SEC Form 10-Q filed by Cyclerion Therapeutics Inc.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended
or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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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, 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.
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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 Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As of May 3, 2024, the registrant had
CYCLERION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements in this report, other than statements of historical facts, including statements about future events, financing plans, financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. Use of the words “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “expects,” “plans,” “seeks,” “intends,” “evaluates,” “pursues,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “designs,” “impacts,” “affects,” “forecasts,” “target,” “outlook,” “initiative,” “objective,” “designed,” “priorities,” “goal” or the negative of those words or other similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national, or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
3
See the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a further description of these and other factors. We caution you that the risks, uncertainties, and other factors referenced above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits, or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. There can be no assurance that (i) we have correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting our business or the extent of these factors’ likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct or (iv) our strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. All forward-looking statements in this report apply only as of the date of this report or as of the date they were made and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
4
Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
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$ |
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Prepaid expenses |
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Other current assets |
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Total current assets |
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Other investment |
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Total assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
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$ |
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Accrued research and development costs |
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Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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Total current liabilities |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) |
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Stockholders' equity |
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Preferred shares, |
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Common stock, |
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Paid-in capital |
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Accumulated deficit |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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Total stockholders' equity |
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Cost and expenses: |
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Research and development |
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$ |
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$ |
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General and administrative |
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Total cost and expenses |
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Loss from operations |
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Interest and other income, net |
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Net loss from continuing operations |
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Discontinued operations: |
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Loss from discontinued operations |
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Net loss |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net loss per share - basic and diluted |
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Net loss per share from continuing operations |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net loss per share from discontinued operations |
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Net loss per share |
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$ |
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$ |
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Weighted average shares used in calculating: |
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Basic and diluted shares |
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* |
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Other comprehensive loss: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
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$ |
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Other comprehensive loss: |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment gain (loss) |
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Comprehensive loss |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
*Adjusted retroactively for reverse stock split - see Note 1
6
Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands except share data)
(Unaudited)
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Common Stock |
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Preferred Stock |
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Paid-in |
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Accumulated |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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Shares (*) |
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Amount |
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Shares |
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Amount |
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capital |
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deficit |
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loss |
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equity |
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Balance at December 31, 2022 |
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$ |
— |
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— |
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— |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, RSUs and employee stock purchase plan |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Share-based compensation expense related to issuance of stock options and RSUs and employee stock purchase plan |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Balance at March 31, 2023 |
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$ |
— |
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— |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Common Stock |
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Preferred Stock |
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Paid-in |
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Accumulated |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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Shares |
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Amount |
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Shares |
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Amount |
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capital |
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deficit |
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loss |
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equity |
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Balance at December 31, 2023 |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Vesting of restricted stock awards |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Share-based compensation expense related to issuance of stock options and restricted stock awards |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Balance at March 31, 2024 |
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$ |
— |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
*Adjusted retroactively for reverse stock split - see Note 1
7
Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
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$ |
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Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Share-based compensation expense |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Prepaid expenses |
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Other current assets |
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Operating lease assets |
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Other assets |
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued research and development costs |
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Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
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Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
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Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. Nature of Business
Nature of Operations
Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc. (“Cyclerion”, the “Company” or “we”) became an independent public company on April 1, 2019 after Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or Ironwood, completed a tax-free spin-off of its novel soluble guanylate cyclase ("sGC") business, which we refer to herein as the "Separation". Cyclerion has one employee as of March 31, 2024.
At inception, Cyclerion was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious diseases with sGC stimulators in both the central nervous system ("CNS") and the periphery. The nitric oxide ("NO") sGC cyclic guanosine monophosphate ("cGMP") signaling pathway is a fundamental mechanism that precisely controls key aspects of physiology throughout the body. The NO-sGC-cGMP pathway regulates diverse and critical biological functions in both the CNS and the periphery and has been successfully targeted with several drugs.
Praliciguat is an orally administered, once-daily systemic sGC stimulator. On June 3, 2021, Cyclerion entered into a license agreement (as defined below) with Akebia Therapeutics Inc. (“Akebia”) relating to the exclusive worldwide license to Akebia of the Company's rights to the development, manufacture, medical affairs and commercialization of pharmaceutical products containing praliciguat and other related products and forms thereof enumerated in such agreement. Cyclerion is eligible to receive up to $
Olinciguat is a Phase 2 orally administered, once-daily, vascular sGC stimulator that Cyclerion intends to out-license to an entity with strong cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary capabilities.
Zagociguat is a clinical-stage CNS-penetrant sGC stimulator that has shown rapid improvement in cerebral blood flow, functional brain connectivity, brain response to visual stimulus, cognitive performance, and biomarkers associated mitochondrial function and inflammation in clinical studies. CY3018 is a CNS-targeted sGC stimulator that preferentially localizes to the brain and has a pharmacology profile that suggests its potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. On July 28, 2023, the Company sold zagociguat and CY3018 to Tisento Therapeutics, Inc. (“Tisento”), a newly formed private company focused on their development, in exchange for $
Cyclerion is actively evaluating other activities aimed at enhancing shareholder value, which may potentially include collaborations, licenses, mergers, acquisitions and/or other targeted investments.
The Company has shifted its strategy to identify, non-sGC stimulator assets within the CNS therapeutic area to build a new portfolio. If the Company identifies and acquires or licenses suitable new assets, the Company will seek to develop the new assets and retain contract research, development and manufacturing organizations for these specific purposes. Additionally, Cyclerion plans to seek to raise funds for further research and development activities associated with any new assets. The Company’s goal is to find the best combination of capital, capabilities, and transactions that will enable the advancement of current and any future assets the Company may acquire for patients in a way that maximizes shareholder value.
Cyclerion GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary, was incorporated in Zug, Switzerland on May 3, 2019. The functional currency is the Swiss franc. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, the liquidation process for Cyclerion GmbH has been concluded and the subsidiary is pending deregistration from the commercial registry. Cyclerion GmbH has
9
Cyclerion Securities Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, was incorporated in Massachusetts on November 15, 2019 and was granted securities corporation status in Massachusetts for the 2019 tax year. Cyclerion Securities Corporation has
Stock Purchase Agreement
In March 2023, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Company's former Chief Executive Officer (the “Former CEO”) pursuant to which he invested $
Asset Purchase Agreement
On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with an investor group that included the Former CEO, JW Celtics Investment Corp and JW Cycle Inc. which subsequently changed their names to Tisento Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (“Tisento Parent”) and Tisento. Upon the closing on July 28, 2023, of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company sold to Tisento specified assets relating to the Company’s zagociguat and CY3018 programs (the "Transferred Assets") and Tisento assumed certain liabilities relating thereto, including, but not limited to (i) liabilities, costs and expenses arising after the date of the Asset Purchase Agreement relating to the employment of certain Cyclerion employees and the conduct of certain preclinical and clinical trial activities prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement, and (ii) liabilities relating to such assets to the extent relating to the period after the closing of the transaction. In consideration for such sale and assumption, at such closing the Company received proceeds of $8.0 million as cash consideration, $2.4 million as reimbursement for certain operating expenses related to such assets for the period between signing and closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement, and shares of common stock of Tisento Parent comprising 10% of the then issued and outstanding equity securities of Tisento Parent immediately following such closing, subject to certain protections against dilution.
Reverse Stock Split
On May 15, 2023, the Company filed Articles of Amendment to the Company's Restated Articles of Organization with the Secretary of Commonwealth of Massachusetts to effect a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The reverse stock split was reflected on the Nasdaq Capital Market beginning with the opening of trading on May 16, 2023. All share amounts and per share amounts disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the reverse stock split for all periods presented.
At-the-Market Offering
On July 24, 2020, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf”). On September 3, 2020, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) with respect to an at-the-market offering (the “ATM Offering”) under the Shelf. Under the ATM Offering, the Company could offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $
10
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Additionally, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2024.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and the results of its operations for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other subsequent interim period.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Cyclerion GmbH, and Cyclerion Securities Corporation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Going Concern
At each reporting period, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 205-40, Going Concern, the Company evaluates whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The Company’s evaluation entails analyzing prospective operating budgets and forecasts for expectations of the Company’s cash needs and comparing those needs to the current cash and cash equivalent balances. The Company is required to make certain additional disclosures if it concludes substantial doubt exists and it is not alleviated by the Company’s plans or when its plans alleviate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
This evaluation initially does not take into consideration the potential mitigating effect of management’s plans that have not been fully implemented as of the date the financial statements are issued. When substantial doubt exists under this methodology, management evaluates whether the mitigating effect of its plans sufficiently alleviates substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The mitigating effect of management’s plans, however, is only considered if both (1) it is probable that the plans will be effectively implemented within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued, and (2) it is probable that the plans, when implemented, will mitigate the relevant conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these condense consolidated financial statements are issued. In performing its analysis, management excluded certain elements of its operating plan that cannot be considered probable. Under ASC 205-40, the future receipt of potential funding from future partnerships, equity or debt issuances, certain cost reduction measures and the potential milestones from the Akebia agreement cannot be considered probable at this time because these plans are not entirely within the Company’s control and/or have not been approved by the Board of Directors as of the date of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company expects that its cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024, will be sufficient to fund operations through the midway of 2025, however the Company will need to obtain additional funding to sustain operations as it expects to continue to generate operating losses for the foreseeable future. The Company's expectation to generate negative operating cash flows in the future and the need for additional funding to support its planned operations, raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans to alleviate the conditions that raise substantial doubt include reduced spending, and the pursuit of additional capital. Management has concluded the likelihood that its plan to successfully obtain sufficient funding, or adequately reduce expenditures, while reasonably possible, is less than probable. Accordingly, the Company has concluded that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the
11
realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described above.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting policies of the Company are set forth in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
New Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Except as discussed elsewhere in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that had a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. This standard requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. As a smaller reporting company, ASU 2016-13 will become effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2023, and the adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
No other accounting standards known by the Company to be applicable to it that have been issued by the FASB or other standard-setting bodies and that do not require adoption until a future date are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s cash equivalents are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The following tables present information about the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicate the level of the fair value hierarchy used to determine such fair values as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2024: |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
Cash equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Money market funds |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2023: |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
Cash equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Money market funds |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no transfers between levels. The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, consisting of money market funds, is based on quoted market prices in active markets with no valuation adjustment.
The Company believes the carrying amounts of its prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these amounts.
4. Discontinued Operations
12
On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into the Asset Purchase Agreement with Tisento for Tisento’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets comprising the Company’s zagociguat and CY3018 programs, in exchange for consideration at closing of $
The operations of the Transferred Assets are presented as discontinued for all periods presented. The transaction closed on July 28, 2023.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Cost and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Research and development |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total cost and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Loss from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net loss from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
The following table presents the significant non-cash item for the discontinued operations that are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Share-based compensation expense |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
5. Other Investment
On July 28, 2023, the Company closed the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement receiving proceeds of $
The Company has determined that the Company’s investment in Tisento Parent is an equity security, whereby such investment does not give the Company a controlling financial interest or significant influence over the investee. Further, the Company assessed the accounting for its investment in Tisento Parent in accordance with ASC 810-10, Consolidation—Overall. After determining that no scope exception applies under the guidance of ASC 810-10-15-12 and ASC 810-10-15-17, the Company concluded that it has a variable interest in Tisento Parent through its investment in Tisento Parent common stock. Tisento Parent does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support as Tisento Parent is a startup entity in its early stages of raising funds and will require significant capital to advance its programs to commercial stage. Therefore, the Company concluded that its investment in Tisento Parent is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in accordance with ASC 810-10-15-14(a) and is subject to potential consolidation under the VIE model. However, all activities that most significantly impact Tisento Parent and its subsidiary’s economic performance are directed by the Tisento Parent board and the board approves decisions by a simple majority. Based on the board composition, the Company determined that no one party has control over the Tisento Parent board and power is not shared because the activities that most significantly affect Tisento Parent and its subsidiary’s economic performance do not require the consent of all of the parties. Rather, all decisions are made by a simple majority vote of the Tisento Parent board. Therefore,
13
because the Company controls no director of Tisento Parent, the Company cannot unilaterally direct any of the activities that most significantly impact Tisento Parent and its subsidiary’s economic performance. Accordingly, the Company does not hold a controlling financial interest in Tisento Parent. Because both criteria (a) and (b) above have to be met for the application of the guidance in ASC 810-10-25-44B and criteria (a) has not been met, the Company concluded that it should not consolidate Tisento under the VIE model.
Accordingly, the Company has accounted for the investment as a financial instrument without a readily determinable fair value. Such investment is recorded using the measurement alternative for investments without readily determinable fair values, whereby the investment is measured at cost less any impairment recorded or adjustments for observable price changes. An impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the investment. As of March 31, 2024,
The initial fair value of the investment in Tisento Parent was determined by reference to the risk-adjusted net assets value using the discounted cash flow method. The estimated net assets value of Tisento Parent includes the cash generated/used from the operations and the proceeds from equity financing. Valuations were derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions, including weighted average cost of capital (
6. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Software |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Property and equipment, gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did
7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Salaries |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Professional fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Other Funding Commitments
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts with clinical research organizations and other third parties for clinical and preclinical research studies and other services and products for operating purposes. These contracts are generally cancellable, with notice, at the Company’s option and do not have any significant cancellation penalties.
Indemnification Obligations
14
On September 6, 2018, Cyclerion was incorporated in Massachusetts and its officers and directors are indemnified for certain events or occurrences while they are serving in such capacity.
The Company enters into certain agreements with other parties in the ordinary course of business that contain indemnification provisions. These typically include agreements with directors and officers, business partners, contractors, clinical sites and customers. Under these provisions, the Company generally indemnifies and holds harmless the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party as a result of the Company’s activities. These indemnification provisions generally survive termination of the underlying agreements. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is unlimited. However, to date the Company has not incurred material costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification provisions. As a result, the estimated fair value of these obligations is minimal. Accordingly, the Company did not have any liabilities recorded for these obligations as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Separation Benefits
As part of the separation benefit of the former Chief Financial Officer, the Company shall pay to former Chief Financial Officer a payment of $
9. Leases
In May 2021, the Company signed a
On September 15, 2020, the Company entered into a Sublease Termination Agreement (the "Sublease Termination Agreement") to terminate its sublease of
The Company determined that the Sublease Termination Agreement constituted a non-monetary exchange under ASC 845 Nonmonetary Transactions ("ASC 845") where, in return for the free rooms and the services, the Company agreed to terminate its rights and obligations under the sublease agreement. In accordance with ASC 845, the Company determined that the accounting for the transaction should be based on the fair value of assets or services involved. The Company estimated the fair value of the rooms and services to be approximately $
The Company determined that the licensed rooms represent a lease under ASC Topic 842, Leases. The Company obtained control of the rooms in the third quarter of 2021 and the prepaid rooms balance of approximately $
15
After the closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company had no plans in the foreseeable future to use the licensed rooms and the Company is restricted from subleasing the rooms. In August 2023, the ROU asset and other assets were fully impaired.
10. Share-based Compensation Plans
In 2019, Cyclerion adopted share-based compensation plans. Specifically, Cyclerion adopted the 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2019 ESPP”) and the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (“2019 Equity Plan”). Under the 2019 ESPP, eligible employees may use payroll deductions to purchase shares of stock in offerings under the plan, and thereby acquire an interest in the future of the Company. The 2019 Equity Plan provides for stock options, restricted stock awards ("RSAs") and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).
Cyclerion also mirrored two of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Ironwood") existing plans, the Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (“2005 Equity Plan”) and the Amended and Restated 2010 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (“2010 Equity Plan"). These mirror plans were adopted to facilitate the exchange of Ironwood equity awards for Cyclerion equity awards upon the Separation as part of the equity conversion. As a result of the Separation and in accordance with the EMA, employees of both companies retained their existing Ironwood vested options and received a pro-rata share of Cyclerion options, regardless of which company employed them post-Separation. For employees that were ultimately employed by Cyclerion, unvested Ironwood options and RSUs were converted to unvested Cyclerion options and RSUs.
The following table provides share-based compensation reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Research and development |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Stock Options
Stock options granted under the Company’s equity plans generally have a ten-year term and vest over a period of four years, provided the individual continues to serve at the Company through the vesting dates. Options granted under all equity plans are exercisable at a price per share not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The estimated fair value of options, including the effect of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period of each option.
A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Average |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Intrinsic |
|
||||
|
|
Number |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
Value (in |
|
||||
|
|
of Options |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Term (Years) |
|
|
thousands) |
|
||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cancelled or forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding as of March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercisable at March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
16
the unrecognized share-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all unvested time-based stock options is $
The Company has granted certain employees performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock. These options are subject to performance-based milestone vesting. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were
Market-based Stock Options
The Company also has granted to certain employees stock options containing market conditions that vest upon the achievement of specified price targets of the Company’s share price for a period through December 31, 2024. Vesting is measured based upon the average closing price of the Company’s share price for any
Restricted Stock Awards
The Company granted
A summary of RSA activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
||
|
|
Number |
|
|
Grant Date |
|
||
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
||
Unvested as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unvested as of March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
As of March 31, 2024, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all unvested RSAs is $
17
11. Loss per share
Basic and diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net loss from continuing operations (in thousands) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Net loss from discontinued operations (in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
Total net loss (in thousands) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss per share — basic and diluted (in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net gain (loss) per share — basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net loss per share from continuing operations |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
* |
Net loss per share from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
* |
|
Total loss per share |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
*Adjusted retroactively for reverse stock split - see Note 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
The Company excludes shares of common stock related to Preferred Stock, stock options, RSAs and RSUs from the calculation of diluted net loss per share since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Preferred Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Stock Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
RSUs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
RSAs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
12. Workforce Reduction
2022 Workforce Reduction
On October 6, 2022, the Company began a reduction of its current workforce by
All the accrued liabilities were paid off as of December 31, 2023 and no activities occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
18
|
|
Amounts |
|
|
Charges |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Amounts |
|
|||||
Workforce reductions |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|||
Total |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|||
13. License Agreement
Akebia License Agreement
On June 3, 2021, the Company and Akebia entered into a License Agreement (the “Akebia License Agreement”) relating to the exclusive worldwide license by the Company to Akebia of the Company's rights to the development, manufacture, medical affairs and commercialization of pharmaceutical products containing the pharmaceutical compound known as praliciguat and other related products and forms thereof enumerated in the License Agreement (collectively, the “Products”). Pursuant to the Akebia License Agreement, Akebia will be responsible for all future research, development, regulatory, and commercialization activities for the Products.
Akebia paid a $
Pursuant to the Akebia License Agreement, the Company determined the Akebia License Agreement represents a service arrangement under the scope of ASC 606. Given the reversion of the rights under the Akebia License Agreement represents a penalty in substance for a termination by Akebia, the contract term would be the stated term of the License Agreement.
The Company determined that the grant of license to its patents and trademarks, know how transfer, the assignment of regulatory submissions and trademarks and additional knowledge transfer assistance obligations represent a single promise and performance obligation to be transferred to Akebia over time due to the nature of the promises in the contract. The provision of development materials on hand was identified as a separate performance obligation. However, it is immaterial in the context of the contract as the development materials are low value and do not have an alternative use to the Company.
The consideration related to sales-based milestone payments, including royalties, will be recognized when the related sales occur as these amounts have been determined to relate predominantly to the license. The Company will re-evaluate the probability of achievement of the milestones and any related constraints each reporting period.
Akebia Supply Agreement
On August 3, 2021, the Company and Akebia entered into a Supply Agreement (the “Supply Agreement”) relating to the manufacturing by the Company of the Initial Supply of the Drug Product and placebo ("Initial Supply") for Akebia's use pursuant to the Akebia License Agreement. Akebia will pay the Company for the manufacturing costs at mutually agreed upon rates.
The Company determined the Supply Agreement has stand-alone value under the scope of ASC 606 and should not be combined with the Akebia License Agreement. Given that the Supply Agreement can be terminated at any time without cause with 30 days’ notice, the Company deemed the Supply Agreement to be a month-to-month contract. The manufacturing of the Initial Supply by the Company represents a single performance obligation and consideration related to the manufacturing costs will be recognized over time as costs are incurred. There was
19
14. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated all events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and determined that there were no such events requiring recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
20
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Information
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the corresponding notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those referenced or set forth under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Overview
We operate in one reportable business segment—human therapeutics.
At inception, Cyclerion was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious diseases with novel soluble guanylate cyclase (“sGC”) stimulators in both the central nervous system (“CNS”) and the periphery. The nitric oxide (“NO”) sGC cyclic guanosine monophosphate (“cGMP”) signaling pathway is a fundamental mechanism that precisely controls key aspects of physiology throughout the body. The NO-sGC-cGMP pathway regulates diverse and critical biological functions in both the CNS and the periphery and has been successfully targeted with several drugs. Prior to the sale of two assets to Tisento (see below), Cyclerion’s portfolio included novel sGC stimulators that modulate signaling networks in both the CNS and the periphery.
On July 28, 2023, we sold two of our CNS assets (zagociguat and CY3018, or the “Transferred Assets”) to Tisento in exchange for $8.0 million in cash consideration, $2.4 million as reimbursement for certain operating expenses related to zagociguat and CY3018 for the period between signing and closing of the transaction, and 10% of all of Tisento's Parent's outstanding equity securities. The Cyclerion assets that were retained are olinciguat and praliciguat which are not CNS focused and are either currently out-licensed (praliciguat) or management plans to out-license (olinciguat).
We have shifted our strategy to identify non-sGC stimulator assets, mainly within the CNS therapeutic area, to build a new portfolio. If the Company identifies suitable new assets the Company will seek to develop the new assets and retain contract research, development and manufacturing organizations for these specific purposes, as well as seek to raise funds for further research and development activities in a fit for purpose way. The Company’s goal is to find the best combination of capital, capabilities, and transactions that will enable the advancement of current and any future assets the Company may acquire for patients in a way that maximizes shareholder value.
Cyclerion continues to evaluate other activities aimed at enhancing shareholder value, which may potentially include collaborations, licenses, mergers, acquisitions and/or other targeted investments.
Financial Overview
Research and Development Expense. Research and development expenses are incurred in connection with the discovery and development of our product candidates. These expenses consist primarily of the following costs: compensation, benefits and other employee-related expenses, research and development related facilities, third-party contracts relating to manufacturing, nonclinical studies and clinical trial activities. All research and development expenses are charged to operations as incurred.
Praliciguat is an orally administered, once-daily systemic sGC stimulator. On June 3, 2021, we entered into a license agreement with Akebia relating to the exclusive worldwide license to Akebia of our rights to the development, manufacture, medical affairs and commercialization of pharmaceutical products containing praliciguat and other related products and forms thereof enumerated in such agreement. Cyclerion is eligible to receive up to $585 million in total potential future development, regulatory, and commercialization milestone payments.
21
Cyclerion is also eligible to receive tiered, sales-based royalties ranging from single-digit to high-teen percentages and subject to reduction upon expiration of patent rights or the launch of a generic product.
Olinciguat is a Phase 2, orally administered, once-daily, vascular sGC stimulator that we are seeking to out-license to an entity with strong cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary capabilities.
Zagociguat and CY3018 are orally administered CNS-penetrant sGC stimulators. On July 28, 2023, Tisento purchased zagociguat and CY3018 in exchange for $8.0 million in cash consideration, $2.4 million as reimbursement for certain operating expenses related to zagociguat and CY3018 for the period between signing and closing of the transaction, and 10% of all of Tisento Parent's outstanding equity securities at the time of closing.
Cyclerion continues to evaluate other activities aimed at enhancing shareholder value, which may potentially include collaborations, licenses, mergers, acquisitions, and/or other targeted investments.
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses, employee and facility related costs allocated to research and development expense, and discovery and pre-clinical phase programs, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The product pipeline expenses relate primarily to external costs associated with nonclinical studies and clinical trial costs.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|||||
Product pipeline external costs |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
30 |
|
Personnel and related internal costs |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
224 |
|
Facilities and other |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
318 |
|
Total research and development expenses |
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
572 |
|
Securing regulatory approvals for new drugs is a lengthy and costly process. Any failure by us or our partners to obtain, or any delay in obtaining, regulatory approvals would materially adversely affect our product candidate development efforts and our business overall.
Given the inherent uncertainties of pharmaceutical product development, we cannot estimate with any degree of certainty how our programs will evolve, and therefore the amount of time or money that would be required to obtain regulatory approval to market them. As a result of these uncertainties surrounding the timing and outcome of any approvals, we are currently unable to estimate precisely when, if ever, our discovery and development candidates will be approved.
The successful development of any current or potential future product candidates is highly uncertain and subject to a number of risks. Please refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
We are unable to determine the duration and costs to complete current or future nonclinical and clinical stages of any current or potential future product candidates, including as licensed to third parties, or when, or to what extent, we may generate revenues from the commercialization and sale of any current or potential future product candidates. Development timelines, probability of success and development costs vary widely. We anticipate that we will make determinations as to which additional programs to pursue and how much funding to direct to each program on an ongoing basis in response to the data from the studies of each product candidate, the competitive landscape and ongoing assessments of such product candidate’s commercial potential.
General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation, benefits and other employee-related expenses for personnel in our administrative, finance, legal, information technology, business development, and human resource functions. Other costs include the legal costs of pursuing patent protection of our intellectual property, general and administrative related facility costs, insurance costs and professional fees for accounting and legal services. We record all general and administrative expenses as incurred.
22
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the amounts of expenses during the reported periods. We base our estimates on our historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.
We believe that our application of accounting policies requires significant judgments and estimates on the part of management and is the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
All research and development expenses are expensed as incurred. We defer and capitalize nonrefundable advance payments we make for research and development activities until the related goods are received or the related services are performed. A discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates may be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.
Results of Operations
The revenue and expenses reflected in the consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of revenue and expenses that will be incurred by us in the future. The following discussion summarizes the key factors we believe are necessary for an understanding of our consolidated financial statements.
Expenses
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||
Cost and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Research and development |
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
572 |
|
|
$ |
(528 |
) |
|
|
(92 |
)% |
General and administrative |
|
|
1,574 |
|
|
|
2,703 |
|
|
|
(1,129 |
) |
|
|
(42 |
)% |
Total cost and expenses |
|
|
1,618 |
|
|
|
3,275 |
|
|
|
(1,657 |
) |
|
|
(51 |
)% |
Loss from operations |
|
|
(1,618 |
) |
|
|
(3,275 |
) |
|
|
1,657 |
|
|
|
(51 |
)% |
Interest and other income, net |
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
)% |
Net loss from continuing operations |
|
|
(1,542 |
) |
|
|
(3,187 |
) |
|
|
1,645 |
|
|
|
(52 |
)% |
Discontinued operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3,767 |
) |
|
|
3,767 |
|
|
|
(100 |
)% |
Net loss |
|
$ |
(1,542 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,954 |
) |
|
$ |
5,412 |
|
|
|
(78 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Research and development expense. The Company had further reductions of workforce in 2023 in connection with the sale of the Transferred Assets to Tisento and change to the Company’s strategy. The decrease in research and development expense of approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was driven by decreases of approximately $0.2 million in employee-related expenses primarily due to the workforce reduction in 2023, approximately $0.1 million in IT services, approximately $0.1 million in lab equipment and service and approximately $0.1 million in professional services.
General and administrative expense. The decrease in general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was
23
primarily driven by decreases of approximately $0.2 million in employee-related expenses primarily due to the workforce reduction in 2023 and approximately $0.9 million in legal services.
Loss from discontinued operations. The decrease in loss from discontinued operations of approximately $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was driven by the sale of Transferred Assets in July 2023. After the sale of Transferred Assets, no discontinued operation was recognized in the income statements.
Interest and other income (expenses), net. Interest and other income (expenses), net decreased by a de minimus amount for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 due to an decreased in money market funds balance.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
On July 24, 2020, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Shelf”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in relation to the registration of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units of any combination thereof for an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $150.0 million. On September 3, 2020, we entered into the Sales Agreement with Jefferies with respect to the ATM Offering under the Shelf. The Shelf expired in July 2023. We did not sell any shares of our common stock under the Shelf from 2022 to July 2023.
On May 19, 2023, we sold 225,000 shares of our common stock, pursuant to a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, and 351,037 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, to our former CEO, for total gross proceeds of approximately $5 million. There were no material fees or commissions related to the transaction. Such Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of our common stock on a one-to-one basis. Our shareholders approved such convertibility on July 19, 2023.
On July 28, 2023, we closed the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement receiving proceeds of $8.0 million as cash consideration, approximately $2.4 million as reimbursement for certain operating expenses related to zagociguat and CY3018 programs for the period between signing and closing of the transaction, and 10% of all of Tisento Parent’s outstanding equity securities.
Our ability to continue to fund our operations and meet capital needs will depend on our ability to generate cash from operations and access to capital markets and other sources of capital, as further described below. We anticipate that our principal uses of cash in the future will be primarily to fund our operations, working capital needs, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes.
On March 31, 2024, we had approximately $5.7 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents include amounts held in U.S. government money market funds. We invest cash in excess of immediate requirements in accordance with our investment policy, which requires all investments held by us to be at least “AAA” rated or equivalent, with a remaining final maturity when purchased of less than twelve months, so as to primarily achieve liquidity and capital preservation.
Going Concern
We evaluated whether there are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, which raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements are issued. This evaluation initially does not take into consideration the potential mitigating effect of management’s plans that have not been fully implemented as of the date the financial statements are issued. When substantial doubt exists under this methodology, management evaluates whether the mitigating effect of our plans sufficiently alleviates substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The mitigating effect of management’s plans, however, is only considered if both (1) it is probable that the plans will be effectively implemented within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued, and (2) it is probable that the plans, when implemented, will mitigate the relevant conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements are issued. In performing our analysis, management excluded certain elements of our operating plan that cannot be considered probable. Under ASC 205-40, the future receipt of potential funding from future partnerships,
24
equity or debt issuances, and the potential milestones from the Akebia agreement cannot be considered probable at this time because these plans are not entirely within our control and/or have not been approved by the Board of Directors as of the date of these consolidated financial statements.
We have incurred recurring losses since our inception, including a net loss of $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. In addition, as of March 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $266.0 million. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024, will be sufficient to fund operations through the second quarter of 2025, however we will need to obtain additional funding to sustain operations as we expect to continue to generate operating losses for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, we have concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described above.
Reverse Stock Split
On May 15, 2023, we filed Articles of Amendment to our Restated Articles of Organization with the Secretary of Commonwealth of Massachusetts to effect a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The reverse stock split was reflected on the Nasdaq Capital Market beginning with the opening of trading on May 16, 2023. All share amounts and per share amounts disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the reverse stock split for all periods presented.
Cash Flows
The following is a summary of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
||||
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(1,871 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,214 |
) |
|
$ |
4,343 |
|
|
|
(70 |
)% |
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily a result of our $1.5 million net loss from operations. The net loss was offset by stock-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and a decrease in prepaid expense of $0.1 million. The net loss was also adjusted by a decrease in accounts payable of $0.5 million and a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $0.2 million.
Net cash used in operating activities was $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily a result of our $7.0 million net loss from operations. The net loss was offset by stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million, a decrease in prepaid expense and other current assets of $0.3 million, a decrease in other assets of $0.1 million and an increase in account payable of $1.0 million. The net loss was also adjusted by a decrease in accrued research and development costs of $0.7 million and a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $0.4 million.
Funding Requirements
We expect our expenses to fluctuate as we continue to maintain out-license opportunities and seek to broaden our portfolio through in-licensing of assets. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024, will be sufficient to fund operations through the second quarter of 2025, however we will need to obtain additional funding to sustain operations as we expect to continue to generate operating losses for the foreseeable
25
future. Failure to obtain necessary capital when needed may delay development of any current or potential future product candidates, or other operations.
Because of the many risks and uncertainties associated with research, development and commercialization of product candidates, we are unable to estimate the exact amount of our working capital requirements. Our expenses will fluctuate, and our future funding requirements will depend on, and could increase or decrease significantly as a result of many factors, including the:
A change in any of these or other variables with respect to the development of any current or potential future product candidates could significantly change the costs and timing of the development of that product candidate.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, of which there can be no assurance. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, outstanding equity ownership may be materially diluted, and the terms of securities sold in such transactions could include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take specified actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. In addition, debt financing would result in increased fixed payment obligations.
If we raise funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, as to which raise there can be no assurances, we may have to relinquish rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise funds, we may need to cease operations.
Contractual Commitments and Obligations
Tax-related Obligations
We exclude assets, liabilities or obligations pertaining to uncertain tax positions from our summary of contractual commitments and obligations as we cannot make a reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. As of March 31, 2024, we had no uncertain tax positions.
Separation Benefits
As part of the separation benefit of former Chief Financial Officer, we shall pay to our former Chief Financial Officer a payment of $0.1 million on each of the six-month and nine-month anniversaries of November 15, 2023, in the event the former Chief Financial Officer has not secured full-time employment prior to the anniversary date.
26
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, that would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K) or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in those types of relationships. We enter into guarantees in the ordinary course of business related to the guarantee of our own performance.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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 (the “Exchange Act”) and are not required to provide the information required under this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act refers to controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, as opposed to absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at the reasonable assurance level, as of the end of the period covered by this report. However, our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
27
PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are not a party to any material legal proceedings at this time. From time to time we may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully review and consider the information regarding certain factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed therein.
Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits
See the Exhibit Index on the following page of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
28
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
101.INS |
|
Inline XBRL Instance Document. |
101.SCH |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
104 |
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File. |
29
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
CYCLERION THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Regina Graul |
|
Name: |
Regina Graul |
|
Title: |
President (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Rhonda Chicko |
|
Name: |
Rhonda Chicko |
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Date: May 7, 2024
30