Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. by the weighted-average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares outstanding is calculated by adding to the weighted shares outstanding any potential (unissued) shares of common stock from outstanding stock options based on the treasury stock method. Outstanding stock options were not included in the diluted net loss per share calculation because the options were out of the money or to do so would have been antidilutive (i.e., the total proceeds upon exercise would have exceeded the market value of the underlying common shares). In a period when a net loss is reported, all common stock equivalents are excluded from the calculation because they would have an anti-dilutive effect, meaning the loss per share would be reduced. Therefore, in periods where a loss is reported, there is no difference in basic and dilutive loss per share.

Stock options are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 causes such securities to be anti-dilutive. Outstanding options excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are shown in the chart below:


	Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2022		2021
Outstanding options to purchase common stock		1,628		1,778