UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
| | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the quarterly period ended
or
| | TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:
ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (IRS Employer |
(
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class: | Trading symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which registered: |
| | | The |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | |
| | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | |
| Emerging growth company | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) Yes
As of May 3, 2021, the number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock was
ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page |
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| PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
5 |
|
| Item 1. |
Financial Statements |
5 |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (unaudited) |
5 |
|
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) |
6 |
|
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) |
7 |
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| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) |
8 |
|
| Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) |
9 |
|
| Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
19 |
| Item 3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
27 |
| Item 4. |
Controls and Procedures |
27 |
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
27 |
|
| Item 1. |
Legal Proceedings |
27 |
| Item 1A. |
Risk Factors |
28 |
| Item 2. |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
60 |
| Item 3. |
Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
60 |
| Item 4. |
Mine Safety Disclosures |
60 |
| Item 5. |
Other Information |
60 |
| Item 6. |
Exhibits |
61 |
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “AcelRx,” “AcelRx Pharmaceuticals,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries. “DZUVEO” is a trademark, and “ACELRX”, “DSUVIA” and “Zalviso” are registered trademarks, all owned by AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This report also contains trademarks and trade names that are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or Form 10-Q, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by that section. The forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are contained principally under “Part I. Financial Information - Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Part II. Other Information - Item 1A. Risk Factors”. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this Form 10-Q, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. Many important factors affect our ability to achieve our objectives, including:
| • |
the accuracy of our estimates regarding the sufficiency of our cash resources, future revenues, expenses, capital requirements and needs for additional financing, and our ability to obtain additional financing; |
| • |
the uncertainties and impact arising from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions on the ability of our sales force to contact and communicate with target customers and resulting delays and challenges to our commercial sales of DSUVIA® (sufentanil sublingual tablet, 30 mcg); |
| • |
our success in commercializing DSUVIA in the United States, including the marketing, sales, and distribution of the product, whether alone or with contract sales organizations and other collaborators, such as Zimmer Biomet Dental; |
| • |
our ability to satisfactorily comply with FDA regulations concerning the advertising and promotion of DSUVIA, including resolving the concerns raised by FDA in the warning letter delivered to us on February 11, 2021; |
| • |
the expected benefits of the promotion agreement with La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company, or La Jolla; |
| • |
the size and growth potential of the markets for DSUVIA, and Zalviso® (sufentanil sublingual tablet system), if approved in the United States, and our ability to serve those markets; |
| • |
our ability to maintain regulatory approval of DSUVIA in the United States, including effective management of and compliance with the DSUVIA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, program; |
| • |
acceptance of DSUVIA by physicians, patients and the healthcare community, including the acceptance of pricing and placement of DSUVIA on payers’ formularies; |
| • |
the integration and performance of any assets or businesses we acquire; |
| • |
our ability to develop sales and marketing capabilities in a timely fashion, whether alone through recruiting qualified employees, by engaging a contract sales organization, or with potential future collaborators; |
| • |
successfully establishing and maintaining commercial manufacturing with third parties; |
| • |
our ability to manage effectively, and the impact of any costs associated with, potential governmental investigations, inquiries, regulatory actions or lawsuits that may be brought against us; |
| • |
continued demonstration of an acceptable safety profile of DSUVIA; |
| • |
effectively competing with other medications for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in medically supervised settings, including IV-opioids and any subsequently approved products; |
| • |
our ability to maintain regulatory approval of DZUVEO® in the European Union, or EU, and enter into a collaboration agreement with a strategic partner for the commercialization of DZUVEO in Europe; |
| • |
our ability to manufacture and supply DZUVEO in Europe to any future strategic partner; |
| • |
our ability to timely and efficiently close-out our relationship with Grünenthal GmbH, or Grünenthal, following the termination of our Collaboration and License Agreement and the Manufacture and Supply Agreement; |
| • |
our ability to fulfill our obligations under the Purchase and Sale Agreement with SWK Funding, LLC, or SWK, (assignee of PDL BioPharma, Inc., or PDL) including our obligation to use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a replacement license agreement for Zalviso with a third party; |
| • |
our ability to successfully execute the pathway towards a resubmission of the Zalviso New Drug Application, or NDA, and subsequently obtain and maintain regulatory approval of Zalviso in the United States and comply with any related restrictions, limitations, and/or warnings in the label of Zalviso, if approved; |
| • |
the outcome of any potential FDA Advisory Committee meeting held for Zalviso; |
| • |
our ability to successfully commercialize Zalviso, if approved in the United States; |
| • |
the rate and degree of market acceptance of Zalviso, if approved in the United States; |
| • |
our ability to obtain adequate government or third-party payer reimbursement; |
| • |
our ability to attract additional collaborators with development, regulatory and commercialization expertise; |
| • |
our ability to successfully retain our key commercial, scientific, engineering, medical or management personnel and hire new personnel as needed; |
| • |
regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; |
| • |
the performance of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers, including any supply chain impacts or work limitations resulting from shelter-in-place orders related to COVID-19; |
| • |
the success of competing therapies that are or become available; |
| • |
our liquidity and capital resources; and |
| • |
our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for DSUVIA/DZUVEO and Zalviso. |
In addition, you should refer to “Part II. Other Information - Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of these and other important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, if our forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. Also, forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
| March 31, 2021 (unaudited) | December 31, 2020(1) | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Short-term investments | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
| Inventories, net | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Long-term debt, current portion | ||||||||
| Deferred revenue, current portion | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current portion | ||||||||
| Liability related to the sale of future royalties, current portion | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Liability related to the sale of future royalties, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Deficit: | ||||||||
| Common stock, par value— shares authorized as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020; and shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | $ | ||||||
| (1) |
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Revenue: | ||||||||
| Product sales | $ | $ | ||||||
| Contract and other collaboration | ||||||||
| Total revenue | ||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses: | ||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | ||||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | ||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | ||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Interest income and other income (expense), net | ( | ) | ||||||
| Non-cash interest income on liability related to future sale of royalties | ||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Shares used in computing net loss per share of common stock, basic and diluted – See Note 10 | ||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock units vested | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Tax payments related to shares withheld for restricted stock units vested | — | — | ( | ) | — | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with equity financings | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock upon ESPP purchase | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock units vested | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Tax payments related to shares withheld for restricted stock units vested | — | — | ( | ) | — | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with equity financings | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock upon ESPP purchase | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
| Three Months | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Non-cash royalty revenue related to royalty monetization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Non-cash interest income on liability related to royalty monetization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense related to debt financing | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Gain on lease termination | ( | ) | ||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Inventories | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred revenue | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Purchase of investments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from maturities of investments | ||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Payment of long-term debt | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with equity financings | ||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of common stock through equity plans | ||||||||
| Payment of employee tax obligations related to vesting of restricted stock units | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents—End of period | $ | $ | ||||||
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except where otherwise noted)
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or the Company or AcelRx, was incorporated in Delaware on July 13, 2005 as SuRx, Inc., and in January 2006, the Company changed its name to AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Company’s operations are based in Hayward, California.
AcelRx is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for use in medically supervised settings. DSUVIA® (known as DZUVEO® in Europe) and Zalviso® are both focused on the treatment of acute pain, and each utilize sufentanil, delivered via a non-invasive route of sublingual administration, exclusively for use in medically supervised settings. On November 2, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approved DSUVIA for use in adults in a certified medically supervised healthcare setting, such as hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency departments, for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. The commercial launch of DSUVIA in the United States occurred in the first quarter of 2019. In June 2018, the European Commission, or EC, granted marketing approval of DZUVEO for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe acute pain in medically monitored settings. AcelRx is further developing a distribution capability and commercial organization to continue to market and sell DSUVIA in the United States. In geographies where AcelRx decides not to commercialize products by itself, the Company may seek to out-license commercialization rights. The Company currently intends to commercialize and promote DSUVIA/DZUVEO outside the United States with one or more strategic partners, although it has not yet entered into any such arrangement. The timing of the resubmission of the Zalviso new drug application, or NDA, is in part dependent upon the finalization of the FDA’s new opioid approval guidelines and process. AcelRx intends to seek regulatory approval for Zalviso in the United States and, if successful, potentially promote Zalviso either by itself or with strategic partners. Zalviso is approved in Europe and was commercialized by Grünenthal GmbH, or Grünenthal, through May 12, 2021 (see Termination of Grünenthal Agreements below).
The Company has incurred recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities since inception. Although Zalviso was approved for sale in Europe on September 18, 2015, the Company sold the majority of the royalty rights and certain commercial sales milestones it is entitled to receive under the Amended License Agreement (defined below) with Grünenthal to PDL BioPharma, Inc., or PDL, in a transaction referred to as the Royalty Monetization. On August 31, 2020, PDL announced it sold its royalty interest for Zalviso to SWK Funding, LLC, or SWK. In consideration of the termination of the Amended License Agreement, under the Royalty Monetization, the Company must use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a replacement license agreement, or New Arrangement, with a third party. The Company expects to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows until such time as DSUVIA has gained market acceptance and generated significant revenues.
DSUVIA/DZUVEO
DSUVIA, known as DZUVEO in Europe, approved by the FDA in November 2018 and granted marketing approval by the EC in June 2018, is indicated for use in adults in a certified medically supervised healthcare setting, such as hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency departments, for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. DSUVIA was designed to provide rapid analgesia via a non-invasive route and to eliminate dosing errors associated with IV administration. DSUVIA is a single-strength solid dosage form administered sublingually via a single-dose applicator, or SDA, by healthcare professionals. Sufentanil is an opioid analgesic currently marketed for intravenous, or IV, and epidural anesthesia and analgesia. The sufentanil pharmacokinetic profile when delivered sublingually avoids the high peak plasma levels and short duration of action observed with IV administration.
DSUVIA was approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, which restricts distribution to certified medically supervised healthcare settings in order to prevent respiratory depression resulting from accidental exposure. DSUVIA is only distributed to facilities certified in the DSUVIA REMS program following attestation by an authorized representative to comply with appropriate dispensing and use restrictions of DSUVIA. To become certified, a healthcare setting is required to train their healthcare professionals on the proper use of DSUVIA and have the ability to manage respiratory depression. DSUVIA is not available in retail pharmacies or for outpatient use. As part of the REMS program, the Company monitors distribution and audits wholesalers’ data, evaluates proper usage within the healthcare settings and monitors for any diversion and abuse. AcelRx will de-certify healthcare settings that are non-compliant with the REMS program.
Zalviso
Zalviso delivers 15 mcg sufentanil sublingually through a non-invasive delivery route via a pre-programmed, patient-controlled analgesia, or PCA, system. Zalviso is approved in Europe and is in late-stage development in the United States. The Company had initially submitted to the FDA an NDA seeking approval for Zalviso in September 2013 but received a complete response letter, or CRL, on July 25, 2014. Subsequently, the FDA requested an additional clinical study, IAP312, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of changes made to the functionality and usability of the Zalviso device and to take into account comments from the FDA on the study protocol. In the IAP312 study, for which top-line results were announced in August 2017, Zalviso met safety, satisfaction and device usability expectations. These results will supplement the three Phase 3 trials already completed in the Zalviso NDA resubmission.
Termination of Grünenthal Agreements
On December 16, 2013, AcelRx and Grünenthal entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement, or the License Agreement, which was amended effective July 17, 2015 and September 20, 2016, or the Amended License Agreement, which granted Grünenthal rights to commercialize the Zalviso PCA system, or the Product, in the 28 European Union, or EU, member states, at the time of the agreement, plus Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Australia (collectively, the Territory) for human use in pain treatment within, or dispensed by, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and other medically supervised settings, (collectively, the Field). In September 2015, the EC granted marketing approval for the marketing authorization application, or MAA, previously submitted to the EMA, for Zalviso for the management of acute moderate-to-severe post-operative pain in adult patients. On December 16, 2013, AcelRx and Grünenthal, entered into a Manufacture and Supply Agreement, or the MSA, and together with the License Agreement, the Agreements. Under the MSA, the Company exclusively manufactured and supplied the Product to Grünenthal for the Field in the Territory. On July 22, 2015, the Company and Grünenthal amended the MSA, or the Amended MSA, effective as of July 17, 2015. The Amended MSA and the Amended License Agreement are referred to as the Grünenthal Agreements.
On May 18, 2020, the Company received a notice from Grünenthal that it had exercised its right to terminate the Grünenthal Agreements, effective November 13, 2020. The terms of the Grünenthal Agreements were extended to May 12, 2021 to enable Grünenthal to sell down its Zalviso inventory, a right it had under the Grünenthal Agreements. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the European Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Australia, or the Territory, reverted back to the Company on May 12, 2021.
Principles of Consolidation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Refer to Note 7 “Liability Related to Sale of Future Royalties” for additional information.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the United States. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020, was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2020, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which includes a broader discussion of the Company’s business and the risks inherent therein.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis including critical accounting policies. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other market-specific and other relevant assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant Accounting Policies
The Company’s significant accounting policies are detailed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. There have been no significant changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2021, from those previously disclosed in its 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except to reflect that the Company applies the graded-vesting attribution method to awards with market conditions that include graded-vesting features. Additionally, the Company uses the Monte Carlo Simulation model to evaluate the derived service period and fair value of awards with market conditions, including assumptions of historical volatility and risk-free interest rate commensurate with the vesting term.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” or ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment model in current GAAP with a model that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2023, with early adoption allowed beginning January 1, 2020. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” or ASU 2019-05, to allow entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost upon adoption of the new credit losses standard. The new effective dates and transition align with those of ASU 2016-13. Management is currently assessing the date of adoption and the impact ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-05 will have on the Company, but it does not anticipate adoption of these new standards to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” The amendments provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. These amendments are effective immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating its contracts and the optional expedients provided by the new standard, but it does not anticipate its adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
2. Investments and Fair Value Measurement
Investments
The Company classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale and records its investments at fair value. Available-for-sale securities are carried at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or observable market inputs of almost identical assets, with the unrealized holding gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Marketable securities which have maturities beyond one year as of the end of the reporting period are classified as non-current.
The table below summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (in thousands):
| As of March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized | Gross Unrealized | Fair | |||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Money market funds | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Total short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized | Gross Unrealized | Fair | |||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Money market funds | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||
| Total short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
There were no other-than-temporary impairments for these securities at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.
As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the contractual maturity of all investments held was less than one year.
Fair Value Measurement
The Company’s financial instruments consist of Level I and II assets and Level III liabilities. Money market funds are highly liquid investments and are actively traded. The pricing information on these investment instruments are readily available and can be independently validated as of the measurement date. This approach results in the classification of these securities as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For Level II instruments, the Company estimates fair value by utilizing third party pricing services in developing fair value measurements where fair value is based on valuation methodologies such as models using observable market inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers and other reference data. Such Level II instruments typically include U.S. treasury, U.S. government agency securities, corporate debt securities and commercial paper. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company held, in addition to Level II assets, a contingent put option liability associated with the Loan Agreement with Oxford. See Note 5 “Long-Term Debt” for further description. The Company’s estimate of fair value of the contingent put option liability was determined by using a risk-neutral valuation model, wherein the fair value of the underlying debt facility is estimated both with and without the presence of the default provisions, holding all other assumptions constant. The resulting difference between the two estimated fair values is the estimated fair value of the default provisions, or the contingent put option, which is included under other long-term liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes to the estimated fair value of this liability is recorded in interest income and other income (expense), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. The fair value of the underlying debt facility is estimated by calculating the expected cash flows in consideration of an estimated probability of default and expected recovery rate in default and discounting such cash flows back to the reporting date using a risk-free rate.
The following table sets forth the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
| As of March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Level I | Level II | Level III | |||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate debt securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Contingent put option liability | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Level I | Level II | Level III | |||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Contingent put option liability | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The following tables set forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level III financial liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| Three Months | ||||
| Fair value—beginning of period | $ | |||
| Change in fair value of contingent put option associated with the Loan Agreement | ( | ) | ||
| Fair value—end of period | $ | |||
| Three Months | ||||
| Fair value—beginning of period | $ | |||
| Change in fair value of contingent put option associated with the Loan Agreement | ||||
| Fair value—end of period | $ | |||
3. Inventories, net
Inventories consist of raw materials, work in process and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and consist of the following (in thousands):
| Balance as of | ||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Raw materials | $ | $ | ||||||
| Work-in-process | ||||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company recorded inventory impairment charges of $
4. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The following table summarizes revenue from contracts with customers for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Product sales: | ||||||||
| DSUVIA | $ | $ | ||||||
| Zalviso | ||||||||
| Total product sales | ||||||||
| Contract and other collaboration: | ||||||||
| Non-cash royalty revenue related to Royalty Monetization (See Note 7) | ||||||||
| Royalty revenue | ||||||||
| Total revenues from contract and other collaboration | ||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
For additional details on the Company’s accounting policy regarding revenue recognition, refer to Note 1 “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue from Contracts with Customers” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Product Sales
The Company’s commercial launch of DSUVIA in the United States occurred in the first quarter of 2019. Zalviso was sold in Europe by the Company’s collaboration partner, Grünenthal, through May 12, 2021.
Contract and Other Collaboration
Contract and other collaboration revenue includes revenue under the Grünenthal Agreements related to research and development services, non-cash royalty revenue related to the Royalty Monetization and royalty revenue for sales of Zalviso in Europe.
Contract Liability
The following table presents changes in the Company’s contract liability for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (in thousands):
| Balance at Beginning of the Period | Additions | Deductions | Balance at the end of the Period | |||||||||||||
| Contract liability: | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred revenue – Grünenthal Agreements | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized the following revenue from performance obligations satisfied (in thousands):
| Three Month Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Amounts included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the period: | ||||||||
| Performance obligations satisfied | $ | $ | ||||||
| New activities in the period from performance obligations satisfied: | ||||||||
| Performance obligations satisfied | ||||||||
| Total revenue from performance obligations satisfied or eliminated | $ | $ | ||||||
5. Long-Term Debt
Loan Agreement with Oxford
On May 30, 2019, the Company entered into the Loan Agreement with Oxford Finance LLC, or Oxford, as the Lender. Under the Loan Agreement, the Lender made a term loan to the Company in an aggregate principal amount of $
In connection with the Loan Agreement, on May 30, 2019, the Company issued warrants to the Lender and its affiliates, or the Warrants, which are exercisable for an aggregate of
As of March 31, 2021, the accrued balance due under the Loan Agreement with Oxford was $
Non-Interest Bearing Payments for the Construction of Leasehold Improvements
In August 2019, the Company entered into a Site Readiness Agreement, or SRA, with Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC, or Catalent, in contemplation of entering into a commercial supply agreement for its product DSUVIA at a future date. Under the SRA, the Company is building out a suite within Catalent’s production facility in Kansas City. If additional equipment and facility modifications are required to meet the Company’s product needs, the Company may be required to contribute to the cost of such additional equipment and facility modifications. The Company has determined that it is the owner of the leasehold improvements related to the build-out which will be paid for in four installments of $
6. Leases
The Company leases office and laboratory space for its corporate headquarters, located at 301 – 351 Galveston Drive, Redwood City, California, and has entered into an agreement to sublease approximately
On March 26, 2021, the Company entered into a Lease Termination Agreement with its landlord and a Sublease Termination Agreement with its sublessee, to terminate the lease and sublease agreements at its corporate headquarters. The termination of both the lease and sublease is effective on April 30, 2021. As of the date of the Lease Termination Agreement, the Company remeasured its lease liability and recorded a gain of $
On March 26, 2021, the Company entered into a Sublease Agreement to sublet space for its corporate headquarters, located at 25821 Industrial Boulevard, Hayward, California. The Sublease Agreement commencement date is April 1, 2021. The Sublease Agreement is for a period of years and three months with monthly rent payments of $
The components of lease expense are presented in the following table (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Operating lease costs | $ | $ | ||||||
| Gain on derecognition of operating lease | ( | ) | ||||||
| Sublease income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net lease costs | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
The weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate related to the operating leases are presented in the following table:
| March 31, 2021 | ||||
| Weighted-average remaining term – operating lease (in years) | ||||
| Weighted-average discount rate – operating lease | % | |||
Future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2021 are presented in the following table (in thousands):
| Year: | ||||
| 2021 (remaining nine months) | $ | |||
| 2022 | ||||
| Total future minimum lease payments | ||||
| Less imputed interest | ( | ) | ||
| Total | $ |
Reported as:
| Operating lease liabilities | $ | |||
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | ||||
| Total lease liability | $ |
Future minimum sublease payments as of March 31, 2021 are presented in the following table (in thousands):
| Year: | ||||
| 2021 (remaining nine months) | $ | |||
| Total future minimum sublease payments | $ |
7. Liability Related to Sale of Future Royalties
In September 2015, the Company entered into the Royalty Monetization with PDL for which it received gross proceeds of $
The Company periodically assesses the expected royalty and milestone payments using a combination of historical results, internal projections and forecasts from external sources. To the extent such payments are greater or less than the Company’s initial estimates or the timing of such payments is materially different than its original estimates, the Company will prospectively adjust the amortization of the liability and the effective interest rate. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, Grünenthal notified the Company that it was terminating the Amended License Agreement, effective November 13, 2020. The terms of the Grünenthal Agreements were extended to May 12, 2021 to enable Grünenthal to sell down its Zalviso inventory. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the Territory, reverted back to the Company on May 12, 2021. There is a continuing obligation on the Company’s part, through the term of the Royalty Monetization with SWK (assignee of PDL), to use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a replacement license agreement, or New Arrangement. If the Company is unable to find a New Arrangement, a contingent gain of up to approximately $
The effective interest rate over the life of the liability will be
The following table shows the activity within the liability account for the three months ended and the period from inception to March 31, 2021 (in thousands):
| Three months ended | Period from | |||||||
| Liability related to sale of future royalties — beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of future royalties | ||||||||
| Non-cash royalty revenue | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Non-cash interest (income) expense recognized | ( | ) | ||||||
| Liability related to sale of future royalties as of March 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| Less: current portion | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Liability related to sale of future royalties — net of current portion | $ | $ | ||||||
As royalties are remitted to SWK from ARPI LLC, as described in Note 1 “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Non-Cash Interest Income (Expense) on Liability Related to Sale of Future Royalties” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, the balance of the liability will be effectively repaid over the life of the agreement. The Company will record non-cash royalty revenues and non-cash interest expense within its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss over the term of the Royalty Monetization.
8. Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
Underwritten Public Offering
On January 22, 2021, the Company completed an underwritten public offering in which the Company issued and sold
ATM Agreement
The Company has entered into a Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement, or the ATM Agreement, with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., or Cantor, as agent, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through Cantor, shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company issued and sold approximately
9. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense for stock options, stock awards and the Amended 2011 ESPP as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $ | $ | ||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
As of March 31, 2021, there were, in the aggregate,
10. Net Loss per Share of Common Stock
The Company’s basic net loss per share of common stock is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The diluted net loss per share of common stock is computed by giving effect to all potential common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock method. For purposes of this calculation, options to purchase common stock, RSUs, and warrants to purchase common stock were considered to be common stock equivalents. In periods with a reported net loss, common stock equivalents are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share of common stock if their effect is antidilutive.
The following outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share of common stock for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:
| March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| ESPP, RSUs and stock options to purchase common stock | ||||||||
| Common stock warrants | ||||||||
11. Subsequent Event
On April 21, 2021, the Company entered into a Commercial Supply Agreement, or the CSA, with Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC, or Catalent, effective March 31, 2021, under which Catalent will provide certain services to the Company in connection with the processing and packaging of a packaged single dose applicator containing the sublingual tablet 30 mcg sufentanil dosage form contained in the pharmaceutical product, DSUVIA (sufentanil), intended for commercialization.
The term of the CSA is for a period of years from the first date upon which the FDA approves Catalent as a manufacturer of DSUVIA in the United States, or the Commencement Date. The term shall automatically be extended for successive -year periods, unless and until one party gives the other party at least 24 months’ prior written notice of its desire to terminate as of the end of the then-current term.
The Company will pay Catalent an annual fee beginning on the first day of the month following the month during which the Commencement Date occurs. Prior to the Commencement Date, the Company will pay Catalent a monthly facility fee. Pursuant to the CSA, the Company will purchase each 10-pack carton of DSUVIA from Catalent at an agreed price through December 31, 2022, and pay other fees set forth in the CSA. All pricing and fees, with the exception of raw materials, may be adjusted on an annual basis, effective on January 1 of each calendar year, beginning with January 1, 2023, subject to certain limitations. Price increases for raw materials will be passed through to the Company.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or Form 10-Q, and with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, or Annual Report.
About AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
We are a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for use in medically supervised settings.
Our Portfolio
The following table summarizes our portfolio.
| Product |
Description |
Target Use |
Status |
|||
| DSUVIA® |
Sufentanil sublingual tablet, 30 mcg |
Moderate-to-severe acute pain in a medically supervised setting, administered by a healthcare professional |
Received U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approval in November 2018; commercial launch began first quarter of 2019. |
|||
| DZUVEO® |
Sufentanil sublingual tablet, 30 mcg |
Moderate-to-severe acute pain in a medically supervised setting, administered by a healthcare professional |
Granted European Commission, or EC, marketing approval in June 2018. Sunset date extended to March 1, 2022 by EC. |
|||
| Zalviso® |
Sufentanil sublingual tablet system, 15 mcg |
Moderate-to-severe acute pain in the hospital setting, administered by the patient as needed |
In the U.S., positive results from Phase 3 trial, IAP312, announced in August 2017. Currently evaluating the timing of the resubmission of the New Drug Application, or NDA, which is in part dependent on the finalization of the FDA’s new opioid approval guidelines and process.
Approved in the European Union, where it was marketed commercially by Grünenthal through May 12, 2021. |
|||
| ARX-02 |
Higher Strength Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet |
Cancer breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients |
Phase 2 clinical trial and End of Phase 2 meeting completed. Investigational New Drug, or IND, application was inactivated.
Future development contingent upon identification of corporate partnership resources. |
|||
| ARX-03 |
Combination Sufentanil/Triazolam Sublingual Tablet |
Mild sedation and pain relief during painful procedures in a physician’s office |
Phase 2 clinical trial and End of Phase 2 meeting completed. IND application was inactivated.
Future development contingent upon identification of corporate partnership resources. |
General Trends and Outlook
COVID-19-related
Government-mandated shelter-in-place orders and related safety policies on account of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to prevent us from operating our business in the normal course. Beginning in early 2020, state and local officials issued orders in response to the pandemic which included, among other things, requirements for residents to shelter in place and for non-essential businesses to cease activities at facilities within certain cities, counties, and states. State and local officials have taken different approaches to these orders, and some have not issued any such orders. Once issued, the orders have been relaxed and then tightened, depending on the rate of COVID-19 cases. As a result of these orders, we implemented a work from home policy for our California-based employees and we continue to adhere to the various and diverse orders issued by government officials in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, some hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and other healthcare facilities have barred visitors that are not caregivers or mission-critical and otherwise restricted access to such facilities, and we have no visibility as to when these restrictions will be lifted. As a result, the educational and promotional efforts of our commercial and medical affairs personnel have been substantially reduced, and in some cases, stopped. Cancellation or delays of formulary committee meetings and delays of elective surgeries have also affected the pace of formulary approvals and, consequently, the rate of adoption and use of DSUVIA. We expect our near-term sales volumes to be adversely impacted as long as access to healthcare facilities by our commercial and medical affairs personnel continues to be limited; however, as COVID-19 vaccines continue to get rolled out across the U.S., we are expecting this access to improve in the second half of this year. We will continue to evaluate the impact on our revenues and related metrics and operating expenses during this period and assess the need to adjust our expenses and expectations.
As a result of international travel restrictions, the timing for testing and acceptance of our DSUVIA high-volume packaging line, and subsequent FDA approval, has been delayed. Based on our best estimate, now that the line has been installed, we expect FDA approval in 2022.
We will continue to engage with various elements of our supply chain and distribution channel, including our customers, contract manufacturers, and logistics and transportation providers, to meet demand for products and to remain informed of any challenges within our supply chain. We continue to monitor demand and intend to adapt our plans as needed to continue to drive our business and meet our obligations during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic continues and persists for an extended period of time, we may face disruptions to our supply chain and operations, and associated delays in the manufacturing and supply of our products. Such supply disruptions may adversely impact our ability to generate sales of and revenues from our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be adversely affected.
As the global pandemic of COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve, it could result in a significant long-term disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, our ability to generate sales of and revenues from our approved products, and our future clinical development and regulatory efforts will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the ultimate geographic spread of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, travel restrictions, quarantines and social distancing requirements in the United States and other countries, business closures or business disruptions and the effectiveness of actions taken in the United States and other countries to contain and treat the virus.
Financial Overview
We have incurred net losses and generated negative cash flows from operations since inception and expect to incur losses in the future as we continue commercialization activities to support the U.S. launch of DSUVIA, support European sales of Zalviso by any replacement partner, and any future research and development activities needed to support the U.S. approval of Zalviso, once, and if, the NDA is resubmitted. As a result, we expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows until such time as DSUVIA has gained market acceptance and generated significant revenues.
We will incur capital expenditures related to our high-volume automated packaging line for DSUVIA, which has now been installed, and for which we expect FDA approval in 2022. We anticipate that the high-volume line for DSUVIA will contribute to a significant decrease in costs of goods sold in 2022 and beyond.
Our net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $9.0 million and $15.9 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $447.4 million. As of March 31, 2021, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $67.3 million compared to $42.9 million as of December 31, 2020.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related disclosures, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will be affected. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are detailed in our Annual Report.
There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies or significant judgements and estimates for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report, except to reflect that we apply the graded-vesting attribution method to awards with market conditions that include graded-vesting features. Additionally, we use the Monte Carlo Simulation model to evaluate the derived service period and fair value of awards with market conditions, including assumptions of historical volatility and risk-free interest rate commensurate with the vesting term.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations have fluctuated from period to period and may continue to fluctuate in the future, based upon the progress of our commercial launch of DSUVIA, our research and development efforts, variations in the level of expenditures related to commercial launch, development efforts and debt service obligations during any given period, and the uncertainty as to the extent and magnitude of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of operations for any period may be unrelated to results of operations for any other period. In addition, historical results should not be viewed as indicative of future operating results. In particular, to the extent our commercial and medical affairs personnel continue to be subject to varying levels of restriction on accessing hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers due to COVID-19, and to the extent government authorities and healthcare providers are continuing to limit elective surgeries, we expect our sales volume to be adversely affected.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Revenue
Product Sales Revenue
Product sales revenue consists of sales of DSUVIA in the U.S. and Zalviso in Europe.
Product sales revenue by product for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was as follows:
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| March 31, |
$ Change |
% Change |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
|||||||||||||
| DSUVIA |
$ | 181 | $ | 155 | $ | 26 | 17 | % |
||||||||
| Zalviso |
270 | 119 | 151 | 127 | % |
|||||||||||
| Total product sales revenue |
$ | 451 | $ | 274 | $ | 177 | 65 | % |
||||||||
The increase in product sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, was primarily the result of sales of Zalviso by Grünenthal GmbH, or Grünenthal, under the Collaboration and License Agreement and the Manufacture and Supply Agreement, or the Grünenthal Agreements. The terms of the Grünenthal Agreements were extended to May 12, 2021 to enable Grünenthal to sell down its Zalviso inventory, a right it had under the agreements.
Contract and Other Collaboration Revenue
Contract and other collaboration revenue includes revenue under the Grünenthal Agreements related to research and development services, non-cash royalty revenue related to the sale of the majority of our royalty rights and certain commercial sales milestones under the Grünenthal Agreements to SWK Funding, LLC, or SWK, (assignee of PDL BioPharma, Inc., or PDL), in a transaction referred to as the Royalty Monetization, and royalty revenue for sales of Zalviso in Europe.
Contract and other collaboration revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| March 31, |
$ Change |
% Change |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
|||||||||||||
| Non-cash royalty revenue related to Royalty Monetization (See Note 7) |
$ | 45 | $ | 84 | $ | (39 | ) |
(46 | )% |
|||||||
| Royalty revenue |
15 | 28 | (13 | ) |
(46 | )% |
||||||||||
| Total contract and other collaboration revenue |
$ | 60 | $ | 112 | $ | (52 | ) |
(46 | )% |
|||||||
We estimate and recognize royalty revenue and non-cash royalty revenue on a quarterly basis. Adjustments to estimated revenue are recognized in the subsequent quarter based on actual revenue earned per the royalty reports received from Grünenthal. As mentioned above, Grünenthal has terminated the Grünenthal Agreements, accordingly the rights to market and sell Zalviso in Europe reverted back to us on May 12, 2021.
Cost of Goods Sold
We commenced commercial sales of DSUVIA in the first quarter of 2019.
Total cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| March 31, |
$ Change |
% Change |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
|||||||||||||
| Direct costs |
$ | 311 | $ | 246 | $ | 65 | 26 | % |
||||||||
| Indirect costs |
729 | 1,265 | (536 | ) |
(42 | )% |
||||||||||
| Total costs of goods sold |
$ | 1,040 | $ | 1,511 | $ | (471 | ) |
(31 | )% |
|||||||
Direct costs from contract manufacturers for DSUVIA and Zalviso totaled $0.3 million, in the three months ended March 31, 2021, and $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020. We recorded inventory impairment charges of $0.1 million, primarily related to Zalviso component parts inventory, for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and $0.1 million, primarily related to DSUVIA inventory that may expire before being sold, for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Direct cost of goods sold for DSUVIA and Zalviso includes the inventory costs of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, third-party contract manufacturing costs, estimated warranty costs, packaging and distribution costs, shipping, handling and storage costs.
The indirect costs to manufacture DSUVIA and Zalviso totaled $0.7 million and $1.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Indirect costs include internal personnel and related costs for purchasing, supply chain, quality assurance, depreciation and related expenses.
Research and Development Expenses
The majority of our operating expenses to date have been for research and development activities related to Zalviso and DSUVIA. Research and development expenses included the following:
| • |
expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations and clinical trial sites; |
| • |
employee-related expenses, which include salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation; |
| • |
payments to third party pharmaceutical and engineering development contractors; |
| • |
payments to third party manufacturers; |
| • |
depreciation and other allocated expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent and maintenance of facilities and equipment, and equipment and laboratory and other supply costs; and |
| • |
costs for equipment and laboratory and other supplies. |
We expect to incur future research and development expenditures to support the FDA regulatory review of the Zalviso NDA, once, and if, it is resubmitted. The timing of the resubmission of the Zalviso NDA is in part dependent on the finalization of the FDA’s new opioid approval guidelines and process.
We track external development expenses on a program-by-program basis. Our development resources are shared among all our programs. Compensation and benefits, facilities, depreciation, stock-based compensation, and development support services are not allocated specifically to projects and are considered research and development overhead.
Below is a summary of our research and development expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except percentages):
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| March 31, |
$ Change |
% Change |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
|||||||||||||
| DSUVIA |
$ | 162 | $ | 292 | $ | (130 | ) |
(45 | )% |
|||||||
| Zalviso |
6 | 29 | (23 | ) |
(79 | )% |
||||||||||
| Overhead |
801 | 1,091 | (290 | ) |
(27 | )% |
||||||||||
| Total research and development expenses |
$ | 969 | $ | 1,412 | $ | (443 | ) |
(31 | )% |
|||||||
Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to decreases in personnel-related overhead expenses and DSUVIA-related spending.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consisted primarily of salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation for personnel engaged in commercialization, administration, finance and business development activities. Other significant expenses included allocated facility costs and professional fees for general legal, audit and consulting services.
Total selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| March 31, |
$ Change |
% Change |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
|||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses |
$ | 7,644 | $ | 13,311 | $ | (5,667 | ) |
(43 | )% |
|||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $5.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease is primarily due to net decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses including a $1.8 million reduction in personnel-related costs, a $1.2 million reduction in DSUVIA commercialization-related expenses, such as travel, a decrease in business development expenses of $1.9 million, and a decrease in facilities-related expenses of $0.5 million related to the lease termination.
In March 2020, we eliminated 30 positions, mainly within the commercial organization. For additional information regarding the Restructuring Costs see Note 1 “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Other Income (Expense)
Total other income (expense) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
| Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
| March 31, |
$ Change |
% Change |
||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
2021 vs. 2020 |
|||||||||||||
| Interest expense |
$ | (672 | ) |
$ | (855 | ) |
$ | 183 | (21 | )% | ||||||
| Interest income and other income (expense), net |
76 | (65 | ) |
141 | (217 | )% | ||||||||||
| Non-cash interest income on liability related to sale of future royalties |
782 | 843 | (61 | ) |
(7 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) |
$ | 186 | $ | (77 | ) |
$ | 263 | (342 | )% | |||||||
Interest expense consisted primarily of interest accrued or paid on our debt obligation agreements and amortization of debt discounts. Interest expense decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of a lower outstanding loan balance. As of March 31, 2021, the accrued balance due under the Loan Agreement with Oxford was $19.1 million. Refer to Note 5 “Long-Term Debt” in the accompanying notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Interest income and other income (expense), net, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, primarily consisted of interest earned on our investments and the change in the fair value of our contingent put option. In the three months ended March 31, 2021, the change in fair value of the contingent put option associated with our Loan Agreement with Oxford resulted in $0.1 million in other income while in the three months ended March 31, 2020, it resulted in $0.3 million in other expense, while interest income decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to lower yields on our investments.
The non-cash interest income on the liability related to the sale of future royalties is attributable to the Royalty Monetization that we completed in September 2015. As described in Note 7 “Liability Related to Sale of Future Royalties”, the Royalty Monetization has been recorded as debt under the applicable accounting guidance. We periodically assess the expected royalty and milestone payments using a combination of historical results, internal projections and forecasts from external sources. To the extent such payments are greater or less than our initial estimates or the timing of such payments is materially different than our original estimates, we will prospectively adjust the amortization of the liability and the interest rate.
The effective interest income rate for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was approximately 3.6%. We anticipate that we will record approximately $3 million in non-cash interest income related to the Royalty Monetization for the year ending December 31, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
We have incurred losses and generated negative cash flows from operations since inception. We expect to continue to incur significant losses in 2021 and may incur significant losses and negative cash flows from operations in the future. We have funded our operations primarily through issuance of equity securities, borrowings, payments from Grünenthal, the monetization of certain future royalties and commercial sales milestones from the European sales of Zalviso by Grünenthal, funding of approximately $22.6 million from the DoD, and more recently with revenues from sales of DSUVIA since the commercial launch in the first quarter of 2019.
As of March 31, 2021, we had cash, cash equivalents and investments totaling $67.3 million compared to $42.9 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to net proceeds received from the issuance of common stock in connection with equity offerings in the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by cash required to fund our continuing operations, including debt service, as we continued our commercialization activities for DSUVIA, including installation of our high-volume automated packaging line for DSUVIA, and business development activities. We anticipate that our existing capital resources will permit us to meet our capital and operational requirements for at least the next twelve months; however, our expectations may change depending on a number of factors including the extent and magnitude of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the negative impact on sales volumes as our sales force is limited in its access to potential customers, our expenditures related to the United States commercial launch of DSUVIA and the timing of business development activities. We expect access to healthcare facilities by our commercial and medical affairs personnel to improve in the second half of this year as COVID-19 vaccines continue to get rolled out across the U.S.; however, our existing capital resources will not be sufficient to fund our operations until such time as we may be able to generate sufficient revenues to sustain our operations.
On January 22, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering in which we issued and sold 14,500,000 shares of our common stock to the underwriter at a price of $1.7625 per share. On January 27, 2021, the underwriters exercised their option in full and purchased an additional 2,175,000 shares at a price of $1.7625 per share. The total net proceeds from this offering of an aggregate 16,675,000 shares were approximately $28.9 million.
We entered into a Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement, or the ATM Agreement, with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., or Cantor, as agent, pursuant to which we may offer and sell, from time to time through Cantor, shares of our common stock. As of March 31, 2021, we had issued and sold an aggregate of approximately 14.2 million shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM Agreement, for which we had received net proceeds of approximately $42.6 million, after deducting commissions, fees and expenses of approximately $1.2 million. As of March 31, 2021, we have the ability to sell approximately $36.1 million of our common stock under the ATM Agreement.
On May 30, 2019, we entered into the Loan Agreement with Oxford. Under the Loan Agreement, we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million under a term loan. After deducting all loan initiation costs and outstanding interest on the prior loan agreement with Hercules, we received $15.9 million in net proceeds. As of March 31, 2021, the accrued balance under the Loan Agreement was $19.1 million. For more information, see Note 5 “Long-Term Debt” in the accompanying notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our cash and investment balances are held in a variety of interest-bearing instruments, including obligations of commercial paper, corporate debt securities, U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities and money market funds. Cash in excess of immediate requirements is invested with a view toward capital preservation and liquidity. We do not expect COVID-19 to have a material impact on our high quality, short-dated investments.
Cash Flows
The following is a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated and has been derived from our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
| 2021 |
2020 |
|||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities |
$ | (9,708 | ) | $ | (14,364 | ) | ||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(17,425 | ) | 22,650 | |||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities |
34,222 | 916 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The primary use of cash for our operating activities during these periods was to fund commercial activities for our approved product, DSUVIA. Our cash used in operating activities also reflected changes in our working capital, net of adjustments for non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization of our fixed assets, stock-based compensation, non-cash interest income (expense) related to the sale of future royalties and interest expense related to our debt financings.
Cash used in operating activities of $9.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, reflected a net loss of $9.0 million, partially offset by aggregate non-cash charges of $0.5 million and included an approximate $1.2 million net change in our operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash charges included $1.1 million for stock-based compensation expense, $0.8 million in non-cash interest income on the liability related to the Royalty Monetization, $0.5 million in depreciation expense and $0.5 million gain on our lease termination. The net change in our operating assets and liabilities included a $1.7 million decrease in accrued liabilities.
Cash used in operating activities of $14.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020, reflected a net loss of $15.9 million, partially offset by aggregate non-cash charges of $1.1 million and $0.5 million net change in our operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash charges included $1.1 million for stock-based compensation expense, $0.8 million in non-cash interest income on the liability related to the royalty monetization and $0.5 million in depreciation expense. The net change in our operating assets and liabilities included a $1.2 million decrease in accrued liabilities and a $1.5 million increase in accounts payable.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Our investing activities have consisted primarily of our capital expenditures and purchases and sales and maturities of our available-for-sale investments.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash used investing activities of $17.4 million was primarily the net result of $24.4 million for purchases of investments offset by $7.0 million in proceeds from maturity of investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, cash provided by investing activities of $22.7 million was the net result of $35.5 million in proceeds from maturity of investments, offset by $12.7 million for purchases of investments and purchases of property and equipment of $0.1 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities primarily reflect proceeds from the sale of our securities and payments made on debt financings.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash provided by financing activities of $34.2 million was primarily due to $36.4 million in net proceeds received in connection with equity financings, and $0.2 million in net proceeds received through our equity plans, partially offset by $2.1 million used for payment of long-term debt and $0.2 million used for payment of employee tax obligations relating to the vesting of restricted stock units. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to $0.8 million in net proceeds received under the ATM Agreement and $0.2 million in proceeds as a result of stock purchases made under our 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP, partially offset by $0.1 million used for payment of employee tax obligations relating to the vesting of restricted stock units.
Operating Capital and Capital Expenditure Requirements
Our current operating plan includes expenditures related to the continued launch of DSUVIA in the United States. This plan includes an assumption that COVID-19 related restrictions on access to potential customers and elective surgeries will be lifted in the second half of 2021, as well as anticipated activities required to resubmit the Zalviso NDA. These assumptions may change as a result of many factors. We will continue to evaluate the work necessary to successfully launch DSUVIA and gain approval of Zalviso in the United States and intend to update our cash forecasts accordingly. Our forecast that our existing capital resources will permit us to meet our capital and operational requirements through at least the next twelve months is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially.
Our future capital requirements may vary materially from our expectations based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
| • |
the impact and timing of COVID-19 on our operations, our sales representatives’ access to hospitals or other healthcare facilities, and our level of sales; |
| • |
expenditures related to the launch of DSUVIA and potential commercialization of Zalviso; |
| • |
future manufacturing, selling and marketing costs related to DSUVIA and Zalviso; |
| • |
costs associated with business development activities and licensing transactions; |
| • |
the outcome, timing and cost of the regulatory resubmission of Zalviso and any approval for Zalviso; |
| • |
the initiation, progress, timing and completion of any post-approval clinical trials for DSUVIA, or Zalviso, if approved; |
| • |
changes in the focus and direction of our business strategy and/or research and development programs; |
| • |
milestone and royalty revenue we receive under our collaborative development and commercialization arrangements; |
| • |
delays that may be caused by changing regulatory requirements; |
| • |
the costs involved in filing and prosecuting patent applications and enforcing and defending patent claims; |
| • |
the timing and terms of future in-licensing and out-licensing transactions; |
| • |
the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution capabilities; |
| • |
the cost of procuring clinical and commercial supplies of DSUVIA and Zalviso; |
| • |
the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies; and |
| • |
the expenses associated with any possible litigation. |
In the long-term, our existing capital resources will not be sufficient to fund our operations until such time as we may be able to generate sufficient revenues to sustain our operations. We will have to raise additional funds through the sale of our equity securities, monetization of current and future assets, issuance of debt or debt-like securities or from development and licensing arrangements to sustain our operations and continue our development programs.
Please see “Part II., Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Need for Additional Capital.”
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Through March 31, 2021, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements and do not have any holdings in variable interest entities.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and are not required to provide the information specified under this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a–15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time we may be involved in legal proceedings relating to intellectual property, commercial, employment and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Such matters are subject to uncertainty and there can be no assurance that such legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We believe there are no legal proceedings pending that could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking information based on our current expectations. Because our actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us, this section includes a discussion of important factors that could affect our actual future results, including, but not limited to, our revenues, expenses, net loss and loss per share. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as our other publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.
Summary Risk Factors
Our business is subject to numerous risks, as more fully described in this section below this summary. You should read these risks before you invest in our common stock. We may be unable, for many reasons, including those that are beyond our control, to implement our business strategy. In particular, our risks include:
| ● |
Our business is being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| ● |
We have incurred significant losses since our inception, anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses in 2021 and may continue to incur losses in the future. |
| ● |
We have not yet generated significant product revenue and may never be profitable. |
| ● |
We will require additional capital and may be unable to raise capital, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our commercialization efforts and product development programs and could cause us to cease operations. |
| ● |
Positive clinical results obtained to date for Zalviso may be disputed in FDA review, do not guarantee regulatory approval and may not be obtained from future clinical trials. |
| ● |
Existing and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to commercialize our products and affect the prices we may obtain. |
| ● |
Guidelines and recommendations published by government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, and existing laws and regulations can reduce the use of DSUVIA, and Zalviso, if approved in the United States. |
| ● |
Zalviso may cause adverse effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent regulatory approval or limit the scope of any approved label or market acceptance. DSUVIA may cause adverse effects or have other properties that could limit market acceptance. |
| ● |
Although we have obtained regulatory approval for DSUVIA, and even if we obtain regulatory approval for Zalviso in the United States, we and our collaborators face extensive regulatory requirements and our products may face future development and regulatory difficulties. |
| ● |
The commercial success of DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, as well as DZUVEO and Zalviso in Europe, will depend upon the acceptance of these products by the medical community, including physicians, nurses, patients, and pharmacy and therapeutics committees. |
| ● |
If we are unable to maintain or grow our sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to market and sell our products, we may be unable to generate sufficient product revenue. |
| ● |
A key part of our business strategy is to establish collaborative relationships to commercialize and fund development and approval of our products, particularly outside of the United States. We may not succeed in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships, which may significantly limit our ability to develop and commercialize our products successfully, if at all. |
| ● |
If we cannot defend our issued patents from third party claims or if our pending patent applications fail to issue, our business could be adversely affected. |
| ● |
The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile. |
We have marked with an asterisk (*) those risks described below that reflect substantive changes from, or additions to, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Risks Related to COVID-19 Pandemic
Our business is being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our business has been adversely affected by the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Federal, state, local and foreign government orders on account of the COVID-19 pandemic are preventing us from conducting certain activities and obtaining supplies required to manufacture and deliver certain components for Zalviso. Furthermore, following local and state government orders in California and the counties in which our corporate office is located and many of our employees live, we implemented work from home policies, which are limiting certain of our operations. If the COVID-19 outbreak continues, we may need to limit operations further and implement additional limitations, such as extending our work from home policies. Moreover, some hospitals and other healthcare facilities have implemented policies that limit access of our representatives to such facilities, which is causing a delay to, and thwarting, our educational and promotional efforts with respect to such facilities. Some governments, hospitals and doctors, as a measure to combat the further spread of COVID-19, have reduced the number of procedures in which DSUVIA is administered as part of the pain treatment program, and temporarily halted performing elective surgeries, which will adversely impact the levels of our sales relating to such procedures. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of potential delays or impacts on our business, healthcare systems or the global economy as a whole. However, these effects could have a material impact on our operations, and we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely.
Risks Related to Commercialization of DSUVIA® and Zalviso®
Our success is highly dependent on our ability to successfully commercialize DSUVIA. To the extent DSUVIA is not commercially successful, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially harmed.
We invested a significant portion of our efforts and financial resources to develop and gain regulatory approval for DSUVIA and expect to continue making significant investments to commercialize DSUVIA. We believe our success is highly dependent on, and a significant portion of the value of our company relates to, our ability to successfully commercialize DSUVIA in the United States. The commercial success of DSUVIA depends heavily on numerous factors, including:
| • |
our ability to market, sell, and distribute DSUVIA; |
| • |
our ability to establish and maintain commercial manufacturing with third parties; |
| • |
acceptance of DSUVIA by physicians, patients and the healthcare community; |
| • |
acceptance of pricing and placement of DSUVIA on payers’ formularies; |
| • |
our ability to effectively compete with other medications for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in medically supervised settings, including IV-opioids and any subsequently approved products; |
| • |
effective management of, and compliance with, the DSUVIA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, program; |
| • |
continued demonstration of an acceptable safety profile of DSUVIA; and |
| • |
our ability to obtain, maintain, enforce, and defend our intellectual property rights and claims. |
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and other healthcare facilities have barred visitors that are not caregivers or mission-critical and we have no visibility as to when these restrictions on access will be lifted for all of our customers. As a result, our commercial and medical affairs teams’ educational and promotional efforts have been substantially reduced, and in some cases, stopped. As a result, we expect our near-term sales volumes to be adversely impacted for as long as access to healthcare facilities by our commercial and medical affairs personnel continues to be limited.
If we are unable to successfully commercialize DSUVIA, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially harmed.
The commercial success of DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, as well as DZUVEO and Zalviso in Europe, will depend upon the acceptance of these products by the medical community, including physicians, nurses, patients, and pharmacy and therapeutics committees.
The degree of market acceptance of DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, or DZUVEO and Zalviso in Europe, will depend on a number of factors, including:
| • |
demonstration of clinical safety and efficacy compared to other products; |
| • |
the relative convenience, ease of administration and acceptance by physicians, patients and health care payers; |
| • |
the use of DSUVIA for the management of moderate-to-severe acute pain by a healthcare professional for patient types that were not specifically studied in our Phase 3 trials; |
| • |
the use of Zalviso for the management of moderate-to-severe acute pain in the hospital setting for patient types that were not specifically studied in our Phase 3 trials; |
| • |
the prevalence and severity of any adverse events, or AEs, or serious adverse events, or SAEs; |
| • |
overcoming any perceptions of sufentanil as a potentially unsafe drug due to its high potency opioid status; |
| • |
limitations or warnings contained in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, -approved label for DSUVIA, or the European Medicines Agency, or EMA,-approved label for DZUVEO or Zalviso; |
| • |
restrictions or limitations placed on DSUVIA due to the REMS program; |
| • |
availability of alternative treatments; |
| • |
existing capital investment by hospitals in IV PCA technology; |
| • |
pricing and cost-effectiveness; |
| • |
the effectiveness of our or any future collaborators’ sales and marketing strategies; |
| • |
our ability to obtain formulary approval; and, |
| • |
our ability to obtain and maintain sufficient third-party coverage and reimbursement. |
If our approved products do not achieve an adequate level of acceptance by physicians, nurses, patients and pharmacy and therapeutics committees, we may not generate sufficient revenue and become or remain profitable.
If we are unable to maintain or grow our sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to market and sell our products, we may be unable to generate sufficient product revenue.*
In order to commercialize DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, we must maintain or grow internal sales, marketing, distribution, managerial and other capabilities or make arrangements with third parties to perform these services. We have entered into agreements with third parties for the distribution of DSUVIA and plan to enter into such agreements for Zalviso, if approved, in the United States; however, if these third parties do not perform as expected or there are delays in establishing such relationships for Zalviso, if approved, our ability to effectively distribute products would suffer.
We entered into a collaboration with Grünenthal GmbH, or Grünenthal for the commercialization of Zalviso in Europe and Australia and, during the three months ended June 30, 2020, Grünenthal terminated the collaboration, effective November 13, 2020. The terms of the Collaboration and License Agreement and the Manufacture and Supply Agreement, or the Grünenthal Agreements were extended to May 12, 2021 to enable Grünenthal to sell down its Zalviso inventory, a right it had under the Grünenthal Agreements. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the Territory reverted back to us on May 12, 2021. We intend to enter into additional strategic partnerships with third parties to commercialize our products outside of the United States, including a replacement license agreement for Zalviso in Europe. Per the terms of royalty monetization arrangement with SWK Funding, LLC, or SWK (assignee of PDL BioPharma, Inc., or PDL), or the Royalty Monetization, we are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a replacement license agreement, or New Arrangement. Accordingly, even if we are able to enter into a New Arrangement, and that licensee is successful in commercializing Zalviso in Europe, we will receive only a portion of any royalties until the capped amount owing to SWK is reached.
The EC granted marketing approval of DZUVEO in June 2018. We have not yet entered into a collaboration agreement with a strategic partner for the commercialization of DZUVEO in Europe, and there can be no assurance that we will successfully enter into such an agreement. We may also consider the option to enter into strategic partnerships for DSUVIA, or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States. We face significant competition in seeking appropriate strategic partners, and these strategic partnerships can be intricate and time consuming to negotiate and document.
We may not be able to negotiate future strategic partnerships on acceptable terms, or at all. We are unable to predict when, if ever, we will enter into any strategic partnerships because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with establishing strategic partnerships. Our current or future collaboration partners, if any, may not dedicate sufficient resources to the commercialization of Zalviso or DSUVIA/DZUVEO, or may otherwise fail in their commercialization due to factors beyond our control. If we are unable to establish effective collaborations to enable the sale of our products to healthcare professionals and in geographical regions that will not be covered by our own marketing and sales force, or if our potential future collaboration partners do not successfully commercialize our products, our ability to generate revenues from product sales will be adversely affected.
If we are unable to maintain or grow adequate sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, whether independently or with third parties, we may not be able to generate sufficient product revenue and become profitable. We compete with many companies that currently have extensive and well-funded marketing and sales operations. Without an internal team or the support of a third party to perform marketing and sales functions, we may be unable to compete successfully against these more established companies.
In March 2020, we reduced the size of our commercial team and, given our reduced workforce, we may experience difficulties in retaining our existing employees and managing our operations, including our continued commercialization of DSUVIA.
In March 2020, we reduced the size of our commercial team to eliminate the overlap with the Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Inc. commercial team under our co-promotion arrangement and reduce operating expenses. The restructuring resulted in the elimination of 30 positions, or approximately 33% of our workforce. As of March 31, 2021, we had approximately 25 sales representatives, including those under the Promotion Agreement with La Jolla.
We will need to retain and maintain our existing sales, managerial, operational, finance and other personnel and resources in order to continue the commercialization of DSUVIA and manage our operations. Our current infrastructure may be inadequate to support our strategy and our workforce reduction may be disruptive to our operations, may negatively affect our productivity, and constrain our commercialization activities. For example, our workforce reduction could yield unanticipated consequences, such as attrition beyond planned staff reductions, negative impact on employee morale and our corporate culture, or increase difficulties in our day-to-day operations and prevent us from successfully commercializing DSUVIA as rapidly as planned. If we encounter such unanticipated consequences, we may have difficulty retaining and attracting personnel. In addition, the implementation of any additional workforce or expense reduction programs may divert the efforts of our management team and other key employees, which could adversely affect our business. Furthermore, we may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits, savings and improvements in our cost structure from our cost reduction plan, due to unforeseen difficulties, delays or unexpected costs. If we are unable to realize the expected operational efficiencies and cost savings from the cost reduction plan, our operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.
Guidelines and recommendations published by government agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, and existing laws and regulations can reduce the use of DSUVIA, and Zalviso, if approved in the United States.
Government agencies and non-governmental organizations promulgate regulations and guidelines applicable to certain drug classes that may include DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved in the United States. Recommendations of government agencies or non-governmental organizations may relate to such matters as maximum quantities dispensed to patients, dosage, route of administration, and use of concomitant therapies. Government agencies and non-governmental organizations have offered commentary and guidelines on the use of opioid-containing products. We are uncertain how these activities and guidelines may impact DSUVIA and our ability to gain marketing approval of Zalviso in the United States. Regulations or guidelines suggesting the reduced use of certain drug classes that may include DSUVIA or Zalviso, or the use of competitive or alternative products as the standard-of-care to be followed by patients and healthcare providers, could result in decreased use of DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, or negatively impact our ability to gain market acceptance and market share. The U.S. government and state legislatures have prioritized combatting the growing misuse and addiction to opioids and opioid overdose deaths and have enacted legislation and regulations as well as other measures intended to fight the opioid epidemic. Addressing opioid drug abuse is a priority for the current U.S. administration and the FDA and is part of a broader initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS. Overall, there is greater scrutiny of entities involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of opioids. These initiatives, existing laws and regulations, and any negative publicity related to opioids may have a material impact on our business and our ability to manufacture opioid products.
Governmental investigations, inquiries, and regulatory actions and lawsuits brought against us by government agencies and private parties with respect to our commercialization of opioids could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As a result of greater public awareness of the public health issue of opioid abuse, there has been increased scrutiny of, and investigation into, the commercial practices of opioid manufacturers by state and federal agencies. As a result of our manufacturing and commercial sale of DSUVIA in the United States and Zalviso in Europe, we could become the subject of federal, state and foreign government investigations and enforcement actions, focused on the misuse and abuse of opioid medications.
In addition, a significant number of lawsuits have been filed against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and others in the supply chain by cities, counties, state Attorney's General and private persons seeking to hold them accountable for opioid misuse and abuse. The lawsuits assert a variety of claims, including, but not limited to, public nuisance, negligence, civil conspiracy, fraud, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, or similar state laws, violations of state Controlled Substance Acts or state False Claims Acts, product liability, consumer fraud, unfair or deceptive trade practices, false advertising, insurance fraud, unjust enrichment and other common law and statutory claims arising from defendants’ manufacturing, distribution, marketing and promotion of opioids and seek restitution, damages, injunctive and other relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. The claims generally are based on alleged misrepresentations and/or omissions in connection with the sale and marketing of prescription opioid medications and/or an alleged failure to take adequate steps to prevent abuse and diversion. While DSUVIA is designed for use solely in certified medically supervised healthcare settings and administered only by a healthcare professional in these settings, and is not distributed or available at retail pharmacies to patients by prescription, we can provide no assurance that parties will not file lawsuits of this type against us in the future. In addition, current public perceptions of the public health issue of opioid abuse may present challenges to favorable resolution of any potential claims. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether we may become subject to these kinds of investigations and lawsuits in the future, and if we were to be named as a defendant in such actions, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome. Any allegations against us may negatively affect our business in various ways, including through harm to our reputation.
If we were required to defend ourselves in these matters, we would likely incur significant legal costs and could in the future be required to pay significant amounts as a result of fines, penalties, settlements or judgments. It is unlikely that our current product liability insurance would fully cover these potential liabilities, if at all. Moreover, we may be unable to maintain insurance in the future on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities or other losses. For more information about our product liability insurance and exclusions therefrom, please see the risk factor entitled “We face potential product liability claims, and, if such claims are successful, we may incur substantial liability” elsewhere in this section. The resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Furthermore, in the current climate, stories regarding prescription drug abuse and the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances are frequently in the media or advocated by public interest groups. Unfavorable publicity regarding the use or misuse of opioid drugs, the limitations of abuse-deterrent formulations, the ability of drug abusers to discover previously unknown ways to abuse opioid products, public inquiries and investigations into prescription drug abuse, litigation, or regulatory activity regarding sales, marketing, distribution or storage of opioids could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and impact on the results of litigation.
Finally, various government entities, including Congress, state legislatures or other policy-making bodies, or public interest groups have in the past and may in the future hold hearings, conduct investigations and/or issue reports calling attention to the opioid crisis, and may mention or criticize the perceived role of manufacturers, including us, in the opioid crisis. Similarly, press organizations have and likely will continue to report on these issues, and such reporting may result in adverse publicity for us, resulting in reputational harm.
A key part of our business strategy is to establish collaborative relationships to commercialize and fund development and approval of our products, particularly outside of the United States. We may not succeed in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships, which may significantly limit our ability to develop and commercialize our products successfully, if at all.
We will need to establish and maintain successful collaborative relationships to obtain international sales, marketing and distribution capabilities for our products. The process of establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships is difficult, time-consuming and involves significant uncertainty. For example:
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our partners may seek to renegotiate or terminate their relationships with us due to unsatisfactory clinical or regulatory results, manufacturing issues, a change in business strategy, a change of control or other reasons; |
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our contracts for collaborative arrangements are or may be terminable at will on written notice and may otherwise expire or terminate, and we may not have alternatives available to achieve the potential for our products in those territories or markets; |
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our partners may choose to pursue alternative technologies, including those of our competitors; |
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we may have disputes with a partner that could lead to litigation or arbitration, including in connection with any contractual force majeure notices tied to the COVID-19 pandemic; |
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we have limited control over the decisions of our partners, and they may change the priority of our programs in a manner that would result in termination of the agreement or add significant delays to the partnered program; |
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our ability to generate future payments and royalties from our partners depends upon the abilities of our partners to establish the safety and efficacy of our drugs, maintain regulatory approvals and our ability to successfully manufacture and achieve market acceptance of our products; |
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we or our partners may fail to properly initiate, maintain or defend our intellectual property rights, where applicable, or a party may use our proprietary information in such a way as to invite litigation that could jeopardize or potentially invalidate our proprietary information or expose us to potential liability; |
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our partners may not devote sufficient capital or resources towards our products; and |
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our partners may not comply with applicable government regulatory requirements necessary to successfully market and sell our products. |
If any collaborator fails to fulfill its responsibilities in a timely manner, or at all, any research, clinical development, manufacturing or commercialization efforts pursuant to that collaboration could be delayed or terminated, or it may be necessary for us to assume responsibility for expenses or activities that would otherwise have been the responsibility of our collaborator. For example, Grünenthal has terminated the collaboration agreement for the commercialization of Zalviso in Europe. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the Territory reverted back to us on May 12, 2021. We have a continuing obligation, through the term of the Royalty Monetization with SWK, to use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a New Arrangement. If we are unable to establish and maintain collaborative relationships on acceptable terms or to successfully and timely transition terminated collaborative agreements, including entering into a New Arrangement for Zalviso in Europe, we may have to undertake development and commercialization activities at our own expense or find alternative sources of capital.
Approval of Zalviso and DZUVEO in Europe has resulted in a variety of risks associated with international operations that could materially adversely affect our business.
Our collaboration with Grünenthal for Zalviso required us to supply product to support the European commercialization of Zalviso and it is possible that any New Arrangement would also include such a requirement. In addition, with the June 2018 approval of DZUVEO in Europe, we intend to enter into agreements with third parties to market DZUVEO in Europe, which may also require us to supply product to those third parties. We may be subject to additional risks related to entering into international business relationships, including:
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multiple, conflicting, and changing laws and regulations such as privacy and data regulations, transparency regulations, tax laws, export and import restrictions, employment laws, regulatory requirements, including for drug approvals, and other governmental approvals, permits, and licenses; |
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EMA “sunset clause” requirements, which apply to DZUVEO, providing that the marketing authorization of a medicine will cease to be valid if it is not placed on the market within three years of the authorization being granted (i.e., by June of 2021) or if it is removed from the market for three consecutive years; however, the European Commission has extended this date to March 1, 2022 for DZUVEO; |
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reduced protection for intellectual property rights; |
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unexpected changes in tariffs, trade barriers and regulatory requirements; |
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different payer reimbursement regimes, governmental payers, patient self-pay systems and price controls; |
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economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets; |
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production shortages resulting from any events affecting raw material supply or manufacturing capabilities abroad; and |
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business interruptions resulting from pandemics, geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, or natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and fires. |
Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business.
If we, or current and potential partners, are unable to compete effectively, our products may not reach their commercial potential.
The U.S. biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by intense competition and cost pressure. DSUVIA competes, and Zalviso, if approved in the U.S., will compete, with a number of existing and future pharmaceuticals and drug delivery devices developed, manufactured and marketed by others. In particular, DSUVIA may compete with a wide variety of products and product candidates including (i) injectable opioid products, such as morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone and meperidine; (ii) oral opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone; (iii) generic injectable local anesthetics, such as bupivacaine or branded formulations thereof; (iv) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, including ketorolac in intranasal or generic IV form, and IV meloxicam; and (v) transmucosal fentanyl products. Zalviso, if approved in the U.S., may compete with a number of opioid-based treatment options, including IV PCA pumps, oral PCA devices, and transdermal opioid PCAs.
Key competitive factors affecting the commercial success of our approved products are likely to be efficacy, safety profile, reliability, convenience of dosing, price and reimbursement. Many of our competitors and potential competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and human resources than we do and significantly greater experience in the discovery and development of drug candidates, obtaining FDA and other regulatory approval of products, and the commercialization of those products. Accordingly, our competitors may be more successful than we are in obtaining FDA approval for drugs and achieving widespread market acceptance. Our competitors’ drugs or drug delivery systems may be more effective, have fewer adverse effects, be less expensive to develop and manufacture, or be more effectively marketed and sold than any product we may seek to commercialize. This may render our products obsolete or non-competitive. We anticipate that we will face intense and increasing competition as new drugs enter the market, additional technologies become available, and competitors establish collaborative or licensing relationships, which may adversely affect our competitive position. These and other competitive risks may materially adversely affect our ability to attain or sustain profitable operations.
Hospital or other health care facility formulary approvals for DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States may not be achieved, or could be subject to certain restrictions, which could make it difficult for us to sell our products.
Obtaining hospital or other health care facility formulary approvals can be an expensive and time-consuming process. We cannot be certain if and when we will obtain formulary approvals to allow us to sell our products into our target markets. In particular, the restrictions on our commercial and medical affairs teams’ access to hospitals and other health care facilities has adversely impacted the number of formulary approvals we anticipated achieving in 2020, and for as long as these restrictions remain in place, or new restrictions are implemented, we may have limited visibility or difficulties in obtaining these formulary approvals in the future. Failure to obtain timely formulary approval will limit our commercial success. If we are successful in obtaining formulary approvals, we may need to complete evaluation programs whereby DSUVIA, or Zalviso, if approved, is used on a limited basis for certain patient types. The evaluation period may last several months and there can be no assurance that use during the evaluation period will lead to formulary approvals of DSUVIA, or Zalviso, if approved. Further, even successful formulary approvals may be subject to certain restrictions based on patient type or hospital protocol. Failure to obtain timely formulary approvals for DSUVIA, or Zalviso, if approved, would materially adversely affect our ability to attain or sustain profitable operations.
Coverage and adequate reimbursement may not be available for DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, or DZUVEO or Zalviso in Europe, which could make it difficult for us, or our partners, to sell our products profitably.
Our ability to commercialize DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, and any future collaboration partner’s ability to commercialize DZUVEO or Zalviso in Europe successfully will depend, in part, on the extent to which coverage and adequate reimbursement will be available from government payer programs at the federal and state levels, authorities, including Medicare and Medicaid, private health insurers, managed care plans and other third-party payers.
No uniform policy requirement for coverage and reimbursement for drug products exists among third-party payers in the United States or Europe. Therefore, coverage and reimbursement can differ significantly from payer to payer. As a result, the coverage determination process is often a time-consuming and costly process that will require us to provide scientific and clinical support for the use of our products to each payer separately, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be applied consistently or obtained in the first instance. Our inability to promptly obtain and sufficiently maintain coverage and adequate reimbursement rates from third party payers could significantly harm our operating results, our ability to raise capital needed to commercialize our approved drugs and our overall financial condition.
A primary trend in the U.S. healthcare industry and elsewhere is cost containment. Government authorities and other third-party payers have attempted to control costs by limiting coverage and the amount of reimbursement for particular medical products. There have been a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change the healthcare system in the United States and in some foreign jurisdictions that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. These legislative and/or regulatory changes may negatively impact the reimbursement for our products, following approval. The availability of numerous generic pain medications may also substantially reduce the likelihood of reimbursement for DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, and DSUVIA/DZUVEO and Zalviso in Europe and elsewhere. The application of user fees to generic drug products may expedite the approval of additional pain medication generic drugs. We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with our sales of DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, European sales of Zalviso, and future product sales of DZUVEO, due to the trend toward managed healthcare, the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations and additional legislative changes. If we fail to successfully secure and maintain reimbursement coverage for our products or are significantly delayed in doing so, we will have difficulty achieving market acceptance of our products and our business will be harmed.
Furthermore, market acceptance and sales of our products will depend on reimbursement policies and may be affected by future healthcare reform measures. Government authorities and third-party payers, such as private health insurers, hospitals and health maintenance organizations, decide which drugs they will pay for and establish reimbursement levels. We cannot be sure that reimbursement will be available for DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, or DZUVEO or Zalviso in Europe. Also, reimbursement amounts may reduce the demand for, or the price of, our products. For example, we anticipate we may need comparator studies of DZUVEO in Europe to ensure premium reimbursement in certain countries. If reimbursement is not available, or is available only to limited levels, we may not be able to successfully commercialize DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, or DZUVEO or Zalviso in Europe.
Additionally, the regulations that govern marketing approvals, pricing, coverage and reimbursement for new drugs vary widely from country to country. Current and future legislation may significantly change the approval requirements in ways that could involve additional costs and cause delays in obtaining approvals. Some countries require approval of the sale price of a product before it can be marketed. In many countries, the pricing review period begins after marketing or product licensing approval is granted. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing remains subject to continuing governmental control even after initial approval is granted. As a result, we might obtain marketing approval for a product in a particular country, but then be subject to price regulations that delay commercial launch of the product, possibly for lengthy time periods, and negatively impact the revenues able to be generated from the sale of the product in that country. For example, separate pricing and reimbursement approvals may impact any future collaboration partners’ ability to market and successfully commercialize our products in the 27 member states of the European Union. Adverse pricing limitations may hinder our ability to recoup our investment in DSUVIA in the United States, or Zalviso, even after obtaining FDA marketing approval.
The FDA and other regulatory agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses.
If we are found to have improperly promoted off-label uses of our products, including DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, we may become subject to significant liability. Such enforcement has become more common in the industry. The FDA and other regulatory agencies strictly regulate the promotional claims that may be made about prescription drug products. In particular, a product may not be promoted for uses that are not approved by the FDA or such other regulatory agencies as reflected in the product’s approved labeling. While we have received marketing approval for DSUVIA for our proposed indication, physicians may nevertheless use our products for their patients in a manner that is inconsistent with the approved label, if the physicians personally believe in their professional medical judgment it could be used in such manner. However, if the FDA determines that our promotional materials or training constitutes promotion of an off-label use, it could request that we modify our training or promotional materials or subject us to regulatory or enforcement actions, including the issuance of an untitled letter, a warning letter, injunction, seizure, civil fine or criminal penalties and a requirement for corrective advertising, including Dear Doctor letters. It is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider our promotional or training materials to constitute promotion of an off-label use, which could result in significant civil, criminal and/or administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, individual imprisonment, exclusion from government-funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, contractual damages, reputational harm, increased losses and diminished profits and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. The FDA or other enforcement authorities could also request that we enter into a consent decree or a corporate integrity agreement or seek a permanent injunction against us under which specified promotional conduct is monitored, changed or curtailed. If we cannot successfully manage the promotion of DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, we could become subject to significant liability, which would materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
If we are unable to establish and maintain relationships with group purchasing organizations any future revenues or future profitability could be jeopardized.
Many end-users of pharmaceutical products have relationships with group purchasing organizations, or GPOs, whereby such GPOs provide such end-users access to a broad range of pharmaceutical products from multiple suppliers at competitive prices and, in certain cases, exercise considerable influence over the drug purchasing decisions of such end-users. Hospitals and other end-users contract with the GPO of their choice for their purchasing needs. We expect to derive revenue from end-user customers that are members of GPOs for DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved. Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with these GPOs will require us to be a reliable supplier, remain price competitive and comply with FDA regulations. The GPOs with whom we have relationships may have relationships with manufacturers that sell competing products, and such GPOs may earn higher margins from these products or combinations of competing products or may prefer products other than ours for other reasons. If we are unable to establish or maintain our GPO relationships, sales of DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, and related revenues could be negatively impacted.
We intend to rely on a limited number of distributors and pharmaceutical wholesalers to distribute DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States.
We intend to rely primarily upon distributors and pharmaceutical wholesalers in connection with the distribution of DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States. As part of the DSUVIA REMS program, we monitor distribution and audit wholesalers’ data and will monitor such data from other distributors. If our distributors and wholesalers do not comply with the DSUVIA REMS requirements, or if we are unable to establish or maintain our business relationships with these distributors and pharmaceutical wholesalers on commercially acceptable terms, or if our distributors and wholesalers are unable to distribute our drugs for regulatory, compliance or any other reason, it could have a material adverse effect on our sales and may prevent us from achieving profitability.
Risks Related to Clinical Development and Regulatory Approval
Existing and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for us to commercialize our products and affect the prices we may obtain.
In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, the legislative landscape continues to evolve, including changes to the regulation of opioid-containing products. There have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding healthcare systems that could prevent or delay marketing approval of Zalviso outside of Europe. These changes will restrict or regulate post-approval activities for DSUVIA, DZUVEO and Zalviso, and affect our ability to profitably sell any products for which we obtain marketing approval. For example, in February 2016, the FDA announced a comprehensive action plan to take concrete steps towards reducing the impact of opioid abuse on American families and communities. As part of this plan, the FDA announced that it intended to review product and labeling decisions and re-examine the risk-benefit paradigm for opioids. In June 2019, the FDA issued draft guidance related to a new benefit/risk framework for new opioid analgesic products, which proposes that the new product candidate show some benefit over an existing product. In September 2019, the FDA held a public hearing to receive stakeholder input on the approval process for new opioids. In January 2020, FDA’s Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee recommended against the approval of a new opioid analgesic, oxycodegol, the NDA for which was subsequently withdrawn by its sponsor. The timing of the resubmission of the Zalviso NDA is dependent upon the finalization of the FDA’s new opioid approval guidelines and process.
In the European Union, or EU, the pricing of prescription drugs is subject to government control. The EU also provides options for its member states to restrict the range of medicinal products for which their national health insurance systems provide reimbursement and to control the prices of medicinal products for human use. In addition, the EMA has a “sunset clause” which provides that the marketing authorization of a medicine will cease to be valid if it is not placed on the market within three years of the authorization being granted or if it is removed from the market for three consecutive years; however, the European Commission has extended this date to March 1, 2022 for DZUVEO.
In the United States, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or collectively, the Affordable Care Act was enacted in an effort to, among other things, broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against fraud and abuse, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms. Aspects of the Affordable Care Act that may impact our business include:
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extension of manufacturers’ Medicaid rebate liability to covered drugs dispensed to individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid managed care organizations; |
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expansion of the entities eligible for discounts under the Public Health Service pharmaceutical pricing program; |
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expansion of eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs, thereby potentially increasing manufacturers’ Medicaid rebate liability; |
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expansion of healthcare fraud and abuse laws, including the federal False Claims Act and the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, new government investigative powers and enhanced penalties for non-compliance; and |
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a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to oversee, identify priorities in, and conduct comparative clinical effectiveness research, along with funding for such research. |
The Affordable Care Act continues to substantially change health care financing and delivery by both governmental and private insurers, which may increase our regulatory burdens and operating costs.
There remain judicial and Congressional challenges to certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act. While Congress has not passed comprehensive repeal legislation, several bills affecting the implementation of certain taxes under the Affordable Care Act have been signed into law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 includes a provision that repealed, effective January 1, 2019, the tax-based shared responsibility payment imposed by the Affordable Care Act on certain individuals who fail to maintain qualifying health coverage for all or part of a year that is commonly referred to as the “individual mandate”. Additionally, the 2020 federal spending package permanently eliminated, effective January 1, 2020, the Affordable Care Act’s mandated “Cadillac” tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage and medical device tax, and effective January 1, 2021, also eliminated the health insurer tax. In December 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, published a final rule, effective in 2020, permitting further collections and payments to and from certain Affordable Care Act qualified health plans and health insurance issuers under the Affordable Care Act risk adjustment program in response to the outcome of federal district court litigation regarding the method CMS uses to determine this risk adjustment. Further, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, or the BBA, among other things, amended the Affordable Care Act, effective January 1, 2019, to increase from 50% to 70% the point-of-sale discount that is owed by pharmaceutical manufacturers who participate in Medicare Part D and to close the coverage gap in most Medicare drug plans, commonly referred to as the “donut hole”. On December 14, 2018, a Texas U.S. District Court Judge ruled that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional in its entirety because the “individual mandate” was repealed by Congress as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Additionally, on December 18, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld the District Court ruling that the individual mandate was unconstitutional and remanded the case back to the District Court to determine whether the remaining provisions of the Affordable Care Act are invalid as well. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing this case, but it is unknown when a decision will be reached. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, on January 28, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order to initiate a special enrollment period from February 15, 2021 through May 15, 2021 for purposes of obtaining health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The executive order also instructs certain governmental agencies to review and reconsider their existing policies and rules that limit access to healthcare, including among others, reexamining Medicaid demonstration projects and waiver programs that include work requirements, and policies that create unnecessary barriers to obtaining access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act. It is unclear how the Supreme Court ruling, other such litigation and the healthcare reform measures of the Biden administration will impact the Affordable Care Act. We expect that the Affordable Care Act, as currently enacted or as it may be amended or repealed in the future, and other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our industry generally and on our ability to successfully commercialize our products. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad. If we or our collaborators are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we or our collaborators are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, our products may lose regulatory approval and we may not achieve or sustain profitability, which would adversely affect our business.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. Aggregate reductions of Medicare payments to providers of 2% per fiscal year went into effect on April 1, 2013 and will stay in effect through 2030 unless Congressional action is taken. However, COVID-19 support legislation suspended the 2% Medicare sequester from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, and extended the sequester by one year, through 2030. The American Taxpayer Relief Act further reduced Medicare payments to several providers, including hospitals.
Moreover, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act of 2013 imposes additional obligations on manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, among others, related to product tracking and tracing. Among the requirements of this legislation, manufacturers are required to provide certain information regarding the drug product to individuals and entities to which product ownership is transferred, label drug product with a product identifier, and keep certain records regarding the drug product.
In the United States, there has been increasing legislative and enforcement interest with respect to specialty drug pricing practices. Specifically, there have been several recent U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drugs. At the federal level, the Trump administration’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2021 included a $135 billion allowance to support legislative proposals seeking to reduce drug prices, increase competition, lower out-of-pocket drug costs for patients, and increase patient access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar drugs. On March 10, 2020, the Trump administration sent “principles” for drug pricing to Congress, calling for legislation that would, among other things, cap Medicare Part D beneficiary out-of-pocket pharmacy expenses, provide an option to cap Medicare Part D beneficiary monthly out-of-pocket expenses, and place limits on pharmaceutical price increases. Additionally, the Trump Administration previously released a “Blueprint” to lower drug prices and reduce out of pocket costs of drugs that contained proposals to increase manufacturer competition, increase the negotiating power of certain federal healthcare programs, incentivize manufacturers to lower the list price of their products and reduce the out of pocket costs of drug products paid by consumers. On July 24, 2020 and September 13, 2020, President Trump announced several executive orders related to prescription drug pricing that attempt to implement several of the administration’s proposals On November 20, 2020, HHS finalized a regulation removing safe harbor protection for price reductions from pharmaceutical manufacturers to plan sponsors under Part D, either directly or through pharmacy benefit managers, unless the price reduction is required by law. The rule also creates a new safe harbor for price reductions reflected at the point-of-sale, as well as a safe harbor for certain fixed fee arrangements between pharmacy benefit managers and manufacturers, the implementation of which has also been delayed pending review by the Biden administration until March 22, 2021. Further, on November 20, 2020, CMS issued an interim final rule implementing President Trump’s Most Favored Nation executive order, which would tie Medicare Part B payments for certain physician-administered drugs to the lowest price paid in other economically advanced countries, effective January 1, 2021. On December 28, 2020, the U.S. District Court in Northern California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against implementation of the interim final rule. However, it is unclear whether the Biden administration will work to reverse these measures or pursue similar policy initiatives. At the state level, legislatures are increasingly passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, measures designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. Furthermore, even after initial price and reimbursement approvals, reductions in prices and changes in reimbursement levels can be triggered by multiple factors, including reference pricing systems and publication of discounts by third party payers or authorities in other countries. In Europe, prices can be reduced further by parallel distribution and parallel trade, i.e. arbitrage between low-priced and high-priced countries. If any of these events occur, revenue from sales of Zalviso and DZUVEO in Europe would be negatively affected.
Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and further restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We are not sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our products, if any, may be.
We expect that additional healthcare reform measures will be adopted within and outside the United States in the future, any of which could negatively impact our business. For instance, it is possible that additional governmental action is taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuing efforts of the government, insurance companies, managed care organizations and other payers of healthcare services to contain or reduce costs of healthcare may adversely affect the demand for any drug products for which we have obtained or may obtain regulatory approval, our ability to set a price that we believe is fair for our products, our ability to obtain coverage and reimbursement approval for a product, our ability to generate revenues and achieve or maintain profitability, and the level of taxes that we are required to pay.
We may experience market resistance, delays or rejections based upon additional government regulation from future legislation or administrative action, or changes in regulatory agency policy regarding opioids generally, and sufentanil specifically.
In February 2016, the FDA announced a comprehensive action plan to take concrete steps towards reducing the impact of opioid abuse on American families and communities. As part of this plan, the FDA announced that it intended to review product and labeling decisions and re-examine the risk-benefit paradigm for opioids. In June 2019, the FDA issued draft guidance related to a new benefit/risk framework for new opioid analgesic products, which proposes that the new product candidate show some benefit over an existing product. In September 2019, the FDA held a public hearing to receive stakeholder input on the approval process for new opioids. The timing of the resubmission of the Zalviso NDA is dependent upon the finalization of the FDA’s new opioid approval guidelines and process.
In May 2017, an Opioid Policy Steering Committee was established to address and advise regulators on opioid use. The Committee was charged with three initial questions: (i) should the FDA require mandatory education for healthcare professionals, or HCPs, who prescribe opioids; (ii) should the FDA take steps to ensure the number of prescribed opioid doses is more closely tailored to the medical indication; and (iii) is the FDA properly considering the risk of abuse and misuse of opioids during its drug review process. Zalviso has not been designed with an abuse-deterrent formulation and is not tamper-resistant. As a result, Zalviso has not undergone testing for tamper-resistance or abuse deterrence.
The FDA can delay, limit or deny marketing approval for many reasons, including:
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a product candidate may not be considered safe or effective; |
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the manufacturing processes or facilities we have selected may not meet the applicable requirements; and, |
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changes in their approval policies or adoption of new regulations may require additional work on our part. |
Part of the regulatory approval process includes compliance inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure adherence to applicable regulations and guidelines. The regulatory agency may delay, limit or deny marketing approval of our product candidate, Zalviso, as a result of such inspections. We, our contract manufacturers, and their vendors, are all subject to preapproval and post-approval inspections at any time. The results of these inspections could impact our ability to obtain FDA approval for Zalviso and, if approved, our ability to launch and successfully commercialize Zalviso in the United States. In addition, results of FDA inspections could impact our ability to maintain FDA approval of DSUVIA, and our ability to expand and sustain commercial sales of DSUVIA in the United States.
Any delay in, or failure to receive or maintain, approval for Zalviso in the United States could prevent us from generating meaningful revenues or achieving profitability. Zalviso may not be approved even if we believe it has achieved its endpoints in clinical trials. Regulatory agencies, including the FDA, or their advisors, may disagree with our trial design and our interpretations of data from preclinical studies and clinical trials. Regulatory agencies may change requirements for approval even after a clinical trial design has been approved. The FDA exercises significant discretion over the regulation of combination products, including the discretion to require separate marketing applications for the drug and device components in a combination product. Zalviso is being regulated as a drug product under the NDA process administered by the FDA. The FDA could in the future require additional regulation of Zalviso, or DSUVIA, under the medical device provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or FDCA. We must comply with the Quality Systems Regulation, or QSR, which sets forth the FDA’s current good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, requirements for medical devices, and other applicable government regulations and corresponding foreign standards for drug cGMPs. If we fail to comply with these regulations, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Regulatory agencies also may approve a product candidate for fewer or more limited indications than requested or may grant approval subject to the performance of post-marketing trials. For example, DSUVIA is subject to a deferred post-marketing requirement for study in the pediatric population ages 6-17 years. As required in the DSUVIA FDA approval letter, a final protocol for this trial was submitted to the FDA in August 2020, in conjunction with a request to defer initiation of pediatric studies until additional post-market safety data is obtained in adult patients using DSUVIA. In addition, regulatory agencies may not approve the labeling claims that are necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of our product candidates. For example, we intend to seek approval of Zalviso for the management of moderate-to-severe acute pain in adult patients in the hospital setting; however, our clinical trial data was generated exclusively from the post-operative segment of this population, and the FDA may restrict any approval to post-operative patients only, which would reduce the size of the commercial opportunity.
The success of Zalviso relies, in part, on obtaining regulatory approval in the United States.
The success of Zalviso relies, in part, upon our ability to develop and receive regulatory approval of this product candidate in the United States for the management of moderate-to-severe acute pain in adult patients in the hospital setting. Our Phase 3 program for Zalviso initially consisted of three Phase 3 clinical trials. We reported positive top-line data from each of these trials and submitted an NDA for Zalviso to the FDA in September 2013, which the FDA then accepted for filing in December 2013. In July 2014, the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter, or CRL, for our NDA for Zalviso, or the Zalviso CRL. The Zalviso CRL contained requests for additional information on the Zalviso System to ensure proper use of the device. The requests include submission of data demonstrating a reduction in the incidence of device errors, changes to address inadvertent dosing, among other items, and submission of additional data to support the shelf life of the product. Furthermore, in March 2015, we received correspondence from the FDA stating that in addition to the bench testing and two Human Factors studies we had performed in response to the issues identified in the Zalviso CRL, a clinical trial was needed to assess the risk of inadvertent dispensing and overall risk of dispensing failures. Based on the results of our Type C meeting with the FDA in September 2015, we completed the protocol review with the FDA and initiated this study, IAP312, in September 2016.
IAP312 was a Phase 3 study in post-operative patients designed to evaluate the effectiveness of changes made to the functionality and usability of the Zalviso device and to take into account comments from the FDA on the study protocol. The IAP312 study was designed to rule out a 5% device failure rate. The study design required a minimum of 315 patients. In the IAP312 study, sites proactively looked for tablets that were dispensed by the patient but failed to be placed under the tongue, known as dropped tablets. The FDA refers to dropped tablets as inadvertent dispensing. Correspondence from the FDA suggests that they may include the rate of inadvertent dispensing along with the device failures to calculate a total error rate. The IAP312 study evaluated all incidents of misplaced tablets; however, per the protocol, the error rate calculation does not include the rate of inadvertent dispensing. If the FDA includes the rate of inadvertent dispensing along with the device failures to calculate a total error rate, the resulting error rate may be unacceptable to the FDA. Further, the correspondence from the FDA suggests that we may need to modify the REMS program for Zalviso to address dropped tablets. The IAP312 results will supplement the three Phase 3 trials already completed in the Zalviso NDA resubmission. The timing of the resubmission of the Zalviso NDA is dependent upon the finalization of the FDA’s new opioid approval guidelines and process.
There is no guarantee that the additional work we performed related to Zalviso, including the IAP312 trial, will result in our successfully obtaining FDA approval of Zalviso in a timely fashion, if at all. Although we believe the IAP312 study met safety, satisfaction and device usability expectations, there is no guarantee the IAP312 trial results will address the issues raised by the FDA. For example, the FDA may include the rate of inadvertent dispensing along with the device failures to calculate a total error rate and the resulting error rate may be unacceptable to the FDA, or the FDA may still have concerns regarding the performance of the device, inadvertent dosing (dropped tablets), or other issues. At any future point in time, the FDA could require us to complete further clinical, Human Factors, pharmaceutical, reprocessing or other studies, which could delay or preclude any NDA resubmission or approval of the NDA and could require us to obtain significant additional funding. We may not be able to identify appropriate remediations to issues that the FDA may raise, and we may not have sufficient time or financial resources to conduct future activities to remediate issues raised by the FDA. We intend to seek a label indication for Zalviso for the management of moderate-to-severe acute pain in adult patients in the hospital setting. However, our clinical trial data was generated exclusively from the post-operative segment of this population, and the FDA may restrict any approval to post-operative patients only, which would reduce our commercial opportunity.
Upon resubmission of the Zalviso NDA, the FDA may hold an advisory committee meeting to obtain committee input on the safety and efficacy of Zalviso. Typically, advisory committees will provide responses to specific questions asked by the FDA, including the committee’s view on the approvability of the drug under review. Advisory committee decisions are not binding, but an adverse decision at the advisory committee may have a negative impact on the regulatory review of Zalviso. Additionally, we may choose to engage in the dispute resolution process with the FDA.
Our proposed trade name of Zalviso has been approved by the EMA and is currently being used in Europe. It has also been conditionally approved by the FDA, which must approve all drug trade names to avoid medication errors and misbranding. However, the FDA may withdraw this approval in which case any brand recognition or goodwill that we establish with the name Zalviso prior to commercialization may be worthless.
Any delay in approval by the FDA of the Zalviso NDA, once it is resubmitted, may negatively impact our stock price and harm our business operations. Any delay in obtaining, or inability to obtain, regulatory approval would prevent us from commercializing Zalviso in the United States, generating revenues and potentially achieving profitability. If any of these events occur, we may be forced to delay or abandon our development efforts for Zalviso, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Positive clinical results obtained to date for Zalviso may be disputed in FDA review, do not guarantee regulatory approval and may not be obtained from future clinical trials.
We have reported positive top-line data from each of our four Zalviso Phase 3 clinical trials completed to date, as well as our Phase 2 clinical trials for Zalviso. However, even if we believe that the data obtained from clinical trials is positive, the FDA has, and in the future could, determine that the data from our trials was negative or inconclusive or could reach a different conclusion than we did on that same data. Negative or inconclusive results of a clinical trial or difference of opinion could cause the FDA to require us to repeat the trial or conduct additional clinical trials prior to obtaining approval for commercialization, and there is no guarantee that additional trials would achieve positive results or that the FDA will agree with our interpretation of the results. If the FDA were to require any additional clinical trials for Zalviso, our development efforts would be further delayed, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Any such determination by the FDA would delay the timing of our commercialization plan for Zalviso and adversely affect our business operations.
Delays in clinical trials are common and have many causes, and any delay could result in increased costs to us and jeopardize or delay our ability to obtain regulatory approval and commence product sales.
We have experienced and may in the future experience delays in clinical trials of our product candidates. While we have completed four Phase 3 clinical trials and several Phase 2 clinical trials for Zalviso, future clinical trials may not begin on time, have an effective design, enroll a sufficient number of patients or be completed on schedule, if at all. For example, we postponed the start of IAP312, originally planned for the first quarter of 2016, to September 2016. The postponement was due to a delay in the receipt and testing of final clinical supplies for this trial. As a result, the development timeline for Zalviso was further extended.
Our post-approval clinical trials for DSUVIA, or any future FDA-required clinical trials for Zalviso, could be delayed for a variety of reasons, including:
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inability to raise funding necessary to initiate or continue a trial; |
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delays in obtaining regulatory approval to commence a trial; |
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delays in reaching agreement with the FDA on final trial design; |
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imposition of a clinical hold by the FDA, Institutional Review Board, or IRB, or other regulatory authorities; |
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delays in reaching agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations, or CROs, and clinical trial sites; |
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delays in obtaining required IRB approval at each site; |
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delays in recruiting suitable patients to participate in a trial; |
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delays in the testing, validation, manufacture and delivery of the tablets and device components of DSUVIA or Zalviso; |
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delays in having patients complete participation in a trial or return for post-treatment follow-up; |
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clinical sites dropping out of a trial to the detriment of enrollment or being delayed in entering data to allow for clinical trial database closure; |
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time required to add new clinical sites; or |
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delays by our contract manufacturers to produce and deliver sufficient supply of clinical trial materials. |
If any future FDA-required clinical trials are delayed for any reason, our development costs may increase, our approval process for Zalviso could be delayed, our ability to commercialize and commence sales of Zalviso could be materially harmed, and our ability to maintain FDA approval of DSUVIA could be jeopardized, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Zalviso may cause adverse effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent regulatory approval or limit the scope of any approved label or market acceptance. DSUVIA may cause adverse effects or have other properties that could limit market acceptance.
Adverse events, or AEs, caused by Zalviso could cause us, other reviewing entities, clinical trial sites or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt any future FDA-required clinical trials and could result in the denial of regulatory approval. Phase 2 clinical trials we conducted with Zalviso did generate some AEs, but no significant adverse events, or SAEs, related to the trial drug. In our Phase 3 active-comparator clinical trial (IAP309), 8% of Zalviso-treated patients dropped out of the trial prematurely due to an AE (11% in the IV patient-controlled morphine group), and we observed three serious adverse events, or SAEs, that were assessed as possibly or probably related to study drug (one- respiratory depression in the Zalviso group and two- abdominal distension and ileus in the IV patient-controlled morphine group). In our Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, abdominal surgery trial (IAP310), 6% of Zalviso-treated patients dropped out of the trial prematurely due to an AE (9% in placebo group). There were no SAEs determined to be related to study drug. In our Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, orthopedic surgery trial (IAP311), 7% of Zalviso-treated patients dropped out of the trial prematurely due to an AE (7% in placebo group). Four patients (three in the Zalviso group and one in the placebo group) experienced an SAE considered possibly or probably related to the trial drug by the investigator. The SAEs possibly or probably attributed to Zalviso were severe oxygen saturation decrease, sinus tachycardia and confusional state. In our Phase 3 multicenter, open-label study of Zalviso (IAP312), 3% of patients dropped out prematurely due to an AE. Five patients experienced SAEs in the IAP312 study and none of these were considered possibly or probably related to the study drug by the investigator.
In our Phase 2 DSUVIA placebo-controlled bunionectomy study (SAP202), two patients in the DSUVIA 30 mcg group (5%) discontinued treatment due to an AE, one unrelated to study drug and the other probably related to study drug. There were no SAEs deemed related to study drug. In our Phase 3 placebo-controlled abdominal surgery study (SAP301), one DSUVIA-treated patient (1%) dropped out of the trial prematurely due to an AE (4% in placebo group). There were two SAEs determined to be related to study drug in the placebo-treated group and no related SAEs in the DSUVIA group. In our Phase 3 open-label, single-arm emergency room study (SAP302), no DSUVIA-treated patients dropped out of the trial prematurely due to an AE. One patient had an SAE - angina pectoris - possibly related to study drug. In our post-operative study in patients aged 40 years or older (SAP303), 3% of DSUVIA-treated patients dropped out of the trial prematurely due to an AE. There were no SAEs deemed related to study drug.
If DSUVIA or, if approved, Zalviso cause serious or unexpected side effects after receiving marketing approval, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including:
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regulatory authorities may withdraw their approval of the product or impose restrictions on its distribution in the form of a modified REMS program; |
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regulatory authorities may require the addition of labeling statements, such as warnings or contraindications; |
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we may be required to change the way the product is administered or conduct additional clinical trials; |
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we could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients; or, |
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our reputation may suffer. |
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of DSUVIA or, if approved, Zalviso, and could substantially increase the costs of commercializing our products.
Additional time may be required to obtain U.S. regulatory approval for Zalviso because it is a drug/device combination product candidate.
DSUVIA and Zalviso are combination products with both drug and device components. The FDA requires both the drug and device components of combination product candidates to be reviewed as part of an NDA submission. There are very few examples of the FDA approval process for drug/device combination products such as DSUVIA and Zalviso. As a result, we experienced delays in the development and commercialization of DSUVIA, and may experience future delays in the development and commercialization of Zalviso, due to regulatory uncertainties in the product development and approval process, in particular as it relates to a drug/device combination product approval under an NDA.
The process for obtaining approval of an NDA is time consuming, subject to unanticipated delays and costs, and requires the commitment of substantial resources.
If the FDA determines that any of the clinical work submitted, including the clinical trials, Human Factors studies and bench testing submitted for a product candidate in support of an NDA were not conducted in full compliance with the applicable protocols for these trials, studies and testing as well as with applicable regulations and standards, or if the FDA does not agree with our interpretation of the results of such trials, studies and testing, the FDA may reject the data and results. The FDA may audit some or all of our clinical trial sites to determine the integrity of our clinical data. The FDA may audit some or all of our Human Factors study sites to determine the integrity of our data and may audit the data and results of bench testing. Any rejection of any of our data would negatively impact our ability to obtain marketing authorization for our product candidate, Zalviso, and would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. In addition, an NDA may not be approved, or approval may be delayed, as a result of changes in FDA policies for drug approval during the review period. For example, although many products have been approved by the FDA in recent years under Section 505(b)(2) of the FDCA, objections have been raised to the FDA’s interpretation of Section 505(b)(2). If challenges to the FDA’s interpretation of Section 505(b) (2) are successful, the FDA may be required to change its interpretation, which could delay or prevent the approval of such an NDA. More generally, the FDA’s comprehensive action plan to take concrete steps towards reducing the impact of opioid abuse on American families and communities may result in delays and challenges in obtaining NDA approval. Any significant delay in the acceptance, review or approval of an NDA that we have submitted would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and would require us to obtain significant additional funding.
Although we have obtained regulatory approval for DSUVIA, and even if we obtain regulatory approval for Zalviso in the United States, we and our collaborators face extensive regulatory requirements, and our products may face future development and regulatory difficulties.*
Although we have obtained regulatory approval for DSUVIA, and even if we obtain regulatory approval for Zalviso in the United States, the FDA may impose significant restrictions on the indicated uses or marketing of our products or impose ongoing requirements for potentially costly post-approval trials or post-market surveillance. For example, DSUVIA is subject to a deferred post-marketing requirement for study in the pediatric population ages 6-17 years. A final protocol for this trial was submitted to the FDA in August 2020, in conjunction with a request to defer initiation of pediatric studies until additional post-market safety data is obtained in adult patients using DSUVIA. Additionally, the labeling approved for DSUVIA includes restrictions on use due to the opioid nature of sufentanil. If approved, the labeling for Zalviso will likely include similar restrictions on use.
DSUVIA in the United States is also subject to ongoing FDA requirements governing the labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, safety surveillance, advertising, promotion, record-keeping and reporting of safety and other post-market information. The holder of an approved NDA is obligated to monitor and report AEs and any failure of a product to meet the specifications in the NDA. The holder of an approved NDA must also submit new or supplemental applications and obtain FDA approval for certain changes to the approved product, product labeling or manufacturing process.
Advertising and promotional materials must comply with FDA rules concerning the advertising and promotion of DSUVIA and are subject to FDA review, in addition to other potentially applicable federal and state laws. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the receipt of warning letters and further liability if off-label promotion is involved. For example, on February 11, 2021, we received a warning letter from the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion, or OPDP, of the FDA relating to a banner advertisement we submitted to the OPDP on December 6, 2019 and a tabletop display we submitted on February 28, 2020, and resubmitted to the OPDP at its request on September 23, 2020. We submitted the materials to the OPDP pursuant to the FDA requirement that sponsors submit all promotional materials to the FDA at the time of their initial dissemination or publication. The FDA’s concerns identified in the letter include its view that the promotional material makes misleading claims and representations about the risks and efficacy of DSUVIA because the material does not reveal facts that are material in light of the representations made. As a result, we conducted a review of our marketing materials to identify any potential revisions in light of the letter. We responded to the FDA within the timeframe requested in the letter and, on March 23, 2021, held a teleconference with OPDP to seek guidance and clarification on the concerns raised in the letter. Following our meeting with OPDP, we conducted a further review of our marketing materials to identify any potential revisions in light of the letter and OPDP’s guidance. We submitted a second response to FDA on April 7, 2021. We cannot give any assurances, however, that the FDA will be satisfied with our response to the letter or that such response will resolve the issues identified in the letter. If approved, Zalviso will be subject to these same requirements.
We must also register and obtain various state prescription drug distribution licenses and controlled substance permits, and any delay or failure to obtain or maintain these licenses or permits may limit our market and materially impact our business. In certain states we cannot apply for a license until a drug is approved by the FDA. The state licensing process may take several months which would delay commercialization in those states. In addition, manufacturers of drug products and their facilities are subject to payment of user fees and continual review and periodic inspections by the FDA and other regulatory authorities for compliance with cGMPs and adherence to commitments made in the NDA. If we, or a regulatory agency, discover previously unknown problems with a product, such as AEs of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems with the facilities where the product is manufactured, a regulatory agency may impose restrictions relative to that product or the manufacturing facilities, including requiring recall or withdrawal of the product from the market or suspension of manufacturing.
If we fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements following approval of our products, a regulatory agency may:
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issue a warning letter asserting that we are in violation of the law; |
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seek an injunction or impose civil or criminal penalties or monetary fines; |
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suspend or withdraw regulatory approval; |
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suspend any ongoing clinical trials; |
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refuse to approve a pending NDA or supplements to an NDA submitted by us; |
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seize product; or |
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refuse to allow us to enter into supply contracts, including government contracts. |
Any government investigation of alleged violations of law could require us to expend significant time and resources in response and could generate negative publicity. The occurrence of any event or penalty described above may inhibit our ability to commercialize DSUVIA, or, if approved, Zalviso, and generate revenues.
Except for Zalviso and DZUVEO, which are both approved in Europe, we may never obtain additional regulatory approvals for our products and product candidates outside of the United States, which would limit our ability to realize their full market potential.
In order to market any products outside of the United States, we or our commercial partners, must establish and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries regarding safety and efficacy. On September 22, 2015, we announced that the EC had granted marketing approval for Grünenthal’s MAA for Zalviso for the management of acute moderate-to-severe post-operative pain in adult patients. In April 2016, Grünenthal completed the first commercial sale of Zalviso. Grünenthal terminated the collaboration, effective November 13, 2020. The terms of the Grünenthal Agreements were extended to May 12, 2021 to enable Grünenthal to sell down its Zalviso inventory, a right it had under the Grünenthal Agreements. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the Territory reverted back to us on May 12, 2021. We have not yet negotiated a New Arrangement and there can be no assurance that we will successfully enter into a New Arrangement. In June 2018, we announced that the EC had granted marketing approval of DZUVEO for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe acute pain in medically monitored settings. We have not yet entered into a collaboration agreement with a strategic partner for the commercialization of DZUVEO in Europe and there can be no assurance that we will successfully enter into such an agreement.
Part of the foreign regulatory approval process includes compliance inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure adherence to applicable regulations and guidelines. The foreign regulatory agency may delay, limit or deny marketing approval as a result of such inspections. We, our contract manufacturers, and their vendors, are all subject to preapproval and post-approval inspections at any time. The results of these inspections could impact our ability to obtain regulatory approval of DSUVIA and Zalviso in countries outside of the United States and Europe, or our ability to launch and successfully commercialize these products, once approved. In addition, results of EMA inspections could impact our ability to maintain EC approval of Zalviso and DZUVEO, and any future collaboration partner’s ability to expand and sustain commercial sales of Zalviso or DZUVEO in Europe.
Outside of Europe, clinical trials conducted in one country may not be accepted by regulatory authorities in other countries, and regulatory approval in one country does not mean that regulatory approval will be obtained in any other country. Approval processes vary among countries and can involve additional product testing and validation and additional administrative review periods. Seeking foreign regulatory approval could result in difficulties and costs for us and require additional non-clinical trials or clinical trials, which could be costly and time consuming. Regulatory requirements can vary widely from country-to-country and could delay or prevent the introduction of our products in those countries. Our current clinical trial data may not be sufficient to support marketing approval or premium reimbursement in all territories. For example, we anticipate we may need comparator studies for DZUVEO in Europe to ensure premium reimbursement in certain countries. While we have obtained approval of DZUVEO in Europe, even if we are successful in entering into a collaboration agreement with a commercial partner, we will be substantially dependent on that commercial partner to comply with regulatory requirements. If we, or our commercial partners, fail to comply with regulatory requirements in international markets or to obtain and maintain required approvals, or if regulatory approvals in international markets are delayed, our target market will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our products will be harmed.
DSUVIA requires, and, if approved, Zalviso will require, a REMS program.
DSUVIA was approved in the United States with a REMS program. If Zalviso is approved in the United States, it will also require a REMS program. The DSUVIA REMS program includes restrictions on product distribution and use only in certified medically supervised settings. Before DSUVIA is distributed, an authorized representative from each medically supervised setting must sign an attestation that they have the ability to manage acute opioid overdose and will train all relevant staff on administration of DSUVIA, including the importance of only dispensing the product in a medically supervised setting. Therefore, REMS-certification is a key gating item to generating product revenues for DSUVIA. In addition, the REMS program for DSUVIA may significantly increase our costs to commercialize this product. While we have received pre-clearance from the FDA regarding certain aspects of the proposed required REMS program for Zalviso, we cannot predict the final REMS program to be required as part of any FDA approval of Zalviso. Depending on the extent of the REMS requirements, any U.S. launch may be delayed, the costs to commercialize Zalviso may increase substantially and the potential commercial market could be restricted. Furthermore, risks of sufentanil that are not adequately addressed through the proposed REMS program for Zalviso may also prevent or delay its approval for commercialization.
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Need for Additional Capital
We have incurred significant losses since our inception, anticipate that we will continue to incur significant losses in 2021 and may continue to incur losses in the future.
We have incurred significant net losses in each year since our inception in July 2005, and as of March 31, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $447.4 million.
We have devoted most of our financial resources to research and development, including our non-clinical development activities and clinical trials. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through the issuance of equity securities, borrowings, payments from Grünenthal, the monetization of certain future royalties and commercial sales milestones from the European sales of Zalviso by Grünenthal, funding from the Department of Defense, or DoD, and more recently with revenues from sales of DSUVIA since the commercial launch in the first quarter of 2019. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future expenditures and our ability to generate revenues. We expect to continue to incur substantial expenses as we support commercialization activities for DSUVIA and conduct research and development activities, including the FDA regulatory review of the Zalviso NDA, once resubmitted. Grünenthal’s sales of Zalviso in Europe have historically been small. If DSUVIA is not successfully commercialized in the U.S., or if Zalviso is not successfully developed or commercialized in the U.S., or if revenues are insufficient following marketing approval, we will not achieve profitability and our business may fail. Our success is also dependent on current and future collaborations to market our products outside of the United States, which may not materialize or prove to be successful.
We have not yet generated significant product revenue and may never be profitable.
Our ability to generate revenue from commercial sales and achieve profitability depends on our ability, alone or with collaborators, to successfully complete the development of, obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for, and commercialize our products. Although we received FDA approval of DSUVIA and began the commercial launch of DSUVIA in the United States, we may never generate enough revenues from sales of DSUVIA, or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States to become profitable. Although the EC granted marketing approval of DZUVEO in June 2018, we have not yet entered into a collaboration agreement with a strategic partner to commercialize DZUVEO in Europe and there can be no assurance that we will successfully enter into such an agreement. While we had a collaboration agreement with Grünenthal for commercialization of Zalviso in Europe and Australia it has been terminated, and Grünenthal was unable to achieve a level of commercial sales of Zalviso for which we were able to receive sales milestone payments. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the Territory reverted back to us on May 12, 2021.
In September 2015, we consummated a monetization transaction with PDL pursuant to which we sold to PDL for $65.0 million 75% of the European royalties from sales of Zalviso and 80% of the first four commercial milestones under the Amended License Agreement, subject to a capped amount. On August 31, 2020, PDL announced it sold its royalty interest for Zalviso to SWK. As mentioned above, Grünenthal has terminated the Grünenthal Agreements and the rights reverted back to us on May 12, 2021. Per the terms of the Royalty Monetization, we are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate a New Arrangement. Accordingly, even if we are able to enter into a New Arrangement, and that licensee is successful in commercializing Zalviso in Europe, we will receive only a portion of any royalties until the capped amount owing under the Royalty Monetization is reached. We do not anticipate generating significant near-term revenues from DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States. Our ability to generate future revenues from product sales depends heavily on our success in:
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maintaining regulatory approval for DSUVIA and obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval for Zalviso in the United States; and |
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launching and commercializing DSUVIA and Zalviso, if approved, in the United States by building, internally or through collaborations, an institutionally focused sales force, and launching and commercializing DZUVEO and Zalviso internationally by entering into collaborations, which may require additional funding. |
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with launching a commercial pharmaceutical product, pharmaceutical product development and the regulatory environment, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses, or when, or if, we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Our expenses could increase beyond expectations if we are delayed in receiving regulatory approval for Zalviso in the United States, or if we are required by the FDA to complete activities in addition to those we currently anticipate or have already completed.
We anticipate continuing to incur significant costs associated with commercializing DSUVIA in the United States. Even if we are able to generate revenues from the sale of DSUVIA or Zalviso, if approved, in the United States, we may not become profitable and may need to obtain additional funding to continue operations.
Future sales of DSUVIA to the DoD are not predictable, may occur on an irregular basis and may not meet our expectations due to various U.S. government-related factors that are beyond our control and into which we have little to no visibility, including the timing and extent of future U.S. military deployments. If DoD spending on DSUVIA does not meet our expectations, it could adversely affect our expected results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
In April 2020, DSUVIA achieved Milestone C approval by the DoD, a decision that clears the path for the DoD to begin placing orders for DSUVIA. In September 2020, we announced that DSUVIA was added to the DoD Joint Deployment Formulary, a core list of pharmaceutical products that are designated for deploying military units across all service branches. Future sales of DSUVIA to the DoD are not predictable, may occur on an irregular basis, and may not meet our expectations due to various U.S. government-related factors that are beyond our control and into which we have little to no visibility, including the timing and extent of future U.S. military deployments. Even if we do generate revenue from such sales, we may never generate revenue that is significant or predictable, which could impair our value and our ability to raise capital, expand our business or continue our operations. The placement of new orders by the DoD is, among other things, contingent upon overall U.S. government policies, budget and appropriation decisions and processes which are driven by numerous factors, including geo-political events, deployment of military units, macroeconomic conditions, and the ability of the U.S. government to enact relevant legislation, such as appropriations bills and accords on the debt ceiling. Our expectations about the timing and size of initial stocking orders for U.S. Army sets, kits and outfits, or SKOs, and other orders by the DoD are based on our understanding of troop deployment schedules. If DoD spending on DSUVIA does not meet our expectations, this could have a material adverse effect on our expected results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We have been substantially dependent on Grünenthal to successfully commercialize Zalviso in Europe and they have terminated their collaboration agreement with us.*
Under our agreements with Grünenthal, we granted Grünenthal rights to commercialize Zalviso in Europe for human use in pain treatment within, or dispensed by, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and other medically supervised settings. In September 2015, the EC granted marketing approval for Grünenthal’s MAA for Zalviso for the management of acute moderate-to-severe post-operative pain in adult patients, and Grünenthal began its European launch of Zalviso with the first commercial sale occurring in April 2016. Grünenthal terminated the collaboration, effective November 13, 2020. The terms of the Grünenthal Agreements were extended to May 12, 2021 to enable Grünenthal to sell down its Zalviso inventory, a right it had under the Grünenthal Agreements. The rights to market and sell Zalviso in the Territory reverted back to us on May 12, 2021.
During the pilot and launch phases in the various European countries, Grünenthal reported certain issues from HCPs with the initial set up of the Zalviso controllers before being given to patients for use. To address the issues, we have assisted Grünenthal with implementing additional training for HCPs and we have revised the controller software. Controllers with the revised software, which were delivered in December 2016, have undergone extensive bench testing and we believe we have successfully addressed the issues as presented. Additional devices were delivered beginning in early 2017. Controllers with the U.S. version of the revised software were also used in the IAP312 clinical study that was initiated in September 2016. There can be no assurance that the issues identified in the initial pilot and launch phases by Grünenthal will not have a material adverse impact on future sales of Zalviso in Europe. Further, if new issues occur, there may be a material adverse impact on the future sales of Zalviso in Europe which may have a negative impact on future revenues received and recognized by us.
We have not realized the expected benefits from our collaboration with Grünenthal, and may not realize the expected benefits from any New Arrangement, due to a number of important factors, including:
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The timing and amount of any payments we may receive under our agreements will depend on, among other things, the efforts, allocation of resources, and successful commercialization of Zalviso by any future collaboration partner in Europe; |
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Grünenthal changed the focus of its commercialization efforts to pursue higher-priority programs and any future collaboration partner may do the same; |
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Grünenthal stopped its commercialization efforts in countries where it had the sole right to commercialize Zalviso requiring us to find another collaboration partner for Zalviso in Europe; and |
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Grünenthal has terminated its agreements with us, and any future collaboration partner may also terminate any future agreement with us, adversely affecting our potential revenue from Zalviso; |
Any failures in commercialization of Zalviso outside the United States could have a material adverse impact on our business, including an adverse impact on the commercialization of DSUVIA or the development of Zalviso in the United States, if related to issues underlying the sufentanil sublingual tablet technology, safety or efficacy. Additionally, we agreed to certain representations and covenants relating to the Grünenthal Agreements under our agreements with PDL, and, if we breach those representations or covenants, we may become subject to indemnification claims by SWK (assignee of PDL) and liable to SWK for its indemnifiable losses relating to such breaches. The amount of such losses could be material and could have a material adverse impact on our business.
We have not yet entered into a collaboration agreement with a strategic partner for the commercialization of DZUVEO in Europe.
In June 2018, the EC granted marketing approval for DZUVEO but we have not yet entered into a collaboration agreement with a strategic partner to commercialize DZUVEO in Europe. If we are unable to enter into such an agreement, we may never generate revenues from sales of DZUVEO. If we are successful in identifying a commercial partner and entering into a collaboration agreement, we will be substantially dependent on this partner to successfully commercialize DZUVEO in Europe. Any failures in the commercialization of DZUVEO in Europe could have a significant adverse impact on our revenues and operating results.
Any future collaboration agreement for DZUVEO will likely require us to support the manufacturing and supply of the product in Europe for our commercial partner. In addition, we anticipate we may need comparator studies in Europe to ensure premium reimbursement in certain countries. Our inability to profitably manufacture and supply DZUVEO to any future commercial partner, or to successfully complete these additional comparator studies and obtain premium reimbursement in certain countries, may prevent, limit or delay commercialization and any associated future revenues from DZUVEO in Europe.
We have limited experience commercializing DSUVIA, which may make it difficult to predict our future performance or evaluate our business and prospects.
Since inception, our operations have been primarily focused on developing our technology and undertaking pharmaceutical development and clinical trials for DSUVIA and Zalviso, understanding the market potential for DSUVIA and Zalviso, and preparing for the commercialization of DSUVIA and the potential commercialization of Zalviso in the United States. We launched commercialization efforts for DSUVIA in February 2019. As a result of our limited commercialization experience, any predictions that are made about our future performance, or viability, or evaluation of our business and prospects, may not be accurate.
We will require additional capital and may be unable to raise capital, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our commercialization efforts and product developm