Commitments and Contingencies |
6 Months Ended |
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Jun. 30, 2024 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies Litigation
Litigation - General
The Company may become party to various contractual disputes, litigation, and potential claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Reserves are established in connection with such matters when a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company currently does not believe that the resolution of such matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations except as otherwise disclosed in this report.
Possible Future Milestone Payments for In-Licensed Compounds
General
Avalo is a party to license and development agreements with various third parties, which contain future payment obligations such as royalties and milestone payments. The Company recognizes a liability (and related expense) for each milestone if and when such milestone is probable and can be reasonably estimated. As typical in the biotechnology industry, each milestone has unique risks that the Company evaluates when determining the probability of achieving each milestone and the probability of success evolves over time as the programs progress and additional information is obtained. The Company considers numerous factors when evaluating whether a given milestone is probable including (but not limited to) the regulatory pathway, development plan, ability to dedicate sufficient funding to reach a given milestone and the probability of success.
AVTX-009 Agreements
On March 27, 2024, Avalo obtained the rights to an anti-IL-1β mAb (AVTX-009), including the world-wide exclusive license from Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”) (the “Lilly License Agreement”), pursuant to its acquisition of AlmataBio. AlmataBio had previously purchased the rights, title and interest in the asset from Leap Therapeutics, Inc. (“Leap”) in 2023, which have since been assumed by Avalo pursuant to its acquisition of AlmataBio (the “Leap Agreement”). Avalo is responsible for the development and commercialization of the program.
Avalo is required to pay up to $70.0 million based on the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones to Lilly. Upon commercialization, the Company is required to pay sales-based milestones aggregating up to $650.0 million payable to Lilly and $70.0 million payable to Leap. There are no annual or maintenance fees payable under the Lilly License Agreement and Leap Agreement. Additionally, Avalo is required to pay royalties to Lilly during a country-by-country royalty term in which the low end and the high end of the range fall between 5% and 15% of Avalo or its sublicensees’ annual net sales. The royalty term due to Lilly commences on the date of first commercial sale of the licensed product in a given territory and expires on a county-by-country basis; on the latest of (a) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date of the first commercial sale, (b) the expiration of the last-to-expire licensed patent in the given territory, or (c) the expiration of any data exclusivity period for the licensed product in the given territory.
The Lilly License Agreement remains in effect until the expiration of the last-to-expire royalty term of any licensed products. Each party may terminate for cause or by mutual agreement though the Company may terminate at its sole discretion by giving one-hundred twenty (120) days’ prior written notice to Lilly. There are no termination or expiration provisions under the Leap Agreement.
Avalo has not paid any milestones, royalties or any other amounts under the Lilly License Agreement or Leap Agreement.
No expense related to the agreements was recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2024. There has been no cumulative expense recognized as of June 30, 2024 under the agreements. The Company will continue to monitor the milestones and royalties at each reporting period.
Refer to the sub-header below entitled “Acquisition Related and Other Contingent Liabilities” for information regarding future development milestones that are payable to the former AlmataBio stockholders.
Quisovalimab (AVTX-002) Agreements
KKC License Agreement
On March 25, 2021, the Company entered into a license agreement with Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (“KKC”) for exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize quisovalimab, KKC’s first-in-class fully human anti-LIGHT (TNFSF14) monoclonal antibody for all indications (the “KKC License Agreement”). The KKC License Agreement replaced the Amended and Restated Clinical Development and Option Agreement between the Company and KKC dated May 28, 2020. Avalo is responsible for the development and commercialization of quisovalimab in all indications worldwide (other than the option in the KKC License Agreement that, upon exercise by KKC, allows KKC to develop, manufacture and commercialize quisovalimab in Japan).
Under the KKC License Agreement, the Company paid KKC an upfront license fee of $10.0 million, which we recognized within research and development expenses in 2021. Avalo is also required to pay KKC up to an aggregate of $112.5 million based on the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones. Upon commercialization, the Company is required to make milestone payments to KKC aggregating up to $75.0 million tied to the achievement of annual net sales targets. There are no annual or maintenance fees payable under the KKC License Agreement.
Additionally, the Company is required to pay KKC royalties during a country-by-country royalty term equal to a mid-teen percentage of annual net sales. The Company is required to pay KKC a mid-twenties percentage of the payments that the Company receives from sublicensing of its rights under the KKC License Agreement, subject to certain exclusions. The royalty term due to KKC commences on the date of first commercial sale of the licensed product in a given territory and expires on a county-by-country basis, on the latest of (a) the twelfth (12th) anniversary of the date of the first commercial sale, (b) the expiration of the last-to-expire licensed patent in the given territory, or (c) the expiration of any data exclusivity period for the licensed product in the given territory.
The KKC License Agreement remains in effect while the Company and its affiliates and sublicensees develop and commercialize quisovalimab subject to customary termination rights. Each party may terminate for cause though Avalo may terminate for convenience upon six (6) months’ prior written notice in the case where regulatory approval has not been obtained for the licensed product or upon twelve (12) months’ prior written notice where regulatory approval has been obtained for the licensed product.
As disclosed above, Avalo paid the $10.0 million upfront license fee in 2021. No further amounts have been paid related to the milestones, royalties or any other amounts under the agreement.
No expense related to the KKC License Agreement was recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2024. There has been no cumulative expense recognized as of June 30, 2024 related to the milestones, royalties or any other amounts other than the $10.0 million upfront license fee incurred in 2021 as disclosed above. The Company will continue to monitor the milestones and royalties at each reporting period.
CHOP License Agreement
Following its February 3, 2020 merger with Aevi Genomic Medicine, Inc. (“Aevi”), the Company became party to a license agreement with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (“CHOP”) (as amended, the “CHOP License Agreement”). Quisovalimab became a covered product under this license agreement in 2021 and at that time became subject to the terms therein.
An initial upfront fee of $0.5 million was paid to CHOP by Aevi Genomic Medicine, LLC, which Avalo acquired in 2020. Avalo is required to pay an additional $1.0 million to CHOP based on the achievement of specified regulatory and commercial milestones Avalo is obligated to pay an annual license maintenance fee of $0.2 million to CHOP, of which Avalo has paid an aggregate of $0.9 million to-date.
The Company is also obligated to pay tiered royalties to CHOP on a country-to-country basis in which the low end and high end of the range are single-digit royalties based on the Company’s net sales of quisovalimab. The royalty term extends to the later of (a) fifteen years following the original date of the CHOP License Agreement, (b) the last-to-expire of the valid claims in the licensed patent rights covering the manufacture, sale, or use of quisovalimab and (c) the expiration of the regulatory exclusivity period for quisovalimab.
CHOP may terminate the CHOP License Agreement for the material default or insolvency of the Company, and the Company may terminate the CHOP License Agreement at will with six (6) months’ written notice.
As disclosed above, Aevi paid the $0.5 million upfront license fee and Avalo has paid $0.9 million of annual license fees. No further amounts have been paid related to the milestones, royalties or any other amounts under the agreement.
No expense related to the milestones and royalties due under the CHOP Agreement was recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Avalo has not recognized any cumulative expense under the agreement related to the milestone or royalties as of June 30, 2024. The Company will continue to monitor the milestones and royalties at each reporting period.
AVTX-008 Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement
On June 21, 2021, the Company entered into an Exclusive Patent License Agreement with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (the “Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement”) under which the Company obtained an exclusive license to a portfolio of issued patents and patent applications covering an immune checkpoint program (AVTX-008). Avalo is responsible for the development and commercialization of the program.
Under the terms of the Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement, the Company paid an upfront license fee of $0.4 million, as well as patent costs of $0.5 million, which we recognized within research and development expenses and within general and administrative expenses, respectively, in 2021. Additionally, Avalo pays a $40 thousand annual maintenance fee payable on the first anniversary of the effective date and each anniversary thereafter until the first commercial sale (of which Avalo has paid $0.1 million of annual maintenance fees as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). The Company is required to pay Sanford Burnham Prebys up to approximately $24.2 million based on achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones. Upon commercialization, the Company is required to pay Sanford Burnham Prebys sales-based milestone payments aggregating up to $50.0 million tied to annual net sales targets.
Additionally, the Company is required to pay Sanford Burnham Prebys royalties during a country-by-country royalty term equal to a tiered low-to-mid single digit percentage of annual net sales. Avalo is also required to pay Sanford Burnham Prebys tiered payments in which the low end and high end of the range fall on or between 10-20% of what Avalo receives from sublicensing its rights under the Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement, subject to certain exclusions.
The Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement remains in effect until the expiration of the royalty term, which with respect to each product and country, continues until the expiration, invalidation or abandonment of the last of the licensed patent rights. Avalo may terminate the Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement at any time at its convenience upon providing at least ninety (90) days’ prior written notice. Sanford Burnham Medical Discovery Institute may terminate the Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement for cause.
As disclosed above, Avalo paid the $0.4 million upfront fee, as well as total patent costs of $0.5 million and $0.1 million of annual maintenance fees. No further amounts have been paid related to the milestones, royalties or any other amounts under the agreement.
No expense related to milestones or royalties pursuant to the Sanford Burnham Prebys License Agreement was recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2024. There has been no cumulative expense recognized as of June 30, 2024 related to the milestones or royalties under this license agreement other than the $0.4 million upfront fee incurred in 2021. The Company will continue to monitor the milestones and royalties at each reporting period.
AVTX-006 Astellas License Agreement
On July 15, 2019, the Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with OSI Pharmaceuticals, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma, Inc. (“Astellas”), for the worldwide development and commercialization of the novel, second generation mTORC1/2 inhibitor (AVTX-006). Avalo is fully responsible for the development and commercialization of the program. Avalo considers AVTX-006 a non-core asset and is exploring strategic alternatives.
Under the terms of the license agreement, there was an upfront license fee of $0.5 million. The Company is required to pay Astellas up to an aggregate of $5.5 million based on the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones. There are no annual maintenance fees payable under the Astellas license agreement. Additionally, the Company is required to pay Astellas a tiered mid-to-high single digit percentage of the payments that Avalo receives from any sublicensing of its rights under the Astellas license agreement, subject to certain exclusions. Upon commercialization, the Company is required to pay Astellas royalties during a country-by-country royalty term equal to a tiered mid-to-high single digit percentage of annual net sales the period beginning upon the date of the first commercial sale of such licensed product in such country and ending on the later to occur of (a) the expiry of the last valid claim of an OSI product patent covering such licensed product in such country, (b) expiration of regulatory exclusivity in such country, and (c) ten (10) years from the first commercial sale of such licensed product in such country.
The Astellas License Agreement remains in effect on a country-by-country and licensed product-by-licensed product basis (in the territory), unless the license agreement is terminated earlier in accordance with the license agreement. Avalo may terminate the agreement at any time upon providing sixty (60) days’ written notice to Astellas and may terminate the agreement in its entirety without cause.
As disclosed above, Avalo paid the $0.5 million upfront license fee. No further amounts have been paid related to the milestones, royalties or any other amounts under the agreement.
No expense related to this license agreement was recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2024. There has been $0.5 million of cumulative expense recognized as of June 30, 2024 related to the milestones under this license agreement. The Company will continue to monitor the remaining milestones and royalties at each reporting period. The Company will continue to monitor the remaining milestones and royalties at each reporting period.
Possible Future Milestone Proceeds for Out-Licensed Compounds
AVTX-301 Out-License
On May 28, 2021, the Company out-licensed its rights in respect of its non-core asset, AVTX-301, to Alto Neuroscience, Inc. (“Alto”). The Company initially in-licensed the compound from an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc. in 2013. Alto is fully responsible for the development and commercialization of the program.
Under the out-license agreement, the Company received a mid-six digit upfront payment from Alto, which we recognized as license revenue in 2021. The Company is also eligible to receive up to an aggregate of $18.6 million based on the achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial sales milestones. Additionally, the Company is entitled to a less than single digit percentage royalty based on annual net sales.
The out-license agreement remains in effect on a licensed product-by-licensed product and country-by-country basis until the later of (i) the expiration of the last to expire valid patent claim covering such licensed product in such country, or (ii) 10 (ten) years after the first commercial sale of such licensed product in such country. Upon expiration of the agreement, the licenses shall become a fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual non-exclusive license and sublicense.
The Company had not recognized any milestones as of June 30, 2024 or received any payments other than the upfront payment as disclosed above.
AVTX-406 License Assignment
On June 9, 2021, the Company assigned its rights, title, interest, and obligations under an in-license covering its non-core asset, AVTX-406, to ES, a wholly owned subsidiary of Armistice, who was a significant stockholder of the Company at the time of the transaction and whose chief investment officer, Steven Boyd, and managing director, Keith Maher, served on Avalo’s Board until August 8, 2022. The transaction with ES was approved in accordance with Avalo’s related party transaction policy. ES is fully responsible for the development and commercialization of the program.
Under the assignment agreement, the Company received a low-six digit upfront payment from ES, which we recognized as license revenue in 2021. The Company is also eligible to receive up to an aggregate of $6.0 million based on the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones. Upon commercialization, the Company is eligible to receive sales-based milestone payments aggregating up to $20.0 million tied to annual net sales targets.
The Company had not recognized any milestones as of June 30, 2024 or received any payments other than the upfront payment as disclosed above.
AVTX-800 Series Asset Sale
On October 27, 2023, the Company sold its rights, title and interests in AVTX-801, AVTX-802 and AVTX-803 (collectively, the “800 Series”) to AUG Therapeutics, LLC (“AUG”). AUG is fully responsible for the development and commercialization of the program.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement with AUG, the Company received an upfront payment of $0.2 million. Additionally, AUG assumed aggregate liabilities of $0.4 million, which included certain liabilities incurred prior to the date of the Purchase Agreement, costs due and payable between the date of the Purchase Agreement and the closing date, and obligations under 800 Series contracts assumed by AUG. Avalo is also entitled to a contingent milestone payment of 20% of certain amounts, if any, granted to AUG upon sale of any priority review voucher related to the 800 Series compounds granted to AUG by the FDA, net of any selling costs, or $15.0 million for each compound (for a potential aggregate of $45.0 million) if the first FDA approval is for any indication other than a Rare Pediatric Disease (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
The Company had not recognized any revenue related to the milestones as of June 30, 2024 or received any payments other than the upfront payment and reimbursement for certain liabilities as disclosed above.
Acquisition Related and Other Contingent Liabilities
Almata Transaction Possible Future Milestone Payments
On March 27, 2024, the Company acquired AVTX-009 through its acquisition of AlmataBio. Pursuant to the Almata Transaction, the Company made a cash payment of $7.5 million in April 2024 to the former AlmataBio stockholders, which was due upon the initial closing of the private placement investment on March 28, 2024 (the “Initial Milestone”). Further, a portion of the consideration for the AlmataBio transaction includes development milestones to the former AlmataBio stockholders including $5.0 million due upon the first patient dosed in a Phase 2 trial in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa for AVTX-009 (the “Second Milestone”) and $15.0 million due upon the first patient dosed in a Phase 3 trial for AVTX-009 (the “Third Milestone”), both of which are payable in cash or stock of Avalo (or combination thereof) at the election of the former AlmataBio stockholders. In the absence of timely notice of such election, Avalo may elect to pay the milestones in cash or common stock of Avalo or a combination thereof.
The Company paid the Initial Milestone payment in April 2024 and recognized the payment within acquired in-process research and development expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2024. In addition, the Company concluded the Second Milestone was probable as of the acquisition date and therefore recognized the $5.0 million milestone within acquired in-process research and development expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and the corresponding liability as contingent consideration as of June 30, 2024. The Company will continue to monitor the Third Milestone each reporting period.
Aevi Merger Possible Future Milestone Payments
In the first quarter of 2020, the Company consummated its merger with Aevi, in which Avalo acquired the rights to quisovalimab, AVTX-006 and AVTX-007 (the “Merger” or the “Aevi Merger”). A portion of the consideration for the Aevi Merger included two future contingent development milestones worth up to an additional $6.5 million, payable in either shares of Avalo’s common stock or cash, at the election of Avalo.
The first milestone was the enrollment of a patient in a Phase 2 study related to quisovalimab (for treatment of pediatric onset Crohn’s disease), AVTX-006 (for treatment of any indication) or AVTX-007 (for treatment of any indication) prior to February 3, 2022, which would have resulted in a milestone payment of $2.0 million. The Company did not meet the first milestone prior to February 3, 2022. Therefore, no contingent consideration related to this milestone was recognized as of June 30, 2024 and no future contingent consideration will be recognized.
The second milestone is the receipt of an NDA approval for either AVTX-006 or AVTX-007 from the FDA on or prior to February 3, 2025. If this milestone is met, the Company is required to make a milestone payment of $4.5 million. The contingent consideration related to the second development milestone will be recognized if and when such milestone is probable and can be reasonably estimated. No contingent consideration related to the second development milestone had been recognized as of June 30, 2024. The Company will continue to monitor the second milestone each reporting period.
AVTX-006 Royalty Agreement with Certain Related Parties
In July 2019, Aevi entered into a royalty agreement, and liabilities thereunder were assumed by Avalo upon close of the Aevi Merger in February 2020. The royalty agreement provided certain investors, including LeoGroup Private Investment Access, LLC on behalf of Garry Neil, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and Mike Cola, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer (collectively, the “Investors”), a royalty stream, in exchange for a one-time aggregate payment of $2.0 million (the “Royalty Agreement”). Pursuant to the Royalty Agreement, the Investors will be entitled collectively to an aggregate amount equal to a low-single digit percentage of the aggregate net sales of the Company’s second generation mTORC1/2 inhibitor, AVTX-006 for a royalty term consistent with the royalty term disclosed in the AVTX-006 Astellas License Agreement section above. Avalo considers AVTX-006 a non-core asset and is exploring strategic alternatives. At any time beginning three years after the date of the first public launch of AVTX-006, Avalo may exercise, at its sole discretion, a buyout option that terminates any further obligations under the Royalty Agreement in exchange for a payment to the Investors of an aggregate of 75% of the net present value of the royalty payments. A majority of the independent members of the board of directors and the audit committee of Aevi approved the Royalty Agreement.
Avalo assumed this Royalty Agreement upon closing of the Aevi Merger and it is recorded as a royalty obligation within the Company's accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Because there is a significant related party relationship between the Company and the Investors, the Company has treated its obligation to make royalty payments under the Royalty Agreement as an implicit obligation to repay the funds advanced by the Investors. As the Company makes royalty payments in accordance with the Royalty Agreement, it will reduce the liability balance. At the time that such royalty payments become probable and estimable, and if such amounts exceed the liability balance, the Company will impute interest accordingly on a prospective basis based on such estimates, which will result in a corresponding increase in the liability balance.
Karbinal Royalty Make-Whole Provision
In 2018, in connection with the acquisition of certain commercialized products, the Company entered into a supply and distribution agreement (the “Karbinal Agreement”) with TRIS Pharma Inc. (“TRIS”). As part of the Karbinal Agreement, the Company had an annual minimum sales commitment, which is based on a commercial year that spans from August 1 through July 31, of 70,000 units through 2025. The Company was required to pay TRIS a royalty make whole payment (“Make-Whole Payments”) of $30 for each unit under the 70,000 units annual minimum sales commitment through 2025.
As a part of the Aytu Transaction, the Company assigned all its payment obligations, including the Make-Whole Payments, under the Karbinal Agreement (collectively, the “TRIS Obligations”) to Aytu. However, under the original license agreement, the Company could ultimately be liable for the TRIS Obligations to the extent Aytu fails to make the required payments. The future Make-Whole Payments to be made by Aytu are unknown as the amount owed to TRIS is dependent on the number of units sold.
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