operations Overview The company's revenue is entirely derived from strategic collaborations, with significant contributions from new agreements with Merck KGaA and Janssen. Operating expenses include substantial R&D costs for product candidates and platforms, general and administrative expenses, and new restructuring expenses from the workforce reduction. The company anticipates continued operating losses as it advances its pipeline - All revenue to date has been generated from strategic collaborations, with no product sales158 | Collaboration Revenue (9M 2023, in millions) | | :--- | :--- | | 2022 Merck KGaA Agreement | $7.9 | | Janssen Agreement | $14.0 | | GSK Agreement | $1.8 | | Asana BioSciences | $2.5 | - Research and development expenses include employee-related costs, third-party research/preclinical/manufacturing/clinical trial costs, laboratory supplies, facility costs, and upfront/milestone payments166 | External R&D Expenses (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | UpRi external costs | $45,208 | $48,023 | | XMT-1660 external costs | $11,241 | $10,879 | | XMT-2056 external costs | $4,614 | $2,334 | | Preclinical and discovery costs | $4,062 | $13,265 | | XMT-1592 external costs | $434 | $3,198 | | Internal research and development costs | $61,215 | $49,977 | | Total research and development costs | $126,774 | $127,676 | - Restructuring expenses of $8.2 million were recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily for severance and contract termination costs175 Results of Operations For the three months ended September 30, 2023, collaboration revenue increased, and operating expenses decreased, leading to a reduced net loss. For the nine months, collaboration revenue also increased, while R&D expenses slightly decreased, and G&A expenses increased, resulting in a lower net loss compared to the prior year | Metric (in thousands) | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | Dollar Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Collaboration revenue | $7,698 | $5,573 | $2,125 | | Research and development | $30,531 | $50,639 | $(20,108) | | General and administrative | $12,894 | $14,573 | $(1,679) | | Restructuring expenses | $8,214 | $— | $8,214 | | Net loss | $(41,656) | $(59,811) | $18,155 | | Total other income (expense), net | $2,285 | $(172) | $2,457 | - The decrease in R&D expense for the three months was primarily due to a $14.8 million decrease in UpRi activities and a $1.8 million decrease in XMT-2056 activities184 | Metric (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | Dollar Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Collaboration revenue | $26,154 | $11,893 | $14,261 | | Research and development | $126,774 | $127,676 | $(902) | | General and administrative | $49,409 | $42,158 | $7,251 | | Restructuring expenses | $8,214 | $— | $8,214 | | Net loss | $(152,126) | $(159,288) | $7,162 | | Total other income (expense), net | $6,117 | $(1,347) | $7,464 | - The decrease in R&D expense for the nine months was primarily due to reduced manufacturing for XMT-1660/Dolasynthen ($3.1 million), UpRi ($2.8 million), and XMT-2056 ($1.8 million), partially offset by increased employee compensation and consulting fees prior to restructuring188 Liquidity and Capital Resources The company's liquidity is primarily supported by strategic collaborations, equity offerings, and debt financing. As of September 30, 2023, it held $241.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, which are projected to fund operations into 2026. Future capital requirements are expected to increase with ongoing R&D and potential commercialization efforts - Operations are financed primarily through strategic collaborations, private placements of preferred stock, and public offerings of common stock, including ATM equity offering programs192 - During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the November 2022 ATM generated $92.2 million in net proceeds from 14.2 million shares sold, with $55.9 million remaining available195 - As of September 30, 2023, the company had $241.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, believed to be sufficient to fund operations into 2026197204 | Cash Flow Activity (in thousands) | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $(136,920) | $1,866 | | Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $99,735 | $(107,290) | | Net cash provided by financing activities | $94,583 | $111,559 | | Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $57,398 | $6,135 | Critical Accounting Estimates There were no material changes to the company's critical accounting estimates as reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 - No material changes to critical accounting estimates were reported since the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022211 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk The company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk due to its investments in cash equivalents and marketable securities, and its floating-rate credit facility. It currently has no material exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risks - The company is exposed to interest rate risk on its $241.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, primarily invested in U.S. Treasury obligations, commercial paper, corporate bonds, and U.S. government agency securities212 - The New Credit Facility has a floating interest rate (greater of 8.50% or prime rate + 5.25%) on its $25.0 million outstanding balance, but a potential change in rates is deemed immaterial to operations213 - The company is not currently exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates214 Item 4. Controls and Procedures Management concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2023, and reported no material changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter - Management, including the principal executive and financial officers, concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2023216 - No change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting217 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings The company is not currently involved in any material legal proceedings and does not anticipate any existing claims to have a material adverse effect on its business - The company is not currently party to any material legal proceedings218 - The company does not believe any existing claims or litigation would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on its business218 Item 1A. Risk Factors This section outlines various risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact the company's business, financial condition, and operational results. These risks span across drug development and regulatory approval, financial stability, reliance on third parties, commercialization challenges, intellectual property protection, legal and regulatory compliance, general business operations, and factors affecting common stock Risks Related to Development and Approval of Our ADC Product Candidates The company faces high risks in developing its limited number of ADC product candidates, XMT-1660 and XMT-2056, given the recent discontinuation of the UpRi program due to trial failure and a prior clinical hold on XMT-2056. Adverse events, trial delays, and the inherent uncertainty of preclinical and clinical results pose significant threats to regulatory approval and commercial viability - XMT-1660 and XMT-2056 are currently the company's only product candidates in clinical trials, increasing business risk if either fails220 - The UpRi program was discontinued in July 2023 after its Phase 2 UPLIFT clinical trial failed to meet its primary endpoint, and related Phase 3 trials were terminated220222 - The Phase 1 clinical trial of XMT-2056 was on clinical hold from March to October 2023 due to a fatal serious adverse event (SAE), with enrollment resuming at a lowered starting dose220223 - Drug discovery and development is a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process with a high rate of failure; promising early results are not predictive of later-stage success221222 Risks Related to our Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital The company has a history of net losses and a substantial accumulated deficit, with no product sales revenue to date. It requires significant additional financing to fund ongoing R&D and potential commercialization, and failure to obtain this capital could force delays or termination of development efforts. Future equity or debt financing may lead to stockholder dilution or restrictive covenants - The company has incurred net losses since inception, with a $41.7 million net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and an accumulated deficit of $806.8 million244 - No revenue has been generated from product sales to date, and none is expected in the foreseeable future244 - Substantial additional financing will be required to achieve goals, and a failure to obtain necessary capital could force delays, limits, reductions, or termination of product development or commercialization efforts251 - Current cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $241.0 million (as of September 30, 2023) are believed to be sufficient to fund operations into 2026, but these estimates are subject to change254 Risks Related to Our Reliance on Third Parties The company heavily relies on third-party manufacturers, suppliers, and strategic collaborators for preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing, and revenue generation. This reliance introduces risks such as supply limitations, quality control issues, non-compliance with regulations, and potential non-performance or termination of agreements by collaborators, which could severely impact product development and financial performance - The company relies on third-party contract manufacturers for preclinical and clinical trial product supplies and lacks internal commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities257 - Reliance on third parties to conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials for product candidates means less direct control over conduct, timing, and completion, with risks of delays or unsuccessful trials261263 - Strategic collaborations (e.g., with GSK, Janssen, Merck KGaA) are crucial for research, development, and commercialization, but collaborators may not perform as expected, terminate agreements, or pursue competing products266267268 - A substantial portion of the company's revenue has historically come from a small number of collaborators, making it vulnerable to the loss or non-performance of any of these partners269270 Risks Related to Commercialization of Our ADC Product Candidates Commercial success of approved ADC product candidates is highly dependent on market acceptance by physicians, patients, and payors, which can be influenced by efficacy, safety, and cost. The company faces uncertainties regarding target patient populations, challenges in establishing its own sales and marketing infrastructure, and significant competition from other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as potential price controls and biosimilar competition - Future commercial success depends on significant market acceptance of approved ADC product candidates among physicians, patients, and health care payors, influenced by efficacy, safety, cost, and alternative treatments273274 - The precise incidence and prevalence of target patient populations for drug candidates are uncertain, potentially leading to smaller addressable markets than estimated277 - The company lacks a sales or marketing infrastructure and experience, and building one is expensive and time-consuming, with risks of delays or reduced profitability if relying on third parties278279280283 - Sales of approved products will depend on coverage and reimbursement by third-party payors, with cost-control initiatives and adverse pricing limitations potentially hindering profitability285288 - The biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are highly competitive, with numerous companies developing ADCs and other cancer therapies, many possessing greater financial resources and expertise290292293 Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property The company's success hinges on its ability to obtain, maintain, and enforce intellectual property rights globally, which is uncertain due to complex legal and factual considerations. Risks include patents failing to issue, being challenged or invalidated, difficulties in detecting and proving infringement, and potential loss of rights if license obligations are breached. Trade secret protection is also challenging to enforce, and third-party claims of misappropriation or infringement could lead to costly litigation and hinder development efforts - The issuance, scope, validity, enforceability, and commercial value of the company's patent rights are highly uncertain, and patents may be challenged or found invalid/unenforceable298299 - Failure to comply with obligations under license or collaboration agreements could result in damages and loss of intellectual property rights essential for developing and protecting ADC product candidates306307 - The company may become involved in expensive, time-consuming, and potentially unsuccessful lawsuits to protect or enforce its intellectual property or to defend against third-party infringement claims312314317 - Protecting intellectual property rights globally is expensive and challenging, as foreign laws may not offer the same extent of protection as U.S. laws, and enforcement can be difficult319320 - Confidentiality agreements may not prevent unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary information, potentially impairing the company's competitive position323324 Risks Related to Regulatory Approval and Other Legal Compliance Matters The regulatory approval process for product candidates is expensive, lengthy, and uncertain, with no guarantee of success in the U.S. or abroad. The company faces risks from ongoing legal challenges (e.g., mifepristone litigation), post-approval regulatory compliance, potential limitations of expedited designations (e.g., Fast Track, Orphan Drug), and disruptions from government agencies. Compliance with extensive healthcare, anti-corruption, and data privacy laws is critical, with non-compliance potentially leading to substantial penalties and operational disruptions - The regulatory approval process is lengthy, expensive, and uncertain, with no guarantee of obtaining marketing approval for product candidates in the United States or other countries333334 - Ongoing litigation challenging FDA approval of mifepristone could create regulatory uncertainty, potentially delaying or undermining the development, approval, and distribution of new drug products336337 - Any product candidate that obtains marketing approval will be subject to ongoing regulatory requirements and review, with potential for restrictions or withdrawal from the market if compliance fails345347 - The company is subject to extensive federal and state healthcare, anti-corruption (e.g., FCPA), data privacy (e.g., HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR), and consumer protection laws, with non-compliance potentially leading to substantial penalties377378380398410 - Current and future healthcare legislation (e.g., ACA, IRA) may increase the difficulty and cost of obtaining reimbursement for product candidates, impose price controls, and adversely affect future profitability381389392393394395 Risks Related to our Business and Industry The company's ability to succeed depends on attracting and retaining key personnel, a challenge exacerbated by its recent 50% workforce reduction, which may not yield anticipated savings and could disrupt operations. Managing growth, product liability lawsuits, and potential disruptions from system failures or serious disasters also pose significant risks to business continuity and financial stability - The company's ability to compete depends on attracting and retaining highly qualified managerial, scientific, and medical personnel, a challenge intensified by intense competition and recent executive departures419420 - The July 2023 restructuring, involving a 50% workforce reduction, may not result in anticipated savings, could incur greater costs, disrupt operations, and harm the ability to attract and retain talent421422 - The company faces an inherent risk of product liability lawsuits from clinical testing and potential commercialization, which could result in substantial liabilities, limit commercialization, and damage its reputation424425 - Internal information technology systems and those of third-party collaborators are vulnerable to security breaches and service interruptions, potentially leading to material disruptions, data loss, and increased costs429431 Risks Related to Our Common Stock The company's stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, influenced by clinical trial results, regulatory actions, and market conditions. The company does not expect to pay cash dividends, and its corporate governance provisions and Delaware law may discourage acquisitions, potentially limiting stockholder returns - The company's stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, influenced by factors such as clinical trial results, regulatory developments, financial performance, and general market conditions432435 - The company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, requiring investors to rely on stock price appreciation for returns436 - Provisions in the company's amended certificate of incorporation, by-laws, and Delaware law (Section 203 DGCL) may have anti-takeover effects, discouraging acquisitions even if beneficial to stockholders437439441 General Risk Factors General risks include the potential for the company's 'smaller reporting company' status to deter investors, adverse impacts from unfavorable global economic or geopolitical conditions (e.g., inflation, conflicts), and disruptions from serious disasters that could affect facilities, operations, and financial stability - As a 'smaller reporting company,' the company may take advantage of certain exemptions from reporting requirements, which could make its common stock less attractive to investors453454 - Unfavorable global economic or geopolitical conditions, including inflation, interest rates, and international conflicts, could adversely affect the company's business, financial condition, or results of operations455456 - The company and its third-party dependencies are vulnerable to serious disasters (e.g., floods, fires, epidemics), which could disrupt operations, increase costs, and harm research and development programs457 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds This section states that there were no unregistered sales of equity securities or use of proceeds to report during the period - No unregistered sales of equity securities or use of proceeds were reported459 Item 6. Exhibits This section lists the exhibits filed with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including corporate organizational documents, amendments to collaboration agreements, executive employment-related documents, and various certifications - Exhibits include the Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, amendments to the Janssen collaboration agreement, and executive retirement/offer letters461 - Certifications from the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer (pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350) are included461 Signatures The report is duly signed by Martin Huber, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian DeSchuytner, SVP, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on November 7, 2023 - The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was signed by Martin Huber, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian DeSchuytner, SVP, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on November 7, 2023467