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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The most significant estimates in the Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes relate to the application of the acquisition method of accounting related to the Transaction, clinical trial expenses and share-based compensation. Management believes its estimates to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions.
Foreign Currency Translation and Presentation
The Company’s reporting currency is United States (“U.S.”) dollars. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, Immunic AG and Immunic Research GmbH’s operations were located in Germany with the euro being their functional currency. Immunic Australia Pty Ltd.’s functional currency is the Australian dollar. All amounts in the financial statements where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents at exchange rates as follows:
• assets and liabilities at reporting period-end rates;
• income statement accounts at average exchange rates for the reporting period; and
• components of equity at historical rates.
Gains and losses from translation of the financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) and in stockholders’ equity (deficit) as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are reflected as general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were prepared by using the average exchange rate in effect during the reporting period which reasonably approximates the timing of the cash flows.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and deposits in banks located in the U.S., Germany and Australia. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances denominated in Euro and U.S. dollars with major financial institutions in the U.S. and Germany in excess of the deposit limits insured by the government. Management periodically reviews the credit standing of these financial institutions and believes that the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk.
Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets consisted of money market funds for the periods presented. The Company had no Level 1 liabilities for the periods presented.
Level 2— Inputs other than observable quoted prices for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; these include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. The Company had no Level 2 assets or liabilities for the periods presented.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. The Company had no Level 3 assets or liabilities for the periods presented.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets and prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short period of time to maturity.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated service lives of the assets, which range from three to thirteen years. Depreciation expense was $6,000 and $24,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively and $20,000 and $29,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. Impaired assets are then recorded at their estimated fair value. There were no impairment losses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. The total purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, probabilities of success, discount rates, and asset lives, among other items. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Examples of such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal or business climate, an adverse regulatory action or unanticipated competition.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company would perform a quantitative test that compares the fair value to its carrying value to determine the amount of any impairment. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level. The Company has determined that it operates in a single operating segment and has a single reporting unit. The Company has determined there was no goodwill impairment as of June 30, 2020.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses have principally been related to the two development programs, IMU-838 and IMU-935. These two programs include an orally available, small molecule inhibitor of DHODH (IMU-838 program) and an inverse agonist of RORgt (IMU-935 program) aimed at treating multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, COVID-19 and psoriasis. IMU-838 is currently being tested in Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and COVID-19. The Company is also considering conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial in Crohn’s disease. An investigator-sponsored proof-of-concept clinical trial for IMU-838 in primary sclerosing cholangitis is ongoing at the Mayo Clinic. IMU-935 is currently being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, which was initiated in September 2019. IMU-856 is currently in advanced preclinical testing.
Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in research and development activities including clinical trials, contract research services, certain milestone payments, salaries and related employee benefits, allocated facility costs and other outsourced services. Research and development expenses are charged to operations as incurred.
The Company enters into agreements with contract research organizations (“CROs”) to provide clinical trial services for individual studies and projects by executing individual work orders governed by a Master Service Arrangement (“MSA”). The MSAs and associated work orders are designed such that certain payments are to be made upon completion of certain milestones. The Company regularly assesses the timing of payments against actual costs incurred to ensure a proper accrual of related expenses in the appropriate accounting period.
Collaboration Arrangements
Certain collaboration and license agreements might include payments to or from the Company of one or more of the following: non-refundable or partially refundable upfront or license fees; development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments; manufacturing supply services; partial or complete reimbursement of research and development costs; and royalties on net sales of licensed products. The Company assesses whether such contracts are within the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and ASU No. 2018-18, “Collaborative Arrangements”, ("ASU 2018-18"). ASU 2018-18, clarifies that elements of collaborative arrangements could qualify as transactions with customers is in the scope of ASC 606.
In October 2018, the Company entered into an option and license agreement (the "Daiichi Sankyo Agreement") with Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. ("Daiichi Sankyo") which granted the Company the right to license a group of compounds, designated by the Company as IMU-856, as a potential new oral treatment option for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, immune checkpoint inhibitor induced colitis and other barrier function associated diseases. During the option period, the Company performed agreed upon research and development activities for which it was reimbursed by Daiichi Sankyo up to a maximum agreed-upon limit. Such reimbursement is recorded as other income.
On January 5, 2020, the Company exercised its option to obtain the exclusive worldwide right to commercialization of IMU-856. Among other things, the option exercise grants Immunic AG the rights to Daiichi Sankyo’s patent application related to IMU-856. In connection with the option exercise, the Company paid a one-time upfront licensing fee to Daiichi Sankyo. Under the Daiichi Sankyo Agreement, Daiichi Sankyo is also eligible to receive future development, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties related to IMU-856.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs for personnel in executive, finance, business development and other support functions. Other general and administrative expenses include, but are not limited to, insurance costs, stock-based compensation, professional fees for legal, accounting and tax services, consulting, related facility costs and travel.
Stock-Based Compensation 
The Company measures the cost of employee and non-employee services received in exchange for equity awards based on the grant-date fair value of the award recognized generally as an expense (i) on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for those awards whose vesting is based upon a service condition, and (ii) on an accelerated method for awards whose vesting is based upon a performance condition, but only to the extent it is probable that the performance condition will be met. Stock-based compensation is estimated at the date of grant based on (i) the award’s fair value for equity classified awards and (ii) final measurement date for liability classified awards. Forfeitures are recorded in the period in which they occur.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton, ("BSM"), option-pricing model, which requires the use of estimates and subjective assumptions, including the risk-free interest rate, the fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected dividend yield of the Company’s common stock, the expected volatility of the price of the Company’s common stock, and the expected term of the option. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, the Company’s stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
Leases
The Company leases office space and office equipment. The underlying lease agreements have lease terms of less than 12 months and up to 60 months. The short-term leases are deemed immaterial and have not been included in the operating lease right of use asset and operating lease liability.
The Company has three existing leases for office space. At inception of a lease agreement, the Company determines whether an agreement represents a lease and at commencement each lease agreement is assessed as to classification as an operating or financing lease. The Company's three leases have been classified as operating leases and an operating lease right-of-use asset and an operating lease liability have been recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. A right-of-use lease assets represents the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation represents its commitment to make the lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use lease assets and obligations are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company has used an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right-of-use lease asset includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and excludes any lease incentives. The lease term used in estimating future lease payments may include options to extend when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or changes in expectations regarding the lease term. Variable lease costs such as common area costs and property taxes are expensed as incurred. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) has been reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit) in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to corporate income tax laws and regulations in the U.S., Germany and Australia. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment in their application.
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the audited consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred taxes are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against the balance of deferred tax assets.
It is the Company’s policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company is subject to U.S. federal, New York, California, Florida, German and Australian income taxes. Due to the carryforward of NOLs, the Company is subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examination by tax authorities for tax returns filed for the years 2003 through 2018. Tax years 2016 through 2018 are subject to audit by German and Australian tax authorities. The Company is not currently under examination by any U.S. state or federal or foreign jurisdictions.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method. For all periods presented, there is no difference in the number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted shares outstanding due to the Company’s net loss position.
Potentially dilutive securities, not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders because to do so would be anti-dilutive, are as follows:
As of June 30,
20202019
Options to purchase common stock434,248  16,987  
Restricted Stock Units—  127,500  
Warrants to purchase common stock—  6,015  

Recently Issued and/or Adopted Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." This guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, instead requiring an entity to recognize a goodwill impairment charge for the amount by which the goodwill carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The Company adopted this ASU, as required, in the quarter ended March 31, 2020 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework” ("ASU 2018-13.") ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments relate to disclosures regarding unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty, and are to be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company adopted this ASU, as required, in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, “Collaborative Arrangements” ("ASU 2018-18"). ASU 2018-18, clarifies that elements of collaborative arrangements could qualify as transactions with customers in the scope of ASC 606. The Company adopted this ASU, as required, in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The Company has a collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo, however, the amendment did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements as Daiichi Sankyo does not meet the definition of a customer.