SEC Form 10-Q filed by Mereo BioPharma Group plc
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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 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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* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing such Ordinary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
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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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 Act). Yes
As of May 12, 2025 the number of outstanding ordinary shares, par value £0.003 per share, of the registrant was
Table of Contents
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Item 1. |
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2 |
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Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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Item1. |
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Item 1A. |
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Item 2. |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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Item 5. |
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Item 6. |
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GENERAL INFORMATION
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q (“Quarterly Report”), “Mereo,” the “Group,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Mereo BioPharma Group plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires.
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We make such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect” or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology.
Any forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report reflect our current views with respect to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025 (the "2024 Annual Report"). Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.
This Quarterly Report also contains estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business, and the markets for certain diseases, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets, and the incidence and prevalence of certain medical conditions. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by third parties, industry, medical and general publications, government data and similar sources.
1
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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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 and other current assets |
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Research and development incentives receivables |
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Total current assets |
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Property and equipment, net |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets, net |
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Intangible assets, net |
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Total assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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Liabilities |
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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 expenses |
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Convertible loan notes – current |
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Operating lease liabilities – current |
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Other current liabilities |
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Total current liabilities |
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Warrant liabilities – non-current |
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Operating lease liabilities – non-current |
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Other non-current liabilities |
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Total liabilities |
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$ |
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$ |
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Shareholders’ Equity |
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Ordinary shares, par value £ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Accumulated deficit |
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( |
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( |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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( |
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( |
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Total shareholders’ equity |
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Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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Operating 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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( |
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( |
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Loss from operations |
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( |
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( |
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Other income/(expenses) |
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Interest income |
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Interest expense |
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( |
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( |
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Changes in the fair value of warrants |
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( |
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Foreign currency transaction (loss)/gain, net |
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( |
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Benefit from research and development tax credit |
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Net loss before income tax |
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( |
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( |
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Income tax benefit |
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Net loss |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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Loss per share – basic and diluted |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted |
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Net loss |
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$ |
( |
) |
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$ |
( |
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Other comprehensive income/(loss) – Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |
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( |
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Total comprehensive loss |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
) |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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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 |
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Depreciation |
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Amortization of intangible assets |
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Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets |
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Change in fair value of warrants |
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( |
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Non-cash interest expense |
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Foreign currency transaction loss/(gain) |
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( |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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( |
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Research and development incentives receivable |
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( |
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
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( |
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( |
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Operating lease liabilities |
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( |
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( |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
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( |
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( |
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Cash flows from investing activities |
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Purchase of intangible assets |
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( |
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( |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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( |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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( |
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( |
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Cash flows from financing activities |
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Proceeds from exercise of warrants |
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Transaction costs on issuance of ordinary shares |
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( |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
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( |
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( |
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Cash and cash equivalents at January 1, |
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Effect of exchange rate changes |
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( |
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Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, |
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$ |
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$ |
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Supplemental disclosure |
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Cash paid for interest |
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The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Ordinary shares |
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Treasury shares |
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Additional |
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Accumulated |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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Shares |
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Cost |
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Shares |
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Cost |
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capital |
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(loss)/income |
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deficit |
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equity |
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Balance, December 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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$ |
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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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( |
) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
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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 |
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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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Delivery of shares on vesting of restricted stock units |
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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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Transaction costs on issuance of shares |
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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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Conversion of convertible loan notes |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Exercise of warrants |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Transfer between reserves |
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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, March 31, 2025 |
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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, 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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$ |
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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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( |
) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
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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 |
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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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Exercise of share options |
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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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Delivery of shares on vesting of restricted stock units |
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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, 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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The accompanying notes form an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Nature of business
Mereo BioPharma Group plc (the “Company” or “Mereo”) is a United Kingdom (“U.K.”) based biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for rare diseases. The Company has developed a portfolio of late-stage clinical product candidates, and its two rare disease product candidates are setrusumab for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (“OI”) and alvelestat primarily for the treatment of severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated lung disease (“AATD-LD”).
The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the U.K., and registered in England, with shares publicly traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market via American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) under the ticker symbol “MREO”. The Company’s registered office is located at Fourth Floor, 1 Cavendish Place, London, W1G 0QF, United Kingdom.
2. Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and other financial information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q ("Quarterly Report") are unaudited, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and are presented in U.S. dollars. All intercompany accounts and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025 (the “2024 Annual Report”). The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2024 Annual Report but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to those consolidated financial statements.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements. However, these interim financial statements include all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the Company's financial position as of March 31, 2025, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The interim results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
Going concern
The Company has prepared its condensed consolidated financial statements on the basis that it will continue as a going concern. The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the biotechnology industry, including but not limited to, risks of delays in initiating or continuing research programs and clinical trials, risks of failure of preclinical studies and clinical trials, the need to obtain marketing approval for any drug product candidate that it may identify and develop, the need to successfully commercialize and gain market acceptance of its product candidates, if approved, dependence on key personnel and collaboration partners, protection of proprietary technology, compliance with government regulations, development by competitors of technological innovations, and the ability to secure additional capital to fund operations. Product candidates currently under development will require significant additional research and development efforts, including pre-clinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval prior to commercialization. Even if the Company’s research and development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will realize significant revenue from product sales.
The Company has historically been loss making, anticipates that it will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future, and had an accumulated deficit of $
6
As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. There are no estimates and assumptions made in the consolidated financial statements that are considered to be critical. Estimates are periodically reviewed in light of changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. Recent accounting pronouncements
There have been no recent accounting pronouncements, changes in accounting pronouncements or recently adopted accounting guidance other than those previously included in the 2024 Annual Report that are of significance or potential significance to the Company. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of the recently issued pronouncements that are effective in future periods that were discussed in its 2024 Annual Report.
4. Fair value measurement
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, certain accrued expenses, contingent consideration, warrant liabilities and the liability component of the convertible loan notes and other financing arrangements. Cash, cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses are initially recorded and subsequently measured at cost, which is considered to approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of such financial instruments.
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy:
|
|
As of March 31, 2025 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Total |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
||||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||||
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Warrant liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
As of December 31, 2024 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Total |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
||||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||||
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Warrant liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
There were no transfers of instruments between any levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
Warrant liabilities
At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, warrant liabilities solely related to those warrants outstanding to the former lenders of the Company as described in Note 11.
7
5. Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
VAT receivable |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Prepaid research and development expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Security deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid insurance premiums |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid general and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
6. Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
Leasehold improvements |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Office equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
IT equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property and equipment, at cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Depreciation expense was less than $
7. Leases
In August 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement under which it leased office space located on the fourth floor of One Cavendish Place, London, with a lease term ending in August 2025. In June 2021, the Company entered into a new lease agreement to lease additional office space located on the fifth floor of that building for a lease period ending in . At the same time, the Company entered into a revisionary lease to extend the term for the original fourth floor lease to be coterminous with the fifth floor, ending in .
The total lease expense included in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss was $
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Operating leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Weighted average discount rate |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating cash flows from operating leases |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2025:
8
|
|
As of March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
Maturity analysis of the operating lease liabilities for the years ending December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
|
Total undiscounted payments |
|
|
|
|
Less: Present value discount |
|
|
( |
) |
Lease liability |
|
$ |
|
|
Lease liability – current |
|
$ |
|
|
Lease liability – non-current |
|
$ |
|
|
8. Other current liabilities
Other current liabilities consist of the following:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
Social security and other taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Deferred consideration liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Equity issuance costs payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
9. Accrued expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
Accrued research and development costs |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accrued legal fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued bonus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued audit fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued professional fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued local taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
10. Convertible loan notes and equity classified warrants
Novartis Loan Note
On February 10, 2020, the Company entered into a convertible equity financing with Novartis Pharma (AG) (“Novartis”), which it amended in February 2023 to extend the maturity date and increase the interest rate, under which Novartis purchased a £
In addition, the Company also issued warrants over
9
to the Novartis Loan Note, in February 2023 the Company issued warrants over a further
On February 7, 2025, the Company received a conversion notice and subsequently issued and allotted
As of December 31, 2024, the net carrying amount of the liability component of the convertible debt instrument was $
The Company recognized interest expense of $
In addition, on February 7, 2025, Novartis exercised the 2020 Novartis Warrants and the Company subsequently issued and allotted
11. Warrant liability
|
|
Warrant liabilities |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
At January 1 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Changes in fair value during the period |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
At March 31 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
As of March 31, 2025, the former lenders of the Company have warrants outstanding to purchase a total of
The fair value of each warrant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Market value of ADSs ($) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Expected life (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected volatility (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Expected dividends (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
12. Shareholders’ Equity
Ordinary Shares
10
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Cost |
|
||
At January 1, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Exercise of share options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Vesting of RSUs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Conversion of convertible loan notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Exercise of warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
In February 2025, the Company issued and allotted
In February 2025, the Company issued and allotted
During the three months ended March 31, 2025,
13. Share based compensation
The Company currently grants equity awards under the Mereo 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 EIP”) and the 2019 Non-Employee Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 NED EIP”). There are also still outstanding awards under two previous plans, the Mereo BioPharma Group Limited Share Option Plan and the Mereo Share Option Plan (together the “Previous Share Option Plans”), however no further grants are envisioned.
The total number of ADSs available for issue under the 2019 EIP and 2019 NED EIP was
The expense for share-based compensation arises solely in respect of awards made under these two active plans as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
2019 EIP |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
2019 NED EIP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
As of March 31, 2025, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding share awards was $
2019 EIP
The Company has awarded the following instruments under the 2019 EIP:
Market Value Options (“Options”)
A summary of the Company’s Option activity and related information under the 2019 EIP for the three months ended March 31, 2025 is as follows; all outstanding Options are expected to vest:
11
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|||
At December 31, 2024 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Forfeited |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
At March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Vested |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
The weighted average fair value per share of Options vesting during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $
The weighted average contractual life of Options outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was
Where presented, the aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted market price of the Company’s ADSs for the Options that were in-the-money.
The fair value of each Option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Expected life (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected volatility (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Expected dividends (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
The expected volatility assumption is calculated by reference to the historical volatility of the Company's ADSs for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and an appropriate peer group of companies for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The grant date fair value is recognized over the requisite service period using the accelerated graded-vesting attribution method.
Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
A summary of the Company’s RSU activity and related information under the 2019 EIP is as follows; all outstanding RSUs are expected to vest:
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
||
At December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
At March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
At March 31, 2025, the weighted average remaining period of RSUs outstanding was
Where presented, the aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the quoted market price of the Company’s ADSs. The fair value of each RSU was calculated by reference to the value of the shares awarded. The grant date fair value is recognized over the vesting period using the accelerated graded-vesting attribution method.
12
2019 NED EIP
The Company has awarded the following instruments under the 2019 NED EIP:
Options
A summary of the Company’s Option activity and related information under the 2019 NED EIP for the three months ended March 31, 2025 is as follows; all outstanding Options are expected to vest:
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|||
At December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
At March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
The weighted average fair value per share of Options vesting during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $
The weighted average contractual life of Options outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was
Where presented, the aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted market price of the Company’s ADSs for the Options that were in-the-money.
The fair value of each Option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Risk-free interest rate (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Expected life (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected volatility (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Expected dividends (%) |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
The expected volatility assumption is calculated by reference to the historical volatility of the Company's ADSs for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and an appropriate peer group of companies for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The grant date fair value is recognized over the vesting period using the accelerated graded-vesting attribution method.
Deferred Restricted Stock Units (“DRSUs”)
A summary of the Company’s DRSU activity and related information under the 2019 NED EIP for the three months ended March 31, 2025 is as follows; all outstanding DRSUs are expected to vest:
13
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
||
At December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Where presented, the aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the quoted market price of the Company’s ADSs. The fair value of each DRSU was calculated by reference to the value of the shares awarded. The grant date fair value is recognized over the vesting period using the accelerated graded-vesting attribution method.
Previous Share Option Plans
Mereo previously granted Options to employees under the Previous Share Options Plans. No awards have been granted under either of these plans following the introduction of the 2019 EIP and the 2019 NED EIP, no further awards are envisioned.
As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, options over
The weighted average contractual life of Options outstanding and vested at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was
14. Loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000, except share and per share |
|
|
($'000, except share and per share |
|
||
Net loss |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Net loss per share - basic and diluted |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Weighted-average number of shares used in computing net loss per share - basic and diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
The Company’s potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as the effect for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 would be to reduce the net loss per share. Therefore, the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted net loss per share is the same.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
Share-based compensation awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Convertible loan notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Warrant liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Warrants classified in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
14
15. Commitments and contingencies
Indemnification agreements
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and provide for general indemnification. The Company’s exposure under these agreements is unknown because it involves claims that may be made against the Company in the future. To date, the Company has not paid any claims or been required to defend any action related to its indemnification obligations. However, the Company may record charges in the future as a result of these indemnification obligations. In accordance with the Articles of Association in force on March 31, 2025, the Company has indemnification obligations to its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while they are serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. There have been no claims to date, and the Company has director and officer insurance that may enable it to recover a portion of any amounts paid for future potential claims.
Novartis Asset Purchase Agreements
The Company issued to Novartis loan notes and agreed to make future payments to Novartis comprising amounts equal to ascending specified percentages of tiered annual worldwide net sales (beginning at high single digits and reaching into double digits at higher sales) of products that include the assets acquired. The levels of ascending percentages of tiered annual worldwide net sales are stipulated under the respective Purchase Agreements.
The Company further agreed that in the event it transfers, licenses, assigns or leases all or substantially all of its assets, it will pay Novartis a percentage of the proceeds of such transaction. The payment of a percentage of proceeds is not payable with respect to any transaction involving equity interests of Mereo BioPharma Group plc, a merger or consolidation of Mereo BioPharma Group plc, or a sale of any assets of Mereo BioPharma Group plc.
License agreement with AstraZeneca
In October 2017, the Company entered into an exclusive license and option agreement (“the AstraZeneca License Agreement”) and subscription deed (the “AstraZeneca Subscription Deed”), together (the "Original Agreements") with AstraZeneca AB ("AstraZeneca"). Each of these were amended on November 8, 2024, when the Company entered into an amendment and restatement agreement related to the AstraZeneca License Agreement (the "Amended AstraZeneca License Agreement") and a Deed of Amendment and Restatement related to the AstraZeneca Subscription Deed (the "Amended AstraZeneca Subscription Deed") together (the "Amended AstraZeneca Agreements").
Under the terms of the Original Agreements, the Company obtained from AstraZeneca an exclusive worldwide, sub-licensable license under AstraZeneca’s intellectual property rights relating to alvelestat, with an option to acquire such intellectual property rights following commencement of a pivotal trial and payment of related milestone payments, together with the acquisition of certain related assets. Upon entering into the Original Agreements, the Company made a payment of $
Under the terms of the Amended AstraZeneca Agreements, the Company has agreed, in connection with certain further development and regulatory milestones, to make potential future payments both in cash and through the issue of a variable number of additional ADSs to AstraZeneca of up to $
The number of ADSs to be issued to satisfy each equity milestone is determined by dividing a monetary amount by a defined subscription price based on the weighted average trading price of the Company's ADSs and the obligation is presented as a liability under ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. The Company continues to reassess the fair value of such instruments each reporting period until the milestones are achieved, if ever, and the issuance of shares occurs. Given the pervasive uncertainty involved in establishing the amounts, timing and likelihood of the future cash flows, including the Company’s ability to secure either a partnership or alternative forms of non-dilutive financing, the possible terms and rate of such a partnership or financing, the clinical and regulatory performance of the product candidate and the lack of comparable recent transactions, the Company has determined the fair value of the equity milestones to be paid in a variable number of shares pursuant to its Amended AstraZeneca License Agreement to be negligible and therefore assigned a nil value to the instrument as of March 31, 2025.
15
In addition to the development and regulatory milestones, the Company has agreed to make payments to AstraZeneca based on specified commercial milestones of the product. The Company has also agreed to pay a specified percentage of sub-licensing revenue to AstraZeneca and to make royalty payments to AstraZeneca equal to ascending specified percentages of tiered annual worldwide net sales by the Company of licensed products (subject to certain reductions), ranging from the high single digits to low double digits. Royalties will be payable on a licensed-product-by-licensed-product and country-by-country basis until the later of ten years after the first commercial sale of such licensed product in such country and expiration of the last patent covering such licensed product in such country that would be sufficient to prevent generic entry. The Company has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize at least one licensed product.
The Amended AstraZeneca License Agreement will expire on the expiration of the last-to-expire royalty term with respect to all licensed products. Upon the expiration of the royalty term for a licensed product in a particular country, the licenses to the Company for such product in such country will become fully paid and irrevocable. Prior to exercise of the Option, if at all, the Company may terminate the Amended AstraZeneca License Agreement upon prior written notice. Either party may terminate the agreement upon prior written notice for the other party’s material breach that remains uncured for a specified period of time or insolvency.
Research and development activities
The Company enters into contracts in the normal course of business with contract research organizations (“CROs”), contract manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”) and other third parties to assist in the performance of research and development activities and other services and products for operating purposes. The contracts with CROs generally provide for termination on notice, and therefore, are cancellable contracts and not included herein. The Company has manufacturing commitments with CMOs of $
Manufacturing and supply agreement with Ultragenyx
In December 2024, the Company entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Ultragenyx under which Ultragenyx is responsible for the manufacture and supply of setrusumab to the Company in its territories. The Company is also required to reimburse Ultragenyx for a portion of the manufacturing process development costs as well as future commercial supply costs.
Legal proceedings
From time to time, the Company may be a party to litigation or subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. The Company was not a party to any material litigation and did not have any material contingency reserves established for any liabilities as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
16. Related party disclosures
In the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, there were
17. Segment information
The Company has one operating segment focused on the business of developing rare disease therapies. The chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, assesses performance for the entity and decides how to allocate resources based on consolidated net loss, which is reported on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The measure of segment assets is reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as total consolidated assets.
The chief operating decision maker uses consolidated net loss and budget-to-actual variances for consolidated net loss to assess the performance of the operating segment.
The following table presents certain financial data for the Company’s reportable segment, including significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker to assess performance of the Company.
16
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
Research and development expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Setrusumab (BPS-804/UX143) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Alvelestat (MPH-966) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Etigilimab (MPH-313) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other segment items |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net loss before income tax |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
Other segment items consist of interest income, interest expense, change in fair value of warrants, foreign currency transaction loss/(gain), and benefit from research and development tax credit. These are disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
17
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, included in our 2024 Annual Report. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our 2024 Annual Report, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.
Overview
We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for rare diseases. We have developed a portfolio of late-stage clinical product candidates. Our two rare disease product candidates are setrusumab for the treatment of OI and alvelestat for the treatment of severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated lung disease (AATD-LD). Setrusumab has received orphan designation for OI from the European Commission ("EC") and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency ("EMA") and has Breakthrough Therapy designation and rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA. Alvelestat has received orphan designation for AATD from the EC and the FDA, and Fast Track designation for the treatment of AATD-LD from the FDA.
Our strategy is to selectively acquire and develop product candidates for rare diseases that have already received significant investment from large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and that have substantial pre-clinical, clinical and manufacturing data packages. Since our formation in March 2015, we have successfully executed on this strategy by acquiring six clinical-stage product candidates of which four were in rare diseases and oncology. Four of our six clinical-stage product candidates were acquired from large pharmaceutical companies and two were acquired in our merger with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc in 2019. We have successfully completed large, randomized Phase 2 clinical trials for four of our product candidates and the Phase 1b portion of a Phase 1b/2 for a fifth product candidate.
Rare diseases represent an attractive development and, in some cases, commercialization opportunity for us since they typically have high unmet medical need and can utilize regulatory pathways that facilitate acceleration to approval and to the potential market. Development of products for rare diseases involves close collaboration with key opinion leaders and investigators, and close coordination with patient organizations. Rare disease patients are typically treated at a limited number of specialized sites which helps identification of the patient population and enables a small, targeted sales infrastructure to commercialize the products in key markets.
18
Results of Operations
Comparison of three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
The following table sets forth Mereo’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
Change |
|
|||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Research and development |
|
|
(3,930 |
) |
|
|
(3,994 |
) |
|
|
64 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
(7,272 |
) |
|
|
(5,906 |
) |
|
|
(1,366 |
) |
Loss from operations |
|
|
(11,202 |
) |
|
|
(9,900 |
) |
|
|
(1,302 |
) |
Other income/(expenses) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Interest income |
|
|
659 |
|
|
|
617 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
(310 |
) |
|
|
(130 |
) |
Changes in the fair value of warrants |
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
(448 |
) |
|
|
864 |
|
Foreign currency transaction (loss)/gain, net |
|
|
(2,765 |
) |
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
(3,378 |
) |
Benefit from research and development tax credit |
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
(292 |
) |
Net loss before income tax |
|
|
(12,887 |
) |
|
|
(8,951 |
) |
|
|
(4,196 |
) |
Income tax benefit |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net loss |
|
|
(12,887 |
) |
|
|
(8,951 |
) |
|
|
(4,196 |
) |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) – Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |
|
|
3,559 |
|
|
|
(798 |
) |
|
|
4,357 |
|
Total comprehensive loss |
|
|
(9,328 |
) |
|
|
(9,749 |
) |
|
|
161 |
|
Research and development (“R&D”) expenses
The following table sets forth our R&D expenses by product development program for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
Change |
|
|||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
|||
Setrusumab (BPS-804/UX143) |
|
|
2,244 |
|
|
|
909 |
|
|
|
1,335 |
|
Alvelestat (MPH-966) |
|
|
1,365 |
|
|
|
2,613 |
|
|
|
(1,248 |
) |
Etigilimab (MPH-313) |
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
(143 |
) |
Other |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
Total R&D expenses |
|
|
3,930 |
|
|
|
3,994 |
|
|
|
(64 |
) |
Total R&D expenses decreased by $0.1 million, from $4.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $3.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025.
The decrease was primarily due to decreases of $1.2 million and $0.1 million in R&D expenses for alvelestat and etigilimab, offset by an increase of $1.3 million in R&D expenses for setrusumab.
The decrease in program expenses for alvelestat was primarily due to undertaking reduced drug formulation and manufacturing activities in preparation for the Phase 3 study in the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024.
The increase in program expenses for setrusumab was primarily driven by amounts due under the manufacturing and supply agreement with our partner, Ultragenyx, ongoing activities related to real-world evidence programs and medical affairs activities in Europe and input into development, regulatory and manufacturing plans with Ultragenyx, who fund the global development of the program pursuant to our license and collaboration agreement.
19
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million, from $5.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $7.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to the recognition of a $1.7 million reduction in expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2024 for amounts received from our depository to reimburse certain expenses incurred by us in respect of our ADR program, partially offset by a net decrease in employee-related expenses and professional fees. A reimbursement in respect of our ADR program is anticipated in 2025.
Interest income and expense
Interest income increased by less than $0.1 million, from $0.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025, principally due to a higher cash and cash equivalents balance as a result of receiving the net proceeds of $46.2 million from the underwritten registered direct offering in June 2024, offset by lower interest rates earned.
Interest expense decreased by $0.1 million, from $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025. The decrease was principally due to the conversion of convertible loan notes in February 2025.
Changes in the fair value of warrants
The total change in fair value of warrants for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was an unrealized gain of $0.4 million, compared to an unrealized loss of $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The unrealized gain in the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to the impact of a decrease in the price of the Company’s ADSs on the value of the warrant liabilities, whereas in the three months ended March 31, 2024, the unrealized loss was primarily due to an increase in the ADS price in the period.
Foreign currency transaction (loss)/gain
The net foreign exchange loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $2.8 million, compared to a gain of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. This change primarily reflects (i) the impact of a weakening in the value of U.S. dollars when translating U.S. dollar balances into our functional currency of pound sterling in the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a strengthening of U.S. dollars in the three months ended March 31, 2024, and (ii) higher U.S. dollar balances following the underwritten registered direct offering in June 2024.
Benefit from research and development tax credit
The benefit from research and development tax credit decreased by $0.3 million, from $0.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2025. This decrease reflects a combination of a lower level of qualifying expenditure in the three months ended March 31, 2025 and a reduction in the proportion of qualifying expenditure that can be reclaimed under the scheme rules. The income tax benefit represents eligible cash rebates paid or receivable from the tax authorities in the jurisdictions within which we operate for eligible types of research and development activities and associated expenditure.
Other comprehensive income – Foreign currency translation adjustments
The foreign currency translation adjustment for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was a gain of $3.6 million, compared to a loss of $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. This change primarily reflects the impact of a greater weakening in the value of U.S. dollars when translating U.S. dollar balances into our functional currency of pound sterling in the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a lesser weakening of U.S. dollars in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Under the current business plan and cash flow forecasts, and in consideration of our ongoing research and development efforts and our general corporate funding requirements, we anticipate that our current on-hand cash resources will extend into 2027. However, we will need additional external funding to complete our development plans and potentially commercialize selected rare
20
disease products. We plan to fund our operations through cash on hand and a combination of non-dilutive funding sources, public or private equity or debt financing or other sources.
We do not currently have any approved product candidates and as a result, have not generated any revenue from product sales. As a result, to date, we have financed our operations primarily through the issuances of our equity securities, convertible debt and warrants. These offerings have raised approximately $259.0 million, including through the $50.0 million underwritten registered direct offering in June 2024 and the $12.0 million “at-the-market” offering pursuant to our Open Market Sale Agreement with Jefferies LLC in July 2023 (all amounts are gross proceeds before fees and discounts).
We have also received payments under various license and collaboration agreements, including payments of:
Contractual Obligations
As further described in our 2024 Annual Report, under “Item 1. Business—Material Agreements—Novartis Agreements” (as updated in Note 16 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report) and “Item 1. Business—Material Agreements—Licensing Agreement with AstraZeneca,” under various agreements with Novartis and AstraZeneca, we have agreed to make milestone payments and pay royalties on potential future commercial sales. The amount, timing, and likelihood of such payments are not known and will remain uncertain for the foreseeable future.
In addition, we enter into contracts in the ordinary course of business with CROs, CMOs, and other vendors, including Ultragenyx for the manufacture of setrusumab as described in our 2024 Annual Report in “Item 1. Business—Material Agreements—Agreements with Ultragenyx for Setrusumab”, to assist in the performance of its research and development activities and other services and products for operating purposes. The contracts with CROs generally provide for termination on notice, and therefore are cancelable contracts. We have manufacturing commitments with CMOs of $0.3 million and $0.5 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Cash Flows
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
The table below summarizes our cash flows (used in) from operating, investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||
|
|
($'000) |
|
|
($'000) |
|
||
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(8,329 |
) |
|
|
(7,991 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(320 |
) |
|
|
(700 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Effect of exchange rate changes |
|
|
908 |
|
|
|
(70 |
) |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(7,319 |
) |
|
|
(8,761 |
) |
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $8.3 million, an increase of $0.3 million from $8.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. This increase is primarily due to receipt of $1.7 million from our depository to reimburse certain expenses incurred by us in respect of our ADR program and receipt of $2.0 million from a claim on our Directors and Officers insurance policy to reimburse us for certain legal and professional costs incurred in prior years in the three months ended March 31, 2024 with no similar amounts recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2025. These increases were
21
partially offset by approximately $2.3 million in lower cash operating expenses and receipt of $1.1 million in R&D tax credits in the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $0.3 million, a decrease of $0.4 million from $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease is principally due to lower payments to acquire intangible assets in the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $0.4 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of less than $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase principally represents the $0.5 million received upon exercise of the 2020 Novartis Warrants.
Operating and Capital Expenditure Requirements
As of March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $472.0 million. We expect to continue to report significant operating losses for the foreseeable future as we continue our research and development efforts and seek to obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates and any future product we develop.
We expect to continue to incur expenses in connection with our ongoing development activities related to our product candidates, our outsourced manufacturing activities and other associated costs including the management of our intellectual property portfolio. We also expect to continue to incur costs associated with operating as a U.S. public company listed on Nasdaq and as a domestic registrant.
These costs will increase further if we:
We expect that our existing cash and cash equivalents will enable us to fund our currently committed clinical trials, operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2027. We have based these estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we may use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development of our product candidates and any future product candidates and because the extent to which we may enter into collaborations with third parties for development of any of our product candidates is unknown, we are unable to estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenses associated with completing the research and development of our product candidates. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
22
Our revenues, if any, will be derived from development milestones or sales of any product candidates that we are able to successfully develop, receive regulatory approval for, and commercialize in future years. In the meantime, we will need to obtain substantial additional funds to achieve our business objective.
Adequate additional funds may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we raised additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.
Any future debt financing or preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends and may require the issuance of warrants, which could potentially dilute your ownership interests.
To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, shareholders' ownership interests may be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. If we are unable to raise additional funds through partnerships, debt or equity financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce, or terminate our product development programs or any future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our accounting estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The actual impact on our financial performance could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
An accounting estimate is considered critical if both (i) the nature of the estimates or assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment involved, and (ii) the impact within a reasonable range of outcomes of the estimates and assumptions is material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe that there are no estimates and assumptions made in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements that rise to this level. Our significant accounting policies are described under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting
23
Estimates” in our 2024 Annual Report, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025. If actual results or events differ materially from the estimates, judgments and assumptions used by us in applying these policies, our reported financial condition and results of operations could be materially affected. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting estimates from those described in our 2024 Annual Report.
Safe Harbor
See the section titled “Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Quarterly Report.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a 15(e) and 15d 15(e)) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2025.
Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at March 31, 2025.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
24
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
As of March 31, 2025, we were not a party to any material legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s 2024 Annual Report.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, none of our directors or officers
25
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are either provided with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or are incorporated herein by reference:
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
|
31.1* |
|
|
|
|
|
31.2* |
|
|
|
|
|
32.1** |
|
|
|
|
|
32.2** |
|
|
|
|
|
101.INS |
|
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
|
|
|
101.SCH |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents |
|
|
|
104 |
|
The cover page for the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101 |
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
26
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, hereunto duly authorized, on May 13, 2025.
|
|
|
MEREO BIOPHARMA GROUP PLC |
|
|
|
|
Date: May 13, 2025 |
/s/ Denise Scots-Knight |
|
Denise Scots-Knight |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
Date: May 13, 2025 |
/s/ Christine Fox |
|
Christine Fox |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
27