Biggest changeOur most significant use of capital pertains to salaries and benefits for our employees, including clinical, scientific, operational, financial and management personnel, and external research and development expenses, such as clinical trials and preclinical activity related to our product candidates. 69 As of December 31, 2022, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $358.8 million compared to $270.3 million as of December 31, 2021, with the increase attributable to our fundraising activities, including net proceeds of $155.9 million from our $200 million at-the-market sales agreement entered into in June of 2021, with Cowen and Company, LLC (the “2021 Sales Agreement”), net proceeds of $99.5 million from our registered direct offering (“Registered Direct Offering”) of shares of our common stock and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) in December 2022, and $50.0 million drawn on our Loan Facility, partially offset by cash used in operating activities.
Biggest changeOur most significant use of capital pertains to salaries and benefits for our employees, including commercial, clinical, scientific, operational, financial and management personnel, along with manufacturing costs and commercialization costs to support a potential U.S. approval. 62 Table of Contents As of December 31, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $634.1 million compared to $358.8 million as of December 31, 2022, with the increase primarily attributable to our October 2023 public offering which provided $472.0 million net cash proceeds, partially offset by funding of operations.
Our future long-term liquidity requirements will be substantial and will depend on many factors. To meet future long-term liquidity requirements, as well as maintain compliance with certain of our Loan Facility covenants, we will need to raise additional capital to fund our operations through equity or debt financings, collaborations, partnerships or other strategic transactions.
Our future long-term liquidity requirements will be substantial and will depend on many factors. To meet future long-term liquidity requirements, as well as maintain compliance with certain of our Loan Facility covenants, we may need to raise additional capital to fund our operations through equity or debt financings, collaborations, partnerships or other strategic transactions.
We account for nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development 65 activities as expenses when the service has been performed or when the goods have been received. Manufacturing expense includes costs associated with drug formulation development and clinical drug production.
We account for nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities as expenses when the service has been performed or when the goods have been received. Manufacturing expense includes costs associated with drug formulation development and clinical drug production.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements. 71
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Management analyzes and estimates the progress of its preclinical studies and clinical trials, completion of milestones events per underlying agreements, invoices received and contracted costs when estimating the research and development costs to accrue in each reporting period. Actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates.
Management analyzes and estimates the progress of its preclinical studies and clinical trials, completion of milestones events per underlying agreements, invoices received and contracted costs when estimating the research and development costs to accrue in each reporting period. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
We regularly consider fundraising opportunities and may decide, from time to time, to raise capital based on various factors, including market conditions and our plans of operation. Additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
We regularly consider fundraising opportunities and may decide, from time to time, to raise capital based on various factors, including market conditions and our plans of operation. Additional capital, if needed, may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
Interest Income Our interest income was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in interest income was due primarily to a higher average principal balance in our investment account in 2022 and increased interest rates.
The increase in interest income was due primarily to a higher average principal balance in our investment account in 2022 and increased interest rates. Interest Expense Our interest expense was $4.0 million for year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $0.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Company has entered into customary contractual arrangements in support of the Phase 3 clinical trials. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
The Company has entered into customary contractual arrangements in support of the Phase 3 clinical trials. 65 Table of Contents Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
Research and development costs are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including internal costs (including stock-based compensation), costs for consultants, milestone payments under licensing agreements, and other costs associated with the Company’s preclinical and clinical programs.
Research and development costs are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including internal costs (including stock-based compensation), costs for consultants, milestone payments under licensing agreements, and other costs associated with our preclinical and clinical programs.
We expect that we will make determinations as to which programs and product candidates to pursue and how much funding to direct to each program and product candidate on an ongoing basis in response to the scientific success of early research programs, results of ongoing and future clinical trials, our ability to enter into collaborative agreements with respect to programs or potential product candidates, as well as ongoing assessments as to each current or future product candidate’s commercial potential.
We expect that we will make determinations as to which programs and product candidates to pursue and how much funding to direct to each program and product candidate on an ongoing basis in response to the scientific success of research, results of ongoing and future clinical trials, potential collaborative agreements with respect to programs or potential product candidates, as well as ongoing assessments as to each current or future product candidate’s commercial potential.
In particular, the Company has conducted safety studies in animals, optimized and implemented the manufacturing of our drug, and conducted Phase 1-3 clinical trials, all of which are considered research and development expenditures. Management uses significant judgment in estimating the amount of research and development costs recognized in each reporting period.
In particular, we have conducted safety studies in animals, optimized and implemented the manufacturing of our drug, and conducted Phase 1-3 clinical trials, all of which are considered research and development expenditures. Management uses significant judgment in estimating the amount of research and development costs recognized in each reporting period.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the grant date fair value as management believes it is the most appropriate valuation method for its option grants. The Black-Scholes model requires inputs for risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, volatility and expected lives of the options.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the grant date fair value of stock options as management believes it is the most appropriate valuation method for its option grants. The Black-Scholes model requires inputs for risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, volatility and expected lives of the options.
Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $313.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of sales of our common stock under the 2021 Sales Agreement and Registered Direct Offering in December, and debt borrowings under our Loan Facility.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $313.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of sales of our common stock under the 2021 Sales Agreement and a registered direct offering of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and common stock in December, and debt borrowings under our Loan Facility.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments As of December 31, 2022, we had contractual obligations and commercial commitments as follows (in thousands): Payments Due by Period Contractual Obligations Total Less Than 1 Year 1 - 3 Years 4 - 5 Years More Than 5 Years Operating Leases 622 622 — — — Total contractual Obligations 622 622 — — — Operating leases relate to our corporate headquarters facility located in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments As of December 31, 2023, we had contractual obligations and commercial commitments as follows (in thousands): Payments Due by Period Contractual Obligations Total Less Than 1 Year 1 - 3 Years 4 - 5 Years More Than 5 Years Operating Leases 1,861 937 924 — — Total contractual Obligations 1,861 937 924 — — Operating leases relate to our corporate headquarters facility located in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Investing Activities Net cash provided by investing activities was $206.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of $350.4 million from sales and maturities of marketable securities, partially offset by $ $143.5 million of purchase of marketable securities for our investment portfolio. 70 Net cash used in investing activities was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and consisted primarily of $394.1 million of purchase of marketable securities for our investment portfolio, partially offset by $389.3 million from sales and maturities of marketable securities.
Net cash used in investing activities was $206.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and consisted primarily of $350.4 million from sales and maturities of marketable securities, partially offset by $143.5 million of purchase of marketable securities for our investment portfolio.
Our research and development expenses have increased year over year in each of 2020, 2021, and 2022 and we expect that our research and development expenses will increase substantially in the future. The process of conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval is costly and time consuming.
Our research and development expenses have increased year over year in each of 2021, 2022, and 2023 and we expect that our research and development expenses may increase in the future. The process of conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval is costly 58 Table of Contents and time consuming.
We believe our general and administrative expenses may increase over time as we advance our clinical and preclinical development programs for resmetirom, prepare for commercialization, and expand our operating activities, which will likely result in an increase in our headcount, consulting services, and related overhead needed to support those efforts.
We believe our general and administrative expenses will increase over time as we prepare for commercialization and expand our operating activities, which will result in an increase in our headcount, consulting services, and related overhead needed to support those efforts.
Research and development expenses increased by $40.3 million in the 2022 period due primarily to the additional activities related to our Phase 3 clinical trials, an increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we advance our clinical and preclinical development programs for resmetirom.
Research and development expenses increased by $40.3 million in the 2022 period due primarily to the additional activities related to our Phase 3 clinical trials, an increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense.
We contract with clinical research organizations to manage our clinical trials under agreed upon budgets for each study, with oversight by our clinical program managers.
We expense our research and development expenses as incurred. We contract with clinical research organizations to manage our clinical trials under agreed upon budgets for each study, with oversight by our clinical program managers.
The Company’s historical estimates for research and development costs have not been materially different from the actual costs. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of stock options granted to employees, officers and directors.
Our historical estimates for research and development costs have not been materially different from the actual costs. Stock-Based Compensation We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of stock options, restricted stock units, and other stock-based compensation awards granted to employees, officers, directors, and consultants.
Cash Flows The following table summarizes our net cash flow activity (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Net cash used in operating activities $ (224,857 ) $ (183,917 ) $ (157,561 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 206,686 (5,055 ) 159,780 Net cash provided by financing activities 313,451 171,237 5,088 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 295,280 $ (17,735 ) $ 7,307 Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities was $224.9 million, $183.9 million, and $157.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Cash Flows The following table summarizes our net cash flow activity (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net cash used in operating activities $ (324,230) $ (224,857) $ (183,917) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (502,520) 206,686 (5,055) Net cash provided by financing activities 595,116 313,451 171,237 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ (231,634) $ 295,280 $ (17,735) Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities was $324.2 million, $224.9 million, and $183.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
General and administrative expenses increased by $10.8 million in the 2022 period due primarily to increases in commercial preparation activities, including corresponding increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses increased by $60.0 million in 2023 due primarily to increases in commercial preparation activities, including a corresponding increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $159.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and consisted primarily of $489.5 million from sales and maturities of marketable securities, partially offset by $329.3 million of purchase of marketable securities for our investment portfolio.
Net cash used in investing activities was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and consisted primarily of $394.1 million of purchase of marketable securities for our investment portfolio, partially offset by $389.3 million from sales and maturities of marketable securities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses and we have funded our operations primarily through the issuance of convertible debt, the issuance of shares of our common stock and shares of our preferred stock, and the proceeds from the merger.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses and we have funded our operations primarily through the issuance of shares of our common stock, shares of our convertible preferred stock, issuances of pre-funded warrants, borrowings under the Loan Facility with Hercules, the issuance of convertible debt and the proceeds from the merger with Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Operating Expenses The following table provides comparative results of our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Increase / (Decrease) 2022 2021 $ % Research and Development Expenses $ 245,441 $ 205,164 40,277 20 % General and Administrative Expenses 48,130 37,318 10,812 29 % Interest (Income) (2,185 ) (363 ) 1,822 502 % Interest Expense 3,964 — 3,964 100 % Other (income) — (273 ) (273 ) (100 %) $ 295,350 $ 241,846 53,504 22 % Research and Development Expense Our research and development expenses were $245.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $205.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 Revenue We did not generate any revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 61 Table of Contents Operating Expenses The following table provides comparative results of our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Increase / (Decrease) 2022 2021 $ % Research and Development Expenses $ 245,441 $ 205,164 40,277 20 % General and Administrative Expenses 48,130 37,318 10,812 29 % Interest (Income) (2,185) (363) 1,822 502 % Interest Expense 3,964 — 3,964 100 % Other (income) — (273) (273) (100 %) $ 295,350 $ 241,846 53,504 22 % Research and Development Expense The following represents our research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Increase / (Decrease) 2022 2021 $ % Personnel and Internal Expense $ 39,121 $ 26,232 12,889 49 % External Expense 206,320 178,932 27,388 15 % Total $ 245,441 $ 205,164 40,277 20 % Our research and development expenses were $245.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $205.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022, we had drawn $50 million under the facility.
As of December 31, 2023, we had drawn $115.0 million under the facility.
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to accrued research and development expenses.
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.
The increase in interest expense was as a result of the Loan and Security Agreement (“Loan Facility”) we entered into with Hercules during the second quarter of 2022. 68 Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 Revenue We did not generate any revenue during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The increase in interest expense was as a result of the Loan and Security Agreement (“Loan Facility”) we entered into with Hercules during the second quarter of 2022.
NAFLD has become the most common liver disease in the United States and other developed countries and is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver with no other apparent causes. NASH can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure, require liver transplantation and can also result in liver cancer.
NASH is a more advanced form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD has become the most common liver disease in the United States and other developed countries and is characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver with no other apparent causes.
While our rate of cash usage will likely increase in the future, in particular to support our product development and clinical trial efforts, we believe our available cash resources as of December 31, 2022 will be sufficient to fund our operations past one year from the issuance of the financial statements contained herein.
We anticipate continuing to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. While our rate of cash usage will likely increase in the future, in particular to support our preparation for commercialization, we believe our available cash resources are sufficient to fund our operations past one year from the issuance of the financial statements contained herein.
General and administrative expenses increased by $15.5 million in the 2021 period due primarily to increases in commercial activities, including a corresponding increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses increased by $10.8 million in the 2022 period due primarily to increases in commercial preparation activities, including a corresponding increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense. Interest Income Our interest income was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
In the event of a disqualifying disposition, the entire tax benefit is recorded as a reduction of income tax expense.
We do not record tax benefits related to ISOs unless and until a disqualifying disposition is reported. In the event of a disqualifying disposition, the entire tax benefit is recorded as a reduction of income tax expense.
The Company has not recognized any income tax benefit for its share-based compensation arrangements due to the fact that the Company does not believe it is more likely than not it will realize the related deferred tax assets. 67 Results of Operations Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 Revenue We did not generate any revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We have not recognized any income tax benefit for its share-based compensation arrangements due to the fact that we do not believe it is more likely than not we will realize the related deferred tax assets.
The use of cash in these periods resulted primarily from our losses from operations, as adjusted for non-cash charges for stock-based compensation, and changes in our working capital accounts. Net cash used in the year ended December 31, 2022 increased from prior years predominately due to escalated clinical trial related activity.
The use of cash in these periods resulted primarily from our losses from 64 Table of Contents operations, as adjusted for non-cash charges for stock-based compensation, and changes in our working capital accounts.
Interest Income Our interest income was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in interest income was due primarily to a lower average principal balance in our investment account in 2021 and decreased interest rates.
Interest Income Our interest income was $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest income was due primarily to a higher average principal balance in our investment account in 2023, along with increased interest rates in 2023.
Certain of the employee stock options granted by the Company are structured to qualify as incentive stock options (ISOs). Under current tax regulations, the Company does not receive a tax deduction for the issuance, exercise or disposition of ISOs if the employee meets certain holding requirements.
Under current tax regulations, we do not receive a tax deduction for the issuance, exercise or disposition of ISOs if the employee meets certain holding requirements. If the employee does not meet the holding requirements, a disqualifying disposition occurs, at which time we may receive a tax deduction.
Furthermore, any sales of additional equity securities may result in dilution to our stockholders, and any debt financing may include covenants that restrict our business.
If adequate funds are not available, or if the terms of potential funding sources are unfavorable, our business and our ability to develop our product candidates would be harmed. Furthermore, any sales of additional equity securities may result in dilution to our stockholders, and any debt financing may include covenants that restrict our business.
We also have the ability to delay certain research activities and related clinical expenses if necessary due to liquidity concerns until a date when those concerns are relieved. If adequate funds are not available, or if the terms of potential funding sources are unfavorable, our business and our ability to develop our product candidates would be harmed.
We also have the ability to delay certain research activities and related clinical expenses, as well as commercial preparation investments, if necessary due to liquidity concerns until a date when those concerns are relieved.
We expect these potential increases will likely include management costs, legal fees, accounting fees, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums and expenses associated with investor relations. 66 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.
We expect these potential increases will likely include management costs, legal fees, accounting fees, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums and expenses associated with investor relations.
The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate based on historical data. This analysis is re-evaluated at least annually and the forfeiture rate is adjusted as necessary.
Expected volatility is based upon an industry estimate or blended rate including our historical trading activity. 59 Table of Contents The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on historical data.
The expected lives for options granted represent the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses the simplified method for determining the expected lives of options. Expected volatility is based upon an industry estimate or blended rate including the Company’s historical trading activity.
The expected lives for options granted represent the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. We use the simplified method for determining the expected lives of options.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and consisted primarily of sales of our common stock under our at-the-market sales agreements with Cowen and Company, LLC and the exercise of stock options.
Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $595.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and consisted primarily of $472.0 million in proceeds from our October 2023 public offering, in addition to $65.0 million in borrowings under the Loan Facility, $34.0 million from proceeds from the exercise of common stock options, and $24.5 million from sales of our common stock under the 2023 Sales Agreement, partially offset by $0.4 million of loan issuance costs.
Interest Expense Our interest expense was $4.0 million for year ended December 31, 2022, compared to $0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Interest Expense Our interest expense was $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of higher outstanding principal balances during the period under the Loan Facility with Hercules.
General and Administrative Expense Our general and administrative expenses were $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Research and development expenses increased by $26.9 million in 2023 due primarily to a scale up of manufacturing activities, an increase in headcount, and an increase in stock compensation expense. General and Administrative Expense Our general and administrative expenses were $108.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.