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Adaptimmune Therapeutics PLC: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2023

Filed with the SEC on May 12, 2023 and accepted by EDGAR at May 12, 2023, 16:05 ET.

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Management's discussion and analysis

As filed, 37,616 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on March 6, 2023. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on providing novel cell therapies to people with cancer. We are a leader in the development of T-cell therapies for solid tumors and have reported clinical responses in multiple solid tumor indications.

Our proprietary platform enables us to identify cancer targets, find and develop cell therapy candidates active against those targets and produce therapeutic candidates for administration to patients. Our cell therapy candidates include genetically engineered T-cell receptors (“TCRs”) and HLA-independent TCRs (“HiTs”) where surface proteins are targeted independently of the peptide-HLA complex. Our cell therapies are currently manufactured on an autologous or per patient basis and we have a proprietary preclinical allogeneic platform for the development of “off the shelf” cell therapies.

Our MAGE-A4 cell therapy franchise includes T-cell therapy products targeting solid tumor indications in which the MAGE-A4 antigen is expressed, with compelling responses seen in head and neck, esophagogastric junction (“EGJ”), urothelial and ovarian indications. Filing of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for the lead product (afamitresgene autoleucel or “afami-cel”) in synovial sarcoma has been initiated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), with completion of the filing targeted for mid-2023.

Clinical programs with our MAGE-A4 targeted cell therapies are as follows:

  • SPEARHEAD-1 Phase 2 Trial with afami-cel (ADP-A2M4): A registration directed Phase 2 clinical trial is ongoing in synovial sarcoma in which the MAGE-A4 antigen is expressed. Enrollment in Cohorts 1 and 2 are complete. An overall response rate (ORR) of approximately 39% in heavily pre-treated patients with synovial sarcoma and a median duration of response of around 12 months was announced at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) in November 2022.
  • SURPASS-3 Phase 2 Trial with ADP-A2M4CD8. A Phase 2 trial for people with platinum resistant ovarian cancer is initiating in 2023. We have received RMAT designation (Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation) for ADP-A2M4CD8 for the treatment of this indication from the FDA. In the Phase 1 SURPASS trial an ORR of 43% in ovarian cancer was reported in November 2022. The Phase 2 trial will evaluate ADP-A2M4CD8 in both monotherapy and in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab, in ovarian cancer.
  • SURPASS Phase 1 Trial with ADP-A2M4CD8: Enrollment is ongoing in a Phase 1 trial for ADP-A2M4CD8, focusing on treatment of patients with head and neck and urothelial cancers in which the MAGE-A4 antigen is expressed. Across all indications and as of November 23, 2022, the trial has an overall response rate of 37%. In the focus areas of ovarian, urothelial and head and neck cancers the response rate is 75% in patients with 3 or fewer prior lines of therapy (9 out of 12 patients). The trial includes a combination cohort where participants receive a combination of ADP-A2M4CD8 together with a checkpoint inhibitor (nivolumab). Two new cohorts in urothelial and head and neck cancers for patients with fewer lines of therapy and in combination with standard of care in those settings is initiating.

Outside of the MAGE-A4 franchise, we have a preclinical program for T-cell therapies directed to the PRAME target which is expressed in a broad range of tumors. Dependent on the data arising from the preclinical program, the first cell therapy targeting PRAME is anticipated to be IND-ready by the end of 2023. The PRAME program was previously part of a prior collaboration with GSK.

We are also developing allogeneic or “off-the-shelf” cell therapies utilizing a proprietary allogeneic platform. The platform utilizes cells derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (“iPSCs”), which can be gene-edited to express our engineered TCRs or other constructs and then differentiated into the required end cell type, for example T-cells. The platform is applicable to all of our cell therapies. We have a strategic collaboration with Genentech Inc. (“Genentech”). The collaboration with Genentech covers the research and development of “off-the-shelf” cell therapies for up to five shared cancer targets (“off-the-shelf” products) and the development of a novel allogeneic personalized cell therapy platform.

We have several development and research collaborations. A prior collaboration with GSK terminated in December 2022. On April 11, 2023, we announced the entry into a Termination and Transfer Agreement with GSK (the “Termination and Transfer Agreement”) regarding the return of rights and materials comprised within the PRAME and NY-ESO cell therapy programs. The parties will work collaboratively to ensure continuity for patients in ongoing lete-cel clinical trials forming part of the NY-ESO cell therapy program. In addition, under the Termination and Transfer Agreement, Adaptimmune will receive an upfront amount and milestone payments totaling £30 million in relation to the transfer of the clinical trials for the NY-ESO cell therapy program. A prior Co-development and Co-commercialization agreement (the “Astellas Collaboration Agreement”) with Universal Cells, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Universal Cells”) under which we collaborated with Universal Cells to research, develop, and commercialize certain cellular therapy products directed to certain targets was mutually agreed to terminate as of March 6, 2023. Termination does not impact the development of our allogeneic cell lines for our internal allogeneic programs or for our collaboration with Genentech Inc. The parties previously terminated an Amended and Restated Research Collaboration and License Agreement, dated January 13, 2020, effective February 26, 2023.

On March 6, 2023 we announced entry into a definitive agreement under which we will combine with TCR² Therapeutics Inc. (“TCR2”) in an all-stock transaction to create a preeminent cell therapy company focused on treating solid tumors. The combination provides extensive advantages for clinical development and product delivery supported by complementary technology platforms. The lead clinical franchises for the combined company will utilize engineered T-cell therapies targeting MAGE-A4 and mesothelin. These targets are expressed on a broad range of solid tumors and are supported by early- and late-stage clinical data. The combined company also has a preclinical pipeline of additional target opportunities with development initially focused on PRAME and CD70. The merger agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Following the closing of the transaction, Adaptimmune shareholders will own approximately 75% of the combined company and TCR2 stockholders will own approximately 25% of the combined company. The agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants given by us and TCR2. The agreement also contains customary pre-closing covenants, including covenants by each of the parties relating to conduct of their respective business prior to the closing of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2023, subject to the receipt of approvals by Adaptimmune shareholders and TCR2 stockholders and satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions. Following the closing of the transaction we currently estimate that the cash runway of the combined company will extend into early 2026.

Financial Operations Overview

Revenue

The Company had two contracts with customers in the three months ended March 31, 2023: the Astellas Collaboration Agreement and the Genentech Collaboration Agreement. A previous collaboration, the GSK Collaboration and License Agreement, was terminated on October 24, 2022 (effective December 23, 2022).

The Astellas Collaboration Agreement

In January 2020, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Astellas. The Company received $50.0 million as an upfront payment after entering into the agreement. Under the agreement the parties would agree on up to three targets and would co-develop T-cell therapies directed to those targets pursuant to an agreed research plan. For each target, Astellas would fund co-development up until completion of a Phase 1 trial for products directed to such target. In addition, Astellas was also granted the right to develop, independently of Adaptimmune, allogeneic T-cell therapy candidates directed to two targets selected by Astellas. Astellas would have sole rights to develop and commercialize products resulting from these two targets.

The agreement consisted of the following performance obligations: (i) research services and rights granted under the co-exclusive license for each of the three co-development targets and (ii) the rights granted for each of the two independent Astellas targets. The revenue allocated to the co-development targets was recognized as the development of products directed to the targets progressed up until completion of a Phase 1 trial. The revenue allocated to each of the research licenses for the targets being independently developed by Astellas was to be recognized when the associated license commenced, which was upon designation of a target by Astellas.

The Company and Universal Cells mutually agreed to terminate the Astellas Collaboration Agreement as of March 6, 2023 (the “Termination Date”). In connection with the termination, all licenses and sublicenses granted to either party pursuant to the Collaboration Agreement ceased as of the Termination Date. There were no termination penalties in connection with the termination, however the Company is still entitled to receive reimbursement for research and development work performed up to and including a period of 30 days after the Termination Date.

The termination was accounted for as a contract modification and the modification resulted in the remaining unsatisfied and partially satisfied performance obligations under the collaboration becoming fully satisfied. The aggregate transaction price of the contract modification was $42,365,000, which was primarily comprised of deferred income relating to the third co-development target and the two independent targets, and was recognized in full in March 2023.

The Genentech Collaboration Agreement

On September 3, 2021, Adaptimmune Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adaptimmune Therapeutics Plc, entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement with Genentech, Inc. (“Genentech”) and F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. The collaboration has two components:

1) development of allogeneic T-cell therapies for up to five shared cancer targets

2) development of personalized allogeneic T-cell therapies utilizing αβ T-cell receptors (TCRs) isolated from a patient, with such therapies being administered to the same patient.

The parties will collaborate to perform a research program, initially during an eight-year period (which may be extended for up to two additional two-year terms at Genentech’s election upon payment of an extension fee for each two-year term), to develop the cell therapies, following which Genentech will determine whether to further develop and commercialize such therapies. The Company received an upfront payment of $150 million in October 2021 and a $20 million milestone payment in December 2022.

The Company identified the following performance obligations under the agreement: (i) research services and rights granted under the licenses for each of the initial “off-the-shelf” collaboration targets, (ii) research services and rights granted under the licenses for the personalized therapies, (iii) material rights relating to the option to designate additional “off-the-shelf” collaboration targets and (iv) material rights relating to the two options to extend the research term. The revenue allocated to the initial “off-the-shelf” collaboration targets and the personalized therapies is recognized as development progresses. The revenue allocated to the material rights to designate additional ‘off-the-shelf’ collaboration targets is recognized from the point that the options are exercised and then as development progresses, in line with the initial “off-the-shelf” collaboration targets, or at the point in time that the rights expire. The revenue from the material rights to extend the research term is recognized from the point that the options are exercised and then over the period of the extension, or at the point in time that the options expire.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist principally of the following:

  • salaries for research and development staff and related expenses, including benefits;
  • costs for production of preclinical compounds and drug substances by contract manufacturers;
  • fees and other costs paid to contract research organizations in connection with additional preclinical testing and the performance of clinical trials;
  • costs associated with the development of a process to manufacture and supply our lentiviral vector and cell therapies for use in clinical trials;
  • costs to develop manufacturing capability at our U.S. facility for manufacture of cell therapies for use in clinical trials;
  • costs relating to facilities, materials and equipment used in research and development;
  • costs of acquired or in-licensed research and development which does not have alternative future use;
  • costs of developing assays and diagnostics;
  • an allocation of indirect costs clearly related to research and development;
  • amortization and depreciation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets used to develop our cells therapies; and
  • share-based compensation expenses.

These expenses are partially offset by:

  • reimbursable tax and expenditure credits from the U.K. government.

Research and development expenditure is presented net of reimbursements from reimbursable tax and expenditure credits from the U.K. government.

As a company that carries out extensive research and development activities, we benefit from the U.K. research and development tax credit regime for small and medium sized companies (“SME R&D Tax Credit Scheme”), whereby our principal research subsidiary company, Adaptimmune Limited, is able to surrender the trading losses that arise from its research and development activities for a payable tax credit of up to approximately 33.4% of eligible research and development expenditures, decreasing to 18.6% after April 1, 2023. Qualifying expenditures largely comprise employment costs for research staff, consumables and certain internal overhead costs incurred as part of research projects for which we do not receive income. Subcontracted research expenditures are eligible for a cash rebate of up to approximately 21.7%, decreasing to 12.1% after April 1, 2023. A large proportion of costs in relation to our pipeline research, clinical trials management and manufacturing development activities, all of which are being carried out by Adaptimmune Limited, are eligible for inclusion within these tax credit cash rebate claims.

Expenditures incurred in conjunction with our collaboration agreements are not qualifying expenditures under the SME R&D Tax Credit Scheme but certain of these expenditures can be reimbursed through the U.K. research and development expenditure credit scheme (the “RDEC Scheme”). Under the RDEC Scheme tax relief is given at 13% of allowable R&D costs, which may result in a payable tax credit at an effective rate of approximately 10.5% of qualifying expenditure for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The RDEC Scheme tax relief rate is scheduled to increase to 20% after April 1, 2023, which may result in a payable tax credit at an effective rate of 15%

Our research and development expenses may vary substantially from period to period based on the timing of our research and development activities, which depends upon the timing of initiation of clinical trials and the rate of enrollment of patients in clinical trials. The duration, costs, and timing of clinical trials and development of our cell therapies will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • the scope, rate of progress, and expense of our ongoing as well as any additional clinical trials and other research and development activities;
  • uncertainties in clinical trial enrollment rates;
  • future clinical trial results;
  • significant and changing government regulation;
  • the timing and receipt of any regulatory approvals; and
  • supply and manufacture of lentiviral vector and cell therapies for clinical trials.

A change in the outcome of any of these variables may significantly change the costs and timing associated with the development of that cell therapy. For example, if the FDA, or another regulatory authority, requires us to conduct clinical trials beyond those that we currently anticipate will be required for regulatory approval, or if we experience significant delays in enrollment in any of our clinical trials, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development.

General and Administrative Expenses

Our general and administrative expenses consist principally of:

  • salaries for employees other than research and development staff, including benefits;
  • business development expenses, including travel expenses;
  • professional fees for auditors, lawyers and other consulting expenses;
  • costs of facilities, communication, and office expenses;
  • cost of establishing commercial operations;
  • information technology expenses;
  • amortization and depreciation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets not related to research and development activities; and
  • share-based compensation expenses.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other (expense) income, net primarily comprises foreign exchange (losses) gains. We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk because we currently operate in the United Kingdom and United States. Our expenses are generally denominated in the currency in which our operations are located, which are the United Kingdom and United States. However, our U.K.-based subsidiary incurs significant research and development costs in U.S. dollars and, to a lesser extent, Euros. Our U.K. subsidiary has an intercompany loan balance in U.S. dollars payable to the ultimate parent company, Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc, which is considered of a long-term investment nature as repayment is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future. It is Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc’s intent not to request payment of the intercompany loan for the foreseeable future. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on the revaluation of intercompany loans of a long-term investment nature are reported within other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax.

Our results of operations and cash flows will be subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which could harm our business in the future. We seek to minimize this exposure by maintaining currency cash balances at levels appropriate to meet forthcoming expenditure in U.S. dollars and pounds sterling. To date, we have not used hedging contracts to manage exchange rate exposure, although we may do so in the future.

In addition to currency fluctuations, adverse macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, slower growth or recession, new or increased tariffs, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, tighter credit, and higher interest rates, could materially adversely affect the Company by, for example, driving higher input costs and/or impacting the Company’s ability to raise future financing.

Taxation

We are subject to corporate taxation in the United Kingdom and the United States. We incur tax losses and tax credit carryforwards in the United Kingdom on an annual basis. No deferred tax assets are recognized on our U.K. losses and tax credit carryforwards because there is currently no indication that we will make sufficient taxable profits to utilize these tax losses and tax credit carryforwards. On June 10, 2021, the U.K. 2021 Finance Bill received Royal Assent. Under this bill, the rate of U.K. corporation tax will increase to 25% from April 1, 2023, with lower rates and tapered relief to be applied to companies with profits below £250,000.

We benefit from reimbursable tax credits in the United Kingdom through the SME R&D Tax Credit Scheme as well as the RDEC Scheme which are presented as a deduction to research and development expenditure.

Our subsidiary in the United States has generated taxable profits due to a Service Agreement between our U.S. and U.K. operating subsidiaries and is subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax of 21%. Due to its activity in the United States, and the sourcing of its revenue, the U.S. subsidiary is not currently subject to any state or local income taxes. The Company also benefits from the U.S Research Tax Credit and Orphan Drug Credit.

In the future, if we generate taxable income in the United Kingdom on an annual basis, we may benefit from the United Kingdom’s “patent box” regime, which would allow certain profits attributable to revenues from patented products to be taxed at a rate of 10%. As we have many different patents covering our products, future upfront fees, milestone fees, product revenues, and royalties may be taxed at this favorably low tax rate.

U.K. Value Added Tax (“VAT”) is charged on all qualifying goods and services by VAT-registered businesses. An amount of 20% of the value of the goods or services is added to all relevant sales invoices and is payable to the U.K. tax authorities. Similarly, VAT paid on purchase invoices paid by Adaptimmune Limited and Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc is reclaimable from the U.K. tax authorities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

The preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the revenues and expenses incurred during the reported periods. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The accounting policies considered to be critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements are disclosed in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022

The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, together with the changes to those items (in thousands):

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended March 31, 2023 ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Increase/decrease ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Revenue ​ $47,601 ​ $3,575 ​ $44,026 1,231%
Research and development expenses ​ (25,548) ​ (36,752) ​ 11,204 (30)%
General and administrative expenses ​ (20,397) ​ (16,804) ​ (3,593) 21%
Total operating expenses ​ (45,945) ​ (53,556) ​ 7,611 (14)%
Operating profit/(loss) ​ 1,656 ​ (49,981) ​ 51,637 (103)%
Interest income ​ 676 ​ 338 ​ 338 100%
Other (expense) income, net ​ (671) ​ 12 ​ (683) (5,692)%
Profit/(loss) before income tax expense ​ 1,661 ​ (49,631) ​ 51,292 (103)%
Income tax expense ​ (625) ​ (634) ​ 9 (1)%
Profit/(loss) for the period ​ $1,036 ​ $(50,265) ​ $51,301 (102)%

26

Revenue

Revenue increased by $44.0 million to $47.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to the termination of the Astellas collaboration, resulting in a release of the remaining deferred income for the collaboration being released as revenue in March 2023.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses decreased by 30% to $25.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from $36.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Our research and development expenses comprise the following (in thousands):

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended March 31, 2023 ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Increase/decrease ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Salaries, materials, equipment, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and other employee-related costs(1) ​ $18,107 ​ $23,038 ​ $(4,931) ​ (21)%
Subcontracted expenditure ​ 11,165 ​ 14,550 ​ (3,385) ​ (23)%
Manufacturing facility expenditure ​ 1,508 ​ 2,953 ​ (1,445) ​ (49)%
Share-based compensation expense ​ 116 ​ 2,523 ​ (2,407) ​ (95)%
In-process research and development costs ​ — ​ 1,845 ​ (1,845) ​ (100)%
Reimbursements receivable for research and development tax and expenditure credits ​ (5,348) ​ (8,157) ​ 2,809 ​ (34)%
​ ​ $25,548 ​ $36,752 ​ $(11,204) ​ (30)%

(1) These costs are not analyzed by project since employees may be engaged in multiple projects simultaneously.

The net decrease in our research and development expenses of $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was primarily due to the following:

  • A decrease of $4.9 million in salaries, materials, equipment, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and other employee-related costs, which is mainly driven by a decrease in the average number of employees engaged in research and development including the restructuring programme that was completed in the quarter; and
  • A decrease of $3.4 million in subcontracted expenditure due a decrease in clinical trial expenses;
  • A decrease of $2.4 million in share-based compensation expenses, due to a combination of lower fair value of options granted in the quarter compared to the equivalent period in 2022 and due to high forfeiture credits due to redundancies in the quarter; and
  • A decrease of $1.8 million in in-process research and development costs due to accruals for milestone payments to Universal Cells in the three months ended March 31, 2022 that were not repeated in the three months ended March 31, 2023; offset by
  • A decrease of $2.8 million in reimbursements receivable for research and development tax and expenditure credits due to decreases in the associated research and development costs for which the credits may be claimed.

Our subcontracted costs for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $11.2 million, compared to $14.6 million in the same period of 2022. This includes $9.2 million of costs directly associated with our afami-cel, ADP-A2M4CD8 and ADP-A2AFP SPEAR T-cells and $2.0 million of other development costs.

Our research and development expenses are highly dependent on the phases and progression of our research projects and will fluctuate depending on the outcome of ongoing clinical trials. We expect that our research and development expenses will increase in future periods as we continue to invest in our translational sciences and other research and development capabilities.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by 21% to $20.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from $16.8 million in the same period in 2022. Our general and administrative expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended March 31, 2023 ​ ​ ​ 2022 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Increase/decrease ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Salaries, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and other employee-related costs ​ $8,368 ​ $8,767 ​ $(399) ​ (5)%
Restructuring charges ​ ​ 1,703 ​ ​ — ​ ​ 1,703 ​ N/A%
Other corporate costs ​ 8,766 ​ 4,974 ​ 3,792 ​ 76%
Share-based compensation expense ​ ​ 1,560 ​ ​ 3,063 ​ ​ (1,503) ​ (49)%
​ ​ $20,397 ​ $16,804 ​ $3,593 ​ 21%

The net increase in our general and administrative expenses of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was largely due to;

  • Restructuring charges of $1.7 million, relating to the restructuring programme completed in the quarter; and
  • A increase of $3.8 million in other corporate costs due to an increase in accounting, legal and professional fees incurred in relation to entering into the TCR2 Therapeutics Inc. merger agreement; offset by
  • A decrease of $1.5 million in shared-based compensation expense due to a combination of lower fair value of options granted in the quarter compared to the equivalent period in 2022 and due to high forfeiture credits due to redundancies in the quarter;

Income Taxes

Income taxes arise in the United States due to our U.S. subsidiary generating taxable profits. We typically incur taxable losses in the United Kingdom on an annual basis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Funds

Since our inception, we have incurred significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations. We financed our operations primarily through sales of equity securities, cash receipts under our collaboration arrangements and research and development tax and expenditure credits. From inception through to March 31, 2023, we have raised:

  • $870.2 million, net of issuance costs, through the issuance of shares;
  • $391.2 million through collaborative arrangements with Genentech, GSK and Astellas; and
  • $108.9 million in the form of reimbursable U.K. research and development tax credits and receipts from the U.K. RDEC Scheme.

We use a non-GAAP measure, Total Liquidity, which is defined as the total of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, to evaluate the funds available to us in the near-term. A description of Total Liquidity and reconciliation to cash and cash equivalents, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, are provided below under “Non-GAAP measures”.

As of March 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $119.9 million and Total Liquidity of $165.6 million. We regularly assess Total Liquidity against our activities and make decisions regarding prioritization of those activities and deployment of Total Liquidity. We believe that our Total Liquidity will be sufficient to fund the Company’s current operations, based upon our currently anticipated research and development activities, planned capital spending and subject to the successful closing of the TCR2 transaction, we currently estimate that the cash runway will extend into early 2026. This belief is based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties and may change if actual results differ from management’s estimates.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes the results of our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended ​ March 31, 2023 ​ ​ ​ 2022
Net cash used in by operating activities ​ $(37,283) ​ $(54,401)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities ​ 48,341 ​ (4,775)
Net cash provided by financing activities ​ 196 ​ 35
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash ​ 121,444 ​ 91,255

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $37.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to $54.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Our activities typically result in net use of cash in operating activities. The net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased due to a decrease in operating expenditure as a result of the restructuring and re-prioritisation of activities that was initiated in the final quarter of 2022 and a $6.2 million payment from GSK.

Net cash used in operating activities of $37.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 comprised a net profit of $1.0 million and a net cash outflow of $42.6 million from changes in operating assets and liabilities, offset by non-cash items of $4.3 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities include the impact of a $6.2 million increase in reimbursements receivable for research and development tax credits. The non-cash items consisted primarily of depreciation expense on plant and equipment of $1.7 million, share-based compensation expense of $1.7 million, unrealized foreign exchange losses of $0.6 million, amortization on available-for-sale debt securities of $0.1 million and other items of $0.3 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $48.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The net cash provided by or used in investing activities for the respective periods consisted primarily of:

  • purchases of property and equipment of $2.3 million and $7.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively; and
  • cash outflows from investment in marketable securities $42.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022; offset by
  • cash inflows from maturity or redemption of marketable securities of $50.9 million and $44.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company invests surplus cash and cash equivalents in marketable securities. In the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the investments in marketable securities were reduced to fund the Company’s ongoing operations.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.2 million and $0.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net cash provided by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2023 consisted primarily of net proceeds of $0.2 million from shares issued in an At-The-Market offering, net of commissions and issuance costs. The net cash provided by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2022 consisted solely of proceeds from share option exercises.

Non-GAAP Measures

Total Liquidity (a non-GAAP financial measure)

Total Liquidity (a non-GAAP financial measure) is the total of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Each of these components appears in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The U.S. GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to Total Liquidity is cash and cash equivalents as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements, which reconciles to Total Liquidity as follows (in thousands):

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ March 31, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents ​ $119,866 ​ $108,033
Marketable securities - available-for-sale debt securities ​ 45,688 ​ 96,572
Total Liquidity ​ $165,554 ​ $204,605

We believe that the presentation of Total Liquidity provides useful information to investors because management reviews Total Liquidity as part of its management of overall solvency and liquidity, financial flexibility, capital position and leverage. The definition of Total Liquidity includes marketable securities, which are highly-liquid and available to use in our current operations.

Safe Harbor

See the section titled “Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Quarterly Report.

Market risk

As filed, 387 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

There have been no material changes to the Company’s market risk during the three months ended March 31, 2023. For a discussion of the Company’s exposure to market risk, please refer to the Company’s market risk disclosures set forth in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Controls and procedures

As filed, 906 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) as of March 31, 2023.

Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at March 31, 2023.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d – 15(e)) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Risk factors

As filed, 15,002 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.

Our business has significant risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors set out in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the disclosures set out in this Quarterly Report, including our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before making an investment decision regarding our securities. The risks and uncertainties described are those material risk factors currently known and specific to us that we believe are relevant to our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we now deem immaterial may also impair our business, results of operations and financial condition.

As of and for the period ended March 31, 2023, save as provided below there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed by us in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The following additional risk factors apply to our business in relation to the proposed strategic combination with TCR2.

Failure to consummate the merger as contemplated could negatively impact the price of Adaptimmune ordinary shares and the future business and operating results of the combined company.

The consummation of the merger may be delayed, the merger may be consummated on terms different than those contemplated by the merger agreement, or the merger may not be consummated at all. Failure to consummate the merger would prevent Adaptimmune shareholders from realizing the anticipated benefits of the merger. In addition, the consideration offered by Adaptimmune reflects a valuation of TCR2 significantly in excess of the price at which shares of TCR2 common stock were trading prior to the public announcement of Adaptimmune’s interest in the potential merger. Any delay in the consummation of the merger or any uncertainty about the consummation of the merger could also negatively impact the share price and future business and financial results of Adaptimmune and/or the combined company.

The market price of Adaptimmune ADSs may fluctuate due to a variety of factors that are beyond Adaptimmune’s control, including general market and economic conditions, changes in business prospects, catastrophic events, both natural and man-made, and regulatory considerations. In addition, the market price of the Adaptimmune ADSs may significantly fluctuate during the period of time between the date of the merger agreement and the consummation of the merger, as a result of uncertainty regarding the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, market perception of the synergies and cost savings expected to be achieved related to the merger, changes to the ongoing business of Adaptimmune or TCR2, including any actions taken by Adaptimmune’s or TCR2’s customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, employees, investors and governmental authorities as a result of the merger announcement, or actions taken by Adaptimmune or TCR2 in connection with the merger.

The merger remains subject to certain conditions, some of which Adaptimmune and TCR2 cannot control, which could result in the merger not being consummated or being delayed, either of which could negatively impact the share price and future business and operating results of Adaptimmune, TCR2, and/or the combined company.

The merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions in addition to the approval of governmental authorities. Certain conditions to the merger may not be satisfied or, if they are, the timing of such satisfaction is uncertain. If any conditions to the merger are not satisfied or, where waiver is permitted by applicable law, not waived, the merger will not be consummated.

If for any reason the merger is not completed or the closing of the merger is significantly delayed, the Adaptimmune ADS price and business and results of operations of Adaptimmune, TCR2, and/or the combined company may be adversely affected. In addition, failure to consummate the merger would prevent Adaptimmune shareholders from realizing the anticipated benefits of the merger and would prevent realization of the extension of the cash runway from early 2025 into early 2026. Adaptimmune has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant transaction fees, professional service fees, taxes and other costs related to the merger. Further, if the merger agreement is terminated, under certain circumstances Adaptimmune would be required to pay a termination fee equal to $2.4 million.

Lawsuits may in the future be filed against Adaptimmune, TCR2 and members of their respective boards of directors challenging the merger, and an adverse ruling in any such lawsuit may delay or prevent the completion of the merger or result in an award of damages against Adaptimmune.

Transactions such as the merger are frequently subject to litigation or other legal proceedings, including actions alleging that the Adaptimmune Board or TCR2 Board breached their respective fiduciary duties to their respective shareholders and stockholders by entering into the merger agreement, by failing to obtain a greater value in the transaction for their respective shareholders and stockholders, or otherwise. Adaptimmune cannot provide assurance that such litigation or other legal proceedings will not be brought. If litigation or other legal proceedings are in fact brought against Adaptimmune or TCR2, or against the Adaptimmune Board or TCR2 Board, they will defend against it, but might not be successful in doing so. An adverse outcome in such matters, as well as the costs and efforts of a defense even if successful, could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operation or financial position of Adaptimmune or the combined company, including through the possible diversion of either company’s resources or distraction of key personnel.

Furthermore, one of the conditions to the completion of the merger is the absence of an order, injunction, judgment, decree or ruling (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by any governmental authority of competent authority enjoining, restraining, preventing or prohibiting consummation of the merger. As such, if any plaintiffs are successful in obtaining an injunction preventing the consummation of the merger, that injunction may prevent the merger from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected time frame.

The merger agreement restricts Adaptimmune’s and TCR2’s ability to pursue alternatives to the merger, however, in specified circumstances, Adaptimmune or TCR2 may terminate the merger agreement to accept a superior proposal.

Under the merger agreement, Adaptimmune and TCR2 have agreed not to (1) take certain actions to solicit proposals relating to alternative business combination transactions or (2) subject to certain exceptions, including the receipt of a “parent superior proposal” or “company superior proposal” (as such terms are defined in the merger agreement), enter into discussions or an agreement concerning, or provide confidential information in connection with, any proposals for alternative business combination transactions. However, in specified circumstances, Adaptimmune or TCR2 may terminate the merger agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a “parent superior proposal” or “company superior proposal” prior to obtaining approval of the merger from its shareholders or stockholders, as applicable.

Upon termination of the merger agreement in specified circumstances, Adaptimmune or TCR2 would be required to pay a termination fee equal to $2.4 million. Following the payment of the termination fee, the paying party will, other than in certain circumstances, have no further obligation or liabilities to the other party. Such termination would deny Adaptimmune and its shareholders any benefits from the merger and could negatively impact Adaptimmune’s market price.

These provisions could discourage a third party that may have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of Adaptimmune from considering or proposing that acquisition, even if such third party were prepared to enter into a transaction that is more favorable to Adaptimmune or its shareholders and stockholders than the merger.

If the proposed merger is not completed, Adaptimmune will have incurred substantial costs that may adversely affect Adaptimmune’s financial results.

Adaptimmune has incurred and will continue to incur substantial costs in connection with the proposed merger. These costs are primarily associated with the fees of consultants, attorneys, accountants and financial advisors. In addition, Adaptimmune has diverted significant management resources in an effort to complete the merger and is subject to restrictions contained in the merger agreement on the conduct of their respective businesses during the pendency of the merger.

If the merger is not completed, such costs and restrictions may adversely affect Adaptimmune’s financial results and would prevent realization of the extension of the cash runway from early 2025 into early 2026.

Uncertainties associated with the merger may cause a loss of employees and may otherwise affect the future business and operations of Adaptimmune and the combined company.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Adaptimmune and, if the proposed merger with TCR2 is consummated, on the combined company following the merger. These consequent uncertainties may impair Adaptimmune’s and following the closing of the merger, the combined company’s, ability to retain and motivate key personnel and could also cause customers, suppliers, licensees, partners and others who deal with Adaptimmune or TCR2 to defer entering into contracts with, making other decisions concerning, or seeking to change existing business relationships with Adaptimmune or TCR2, and following the closing of the merger, the combined company. Because Adaptimmune and TCR2 depend on the experience and industry knowledge of their executives and other key personnel to execute their business plans, the combined company may be unable to meet its strategic objectives.

While the merger is pending, Adaptimmune may not be able to hire qualified personnel to replace any key employees that may depart to the same extent that they have been able to in the past. In addition, if the merger is not completed, Adaptimmune may also encounter challenges in hiring qualified personnel to replace key employees that may depart prior to the termination of the merger agreement

Adaptimmune and TCR2 may not successfully integrate.

If the merger is consummated, achieving the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger of Adaptimmune and TCR2 will depend in part upon whether the two companies integrate their businesses in an effective and efficient manner. Adaptimmune and TCR2 may not be able to accomplish this integration process successfully. The integration of businesses is complex and time-consuming. The difficulties that could be encountered include the following:

  • integrating personnel, operations and systems, while maintaining focus on selling and promoting existing and newly acquired or produced products;
  • coordinating geographically dispersed organizations;
  • distraction of management and employees from operations;
  • changes or conflicts in corporate culture;
  • management’s inability to manage a substantial increase in the number of employees;
  • management’s inability to train and integrate personnel, who may have limited experience with the respective companies’ business lines and products, and to deliver a consistent message regarding diseases treated by the combined company;
  • retaining existing employees and attracting new employees;
  • maintaining business relationships; and
  • inefficiencies associated with the integration and management of the operations of the combined company.

In addition, there will be integration costs and non-recurring transaction costs (such as fees paid to legal, financial, accounting and other advisors and other fees paid in connection with the merger) associated with the proposed merger, including costs associated with combining their operations and achieving the synergies Adaptimmune and TCR2 expect to obtain, and such costs may be significant.

An inability to realize the full extent of the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger of Adaptimmune and TCR2, including estimated cost synergies, as well as any delays encountered in the integration process and realizing such benefits, could have an adverse effect upon the revenues, level of expenses and operating results of the combined company, which may materially adversely affect the value of the Adaptimmune ADSs after the consummation of the merger.

Future results of the combined company may differ materially from those anticipated.

The future results of the combined company following the completion of the merger may be materially different from those anticipated. Adaptimmune and TCR2 estimated that they will record approximately $12.4 million in transaction expenses. In addition, the final amount of any charges relating to acquisition accounting adjustments that Adaptimmune may be required to record will not be known until following the completion of the merger. These and other expenses and charges may be significantly higher or lower than estimated and may adversely impact Adaptimmune or in the event of completion of the merger, the combined company.

Certain contractual counterparties may seek to modify contractual relationships with the combined company, which could have an adverse effect on the combined company’s business and operations.

As a result of the merger, the combined company may experience impacts on relationships with contractual counterparties (such as business partners, surgeons, vendors, sales representatives, contractors or other third-party service providers) that may harm the combined company’s business and results of operations. Certain counterparties may seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations following the merger whether or not contractual rights are triggered as a result of the merger. There can be no guarantee that Adaptimmune’s or TCR2’s contractual counterparties will remain with or continue to have a relationship with the combined company or do so on the same or similar contractual terms following the merger. If any contractual counterparties (such as business partners, surgeons, vendors, sales representatives, contractors or other third party service providers) seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations or discontinue the relationship with the combined company, then the combined company’s business and results of operations may be harmed.

Figures reported in this filing

Standardized line items from the XBRL in this filing, for the period ended 2023-03-31. Comparative periods it repeats are left out.

Figures reported in this filing
Line itemPeriodValueXBRL concept
Revenue3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$47.6mus-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Research and development3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$25.5mus-gaap:ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Operating income3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$1.7mus-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss
Income tax3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$625.0kus-gaap:IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Net income3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$1.0mus-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Diluted EPS3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$0.00us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted
Basic EPS3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$0.00us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic
Diluted shares (weighted)3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-311,000,276,615 sharesus-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding
Operating cash flow3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31−$37.3mus-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Capital expenditure3 months2023-01-01 to 2023-03-31$2.3mus-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Cash and equivalentsAt period end2023-03-31$119.9mus-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Current assetsAt period end2023-03-31$213.7mus-gaap:AssetsCurrent
Total assetsAt period end2023-03-31$288.1mus-gaap:Assets
Current liabilitiesAt period end2023-03-31$63.6mus-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrent
Total liabilitiesAt period end2023-03-31$204.2mus-gaap:Liabilities
Shareholders' equityAt period end2023-03-31$83.9mus-gaap:StockholdersEquity

Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0001558370-23-009595. Last ingested by Listed: Oct 24, 2026, 15:14 ET. Listed shows no prices and gives no investment advice.