10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-37471

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada	30-0784346
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
255 State Street, 9th Floor
Boston, MA
United States	02109
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

857-246-8998

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol	Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share	PIRS	The Nasdaq Capital Market

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.    Yes ☒ No ☐

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).    Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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.

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☒	Smaller reporting company	☒
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ☐   No ☒

As of November 1, 2022, the registrant had 74,406,253 shares of common stock outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)	1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021	1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021	2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021	5
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	35
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	36
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	37
Item 1A. Risk Factors	37
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	37
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	37
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	37
Item 5. Other Information	37
Item 6. Exhibits	37
SIGNATURES	39

i

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that involve risks and uncertainties, principally in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, expectations for growth and revenues, anticipated timing and amounts of milestone and other payments under collaboration agreements, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations, timing and outcome of legal and other proceedings, and our ability to finance our operations are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “look forward,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “plans,” “potential,” “possibly,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “would” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” or elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements to differ materially.

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, risks related to: the results of our research and development activities, including uncertainties relating to the discovery of potential drug candidates and the preclinical and ongoing or planned clinical testing of our drug candidates; the early stage of our drug candidates presently under development; our continued progress in the areas of co-stimulatory bispecifics and inhaled therapeutics; our ability to obtain and, if obtained, maintain regulatory approval of our current drug candidates and any of our other future drug candidates; our need for substantial additional funds in order to continue our operations and the uncertainty of whether we will be able to obtain the funding we need; our future financial performance; our ability to retain or hire key scientific or management personnel; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights that are valuable to our business, including patent and other intellectual property rights; our dependence on third-party manufacturers, suppliers, research organizations, testing laboratories and other potential collaborators; the success of our collaborations with third parties; our ability to meet milestones; the receipt of royalty and milestone payments provided for in our collaboration agreements; our ability to successfully market and sell our drug candidates in the future as needed; the size and growth of the potential markets for any of our product candidates for which we may obtain regulatory approval, and the rate and degree of market acceptance of any such product candidates; competition in our industry; regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries, including with respect to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA; our ability to continue to advance the phase 1 study for PRS-220; our and Servier's ability to advance the phase 1 study for PRS-344/S095012; our ability to continue to advance PRS-400; AstraZeneca's ability to advance the phase 2 study for elarekibep (PRS-060/AZD1402); Seagen’s ability to continue to advance PRS-346/SGN-BB228; Boston Pharmaceuticals ability to continue to advance PRS-342/BOS-342; our other partners' ability to continue to advance programs out-licensed to them; the expected impact of new accounting standards; and the length and severity of the pandemic relating to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), or coronavirus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, which could have an impact on our research, development, supply chain and clinical trials.

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement(s), each of which applies only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 2, 2022, could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to conform our statements to actual results or changed expectations.

ii

Currency Presentation and Currency Translation

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars,” “$,” “U.S. $” or “U.S. dollars” are to the lawful currency of the United States. All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “euro” or “€” are to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended. We prepare our financial statements in U.S. dollars.

The functional currency for our operations is primarily the euro. With respect to our financial statements, the translation from the euro to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

Where in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q we refer to amounts in euros, we have for your convenience also, in certain cases, provided a conversion of those amounts to U.S. dollars in parentheses. Where the numbers refer to a specific balance sheet account date or financial statement account period, we have used the exchange rate that was used to perform the conversions in connection with the applicable financial statement. In all other instances, unless otherwise indicated, the conversions have been made using the noon buying rate of €1.00 to U.S. $0.98724 based on information provided by Xignite as of September 30, 2022.

iii

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.        Financial Statements.

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited, in thousands)

	September 30,			December 31,
	2022			2021
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	48,423		$	117,764
Short term investments		21,400			—
Accounts receivable		829			3,313
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,908			6,548
Total current assets		78,560			127,625
Property and equipment, net		15,897			19,122
Operating lease right-of-use assets		3,399			3,909
Other non-current assets		1,307			2,904
Total assets	$	99,163		$	153,560
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,641		$	8,609
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		11,382			16,836
Deferred revenues, current portion		18,498			25,116
Total current liabilities		33,521			50,561
Deferred revenue, net of current portion		18,484			38,403
Operating lease liabilities		11,391			13,841
Total liabilities		63,396			102,805
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock		—			—
Common stock		74			72
Additional paid-in capital		317,488			306,998
Accumulated other comprehensive income		524			829
Accumulated deficit		(282,319	)		(257,144	)
Total stockholders’ equity		35,767			50,755
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	99,163		$	153,560

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022			2021			2022			2021
Revenue
Customer revenue	$	5,112		$	2,783		$	19,760		$	20,189
Collaboration revenue		258			1,274			296			2,786
Total revenue		5,370			4,057			20,056			22,975
Operating expenses
Research and development		13,589			18,937			39,602			51,299
General and administrative		3,949			4,132			12,409			12,508
Total operating expenses		17,538			23,069			52,011			63,807
Loss from operations		(12,168	)		(19,012	)		(31,955	)		(40,832	)
Other income (expense)
Interest income		241			4			370			10
Grant income		1,468			1,794			4,782			2,590
Other income		723			678			1,628			2,026
Net loss	$	(9,736	)	$	(16,536	)	$	(25,175	)	$	(36,206	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation		(31	)		382			(387	)		911
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities		(70	)		—			82			—
Comprehensive loss	$	(9,837	)	$	(16,154	)	$	(25,480	)	$	(35,295	)
Net loss per share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.34	)	$	(0.58	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic and diluted		74,397			67,730			74,080			62,019

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited, in thousands)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2022

														Accumulated
	Preferred shares				Common shares							Additional		other						Total
	No. of		Share		No. of		Share		ATM proceeds			paid-in		comprehensive			Accumulated			Stockholders’
	shares		capital		shares		capital		receivable			capital		income (loss)			deficit			equity
Balance as of June 30, 2021		16	$	—		66,679	$	67	$	—		$	277,496	$	234		$	(231,076	)	$	46,721
Net loss		—		—		—		—		—			—		—			(16,536	)		(16,536	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		—		—		—		—			—		382			—			382
Stock based compensation expense		—		—		—		—		—			1,370		—			—			1,370
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options		—		—		272		—		—			566		—			—			566
Issuance of common stock pursuant to ATM offering program, net of $0.8 million in offering costs		—		—		4,554		5		(1,814	)		23,159		—			—			21,350
Balance at September 30, 2021		16	$	—		71,505	$	72	$	(1,814	)	$	302,591	$	616		$	(247,612	)	$	53,853
Balance as of June 30, 2022		16	$	—		74,257	$	74	$	—		$	316,249	$	625		$	(272,583	)	$	44,365
Net loss		—		—		—		—		—			—		—			(9,736	)		(9,736	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—		—		—		—		—			—		(31	)		—			(31	)
Unrealized loss on investments		—		—		—		—		—			—		(70	)		—			(70	)
Stock based compensation expense		—		—		—		—		—			974		—			—			974
Issuance of common stock pursuant to ATM offering program, net of de minimis offering costs		—		—		149		—		—			265		—			—			265
Balance at September 30, 2022		16	$	—		74,406	$	74	$	—		$	317,488	$	524		$	(282,319	)	$	35,767

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited, in thousands)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2022

																		Accumulated
	Preferred shares					Common shares									Additional			other						Total
	No. of			Share		No. of			Share			ATM proceeds			paid-in			comprehensive			Accumulated			Stockholders’
	shares			capital		shares			capital			receivable			capital			income (loss)			deficit			equity
Balance at December 31, 2020		14		$	—		56,003		$	56		$	—		$	242,672		$	(295	)	$	(211,406	)	$	31,027
Net loss		—			—		—			—			—			—			—			(36,206	)		(36,206	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—		—			—			—			—			911			—			911
Stock based compensation expense		—			—		—			—			—			3,895			—			—			3,895
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options		—			—		412			—			—			858			—			—			858
Issuance of common stock resulting from purchase of employee stock purchase plan shares		—			—		40			—			—			96			—			—			96
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of warrants		—			—		1,391			1			—			836			—			—			837
Issuance of common stock resulting from conversion of preferred stock		(4	)		—		3,812			4			—			(4	)		—			—			—
Preferred stock conversion (Series E)		5			—		(5,000	)		(5	)		—			5			—			—			—
Issuance of common stock pursuant to ATM offering program, net of $1.2 million in offering costs		—			—		7,558			8			(1,814	)		35,328			—			—			33,522
Issuance of common stock pursuant to private placement offering, net of $0.1 million in offering costs		—			—		7,290			8			—			18,905			—			—			18,913
Balance at September 30, 2021		16		$	—		71,505		$	72		$	(1,814	)	$	302,591		$	616		$	(247,612	)	$	53,853
Balance at December 31, 2021		16		$	—		72,222		$	72		$	—		$	306,998		$	829		$	(257,144	)	$	50,755
Net loss		—			—		—			—			—			—			—			(25,175	)		(25,175	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		—			—		—			—			—			—			(387	)		—			(387	)
Unrealized gain on investments		—			—		—			—			—			—			82			—			82
Stock based compensation expense		—			—		—			—			—			3,453			—			—			3,453
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options		—			—		46			—			—			95			—			—			95
Issuance of common stock resulting from purchase of employee stock purchase plan shares		—			—		69			—			—			104			—			—			104
Issuance of common stock pursuant to ATM offering program, net of $0.3 million in offering costs		—			—		2,069			2			—			6,838			—			—			6,840
Balance at September 30, 2022		16		$	—		74,406		$	74		$	—		$	317,488		$	524		$	(282,319	)	$	35,767

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022			2021
Operating activities:
Net loss	$	(25,175	)	$	(36,206	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		2,195			1,850
Right-of-use asset (accretion) amortization		—			(70	)
Stock-based compensation		3,453			3,895
Realized investment gains		(299	)		—
Other non-cash transactions		216			26
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		(27,389	)		33,789
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(46,999	)		3,284
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(1,052	)		(607	)
Proceeds from maturity of investments		21,900			—
Purchases of investments		(43,191	)		—
Net cash (used in) investing activities		(22,343	)		(607	)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		95			858
Proceeds from exercise of warrants		—			837
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		104			96
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from private placement, net of issuance costs		—			18,913
Proceeds from issuance of common stock resulting from ATM sales, net of $0.3 million in transaction costs		6,922			33,522
Net cash provided by financing activities		7,121			54,226
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents		(7,120	)		(2,287	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(69,341	)		54,616
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		117,764			70,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	48,423		$	125,052
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Net unrealized gain on investments	$	82		$	—
Property and equipment included in accounts payable	$	31		$	—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1.     Corporate Information

Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in May 2013, and acquired 100% interest in Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH (formerly Pieris AG, a German company that was founded in 2001) in December 2014. Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, hereinafter collectively Pieris, or the Company, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops Anticalin®-based drugs to target validated disease pathways in unique and transformative ways. Pieris’ corporate headquarters is located in Boston, Massachusetts and its research facility is located in Hallbergmoos, Germany.

Pieris’ clinical pipeline includes an inhaled IL-4Rα antagonist Anticalin protein to treat moderate-to-severe asthma, an inhaled Anticalin protein targeting connective tissue growth factor to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and an immuno-oncology, or IO, bispecific targeting 4-1BB and PD-L1.

The Company’s core Anticalin technology and platform was developed in Germany, and the Company has partnership arrangements with several major multi-national pharmaceutical companies.

The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the biotechnology industry, including but not limited to, the need for additional capital, risks of failure of preclinical studies and clinical trials, the need to obtain marketing approval and reimbursement for any drug product candidate that it may identify and develop, the need to successfully commercialize and gain market acceptance of its product candidates, dependence on key personnel, protection of proprietary technology, compliance with government regulations, development of technological innovations by competitors, reliance on third-party manufacturers and the ability to transition from pilot-scale production to large-scale manufacturing of products.

As of September 30, 2022, cash, cash equivalents, and investments were $69.8 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s net loss was $9.7 million and $16.5 million respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company's net loss was $25.2 million and $36.2 million, respectively. The Company has incurred net losses since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $282.3 million as of September 30, 2022. Net losses and negative cash flows from operations have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company’s stockholders’ equity and working capital. The Company expects to continue to incur operating losses for at least the next several years.

The future success of the Company is dependent on its ability to identify and develop its product candidates, expand its corporate infrastructure and ultimately upon its ability to attain profitable operations. The Company has devoted substantially all of its financial resources and efforts to research and development and general and administrative expenses to support such research and development. The Company has several research and development programs underway in varying stages of development, and it expects that these programs will continue to require increasing amounts of cash for development, conducting clinical trials, and testing and manufacturing of product material. Cash necessary to fund operations will increase significantly over the next several years as the Company continues to conduct these activities necessary to pursue governmental regulatory approval of clinical-stage programs and other product candidates.

The Company plans to raise additional capital to fulfill its operating and capital requirements through public or private equity financings, utilization of its current “at the market offering” program, or ATM Program, strategic collaborations, licensing arrangements, government grants and/or the achievement of milestones under its collaborative agreements. The funding requirements of the Company’s operating plans, however, are based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties and may change as a result of many factors currently unknown. Although management continues to pursue these funding plans, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the Company to fund continuing operations, if at all. Until such time that the Company can generate substantial product revenues, if ever, the Company expects to finance its cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships, licensing arrangements and government grants. The terms of any future financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of the Company’s existing stockholders.

The Company believes that its currently available funds will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations through at least the next twelve months from the issuance of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company’s belief with respect to its ability to fund operations is based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties. If actual results are different from management’s estimates, the Company may need to seek additional funding. If the Company is unable to obtain additional funding on acceptable terms when needed, it may be required to defer or limit some or all of its research, development and/or clinical projects.

6

 

2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. There have been no material additions to the significant accounting policies for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, and disclosures considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim period results have been included. Interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on March 2, 2022.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Significant estimates are used for, but are not limited to, revenue recognition; deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowances; determination of the incremental borrowing rate to calculate right-of-use assets and lease liabilities; beneficial conversion features; fair value of stock options, preferred stock, and warrants; and prepaid and accrued clinical trial expenses. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase. All liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the purchase date and for which there is an active market are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s investments are comprised of money market, asset backed securities, government treasuries and corporate bonds that are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. The Company classifies investments available to fund current operations as current assets on its balance sheets.

Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s balance sheets. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and are included as a component of other income.

The Company reviews investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost and evidence indicates that an investment’s carrying amount is not recoverable within a reasonable period of time. To determine whether an impairment is other-than temporary, the Company considers its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis. Evidence considered in this assessment includes reasons for the impairment, the severity and the duration of the impairment and changes in value subsequent to period end.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company has no financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that subject Pieris to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and investments are held in accounts with financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. The Company’s investment policy includes guidelines on the quality of the institutions and financial instruments and defines allowable investments that the Company believes minimize the exposure to concentration of credit risk. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds. Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due under strategic partnership and other license agreements with major multi-national pharmaceutical companies for which the Company does not obtain collateral.

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Fair Value Measurement

The Company is required to disclose information on all assets and liabilities reported at fair value that enables an assessment of the inputs used in determining the reported fair values. FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, established a hierarchy of inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy applies only to the valuation inputs used in determining the reported or disclosed fair value of the financial instruments and is not a measure of the investment credit quality. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

• Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

• Level 2 utilizes quoted market prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash equivalents and investments (see Note 5).

An entity may elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Subsequent unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be reported in net loss. The Company did not elect to measure any additional financial instruments or other items at fair value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs to these assets are charged to expenses as occurred. The estimated useful life of the different groups of property and equipment is as follows:

Asset Classification	Estimated useful life (in years)
Leasehold improvements	shorter of useful life or remaining life of the lease
Laboratory furniture and equipment	8 - 14
Office furniture and equipment	5 - 13
Computer and equipment	3 - 7

Revenue Recognition

Pieris has entered into several licensing agreements with collaboration partners for the development of Anticalin therapeutics against a variety of targets. The terms of these agreements provide for the transfer of multiple goods or services which may include: (i) licenses, or options to obtain licenses, to Pieris’ Anticalin technology and/or specific programs and (ii) research and development activities to be performed on behalf of or with a collaborative partner. Payments to Pieris under these agreements may include upfront fees (which include license and option fees), payments for research and development activities, payments based upon the achievement of certain milestones, and royalties on product sales. There are no performance, cancellation, termination or refund provisions in any of the arrangements that could result in material financial consequences to Pieris. As the Company's intellectual property assets are considered to be located in Germany, the Company records all consolidated revenue in its subsidiary, Pieris Pharmaceuticals, GmbH.

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Collaborative Arrangements

The Company considers the nature and contractual terms of an arrangement and assesses whether the arrangement involves a joint operating activity pursuant to which it is an active participant and exposed to significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement. If the Company is an active participant and exposed to the significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement, it accounts for these arrangements pursuant to ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements, or ASC 808, and applies a systematic and rational approach to recognize revenue. The Company classifies payments received as revenue and payments made as a reduction of revenue in the period in which they are earned. Revenue recognized under a collaborative arrangement involving a participant that is not a customer is presented as Collaboration Revenue in the Statement of Operations.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods and services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps: 1) identify the customer contract; 2) identify the contract’s performance obligations; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and 5) recognize revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company evaluates all promised goods and services within a customer contract and determines which of such goods and services are separate performance obligations. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether the good or service is capable of being distinct and whether the good or service is separable from other promises in the contract. In assessing whether promised goods or services are distinct, the Company considers factors such as the stage of development of the underlying intellectual property and the capabilities of the customer to develop the intellectual property on their own or whether the required expertise is readily available.

Licensing arrangements are analyzed to determine whether the promised goods or services, which often include licenses, research and development services and governance committee services, are distinct or whether they must be accounted for as part of a combined performance obligation. If the license is considered not to be distinct, the license would then be combined with other promised goods or services as a combined performance obligation. If the Company is involved in a governance committee, it assesses whether its involvement constitutes a separate performance obligation. When governance committee services are determined to be separate performance obligations, the Company determines the fair value to be allocated to this promised service.

Certain contracts contain optional and additional items, which are considered marketing offers and are accounted for as separate contracts with the customer if such option is elected by the customer, unless the option provides a material right which would not be provided without entering into the contract. An option that is considered a material right is accounted for as a separate performance obligation.

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. A contract may contain variable consideration, including potential payments for both milestone and research and development services. For certain potential milestone payments, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration by using the most likely amount method. In making this assessment, the Company evaluates factors such as the clinical, regulatory, commercial and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the milestone. Each reporting period the Company re-evaluates the probability of achievement of such variable consideration and any related constraints. Pieris will include variable consideration, without constraint, in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. For potential research and development service payments, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration by using the expected value method, including any approved budget updates arising from additional research or development services.

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price among the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis unless a portion of the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation.

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The Company allocates the transaction price based on the estimated standalone selling price of the underlying performance obligations or, in the case of certain variable consideration, to one or more performance obligations. The Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price for each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company utilizes key assumptions to determine the stand-alone selling price, which may include other comparable transactions, pricing considered in negotiating the transaction and the estimated costs to complete the respective performance obligation. Certain variable consideration is allocated specifically to one or more performance obligations in a contract when the terms of the variable consideration relate to the satisfaction of the performance obligation and the resulting amounts allocated to each performance obligation are consistent with the amount the Company would expect to receive for each performance obligation.

When a performance obligation is satisfied, revenue is recognized for the amount of the transaction price, excluding estimates of variable consideration that are constrained, that is allocated to that performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Significant management judgment is required in determining the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations under an arrangement.

For performance obligations consisting of licenses and other promises, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company will recognize revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license.

Revenue recognized under an arrangement involving a participant that is a customer is presented as Customer Revenue.

Milestones and Royalties

The Company aggregates milestones into four categories: (i) research milestones, (ii) development milestones, (iii) commercial milestones, and (iv) sales milestones. Research milestones are typically achieved upon reaching certain success criteria as defined in each agreement related to developing an Anticalin protein against the specified target. Development milestones are typically reached when a compound reaches a defined phase of clinical research or passes such phase, or upon gaining regulatory approvals. Commercial milestones are typically achieved when an approved pharmaceutical product reaches the status for commercial sale, including regulatory approval. Sales milestones are certain defined levels of net sales by the licensee, such as when a product first achieves global sales or annual sales of a specified amount.

There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that all research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur. For revenues from research and development milestones, payments will be recognized consistent with the recognition pattern of the performance obligation to which they relate.

For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the level of sales, and for which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). Commercial milestones and sales royalties are determined by sales or usage-based thresholds and will be accounted for under the royalty recognition constraint as constrained variable consideration.

The Company calculates the maximum amount of potential milestones achievable under each collaboration agreement and discloses such potential future milestones for all current collaborations using such a maximum calculation.

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Contract Balances

The Company recognizes a contract asset when the Company transfers goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable (i.e., accounts receivable). A contract asset is an entity’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer. The contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) primarily relate to contracts where the Company has received payment but has not yet satisfied the related performance obligations.

In the event of an early termination of a collaboration agreement, any contract liabilities would be recognized in the period in which all Company obligations under the agreement have been fulfilled.

Costs to Obtain and Fulfill a Contract with a Customer

Certain costs to obtain customer contracts, including success-based fees paid to third-party service providers, and costs to fulfill customer contracts are capitalized in accordance with FASB ASC 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs, or ASC 340. These costs are amortized to expense on a systemic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. The Company will expense the amortization of costs to obtain customer contracts to general and administrative expense and costs to fulfill customer contracts to research and development expense.

Government Grants

The Company recognizes grants from governmental agencies when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grant arrangement and the grant will be received. The Company evaluates the conditions of each grant as of each reporting period to evaluate whether the Company has reached reasonable assurance of meeting the conditions of each grant arrangement and that it is expected that the grant will be received as a result of meeting the necessary conditions. Grants are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company recognizes the related costs for which the government grant is intended to compensate. Specifically, grant income related to research and development costs is recognized as such expenses are incurred. Grant income is included as a separate caption within Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Leases

In accordance with ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842), or ASC 842, and for each of the Company’s leases, the following is recognized: (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company’s contracts are determined to contain a lease within the scope of ASC 842 when all of the following criteria based on the specific circumstances of the arrangement are met: (1) there is an identified asset for which there are no substantive substitution rights; (2) the Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the identified asset; and (3) the Company has the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

At the commencement date, operating lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of future lease payments over the expected lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not provide an implicit rate. As a result, the Company utilizes an estimated incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments, which is based on the rate of interest the Company would have to pay to borrow a similar amount on a collateralized basis over a similar term and based on observable market data points. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or lease incentives received. Operating lease cost is recognized over the expected term on a straight-line basis.

The Company typically only includes an initial lease term in its assessment of a lease agreement. Options to renew a lease are not included in the Company’s assessment unless there is reasonable certainty that the Company will renew. The expected lease term includes noncancellable lease periods and, when applicable, periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option, as well as periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the Company is reasonably certain not to exercise that option.

Assumptions made by the Company at the commencement date are re-evaluated upon occurrence of certain events, including a lease modification. A lease modification results in a separate contract when the modification grants the lessee an additional right of use not included in the original lease and when lease payments increase commensurate with the standalone price for the additional right of use. When a lease modification results in a separate contract, it is accounted for in the same manner as a new lease.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements, or ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. The new standard requires that expected credit losses relating to financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. It also limits the amount of credit losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value, and requires the reversal of previously recognized credit losses if fair value increases. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.

Subsequently, in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies codification and corrects unintended application of the guidance. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies or addresses specific issues about certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. In November 2019 the FASB also issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates, which delays the effective date of ASU 2016-13 by three years for certain smaller reporting companies such as the Company. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard.

The Company has considered other recent accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to the business or that the effect is not expected to be material to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

3.    Revenue

General

The Company has not generated revenue from product sales. The Company has generated revenue from contracts with customers and revenue from collaboration agreements, which include upfront payments for licenses or options to obtain licenses, payments for research and development services and milestone payments.

The Company recognized revenue from the following strategic partnerships and other license agreements (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021			2022		2021
Seagen	$	155	$	(280	)	$	3,074	$	424
AstraZeneca		4,404		1,607			9,026		18,309
Servier		258		1,867			5,223		3,379
Genentech		553		863			2,733		863
Total Revenue	$	5,370	$	4,057		$	20,056	$	22,975

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Under the Company’s existing strategic partnerships and other license agreements, the Company could receive the following potential milestone payments (in millions):

	Research, Development, Regulatory & Commercial Milestones		Sales Milestones
AstraZeneca	$	702	$	3,925
Servier		118		88
Seagen		754		450
Boston Pharmaceuticals		88		265
Genentech		834		600
Total potential milestone payments	$	2,496	$	5,328

Strategic Partnerships

Genentech

On May 19, 2021, the Company and Genentech, Inc., or Genentech, entered into a Research Collaboration and License Agreement, or the Genentech Agreement, to discover, develop and commercialize locally delivered respiratory and ophthalmology therapies that leverage the Company’s proprietary Anticalin technology. Upon signing the Genentech Agreement, Genentech paid the Company a $20 million upfront fee. In addition, the Company may be eligible to receive up to approximately $1.4 billion in additional milestone payments across multiple programs, as well as tiered royalty payments on net sales at percentages ranging from the mid-single to low double-digits, subject to certain standard reductions and offsets.

Under the terms of the Genentech Agreement, the Company is responsible for discovery and preclinical development of two initial programs. The Company is responsible for research activities following target nomination through the late-stage research go decision. The parties will then collaborate on drug candidate characterization until the development go decision. After the development go decision, Genentech will be responsible for pursuing the preclinical and clinical development of each program, and thereafter, the commercialization efforts. Each party is responsible for the costs incurred to perform their respective responsibilities. Genentech has an option to expand the collaboration to encompass two additional programs with the payment of a $10 million fee per additional program. If Genentech exercises its option to start additional programs, payment to the Company of additional fees, milestone payments and royalties would result.

Unless earlier terminated, the term of the Genentech Agreement continues until no royalty or other payment obligations are or will become due under the Genentech Agreement. The Genentech Agreement may be terminated (i) by either party based on insolvency or breach by the other party and such insolvency proceeding is not dismissed or such breach is not cured within 90 days; or (ii) after nine months from the effective date of the Genentech Agreement, by Genentech as a whole or on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis upon 90 days' prior written notice before the first commercial sale of a product or upon 180 days' prior written notice after the first commercial sale of a product.

While the Genentech Agreement allows for up to four research programs, only two research programs are initially identified and committed in the Genentech Agreement. To reach a total of up to four research programs, the Company has granted Genentech options to nominate two additional collaboration targets of their choosing, subject to the legal availability of the target to be researched. Genentech will have three years after the effective date to nominate the subsequent targets. The Company has also granted Genentech options to replace any of the collaboration targets identified with another target. However, at no point will there be more than four identified collaboration targets for which there are ongoing research programs.

The arrangement with Genentech provides for the transfer of the following goods or services: (i) exclusive research and commercial license for the collaboration programs, (ii) a non-exclusive platform improvement license, (iii) research and development services, (iv) participation in a governance committee, and (v) replacement target options on the first two programs upon a screening failure which were assessed as material rights.

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted, at arrangement inception, should be combined with the research and development services to be provided for the related target programs as they are not capable of being distinct. A third party would not be able to provide the research and development services due to the specific nature of the intellectual property and knowledge required to perform the services, and Genentech could not benefit from the licenses without the corresponding services. The Company determined that the participation in the governance committees was distinct as the services could be performed by an outside party.

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As a result, management concluded there were five separate performance obligations at the inception of the Genentech Agreement: (i) two combined performance obligations, each comprised of an exclusive research and commercial license, a non-exclusive platform improvement license, and research and development services for the first two Genentech programs, (ii) two performance obligations each comprised of a material right for a target swap option for the first two Genentech programs, and (iii) one performance obligation comprised of participation on the governance committee.

The Company allocated consideration to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The Company developed standalone selling prices for licenses by applying a risk adjusted, net present value, estimate of future potential cash flows approach, which included the cost of obtaining research and development services at arm’s length from a third-party provider, as well as internal full-time equivalent costs to support these services. The Company developed the standalone selling price for committee participation by using management’s estimate of the anticipated participation hours multiplied by a market rate for comparable participants.

The transaction price at inception is comprised of fixed consideration of $20.0 million in upfront fees and was allocated to each of the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The amounts allocated to the performance obligations for the two research programs will be recognized on a proportional performance basis through the completion of each respective estimated research term of the individual research programs. The amounts allocated to the material right for the target options will be recognized either at the time the material right expires or, if exercised, on a proportional performance basis over the estimated research term for that program along with any remaining deferred revenue associated with the replacement target. The amounts allocated to the participation on the committee will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated research term for all research programs. As of September 30, 2022, there was $11.9 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations.

Under the Genentech Agreement, the Company is eligible to receive various research, development, commercial and sales milestones. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has determined that all other research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $7.1 million and $4.8 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the Genentech Agreement.

Boston Pharmaceuticals

On April 24, 2021, the Company and BP Asset XII, Inc., or Boston Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Boston Pharma Holdings, LLC, entered into an Exclusive Product License Agreement, or the BP Agreement, to develop PRS-342/BOS-342, a 4-1BB/GPC3 preclinical immuno-oncology Mabcalin ^TM  (antibody-Anticalin fusion) protein.

Under the term of the BP Agreement, Boston Pharmaceuticals exclusively licensed worldwide right to PRS-342. The Company received an upfront payment of $10.0 million and is further entitled to receive up to $352.5 million in development, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments, tiered royalties up to low double-digits on sales of PRS-342 and a percentage of consideration received by Boston Pharmaceuticals in the event of a sublicense of a program licensed under the BP Agreement or a change of control of Boston Pharmaceuticals. The Company will also contribute up to $4.0 million toward manufacturing activities.

The term of the BP Agreement ends upon the expiration of all of Boston Pharmaceuticals’ payment obligations thereunder. The BP Agreement may be terminated by Boston Pharmaceuticals in its entirety for convenience beginning nine months after its effective date upon 60 days’ notice or, for any program under the BP Agreement which has received marketing approval, upon 120 days’ notice. If any program is terminated by Boston Pharmaceuticals, the Company will have full rights to continue such program. The BP Agreement may also be terminated by Boston Pharmaceuticals or the Company for an uncured material breach by the other party upon 180 days’ notice (60 days in the case of non-payment of undisputed amounts due and payable), subject to extension for an additional 180 days in certain cases and subject, in all cases, to dispute resolution procedures. The BP Agreement may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency. The Company may also terminate the BP Agreement if Boston Pharmaceuticals challenges the validity of any patents licensed under the BP Agreement, subject to certain exceptions.

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The Company does not have any obligations to assist in the research and development efforts of Boston Pharmaceuticals under the BP Agreement. However, the Company has an obligation to fund up to $4.0 million in costs, including out-of-pocket costs incurred by Boston Pharmaceuticals, in connection with the manufacture of products under the BP Agreement. The arrangement with Boston Pharmaceuticals provides for the transfer of the following: (i) exclusive license of PRS-342, (ii) non-exclusive Pieris platform license, (iii) initial know-how, (iv) product cell line license, and (v) materials (as each such term is defined under the BP Agreement).

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the BP Agreement and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted, at arrangement inception, should be combined with the transfer of know-how, materials and the product cell line license. Boston Pharmaceuticals could not benefit from the exclusive and non-exclusive licenses without the corresponding transfer of know-how and materials.

As a result, management concluded there was only one combined performance obligation. The transaction price at inception is comprised of fixed consideration of $10.0 million in upfront fees, offset by $4.0 million in consideration payable to Boston Pharmaceuticals to reimburse them for expected out-of-pocket manufacturing costs, for a total transaction price of $6.0 million. Management has assessed the forms of variable consideration within the BP Agreement and concluded that the payments are either constrained by the royalty recognition constraint or because management has assessed the most likely amount associated with the payments as zero.

The amounts allocated to the performance obligations did not meet the criteria to be recognized over time on a proportional performance basis and thus will be recognized at a point in time. The Company determined that the performance obligation will be fully satisfied when all of the deliverables in the combined performance obligation are transferred to Boston Pharmaceuticals as that is the point at which Boston Pharmaceuticals can fully use and benefit from the license to PRS-342. The Company transferred all such deliverables to Boston Pharmaceuticals in the fourth quarter of 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had recognized the full transaction price, or $5.7 million, as revenue and there is no remaining deferred revenue.

Seagen

On February 8, 2018, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement, or the Seagen Collaboration Agreement, and a non-exclusive Anticalin platform technology license agreement, or the Seagen Platform License, and together with the Seagen Collaboration Agreement, the Seagen Agreements, with Seagen Inc. (formerly Seattle Genetics, Inc.), or Seagen, pursuant to which the parties will develop multiple targeted bispecific IO treatments for solid tumors and blood cancers.

Under the terms of the Seagen Agreements, the companies will pursue multiple Mabcalin proteins during the research phase. The Seagen Agreements provide Seagen a base option to select up to three programs for further development. Prior to the initiation of a pivotal trial, the Company may opt into global co-development and U.S. commercialization of the second program and share in global costs and profits on an equal basis. Seagen will solely develop, fund and commercialize the other two programs. Seagen may also decide to select additional candidates from the initial research phase for further development in return for the payment to the Company of additional fees, milestone payments and royalties.

The Seagen Platform License grants Seagen a non-exclusive license to certain intellectual property related to the Anticalin platform technology.

Upon signing the Seagen Agreements, Seagen paid the Company a $30.0 million upfront fee and an additional $4.9 million was estimated to be paid for research and development services as reimbursement to the Company through the end of the research term. In addition, the Company may receive tiered royalties on net sales up to the low double-digits and up to $1.2 billion in total success-based research, development, commercial and sales milestones payments across the product candidates, depending on the successful development and commercialization of those candidates. If Seagen exercises its option to select additional candidates from the initial research phase for further development, payment to Pieris of additional fees, milestone payments and royalties would result.

The term of each of the Seagen Agreements ends upon the expiration of all of Seagen’s payment obligations under each such agreement. The Seagen Collaboration Agreement may be terminated by Seagen on a product-by-product basis for convenience beginning 12 months after its effective date upon 90 days’ notice or, for any program where a pivotal study has been initiated, upon 180 days’ notice. Any program may be terminated at Seagen’s option. If any program is terminated by Seagen after a predefined preclinical stage, the Company will have full rights to continue such program. If any program is terminated by Seagen prior to such predefined preclinical stage, the Company will have the right to continue to develop such program, but will be obligated to offer a co-development option to Seagen for such program. The Seagen Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated by Seagen or the Company for an uncured material breach by the other party upon 90 days’ notice, subject to extension for an additional 90 days if the material breach relates to diligence obligations and subject, in all cases, to dispute resolution procedures. The Seagen Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency and may in certain instances, including for reasons of safety, be terminated on a product-by-product basis. Each party may also terminate the Seagen Agreements if the other party challenges the validity of any patents licensed under the Seagen Agreements, subject to certain exceptions. The Seagen Platform License will terminate upon termination of the Seagen Collaboration Agreement, whether in its entirety or on a product-by-product basis.

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The Company determined that the Seagen Agreements should be combined and evaluated as a single arrangement under ASC 606 as they were executed on the same date. The arrangement with Seagen provides for the transfer of the following goods or services: (i) three candidate research licenses that each consist of a non-exclusive platform technology license, a co-exclusive candidate research license, and research and development services, (ii) research, development and manufacturing services associated with each candidate research license, (iii) participation on various governance committees, and (iv) two antibody target swap options which were assessed as material rights.

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted, at arrangement inception, should be combined with the research and development services to be provided for the related antibody target programs as they are not capable of being distinct. A third party would not be able to provide the research and development services due to the specific nature of the intellectual property and knowledge required to perform the services, and Seagen could not benefit from the licenses without the corresponding services. The Company determined that the participation on the various governance committees was distinct as the services could be performed by an outside party.

As a result, management concluded there were six separate performance obligations at the inception of the Seagen Agreements: (i) three combined performance obligations, each comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, a co-exclusive candidate research license, and research and development services for the first three approved Seagen antibody target programs, (ii) two performance obligations each comprised of a material right for an antibody target swap option for the first and the second approved Seagen antibody target for no additional consideration, and (iii) one performance obligation comprised of the participation on the various governance committees.

The Company allocated consideration to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The Company developed standalone selling prices for licenses by applying a risk adjusted, net present value, estimate of future potential cash flows approach, which included the cost of obtaining research and development services at arm’s length from a third-party provider, as well as internal full-time equivalent costs to support these services. The Company developed the standalone selling price for committee participation by using management’s estimate of the anticipated participation hours multiplied by a market rate for comparable participants.

The transaction price at inception is comprised of fixed consideration of $30.0 million in upfront fees and variable consideration of $4.9 million of estimated research and development services to be reimbursed as research and development occurs through the research term. The $30.0 million upfront fee, which represents the fixed consideration in the transaction price, was allocated to each of the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The $4.9 million in variable consideration related to the research and development services is allocated specifically to the three target program performance obligations based upon the budgeted services for each program.

The amounts allocated to the performance obligations for the three research programs will be recognized on a proportional performance basis through the completion of each respective estimated research term of the individual research programs. The amounts allocated to the material right for the antibody target swap option will be recognized either at the time the material right expires or, if exercised, on a proportional performance basis over the estimated research term for that program. The amounts allocated to the participation on each of the committees will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated research term for all research programs. As of September 30, 2022, there was $16.1 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations. In addition, as of September 30, 2022 both target swap options have expired and these performance obligations are complete.

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On March 24, 2021, the Company announced that Seagen made a strategic equity investment in Pieris, and that the companies had entered into a combination study agreement, or the Combination Study Agreement, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining Pieris’ cinrebafusp alfa with Seagen’s tucatinib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase HER2 inhibitor, for the treatment of gastric cancer patients expressing lower HER2 levels. Enrollment into the phase 2 study was ceased in August 2022 as part of a strategic pipeline prioritization. The companies have also entered into an Amended and Restated License and Collaboration Agreement, or the Second Seagen Amendment, in which their existing IO collaboration agreement has been amended relating to joint development and commercial rights for the second program in the alliance. In connection with the agreements described above, the Company and Seagen also entered into a subscription agreement, or the Seagen Subscription Agreement.

Under the Second Seagen Amendment, Pieris’ option to co-develop and co-commercialize the second of three programs in the collaboration has been converted to a co-promotion option of one of the three programs in the United States, with Seagen solely responsible for the development and overall commercialization of that program. Pieris will also be entitled to increased royalties from that program in the event that it chooses to exercise the co-promotion option. In connection with the Seagen Subscription Agreement, the Company agreed to issue to Seagen, and Seagen agreed to acquire from the Company, 3,706,174 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total purchase price of $13.0 million, or $3.51 per share, in a private placement transaction pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The Seagen Subscription Agreement includes a provision to the effect that Seagen may ask the Company to file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares issued to Seagen, at any time beginning on the date that is 60 calendar days from the date of issuance of the shares. The Company assessed the ASC 606 implications of the Seagen Subscription Agreement and concluded that the fair value of the shares on a per share basis was $2.61 per share as of the transaction date. This resulted in a premium paid for the shares of $3.3 million, all of which was recorded in deferred revenue upon contract execution and allocated to the remaining performance obligations.

The Company has concluded that the Combination Study Agreement is within the scope of ASC 808, which defines collaborative arrangements and addresses the presentation of the transactions between the two parties in the income statement and related disclosures. However, ASC 808 does not provide guidance on the recognition of consideration exchanged or accounting for the obligations that may arise between the parties. The Company has concluded that ASC 730, Research and Development, should be applied by analogy. There is no financial statement impact for the Combination Study Agreement as the value of the drug supply received from Seagen is offset against the drug supply cost.

Under the Seagen Agreements, the Company is eligible to receive other various research, development, commercial and sales milestones. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. With the exception of the previously discussed achieved milestone, the Company has determined that all other research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $10.0 million and $3.4 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the Seagen Agreements.

AstraZeneca

On May 2, 2017, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement, or the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, and a non-exclusive Anticalin platform technology license agreement, or AstraZeneca Platform License, and together with the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, the AstraZeneca Agreements, with AstraZeneca AB, or AstraZeneca, which became effective on June 10, 2017, following expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Under the AstraZeneca Agreements, the parties will advance several novel inhaled Anticalin proteins.

In addition to the Company’s lead inhaled drug candidate, elarekibep (formerly known as PRS-060/AZD1402), or the AstraZeneca Lead Product, the Company and AstraZeneca agreed to collaborate, under the original terms of the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, to progress four additional novel Anticalin proteins against undisclosed targets for respiratory diseases, or the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, and together with the AstraZeneca Lead Product, the AstraZeneca Products. The Company is responsible for advancing the AstraZeneca Lead Product through its phase 1 study, with the associated costs funded by AstraZeneca. The parties will collaborate thereafter to conduct a phase 2a study in asthma patients, with AstraZeneca continuing to fund development costs. After the availability of topline data from a phase 2a study, Pieris has the option to co-develop the AstraZeneca Lead Product and also has a separate option to co-commercialize the AstraZeneca Lead Product in the United States. For the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, the Company will be responsible for the initial discovery of the novel Anticalin proteins, after which AstraZeneca will take the lead on continued development of the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products. The Company retained the option to co-develop two of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products beginning at a predefined preclinical stage and would also have the option to co-commercialize these two programs in the United States, while AstraZeneca will be responsible for development and commercialization of the other programs worldwide.

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The term of each of the AstraZeneca Agreements ends upon the expiration of all of AstraZeneca’s payment obligations under such agreement. The AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement may be terminated by AstraZeneca in its entirety for convenience beginning 12 months after its effective date upon 90 days’ notice or, if the Company has obtained marketing approval for the marketing and sale of a product, upon 180 days’ notice. Each program may be terminated at AstraZeneca’s option; if any program is terminated by AstraZeneca, the Company will have full rights to such program. The AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated by AstraZeneca or the Company for material breach upon 180 days’ notice of a material breach (or 30 days with respect to payment breach), provided that the applicable party has not cured such breach by the permitted cure period (including an additional 180 days if the breach is not susceptible to cure during the initial 180-day period) and dispute resolution procedures specified in the agreement have been followed. The AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency and may in certain instances be terminated on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis. Each party may also terminate an AstraZeneca Agreement if the other party challenges the validity of patents related to certain intellectual property licensed under such AstraZeneca Agreement, subject to certain exceptions for infringement suits, acquisitions and newly-acquired licenses. The AstraZeneca Platform License will terminate upon termination of the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis.

At inception, AstraZeneca is granted the following licenses: (i) research and development license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (ii) commercial license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iii) individual research licenses for each of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (iv) individual commercial licenses for each of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, and (v) individual non-exclusive platform technology licenses for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products. AstraZeneca will be granted individual development licenses for each of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products upon completion of the initial discovery of Anticalin proteins.

The collaboration will be managed on an overall basis by a Joint Steering Committee, or JSC, formed by an equal number of representatives from the Company and AstraZeneca. In addition to the JSC, the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement also requires each party to designate an alliance manager to facilitate communication and coordination of the parties’ activities under the agreement, and further requires participation of both parties on a joint development committee, or JDC, and a commercialization committee. The responsibilities of these committees vary, depending on the stage of development and commercialization of each product.

Under the AstraZeneca Agreements, the Company received an upfront, non-refundable payment of $45.0 million. In addition, the Company will receive payments to conduct a phase 1 clinical study for the AstraZeneca Lead Product. The Company is also eligible to receive research, development, commercial, sales milestone payments and royalty payments. The Company may receive tiered royalties on sales of potential products commercialized by AstraZeneca and for co-developed products, gross margin share on worldwide sales equal to the Company’s level of committed investment.

The Company determined that the AstraZeneca Agreements should be combined and evaluated as a single arrangement under ASC 606 as they were executed on the same date. The arrangement with AstraZeneca, including the impact of any modifications, provides for the transfer of the following goods and services: (i) five non-exclusive platform technology licenses, (ii) research and development license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iii) commercial license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iv) development and manufacturing services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product (or the phase 1 services), (v) technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (vi) research services related to the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (vii) participation on each of the committees, (viii) four research licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (ix) four commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (x) research services for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products and (xi) certain phase 2a services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product. Additionally, as the development licenses on the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products may be granted at a discount in the future, the Company determined such discounts should be assessed as material rights at inception.

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Lead Product at the inception of the arrangement should be combined with the research services related to the AstraZeneca Lead Product and that the licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products should be combined with the research services for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, as the licenses are not capable of being distinct. A third party would not be able to provide the research and development services, due to the specific nature of the intellectual property and knowledge required to perform the services, and AstraZeneca could not benefit from the licenses without the corresponding services. The Company also determined that each of the phase 1 services and the phase 2a services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product were distinct and that the participation on the various committees was also distinct, as all of the phase 1 services, phase 2a services and the committee services could be performed by an outside party. The Company determined that the commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products granted at the inception of the arrangement should be combined with the development licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products as the company would not benefit from the commercial license without the ability to develop each product.

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As a result, management concluded that there were 16 performance obligations: (i) combined performance obligation comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, research and development license, and commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and research services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (ii) combined performance obligation comprised of development and manufacturing services, and technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iii) committee participation, (iv-vii) four combined performance obligations each comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, research licenses, and research services for each AstraZeneca Collaboration Product, (viii-xi) four performance obligations comprised of a material right to acquire the development licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (xii-xv) four performance obligations comprised of the commercial licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products and (xvi) phase 2a services.

The Company allocated consideration to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The Company developed standalone selling prices for licenses and corresponding research services by applying a risk adjusted, net present value, estimate of future potential cash flow approach, which included the cost of obtaining research services at arm’s length from a third-party provider, as well as internal full-time equivalent costs to support these services. The Company developed its standalone selling price for development and manufacturing services and technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product using estimated internal and external costs to be incurred.

The Company developed its standalone selling price for committee participation by using management’s estimate of the anticipated participation hours multiplied by a market rate for comparable participants.

The Company developed its standalone selling price for the commercial licenses and material rights granted on the development licenses by probability weighting multiple cash flow scenarios using the income approach.

The transaction price was comprised of fixed consideration of $45.0 million in upfront fees and variable consideration of (i) $14.2 million in estimated phase 1 services, (ii) $12.5 million in milestone payments achieved upon the initiation of a phase 1 study in December 2017, and (iii) $4.7 million in estimated phase 2a services. The $45.0 million upfront fee, which represents the fixed consideration in the transaction price, was allocated to each of the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. Variable consideration of $14.2 million is related to the phase 1 services and will be allocated entirely to the performance obligation to which they relate. Variable consideration of $12.5 million related to the phase 1 trial milestone was allocated by relative selling price to the combined performance obligation comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, research and development license and commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and research services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, and the combined performance obligation comprised of development and manufacturing services and technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product performance obligations. Variable consideration of $4.7 million for phase 2a services was allocated specifically to the related performance obligation.

The amounts allocated to the license performance obligation for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the four performance obligations for the four research licenses for AstraZeneca Collaboration Products will be recognized on a proportional performance basis as the activities are conducted over the life of the arrangement. The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for phase 1 services, technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product will be recognized on a proportional performance basis over the estimated term of development through phase 2a study. The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for phase 2a services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product will be recognized on a proportionate performance basis over an estimated term of 12 months. The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for participation on each of the committees will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of development of the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products. The term of performance is approximately five years. The amounts allocated to the four performance obligations for the material rights to acquire a development license and the four performance obligations for commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products will be recognized upon exercise of the specific material right and delivery of each of the development licenses. As of September 30, 2022, there was $6.9 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations.

Additionally, the Company evaluated payments required to be made between both parties as a result of the shared development costs of the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the two AstraZeneca Collaboration Products for which the Company has a co-development option. The Company will classify payments made as a reduction of revenue and will classify payments received as revenue in the period they are earned.

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Under the AstraZeneca Agreements, the Company is eligible to receive various research, development, commercial and sales milestones. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that all research and development milestones, other than the phase 1 initiation milestone achieved in December 2017 and included in the impact of adoption of ASC 606, will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

On March 29, 2021, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into (1) Amendment No. 1 to the Non-exclusive Anticalin Platform License Agreement dated May 2, 2017, and (2) Amendment No. 2 to the License and Collaboration Agreement dated May 2, 2017, as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 dated September 14, 2020, collectively, the Amended Collaboration Agreement. Under the Amended Collaboration Agreement, the parties agreed to restructure certain commercial economics for the elarekibep program by increasing potential sales milestones and reducing potential sales royalties, while fundamentally maintaining the overall value split between AstraZeneca and the Company.

In connection with the Amended Collaboration Agreement, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into a subscription agreement, or the AstraZeneca Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to AstraZeneca, and AstraZeneca agreed to acquire from the Company, 3,584,230 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total purchase price of $10.0 million, or $2.79 per share, in a private placement transaction pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The AstraZeneca Subscription Agreement closed on April 1, 2021 and included a requirement that the Company file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares issued to AstraZeneca within 60 calendar days of the issuance of the shares. The Company assessed the payment under ASC 606 and concluded that the fair value of the shares on a per share basis was $2.60 per share as of the transaction date. This resulted in a premium paid for the shares of $0.7 million, which was added to the deferred revenue balance and will be recognized over time in line with our revenue recognition pattern for all remaining performance obligations.

Also in March 2021, the Company earned a $13.0 million milestone from AstraZeneca related to the initiation of the phase 2a study for elarekibep. The Company assessed the milestone payment under ASC 606 and determined that there no longer existed a constraint on the milestone as the performance obligation related to the phase 2a study was fully satisfied. Therefore, the Company realized the full $13.0 million as milestone revenue during the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

In January 2022, the Company and AstraZeneca jointly discontinued one discovery-stage program, as they were not able to validate an exploratory target. Approximately $4.7 million of revenue was recorded related to a material right performance obligation that ceased with the discontinuation of this program.

In August 2022, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into another amendment of the License and Collaboration Agreement dated May 2, 2017, and extended the research term for two discovery-stage programs through December 2023. Pieris retains co-development and U.S. co-commercialization options for both of those programs. As a result of this amendment, the Company and AstraZeneca jointly agreed to discontinue a second discovery-stage program. Approximately $5.0 million of revenue was recorded pursuant to a performance obligation related to transfer of a license that ceased with the discontinuation of this program.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $0.6 million and $6.3 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the AstraZeneca Agreements.

The Company incurred $1.6 million of third-party success fees to obtain the contract with AstraZeneca. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Company capitalized $1.1 million in accordance with ASC 340. As of September 30, 2022, the remaining balance of the asset recognized from transaction costs to obtain the AstraZeneca contract was $0.2 million. Amortization during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $0.2 million and de minimis, respectively. Amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $0.3 million and de minimis, respectively.

Servier

In 2017, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement, or Servier Collaboration Agreement, and a non-exclusive Anticalin platform license agreement, or Servier Platform License, and together with the Servier Collaboration Agreement, the Servier Agreements, with Les Laboratoires Servier and Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, or Servier, pursuant to which the Company and Servier agreed to initially pursue five bispecific therapeutic programs. The intention of the collaboration and defined programs was to combine antibodies from the Servier portfolio with one or more Anticalin proteins based on the Company’s proprietary platform to generate innovative IO bispecific drug candidates, or the Collaboration Products.

20

 

Each party is responsible for an agreed upon percentage of shared costs, as set forth in the budget for the collaboration plan, and as further discussed below.

Since inception, three of the five initially committed programs have been discontinued, including the initial lead. The Company does not presently intend to continue development of the three discontinued programs but retains full rights to advance the development and commercialization of those products on a world-wide basis in the future. The parties continue to advance the development of two programs. The Company is co-developing PRS-344/S095012, a 4-1BB/PD-L1 bispecific Mabcalin protein, and retains commercial rights in the United States. PRS-344/S095012, may be jointly developed, according to a collaboration plan, through marketing approval from the FDA or the European Medicines Agency. Servier has worldwide rights to PRS-352/S095025, a preclinical bispecific Mabcalin protein comprising an PD-L1-targeting antibody genetically fused to Anticalin proteins specific for OX40, and is responsible for further development of the Collaboration Product.

The Servier Agreements are managed on an overall basis by a joint executive committee, or JEC, formed by an equal number of members from the Company and Servier. Decisions by the JEC will be made by consensus; however, in the event of a disagreement, each party will have final decision-making authority as it relates to the applicable territory in which such party has commercialization rights for the applicable product. In addition to the JEC, the Servier Collaboration Agreement requires the participation of both parties on: (i) a JSC, (ii) a JDC, (iii) a joint intellectual property committee, or JIPC, and (iv) a joint research committee, or JRC. The responsibilities of these committees vary, depending on the stage of development and commercialization of the Collaboration Products.

Under the Servier Agreements, the Company received an upfront, non-refundable payment of €30.0 million (approximately $32.0 million). Additionally, the Company has achieved three developmental milestones under PRS-344/S095012 totaling €3.3 million (approximately $3.7 million) all of which became billable on their respective achievement dates.

The term of each Servier Agreement ends upon the expiration of all of Servier’s payment obligations under such Servier Agreement. The Servier Agreements may be terminated by Servier or the Company for material breach upon 90 days’ or 120 days’ notice under the Servier Collaboration Agreement and the Servier Platform License, respectively, provided that the applicable party has not cured such breach by the applicable 90-day or 120-day permitted cure period, and dispute resolution procedures specified in the applicable Servier Agreement have been followed. The Servier Agreements may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency or for a safety issue and may in certain instances be terminated on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis. The Servier Platform License will terminate upon termination of the Servier Collaboration Agreement, on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis.

As the Company and Servier are considered to be active participants in the Servier Agreements and are exposed to significant risks and rewards, certain units of account within the Servier Agreements are within the scope of ASC 808.

Upon signing the Servier Agreements, management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which goods and services were separate performance obligations. Of the initial 10 performance obligations identified at the inception of the Servier Agreements, only three are still ongoing as of September 30, 2022. The following performance obligations are the remaining active performance obligations that are within the scope of ASC 808:

• one performance obligation comprised of a combined non-exclusive platform technology license, research license and research and development services for PRS-344/S095012,

• one performance obligation comprised of participation in the various governance committees, and

• one performance obligation comprised of the development and commercial licenses granted for PRS-344/S095012 (and corresponding discounts) upon the achievement of specified preclinical activities, resulting in a material right.

Revenue recognized associated with these performance obligations are presented as Collaboration Revenue within the Statement of Operations.

The following performance obligation is within the scope of ASC 606: the development and commercial licenses granted for PRS-352/S095012 (and corresponding discounts) upon the achievement of specified preclinical activities, resulting in a material right. Revenue recognized associated with this performance obligation is presented as Customer Revenue within the Statement of Operations. The final revenue amount related to this performance obligation was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and thus the performance obligation is now considered complete.

The transaction price at inception is comprised of the fixed upfront fee of €30.0 million (approximately $32.0 million) and was allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices.

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The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for the research and development licenses for PRS-344/S095012 are being recognized on a proportional performance basis as the activities are conducted over the life of the arrangement. The term of the performance for PRS-344/S095012 is through approval of certain regulatory bodies; a period which could be many years. The amount allocated to the performance obligation for participation on each of the committees will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated performance period over the entirety of the arrangement with Servier. The amount allocated to the one remaining performance obligation for the material right to acquire development and commercial licenses for PRS-344/S095012 is granted in the future is being recognized over time upon delivery of the license through marketing approval. As of September 30, 2022, there was $4.8 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations under the Servier Agreements.

Additionally, the Company evaluated payments required to be made between both parties as a result of the shared development costs of the Initial Lead and Collaboration Products. The Company will classify payments made as a reduction of revenue and will classify payments received as revenue, in the period they are earned.

Under the Servier Agreements, the Company is eligible to receive various research, development, commercial and sales milestones as well as tiered royalties up to low double digits on the sales of commercialized products in the Servier territories. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company satisfied the performance obligation related to the material right for PRS-352/S095025, which led to point-in-time recognition of revenue for $4.9 million of revenue previously deferred.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $0.8 million and $3.9 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the Servier Agreements.

The Company incurred costs to obtain the contract with Servier. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Company capitalized $0.5 million of third-party service fees in accordance with ASC 340. As of September 30, 2022, there was no remaining balance of the asset recognized from costs to obtain the Servier contract. Amortization during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was de minimis, respectively. Amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were $0.1 million and de minimis, respectively.

Contract Balances

The Company receives payments from its collaboration partners based on payments established in each contract. Upfront payments and fees are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt or when due until such time as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under each arrangement. A contract asset is a conditional right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the Company has transferred to a customer. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the Company’s right is unconditional.

There were no additions to deferred revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. Reductions to deferred revenue were $5.3 million and $19.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

4.    Grant Income

One of the Company's proprietary respiratory assets is PRS-220, an oral inhaled Anticalin protein targeting connective tissue growth factor, or CTGF, and it is being developed as a local treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other forms of fibrotic lung diseases. In June 2021, the Company was selected to receive a €14.2 million (approximately $17.0 million as of June 2021) grant from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (the Bavarian Grant) supporting research and development for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) pulmonary fibrosis, or PASC-PF, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome pulmonary fibrosis, or “long COVID.”

The Bavarian Grant provides partial reimbursement for qualifying research and development activities on PRS-220, including drug manufacturing costs, activities and costs to support an IND filing, and phase 1 clinical trials costs. The Bavarian Grant provides reimbursement of qualifying costs incurred through August 2023, which follows the expected development timeline of this program. Qualifying costs incurred may exceed the annual grant funding thresholds. If the Company receives any proceeds from the sale of or licensing income from PRS-220, the funds available for reimbursement will be reduced proportionally if they are obtained prior to August 2023. The Company is required to communicate the amount of such proceeds to the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy in each case with the request to draw down the funds.

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5.    Cash, cash equivalents and investments

As of September 30, 2022, cash, cash equivalents and investments comprised funds in depository, money market accounts, U.S. treasury securities, asset-backed securities and corporate bonds. As of December 31, 2021, cash equivalents were comprised of only money market accounts. The following table presents the cash equivalents and investments carried at fair value in accordance with the hierarchy defined in Note 2 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2022
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	$	25,183	$	25,183	$	—	$	—
Investments - US treasuries		2,674		2,674		—		—
Investments - Foreign treasuries		894		894		—		—
Investments - Asset-backed securities		497		—		497		—
Investments - Corporate bonds		17,335		—		17,335		—
Total	$	46,583	$	28,751	$	17,832	$	—

	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2021
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	$	56,885	$	56,885	$	—	$	—
Total	$	56,885	$	56,885	$	—	$	—

Cash equivalents and marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. The Company validates the prices provided by its third-party pricing services by reviewing their pricing methods and obtaining market values from other pricing sources, as needed. After completing its validation procedures, the Company did not adjust any fair value measurements provided by the pricing services as of September 30, 2022.

Investments at September 30, 2022 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Contractual maturity
	(in days)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair Value
Investments
US treasuries	6-153	$	2,676	$	—	$	(2	)	$	2,674
Foreign treasuries	166		898		—		(4	)		894
Asset-backed securities	107		500		—		(3	)		497
Corporate bonds	1-251		17,244		126		(35	)		17,335
Total		$	21,318	$	126	$	(44	)	$	21,400

The Company recorded realized gains from the maturity of available-for-sale securities of $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and recorded no realized gains or losses from the maturity of available-for-sale securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2022, there were no investments with a fair value that was significantly lower than the amortized cost basis or any investments that had been in an unrealized loss position for a significant period.

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6.    Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,			December 31,
	2022			2021
Laboratory furniture and equipment	$	10,759		$	11,354
Office furniture and equipment		1,712			1,959
Computer equipment		348			396
Leasehold improvements		11,397			13,130
Property and equipment, cost		24,216			26,839
Accumulated depreciation		(8,319	)		(7,717	)
Property and equipment, net	$	15,897		$	19,122

7.    Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30,		December 31,
	2022		2021
Research and development fees	$	5,036	$	5,682
Compensation expense		3,248		3,581
Accrued license obligations		131		1,541
Accrued accounts payable		1,560		2,980
Lease liabilities		826		1,049
Other current liabilities		581		393
Collaboration cost-sharing obligation		—		1,610
Total	$	11,382	$	16,836

8.    Net Loss per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net income loss by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock and if-converted methods. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, preferred stock, stock options and warrants are considered to be common stock equivalents but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive for all periods presented. Therefore, basic and diluted net loss per share were the same for all periods presented.

As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, and as calculated using the treasury stock method, approximately 38.8 million and 36.7 million of weighted average shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding as their effect was antidilutive.

9.    Stockholders’ Equity

The Company had 300,000,000 shares authorized and 74,406,253 and 72,222,661 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, with a par value of $0.001 per share.

The Company had 10,000,000 shares authorized and 15,617 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Preferred stock has a par value of $0.001 per share, and consists of the following:

• Series A Convertible, 85 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series B Convertible, 4,026 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series C Convertible, 3,506 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series D Convertible, 3,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series E Convertible, 5,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

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2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan

At the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company's stockholders approved the 2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan permits the Company to issue up to 3,500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2020 Plan. Upon approval of the 2020 Plan, the 2019 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2019 Plan, was terminated; all unissued options were canceled and no additional awards will be made thereunder. All outstanding awards under the 2019 Plan will remain in effect and any awards forfeited from the outstanding awards will be allocated back into the 2020 Plan. There were approximately 1,579,678 shares remaining and available for grant under the 2019 Plan that terminated upon original approval of the 2020 Plan.

At the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on June 25, 2021, the Company’s stockholders approved the first amendment to the 2020 Plan to add 2,250,000 shares for issuance under the 2020 Plan. At the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 22, 2022, the Company’s stockholders approved a second amendment to the 2020 Plan to add 3,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2020 Plan.

Series E Preferred Stock Conversion

On May 20, 2021, the Company and certain entities affiliated with Biotechnology Value Fund, or BVF, entered into an exchange agreement pursuant to which, BVF exchanged an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by BVF for an aggregate of 5,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock. The Company designated 5,000 shares of its authorized and unissued preferred stock as Series E Preferred Stock and filed a Certificate of Designation of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or the Series E Certificate of Designation, with the Nevada Secretary of State.

Open Market Sales Agreements

In August 2021, the Company established an ATM offering program, or the ATM Program, under a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of gross sales proceeds of $50.0 million. The ATM Program is offered under a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was filed with and declared effective by the SEC in August 2021.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company sold 2.1 million shares for gross proceeds of $7.2 million under the ATM program at an average stock price of $3.46.

10.    Leases

In August 2015, the Company entered into a sublease to lease approximately 3,950 square feet of office space in Boston, Massachusetts. In July 2021, the Company extended the lease for this office space for an additional 10 months through December 31, 2022, and the Company does not expect to extend the lease beyond expiration.

In October 2018, Pieris GmbH entered into a new lease for office and laboratory space located in Hallbergmoos, Germany, or the Hallbergmoos Lease. Under the Hallbergmoos Lease, which commenced in February 2020 and provides an initial rental term of 12.5 years, Pieris GmbH rents approximately 105,000 square feet. An additional approximately 22,300 square feet is expected to be delivered by the lessor by October 2024. Pieris GmbH has a first right of refusal to lease an additional approximate 13,400 square feet, and an option to extend the Hallbergmoos Lease for two additional 60-month periods. The Company is not reasonably certain to exercise the option to extend the lease expiration beyond its current expiration date. Pieris GmbH may sublease space within the leased property with lessor’s consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld.

Monthly base rent for the initial 105,000 square feet of the leased property, including parking spaces, will total approximately $0.2 million per month. In addition to the base rent, Pieris GmbH is also responsible for certain administrative and operational costs in accordance with the Hallbergmoos Lease. Pieris GmbH provided a security deposit of $0.8 million as required by the Hallbergmoos Lease. The Company will serve as a guarantor for the Hallbergmoos Lease.

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The Hallbergmoos Lease included $11.5 million of tenant improvements allowance for normal tenant improvements, for which construction began in March 2019. The Company capitalized the leasehold incentives which are included in Property and equipment, net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term. The lease incentive allowance was also factored in as a reduction to the right-of-use asset upon the adoption of ASC 842.

The following table summarizes operating lease costs included in operating expenses (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
Operating lease costs	$	314	$	370	$	943	$	1,126
Variable lease costs (1)		148		198		446		562
Total lease cost	$	462	$	568	$	1,389	$	1,688

(1) Variable lease costs include certain additional charges for operating costs, including insurance, maintenance, taxes, utilities, and other costs incurred, which are billed based on both usage and as a percentage of the Company’s share of total square footage.

The following table summarizes the weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate:

	As of September 30, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)		9.8
Weighted-average discount rate		10.5	%

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities were $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities were $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2022, the maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities and future minimum lease payments were as follows (in thousands):

	Total
2022	$	545
2023		1,934
2024		1,934
2025		1,934
2026		1,934
Thereafter		10,797
Total undiscounted lease payments		19,078
Less: present value adjustment		(6,861	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	12,217

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The interim financial statements and this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2022. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, “our Company”, “the Company”, “Pieris”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have registered trademarks for Pieris, Anticalin, and others. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners. Use or display by us of other parties’ trademarks, trade dress or products is not intended to and does not imply a relationship with, or endorsements or sponsorship of, us by the trademark or trade dress owner.

Overview

We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company that discovers and develops Anticalin-based drugs to target validated disease pathways in unique and transformative ways. Our clinical pipeline includes inhaled Anticalin proteins and IO bispecifics. Proprietary to us, Anticalin proteins are a novel class of therapeutics validated in the clinic and through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Our core Anticalin technology and platform were developed in Germany, and we have collaborations with major multi-national pharmaceutical companies. In particular, we have alliances with AstraZeneca and Genentech to treat respiratory diseases, with Genentech also in ophthalmology and with Servier, Seagen, and Boston Pharmaceuticals in IO. Our discovery and development programs are in varying stages and include:

• Elarekibep, our lead respiratory program partnered with AstraZeneca for the treatment of asthma, is a drug candidate that antagonizes IL-4Rα, thereby inhibiting the downstream action of IL-4 and IL-13, two cytokines known to be key mediators in the inflammatory cascade that drive the pathogenesis of asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

◦ Elarekibep was tested in a nebulized formulation and an IV arm for pharmacokinetic, or PK, assessment in 54 healthy volunteers at nominal dose levels ranging from 0.25 mg to 400 mg in a phase 1 single-ascending dose, or SAD, study. Data from that study were presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in May 2019 showing that elarekibep was well-tolerated when given as single inhaled or intravenous doses to healthy volunteers and there was systemic target engagement (as measured by pSTAT6 inhibition). Elarekibep was also tested in a phase 1 multiple-ascending dose, or MAD, study in 30 patients that were randomized to receive delivered doses via nebulizer ranging from 2 mg to 60 mg (5 mg to 150 mg nominal dose) twice daily for nine consecutive days and one final dose on the 10th day, and 12 patients were randomized to receive placebo at the same intervals. We presented interim data from the elarekibep phase 1 MAD study at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in October 2019 and reported that elarekibep was well-tolerated at all doses, led to a statistically significant reduction in FeNO, a validated biomarker for eosinophilic airway inflammation, and showed dose-dependent systemic target engagement in patients with mild asthma and elevated levels of FeNO (≥ 35ppb).

◦ The phase 2a asthma study is ongoing at multiple sites globally. This phase 2a study is a two-part, multi-center, placebo-controlled clinical study of elarekibep that will evaluate elarekibep at up to three dose levels using a dry powder formulation administered twice daily. In part 1a (1 mg and 3 mg dose safety) of the study, 31 asthma patients, controlled on standard of care (medium dose inhaled corticosteroids, or ICS, with long-acting beta agonists, or LABA), received elarekibep twice daily over four weeks to establish the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of the dry powder formulation of elarekibep. A safety review following completion of part 1a included an evaluation, compared to placebo, of the incidence of adverse events, changes in laboratory markers (immuno-biomarkers, clinical chemistry, and hematology), and forced expiratory volume in one second, or FEV1. Following the safety review, AstraZeneca began enrollment of part 2a (1 mg and 3 mg dose efficacy) of the study to evaluate efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of elarekibep administered twice daily to asthma patients, uncontrolled on medium dose ICS with LABA, that have a blood eosinophil count of ≥ 150 cells/μL and FeNO ≥ 25 ppb in the 1 mg and 3 mg arms and a placebo arm. Following a four-week run-in period, patients will be dosed and monitored over four weeks. FEV1 improvement at four weeks compared to placebo will be the primary endpoint in this portion of the study. Also following the safety review, AstraZeneca initiated part 1b (10 mg dose safety) of the study to evaluate the safety of the 10 mg dose in asthma patients controlled on standard of care who will receive elarekibep twice daily over four weeks, and has completed enrollment in part 1b. In the second quarter of 2022, AstraZeneca conducted a reforecast of the study, which has taken into account the global challenges of recruiting for respiratory clinical trials caused by the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is broadening enrollment criteria in part 2 (previously referenced as part 2a) of the study to facilitate recruitment of the study. AstraZeneca also now plans to focus part 2 on the 3 mg cohort for the efficacy readout and plans to stop enrollment for the 1 mg cohort. AstraZeneca also no longer plans to enroll the 10 mg cohort for the efficacy readout (previously referenced as part 2b).   Topline results from part 2 of this study are expected to be reported by the third quarter of 2023.

◦ Upon receipt of the topline data and notice from AstraZeneca, including a product development plan and budget, we will have 30 days to opt into co-development of the program with AstraZeneca at one of two levels, neither of which includes an option exercise fee. If we do not choose to participate in co-development, we would still be entitled to sales royalties from single-digit up to the mid-teens, plus the potential for more than $1 billion in sales milestones. At the first opt-in level, we would be responsible for 25% of the cost-share through regulatory approval with a predetermined cost cap. At this level, for the lifetime of this product, we would receive sales royalties from single-digit up to the high teens, plus the potential for multi-billion dollar sales milestones. The second opt-in level would be at a 50% cost share without a cost cap which, instead of sales royalties and milestones, would result in a gross margin share in the mid-twenty percent range for the lifetime of the product. We also have a separate option to co-commercialize elarekibep with AstraZeneca in the United States independent of the co-development opt-in decision.

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• Four discovery-stage respiratory programs were originally included in the AstraZeneca alliance beyond elarekibep, the targets and disease areas of which are undisclosed. In January 2022, Pieris and AstraZeneca jointly discontinued one of the four discovery-stage programs in the collaboration beyond elarekibep, for which an exploratory target was not able to be validated. In August 2022, we entered into an amendment of the License and Collaboration Agreement and extended the research term for two of the then remaining three discovery-stage programs. Pieris retains co-development and U.S. co-commercialization options for both of those programs.

• Our lead fully proprietary respiratory asset, PRS-220, an oral inhaled Anticalin protein targeting connective tissue growth factor, or CTGF, is being developed as a local treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, and other forms of fibrotic lung disease. CTGF, a matricellular protein, is a driver of fibrotic tissue remodeling and the protein has been found over-expressed in lung tissue from patients suffering from IPF. Clinical data from a Phase 2 study with pamrevlumab conducted by Fibrogen indicated that inhibition of CTGF reduced the decline in lung function in patients, thus demonstrating clinical Proof of Concept for this target.

◦ In 2021, we received a €14.2 million grant from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy supporting research and development of the program for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) pulmonary fibrosis, or PASC-PF, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome pulmonary fibrosis, or “long COVID”.

◦ We presented initial preclinical data for PRS-220 at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2021 demonstrating a more potent and durable target engagement profile compared to a clinical-stage, systemically delivered anti-CTGF antibody benchmark. Additionally, the targeting of CTGF locally in the lung showed increased attenuation of fibrotic lung remodeling in vivo compared to the systemically delivered antibody. This outcome correlates with superior lung tissue exposure of PRS-220 compared to that of the systemically administered antibody in head-to-head studies, where intratracheally administered PRS-220 efficiently penetrates the fibrotic, interstitial lung tissue of mice.

◦ We recently dosed the first subject in the phase 1 study of PRS-220 in healthy volunteers in Australia. We expect to report the outcome of the study in 2023.

• In May 2021, we also entered into a multi-program research collaboration and license agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to discover, develop and commercialize locally delivered respiratory and ophthalmology therapies. We are currently conducting joint discovery activities in each of the two committed programs.

• PRS-400 is a fully proprietary Anticalin protein targeting Jagged-1 and is being developed as a local treatment for muco-obstructive lung diseases. Jagged-1 is one of five cell surface ligands interacting with Notch receptors. It has been demonstrated that Jagged-1/Notch signaling drives secretory cell trans-differentiation in the airways and that blocking Jagged-1/Notch signaling reduces secretory cell number, mucin expression and mucus plugging in vivo. In August 2022, we presented preclinical data at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2022 indicating that candidate molecules inhibit Jagged-1-induced Notch 2 signaling in a dose-dependent manner and also demonstrate that PRS-400 reduces mucin expression ex vivo. Additionally, PRS-400 was found in vivo to reduce mucin gene expression and goblet cells in mice with IL-13-induced airway inflammation. These findings suggest that PRS-400 represents a promising opportunity to address muco-obstructive respiratory diseases locally with an attractive therapeutic index.

• Cinrebafusp alfa is a bispecific Mabcalin compound comprising a HER2-targeting antibody genetically linked to 4-1BB-targeting Anticalin proteins. Cinrebafusp alfa is designed to drive tumor localized T cell activation through tumor-targeted drug clustering mediated by HER2 expressed on tumor cells. This program was the first 4-1BB bispecific T cell co-stimulatory agonist to enter clinical development.

◦ In August 2022 we announced the decision to cease further enrollment in the two-arm, multicenter, open-label phase 2 study of cinrebafusp alfa as part of a strategic pipeline prioritization to focus our resources. Cinrebafusp alfa has demonstrated clinical benefit in phase 1 studies, including single agent activity in a monotherapy setting, and in the phase 2 study in HER2-expressing gastric cancer, giving the Company confidence in its broader 4-1BB franchise.

• PRS-344/S095012 is a bispecific Mabcalin compound comprising a PD-L1-targeting antibody genetically linked to 4-1BB-targeting Anticalin proteins. PRS-344/S095012 is being developed as part of our IO collaboration with Servier.

◦ The first patient in phase 1/2 study of PRS-344/S095012 was dosed in November 2021 and the study is being conducted in multiple countries, including the United States.

◦ The first-in-human phase 1/2 multicenter open-label dose escalation study is designed to determine the safety and preliminary activity of PRS-344/S095012 in patients with advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors. We plan to present the escalation data at a medical meeting in 2023.

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◦ Pieris and Servier presented preclinical data and the phase 1/2 study design at the American Association for Cancer Research, or AACR, medical meeting in April 2022.

◦ We expect to initiate the expansion cohorts in a select number of jointly vetted indications in 2023.

• Our IO portfolio also includes additional drug candidates beyond PRS-344/S095012 that are multi-specific Anticalin-based fusion proteins designed to engage immunomodulatory targets, comprising a variety of multifunctional biotherapeutics. Other IO drug candidates are being developed as part of our collaborations with Servier, Seagen, and Boston Pharmaceuticals.

◦ Servier has obtained in vivo proof of concept for PRS-352/S095025, a bispecific Mabcalin compound comprising an PD-L1-targeting antibody genetically fused to Anticalin proteins specific for OX40, triggering an undisclosed milestone payment to Pieris in 2021. Servier is continuing development of PRS-352/S095025, for which the companies recently presented preclinical data at the AACR Annual Meeting 2022. PRS-352/S095025 has demonstrated superior potency to the combination of OX40 and PD-L1 therapy benchmarks in different in vitro assays, inhibits the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with comparable potency to anti-PD-L1 benchmark antibodies, stimulates human CD4+ T cells, drives T cell stimulation in ex vivo cynomolgus monkey assays, and demonstrated an antibody-like PK profile in vivo.

◦ We have already handed one of the programs in the Seagen collaboration, PRS-346/SGN-BB228, a 4-1BB/CD228 bispecific Mabcalin compound, over to Seagen, who is responsible for further advancement and funding of the asset. The IND for this program has recently been accepted and Seagen plans to initiate a phase 1 study for this program in the coming months. Additionally, Seagen will present preclinical data for this program at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 37^th Annual Meeting. The program is one of three programs in the Seagen alliance, and we believe the previous achievement of a key development milestone for this program validates our approach and leadership in IO bispecifics, complementing the encouraging clinical data seen with cinrebafusp alfa. During the third quarter of 2021, we initiated the second program within the collaboration with Seagen. We retain a co-promotion option for one program in the Seagen collaboration in the United States.

◦ PRS-342/BOS-342 is a 4-1BB/GPC3 bispecific Mabcalin compound that we have exclusively licensed to Boston Pharmaceuticals. Boston Pharmaceuticals continues to advance PRS-342/BOS-342 towards the clinic, with phase 1 expected to begin in the first half of 2023.

Since inception, we have devoted nearly all of our efforts and resources to our research and development activities and have incurred significant net losses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we reported net losses of $9.7 million and $25.2 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we reported net losses of $16.5 million and $36.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $282.3 million. We expect to continue incurring substantial losses for the next several years as we continue to develop our clinical and preclinical drug candidates and programs. Our operating expenses are comprised of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses.

We have not generated any revenues from product sales to date and we do not expect to generate revenues from product sales for the foreseeable future. Our revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were from license and collaboration agreements with our partners.

A significant portion of our operations are conducted in countries other than the United States. Since we conduct our business in U.S. dollars, our main exposure, if any, results from changes in the exchange rates between the euro and the U.S. dollar. At each period end, we remeasure assets and liabilities to the functional currency of that entity (for example, U.S. dollar payables recorded by Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH). Remeasurement gains and losses are recorded in the statement of operations line item “Other income (expense), net.” All assets and liabilities denominated in euros are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average rate during the period. Equity transactions are translated using historical exchange rates. All adjustments resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Key Financial Terms and Metrics

The following discussion summarizes the key factors our management believes are necessary for an understanding of our consolidated financial statements.

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Revenues

We have not generated any revenues from product sales to date and we do not expect to generate revenues from product sales for the foreseeable future. Our revenues for the last two years have been primarily from the license and collaboration agreements with our partners.

The revenues from our partners have been comprised primarily of upfront payments, research and development services and milestone payments. For additional information about our revenue recognition policy, see “Note 2— Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

Research and Development Expenses

The process of researching and developing drugs for human use is lengthy, unpredictable and subject to many risks. We expect to continue incurring substantial expenses for the next several years as we continue to develop our clinical and preclinical drug candidates and programs. We are unable, with any certainty, to estimate either the costs or the timelines in which those expenses will be incurred. Our current development plans focus on the following programs: our lead respiratory program, elarekibep and our other respiratory programs, our IO programs, as well as multiple additional proprietary and partnered programs, including PRS-344/S095012. These programs consume a large proportion of our current, as well as projected, resources.

Our research and development costs include costs that are directly attributable to the creation of certain of our Anticalin protein based drug candidates and are comprised of:

• internal recurring costs, such as personnel-related costs (salaries, employee benefits, equity compensation and other costs), materials and supplies, facilities and maintenance costs attributable to research and development functions; and

• fees paid to external parties who provide us with contract services, such as preclinical testing, manufacturing and related testing and clinical trial activities.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, equity compensation and other personnel-related costs associated with executive, administrative and other support staff. Other significant general and administrative expenses include the costs associated with professional fees for accounting, auditing, insurance costs, consulting and legal services along with facility and maintenance costs attributable to general and administrative functions.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021

The following table sets forth our revenues and operating expenses (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022			2021			2022			2021
Revenues	$	5,370		$	4,057		$	20,056		$	22,975
Research and development expenses		13,589			18,937			39,602			51,299
General and administrative expenses		3,949			4,132			12,409			12,508
Total operating expenses		17,538			23,069			52,011			63,807
Other (expense) income
Interest income		241			4			370			10
Grant income		1,468			1,794			4,782			2,590
Other income		723			678			1,628			2,026
Net loss	$	(9,736	)	$	(16,536	)	$	(25,175	)	$	(36,206	)

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Revenues

The following table provides a comparison of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		Increase/(Decrease)
Customer revenue	$	5,112	$	2,783	$	2,329
Collaboration revenue		258		1,274		(1,016	)
Total Revenue	$	5,370	$	4,057		1,313

• The $2.3 million increase in customer revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 is driven by acceleration of revenue related to a performance obligation for the license of an early-stage program under the AstraZeneca collaboration that ceased with the discontinuation of this program (approximately $5.0 million), partially offset by lower AstraZeneca collaboration reimbursable revenue and lower milestone revenue on the Servier collaboration given a prior year achievement.

• The $1.0 million decrease in collaboration revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 is due to higher collaboration revenue recorded under the Servier collaboration in prior year period due to increased activities managed by Servier for the phase 1 study which offset our revenue generating activities.

The following table provides a comparison of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		Increase/(Decrease)
Customer revenue	$	19,760	$	20,189	$	(429	)
Collaboration revenue		296		2,786		(2,490	)
Total Revenue	$	20,056	$	22,975		(2,919	)

• The $0.4 million decrease in customer revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 is a combination of offsetting items. In the current period, higher amounts of revenue were recorded due to the discontinuation of two early-stage programs under the AstraZeneca collaboration (approximately $9.2 million), completion of the performance obligation related to the material right for PRS-352 (approximately $4.9 million) and completion of the performance obligation related to the expiration of the target swap for the second program under the Seagen collaboration (approximately $1.5 million) as well as program progress on the Seagen and Genentech collaborations. In the prior period revenue primarily consisted of a phase 2a milestone ($13.0 million) recognized for elarekibep under the AstraZeneca collaboration and higher reimbursable costs for AstraZeneca and Servier.

• The $2.5 million decrease in collaboration revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 relates to an updated estimate of project completion for PRS-344/S095012 under the Servier collaboration, leading to lower revenue recognized in the current period along with increased activities managed by Servier for the phase 1 study which offset our revenue generating activities.

Research and Development Expenses

The following table provides a comparison of the research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		Increase/(Decrease)
Respiratory	$	2,976	$	4,313	$	(1,337	)
Immuno-oncology		4,183		7,940		(3,757	)
Other R&D activities		6,430		6,684		(254	)
Total	$	13,589	$	18,937		(5,348	)

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• The $1.3 million decrease in our respiratory programs for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 is due to lower program costs for elarekibep as work related to the phase 1 trial was largely complete in 2021, as well as lower manufacturing costs for PRS-220, partially offset by higher preclinical and clinical costs for PRS-220 and higher pre-clinical costs for discovery-stage programs in the current period.

• The $3.8 million decrease in our IO programs for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 is due primarily to a decrease in overall costs for cinrebafusp alfa, decreased manufacturing costs for PRS-344/S095012 and lower preclinical costs for other discovery stage work.

• The $0.3 million decrease in other research and development activities expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 is due primarily to lower license fees professional services and facilities allocation offset partially by higher personnel costs due to higher headcount and slightly higher travel costs.

The following table provides a comparison of the research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		Increase/(Decrease)
Respiratory	$	7,109	$	12,946	$	(5,837	)
Immuno-oncology		11,632		18,360		(6,728	)
Other R&D activities		20,861		19,993		868
Total	$	39,602	$	51,299		(11,697	)

• The $5.8 million decrease in our respiratory programs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 is due to lower program costs for elarekibep as work related to the phase 1 trial was largely complete in 2021, lower manufacturing costs for PRS-220 and lower license fees in 2022, partially offset by higher clinical costs for PRS-220.

• The $6.7 million decrease in our IO programs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 is due primarily to a decrease in overall costs for cinrebafusp alfa, decreased manufacturing costs for PRS-344/S095012 and PRS-342, partially offset by higher clinical costs for PRS-344/S095012 and slightly higher pre-clinical costs for discovery stage programs.

• The $0.9 million increase in other research and development activities expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 is due primarily to higher personnel costs due to higher headcount, partially offset by slightly by lower overall license fees and lower external consulting expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The slight period-over-period decrease was driven primarily by lower personnel and legal costs, partially offset by higher professional services and travel costs.

General and administrative expenses were $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $12.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The slight period-over-period decrease was driven primarily by lower personnel costs, facilities and IT costs, legal, and audit and tax costs, partially offset by higher professional services and travel costs.

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Other Income (Expense)

Our other income (expense) was $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. This period over period decrease was primarily due to slightly lower grant income recorded for PRS-220, partially offset by interest income on investments in the current year as well as a strengthening US dollar.

Our other income (expense) was $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. This period over period increase was primarily due to three quarters of grant income recorded for PRS-220 in the current period as compared to two quarters in the same period in the prior year, interest income on investments in the current year as well as a strengthening US dollar, partially offset by higher foreign exchange realized losses in the current year as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We are subject to risks common to companies in the biotechnology industry, including but not limited to, the need for additional capital, risks of failure of preclinical studies and clinical trials, the need to obtain marketing approval and reimbursement for any drug product candidate that we may identify and develop, the need to successfully commercialize and gain market acceptance of our product candidates, dependence on key personnel, protection of proprietary technology, compliance with government regulations, development of technological innovations by competitors, reliance on third-party manufacturers and the ability to transition from pilot-scale production to large-scale manufacturing of products.

Through September 30, 2022, we have funded our operations primarily through private and public sales of equity, payments received under our license and collaboration agreements (including research and development services costs, upfront and milestone payments), government grants and loans.

As of September 30, 2022, we had a total of $69.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments. We have incurred losses in every period since inception, including the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and have a total accumulated deficit of $282.3 million as of September 30, 2022.

We have several research and development programs underway in varying stages of development, and we expect they will continue to require increasing amounts of cash for development, conducting clinical trials and testing and manufacturing of product material. We expect cash necessary to fund operations will increase significantly over the next several years as we continue to conduct these activities necessary to pursue governmental regulatory approval of clinical-stage programs and our other product candidates.

The following table provides a summary of operating, investing and financing cash flows (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022			2021
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(46,999	)	$	3,284
Net cash (used in) investing activities		(22,343	)		(607	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		7,121			54,226

Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $47.0 million compared to net cash provided by operations of $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Cash used in the current period is impacted by lower deferred revenue, primarily driven by higher revenue recognized for AstraZeneca, Servier and Seagen out of the deferred balance, lower accounts payable and accrued expenses and higher prepaid expenses, offset partially by lower accounts receivables. This compares to the impact of higher deferred revenue, primarily driven by the new collaboration agreements with Boston Pharmaceuticals and Genentech and higher accounts payable and accrued expenses, offset partially by higher accounts receivables and prepaid expenses in the prior period.

Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $22.3 million as compared to $0.6 million for the same period in 2021. The change in net cash used is solely attributable to the impact of net investments changes (purchase of investments as a result of rising interest rates in 2022) for which there is no activity in the comparable prior year period.

Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $7.1 million as compared to $54.2 million for the same period in 2021. The decrease in the current period compared to the prior period is driven by significantly lower sales under the ATM program in the current period as well as two separate private placement equity transactions with our partners, Seagen and AstraZeneca in 2021, which resulted in net proceeds of $18.9 million in the prior period.

33

In August 2021, we established the ATM Program under a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of gross sales proceeds of $50.0 million. The ATM Program is offered under a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was filed with and declared effective by the SEC in August 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we sold 2.1 million shares for gross proceeds of $7.2 million under the ATM program at an average stock price of $3.46.

Our future success is dependent on our ability to identify and develop our product candidates, expand our corporate infrastructure and, ultimately, upon our ability to attain profitable operations. We have devoted substantially all of our financial resources and efforts to research and development and general and administrative expenses to support such research and development. We have several research and development programs underway in varying stages of development, and we expect that these programs will continue to require increasing amounts of cash for development, conducting clinical trials and testing and manufacturing of product material. Cash necessary to fund operations will increase significantly over the next several years as we continue to conduct these activities necessary to pursue governmental regulatory approval of clinical-stage programs and other product candidates.

Any requirements for additional capital will depend on many factors, including the following:

• the scope, rate of progress, results and cost of our clinical studies, preclinical testing and other related activities;

• the cost of manufacturing clinical supplies, and establishing commercial supplies, of our drug candidates and any products that we may develop;

• the number and characteristics of drug candidates that we pursue;

• the cost, timing and outcomes of regulatory approvals;

• the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;

• the terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing and other arrangements that we may establish;

• the timing, receipt and amount of sales, profit sharing or royalties, if any, from our potential products;

• the cost of preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

• the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions; and

• the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost and timing of actions taken to contain it.

In addition, any unfavorable development or delay in the progress of our core clinical-stage programs including elarekibep, PRS-344/S095012 and PRS-220 could have a material adverse impact on our ability to raise additional capital.

We plan to raise additional capital to fulfill our operating and capital requirements through public or private equity financings, utilization of our ATM Program, strategic collaborations, licensing arrangements and/or the achievement of milestones under our collaborative agreements. The funding requirements of our operating plans, however, are based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties and may change as a result of many factors currently unknown. Although we continue to pursue these funding plans, there is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining sufficient funding on terms acceptable to us to fund continuing operations, if at all. Until such time as we can generate substantial product revenues, if ever, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships, licensing arrangements and government grants. The terms of any future financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of our existing stockholders.

We believe that our currently available funds will be sufficient to fund our operations through at least the next 12 months from the issuance of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our belief with respect to our ability to fund operations is based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties. If actual results are different from our estimates, we may need to seek additional funding. If we are unable to obtain additional funding on acceptable terms when needed, we may be required to defer or limit some or all of our research, development and/or clinical projects, or may reduce discretionary expenditures such as additional headcount, new R&D projects, and other variable costs to alleviate the substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules.

34

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Refer to Part II, Item 7, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2021 for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates.

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that several accounting policies are important to understanding our historical and future performance. We refer to these policies as critical because these specific areas generally require us to make judgments and estimates about matters that are uncertain at the time we make the estimate, and different estimates—which also would have been reasonable—could have been used. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those described in greater detail below. We base our estimates on historical experience and other market-specific or other relevant assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe that our most critical accounting policies are those relating to revenue recognition, contingencies, research and development expense and income taxes, and there have not been significant changes to our accounting policies discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2021. 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

We review new accounting standards to determine the expected financial impact, if any, that the adoption of each standard will have. For the recently issued accounting standards that we believe may have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, see “Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our consolidated financial statements.

Smaller Reporting Company Status

Currently, we qualify as a smaller reporting company.

As a smaller reporting company, we are eligible for, and have taken advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are not available to public reporting companies that do not qualify for this classification, including, but not limited to:

• An opportunity for reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic and annual reports, including without limitation exemption from the requirement to provide a compensation discussion and analysis describing compensation practices and procedures.

• An opportunity for reduced financial statement disclosure in registration statements, which must include two years of audited financial statements rather than the three years of audited financial statements that are required for other public reporting companies.

• An opportunity for reduced audit and other compliance expenses as we are not subject to the requirement to obtain an auditor’s report on internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

• An opportunity to continue utilizing the non-accelerated filer time-line requirements, which became applicable to us at the time of filing of our annual report for the year ending December 31, 2021.

For as long as we continue to be a smaller reporting company, we expect that we will take advantage of both the reduced internal control audit requirements and the disclosure obligations available to us as a result of this classification.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item.

35

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, based on such evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2022.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation of such internal control required by Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

36

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are not party to and our property is not subject to any material pending legal proceedings. However, from time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings or subject to claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business activities. Regardless of the outcome, such legal proceedings or claims could have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Please refer to the complete Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2022 for risks and uncertainties facing the Company that may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business prospects, financial condition and results of operations. There have been no material changes in the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description		Incorporated by Reference herein from Form or Schedule	Filing Date	SEC File / Registration Number
10.1	Separation Agreement by and between Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Tim Demuth, M.D., dated as of August 4, 2022.	#+*
10.2	Amendment No. 5, dated August 1, 2022, to the License and Collaboration Agreement, dated May 2, 2017, by and between Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and AstraZeneca AB.	+*
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	*

37

Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description		Incorporated by Reference herein from Form or Schedule	Filing Date	SEC File / Registration Number
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	*
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	**
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	**
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 Document	*
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	*
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	*
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	*
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	*
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)	*
*	Filed herewith.
**	The certifications furnished in Exhibit 32.1 and Exhibit 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Quarterly Report and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
#	Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.
+	Portions of the exhibit are omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv). Copies of the unredacted exhibit will be furnished to the SEC upon request.

38

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
November 4, 2022	By:	/s/ Stephen S. Yoder
		Stephen S. Yoder
		Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Principal Executive Officer)
November 4, 2022	By:	/s/ Thomas Bures
		Thomas Bures
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

39

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

Aufhebungsvertrag zwischen Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstraße 3, 85399 Hallbergmoos -         nachfolgend der „Arbeitgeber“ - und Herrn Dr. Tim Demuth, -         nachfolgend der „Mitarbeiter“ - - Arbeitgeberin und Mitarbeiter nachfolgend auch die „Parteien“, jeder gesondert auch die „Partei“ -	Separation Agreement between Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Zeppelinstraße 3, 85399 Hallbergmoos -         hereinafter the “Employer” - and Dr. Tim Demuth, -         hereinafter the “Employee“ - - Employer and Employee collectively hereinafter the “Parties“, each of them also as the “Party” -
Präambel Der Mitarbeiter ist seit dem 01. August 2021 auf der Basis des am 31. Mai 2021 geschlossenen Arbeitsvertrages (nachfolgend einschließlich sämtlicher etwaiger Zusatz- und Ergänzungsvereinbarungen zusammen der „Arbeitsvertrag“) als Chief Medical Officer für den Arbeitgeber tätig.	Preamble The Employee has been working for the Employer as Chief Medical Officer since August 01, 2021, on the basis of the employment contract concluded on May 31, 2021, (including all possible additional agreements and amendment agreements collectively hereinafter the “Employment Contract”).
Aufgrund einer Umstrukturierung im Bereich der Abteilung Clinical Development und zur Vermeidung einer ansonsten auszusprechenden betriebsbedingten Kündigung beabsichtigen die Parteien, das zwischen ihnen bestehende Arbeitsverhältnis einvernehmlich unter Beachtung der zu Grunde zu legenden Kündigungsfrist zu beenden.	Due to restructuring in the Clinical Development department and in order to avoid a termination for operational reasons which would otherwise have to be pronounced, the Parties intend to terminate the employment relationship existing between them by mutual agreement in compliance with the applicable notice period.
Dies vorausgeschickt, vereinbaren die Parteien was folgt:	Therefore, the Parties agree as follows:

1

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

	§ 1 Beendigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses	Sec. 1 Termination of Employment
1.	Die Parteien sind sich darüber einig, dass das Arbeitsverhältnis der Parteien einvernehmlich mit Ablauf des 30. September 2022 (nachfolgend der „Beendigungstermin“) sein Ende findet.	1.	Parties agree that the employment shall amicably end effective September 30, 2022 (hereinafter the “Termination Date”).
2.	Bis zum Beendigungstermin wird das Arbeitsverhältnis ordnungsgemäß abgerechnet. Der Arbeitgeber ist verpflichtet, dem Mitarbeiter bis dahin sein monatliches Festgehalt in Höhe von EUR 29.458,33 brutto zu zahlen. Darüber hinaus wird der Arbeitgeber bis zum Beendigungstermin die Beiträge zur betrieblichen Altersversorgung gemäß § 3 Abs. 7 des Arbeitsvertrages entsprechend der bisherigen Handhabung entrichten.	2.	Until Termination Date, the employment will be duly settled. The Employer shall pay the Employee his monthly gross fixed salary in the amount of EUR 29,458.33. In addition, the Employer will pay the contributions to the company pension scheme pursuant to § 3 para 7 of the Employment Contract until Termination Date in accordance with previous practice.
3.	Der Mitarbeiter hat Anspruch auf einen zeitanteiligen Bonus für das Geschäftsjahr 2022 nach § 3 Abs. 3 des Arbeitsvertrages in Höhe von 106.050,00 EUR brutto für die Monate Januar – September 2022. Die Auszahlung ist mit der letzten Gehaltszahlung im September 2022 fällig.	3.	The employee is entitled to a pro rata temporis bonus pursuant to Sec. 3 para. 3 of the Employment Contract for the months January – September of the business year 2022 in the amount of 106,050.00 EUR gross. It shall be paid with the final payroll in September 2022.
4.	Aus Anlass der Beendigung des zwischen den Parteien bestehenden Arbeitsverhältnisses erhält der Mitarbeiter in entsprechender Anwendung der §§ 9, 10 KSchG eine mit der letzten Gehaltsabrechnung fällige Abfindung in Höhe von EUR 265.125 (in Worten: Euro zweihundertfünfundsechzigtausendeinhundertfünfundzwanzig) brutto, abzugsfrei in den gesetzlichen Grenzen.	4.	Due to the termination of the employment existing between the Parties, the Employee shall be granted a severance payment in application mutatis mutandis of Sec. 9, 10 of the German Employment Protection Act in the amount of EUR 265.125 (in words: Euro two-hundred-sixty-five thousand one-hundred-twenty-five) gross, less applicable withholdings.
5.	Weitere Vergütungsbestandteile sind über die in § 1 Abs. 2 und 3 geregelten Vergütungsbestanteile hinaus ausdrücklich nicht geschuldet.	5.	In addition to the components of the remuneration set forth in this Sec. 1 para. 2 and 3 no further compensation is owed.
6.	Die Parteien sind sich darüber einig, dass das Arbeitsverhältnis bis einschließlich 31. Juli 2022 bereits vollständig und ordnungsgemäß abgerechnet worden ist und dass die Vergütungsansprüche des Mitarbeiters vollständig zur Auszahlung gekommen sind.	6.	Parties agree that the employment was completely and duly settled until and including the month of July 2022 and that all remuneration of the Employee has been duly and completely paid out until then.

2

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

	§ 2 Freistellung		Sec. 2 Release from Work
1.	Der Mitarbeiter wird ab dem 31. August 2022 bis zur Beendigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses unter Fortzahlung der Vergütung gemäß § 1 Abs. 2 sowie unter Anrechnung auf Urlaubsansprüche und etwaige sonstige Freizeitausgleichsansprüche, bspw. aus Arbeitszeitguthaben, unwiderruflich von der Verpflichtung zur Arbeitsleistung freigestellt. Der (Rest-)Urlaubsanspruch wird dabei zu Beginn der Freistellungsphase gewährt. Im Anschluss erfolgt die Freistellung unter Anrechnung auf mögliche positive Zeitguthaben. Urlaubsansprüche und etwaige Zeitguthaben sind damit erledigt. Im Anschluss an die Gewährung des Urlaubs und den Verbrauch etwaiger Zeitguthaben findet die Vorschrift des § 615 Satz 2 BGB Anwendung. Der Mitarbeiter ist daher verpflichtet, im Fall der Erzielung anderweitigen Erwerbs hierüber und über dessen Höhe dem Arbeitgeber unverzüglich Auskunft zu erteilen. Auf Verlangen sind die Angaben zu belegen.	1.	From August 31, 2022, until Termination Date, the Employee shall be released irrevocably from his contractual duties upon payment of his contractual remuneration pursuant to Sec. 1 para. 2, however, while offsetting possibly existing entitlements to vacation and any other existing free time compensation claims, such as claims resulting from working time credits. The (remaining) vacation entitlement is granted at the beginning of the release phase. Subsequently, the release from work is credited against possible positive time credits. Vacation entitlements and any time credits are therefore settled. Following the granting of vacation and the use of any time credits, the provision of Sec. 615 cl. 2 BGB applies. The Employee is therefore obliged to inform the Employer immediately if he obtains other revenue and to inform the Employer of the amount of such revenue. The information must be substantiated upon request.
2.	Während der Zeit der Freistellung bleibt das Abwerbe- und Wettbewerbsverbot sowie die Verpflichtungen zur Ausübung einer Nebentätigkeit gemäß § 7 des Arbeitsvertrages bestehen.	2.	During the term of garden leave, the non-competition and non-solicitation covenant as well as the obligations to side-line activities pursuant to § 7 of the Employment Contract shall continue to be in force.
	§ 3 Rückgabeverpflichtung		Sec. 3 Obligation to return Property
1.	Der Mitarbeiter verpflichtet sich, bis zu seiner Freistellung an den Arbeitgeber an dessen Betriebssitz und innerhalb der üblichen Betriebszeiten, jedoch nach vorheriger Terminabsprache mit Herrn [***], sämtliche ihm während der Dauer des Arbeitsvertrages und im Zusammenhang mit dem zwischen den Parteien bestehenden Arbeitsverhältnis übergebenen Gegenstände (z.B. Firmenkreditkarte, Handbücher, Schlüssel, elektronische Daten, Dokumente, etc.) herauszugeben. Hierzu zählen insbesondere auch sämtliche Unterlagen (insbesondere Skizzen, Korrespondenz, Vermerke, Notizen), die dem Arbeitgeber gehören oder die der Arbeitnehmer von Dritten für den Arbeitgeber erhalten hat und/oder die im Zusammenhang mit der Tätigkeit des Arbeitnehmers für den Arbeitgeber entstanden sind. Der Arbeitnehmer verpflichtet sich, keine Kopien oder Abschriften der Unterlagen oder diesbezügliche elektronische Daten zu behalten. Auf Wunsch des Arbeitgebers wird der Arbeitnehmer die Vollständigkeit der Rückgabe schriftlich gegenüber dem Arbeitgeber versichern. Hiervon ausgenommen ist allerdings der dem Mitarbeiter zur Verfügung gestellte Laptop. Dieser ist dem Arbeitgeber zunächst unverzüglich nach erfolgter Freistellung zur Löschung sämtlicher Daten mit dienstlicher Relevanz zurückzugeben. Anschließend wird er dem Mitarbeiter zum Beendigungstermin wieder übergeben und ihm das Eigentum daran übertragen. Gleiches gilt im Hinblick auf das dem Mitarbeiter zur dienstlichen Nutzung überlassene iPad mit der Besonderheit, dass der Mitarbeiter dieses noch bis zum Beendigungstermin gemäß der bisherigen Handhabung nutzen kann und dem Arbeitgeber erst dann unverzüglich zur Datenlöschung zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Ein etwaiger geldwerter Vorteil ist von dem Mitarbeiter zu tragen. Ferner stimmt der Arbeitgeber der Mitnahme der Mobilfunknummer zu. Er wird die hierzu erforderlichen Erklärungen abgeben.	1.	The Employee shall return to the Employer until his release all items provided to him during the employment by the Employer (for example company credit cards, manuals, keys, electronic data, documents, etc.) at the Employer's place of business and during customary business hours, however, after prior scheduling of dates with [***]. This includes in particular all documents (especially drafts, correspondence, notes, memos) which belong to the Employer or which the Employee has received from third parties for the Employer and/or which have arisen in connection with the Employee's work for the Employer. The Employee undertakes not to keep any copies or transcripts of the documents or electronic data relating thereto. Upon request of the Employer, the Employee shall confirm in writing the completeness of the returned company property. However, this does not apply to the laptop provided to the Employee. This must first be returned to the Employer immediately after the release from work so that the Employer can delete all data relevant to the employment relationship. On Termination Date, it shall then be returned to the Employee and become his property. The same applies to the iPad given to the Employee for business use with the special feature that the Employee can still use it until Termination Date in accordance with the previous handling and only then is it made available to the Employer for data deletion without undue delay. Any pecuniary advantage shall be at the expense of the Employee. Furthermore, the Employer agrees to the mobile phone number being taken along. The Employer shall make the necessary declarations in this regard.

3

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

2.	Der Mitarbeiter wird dem Arbeitgeber bis zu seiner Freistellung eine Aufstellung aller Passwörter, Schreibschutzcodes oder ähnlicher Zugangscodes, die er auf den von ihm selbst genutzten PCs des Arbeitgebers verwendet hat, zur Verfügung stellen und von diesen anschließend keinen Gebrauch mehr machen.	2.	Until his release, the Employee will provide the Employer with a list of all passwords, write-protection codes or similar access codes that he has used on the employer's PCs used by himself and will not make use of them thereafter.
3.	Der Mitarbeiter ist verpflichtet, alle auf privat genutzten Computern gespeicherten Daten und Programme, die ihm im Hinblick auf seine Tätigkeit nach dem Arbeitsvertrag überlassen bzw. wegen dieser Tätigkeit gespeichert wurden, dem Arbeitgeber bis zu ihrer Freistellung auf Datenträger kopiert zur Verfügung zu stellen und anschließend auf den betreffenden Computern unwiederbringlich zu löschen.	3.	The Employee is obliged to provide the Employer with copies of all data and programs stored on privately used computers, which have been made available to him with regard to his activities under the Employment Contract or which have been stored because of these activities, on data carriers until he is released from work and then to irretrievably delete them from the respective computers.
4.	Dem Mitarbeiter steht kein Zurückbehaltungsrecht im Hinblick auf die Verpflichtungen nach diesem § 3 zu.	4.	The Employee is not entitled to any right of retention with regard to the obligations pursuant to this Sec. 3.
	§ 4 Geheimhaltung		Sec. 4 Confidentiality
1.	Bis zum Beendigungstermin bleibt die Verschwiegenheitsverpflichtung nach § 9 des Arbeitsvertrages unberührt.	1.	Until Termination Date, the confidentiality covenant according to Sec. 9 of the Employment Contract shall remain unaffected.
2.	Die Verschwiegenheitsverpflichtung gilt auch nach dem Beendigungstermin fort. Soweit der Mitarbeiter durch die nachvertraglichen Verschwiegenheitspflichten in seinem beruflichen Fortkommen unangemessen behindert wird, kann er von dem Arbeitgeber die Freistellung von dieser Pflicht verlangen.	2.	The confidentiality obligation continues to apply after Termination Date. If the Employee is unreasonably hindered in his professional advancement by the post-contractual duties of confidentiality, he can demand release from this obligation from the Employer.
3.	Zu den geheim zu haltenden Geschäftsgeheimnissen zählen insbesondere, aber nicht ausschließlich, die folgenden: ●         Geschäftsstrategien ●         wirtschaftliche Planungen ●         Preiskalkulationen und -gestaltungen ●         Wettbewerbsmarktanalysen ●         Umsatz- und Absatzzahlen ●         Personaldaten ●         Personalrestrukturierungskonzepte ●         Produktspezifikationen ●         Erfindungen, technische Verfahren und Abläufe, die nicht öffentlich bekannt sind und einen wirtschaftlichen Wert für das Unternehmen darstellen ●         Kundendaten ●         Lieferantendaten ●         Passwörter, Zugangskennungen.	3.	In particular, but not exclusively, the following business secrets are to be kept secret: ●         Business strategies ●         Economic planning ●         Pricing calculations and pricing policies ●         Analysis on competitive market ●         Turnover and sales figures ●         Employee data ●         Workforce restructuring plans ●         Product specifications ●         Inventions, technical procedures and methods that are not publicly known and have an economic value for the company ●         Client data ●         Supplier data ●         Passwords, Access codes

4

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

4.	Auch über die Verhandlungen bzgl. dieses Aufhebungsvertrages, insbesondere über den finalen Inhalt, ist der Mitarbeiter gegenüber Kollegen, Kunden und Geschäftspartnern des Arbeitgebers zu Stillschweigen verpflichtet, soweit er nicht zur Auskunft gesetzlich verpflichtet ist. Die Verpflichtung zur Verschwiegenheit erstreckt auch auf sämtliche mit dem Arbeitgeber im Sinne von § 15 AktG verbundenen Unternehmen.	4.	The Employee is also obligated to maintain confidentiality with regard to the negotiations concerning this Separation Agreement, in particular with regard to the final content, vis-à-vis colleagues, customers and business partners of the Employer, unless the Employee is legally obligated to provide information. The obligation to maintain confidentiality shall also extend to all companies affiliated with the Employer within the meaning of Sec. 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG).
	§ 5 Zeugnis		Sec. 5 Reference Letter
	Der Mitarbeiter erhält nach Beendigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses ein qualifiziertes, wohlwollendes Zeugnis mit der Note „sehr gut“, das sich auf Leistung und Führung der Mitarbeiter erstreckt. Hierfür wird der Mitarbeiter zusammen mit seinem Vorgesetzten im Vorfeld eine Liste seiner erbrachten wesentlichen Tätigkeiten erstellen.		Upon termination of the employment, the Employee shall be furnished with a qualified, benevolent reference letter which refers to performance and conduct of the Employee, including an overall “sehr gut” rating. For this purpose, the Employee is to prepare a list of his main activities in advance in cooperation with his supervisor.
	§ 6 Meldung Agentur für Arbeit		Sec. 6 Notification of Employment Agency
	Der Mitarbeiter wird darauf hingewiesen, dass der Abschluss des Aufhebungsvertrags zu sozialversicherungsrechtlichen Nachteilen führen kann, insbesondere beim Bezug von Arbeitslosengeld (Sperrzeit/Ruhen des Anspruchs). Abschließende rechtsverbindliche Auskünfte sind den jeweiligen Sozialversicherungsträgern vorbehalten (Bundesagentur für Arbeit u. a.). Zur Aufrechterhaltung ungekürzter Ansprüche auf Arbeitslosengeld ist der Mitarbeiter nach § 38 SGB III verpflichtet, sich spätestens drei Monate vor Beendigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses bei der Agentur für Arbeit persönlich als arbeitsuchend zu melden. Liegen zwischen der Kenntnis des Beendigungszeitpunkts und der Beendigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses weniger als drei Monate, hat die Meldung innerhalb von drei Tagen nach Kenntnis des Beendigungszeitpunktes zu erfolgen. Der Mitarbeiter wird zudem darauf hingewiesen, dass er eigene Aktivitäten bei der Suche nach einer anderen Beschäftigung entfalten muss.		The Employee is informed that the conclusion of the Separation Agreement may lead to disadvantages under social security law, in particular with regard to the receipt of unemployment benefits (blocking period/suspension of entitlement). Final legally binding information is provided by the respective social insurance institutions (Federal Employment Agency, etc.). In order to maintain unreduced entitlement to unemployment benefits, the Employee is obliged under Sec. 38 SGB III to register personally with the Employment Agency as seeking work no later than three months before termination of the employment relationship. If there are less than three months between the date of knowledge of the termination and the termination of the employment relationship, the notification must be made within three days of knowledge of the termination date. The Employee is also informed that he must develop own activities in the search for other employment.

5

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

	§ 7 Abgeltung		Sec. 7 Settlement
	Mit Erfüllung der Verpflichtungen nach diesem Aufhebungsvertrag sind sämtliche finanziellen Ansprüche der Parteien aus dem Arbeitsverhältnis, gleichgültig ob bekannt, oder unbekannt, aus welchem Rechtsgrund und unabhängig vom Entstehungszeitpunkt, gegeneinander abgegolten und erledigt. Dies gilt auch im Hinblick auf den Urlaubsanspruch des Mitarbeiters, der vollständig in natura gewährt wurde, sowie im Hinblick auf etwaige sonstige Ansprüche auf Freizeitausgleich. Im Übrigen gilt § 2 Abs. 1. Der Mitarbeiter verzichtet hiermit im Wege eines echten Vertrages zugunsten Dritter auf die Geltendmachung sämtlicher etwaigen Ansprüche gegen verbundene Unternehmen. Hiervon ausgenommen sind lediglich etwaige Ansprüche des Mitarbeiters nach dem Optionsprogramm der Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Durch die einvernehmliche Aufhebung des Arbeitsverhältnisses ist der Mitarbeiter nicht verpflichtet, den geleisteten Sign-on Bonus nach § 3 Abs. 2 des Arbeitsvertrages zurückzuzahlen.		Upon fulfillment of the obligations under this Separation Agreement, all financial claims of the Parties in relation to the employment, irrespective of whether known or unknown, the legal ground and the time of accruement, shall be deemed settled and satisfied. This also applies with regard to the Employee's vacation entitlement, which was granted in full in kind, and with regard to any other free time compensation claims. Other than that, Sec. 2 para. 1 above shall apply. The Employee hereby waives by means of a real contract for the benefit of a third party the assertion of any and all possible claims against affiliated companies. However, possible entitlements of the Employee under the option pool of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. shall be excluded herefrom. Due to the mutual termination of the employment, the Employee shall not be obliged to reimburse the Employer for the rendered Sign-on Bonus pursuant to § 3 para 2 of the Employment Contract.
	§ 8 Schlussbestimmungen		Sec. 8 Final Provisions
1.	Sofern Abweichungen zwischen der deutschen und der englischen Fassung dieses Aufhebungsvertrages bestehen, ist die deutsche Fassung maßgeblich.	1.	In case of discrepancies between the German and the English version of this Separation Agreement, only the German version shall be applicable.
2.	Dieser Vertrag gibt die Vereinbarung zwischen den Parteien vollständig und inhaltlich zutreffend wieder. Schriftliche oder mündliche Nebenabreden bestehen nicht.	2.	This Agreement reflects the agreement between the Parties in full and accurately in terms of content. There are no written or oral collateral agreements.
3.	Änderungen und Ergänzungen dieses Aufhebungsvertrages bedürfen zu ihrer Wirksamkeit der Schriftform. Dies gilt auch für eine Änderung oder Aufhebung dieser Schriftformklausel. Hiervon ausgenommen sind lediglich Individualabreden nach § 305b BGB.	3.	Amendments and supplements to this Separation Agreement must be done in writing in order to be effective. The same shall apply to a possible waiver of the written form requirement. Only individual agreements according to Sec. 305b of the German Civil Code shall be excluded herefrom.
4.	Sollten einzelne Bestimmungen dieses Aufhebungsvertrages ganz oder teilweise unwirksam oder undurchführbar sein oder werden, so wird die Wirksamkeit der übrigen Bestimmungen dieses Vertrages hiervon nicht berührt. Anstelle der unwirksamen oder undurchführbaren Bestimmung vereinbaren die Parteien eine solche Regelung, die in rechtlich zulässiger Weise dem von den Vertragsparteien mit der unwirksamen oder undurchführbaren Bestimmung verfolgten wirtschaftlichen Zweck möglichst nahe kommt. Entsprechendes gilt für den Fall, dass dieser Vertrag Lücken enthalten sollte.	4.	Should individual provisions of this Separation Agreement be or become invalid, in whole or in part, the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. The Parties shall agree on such regulation instead of the invalid or unenforceable provision, which comes closest to the commercial purpose pursued by the Parties with the invalid or unenforceable provision in a legally permissible manner. The same shall apply in case this Employment Contract should contain gaps.

6

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH

vertreten durch die Geschäftsführer Stephen S. Yoder und Hitto Kaufmann           

Ort, Datum / Location, Date:

Hallbergmoos, August 4, 2022

/s/ Stephen Yoder_____________________

(Unterschrift/ Signature)

Dr. Tim Demuth (Mitarbeiter/ Employee)

Ort, Datum/ Location, Date:

    August 4, 2022

/s/ Tim Demuth__________________________

(Unterschrift/Signature)

7

EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

AMENDMENT NO. 5

This Amendment No. 5 (the “Amendment”) to the License and Collaboration Agreement dated May 2, 2017, as amended, (the “Agreement”), is made by and between:

(1) ASTRAZENECA AB, a company incorporated in Sweden under no. 556011-7482 with its registered office at SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden and principal offices at SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden (“AstraZeneca”); and

(2) PIERIS PHARMACEUTICAL, INC. (“Pieris US”), a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Nevada having a principal place of business at 255 State Street, 9^th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS GMBH (“Pieris Germany”), a company existing under the laws of Germany having a principal place of business at Zeppelinstrasse 3, Hallbergmoos 85399, Germany, PIERIS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. (“Pieris Australia”), a company existing under the laws of Australia with its registered address at Level 16, 77 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (Pieris US, Pieris Germany, and Pieris Australia are collectively referred to as “Pieris”),

and is made effective as of 1 August, 2022 (the “Amendment Effective Date”).

Recitals         

WHEREAS, for this purpose the Parties desire to amend and restate certain terms and conditions of the Agreement.

Agreement

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Amendment, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1.    Definitions

Any capitalized term not separately defined in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Agreement.

2.    Amendments

2.1    The Parties hereby extend the Collaboration Term until December 31st, 2023.

2.2    The Parties have agreed that Pieris may continue to conduct Research activities and bear all costs associated with identifying Anticalin-based ligands against the [***] CoDev Target (“[***]”). Pieris shall continue to update the Joint Steering Committee (“JSC”) and Joint Development Committee (“JDC”) (collectively, “Joint Governance”) regarding [***] until [***] (Pieris [***]), but the Joint Governance shall not have any decision-making authority with respect to the progression of [***] unless and until AstraZeneca resumes its obligations with respect to [***] as set forth in Section 2.4 of this Amendment. For clarity, costs for [***] as of [***] (inclusive) shall no longer be included in the [***] cap of maximum spend for Collaboration Product Development Costs through Lead Candidate stage for Pieris set forth in Section 4.4.4 (the “Cap”) unless and until AstraZeneca resumes its obligations with respect to [***] as set forth in Section 2.4 of this Amendment.

2.3    AstraZeneca is hereby relieved of any and all obligations with respect to [***] under the Agreement (including any Research or Development activities and related costs) and AstraZeneca shall be deemed in full compliance with any and all commercially reasonable efforts it may have related to [***] during the time period from the Amendment Effective Date until AstraZeneca resumes its obligations with respect to [***] as set forth in Section 2.4 of this Amendment.

2.4    Upon written notice to Pieris at any time prior to or at the achievement of [***] (Pieris [***]) as set forth in Section 2.5, AstraZeneca may resume all obligations under the Agreement with respect to [***], whereafter Pieris’ Costs associated with Research and Development of [***]until [***] is achieved in accordance with Section 4.4.3.1 of the Agreement shall be reimbursed in full by AstraZeneca [***] (including FTE costs at the FTE Rate). In such a case for forward-looking activities, the cost-sharing structure as agreed upon for [***] under Section 2.7 of this Amendment shall also apply to [***].

2.5    Pieris shall provide written notice of the achievement of Pieris’ [***] or its decision to discontinue development of [***], (in each case determined at Pieris’ sole discretion), and shall share all available data to support achievement of Pieris [***] (or in the case of discontinuation, Pieris shall share all available data to date) and a summary of related FTE costs and out of pocket costs. AstraZeneca may provide written notice that it will resume its obligations with respect to [***] as set forth in Section 2.4 within [***] days after receipt of all available data.

2.6    To the extent that AstraZeneca does not provide written notice of its intent to resume its obligations with respect to [***] under Section 2.5 of this Amendment within the applicable timeframes, [***] shall be deemed to have been terminated from the Agreement with the consequences set forth in Section 14.3.1 of the Agreement.

2.7    The Parties have agreed that any Pieris Costs for Research directed to [***] until [***], prior and after the Amendment Effective Date, shall count towards the Cap.

2.8    Should no [***] have been identified for [***] before Pieris has expended the Cap, the Parties have agreed to the following cost-sharing structure for the period up until [***] is achieved:

(a) Any Costs for Research directed to the [***] shall be discussed and agreed within the JSC. Any such Costs to be reimbursed by AstraZeneca shall be approved by AstraZeneca in writing prior to any Research being initiated.

(b) Within [***] days after the end of each Calendar Quarter, Pieris will provide AstraZeneca with a detailed, itemized invoice of agreed Costs actually incurred by Pieris in its performance of the Research directed to the [***] during such Calendar Quarter and AstraZeneca shall pay undisputed invoices within [***] days of the receipt of each invoice.

2

(c) AstraZeneca may request additional supporting documentation evidencing that such costs have been incurred and Pieris shall provide such information promptly if requested. Should there be a dispute as to whether such Costs have been incurred, the matter shall be addressed under the dispute resolution provisions in Section 15.1.

2.9    To the extent that AstraZeneca wishes to further Research, Develop, Manufacture or Commercialize [***] as a [***] beyond the Collaboration Term, then the Parties shall negotiate in good faith a commercially reasonable additional fee for access to the [***] technology, including a license to the corresponding Intellectual Property Rights. Absent such agreement, AstraZeneca shall not continue the Research, Development, Manufacture, or Commercialization of any [***] as part of the [***] program after the conclusion of the Collaboration Term. For clarity, this paragraph shall not be interpreted to affect any right or obligation either Party may have during the Collaboration Term under, or arising from, the Agreement.

3. Modifications

3.1 Section 1.109 (FTE Rate) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following:

“1.109         “FTE Rate” means, unless otherwise agreed between the Parties, a rate per FTE equal [***] per annum (which may be prorated on a daily or hourly basis as necessary).”

4. Amendment Effective Date

This Amendment shall become effective on the Amendment Effective Date.

5. Entire Agreement

This Amendment, together with the Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of the Agreement. The Agreement together with this Amendment supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter of the Agreement, as amended. Each Party confirms that it is not relying on any representations, warranties, or covenants of the Party except as specifically set out in the Agreement as amended. Nothing in this Amendment is intended to limit or exclude any liability or fraud. The Parties hereby agree that subject to the modifications specifically stated in this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

[Remainder of page intentionally blank. Signatures follow.]

3

Execution

THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED by the authorized representatives of the Parties as of the Amendment Effective Date.

ASTRAZENECA AB (publ.)	PIERIS PHARMACEUTICAL, INC.
Signature:         __/s/ Maria Belvisi_____  Name:         _Maria Belvisi_________     Title: SVP & Head of Research & Early Respiratory & Immunology	Signature:         __/s/ Stephen Yoder___ Name:            ___ Stephen Yoder___ Title:             _CEO & President____

PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS GmbH.

Signature:         __/s/ Stephen Yoder___

Name:              ____ Stephen Yoder___

Title:                Managing Director______

PIERIS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.

Signature:         __/s/ Stephen Yoder___

Name:         ___ Stephen Yoder___

Title:         __Director__________

4

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS UNDER

SECTION 302 OF 

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Stephen S. Yoder, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:  November 4, 2022

/s/ Stephen S. Yoder
Stephen S. Yoder
Title:	Chief Executive Officer and President (principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS UNDER

SECTION 302 OF 

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Thomas Bures, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: November 4, 2022

/s/ Thomas Bures
Thomas Bures
Title:	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 906

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that:

(i) the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2022 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 4, 2022	/s/ Stephen S. Yoder
	Stephen S. Yoder
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer and President
		(principal executive officer)

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 906

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that:

(i) the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the fiscal quarter ended September30, 2022 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 4, 2022	/s/ Thomas Bures
	Thomas Bures
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

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Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Nov. 01, 2022
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0001583648
Entity Registrant Name	PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-37471
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Tax Identification Number	30-0784346
Entity Address, Address Line One	255 State Street, 9th Floor
Entity Address, City or Town	Boston
Entity Address, State or Province	MA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	02109
City Area Code	857
Local Phone Number	246-8998
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
Trading Symbol	PIRS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		74,406,253

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,423	$ 117,764
Short term investments	21,400	0
Accounts receivable	829	3,313
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,908	6,548
Total current assets	78,560	127,625
Property and equipment, net	15,897	19,122
Operating lease right-of-use assets	3,399	3,909
Other non-current assets	1,307	2,904
Total assets	99,163	153,560
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,641	8,609
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	11,382	16,836
Deferred revenues, current portion	18,498	25,116
Total current liabilities	33,521	50,561
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	18,484	38,403
Operating lease liabilities	11,391	13,841
Total liabilities	63,396	102,805
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	74	72
Additional paid-in capital	317,488	306,998
Accumulated other comprehensive income	524	829
Accumulated deficit	(282,319)	(257,144)
Total stockholders’ equity	35,767	50,755
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 99,163	$ 153,560

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue
Customer revenue	$ 5,112	$ 2,783	$ 19,760	$ 20,189
Collaboration revenue	258	1,274	296	2,786
Total revenue	5,370	4,057	20,056	22,975
Operating expenses
Research and development	13,589	18,937	39,602	51,299
General and administrative	3,949	4,132	12,409	12,508
Total operating expenses	17,538	23,069	52,011	63,807
Loss from operations	(12,168)	(19,012)	(31,955)	(40,832)
Other income (expense)
Interest income	241	4	370	10
Grant income	1,468	1,794	4,782	2,590
Other income	723	678	1,628	2,026
Net loss	(9,736)	(16,536)	(25,175)	(36,206)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	(31)	382	(387)	911
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(70)	0	82	0
Comprehensive loss	$ (9,837)	$ (16,154)	$ (25,480)	$ (35,295)
Net loss per share
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.13)	$ (0.24)	$ (0.34)	$ (0.58)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic and diluted (in shares)	74,397	67,730	74,080	62,019

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	At the Market Offering [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	At the Market Offering [Member] Common Stock [Member]	At the Market Offering [Member] Receivables from Stockholder [Member]	At the Market Offering [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	At the Market Offering [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	At the Market Offering [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	At the Market Offering [Member]	Private Placement [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Private Placement [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Private Placement [Member] Receivables from Stockholder [Member]	Private Placement [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Private Placement [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Private Placement [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	Private Placement [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Receivables from Stockholder [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Receivables from Stockholder [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	Conversion of Preferred Stock [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Receivables from Stockholder [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	Conversion of Series E Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Receivables from Stockholder [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020																																				14	56,003
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020																																				$ 0	$ 56	$ 0	$ 242,672	$ (295)	$ (211,406)	$ 31,027
Net loss																																				0	0	0	0	0	(36,206)	(36,206)
Foreign currency translation adjustment																																				0	0	0	0	911	0	911
Stock based compensation expense																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	3,895	0	0	3,895
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options (in shares)																																				0	412
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	858	0	0	858
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	7,558						0	7,290
Issuance of common stock	$ 0	$ 8	$ (1,814)	$ 35,328	$ 0	$ 0	$ 33,522	$ 0	$ 8	$ 0	$ 18,905	$ 0	$ 0	$ 18,913
Issuance of common stock resulting from purchase of employee stock purchase plan shares (in shares)																																				0	40
Issuance of common stock resulting from purchase of employee stock purchase plan shares																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	96	0	0	96
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of warrants (in shares)																																				0	1,391
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of warrants																																				$ 0	$ 1	0	836	0	0	837
Issuance of common stock resulting from conversion of stock (in shares)																						(4)								(5,000)
Issuance of common stock resulting from conversion of stock																						$ 0	$ 4	$ 0	$ (4)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (5)	$ 0	$ 5	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)																							3,812						5
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021																																				16	71,505
Balance at Sep. 30, 2021																																				$ 0	$ 72	(1,814)	302,591	616	(247,612)	53,853
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021																																				16	66,679
Balance at Jun. 30, 2021																																				$ 0	$ 67	0	277,496	234	(231,076)	46,721
Net loss																																				0	0	0	0	0	(16,536)	(16,536)
Foreign currency translation adjustment																																				0	0	0	0	382	0	382
Stock based compensation expense																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	1,370	0	0	1,370
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options (in shares)																																				0	272
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	566	0	0	566
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	4,554
Issuance of common stock	$ 0	$ 5	(1,814)	23,159	0	0	21,350
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021																																				16	71,505
Balance at Sep. 30, 2021																																				$ 0	$ 72	(1,814)	302,591	616	(247,612)	53,853
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021																																				16	72,222
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021																																				$ 0	$ 72	0	306,998	829	(257,144)	50,755
Net loss																																				0	0	0	0	0	(25,175)	(25,175)
Foreign currency translation adjustment																																				0	0	0	0	(387)	0	(387)
Stock based compensation expense																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	3,453	0	0	3,453
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options (in shares)																																				0	46
Issuance of common stock resulting from exercise of stock options																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	95	0	0	95
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	2,069
Issuance of common stock	$ 0	$ 2	0	6,838	0	0	6,840
Unrealized loss on investments															$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 82	$ 0	$ 82
Issuance of common stock resulting from purchase of employee stock purchase plan shares (in shares)																																				0	69
Issuance of common stock resulting from purchase of employee stock purchase plan shares																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	104	0	0	104
Issuance of common stock resulting from conversion of stock (in shares)																0
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)															0
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022																																				16	74,406
Balance at Sep. 30, 2022																																				$ 0	$ 74	0	317,488	524	(282,319)	35,767
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2022																																				16	74,257
Balance at Jun. 30, 2022																																				$ 0	$ 74	0	316,249	625	(272,583)	44,365
Net loss																																				0	0	0	0	0	(9,736)	(9,736)
Foreign currency translation adjustment																																				0	0	0	0	(31)	0	(31)
Stock based compensation expense																																				0	0	0	974	0	0	974
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	0	0
Issuance of common stock																																				$ 0	$ 0	0	265	0	0	265
Unrealized loss on investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (70)	$ 0	$ (70)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022																																				16	74,406
Balance at Sep. 30, 2022																																				$ 0	$ 74	$ 0	$ 317,488	$ 524	$ (282,319)	$ 35,767

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
At the Market Offering [Member]
Stock issuance costs		$ 0.3	$ 1.2
Private Placement [Member]
Stock issuance costs			$ 0.1
Stock issuance costs	$ 0.8

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Operating activities:
Net loss	$ (25,175)	$ (36,206)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,195	1,850
Right-of-use asset (accretion) amortization	0	(70)
Stock-based compensation	3,453	3,895
Realized investment gains	(299)	0
Other non-cash transactions	216	26
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(27,389)	33,789
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(46,999)	3,284
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,052)	(607)
Proceeds from maturity of investments	21,900	0
Purchases of investments	(43,191)	0
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(22,343)	(607)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	95	858
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	0	837
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	104	96
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from private placement, net of issuance costs	0	18,913
Proceeds from issuance of common stock resulting from ATM sales, net of $0.3 million in transaction costs	6,922	33,522
Net cash provided by financing activities	7,121	54,226
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents	(7,120)	(2,287)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(69,341)	54,616
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	117,764	70,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	48,423	125,052
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Net unrealized gain on investments	82	0
Property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 31	$ 0

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
At the Market Offering [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Stock issuance costs	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

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Note 1 - Corporate Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

1.     Corporate Information

Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in May 2013, and acquired 100% interest in Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH (formerly Pieris AG, a German company that was founded in 2001) in December 2014. Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, hereinafter collectively Pieris, or the Company, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops Anticalin®-based drugs to target validated disease pathways in unique and transformative ways. Pieris’ corporate headquarters is located in Boston, Massachusetts and its research facility is located in Hallbergmoos, Germany.

Pieris’ clinical pipeline includes an inhaled IL-4Rα antagonist Anticalin protein to treat moderate-to-severe asthma, an inhaled Anticalin protein targeting connective tissue growth factor to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and an immuno-oncology, or IO, bispecific targeting 4-1BB and PD-L1.

The Company’s core Anticalin technology and platform was developed in Germany, and the Company has partnership arrangements with several major multi-national pharmaceutical companies.

The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the biotechnology industry, including but not limited to, the need for additional capital, risks of failure of preclinical studies and clinical trials, the need to obtain marketing approval and reimbursement for any drug product candidate that it may identify and develop, the need to successfully commercialize and gain market acceptance of its product candidates, dependence on key personnel, protection of proprietary technology, compliance with government regulations, development of technological innovations by competitors, reliance on third-party manufacturers and the ability to transition from pilot-scale production to large-scale manufacturing of products.

As of September 30, 2022, cash, cash equivalents, and investments were $69.8 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s net loss was $9.7 million and $16.5 million respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company's net loss was $25.2 million and $36.2 million, respectively. The Company has incurred net losses since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $282.3 million as of September 30, 2022. Net losses and negative cash flows from operations have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company’s stockholders’ equity and working capital. The Company expects to continue to incur operating losses for at least the next several years.

The future success of the Company is dependent on its ability to identify and develop its product candidates, expand its corporate infrastructure and ultimately upon its ability to attain profitable operations. The Company has devoted substantially all of its financial resources and efforts to research and development and general and administrative expenses to support such research and development. The Company has several research and development programs underway in varying stages of development, and it expects that these programs will continue to require increasing amounts of cash for development, conducting clinical trials, and testing and manufacturing of product material. Cash necessary to fund operations will increase significantly over the next several years as the Company continues to conduct these activities necessary to pursue governmental regulatory approval of clinical-stage programs and other product candidates.

The Company plans to raise additional capital to fulfill its operating and capital requirements through public or private equity financings, utilization of its current “at the market offering” program, or ATM Program, strategic collaborations, licensing arrangements, government grants and/or the achievement of milestones under its collaborative agreements. The funding requirements of the Company’s operating plans, however, are based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties and may change as a result of many factors currently unknown. Although management continues to pursue these funding plans, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the Company to fund continuing operations, if at all. Until such time that the Company can generate substantial product revenues, if ever, the Company expects to finance its cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships, licensing arrangements and government grants. The terms of any future financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of the Company’s existing stockholders.

The Company believes that its currently available funds will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations through at least the next twelve months from the issuance of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company’s belief with respect to its ability to fund operations is based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties. If actual results are different from management’s estimates, the Company may need to seek additional funding. If the Company is unable to obtain additional funding on acceptable terms when needed, it may be required to defer or limit some or all of its research, development and/or clinical projects.

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. There have been no material additions to the significant accounting policies for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, and disclosures considered necessary for a fair presentation of interim period results have been included. Interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on March 2, 2022.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Significant estimates are used for, but are not limited to, revenue recognition; deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowances; determination of the incremental borrowing rate to calculate right-of-use assets and lease liabilities; beneficial conversion features; fair value of stock options, preferred stock, and warrants; and prepaid and accrued clinical trial expenses. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase. All liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the purchase date and for which there is an active market are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s investments are comprised of money market, asset backed securities, government treasuries and corporate bonds that are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. The Company classifies investments available to fund current operations as current assets on its balance sheets.

Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s balance sheets. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and are included as a component of other income.

The Company reviews investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost and evidence indicates that an investment’s carrying amount is not recoverable within a reasonable period of time. To determine whether an impairment is other-than temporary, the Company considers its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis. Evidence considered in this assessment includes reasons for the impairment, the severity and the duration of the impairment and changes in value subsequent to period end.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company has no financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that subject Pieris to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and investments are held in accounts with financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. The Company’s investment policy includes guidelines on the quality of the institutions and financial instruments and defines allowable investments that the Company believes minimize the exposure to concentration of credit risk. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds. Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due under strategic partnership and other license agreements with major multi-national pharmaceutical companies for which the Company does not obtain collateral.

Fair Value Measurement

The Company is required to disclose information on all assets and liabilities reported at fair value that enables an assessment of the inputs used in determining the reported fair values. FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, established a hierarchy of inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy applies only to the valuation inputs used in determining the reported or disclosed fair value of the financial instruments and is not a measure of the investment credit quality. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

• Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

• Level 2 utilizes quoted market prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash equivalents and investments (see Note 5).

An entity may elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Subsequent unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be reported in net loss. The Company did not elect to measure any additional financial instruments or other items at fair value.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs to these assets are charged to expenses as occurred. The estimated useful life of the different groups of property and equipment is as follows:

Asset Classification	Estimated useful life (in years)
Leasehold improvements	shorter of useful life or remaining life of the lease
Laboratory furniture and equipment	8 - 14
Office furniture and equipment	5 - 13
Computer and equipment	3 - 7

Revenue Recognition

Pieris has entered into several licensing agreements with collaboration partners for the development of Anticalin therapeutics against a variety of targets. The terms of these agreements provide for the transfer of multiple goods or services which may include: (i) licenses, or options to obtain licenses, to Pieris’ Anticalin technology and/or specific programs and (ii) research and development activities to be performed on behalf of or with a collaborative partner. Payments to Pieris under these agreements may include upfront fees (which include license and option fees), payments for research and development activities, payments based upon the achievement of certain milestones, and royalties on product sales. There are no performance, cancellation, termination or refund provisions in any of the arrangements that could result in material financial consequences to Pieris. As the Company's intellectual property assets are considered to be located in Germany, the Company records all consolidated revenue in its subsidiary, Pieris Pharmaceuticals, GmbH.

Collaborative Arrangements

The Company considers the nature and contractual terms of an arrangement and assesses whether the arrangement involves a joint operating activity pursuant to which it is an active participant and exposed to significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement. If the Company is an active participant and exposed to the significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement, it accounts for these arrangements pursuant to ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements, or ASC 808, and applies a systematic and rational approach to recognize revenue. The Company classifies payments received as revenue and payments made as a reduction of revenue in the period in which they are earned. Revenue recognized under a collaborative arrangement involving a participant that is not a customer is presented as Collaboration Revenue in the Statement of Operations.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods and services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps: 1) identify the customer contract; 2) identify the contract’s performance obligations; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and 5) recognize revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company evaluates all promised goods and services within a customer contract and determines which of such goods and services are separate performance obligations. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether the good or service is capable of being distinct and whether the good or service is separable from other promises in the contract. In assessing whether promised goods or services are distinct, the Company considers factors such as the stage of development of the underlying intellectual property and the capabilities of the customer to develop the intellectual property on their own or whether the required expertise is readily available.

Licensing arrangements are analyzed to determine whether the promised goods or services, which often include licenses, research and development services and governance committee services, are distinct or whether they must be accounted for as part of a combined performance obligation. If the license is considered not to be distinct, the license would then be combined with other promised goods or services as a combined performance obligation. If the Company is involved in a governance committee, it assesses whether its involvement constitutes a separate performance obligation. When governance committee services are determined to be separate performance obligations, the Company determines the fair value to be allocated to this promised service.

Certain contracts contain optional and additional items, which are considered marketing offers and are accounted for as separate contracts with the customer if such option is elected by the customer, unless the option provides a material right which would not be provided without entering into the contract. An option that is considered a material right is accounted for as a separate performance obligation.

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. A contract may contain variable consideration, including potential payments for both milestone and research and development services. For certain potential milestone payments, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration by using the most likely amount method. In making this assessment, the Company evaluates factors such as the clinical, regulatory, commercial and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the milestone. Each reporting period the Company re-evaluates the probability of achievement of such variable consideration and any related constraints. Pieris will include variable consideration, without constraint, in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. For potential research and development service payments, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration by using the expected value method, including any approved budget updates arising from additional research or development services.

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price among the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis unless a portion of the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation.

The Company allocates the transaction price based on the estimated standalone selling price of the underlying performance obligations or, in the case of certain variable consideration, to one or more performance obligations. The Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price for each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company utilizes key assumptions to determine the stand-alone selling price, which may include other comparable transactions, pricing considered in negotiating the transaction and the estimated costs to complete the respective performance obligation. Certain variable consideration is allocated specifically to one or more performance obligations in a contract when the terms of the variable consideration relate to the satisfaction of the performance obligation and the resulting amounts allocated to each performance obligation are consistent with the amount the Company would expect to receive for each performance obligation.

When a performance obligation is satisfied, revenue is recognized for the amount of the transaction price, excluding estimates of variable consideration that are constrained, that is allocated to that performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Significant management judgment is required in determining the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations under an arrangement.

For performance obligations consisting of licenses and other promises, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company will recognize revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license.

Revenue recognized under an arrangement involving a participant that is a customer is presented as Customer Revenue.

Milestones and Royalties

The Company aggregates milestones into four categories: (i) research milestones, (ii) development milestones, (iii) commercial milestones, and (iv) sales milestones. Research milestones are typically achieved upon reaching certain success criteria as defined in each agreement related to developing an Anticalin protein against the specified target. Development milestones are typically reached when a compound reaches a defined phase of clinical research or passes such phase, or upon gaining regulatory approvals. Commercial milestones are typically achieved when an approved pharmaceutical product reaches the status for commercial sale, including regulatory approval. Sales milestones are certain defined levels of net sales by the licensee, such as when a product first achieves global sales or annual sales of a specified amount.

There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that all research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur. For revenues from research and development milestones, payments will be recognized consistent with the recognition pattern of the performance obligation to which they relate.

For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the level of sales, and for which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). Commercial milestones and sales royalties are determined by sales or usage-based thresholds and will be accounted for under the royalty recognition constraint as constrained variable consideration.

The Company calculates the maximum amount of potential milestones achievable under each collaboration agreement and discloses such potential future milestones for all current collaborations using such a maximum calculation.

Contract Balances

The Company recognizes a contract asset when the Company transfers goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable (i.e., accounts receivable). A contract asset is an entity’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer. The contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) primarily relate to contracts where the Company has received payment but has not yet satisfied the related performance obligations.

In the event of an early termination of a collaboration agreement, any contract liabilities would be recognized in the period in which all Company obligations under the agreement have been fulfilled.

Costs to Obtain and Fulfill a Contract with a Customer

Certain costs to obtain customer contracts, including success-based fees paid to third-party service providers, and costs to fulfill customer contracts are capitalized in accordance with FASB ASC 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs, or ASC 340. These costs are amortized to expense on a systemic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. The Company will expense the amortization of costs to obtain customer contracts to general and administrative expense and costs to fulfill customer contracts to research and development expense.

Government Grants

The Company recognizes grants from governmental agencies when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grant arrangement and the grant will be received. The Company evaluates the conditions of each grant as of each reporting period to evaluate whether the Company has reached reasonable assurance of meeting the conditions of each grant arrangement and that it is expected that the grant will be received as a result of meeting the necessary conditions. Grants are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company recognizes the related costs for which the government grant is intended to compensate. Specifically, grant income related to research and development costs is recognized as such expenses are incurred. Grant income is included as a separate caption within Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Leases

In accordance with ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842), or ASC 842, and for each of the Company’s leases, the following is recognized: (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company’s contracts are determined to contain a lease within the scope of ASC 842 when all of the following criteria based on the specific circumstances of the arrangement are met: (1) there is an identified asset for which there are no substantive substitution rights; (2) the Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the identified asset; and (3) the Company has the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

At the commencement date, operating lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of future lease payments over the expected lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not provide an implicit rate. As a result, the Company utilizes an estimated incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments, which is based on the rate of interest the Company would have to pay to borrow a similar amount on a collateralized basis over a similar term and based on observable market data points. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or lease incentives received. Operating lease cost is recognized over the expected term on a straight-line basis.

The Company typically only includes an initial lease term in its assessment of a lease agreement. Options to renew a lease are not included in the Company’s assessment unless there is reasonable certainty that the Company will renew. The expected lease term includes noncancellable lease periods and, when applicable, periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option, as well as periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the Company is reasonably certain not to exercise that option.

Assumptions made by the Company at the commencement date are re-evaluated upon occurrence of certain events, including a lease modification. A lease modification results in a separate contract when the modification grants the lessee an additional right of use not included in the original lease and when lease payments increase commensurate with the standalone price for the additional right of use. When a lease modification results in a separate contract, it is accounted for in the same manner as a new lease.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements, or ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. The new standard requires that expected credit losses relating to financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. It also limits the amount of credit losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value, and requires the reversal of previously recognized credit losses if fair value increases. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.

Subsequently, in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies codification and corrects unintended application of the guidance. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies or addresses specific issues about certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. In November 2019 the FASB also issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates, which delays the effective date of ASU 2016-13 by three years for certain smaller reporting companies such as the Company. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard.

The Company has considered other recent accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to the business or that the effect is not expected to be material to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

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Note 3 - Revenue

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]

3.    Revenue

General

The Company has not generated revenue from product sales. The Company has generated revenue from contracts with customers and revenue from collaboration agreements, which include upfront payments for licenses or options to obtain licenses, payments for research and development services and milestone payments.

The Company recognized revenue from the following strategic partnerships and other license agreements (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021			2022		2021
Seagen	$	155	$	(280	)	$	3,074	$	424
AstraZeneca		4,404		1,607			9,026		18,309
Servier		258		1,867			5,223		3,379
Genentech		553		863			2,733		863
Total Revenue	$	5,370	$	4,057		$	20,056	$	22,975

Under the Company’s existing strategic partnerships and other license agreements, the Company could receive the following potential milestone payments (in millions):

	Research, Development, Regulatory & Commercial Milestones		Sales Milestones
AstraZeneca	$	702	$	3,925
Servier		118		88
Seagen		754		450
Boston Pharmaceuticals		88		265
Genentech		834		600
Total potential milestone payments	$	2,496	$	5,328

Strategic Partnerships

Genentech

On May 19, 2021, the Company and Genentech, Inc., or Genentech, entered into a Research Collaboration and License Agreement, or the Genentech Agreement, to discover, develop and commercialize locally delivered respiratory and ophthalmology therapies that leverage the Company’s proprietary Anticalin technology. Upon signing the Genentech Agreement, Genentech paid the Company a $20 million upfront fee. In addition, the Company may be eligible to receive up to approximately $1.4 billion in additional milestone payments across multiple programs, as well as tiered royalty payments on net sales at percentages ranging from the mid-single to low double-digits, subject to certain standard reductions and offsets.

Under the terms of the Genentech Agreement, the Company is responsible for discovery and preclinical development of two initial programs. The Company is responsible for research activities following target nomination through the late-stage research go decision. The parties will then collaborate on drug candidate characterization until the development go decision. After the development go decision, Genentech will be responsible for pursuing the preclinical and clinical development of each program, and thereafter, the commercialization efforts. Each party is responsible for the costs incurred to perform their respective responsibilities. Genentech has an option to expand the collaboration to encompass two additional programs with the payment of a $10 million fee per additional program. If Genentech exercises its option to start additional programs, payment to the Company of additional fees, milestone payments and royalties would result.

Unless earlier terminated, the term of the Genentech Agreement continues until no royalty or other payment obligations are or will become due under the Genentech Agreement. The Genentech Agreement may be terminated (i) by either party based on insolvency or breach by the other party and such insolvency proceeding is not dismissed or such breach is not cured within 90 days; or (ii) after nine months from the effective date of the Genentech Agreement, by Genentech as a whole or on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis upon 90 days' prior written notice before the first commercial sale of a product or upon 180 days' prior written notice after the first commercial sale of a product.

While the Genentech Agreement allows for up to four research programs, only two research programs are initially identified and committed in the Genentech Agreement. To reach a total of up to four research programs, the Company has granted Genentech options to nominate two additional collaboration targets of their choosing, subject to the legal availability of the target to be researched. Genentech will have three years after the effective date to nominate the subsequent targets. The Company has also granted Genentech options to replace any of the collaboration targets identified with another target. However, at no point will there be more than four identified collaboration targets for which there are ongoing research programs.

The arrangement with Genentech provides for the transfer of the following goods or services: (i) exclusive research and commercial license for the collaboration programs, (ii) a non-exclusive platform improvement license, (iii) research and development services, (iv) participation in a governance committee, and (v) replacement target options on the first two programs upon a screening failure which were assessed as material rights.

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted, at arrangement inception, should be combined with the research and development services to be provided for the related target programs as they are not capable of being distinct. A third party would not be able to provide the research and development services due to the specific nature of the intellectual property and knowledge required to perform the services, and Genentech could not benefit from the licenses without the corresponding services. The Company determined that the participation in the governance committees was distinct as the services could be performed by an outside party.

As a result, management concluded there were five separate performance obligations at the inception of the Genentech Agreement: (i) two combined performance obligations, each comprised of an exclusive research and commercial license, a non-exclusive platform improvement license, and research and development services for the first two Genentech programs, (ii) two performance obligations each comprised of a material right for a target swap option for the first two Genentech programs, and (iii) one performance obligation comprised of participation on the governance committee.

The Company allocated consideration to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The Company developed standalone selling prices for licenses by applying a risk adjusted, net present value, estimate of future potential cash flows approach, which included the cost of obtaining research and development services at arm’s length from a third-party provider, as well as internal full-time equivalent costs to support these services. The Company developed the standalone selling price for committee participation by using management’s estimate of the anticipated participation hours multiplied by a market rate for comparable participants.

The transaction price at inception is comprised of fixed consideration of $20.0 million in upfront fees and was allocated to each of the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The amounts allocated to the performance obligations for the two research programs will be recognized on a proportional performance basis through the completion of each respective estimated research term of the individual research programs. The amounts allocated to the material right for the target options will be recognized either at the time the material right expires or, if exercised, on a proportional performance basis over the estimated research term for that program along with any remaining deferred revenue associated with the replacement target. The amounts allocated to the participation on the committee will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated research term for all research programs. As of September 30, 2022, there was $11.9 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations.

Under the Genentech Agreement, the Company is eligible to receive various research, development, commercial and sales milestones. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has determined that all other research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $7.1 million and $4.8 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the Genentech Agreement.

Boston Pharmaceuticals

On April 24, 2021, the Company and BP Asset XII, Inc., or Boston Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Boston Pharma Holdings, LLC, entered into an Exclusive Product License Agreement, or the BP Agreement, to develop PRS-342/BOS-342, a 4-1BB/GPC3 preclinical immuno-oncology Mabcalin ^TM  (antibody-Anticalin fusion) protein.

Under the term of the BP Agreement, Boston Pharmaceuticals exclusively licensed worldwide right to PRS-342. The Company received an upfront payment of $10.0 million and is further entitled to receive up to $352.5 million in development, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments, tiered royalties up to low double-digits on sales of PRS-342 and a percentage of consideration received by Boston Pharmaceuticals in the event of a sublicense of a program licensed under the BP Agreement or a change of control of Boston Pharmaceuticals. The Company will also contribute up to $4.0 million toward manufacturing activities.

The term of the BP Agreement ends upon the expiration of all of Boston Pharmaceuticals’ payment obligations thereunder. The BP Agreement may be terminated by Boston Pharmaceuticals in its entirety for convenience beginning nine months after its effective date upon 60 days’ notice or, for any program under the BP Agreement which has received marketing approval, upon 120 days’ notice. If any program is terminated by Boston Pharmaceuticals, the Company will have full rights to continue such program. The BP Agreement may also be terminated by Boston Pharmaceuticals or the Company for an uncured material breach by the other party upon 180 days’ notice (60 days in the case of non-payment of undisputed amounts due and payable), subject to extension for an additional 180 days in certain cases and subject, in all cases, to dispute resolution procedures. The BP Agreement may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency. The Company may also terminate the BP Agreement if Boston Pharmaceuticals challenges the validity of any patents licensed under the BP Agreement, subject to certain exceptions.

The Company does not have any obligations to assist in the research and development efforts of Boston Pharmaceuticals under the BP Agreement. However, the Company has an obligation to fund up to $4.0 million in costs, including out-of-pocket costs incurred by Boston Pharmaceuticals, in connection with the manufacture of products under the BP Agreement. The arrangement with Boston Pharmaceuticals provides for the transfer of the following: (i) exclusive license of PRS-342, (ii) non-exclusive Pieris platform license, (iii) initial know-how, (iv) product cell line license, and (v) materials (as each such term is defined under the BP Agreement).

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the BP Agreement and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted, at arrangement inception, should be combined with the transfer of know-how, materials and the product cell line license. Boston Pharmaceuticals could not benefit from the exclusive and non-exclusive licenses without the corresponding transfer of know-how and materials.

As a result, management concluded there was only one combined performance obligation. The transaction price at inception is comprised of fixed consideration of $10.0 million in upfront fees, offset by $4.0 million in consideration payable to Boston Pharmaceuticals to reimburse them for expected out-of-pocket manufacturing costs, for a total transaction price of $6.0 million. Management has assessed the forms of variable consideration within the BP Agreement and concluded that the payments are either constrained by the royalty recognition constraint or because management has assessed the most likely amount associated with the payments as zero.

The amounts allocated to the performance obligations did not meet the criteria to be recognized over time on a proportional performance basis and thus will be recognized at a point in time. The Company determined that the performance obligation will be fully satisfied when all of the deliverables in the combined performance obligation are transferred to Boston Pharmaceuticals as that is the point at which Boston Pharmaceuticals can fully use and benefit from the license to PRS-342. The Company transferred all such deliverables to Boston Pharmaceuticals in the fourth quarter of 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had recognized the full transaction price, or $5.7 million, as revenue and there is no remaining deferred revenue.

Seagen

On February 8, 2018, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement, or the Seagen Collaboration Agreement, and a non-exclusive Anticalin platform technology license agreement, or the Seagen Platform License, and together with the Seagen Collaboration Agreement, the Seagen Agreements, with Seagen Inc. (formerly Seattle Genetics, Inc.), or Seagen, pursuant to which the parties will develop multiple targeted bispecific IO treatments for solid tumors and blood cancers.

Under the terms of the Seagen Agreements, the companies will pursue multiple Mabcalin proteins during the research phase. The Seagen Agreements provide Seagen a base option to select up to three programs for further development. Prior to the initiation of a pivotal trial, the Company may opt into global co-development and U.S. commercialization of the second program and share in global costs and profits on an equal basis. Seagen will solely develop, fund and commercialize the other two programs. Seagen may also decide to select additional candidates from the initial research phase for further development in return for the payment to the Company of additional fees, milestone payments and royalties.

The Seagen Platform License grants Seagen a non-exclusive license to certain intellectual property related to the Anticalin platform technology.

Upon signing the Seagen Agreements, Seagen paid the Company a $30.0 million upfront fee and an additional $4.9 million was estimated to be paid for research and development services as reimbursement to the Company through the end of the research term. In addition, the Company may receive tiered royalties on net sales up to the low double-digits and up to $1.2 billion in total success-based research, development, commercial and sales milestones payments across the product candidates, depending on the successful development and commercialization of those candidates. If Seagen exercises its option to select additional candidates from the initial research phase for further development, payment to Pieris of additional fees, milestone payments and royalties would result.

The term of each of the Seagen Agreements ends upon the expiration of all of Seagen’s payment obligations under each such agreement. The Seagen Collaboration Agreement may be terminated by Seagen on a product-by-product basis for convenience beginning 12 months after its effective date upon 90 days’ notice or, for any program where a pivotal study has been initiated, upon 180 days’ notice. Any program may be terminated at Seagen’s option. If any program is terminated by Seagen after a predefined preclinical stage, the Company will have full rights to continue such program. If any program is terminated by Seagen prior to such predefined preclinical stage, the Company will have the right to continue to develop such program, but will be obligated to offer a co-development option to Seagen for such program. The Seagen Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated by Seagen or the Company for an uncured material breach by the other party upon 90 days’ notice, subject to extension for an additional 90 days if the material breach relates to diligence obligations and subject, in all cases, to dispute resolution procedures. The Seagen Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency and may in certain instances, including for reasons of safety, be terminated on a product-by-product basis. Each party may also terminate the Seagen Agreements if the other party challenges the validity of any patents licensed under the Seagen Agreements, subject to certain exceptions. The Seagen Platform License will terminate upon termination of the Seagen Collaboration Agreement, whether in its entirety or on a product-by-product basis.

The Company determined that the Seagen Agreements should be combined and evaluated as a single arrangement under ASC 606 as they were executed on the same date. The arrangement with Seagen provides for the transfer of the following goods or services: (i) three candidate research licenses that each consist of a non-exclusive platform technology license, a co-exclusive candidate research license, and research and development services, (ii) research, development and manufacturing services associated with each candidate research license, (iii) participation on various governance committees, and (iv) two antibody target swap options which were assessed as material rights.

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted, at arrangement inception, should be combined with the research and development services to be provided for the related antibody target programs as they are not capable of being distinct. A third party would not be able to provide the research and development services due to the specific nature of the intellectual property and knowledge required to perform the services, and Seagen could not benefit from the licenses without the corresponding services. The Company determined that the participation on the various governance committees was distinct as the services could be performed by an outside party.

As a result, management concluded there were six separate performance obligations at the inception of the Seagen Agreements: (i) three combined performance obligations, each comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, a co-exclusive candidate research license, and research and development services for the first three approved Seagen antibody target programs, (ii) two performance obligations each comprised of a material right for an antibody target swap option for the first and the second approved Seagen antibody target for no additional consideration, and (iii) one performance obligation comprised of the participation on the various governance committees.

The Company allocated consideration to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The Company developed standalone selling prices for licenses by applying a risk adjusted, net present value, estimate of future potential cash flows approach, which included the cost of obtaining research and development services at arm’s length from a third-party provider, as well as internal full-time equivalent costs to support these services. The Company developed the standalone selling price for committee participation by using management’s estimate of the anticipated participation hours multiplied by a market rate for comparable participants.

The transaction price at inception is comprised of fixed consideration of $30.0 million in upfront fees and variable consideration of $4.9 million of estimated research and development services to be reimbursed as research and development occurs through the research term. The $30.0 million upfront fee, which represents the fixed consideration in the transaction price, was allocated to each of the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The $4.9 million in variable consideration related to the research and development services is allocated specifically to the three target program performance obligations based upon the budgeted services for each program.

The amounts allocated to the performance obligations for the three research programs will be recognized on a proportional performance basis through the completion of each respective estimated research term of the individual research programs. The amounts allocated to the material right for the antibody target swap option will be recognized either at the time the material right expires or, if exercised, on a proportional performance basis over the estimated research term for that program. The amounts allocated to the participation on each of the committees will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated research term for all research programs. As of September 30, 2022, there was $16.1 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations. In addition, as of September 30, 2022 both target swap options have expired and these performance obligations are complete.

On March 24, 2021, the Company announced that Seagen made a strategic equity investment in Pieris, and that the companies had entered into a combination study agreement, or the Combination Study Agreement, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining Pieris’ cinrebafusp alfa with Seagen’s tucatinib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase HER2 inhibitor, for the treatment of gastric cancer patients expressing lower HER2 levels. Enrollment into the phase 2 study was ceased in August 2022 as part of a strategic pipeline prioritization. The companies have also entered into an Amended and Restated License and Collaboration Agreement, or the Second Seagen Amendment, in which their existing IO collaboration agreement has been amended relating to joint development and commercial rights for the second program in the alliance. In connection with the agreements described above, the Company and Seagen also entered into a subscription agreement, or the Seagen Subscription Agreement.

Under the Second Seagen Amendment, Pieris’ option to co-develop and co-commercialize the second of three programs in the collaboration has been converted to a co-promotion option of one of the three programs in the United States, with Seagen solely responsible for the development and overall commercialization of that program. Pieris will also be entitled to increased royalties from that program in the event that it chooses to exercise the co-promotion option. In connection with the Seagen Subscription Agreement, the Company agreed to issue to Seagen, and Seagen agreed to acquire from the Company, 3,706,174 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total purchase price of $13.0 million, or $3.51 per share, in a private placement transaction pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The Seagen Subscription Agreement includes a provision to the effect that Seagen may ask the Company to file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares issued to Seagen, at any time beginning on the date that is 60 calendar days from the date of issuance of the shares. The Company assessed the ASC 606 implications of the Seagen Subscription Agreement and concluded that the fair value of the shares on a per share basis was $2.61 per share as of the transaction date. This resulted in a premium paid for the shares of $3.3 million, all of which was recorded in deferred revenue upon contract execution and allocated to the remaining performance obligations.

The Company has concluded that the Combination Study Agreement is within the scope of ASC 808, which defines collaborative arrangements and addresses the presentation of the transactions between the two parties in the income statement and related disclosures. However, ASC 808 does not provide guidance on the recognition of consideration exchanged or accounting for the obligations that may arise between the parties. The Company has concluded that ASC 730, Research and Development, should be applied by analogy. There is no financial statement impact for the Combination Study Agreement as the value of the drug supply received from Seagen is offset against the drug supply cost.

Under the Seagen Agreements, the Company is eligible to receive other various research, development, commercial and sales milestones. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. With the exception of the previously discussed achieved milestone, the Company has determined that all other research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $10.0 million and $3.4 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the Seagen Agreements.

AstraZeneca

On May 2, 2017, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement, or the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, and a non-exclusive Anticalin platform technology license agreement, or AstraZeneca Platform License, and together with the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, the AstraZeneca Agreements, with AstraZeneca AB, or AstraZeneca, which became effective on June 10, 2017, following expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Under the AstraZeneca Agreements, the parties will advance several novel inhaled Anticalin proteins.

In addition to the Company’s lead inhaled drug candidate, elarekibep (formerly known as PRS-060/AZD1402), or the AstraZeneca Lead Product, the Company and AstraZeneca agreed to collaborate, under the original terms of the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, to progress four additional novel Anticalin proteins against undisclosed targets for respiratory diseases, or the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, and together with the AstraZeneca Lead Product, the AstraZeneca Products. The Company is responsible for advancing the AstraZeneca Lead Product through its phase 1 study, with the associated costs funded by AstraZeneca. The parties will collaborate thereafter to conduct a phase 2a study in asthma patients, with AstraZeneca continuing to fund development costs. After the availability of topline data from a phase 2a study, Pieris has the option to co-develop the AstraZeneca Lead Product and also has a separate option to co-commercialize the AstraZeneca Lead Product in the United States. For the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, the Company will be responsible for the initial discovery of the novel Anticalin proteins, after which AstraZeneca will take the lead on continued development of the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products. The Company retained the option to co-develop two of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products beginning at a predefined preclinical stage and would also have the option to co-commercialize these two programs in the United States, while AstraZeneca will be responsible for development and commercialization of the other programs worldwide.

The term of each of the AstraZeneca Agreements ends upon the expiration of all of AstraZeneca’s payment obligations under such agreement. The AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement may be terminated by AstraZeneca in its entirety for convenience beginning 12 months after its effective date upon 90 days’ notice or, if the Company has obtained marketing approval for the marketing and sale of a product, upon 180 days’ notice. Each program may be terminated at AstraZeneca’s option; if any program is terminated by AstraZeneca, the Company will have full rights to such program. The AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated by AstraZeneca or the Company for material breach upon 180 days’ notice of a material breach (or 30 days with respect to payment breach), provided that the applicable party has not cured such breach by the permitted cure period (including an additional 180 days if the breach is not susceptible to cure during the initial 180-day period) and dispute resolution procedures specified in the agreement have been followed. The AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency and may in certain instances be terminated on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis. Each party may also terminate an AstraZeneca Agreement if the other party challenges the validity of patents related to certain intellectual property licensed under such AstraZeneca Agreement, subject to certain exceptions for infringement suits, acquisitions and newly-acquired licenses. The AstraZeneca Platform License will terminate upon termination of the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement, on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis.

At inception, AstraZeneca is granted the following licenses: (i) research and development license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (ii) commercial license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iii) individual research licenses for each of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (iv) individual commercial licenses for each of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, and (v) individual non-exclusive platform technology licenses for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products. AstraZeneca will be granted individual development licenses for each of the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products upon completion of the initial discovery of Anticalin proteins.

The collaboration will be managed on an overall basis by a Joint Steering Committee, or JSC, formed by an equal number of representatives from the Company and AstraZeneca. In addition to the JSC, the AstraZeneca Collaboration Agreement also requires each party to designate an alliance manager to facilitate communication and coordination of the parties’ activities under the agreement, and further requires participation of both parties on a joint development committee, or JDC, and a commercialization committee. The responsibilities of these committees vary, depending on the stage of development and commercialization of each product.

Under the AstraZeneca Agreements, the Company received an upfront, non-refundable payment of $45.0 million. In addition, the Company will receive payments to conduct a phase 1 clinical study for the AstraZeneca Lead Product. The Company is also eligible to receive research, development, commercial, sales milestone payments and royalty payments. The Company may receive tiered royalties on sales of potential products commercialized by AstraZeneca and for co-developed products, gross margin share on worldwide sales equal to the Company’s level of committed investment.

The Company determined that the AstraZeneca Agreements should be combined and evaluated as a single arrangement under ASC 606 as they were executed on the same date. The arrangement with AstraZeneca, including the impact of any modifications, provides for the transfer of the following goods and services: (i) five non-exclusive platform technology licenses, (ii) research and development license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iii) commercial license for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iv) development and manufacturing services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product (or the phase 1 services), (v) technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (vi) research services related to the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (vii) participation on each of the committees, (viii) four research licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (ix) four commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (x) research services for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products and (xi) certain phase 2a services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product. Additionally, as the development licenses on the four AstraZeneca Collaboration Products may be granted at a discount in the future, the Company determined such discounts should be assessed as material rights at inception.

Management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which such goods and services were separate performance obligations. The Company determined that the licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Lead Product at the inception of the arrangement should be combined with the research services related to the AstraZeneca Lead Product and that the licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products should be combined with the research services for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, as the licenses are not capable of being distinct. A third party would not be able to provide the research and development services, due to the specific nature of the intellectual property and knowledge required to perform the services, and AstraZeneca could not benefit from the licenses without the corresponding services. The Company also determined that each of the phase 1 services and the phase 2a services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product were distinct and that the participation on the various committees was also distinct, as all of the phase 1 services, phase 2a services and the committee services could be performed by an outside party. The Company determined that the commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products granted at the inception of the arrangement should be combined with the development licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products as the company would not benefit from the commercial license without the ability to develop each product.

As a result, management concluded that there were 16 performance obligations: (i) combined performance obligation comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, research and development license, and commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and research services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (ii) combined performance obligation comprised of development and manufacturing services, and technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, (iii) committee participation, (iv-vii) four combined performance obligations each comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, research licenses, and research services for each AstraZeneca Collaboration Product, (viii-xi) four performance obligations comprised of a material right to acquire the development licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products, (xii-xv) four performance obligations comprised of the commercial licenses granted for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products and (xvi) phase 2a services.

The Company allocated consideration to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. The Company developed standalone selling prices for licenses and corresponding research services by applying a risk adjusted, net present value, estimate of future potential cash flow approach, which included the cost of obtaining research services at arm’s length from a third-party provider, as well as internal full-time equivalent costs to support these services. The Company developed its standalone selling price for development and manufacturing services and technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product using estimated internal and external costs to be incurred.

The Company developed its standalone selling price for committee participation by using management’s estimate of the anticipated participation hours multiplied by a market rate for comparable participants.

The Company developed its standalone selling price for the commercial licenses and material rights granted on the development licenses by probability weighting multiple cash flow scenarios using the income approach.

The transaction price was comprised of fixed consideration of $45.0 million in upfront fees and variable consideration of (i) $14.2 million in estimated phase 1 services, (ii) $12.5 million in milestone payments achieved upon the initiation of a phase 1 study in December 2017, and (iii) $4.7 million in estimated phase 2a services. The $45.0 million upfront fee, which represents the fixed consideration in the transaction price, was allocated to each of the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices. Variable consideration of $14.2 million is related to the phase 1 services and will be allocated entirely to the performance obligation to which they relate. Variable consideration of $12.5 million related to the phase 1 trial milestone was allocated by relative selling price to the combined performance obligation comprised of a non-exclusive platform technology license, research and development license and commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and research services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product, and the combined performance obligation comprised of development and manufacturing services and technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product performance obligations. Variable consideration of $4.7 million for phase 2a services was allocated specifically to the related performance obligation.

The amounts allocated to the license performance obligation for the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the four performance obligations for the four research licenses for AstraZeneca Collaboration Products will be recognized on a proportional performance basis as the activities are conducted over the life of the arrangement. The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for phase 1 services, technology transfer services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product will be recognized on a proportional performance basis over the estimated term of development through phase 2a study. The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for phase 2a services for the AstraZeneca Lead Product will be recognized on a proportionate performance basis over an estimated term of 12 months. The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for participation on each of the committees will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of development of the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products. The term of performance is approximately five years. The amounts allocated to the four performance obligations for the material rights to acquire a development license and the four performance obligations for commercial licenses for the AstraZeneca Collaboration Products will be recognized upon exercise of the specific material right and delivery of each of the development licenses. As of September 30, 2022, there was $6.9 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations.

Additionally, the Company evaluated payments required to be made between both parties as a result of the shared development costs of the AstraZeneca Lead Product and the two AstraZeneca Collaboration Products for which the Company has a co-development option. The Company will classify payments made as a reduction of revenue and will classify payments received as revenue in the period they are earned.

Under the AstraZeneca Agreements, the Company is eligible to receive various research, development, commercial and sales milestones. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that all research and development milestones, other than the phase 1 initiation milestone achieved in December 2017 and included in the impact of adoption of ASC 606, will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

On March 29, 2021, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into (1) Amendment No. 1 to the Non-exclusive Anticalin Platform License Agreement dated May 2, 2017, and (2) Amendment No. 2 to the License and Collaboration Agreement dated May 2, 2017, as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 dated September 14, 2020, collectively, the Amended Collaboration Agreement. Under the Amended Collaboration Agreement, the parties agreed to restructure certain commercial economics for the elarekibep program by increasing potential sales milestones and reducing potential sales royalties, while fundamentally maintaining the overall value split between AstraZeneca and the Company.

In connection with the Amended Collaboration Agreement, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into a subscription agreement, or the AstraZeneca Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to AstraZeneca, and AstraZeneca agreed to acquire from the Company, 3,584,230 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total purchase price of $10.0 million, or $2.79 per share, in a private placement transaction pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The AstraZeneca Subscription Agreement closed on April 1, 2021 and included a requirement that the Company file a registration statement to register the resale of the shares issued to AstraZeneca within 60 calendar days of the issuance of the shares. The Company assessed the payment under ASC 606 and concluded that the fair value of the shares on a per share basis was $2.60 per share as of the transaction date. This resulted in a premium paid for the shares of $0.7 million, which was added to the deferred revenue balance and will be recognized over time in line with our revenue recognition pattern for all remaining performance obligations.

Also in March 2021, the Company earned a $13.0 million milestone from AstraZeneca related to the initiation of the phase 2a study for elarekibep. The Company assessed the milestone payment under ASC 606 and determined that there no longer existed a constraint on the milestone as the performance obligation related to the phase 2a study was fully satisfied. Therefore, the Company realized the full $13.0 million as milestone revenue during the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

In January 2022, the Company and AstraZeneca jointly discontinued one discovery-stage program, as they were not able to validate an exploratory target. Approximately $4.7 million of revenue was recorded related to a material right performance obligation that ceased with the discontinuation of this program.

In August 2022, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into another amendment of the License and Collaboration Agreement dated May 2, 2017, and extended the research term for two discovery-stage programs through December 2023. Pieris retains co-development and U.S. co-commercialization options for both of those programs. As a result of this amendment, the Company and AstraZeneca jointly agreed to discontinue a second discovery-stage program. Approximately $5.0 million of revenue was recorded pursuant to a performance obligation related to transfer of a license that ceased with the discontinuation of this program.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $0.6 million and $6.3 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the AstraZeneca Agreements.

The Company incurred $1.6 million of third-party success fees to obtain the contract with AstraZeneca. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Company capitalized $1.1 million in accordance with ASC 340. As of September 30, 2022, the remaining balance of the asset recognized from transaction costs to obtain the AstraZeneca contract was $0.2 million. Amortization during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $0.2 million and de minimis, respectively. Amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $0.3 million and de minimis, respectively.

Servier

In 2017, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement, or Servier Collaboration Agreement, and a non-exclusive Anticalin platform license agreement, or Servier Platform License, and together with the Servier Collaboration Agreement, the Servier Agreements, with Les Laboratoires Servier and Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, or Servier, pursuant to which the Company and Servier agreed to initially pursue five bispecific therapeutic programs. The intention of the collaboration and defined programs was to combine antibodies from the Servier portfolio with one or more Anticalin proteins based on the Company’s proprietary platform to generate innovative IO bispecific drug candidates, or the Collaboration Products.

Each party is responsible for an agreed upon percentage of shared costs, as set forth in the budget for the collaboration plan, and as further discussed below.

Since inception, three of the five initially committed programs have been discontinued, including the initial lead. The Company does not presently intend to continue development of the three discontinued programs but retains full rights to advance the development and commercialization of those products on a world-wide basis in the future. The parties continue to advance the development of two programs. The Company is co-developing PRS-344/S095012, a 4-1BB/PD-L1 bispecific Mabcalin protein, and retains commercial rights in the United States. PRS-344/S095012, may be jointly developed, according to a collaboration plan, through marketing approval from the FDA or the European Medicines Agency. Servier has worldwide rights to PRS-352/S095025, a preclinical bispecific Mabcalin protein comprising an PD-L1-targeting antibody genetically fused to Anticalin proteins specific for OX40, and is responsible for further development of the Collaboration Product.

The Servier Agreements are managed on an overall basis by a joint executive committee, or JEC, formed by an equal number of members from the Company and Servier. Decisions by the JEC will be made by consensus; however, in the event of a disagreement, each party will have final decision-making authority as it relates to the applicable territory in which such party has commercialization rights for the applicable product. In addition to the JEC, the Servier Collaboration Agreement requires the participation of both parties on: (i) a JSC, (ii) a JDC, (iii) a joint intellectual property committee, or JIPC, and (iv) a joint research committee, or JRC. The responsibilities of these committees vary, depending on the stage of development and commercialization of the Collaboration Products.

Under the Servier Agreements, the Company received an upfront, non-refundable payment of €30.0 million (approximately $32.0 million). Additionally, the Company has achieved three developmental milestones under PRS-344/S095012 totaling €3.3 million (approximately $3.7 million) all of which became billable on their respective achievement dates.

The term of each Servier Agreement ends upon the expiration of all of Servier’s payment obligations under such Servier Agreement. The Servier Agreements may be terminated by Servier or the Company for material breach upon 90 days’ or 120 days’ notice under the Servier Collaboration Agreement and the Servier Platform License, respectively, provided that the applicable party has not cured such breach by the applicable 90-day or 120-day permitted cure period, and dispute resolution procedures specified in the applicable Servier Agreement have been followed. The Servier Agreements may also be terminated due to the other party’s insolvency or for a safety issue and may in certain instances be terminated on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis. The Servier Platform License will terminate upon termination of the Servier Collaboration Agreement, on a product-by-product and/or country-by-country basis.

As the Company and Servier are considered to be active participants in the Servier Agreements and are exposed to significant risks and rewards, certain units of account within the Servier Agreements are within the scope of ASC 808.

Upon signing the Servier Agreements, management evaluated all of the promised goods or services within the contract and determined which goods and services were separate performance obligations. Of the initial 10 performance obligations identified at the inception of the Servier Agreements, only three are still ongoing as of September 30, 2022. The following performance obligations are the remaining active performance obligations that are within the scope of ASC 808:

• one performance obligation comprised of a combined non-exclusive platform technology license, research license and research and development services for PRS-344/S095012,

• one performance obligation comprised of participation in the various governance committees, and

• one performance obligation comprised of the development and commercial licenses granted for PRS-344/S095012 (and corresponding discounts) upon the achievement of specified preclinical activities, resulting in a material right.

Revenue recognized associated with these performance obligations are presented as Collaboration Revenue within the Statement of Operations.

The following performance obligation is within the scope of ASC 606: the development and commercial licenses granted for PRS-352/S095012 (and corresponding discounts) upon the achievement of specified preclinical activities, resulting in a material right. Revenue recognized associated with this performance obligation is presented as Customer Revenue within the Statement of Operations. The final revenue amount related to this performance obligation was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and thus the performance obligation is now considered complete.

The transaction price at inception is comprised of the fixed upfront fee of €30.0 million (approximately $32.0 million) and was allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative proportion of their standalone selling prices.

The amounts allocated to the performance obligation for the research and development licenses for PRS-344/S095012 are being recognized on a proportional performance basis as the activities are conducted over the life of the arrangement. The term of the performance for PRS-344/S095012 is through approval of certain regulatory bodies; a period which could be many years. The amount allocated to the performance obligation for participation on each of the committees will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated performance period over the entirety of the arrangement with Servier. The amount allocated to the one remaining performance obligation for the material right to acquire development and commercial licenses for PRS-344/S095012 is granted in the future is being recognized over time upon delivery of the license through marketing approval. As of September 30, 2022, there was $4.8 million of aggregate transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations under the Servier Agreements.

Additionally, the Company evaluated payments required to be made between both parties as a result of the shared development costs of the Initial Lead and Collaboration Products. The Company will classify payments made as a reduction of revenue and will classify payments received as revenue, in the period they are earned.

Under the Servier Agreements, the Company is eligible to receive various research, development, commercial and sales milestones as well as tiered royalties up to low double digits on the sales of commercialized products in the Servier territories. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company satisfied the performance obligation related to the material right for PRS-352/S095025, which led to point-in-time recognition of revenue for $4.9 million of revenue previously deferred.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $0.8 million and $3.9 million of current and non-current deferred revenue, respectively, related to the Servier Agreements.

The Company incurred costs to obtain the contract with Servier. Upon adoption of ASC 606, the Company capitalized $0.5 million of third-party service fees in accordance with ASC 340. As of September 30, 2022, there was no remaining balance of the asset recognized from costs to obtain the Servier contract. Amortization during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was de minimis, respectively. Amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were $0.1 million and de minimis, respectively.

Contract Balances

The Company receives payments from its collaboration partners based on payments established in each contract. Upfront payments and fees are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt or when due until such time as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under each arrangement. A contract asset is a conditional right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the Company has transferred to a customer. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the Company’s right is unconditional.

There were no additions to deferred revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. Reductions to deferred revenue were $5.3 million and $19.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.

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Note 4 - Grant Income

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Government Assistance [Text Block]

4.    Grant Income

One of the Company's proprietary respiratory assets is PRS-220, an oral inhaled Anticalin protein targeting connective tissue growth factor, or CTGF, and it is being developed as a local treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other forms of fibrotic lung diseases. In June 2021, the Company was selected to receive a €14.2 million (approximately $17.0 million as of June 2021) grant from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (the Bavarian Grant) supporting research and development for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) pulmonary fibrosis, or PASC-PF, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome pulmonary fibrosis, or “long COVID.”

The Bavarian Grant provides partial reimbursement for qualifying research and development activities on PRS-220, including drug manufacturing costs, activities and costs to support an IND filing, and phase 1 clinical trials costs. The Bavarian Grant provides reimbursement of qualifying costs incurred through August 2023, which follows the expected development timeline of this program. Qualifying costs incurred may exceed the annual grant funding thresholds. If the Company receives any proceeds from the sale of or licensing income from PRS-220, the funds available for reimbursement will be reduced proportionally if they are obtained prior to August 2023. The Company is required to communicate the amount of such proceeds to the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy in each case with the request to draw down the funds.

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Note 5 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]

5.    Cash, cash equivalents and investments

As of September 30, 2022, cash, cash equivalents and investments comprised funds in depository, money market accounts, U.S. treasury securities, asset-backed securities and corporate bonds. As of December 31, 2021, cash equivalents were comprised of only money market accounts. The following table presents the cash equivalents and investments carried at fair value in accordance with the hierarchy defined in Note 2 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2022
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	$	25,183	$	25,183	$	—	$	—
Investments - US treasuries		2,674		2,674		—		—
Investments - Foreign treasuries		894		894		—		—
Investments - Asset-backed securities		497		—		497		—
Investments - Corporate bonds		17,335		—		17,335		—
Total	$	46,583	$	28,751	$	17,832	$	—

	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2021
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	$	56,885	$	56,885	$	—	$	—
Total	$	56,885	$	56,885	$	—	$	—

Cash equivalents and marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. The Company validates the prices provided by its third-party pricing services by reviewing their pricing methods and obtaining market values from other pricing sources, as needed. After completing its validation procedures, the Company did not adjust any fair value measurements provided by the pricing services as of September 30, 2022.

Investments at September 30, 2022 consist of the following (in thousands):

	Contractual maturity
	(in days)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair Value
Investments
US treasuries	6-153	$	2,676	$	—	$	(2	)	$	2,674
Foreign treasuries	166		898		—		(4	)		894
Asset-backed securities	107		500		—		(3	)		497
Corporate bonds	1-251		17,244		126		(35	)		17,335
Total		$	21,318	$	126	$	(44	)	$	21,400

The Company recorded realized gains from the maturity of available-for-sale securities of $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and recorded no realized gains or losses from the maturity of available-for-sale securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2022, there were no investments with a fair value that was significantly lower than the amortized cost basis or any investments that had been in an unrealized loss position for a significant period.

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Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

6.    Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	September 30,			December 31,
	2022			2021
Laboratory furniture and equipment	$	10,759		$	11,354
Office furniture and equipment		1,712			1,959
Computer equipment		348			396
Leasehold improvements		11,397			13,130
Property and equipment, cost		24,216			26,839
Accumulated depreciation		(8,319	)		(7,717	)
Property and equipment, net	$	15,897		$	19,122

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Note 7 - Accrued Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]

7.    Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

	September 30,		December 31,
	2022		2021
Research and development fees	$	5,036	$	5,682
Compensation expense		3,248		3,581
Accrued license obligations		131		1,541
Accrued accounts payable		1,560		2,980
Lease liabilities		826		1,049
Other current liabilities		581		393
Collaboration cost-sharing obligation		—		1,610
Total	$	11,382	$	16,836

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Note 8 - Net Loss Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

8.    Net Loss per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net income loss by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock and if-converted methods. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, preferred stock, stock options and warrants are considered to be common stock equivalents but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive for all periods presented. Therefore, basic and diluted net loss per share were the same for all periods presented.

As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, and as calculated using the treasury stock method, approximately 38.8 million and 36.7 million of weighted average shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding as their effect was antidilutive.

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Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

9.    Stockholders’ Equity

The Company had 300,000,000 shares authorized and 74,406,253 and 72,222,661 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, with a par value of $0.001 per share.

The Company had 10,000,000 shares authorized and 15,617 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Preferred stock has a par value of $0.001 per share, and consists of the following:

• Series A Convertible, 85 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series B Convertible, 4,026 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series C Convertible, 3,506 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series D Convertible, 3,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

• Series E Convertible, 5,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan

At the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company's stockholders approved the 2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan permits the Company to issue up to 3,500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2020 Plan. Upon approval of the 2020 Plan, the 2019 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2019 Plan, was terminated; all unissued options were canceled and no additional awards will be made thereunder. All outstanding awards under the 2019 Plan will remain in effect and any awards forfeited from the outstanding awards will be allocated back into the 2020 Plan. There were approximately 1,579,678 shares remaining and available for grant under the 2019 Plan that terminated upon original approval of the 2020 Plan.

At the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on June 25, 2021, the Company’s stockholders approved the first amendment to the 2020 Plan to add 2,250,000 shares for issuance under the 2020 Plan. At the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 22, 2022, the Company’s stockholders approved a second amendment to the 2020 Plan to add 3,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2020 Plan.

Series E Preferred Stock Conversion

On May 20, 2021, the Company and certain entities affiliated with Biotechnology Value Fund, or BVF, entered into an exchange agreement pursuant to which, BVF exchanged an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by BVF for an aggregate of 5,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock. The Company designated 5,000 shares of its authorized and unissued preferred stock as Series E Preferred Stock and filed a Certificate of Designation of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or the Series E Certificate of Designation, with the Nevada Secretary of State.

Open Market Sales Agreements

In August 2021, the Company established an ATM offering program, or the ATM Program, under a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of gross sales proceeds of $50.0 million. The ATM Program is offered under a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was filed with and declared effective by the SEC in August 2021.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company sold 2.1 million shares for gross proceeds of $7.2 million under the ATM program at an average stock price of $3.46.

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Note 10 - Leases

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes to Financial Statements

Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]

10.    Leases

In August 2015, the Company entered into a sublease to lease approximately 3,950 square feet of office space in Boston, Massachusetts. In July 2021, the Company extended the lease for this office space for an additional 10 months through December 31, 2022, and the Company does not expect to extend the lease beyond expiration.

In October 2018, Pieris GmbH entered into a new lease for office and laboratory space located in Hallbergmoos, Germany, or the Hallbergmoos Lease. Under the Hallbergmoos Lease, which commenced in February 2020 and provides an initial rental term of 12.5 years, Pieris GmbH rents approximately 105,000 square feet. An additional approximately 22,300 square feet is expected to be delivered by the lessor by October 2024. Pieris GmbH has a first right of refusal to lease an additional approximate 13,400 square feet, and an option to extend the Hallbergmoos Lease for two additional 60-month periods. The Company is not reasonably certain to exercise the option to extend the lease expiration beyond its current expiration date. Pieris GmbH may sublease space within the leased property with lessor’s consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld.

Monthly base rent for the initial 105,000 square feet of the leased property, including parking spaces, will total approximately $0.2 million per month. In addition to the base rent, Pieris GmbH is also responsible for certain administrative and operational costs in accordance with the Hallbergmoos Lease. Pieris GmbH provided a security deposit of $0.8 million as required by the Hallbergmoos Lease. The Company will serve as a guarantor for the Hallbergmoos Lease.

The Hallbergmoos Lease included $11.5 million of tenant improvements allowance for normal tenant improvements, for which construction began in March 2019. The Company capitalized the leasehold incentives which are included in Property and equipment, net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term. The lease incentive allowance was also factored in as a reduction to the right-of-use asset upon the adoption of ASC 842.

The following table summarizes operating lease costs included in operating expenses (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
Operating lease costs	$	314	$	370	$	943	$	1,126
Variable lease costs (1)		148		198		446		562
Total lease cost	$	462	$	568	$	1,389	$	1,688

(1) Variable lease costs include certain additional charges for operating costs, including insurance, maintenance, taxes, utilities, and other costs incurred, which are billed based on both usage and as a percentage of the Company’s share of total square footage.

The following table summarizes the weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate:

	As of September 30, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)		9.8
Weighted-average discount rate		10.5	%

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities were $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities were $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2022, the maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities and future minimum lease payments were as follows (in thousands):

	Total
2022	$	545
2023		1,934
2024		1,934
2025		1,934
2026		1,934
Thereafter		10,797
Total undiscounted lease payments		19,078
Less: present value adjustment		(6,861	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	12,217

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Significant estimates are used for, but are not limited to, revenue recognition; deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowances; determination of the incremental borrowing rate to calculate right-of-use assets and lease liabilities; beneficial conversion features; fair value of stock options, preferred stock, and warrants; and prepaid and accrued clinical trial expenses. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from management’s estimates, judgments and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase. All liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the purchase date and for which there is an active market are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s investments are comprised of money market, asset backed securities, government treasuries and corporate bonds that are classified as available-for-sale in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. The Company classifies investments available to fund current operations as current assets on its balance sheets.

Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s balance sheets. Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method and are included as a component of other income.

The Company reviews investments for other-than-temporary impairment whenever the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost and evidence indicates that an investment’s carrying amount is not recoverable within a reasonable period of time. To determine whether an impairment is other-than temporary, the Company considers its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis. Evidence considered in this assessment includes reasons for the impairment, the severity and the duration of the impairment and changes in value subsequent to period end.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company has no financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that subject Pieris to concentrations of credit risk include cash and cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and investments are held in accounts with financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. The Company’s investment policy includes guidelines on the quality of the institutions and financial instruments and defines allowable investments that the Company believes minimize the exposure to concentration of credit risk. The Company has not experienced any credit losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds. Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due under strategic partnership and other license agreements with major multi-national pharmaceutical companies for which the Company does not obtain collateral.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measurement

The Company is required to disclose information on all assets and liabilities reported at fair value that enables an assessment of the inputs used in determining the reported fair values. FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, established a hierarchy of inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy applies only to the valuation inputs used in determining the reported or disclosed fair value of the financial instruments and is not a measure of the investment credit quality. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

• Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

• Level 2 utilizes quoted market prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.

• Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash equivalents and investments (see Note 5).

An entity may elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Subsequent unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be reported in net loss. The Company did not elect to measure any additional financial instruments or other items at fair value.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs to these assets are charged to expenses as occurred. The estimated useful life of the different groups of property and equipment is as follows:

Asset Classification	Estimated useful life (in years)
Leasehold improvements	shorter of useful life or remaining life of the lease
Laboratory furniture and equipment	8 - 14
Office furniture and equipment	5 - 13
Computer and equipment	3 - 7

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Pieris has entered into several licensing agreements with collaboration partners for the development of Anticalin therapeutics against a variety of targets. The terms of these agreements provide for the transfer of multiple goods or services which may include: (i) licenses, or options to obtain licenses, to Pieris’ Anticalin technology and/or specific programs and (ii) research and development activities to be performed on behalf of or with a collaborative partner. Payments to Pieris under these agreements may include upfront fees (which include license and option fees), payments for research and development activities, payments based upon the achievement of certain milestones, and royalties on product sales. There are no performance, cancellation, termination or refund provisions in any of the arrangements that could result in material financial consequences to Pieris. As the Company's intellectual property assets are considered to be located in Germany, the Company records all consolidated revenue in its subsidiary, Pieris Pharmaceuticals, GmbH.

Collaborative Arrangements

The Company considers the nature and contractual terms of an arrangement and assesses whether the arrangement involves a joint operating activity pursuant to which it is an active participant and exposed to significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement. If the Company is an active participant and exposed to the significant risks and rewards with respect to the arrangement, it accounts for these arrangements pursuant to ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements, or ASC 808, and applies a systematic and rational approach to recognize revenue. The Company classifies payments received as revenue and payments made as a reduction of revenue in the period in which they are earned. Revenue recognized under a collaborative arrangement involving a participant that is not a customer is presented as Collaboration Revenue in the Statement of Operations.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In accordance with ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods and services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five steps: 1) identify the customer contract; 2) identify the contract’s performance obligations; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and 5) recognize revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company evaluates all promised goods and services within a customer contract and determines which of such goods and services are separate performance obligations. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether the good or service is capable of being distinct and whether the good or service is separable from other promises in the contract. In assessing whether promised goods or services are distinct, the Company considers factors such as the stage of development of the underlying intellectual property and the capabilities of the customer to develop the intellectual property on their own or whether the required expertise is readily available.

Licensing arrangements are analyzed to determine whether the promised goods or services, which often include licenses, research and development services and governance committee services, are distinct or whether they must be accounted for as part of a combined performance obligation. If the license is considered not to be distinct, the license would then be combined with other promised goods or services as a combined performance obligation. If the Company is involved in a governance committee, it assesses whether its involvement constitutes a separate performance obligation. When governance committee services are determined to be separate performance obligations, the Company determines the fair value to be allocated to this promised service.

Certain contracts contain optional and additional items, which are considered marketing offers and are accounted for as separate contracts with the customer if such option is elected by the customer, unless the option provides a material right which would not be provided without entering into the contract. An option that is considered a material right is accounted for as a separate performance obligation.

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which the Company will be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. A contract may contain variable consideration, including potential payments for both milestone and research and development services. For certain potential milestone payments, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration by using the most likely amount method. In making this assessment, the Company evaluates factors such as the clinical, regulatory, commercial and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the milestone. Each reporting period the Company re-evaluates the probability of achievement of such variable consideration and any related constraints. Pieris will include variable consideration, without constraint, in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. For potential research and development service payments, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration by using the expected value method, including any approved budget updates arising from additional research or development services.

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price among the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis unless a portion of the transaction price is variable and meets the criteria to be allocated entirely to a performance obligation or to a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation.

The Company allocates the transaction price based on the estimated standalone selling price of the underlying performance obligations or, in the case of certain variable consideration, to one or more performance obligations. The Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price for each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company utilizes key assumptions to determine the stand-alone selling price, which may include other comparable transactions, pricing considered in negotiating the transaction and the estimated costs to complete the respective performance obligation. Certain variable consideration is allocated specifically to one or more performance obligations in a contract when the terms of the variable consideration relate to the satisfaction of the performance obligation and the resulting amounts allocated to each performance obligation are consistent with the amount the Company would expect to receive for each performance obligation.

When a performance obligation is satisfied, revenue is recognized for the amount of the transaction price, excluding estimates of variable consideration that are constrained, that is allocated to that performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Significant management judgment is required in determining the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations under an arrangement.

For performance obligations consisting of licenses and other promises, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition. If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company will recognize revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer and the customer is able to use and benefit from the license.

Revenue recognized under an arrangement involving a participant that is a customer is presented as Customer Revenue.

Milestones and Royalties

The Company aggregates milestones into four categories: (i) research milestones, (ii) development milestones, (iii) commercial milestones, and (iv) sales milestones. Research milestones are typically achieved upon reaching certain success criteria as defined in each agreement related to developing an Anticalin protein against the specified target. Development milestones are typically reached when a compound reaches a defined phase of clinical research or passes such phase, or upon gaining regulatory approvals. Commercial milestones are typically achieved when an approved pharmaceutical product reaches the status for commercial sale, including regulatory approval. Sales milestones are certain defined levels of net sales by the licensee, such as when a product first achieves global sales or annual sales of a specified amount.

There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the research and development milestones will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the Company’s technology. The Company has thus determined that all research and development milestones will be constrained until it is deemed probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur. For revenues from research and development milestones, payments will be recognized consistent with the recognition pattern of the performance obligation to which they relate.

For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the level of sales, and for which the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). Commercial milestones and sales royalties are determined by sales or usage-based thresholds and will be accounted for under the royalty recognition constraint as constrained variable consideration.

The Company calculates the maximum amount of potential milestones achievable under each collaboration agreement and discloses such potential future milestones for all current collaborations using such a maximum calculation.

Contract Balances

The Company recognizes a contract asset when the Company transfers goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable (i.e., accounts receivable). A contract asset is an entity’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer. The contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) primarily relate to contracts where the Company has received payment but has not yet satisfied the related performance obligations.

In the event of an early termination of a collaboration agreement, any contract liabilities would be recognized in the period in which all Company obligations under the agreement have been fulfilled.

Costs to Obtain and Fulfill a Contract with a Customer

Certain costs to obtain customer contracts, including success-based fees paid to third-party service providers, and costs to fulfill customer contracts are capitalized in accordance with FASB ASC 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs, or ASC 340. These costs are amortized to expense on a systemic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. The Company will expense the amortization of costs to obtain customer contracts to general and administrative expense and costs to fulfill customer contracts to research and development expense.

Government Assistance [Policy Text Block]

Government Grants

The Company recognizes grants from governmental agencies when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grant arrangement and the grant will be received. The Company evaluates the conditions of each grant as of each reporting period to evaluate whether the Company has reached reasonable assurance of meeting the conditions of each grant arrangement and that it is expected that the grant will be received as a result of meeting the necessary conditions. Grants are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Company recognizes the related costs for which the government grant is intended to compensate. Specifically, grant income related to research and development costs is recognized as such expenses are incurred. Grant income is included as a separate caption within Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]

Leases

In accordance with ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842), or ASC 842, and for each of the Company’s leases, the following is recognized: (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company’s contracts are determined to contain a lease within the scope of ASC 842 when all of the following criteria based on the specific circumstances of the arrangement are met: (1) there is an identified asset for which there are no substantive substitution rights; (2) the Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the identified asset; and (3) the Company has the right to direct the use of the identified asset.

At the commencement date, operating lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of future lease payments over the expected lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not provide an implicit rate. As a result, the Company utilizes an estimated incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments, which is based on the rate of interest the Company would have to pay to borrow a similar amount on a collateralized basis over a similar term and based on observable market data points. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or lease incentives received. Operating lease cost is recognized over the expected term on a straight-line basis.

The Company typically only includes an initial lease term in its assessment of a lease agreement. Options to renew a lease are not included in the Company’s assessment unless there is reasonable certainty that the Company will renew. The expected lease term includes noncancellable lease periods and, when applicable, periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option, as well as periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the Company is reasonably certain not to exercise that option.

Assumptions made by the Company at the commencement date are re-evaluated upon occurrence of certain events, including a lease modification. A lease modification results in a separate contract when the modification grants the lessee an additional right of use not included in the original lease and when lease payments increase commensurate with the standalone price for the additional right of use. When a lease modification results in a separate contract, it is accounted for in the same manner as a new lease.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements, or ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. The new standard requires that expected credit losses relating to financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. It also limits the amount of credit losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value, and requires the reversal of previously recognized credit losses if fair value increases. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.

Subsequently, in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies codification and corrects unintended application of the guidance. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies or addresses specific issues about certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. In November 2019 the FASB also issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates, which delays the effective date of ASU 2016-13 by three years for certain smaller reporting companies such as the Company. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard.

The Company has considered other recent accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to the business or that the effect is not expected to be material to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes Tables

Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block]

Asset Classification	Estimated useful life (in years)
Leasehold improvements	shorter of useful life or remaining life of the lease
Laboratory furniture and equipment	8 - 14
Office furniture and equipment	5 - 13
Computer and equipment	3 - 7

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Note 3 - Revenue (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes Tables

Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021			2022		2021
Seagen	$	155	$	(280	)	$	3,074	$	424
AstraZeneca		4,404		1,607			9,026		18,309
Servier		258		1,867			5,223		3,379
Genentech		553		863			2,733		863
Total Revenue	$	5,370	$	4,057		$	20,056	$	22,975

Revenue From Contract With Customer, Milestone Payments [Table Text Block]

	Research, Development, Regulatory & Commercial Milestones		Sales Milestones
AstraZeneca	$	702	$	3,925
Servier		118		88
Seagen		754		450
Boston Pharmaceuticals		88		265
Genentech		834		600
Total potential milestone payments	$	2,496	$	5,328

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Note 5 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes Tables

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Table Text Block]

	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2022
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	$	25,183	$	25,183	$	—	$	—
Investments - US treasuries		2,674		2,674		—		—
Investments - Foreign treasuries		894		894		—		—
Investments - Asset-backed securities		497		—		497		—
Investments - Corporate bonds		17,335		—		17,335		—
Total	$	46,583	$	28,751	$	17,832	$	—

	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2021
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	$	56,885	$	56,885	$	—	$	—
Total	$	56,885	$	56,885	$	—	$	—

Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table Text Block]

	Contractual maturity
	(in days)	Amortized Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair Value
Investments
US treasuries	6-153	$	2,676	$	—	$	(2	)	$	2,674
Foreign treasuries	166		898		—		(4	)		894
Asset-backed securities	107		500		—		(3	)		497
Corporate bonds	1-251		17,244		126		(35	)		17,335
Total		$	21,318	$	126	$	(44	)	$	21,400

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Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes Tables

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

	September 30,			December 31,
	2022			2021
Laboratory furniture and equipment	$	10,759		$	11,354
Office furniture and equipment		1,712			1,959
Computer equipment		348			396
Leasehold improvements		11,397			13,130
Property and equipment, cost		24,216			26,839
Accumulated depreciation		(8,319	)		(7,717	)
Property and equipment, net	$	15,897		$	19,122

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Note 7 - Accrued Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes Tables

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	September 30,		December 31,
	2022		2021
Research and development fees	$	5,036	$	5,682
Compensation expense		3,248		3,581
Accrued license obligations		131		1,541
Accrued accounts payable		1,560		2,980
Lease liabilities		826		1,049
Other current liabilities		581		393
Collaboration cost-sharing obligation		—		1,610
Total	$	11,382	$	16,836

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Note 10 - Leases (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

Notes Tables

Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2022		2021		2022		2021
Operating lease costs	$	314	$	370	$	943	$	1,126
Variable lease costs (1)		148		198		446		562
Total lease cost	$	462	$	568	$	1,389	$	1,688

	As of September 30, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)		9.8
Weighted-average discount rate		10.5	%

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]

	Total
2022	$	545
2023		1,934
2024		1,934
2025		1,934
2026		1,934
Thereafter		10,797
Total undiscounted lease payments		19,078
Less: present value adjustment		(6,861	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	12,217

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Note 1 - Corporate Information (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	May 31, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments, Total	$ 69,800		$ 69,800
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total	(9,736)	$ (16,536)	(25,175)	$ (36,206)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total	$ (282,319)		$ (282,319)		$ (257,144)
Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH [Member]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired						100.00%

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Lives (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022
Laboratory Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, useful life (Year)	8 years
Laboratory Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, useful life (Year)	14 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, useful life (Year)	5 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, useful life (Year)	13 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, useful life (Year)	3 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, useful life (Year)	7 years

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Note 3 - Revenue (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, € in Millions							1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	May 19, 2021 USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2021 USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Mar. 24, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Feb. 08, 2018 USD ($)	May 02, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 EUR (€)	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current										$ 18,498		$ 18,498			$ 25,116
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent										18,484		18,484			38,403
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized										5,300		19,500
Number of Technology Licenses						5
Revenues, Total										5,370	$ 4,057	20,056		$ 22,975
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability										0		0
Genentech [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Variable Consideration Amount	$ 1,400
Number Of Initial Research Programs	2
Number Of Optional Additional Research Programs	2
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Collaboration Fee On Additional Program	$ 10,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period Within Material Breach (Day)	90 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period Before First Commercial Sale (Day)	90 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period After First Commercial Sale (Day)	180 days
Number of Research Programs	4
Number of Performance Obligations	2
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount										11,900		11,900
Revenues, Total										553	863	2,733		863
Genentech [Member] | License and Collaboration Agreement [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations	5
Genentech [Member] | Platform Technology License [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations	2
Genentech [Member] | Governance Committee Participation [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations	1
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations					3
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount										16,100		16,100
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current										10,000		10,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent										3,400		3,400
Amended Collaboration Agreement, Resale of Stock, Period (Day)				60 days
Revenues, Total										155	(280)	3,074		424
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Private Placement [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total				$ 3,300
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction (in shares) | shares				3,706,174
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction				$ 13,000
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 3.51
Sale of Stock, Fair Value, Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 2.61
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | License and Collaboration Agreement [Member]
Number of Research Programs				3	3
Number of Performance Obligations					6
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Period After Effective Date Agreements May Be Terminated (Month)					12 months
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period (Day)					90 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period If Marketing Approval Obtained (Day)					180 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)					90 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination, Additional Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)					90 days
Number Of Licenses					3
Number Of Swap Options					2
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Platform Technology License [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations					3
Number of Target Programs					3
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Governance Committee Participation [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations					1
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Other Arrangement [Member]
Number of Research Programs					2
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total					$ 1,200,000
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Compensation Earned					$ 4,900
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Antibody Target Swap [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations					2
Astra Zeneca A B [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total										700		700
Research Collaboration Agreement Period (Year)						5 years
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount										6,900		6,900
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current										600		600
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent										6,300		6,300
Amended Collaboration Agreement, Resale of Stock, Period (Day)			60 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Allocable Arrangement Consideration Allocation							$ 5,000		$ 4,700
Revenues, Total								$ 13,000		4,404	1,607	9,026		18,309
Number of Discovery Programs Discontinued									1
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization										200	200	300		300
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Total						$ 1,600				200		200
Capitalized Contract Cost, Gross																		$ 1,100
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Private Placement [Member]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction (in shares) | shares			3,584,230
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction			$ 10,000
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 2.79
Sale of Stock, Fair Value, Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 2.60
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | License and Collaboration Agreement [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations						16
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Period After Effective Date Agreements May Be Terminated (Month)						12 months
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period (Day)						90 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period If Marketing Approval Obtained (Day)						180 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)						180 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination, Additional Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)						180 days
Number of Novel Proteins						4
Agreement Termination Notice Period Upon Of Breach Of Payment Obligations (Day)						30 days
Remaining Performance Obligation, Estimated Term (Month)						12 months
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | License and Collaboration Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Number of Collaboration Products						2
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | License and Collaboration Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Number of Collaboration Products						4
Number of Programs						2
Number of Research Licenses						4
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Allocable Arrangement Consideration Allocation						$ 45,000
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member] | Estimated Development And Manufacturing Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Allocable Arrangement Consideration Allocation						14,200
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member] | Sales Milestone Payments [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Allocable Arrangement Consideration Allocation						12,500
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member] | Estimated Phase 2a Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Allocable Arrangement Consideration Allocation						4,700
Astra Zeneca A B [Member] | Additional Other Research Services [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Allocable Arrangement Consideration Allocation						$ 4,700
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member]
Number of Performance Obligations																10	10
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount										4,800		4,800
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current										800		800
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent										3,900		3,900
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized												4,900
Number of Novel Proteins																1	1
Number of Programs																3	3
Revenues, Total										258	$ 1,867	5,223		$ 3,379
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization												$ 100
Number of Ongoing Performance Obligations												3	3
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Total										0		$ 0						$ 500
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member] | License and Collaboration Agreement [Member]
Number of Programs																5	5
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax												3,700	€ 3.3
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)																90 days	90 days
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member] | Collaborative Arrangement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)																120 days	120 days
License [Member] | Genentech [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total	$ 20,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current										7,100		7,100
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent										$ 4,800		$ 4,800
License [Member] | B P Assets X I I Inc [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount		$ 6,000
Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total		4,000
License [Member] | B P Assets X I I Inc [Member] | Exclusive Product License Agreement [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total		10,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Variable Consideration Amount		352,500
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount		10,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Contribution Towards Manufacturing Activities		$ 4,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Period After Effective Date Agreements May Be Terminated (Month)		9 months
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period (Day)		60 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Advance Notice Period If Marketing Approval Obtained (Day)		120 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)		180 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination Notice Period, Non-Payment Of Undisputed Amounts (Day)		60 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Termination, Additional Notice Period Upon Material Breach (Day)		180 days
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Agreement Obligation Cost		$ 4,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized															$ 5,700
License [Member] | Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax					$ 30,000
License [Member] | Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member] | Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax																$ 32,000	€ 30.0
Research And Development Services [Member] | Genentech [Member]
Research Collaboration Agreement Period (Year)	3 years
Research And Development Services [Member] | Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member]
Number of Development Programs																2	2
Number of Development Milestones																3	3

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Note 3 - Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Total revenue		$ 5,370	$ 4,057	$ 20,056	$ 22,975
Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member]
Total revenue		155	(280)	3,074	424
Astra Zeneca A B [Member]
Total revenue	$ 13,000	4,404	1,607	9,026	18,309
Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member]
Total revenue		258	1,867	5,223	3,379
Genentech [Member]
Total revenue		$ 553	$ 863	$ 2,733	$ 863

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Note 3 - Revenue - Potential Milestone Payments Received (Details) - Collaborative Arrangement [Member] $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Research And Development Milestone Payments [Member]
milestone	$ 2,496
Research And Development Milestone Payments [Member] | Astra Zeneca A B [Member]
milestone	702
Research And Development Milestone Payments [Member] | Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member]
milestone	118
Research And Development Milestone Payments [Member] | Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member]
milestone	754
Research And Development Milestone Payments [Member] | Boston Pharmaceuticals [Member]
milestone	88
Research And Development Milestone Payments [Member] | Genentech [Member]
milestone	834
Sales Milestone Payments [Member]
milestone	5,328
Sales Milestone Payments [Member] | Astra Zeneca A B [Member]
milestone	3,925
Sales Milestone Payments [Member] | Les Laboratoires Servier And Institut De Recherches Internationales Servier [Member]
milestone	88
Sales Milestone Payments [Member] | Seattle Genetics Inc. [Member]
milestone	450
Sales Milestone Payments [Member] | Boston Pharmaceuticals [Member]
milestone	265
Sales Milestone Payments [Member] | Genentech [Member]
milestone	$ 600

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Note 4 - Grant Income (Details Textual) - Jun. 30, 2021 € in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Grants Receivable	$ 17	€ 14.2

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Note 5 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Realized Gain (Loss), Total	$ 200	$ 0	$ 300	$ 0

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Note 5 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments - Cash Equivalents and Investments Carried at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair value	$ 21,400
Total	46,583	$ 56,885
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Total	28,751	56,885
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total	17,832	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Total	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	25,183	56,885
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	25,183	56,885
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Money market funds, included in cash equivalents	0	$ 0
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Fair value	2,674
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair value	2,674
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair value	0
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair value	0
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Fair value	894
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair value	894
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair value	0
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair value	0
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair value	497
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair value	0
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair value	497
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair value	0
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Fair value	17,335
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair value	0
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair value	17,335
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair value	$ 0

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Note 5 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments - Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Amortized cost	$ 21,318
Unrealized gains	126
Unrealized losses	(44)
Fair value	21,400
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	2,676
Unrealized gains	0
Unrealized losses	(2)
Fair value	$ 2,674
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Contractual Maturity Period (Day)	6 days
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Contractual Maturity Period (Day)	153 days
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Contractual Maturity Period (Day)	166 years
Amortized cost	$ 898
Unrealized gains	0
Unrealized losses	(4)
Fair value	894
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	500
Unrealized gains	0
Unrealized losses	(3)
Fair value	497
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Amortized cost	17,244
Unrealized gains	126
Unrealized losses	(35)
Fair value	$ 17,335
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Contractual Maturity Period (Day)	1 day
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Contractual Maturity Period (Day)	251 days

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Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Property and equipment, cost	$ 24,216	$ 26,839
Accumulated depreciation	(8,319)	(7,717)
Property and equipment, net	15,897	19,122
Laboratory Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, cost	10,759	11,354
Office Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, cost	1,712	1,959
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, cost	348	396
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, cost	$ 11,397	$ 13,130

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Note 7 - Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Research and development fees	$ 5,036	$ 5,682
Compensation expense	3,248	3,581
Accrued license obligations	131	1,541
Accrued accounts payable	1,560	2,980
Lease liabilities	826	1,049
Other current liabilities	581	393
Collaboration cost-sharing obligation	0	1,610
Total	$ 11,382	$ 16,836

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Note 8 - Net Loss Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in shares)	38.8	36.7

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Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions				1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 22, 2022	Jun. 25, 2021	May 20, 2021	Aug. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Common Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)					300,000,000	300,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					74,406,253	72,222,661
Common Stock, Shares, Issued (in shares)					74,406,253	72,222,661
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)					$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)					10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)					15,617
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					15,617	15,617
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)					$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Jefferies L L C [Member] | At the Market Offering [Member]
Sale of Stock, Authorized Amount				$ 50.0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)					2.1
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services					$ 7.2
Shares Issued, Price Per Share (in dollars per share)					$ 3.46
Conversion of Common Stock into Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted (in shares)			5,000,000
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)			5,000
Employee Director And Consultant Equity Incentive Plan2020 [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)							3,500,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized (in shares)	3,000,000	2,250,000
Employee Director And Consultant Equity Incentive Plan 2019 [Member]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)							1,579,678
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)					85	85
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					85	85
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)					4,026	4,026
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					4,026	4,026
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)					3,506	3,506
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					3,506	3,506
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)					3,000	3,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					3,000	3,000
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)			5,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)					5,000	5,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)					5,000	5,000

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Note 10 - Leases (Details Textual) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020 USD ($) ft²	Feb. 29, 2020 USD ($) ft²	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 ft²
Operating Lease, Payments | $			$ 0.5	$ 0.6	$ 1.6	$ 1.9
Hallbergmoos Germany [Member] | Leases Expected to be Delivered by October 2024 [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²	22,300	22,300
Hallbergmoos Germany [Member] | Leases with First Right of Refusal for Additional Area [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²	13,400	13,400
Sublease Office Space [Member] | Boston Massachusetts [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²									3,950
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term (Month)							10 months
Office and Laboratory Space [Member] | Hallbergmoos Germany [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²	105,000	105,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term (Month)	60 months	60 months
Number of Agreement Extension Options	2
Lessee, Operating Lease, Monthly Rent Expense | $		$ 0.2
Security Deposit | $	$ 0.8	$ 0.8
Tenant Improvements | $								$ 11.5

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Note 10 - Leases - Operating Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Operating lease costs		$ 314	$ 370	$ 943	$ 1,126
Variable lease costs (1)	[1]	148	198	446	562
Total lease cost		$ 462	$ 568	$ 1,389	$ 1,688
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) (Year)		9 years 9 months 18 days		9 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average discount rate		10.50%		10.50%

[1] Variable lease costs include certain additional charges for operating costs, including insurance, maintenance, taxes, utilities, and other costs incurred, which are billed based on both usage and as a percentage of the Company’s share of total square footage.

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Note 10 - Leases - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
2022	$ 545
2023	1,934
2024	1,934
2025	1,934
2026	1,934
Thereafter	10,797
Total undiscounted lease payments	19,078
Less: present value adjustment	(6,861)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 12,217