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EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.arlz-20170331ex3229abc6c.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.arlz-20170331ex32126e616.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.arlz-20170331ex312c3ac61.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.arlz-20170331ex31159fed7.htm
EX-10.1 - EX-10.1 - Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.arlz-20170331ex101c3bb2d.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2017

 

OR

 

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

Commission file number:  01-37691

 


 

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

British Columbia, Canada

    

98-1283375

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

7100 West Credit Avenue, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 0E4

(Address of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

(905) 876-1118

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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 the close of business on May 4, 2017 65,845,754 common shares (no par value per share) of the registrant were issued and outstanding.

 

 


 

Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2017

 

Table of Contents

 

Item

    

Page

 

 

 

 

PART I. Financial information 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

 

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

 

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

 

5

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

 

6

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

2. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

33

3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

49

4. 

Controls and Procedures

 

49

 

 

 

 

PART II. Other Information 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. 

Legal Proceedings

 

50

1A. 

Risk Factors

 

50

2. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

50

3. 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

50

4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

50

5. 

Other Information

 

50

6. 

Exhibits

 

51

 

Signatures

 

52

 

 

2


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 2017

    

December 31, 2016

  

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

73,729

 

$

64,943

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

9,048

 

 

20,405

 

Inventory

 

 

4,132

 

 

4,548

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

4,774

 

 

2,435

 

Total current assets

 

 

91,683

 

 

92,331

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

8,172

 

 

7,316

 

Goodwill

 

 

77,384

 

 

76,694

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

332,306

 

 

340,194

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

1,017

 

 

842

 

Total assets

 

$

510,562

 

$

517,377

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

25,942

 

$

8,833

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

26,275

 

 

32,141

 

Short-term contingent consideration

 

 

10,266

 

 

10,430

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

6,288

 

 

5,870

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

68,771

 

 

57,274

 

Long-term debt, net

 

 

274,467

 

 

274,441

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

3,305

 

 

3,273

 

Long-term contingent consideration

 

 

65,167

 

 

60,685

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

2,630

 

 

2,218

 

Total liabilities

 

 

414,340

 

 

397,891

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred shares, no par value; unlimited shares authorized, issuable in series; none outstanding

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, 65,845,754 and 65,640,607 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

355,268

 

 

352,336

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

6,097

 

 

4,816

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(265,143)

 

 

(237,666)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

 

96,222

 

 

119,486

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

510,562

 

$

517,377

 

 

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

3


 

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

    

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenues, net

 

$

6,686

 

$

3,565

 

Other revenues

 

 

19,283

 

 

4,492

 

Total revenues, net

 

 

25,969

 

 

8,057

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product revenues (exclusive of amortization shown separately below)

 

 

2,756

 

 

2,538

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

30,846

 

 

37,459

 

Research and development

 

 

94

 

 

4,412

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

8,513

 

 

1,272

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 

 

4,443

 

 

 —

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

46,652

 

 

45,681

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(20,683)

 

 

(37,624)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(6,653)

 

 

(307)

 

Other  income, net

 

 

411

 

 

4,797

 

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(26,925)

 

 

(33,134)

 

Income tax expense

 

 

552

 

 

654

 

Net loss

 

$

(27,477)

 

$

(33,788)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net loss per common share

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.65)

 

Diluted net loss per common share

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.73)

 

Shares used in computing basic net loss per common share

 

 

65,690

 

 

52,156

 

Shares used in computing diluted net loss per common share

 

 

65,690

 

 

52,491

 

 

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

 

4


 

 

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(27,477)

 

$

(33,788)

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

1,281

 

 

9,700

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

1,281

 

 

9,700

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

$

(26,196)

 

$

(24,088)

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

5


 

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

    

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(27,477)

 

$

(33,788)

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

8,875

 

 

1,311

 

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

 

26

 

 

15

 

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 

 

4,443

 

 

 —

 

 

Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss

 

 

 7

 

 

(154)

 

 

Gain of sale of property and equipment

 

 

(266)

 

 

 —

 

 

Change in fair value of warrants liability

 

 

(24)

 

 

(4,581)

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

2,824

 

 

3,910

 

 

Benefit from deferred income taxes

 

 

 —

 

 

(305)

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

11,421

 

 

(879)

 

 

Inventory

 

 

452

 

 

(533)

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(1,302)

 

 

(1,424)

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

17,109

 

 

460

 

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

(6,380)

 

 

(8,189)

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

545

 

 

2,844

 

 

Other, net

 

 

235

 

 

 —

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

10,488

 

 

(41,313)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

 —

 

 

(17,887)

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(1,461)

 

 

(399)

 

 

Other

 

 

(215)

 

 

 —

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(1,676)

 

 

(18,286)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt

 

 

 —

 

 

75,000

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

 

 —

 

 

75,000

 

 

Payment of debt and equity issuance costs

 

 

 —

 

 

(673)

 

 

Payment of contingent consideration

 

 

(125)

 

 

 —

 

 

Proceeds (payments) related to settlement of stock awards

 

 

108

 

 

(700)

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(17)

 

 

148,627

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

8,795

 

 

89,028

 

 

Effect of change in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(9)

 

 

182

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

64,943

 

 

24,816

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

73,729

 

$

114,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes paid

 

$

 5

 

$

 —

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

4,719

 

$

 —

 

 

 

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

6


 

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(tabular dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

1.ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Organization

 

Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Aralez” or the “Company”), is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on delivering meaningful products to improve patients’ lives while creating shareholder value by acquiring, developing and commercializing products primarily in cardiovascular, pain and other specialty areas. Aralez’s global headquarters is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, its U.S. headquarters is located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States, and its Irish headquarters is located in Dublin, Ireland. The Company’s common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “ARLZ” and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ARZ.” Aralez was formed for the purpose of facilitating the business combination of POZEN Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Pozen”), and Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada (“Tribute”), which closed on February 5, 2016. 

 

On February 5, 2016, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Arrangement between Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pozen, Tribute and other related parties (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), Aralez completed the acquisition of Tribute by way of a court approved plan of arrangement in a stock transaction with a purchase price of $137.6 million made up of (i) $115.1 million related to Tribute shares, equity awards and certain warrants outstanding and (ii) $22.5 million in repayments of Tribute indebtedness. In connection with this transaction, Pozen and Tribute were combined under and became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Aralez (the “Merger”). Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the successor issuer to Pozen.

 

On September 6, 2016, Aralez Pharmaceuticals Trading DAC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aralez (“Aralez Ireland”), acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Zontivity® (vorapaxar), pursuant to an asset purchase agreement (the “Zontivity Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Schering-Plough (Ireland) Company, an Irish private unlimited company and an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc. (“Merck”).

 

On September 15, 2016, the Company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved Yosprala®  (aspirin and omeprazole) for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients at risk for aspirin-associated gastric ulcers. 

 

On October 31, 2016, Aralez Ireland acquired the U.S. rights to Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate) and its currently marketed authorized generic (the “AG”) pursuant to an asset purchase agreement (the “Toprol-XL Asset Purchase Agreement”) entered into between AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”), Aralez Ireland and Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.

 

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

 

For financial reporting and accounting purposes, Pozen was the acquirer of Tribute pursuant to the Merger in a business combination that was completed on February 5, 2016. Aralez’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2016 include the results of Tribute only from the closing date of the Merger, but do not include the results of Zontivity or Toprol-XL and the AG as these acquisitions were completed on September 6, 2016 and October 31, 2016, respectively. Aralez’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 include the results of Tribute, Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG (See Note 2).

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Aralez in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and pursuant to, and in accordance with, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 was derived from audited financial statements, but certain information

7


 

and footnote disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and with applicable Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR on March 13, 2017 (the “2016 Form 10‑K”).

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements, in the opinion of management, reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Certain reclassifications with respect to the presentation of accrued expenses were made to prior year figures to conform with current year presentation.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for any future period or the entire fiscal year.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the extensive use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. The most significant assumptions are employed in estimates used in determining values of: inventories; long-lived assets, including goodwill, in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), and other intangible assets; accrued expenses; contingent consideration; income taxes; share-based compensation expense; as well as estimates used in accounting for contingencies and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Concentration of Risk

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds. The Company’s investment policy places restrictions on credit ratings, maturities, and concentration by type and issuer. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of a default by the financial institutions holding its cash and cash equivalents to the extent recorded on the balance sheet.

 

The Company is also subject to credit risk from accounts receivable related to product sales and monitors its exposure within accounts receivable and records a reserve against uncollectible accounts receivable as necessary. The Company extends credit to pharmaceutical wholesale distributors and specialty pharmaceutical distribution companies, primarily in Canada and the United States, and to other international distributors. Customer creditworthiness is monitored and collateral is not required.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and short-term, interest-bearing instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase.

 

Inventory

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost is determined to be the purchase price for raw materials and the production cost, including materials, labor and indirect manufacturing costs, for work-in-process and finished goods. The Company analyzes its inventory levels quarterly and writes-down inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value, inventory in excess of expected sales requirements or inventory that fails to meet commercial sale specifications to cost of product revenues. Expired inventory is disposed of and the related costs are written off to cost of product revenues.

 

8


 

Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill relates to amounts that arose in connection with the acquisitions of Tribute, Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired when accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of the Company's reporting unit below its carrying amount.

 

Other Intangible Assets, net

 

Other intangible assets consist of acquired technology rights. The Company amortizes its intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated economic lives. Costs to obtain, maintain and defend the Company's patents are expensed as incurred. The Company will evaluate the potential impairment of other intangible assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. Events giving rise to impairment are an inherent risk in the pharmaceutical industry and many factors cannot be predicted. Factors that are considered in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant changes in forecasted projections for the asset or asset group for reasons including, but not limited to, significant under-performance of a product in relation to expectations, significant changes or planned changes in the Company’s use of the assets, significant negative industry or economic trends, and new or competing products that enter the marketplace. The impairment test is based on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset group and its eventual disposition to the carrying value of the asset group. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the related fair value of the asset with the related impairment charge recognized within the statements of operations. Such impairment charges may be material to the Company’s results. The valuation techniques utilized in performing the initial valuation of other intangible assets or subsequent quantitative impairment tests incorporate significant assumptions and judgments to estimate the fair value. The use of different valuation techniques or assumptions could result in significantly different fair value estimates.

 

Contingent Consideration

 

Certain of the Company’s business acquisitions involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of operational and commercial milestones and royalty payments on future product sales. The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined at the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, at each reporting period, the contingent consideration liability is remeasured at current fair value with changes recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in any of the inputs may result in a significantly different fair value adjustment.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Principal sources of revenue are (i) net revenues from sales of Zontivity, Toprol-XL and the AG, and Yosprala (ii) product sales from the product portfolio acquired with the Company’s acquisition of Tribute, and (iii) royalty revenues from sales of VIMOVO by the Company’s commercialization partners. In all instances, revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or determinable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

 

Product Sales

 

Revenues from the sale of products acquired by the Company in the Tribute acquisition are distributed through Canadian wholesalers to Canadian retail pharmacies and are recorded net of discounts, wholesaler fees, chargebacks, rebates, returns and allowances, and are recognized when legal title to the goods and risk of ownership has been passed

9


 

to the customer which in this case is the Canadian wholesaler. Discounts, wholesaler fees, chargebacks, rebates, returns and allowances are not significant for these product sales and are not expected to be significant in the future given the Canadian marketplace.

 

Revenues from the sale of Yosprala® in the United States are recorded on a sell through method since the Company does not have sufficient historical data to estimate returns. As such, the Company defers revenue and costs of inventory for all Yosprala products shipped to wholesalers in the United States until the product is sold through to the end customer. Revenue recorded from product sales of Yosprala in the United States was not significant during the first quarter of 2017. Product sales from Fibricor® are recorded on a sell in method and were not significant during the first quarter of 2017. 

 

All of the Company’s products have a returns policy that allows the customer to return pharmaceutical products within a specified period of time both prior to and subsequent to the product’s expiration date. The Company’s estimate of the provision for returns for those products that use a sell in method is analyzed quarterly and is based upon many factors, including historical data of actual returns and analysis of the level of inventory in the distribution channel, if any. The Company believes that the reserves it has established are reasonable based upon current facts and circumstances. Applying different judgments to the same facts and circumstances could result in the estimated amount for reserves to vary. If actual results vary with respect to the Company’s reserves, the Company may need to adjust its estimates, which could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations in the period of adjustment. To date, such adjustments have not been material.

 

Other Revenues

 

Other revenues principally include revenues from licensing arrangements with other biopharmaceutical companies (principally royalty revenues from VIMOVO), including milestones payments and royalties. Revenue from royalties is recognized when the Company has fulfilled the terms in accordance with contractual agreements and has no future obligation, and the amount of the royalty fee is determinable. Royalty revenue that is reasonably estimable and determinable is recognized based on estimates utilizing information reported to the Company by its commercialization partners.

 

Other revenues also include net revenues from sales of Zontivity, from its acquisition date, recognized net of related cost of product revenues and fees paid to Merck under a transition services agreement in effect through March 31, 2017. Similarly, the Company also includes net revenues from sales of Toprol-XL and the AG from its acquisition date, recognized net of related cost of product revenues and fees paid to AstraZeneca under a transition services agreement in effect through December 31, 2017 (as extended from July 31, 2017 pursuant to an amendment to the transition services agreement). The Company records these revenues net of related cost since it is not the principal in the arrangements and expects to record this revenue similar to a royalty arrangement until the Company is deemed to be the principal in the sales and marketing of these products, at which point it will record net sales and costs of revenue separately. Effective March 31, 2017, the Company will record revenues of Zontivity on a sell in method, which will be classified as product sales.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax basis assets and liabilities and are measured by applying enacted rates and laws to taxable years in which differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Further, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the rate changes. A valuation allowance is required when it is “more-likely-than-not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Since the Company’s inception, substantial cumulative losses have been incurred and substantial and recurring losses may be incurred in future periods. The utilization of the loss carryforwards to reduce future income taxes will depend on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of the loss carryforwards. In addition, the maximum annual use of net operating loss and research credit carryforwards is limited in certain situations where changes occur in stock ownership.

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Aralez files federal and state income tax returns, as applicable, with the tax authorities in various jurisdictions including Canada, Ireland and the United States. Pozen is no longer subject to U.S. federal or North Carolina state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013. Tribute is no longer subject to Canadian income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. However, the loss and credit carryforwards generated by Pozen and Tribute may still be subject to change to the extent these losses and credits are utilized in a year that is subject to examination by tax authorities.

 

ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not file a return in a particular jurisdiction. The financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The Company recognizes any interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company expenses the fair value of employee share-based compensation over the employees' service periods, which are generally the vesting period of the equity award. For awards with performance conditions granted, the Company recognizes compensation cost over the expected period to achieve the performance conditions, provided achievement of the performance conditions are deemed probable. Awards with market-based conditions are expensed over the service period regardless of whether achievement of the market condition is deemed probable or is ultimately achieved. Compensation expense is measured using the fair value of the award at the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

 

In order to determine the fair value of option awards on the grant date, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Inherent in this model are assumptions related to expected share price volatility, estimated option life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The expected share price volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares, which is obtained from public data sources. The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that share-based awards are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise patterns and post-vesting cancellations for terminated employees that have been exhibited historically, adjusted for specific factors that may influence future exercise patterns. The risk-free interest rate is based on factual data derived from public sources. The Company uses a dividend yield of zero as it has no intention to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. For performance-based awards with market conditions, the Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of awards on the date of grant.

 

Determining the appropriate amount to expense for awards with performance conditions based on the achievement of stated goals requires judgment, including forecasting future performance results. The estimate of expense is revised periodically based on the probability of achieving the required performance targets and adjustments are made as appropriate. The cumulative impact of any revisions is reflected in the period of change. If any applicable financial performance goals are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed.

 

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), (“ASU 2016-09”). As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company recognizes, on a prospective basis, the impact of forfeitures when they occur, with no adjustment for estimated forfeitures, and recognizes excess tax benefits as a reduction of income tax expense regardless of whether the benefit reduces income taxes payable. Additionally, the Company now recognizes the cash flow impact of such excess tax benefits in operating activities in its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows for the prior period have not been adjusted. There was no net impact on the Company’s opening accumulated deficit upon application of this guidance using the modified retrospective transition method as the total cumulative-effect adjustment for previously deferred excess  tax benefits was offset by a related change in the valuation allowance.

 

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Fair Value Measurements

 

The accounting standard for fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and requires detailed disclosures about fair value measurements. Under this standard, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect certain market assumptions. This standard classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

 

·

Level 1 Inputs — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

·

Level 2 Inputs — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

·

Level 3 Inputs — Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

 

The fair value hierarchy level is determined by asset class based on the lowest level of significant input. In periods of market inactivity, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for certain instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.

 

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value due to the short-term nature of these amounts. The warrants liability is carried at fair value and is included within other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s warrants liability, which uses a Black-Scholes valuation model, include the volatility of the Company’s common shares and the expected term. The contingent consideration liability is also carried at fair value, and is recorded as separate short and long-term balances on the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2017. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s contingent consideration liability include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. The use of different inputs in the valuation of either the warrants liability or the contingent consideration liability could result in materially different fair value estimates.

 

Foreign Currency

 

The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Canadian dollar, are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date with the results of operations of subsidiaries translated at average exchange rates for the period. The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity.

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are remeasured into the functional currency of the relevant subsidiary at the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction. Any monetary assets and liabilities arising from these transactions are translated into the functional currency at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date or on settlement. Resulting gains and losses are recorded in other income, net within the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

A company is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented, in a separate statement of comprehensive income or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. There were no amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which requires revenue recognition based on the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects consideration Aralez expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance deferring the effective date of the revenue recognition standard. The new rules supersede prior revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific accounting guidance. In March, April and May 2016, the FASB issued additional updated guidance, which clarifies certain aspects of the ASU and the related implementation guidance issued by the FASB-IASB Joint Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition. The ASU will be effective for Aralez in the first quarter of 2018, with either full retrospective or modified retrospective application required. Although the Company is still evaluating the full impact of this ASU, the Company expects to use a modified retrospective approach with the most significant impact of the new guidance relating to the recognition of variable consideration. The new guidance requires the Company to estimate variable consideration and include in revenue amounts for which is it probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur. This may result in revenue being recognized earlier than under the current guidance, particularly for products where the Company uses the sell through revenue recognition model.

 

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-15,   Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which defines management’s responsibility to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide related footnote disclosures if there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods thereafter. The Company adopted ASU 2014-15 in the fourth quarter of 2016, which resulted in no change to the Company’s financial statements. Additionally, the Company is required to perform quarterly evaluations to identify current conditions which may raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.

 

As noted in its liquidity disclosure, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from the royalty payments received from its commercialization partners for net sales of VIMOVO; the operating income of Tribute; sales of Fibricor and its authorized generic, Yosprala, Zontivity, and Toprol-XL and the AG; and the financings completed on February 5, 2016 and October 31, 2016. The Company’s principal liquidity requirements are for working capital; operational expenses; commercialization activities for products, including Yosprala, Zontivity, Toprol-XL and the AG,  Fibricor and the Company’s Canadian product portfolio, and product candidates; contractual obligations, including any royalty and milestone payments that may become due; capital expenditures; and debt service payments. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $73.7 million of cash and cash equivalents which, together with cash expected to be generated from its business, it currently believes is sufficient to fund its operations for at least the next twelve months, including its principal liquidity requirements set forth above.

 

Since the merger with Tribute in February 2016, the Company has incurred significant net losses. The Company has incurred net losses of $27.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and $103.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s ability to become profitable and/or to generate positive cash from operations depends upon, among other things, its ability to generate revenues from sales of its products and prudently manage its expenses. New sources of product revenue have only recently been approved, in the case of Yosprala in the United States and Blexten in Canada, or acquired by the Company, in the case of Zontivity in the United States and Canada and Toprol-XL and the AG in the United States. If the Company does not generate sufficient product revenues, or prudently manage its expenses, its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

The Company has begun implementing a program of cost savings initiatives, which include a 32% reduction in its U.S. sales force and realignment of certain financial resources to support the launch of Zontivity, together with a significant decrease in marketing spend on Yosprala  and other cost reductions across the business.  In addition, the Company is actively exploring other initiatives, such as business development opportunities and refinancing options, to improve its future liquidity. There can be no assurances that these other initatives will be available on reasonable terms, or at all. If the Company is not successful in any or all of in these initiatives, or if the Company’s future operations fail to

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meet its current expectations, the Company’s projected future liquidity may be limited, which may impact its assessment under this accounting standard in the future and could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. It allows an entity to choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment. It also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values and eliminates the requirements to disclose the methods used to estimate fair value for instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. The amendments in the ASU are effective for Aralez in the first quarter of 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes current lease accounting guidance. The primary difference between current GAAP and the new standard is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. The standard requires a modified retrospective approach upon adoption, with practical expedients that may be available to elect. The standard is effective for Aralez in the first quarter of 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the ASU on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, providing additional guidance on eight specific cash flow classification issues. The goal of the ASU is to reduce diversity in practice of classifying certain items. The amendments in the ASU are effective for Aralez in the first quarter of 2018 using a retrospective transition method, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the ASU on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, in an effort to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments of this ASU are effective for Aralez in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis and early adoption is permitted.

 

2.BUSINESS AGREEMENTS

 

Agreements with AstraZeneca for Toprol-XL

 

On October 31, 2016, Aralez Ireland acquired the U.S. rights to Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) and the AG pursuant to the Toprol-XL Asset Purchase Agreement entered into between AstraZeneca, Aralez Ireland and Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. Toprol-XL is a cardioselective beta-blocker indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensives, the long term treatment of angina pectoris and treatment of stable, symptomatic (NYHA class II or III) heart failure of specific origins. The purchase price consists of (i) a payment of $175 million by Aralez Ireland to AstraZeneca, which was made on the closing date of the acquisition; (ii) certain milestone payments payable by Aralez Ireland subsequent to the closing of the acquisition upon the occurrence of certain milestone events based on the annual aggregate net sales of Toprol-XL and the AG and other contingent events, which in no event will exceed $48 million in the aggregate; (iii) royalty payments of (A) 15% of total quarterly net sales of Toprol-XL and any other authorized or owned generic version of Toprol-XL that is marketed, distributed or sold by or on behalf of, or under a license or sublicense from, Aralez (other than the AG), and (B) 15% of quarterly net sales of the AG, but for purposes of royalty payments and clause (B) only, net sales do not include the supply price paid for the AG by Aralez Ireland to AstraZeneca under the supply agreement entered into between Aralez Ireland and AstraZeneca in respect of the applicable period and (iv) a payment for the value of the finished inventory of Toprol-XL and the AG at closing of the transaction, not to exceed a cap specified in the Toprol-XL Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

On October 31, 2016, in connection with the Toprol-XL acquisition, Aralez Ireland entered into a Supply Agreement (the “Toprol-XL Supply Agreement”) with AstraZeneca. Pursuant to the terms of the Toprol-XL Supply Agreement and except as otherwise expressly set forth therein, AstraZeneca will be the exclusive manufacturer and

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supplier to Aralez Ireland of Toprol-XL and the AG, each in finished bottled form for exploitation and commercialization in the United States. The initial term of the Toprol-XL Supply Agreement is 10 years (the “Toprol-XL Supply Initial Term”). The Toprol-XL Supply Agreement will continue indefinitely following the expiration of the Toprol-XL Supply Initial Term unless terminated in accordance with its terms. Except in the case of certain uncured material breaches of the Toprol-XL Supply Agreement by Aralez Ireland or certain insolvency related events affecting Aralez Ireland, AstraZeneca may not terminate the Toprol-XL Supply Agreement unless it satisfies certain conditions related to, among other things, the transfer of technology. In addition to termination rights upon certain uncured material breaches of the Toprol-XL Supply Agreement by AstraZeneca or certain insolvency related events affecting AstraZeneca, Aralez Ireland may terminate the Toprol-XL Supply Agreement at any time following the Toprol-XL Supply Initial Term upon providing 12 months prior written notice to AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca also provides certain transition services to Aralez Ireland through December 31, 2017 (as extended from July 31, 2017) to facilitate the transition of the supply, sale and distribution of Topol-XL and the AG, in exchange for compensation specified in the transition services agreement.

 

Agreement with the United States Government Regarding Toprol-XL

 

On February 23, 2017, Aralez Pharmaceuticals US Inc. (“Aralez US”), a Delaware company and a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., entered into a Novation Agreement (the “Novation Agreement”) with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP (“AstraZeneca LP”) and the United States of America (the “Government”) pursuant to which all of the rights and responsibilities of AstraZeneca LP under that certain VA National Contract signed February 11, 2016 and effective April 29, 2016 between AstraZeneca LP and the Government  were novated to Aralez US (as novated, the “VA Contract”). The Novation Agreement was entered into pursuant to the Toprol-XL Asset Purchase Agreement.

 

Under the VA Contract, Aralez US provides all requirements of certain pharmaceutical products containing metroprolol succinate as the active pharmaceutical ingredient at fixed prices for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and certain other United States federal government agencies. The VA Contract has a one-year term expiring April 28, 2017, renewable at the option of the Government for four successive additional one year terms. The VA Contract is terminable at the convenience of the Government at any time.  On April 6, 2017, Aralez US and the Government entered into a Modification of Contract with respect to the VA Contract, pursuant to which the Government exercised its first renewal option under the VA Contract, extending the term of the VA Contract by one year to April 28, 2018 with reduced pricing for the duration thereof.  See Note 13 – Subsequent Events.

 

Agreements with Merck for Zontivity

 

On September 6, 2016, Aralez Ireland acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Zontivity (vorapaxar), pursuant to the Zontivity Asset Purchase Agreement with Merck. Zontivity represents an addition to the Company’s product portfolio in cardiovascular disease and is the first and currently the only approved therapy shown to inhibit the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), the primary receptor for thrombin, which is considered to be the most potent activator of platelets. The purchase price for Zontivity consists of (i) a payment of $25 million by Aralez Ireland to Merck, which was made on the closing date of the acquisition, (ii) certain milestone payments payable by Aralez Ireland subsequent to the closing of the acquisition upon the occurrence of certain milestone events based on the annual aggregate net sales of Zontivity, any combination product containing vorapaxar sulphate and one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients or any line extension thereof, which in no event will exceed $80 million in the aggregate, and (iii) royalty payments in the low double digits based on the annual aggregate net sales of Zontivity, any combination product containing vorapaxar sulphate and one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients or any line extension thereof.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Zontivity Asset Purchase Agreement and certain ancillary agreements entered into in connection with the acquisition, Merck has agreed to supply Zontivity to Aralez Ireland for a period of up to three years following the closing of the acquisition (although, the packaging component must be transferred within one year). Merck also provided certain transition services to Aralez Ireland following the closing of the acquisition through March 31, 2017 to facilitate the transition of the supply, sale and distribution of Zontivity, including distributing Zontivity on behalf of Aralez Ireland in exchange for compensation specified in the transition services agreement. In addition, in connection with the foregoing transactions, Merck granted Aralez Ireland, among other things, (i) an

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exclusive and royalty-free license to certain trademarks solely to exploit Zontivity in the U.S. and Canada and their respective territories, and (ii) an exclusive and royalty-free license to certain know-how solely in connection with the manufacture of Zontivity for exploitation in the U.S. and Canada and their respective territories.

 

Agreement with AstraZeneca/Horizon regarding VIMOVO®

 

In August 2006, the Company entered into a collaboration and license agreement, effective September 7, 2006 (the “Original AZ Agreement”), with AstraZeneca regarding the development and commercialization of proprietary fixed dose combinations of the proton pump inhibitor (“PPI”) esomeprazole magnesium with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) naproxen in a single tablet for the management of pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in patients who are at risk for developing NSAID-associated gastric ulcers. Under the terms of the Original AZ Agreement, the Company granted to AstraZeneca an exclusive, fee-bearing license, in all countries of the world except Japan, under the Company’s patents and know-how relating to combinations of gastroprotective agents and NSAIDs (other than aspirin and its derivatives). The Company developed VIMOVO with AstraZeneca pursuant to this collaboration arrangement, with AstraZeneca responsible for commercialization of VIMOVO.

 

During 2013, AstraZeneca decided to cease promotion and sampling of VIMOVO in certain countries, including the United States and all countries in Europe, other than Spain and Portugal, which have pre-existing contractual relationships with third parties. In November 2013, AstraZeneca divested of all of its rights, title and interest to develop, commercialize and sell VIMOVO in the United States to Horizon Pharma USA, Inc. (“Horizon”). In connection with this divestiture, in November 2013, the Company and AstraZeneca entered into an Amended and Restated Collaboration and License Agreement for the United States (the “U.S. Agreement”) and an Amended and Restated License and Collaboration Agreement for outside the United States and Japan (the “ROW Agreement”), which agreements collectively amended and restated the Original AZ Agreement (as amended prior to the date of the U.S. Agreement and ROW Agreement). With the Company’s consent pursuant to a letter agreement among the Company, AstraZeneca and Horizon, AstraZeneca subsequently assigned the U.S. Agreement to Horizon in connection with the divestiture. Further, the letter agreement establishes a process for AstraZeneca and Horizon to determine if certain sales milestones are achieved on a global basis and provides other clarifications and modifications required as a result of the contractual framework implemented among, or as otherwise agreed by, the parties. An additional $260.0 million is potentially payable to the Company if such sales milestones are achieved.

 

Under the U.S. Agreement, Horizon is obligated to pay us a 10% royalty on net sales of VIMOVO and certain other products covered thereby in the United States.  Pursuant to an amendment of the U.S. Agreement (the “Amendment to the U.S. Agreement”) between the Company and Horizon, the Company is guaranteed an annual minimum royalty amount of $7.5 million each calendar year, provided that the patents owned by the Company which cover such products are in effect and certain types of competing products are not in the marketplace (including competing products entering pursuant to a license to enter the market prior to expiration of the applicable patents). The Amendment to the U.S. Agreement also provides that Horizon has assumed AstraZeneca’s right to lead the on-going Paragraph IV litigation relating to VIMOVO currently pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and will assume all patent-related defense costs relating to such litigation, including reimbursement up to specified amounts of the cost of any counsel retained by us, amends certain time periods for Horizon’s delivery of quarterly sales reports to the Company, and provides for quarterly update calls between the parties to discuss performance of VIMOVO and Horizon’s commercialization efforts.

 

Pursuant to the ROW Agreement, AstraZeneca retained the rights to commercialize VIMOVO and certain other products covered thereby outside of the United States and Japan and paid us a royalty of 6% on net sales within the applicable territory through 2015 and started paying us a royalty of 10% of net sales commencing in the first quarter of 2016.

 

The royalty rates above may be reduced due to the loss of market share as a result of certain competition inside and outside of the United States, as applicable (including competing products entering pursuant to a license to enter the market prior to expiration of the applicable patents).  Furthermore, the Company’s right to receive royalties from AstraZeneca or Horizon, as applicable, expires on a country-by country basis upon the later of (a) expiration of the last-

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to expire of certain patent rights related to the applicable product(s) in that country, and (b) ten years after the first commercial sale of such product(s) in such country. As the result of an unfavorable outcome in certain patent litigation in Canada, Mylan’s generic naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets recently became available in Canada.  See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies, for more information.

 

Agreements with Patheon regarding Yosprala

 

In December 2011, the Company entered into a Manufacturing Services Agreement with Patheon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Patheon”), as amended in July 2013 (as amended, the “Supply Agreement”), pursuant to which Patheon has agreed to manufacture, and the Company has agreed to purchase, a specified percentage of the Company’s requirements of Yosprala 325/40 and Yosprala 81/40 for sale in the United States. The term of the Supply Agreement extends until December 31st of the fourth year after the date that is 60 days after the Company submits its first firm order to Patheon under the Supply Agreement (the “Initial Term”), and will automatically renew thereafter for periods of two years, unless terminated by either party upon 18 months’ written notice prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or 12 months’ written notice prior to the expiration of any renewal term. In addition to usual and customary termination rights which allow each party to terminate the Supply Agreement for material, uncured breaches by the other party, the Company can terminate the Supply Agreement upon 30 days’ prior written notice if a governmental or regulatory authority takes any action or raises any objection that prevents the Company from importing, exporting, purchasing or selling Yosprala or if it is determined that the formulation or sale of Yosprala infringes any patent rights or other intellectual property rights of a third-party. The Company can also terminate the Supply Agreement upon 24 months’ prior written notice if it licenses, sells, assigns or otherwise transfers any rights to commercialize Yosprala in the United States to a third-party. The Supply Agreement contains general and customary commercial supply terms and conditions, as well as establishes pricing, subject to annual adjustments, for bulk product and different configurations of packaged product.

 

Agreement to Acquire MFI

 

In June 2015, Tribute acquired Medical Futures Inc. (“MFI”) pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement between Tribute and the former shareholders of MFI (“MFI Purchase Agreement”). The MFI acquisition diversified Tribute’s product portfolio with the addition of both marketed products, including Proferrin, and product candidates. The amounts payable pursuant to the MFI Purchase Agreement included (a) $8.5 million (CAD) in cash on closing (including a $0.2 million (CAD) deposit previously paid) to the former MFI shareholders, (b) $5.0 million (CAD) through the issuance of 3,723,008 Tribute Shares to the former MFI shareholders, (c) $5.0 million (CAD) in the form of a one-year unsecured convertible promissory note from Tribute to the former owner of MFI (the “MFI Note”), (d) retention payments of $0.5 million (CAD) to MFI employees, (e) consent payments of $3.35 million (CAD) and $2.35 million (CAD) to the former MFI shareholders payable on receipt of certain third party consents, and (f) two payments of $1.25 million (CAD) to the former MFI shareholders payable on regulatory approval of two product candidates, respectively, or change of control of Tribute. The MFI Note was repaid in June 2016. The $3.35 million (CAD) consent payment was made in 2015 and the $2.35 million (CAD) consent payment has not been made. The two $1.25 million (CAD) payments became payable upon the closing of the Merger. One such payment was made in full to the former shareholders of MFI and the second was paid in part with the remainder offset in settlement of certain indemnity claims by the Company against the former shareholders of MFI, in each case in 2016.

 

Certain Other Agreements

 

Agreements with Sun Pharma and Frontida for Fibricor®

 

In May 2015, Tribute Pharmaceuticals International Inc. (“TPII”), a Barbados corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tribute, acquired the U.S. rights to Fibricor and its related authorized generic (collectively, the “Fibricor Products”) from a wholly-owned step-down subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (“Sun Pharma”). Financial terms include a total payment of $10.0 million of which approximately $3.0 million was included as a liability assumed in the Merger and subsequently paid in May 2016. In connection with its acquisition of Fibricor, TPII also entered into a supply agreement with Sun Pharma pursuant to which Sun Pharma agreed to manufacture and supply the Fibricor Products to TPII. On June 3, 2016, Sun Pharma assigned the supply agreement to Frontida BioPharm, Inc. On June 30, 2016, TPII assigned its interest in the Fibricor Products to Aralez Ireland.

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Agreements with Novartis for Fiorinal®

 

In 2014, Tribute entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Novartis AG and Novartis Pharma AG (collectively, “Novartis”) pursuant to which Tribute acquired from Novartis the Canadian rights to manufacture, market, promote, distribute and sell Fiorinal, Fiorinal C, Visken® and Viskazide® for the relief of pain from headache and for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions (the “Novartis Products”), as well as certain other assets relating to the Novartis Products, including certain intellectual property, marketing authorizations and related data, medical, commercial and technical information, and the partial assignment of certain manufacturing and supply agreements and tenders with third parties (the “Acquired Assets”). Tribute also assumed certain liabilities arising out of the Acquired Assets and the Licensed Assets (as defined below) after the acquisition, including product liability claims or intellectual property infringement claims by third parties relating to the sale of the Novartis Products by Tribute in Canada. In connection with the acquisition of the Acquired Assets, and pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Tribute concurrently entered into a license agreement with Novartis AG, Novartis Pharma AG and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., under which the Novartis entities agreed to license to Tribute certain assets relating to the Novartis Products, including certain intellectual property, marketing authorizations and related data, and medical, commercial and technical information (the “Licensed Assets”).

 

Agreement with Faes for BlextenTM

 

In 2014, Tribute entered into an exclusive license and supply agreement with Faes Farma, S.A. (“Faes”), a Spanish pharmaceutical company, for the exclusive right to sell bilastine, a product for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) in Canada, which is now named Blexten. The exclusive license is inclusive of prescription and non-prescription rights for Blexten, as well as adult and pediatric presentations in Canada. On March 31, 2016, Tribute assigned its interest in Blexten to Aralez Ireland. Regulatory approval to sell Blexten in Canada was received from Health Canada in April 2016 and the Company began commercializing Blexten in Canada in December 2016. The Company will owe sales-based milestone payments of $1.7 million to Faes if certain sales targets are met.

 

Agreement with Nautilus for Cambia®

 

In 2010, Tribute signed a license agreement with Nautilus Neurosciences, Inc. (“Nautilus”) for the exclusive rights to develop, register, promote, manufacture, use, market, distribute and sell Cambia in Canada. In 2011, Tribute and Nautilus executed the first amendment to the license agreement and in 2012 executed the second amendment to the license agreement. Up to $6.0 million in sales-based milestone payments may be payable over time. Royalty rates are tiered and payable at rates ranging from 22.5% to 25.0% of net sales.

 

Agreement with Actavis for Bezalip® SR and Soriatane®

 

In 2008, Tribute signed a Sales, Marketing and Distribution Agreement with Actavis Group PTC ehf (“Actavis”) to perform certain sales, marketing, distribution, finance and other general management services in Canada in connection with the importation, marketing, sales and distribution of Bezalip SR and Soriatane (the “Actavis Products”). In 2010, a first amendment was signed with Actavis to grant Tribute the right and obligation to more actively market and promote the Actavis Products in Canada. In 2011, a second amendment was signed with Actavis that extended the term of the agreement, modified certain of the other terms of the agreement and increased Tribute’s responsibilities to include the day-to-day management of regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance and medical information relating to the Actavis Products. Tribute pays Actavis a sales and distribution fee based on a percentage of the aggregate net sales of the products. In 2011, Tribute signed a Product Development and Profit Share Agreement with Actavis to develop, obtain regulatory approval of and market Bezalip SR in the United States. Aralez may owe a milestone payment of $5.0 million to Actavis in the event that the Company pursues and obtains regulatory approval to market Bezalip SR in the U.S.

 

Agreements with GSK, Pernix and CII regarding MT 400 (including Treximet®)

 

In June 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with Glaxo Group Limited, d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) for the development and commercialization of proprietary combinations of a triptan (5-HT1B/1D agonist) and a

18


 

long-acting NSAID (the “GSK Agreement”). The combinations covered by the GSK Agreement are among the combinations of MT 400 (including Treximet®). Under the terms of the GSK Agreement, GSK had exclusive rights in the United States to commercialize all combinations which combine GSK’s triptans, including Imitrex® (sumatriptan succinate) or Amerge® (naratriptan hydrochloride), with a long-acting NSAID. The Company was responsible for development of the first combination product, while GSK provided formulation development and manufacturing.

 

In November 2011, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with CPPIB Credit Investments Inc. (“CII”), pursuant to which the Company sold, and CII purchased, the Company’s right to receive future royalty payments arising from U.S. sales of MT 400, including Treximet. By virtue of the agreement, the Company will receive a 20% interest in royalties, if any, paid on net sales of Treximet and such other products in the United States to CII relating to the period commencing in the second quarter of 2018.

 

In May 2014, the Company, GSK, CII and Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (“Pernix”), entered into certain agreements in connection with GSK’s divestiture of all of its rights, title and interest to develop, commercialize and sell Treximet in the United States to Pernix. Upon the closing of the transaction in August 2014, with the Company’s consent, GSK assigned the GSK Agreement to Pernix. Pernix assumed the obligation to pay two sales performance milestones totaling up to $80.0 million if certain sales thresholds are achieved as well as royalties on all net sales of marketed products until at least the expiration of the last-to-expire issued applicable patent based upon the scheduled expiration of currently issued patents. Pernix may reduce, but not eliminate, the royalty payable to the Company if generic competitors attain a pre-determined share of the market for the combination product, or if Pernix owes a royalty to one or more third parties for rights it licenses from such third parties to commercialize the product. Immediately following the closing of the transaction, the Company entered into an amendment to the GSK Agreement with Pernix. This amendment, among other things, amends the royalty provisions to provide for a guaranteed quarterly minimum royalty of $4 million for the calendar quarters commencing in January 2015 and ending in March 2018 and requires that Pernix continue certain of GSK’s ongoing development activities and to undertake certain new activities, for which the Company will provide reasonable assistance. This amendment to the GSK Agreement also eliminates restrictions in the GSK Agreement on the Company’s right to develop and commercialize certain dosage forms of sumatriptan/naproxen combinations outside of the United States and permits the Company to seek approval for these combinations on the basis of the approved NDA for Treximet.

 

Agreement with Endo Regarding Toprol-XL AG

 

The Company is party to a Distribution Agreement with Endo Ventures Limited (“Endo”) pursuant to which Endo distributes the Toprol-XL AG (the “Toprol-XL AG Agreement”).  The agreement was originally entered into by AstraZeneca with PAR Pharmaceutical, Inc. (“PAR”) in August 2006 and was assigned by PAR to Endo in February 2016 in connection with Endo International plc’s acquisition of PAR. AstraZeneca assigned such agreement to Aralez in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Toprol-XL and the AG in October 2016.  Pursuant to the Toprol-XL AG Agreement, Endo has the exclusive rights in the United States to promote the AG, while Aralez retains the right to promote the branded Toprol-XL and to promote the AG to certain mail service pharmacy providers.  Pursuant to the terms of the Toprol-XL AG Agreement, the Company supplies the AG product to Endo for a base purchase price, which ranges depending on dosage strength.  In addition to the base purchase price, Endo pays to the Company, on a monthly basis, a deferred purchase price equal to a certain percentage of the specified profit of this business for the applicable period. The agreement expires at the end of 2017 and may be terminated by either party under certain circumstances, including performance measures.

19


 

 

3.BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUISITIONS

 

Pro Forma Impact of Business Combinations

 

The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information presents Aralez’s financial results as if the acquisitions of Tribute, which was completed on February 5, 2016, Zontivity, which was completed on September 6, 2016, and Toprol-XL and the AG, which was completed on October 31, 2016, had each occurred on January 1, 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

   

2017

    

2016

    

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

Pro forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues, net

 

$

25,969

 

$

32,843

 

Net loss

 

$

(27,477)

 

$

(16,584)

 

Diluted net loss per share

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.32)

 

 

The above unaudited pro forma information was determined based on the historical GAAP results of Aralez, Tribute, Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are provided for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of what Aralez’s consolidated results of operations actually would have been had the acquisition been completed on the dates indicated or what the consolidated results of operations will be in the future. The pro forma consolidated net loss includes pro forma adjustments relating to the following significant recurring and non-recurring items directly attributable to the business combinations, net of the pro forma tax impact utilizing applicable statutory tax rates, as follows:

 

(i)

elimination of $12.0 million of expense for excise tax equalization payments for the three months ended March 31, 2016;

 

(ii)

elimination of $3.5 million of severance charges for the three months ended March 31, 2016;

 

(iii)

elimination of $0.7 million of the inventory fair value step-up for the three months ended March 31, 2016;  

 

(iv)

elimination of $0.5 million of stock based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016;

 

(v)

elimination of $12.4 million of transaction costs incurred by the combined Company for the three months ended March 31, 2016;

 

(vi)

elimination of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and the addition of amortization of finite-lived intangible assets acquired of $7.3 million for the months ended March 31, 2016; and

 

(vii)

elimination of $0.3 million of interest expense related to the Tribute acquisition for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and the addition of $6.2 million in interest expense related to the financing of the Zontivity and Toprol-XL acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

 

20


 

4.FAIR VALUE

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

 

    

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

 

 

    

 

    

Significant

    

 

    

 

 

 

 

Quoted prices in

 

other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

active markets for

 

observable

 

unobservable 

 

 

 

 

    

identical items

    

inputs

    

inputs

    

 

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

73,729

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

73,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

75,433

 

$

75,433

 

Warrants liability

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

 

 

    

 

    

Significant

    

 

    

 

 

 

    

Quoted prices in

    

other

    

Significant

    

 

 

 

 

active markets for

 

observable

 

unobservable 

 

 

 

 

 

identical items

 

inputs

 

inputs

 

 

 

 

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

64,943

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

64,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

71,115

 

$

71,115

 

Warrants liability

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

24

 

$

24

 

 

Warrants Liability

 

In connection with the acquisition of Tribute, the Company assumed a liability for warrants that are treated as derivatives under accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging as they were issued with exercise prices denominated in a currency different than the Company’s reporting currency. Approximately 46 thousand of the total 0.9 million common shares underlying the warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2017 are classified as liabilities. The warrants liability is valued using a Black-Scholes valuation model, which incorporates Level 3 assumptions including the volatility of the underlying share price and the expected term. A decrease in the fair value of the warrants liability of $24 thousand and $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is included within other income, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9, “Earnings Per Share,” for additional information.

 

Contingent Consideration

 

In connection with the acquisitions of Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG, the Company recorded short-term and long-term contingent consideration liabilities for future cash payments based on the occurrence of certain milestone events and royalty payments. The contingent consideration liability for both Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG is valued using a model, which incorporates Level 3 assumptions, including the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Zontivity contingent consideration liability increased by $0.6 million, while the fair value of the Toprol-XL contingent consideration liability increased by $3.7 million for the same period.  There was no corresponding contingent consideration liability recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

21


 

Level 3 Disclosures

 

The following table provides quantitative information associated with the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 inputs at March 31, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Range of

 

 

    

 

    

Valuation technique

    

Unobservable Inputs

 

Inputs Utilized

 

Contingent consideration

 

$

75,433

 

Monte Carlo

 

Volatility

 

33% - 68%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

13%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warrants liability

 

$

 —

 

Black-Scholes

 

Volatility

 

120%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected term in years

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s warrants liability include the volatility of the Company’s share price and the expected term. Significant increases or decreases in the volatility and expected term utilized would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s contingent consideration liability include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to calculate the present value of the probability-weighted cash flows.

 

The table below provides a roll-forward of the warrants liability fair value balances that used Level 3 inputs:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

    

$

24

Change in fair value during the period

 

 

(24)

Impact of foreign exchange

 

 

 —

Balance at March 31, 2017

 

$

 —

 

The table below provides a roll-forward of the contingent consideration liability fair value balances that used Level 3 inputs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

    

$

71,115

 

Cash payments

 

 

(125)

 

Change in fair value during the period

 

 

4,443

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

 

$

75,433

 

 

 

5.INVENTORY

 

Inventory consisted of the following at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 2017

    

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

1,110

 

$

1,129

 

Work-in-process

 

 

211

 

 

189

 

Finished goods

 

 

2,811

 

 

3,230

 

Total Inventory

 

$

4,132

 

$

4,548

 

 

Inventories are net of reserves for excess and obsolete inventory of approximately $0.6 million and $0.1 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

 

22


 

6.GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Goodwill

 

The table below provides a roll-forward of the Company’s goodwill balances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill balance at December 31, 2016

    

$

76,694

 

Impact of foreign exchange

 

 

690

 

Goodwill balance at March 31, 2017

 

$

77,384

 

 

Other Intangible Assets, Net

 

Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Net Carrying

 

Average

 

 

    

Amount

    

Amortization

    

Amount

    

Life

 

 

 

 

 

(in years)

 

Toprol-XL

 

$

224,600

 

$

(9,358)

 

$

215,242

 

10

 

ZONTIVITY

 

 

40,800

 

 

(2,231)

 

 

38,569

 

11

 

Tribute Merger and other

 

 

87,961

 

 

(9,466)

 

 

78,495

 

11

 

Acquired technology rights

 

$

353,361

 

$

(21,055)

 

$

332,306

 

 

 

 

The gross carrying amount of acquired technology rights increased by $0.7 million due to the impact of foreign currency translation adjustments between the Canadian and U.S. dollars. Amortization expense was $8.5 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The estimated aggregate amortization of intangible assets as of March 31, 2017, for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Amortization

 

For the Years Ending December 31,

    

Expense

 

 

 

 

 

Remainder of 2017

 

$

25,609

 

2018

 

 

34,145

 

2019

 

 

34,145

 

2020

 

 

34,145

 

2021

 

 

34,145

 

Thereafter

 

 

170,117

 

Total amortization expense

 

$

332,306

 

 

 

23


 

7.ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 2017

    

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued professional fees

 

$

6,397

 

$

6,258

 

Accrued marketing fees

 

 

2,350

 

 

4,852

 

Accrued revenue reserves

 

 

3,393

 

 

3,783

 

Accrued royalties

 

 

4,339

 

 

2,996

 

Accrued employee-related expenses

 

 

2,471

 

 

9,153

 

Accrued interest

 

 

6,627

 

 

4,715

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

698

 

 

384

 

Total accrued expenses

 

$

26,275

 

$

32,141

 

 

Exit and Disposal Activities

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company incurred certain exit costs, primarily severance benefits to former Pozen and Tribute employees. The following table summarizes the exit activity within accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued severance balance at December 31, 2016

    

$

2,300

Cash payments

 

 

(1,246)

Impact of foreign exchange

 

 

 8

Accrued severance balance at March 31, 2017

 

$

1,062

 

The Company expects to pay the remaining accrued severance balance of $1.1 million during the remainder of 2017.

 

8.DEBT

 

Convertible Notes

 

On February 5, 2016, Aralez issued $75.0 million aggregate principal of 2.5% senior secured convertible notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”) resulting in net proceeds to Aralez, after debt issuance costs, of $74.5 million in connection with the Second Amended and Restated Debt Facility Agreement (the “Facility Agreement”), dated December 7, 2015, among Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pozen, Tribute (“ the Credit Parties”) and certain lenders party thereto. The 2022 Notes are convertible into common shares of Aralez at an initial conversion premium of 32.5%, subject to adjustment upon certain events, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $8.28 per common share. Holders of the 2022 Notes may convert the 2022 Notes at any time and the 2022 Notes are not pre-payable by Aralez. Interest is payable to the note holders quarterly in arrears on the first business day of each January, April, July and October. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 was $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which includes the amortization of debt issuance costs. The Company estimated the fair value of the $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2022 Notes to be approximately $52.9 million as of March 31, 2017, using a bond plus call option model that utilizes Level 3 fair value inputs. The carrying amount of the 2022 Notes was $74.6 million as of March 31, 2017, which is the principal amount outstanding, net of $0.4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs to be amortized over the remaining term of the 2022 Notes.

 

Credit Facility

 

Under the terms of the Facility Agreement, Aralez also had the ability to borrow from the lenders up to $200.0 million under a credit facility until April 30, 2017. On October 31, 2016, Aralez drew down $25.0 million under the credit facility to replenish the Company’s cash balance for the initial upfront payment of the $25.0 million in cash

24


 

previously paid at the closing of the Zontivity acquisition in September 2016 and drew down an additional $175.0 million to finance the upfront cash payment for the acquisition of Toprol-XL and the AG.  Amounts drawn under the credit facility must be repaid on the sixth anniversary from each draw, bear an interest rate of 12.5% per annum and are prepayable in whole or in part at any time following the end of the sixth month after the funding date of each draw. The Facility Agreement contains various representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, customary for financings of this type, including, among other things, limitations on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions, indebtedness, liens and dividends.

 

Interest is payable to the noteholders under the credit facility quarterly in arrears on the first business day of each January, April, July and October. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $6.2 million, which includes the amortization of debt issuance costs. The Company estimated the fair value of the $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility under the Facility Agreement to be approximately $210.0 million as of March 31, 2017, using a bond model that utilizes Level 3 fair value inputs. The carrying amount of the borrowings under the credit facility was $199.9 million as of March 31, 2017, which is the principal amount outstanding, net of $0.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs to be amortized over the remaining term of the credit facility.

 

In addition, pursuant to a consent to the Facility Agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition of Toprol-XL and the AG, the lenders under the Facility Agreement agreed that they and/or affiliated funds will have available sufficient capital to make additional loans to Aralez in an aggregate amount of up to $250.0 million for the payment of the purchase price of any acquisitions permitted by the terms of the Facility Agreement (as modified by such consent) with respect to target businesses mutually approved by, and as otherwise mutually agreed upon, by Aralez and the lenders, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Facility Agreement. At the time of such consent, the Facility Agreement was amended to include additional financial performance thresholds, including a minimum adjusted EBITDA threshold and a minimum specified revenue threshold relating to net sales of Toprol-XL and the AG received by the Company.

 

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share

 

Basic net loss per common share has been computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Except where the result would be antidilutive to income from continuing operations, diluted net loss per common share is computed assuming the conversion of convertible obligations and the elimination of the interest expense related to the 2022 Notes, the exercise of options to purchase common shares, the exercise of warrants, and the vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), as well as their related income tax effects. Diluted net loss per common share differs from basic net loss per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 given potential common shares underlying the warrants liability are dilutive when considering the unrealized gain recognized for the change in the fair value of the warrants during the period.

 

25


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

 

    

2017

    

 

2016

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss, basic

 

$

(27,477)

 

$

(33,788)

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of warrants liability

 

 

(24)

 

 

(4,581)

 

 

Net loss, diluted

 

$

(27,501)

 

$

(38,369)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used in calculating basic net loss per common share

 

 

65,690

 

 

52,156

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive stock options, RSUs

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

Warrants to purchase common shares - liability-classified

 

 

 —

 

 

335

 

 

Shares used in calculating diluted net loss per common share

 

 

65,690

 

 

52,491

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per common share, basic

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.65)

 

 

Net loss per common share, diluted

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.73)

 

 

 

Potential common shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share as their inclusion would have been antidilutive were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options to purchase common shares, RSUs and PSUs

 

8,441

 

8,652

 

Warrants to purchase common shares - equity-classified

 

930

 

992

 

2022 Notes convertible into common shares

 

9,057

 

9,057

 

 

The Company assumed outstanding warrants in connection with the acquisition of Tribute. The warrants are classified either as a liability, if the exercise price is denominated in Canadian dollars, or as equity if the exercise price is denominated in U.S. dollars. The following is a summary of warrants outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2017, and grouped in accordance with their respective expiration dates, with Canadian dollar exercise prices translated to U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rate in effect at March 31, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No. of Warrants

 

Weighted-Average

Quarterly period of expiration

    

Outstanding

    

Exercise Price

Q2 2017

 

46

 

$

4.74

Q1 2018

 

599

 

 

4.12

Q3 2018

 

16

 

 

3.78

Q4 2019

 

108

 

 

4.81

Q3 2020

 

110

 

 

4.09

Q1 2021

 

51

 

 

2.91

 

 

930

 

$

4.16

 

 

10.SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Summary of Share-Based Compensation Plans

 

In December 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Aralez Pharmaceuticals 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), which became effective on February 5, 2016, upon consummation of the Merger. The 2016 Plan is the only existing plan in which the Company is authorized to grant equity-based awards. The 2016 Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards to employees, directors, and consultants. Under the 2016 Plan, the Company initially reserved 2,300,000 common shares for grant plus (i) the number of shares available for issuance under both the Pozen Inc. 2010 Equity Compensation Plan and the Amended and Restated Option Plan of Tribute

26


 

Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. that were not subject to outstanding awards upon the effective date and (ii) the number of shares required to cover each stock option granted in substitution of stock options held by employees of Tribute, as required to consummate the Merger. At March 31, 2017, there were approximately 1,000 common shares remaining available for grant under the 2016 Plan. On May 3, 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which  increases the number of common shares covered by and reserved for issuance under this Plan by 4,300,000 common shares.

 

Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense

 

Share-based compensation expense recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

2,820

 

$

3,583

 

 

Research and development

 

 

 4

 

 

327

 

 

Total non-cash share-based compensation expense

 

$

2,824

 

$

3,910

 

 

 

Included in the table above is approximately $0.5 million of share-based compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of certain Tribute equity awards upon consummation of the Merger, which was recorded as selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016. There was no such charge for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

Options to Purchase Common Shares

 

A summary of option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying

 

Exercise

 

 

Remaining

 

Intrinsic

 

Stock Option Awards

    

Shares

    

Price

 

    

Contractual Term

    

Value

  

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

 

3,065

 

$

5.85

 

 

4.8 years

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

390

 

$

2.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(41)

 

$

2.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(343)

 

$

12.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2017

 

3,071

 

$

4.76

 

 

5.7 years

 

$

 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2017

 

1,818

 

$

5.48

 

 

1.9 years

 

$

 6

 

 

The weighted average grant date fair value for option awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $1.52 per option.

 

As of March 31, 2017, there was approximately $4.7 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to option awards, which are expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 2.1 years.

 

27


 

RSUs and PSUs

 

A summary of RSU, including performance restricted stock units (“PSUs”), activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017, is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

Weighted-

 

 

 

Underlying

 

Average

 

 

 

Underlying

 

Grant Date

 

Restricted Stock Units, including PSUs

    

Shares

    

Fair Value

 

Nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2016

 

4,324

 

$

6.62

 

Granted

 

1,230

 

$

2.34

 

Vested

 

(164)

 

$

3.83

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(20)

 

$

4.07

 

Nonvested restricted stock units at March 31, 2017

 

5,370

 

$

5.74

 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, approximately 1,072,000 PSUs with both market-based and service conditions were granted with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $2.5 million. The PSUs vest at the end of a three-year performance period based on the achievement of pre-determined market-based performance goals.

 

As of March 31, 2017, there was approximately $23.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to RSUs, which are expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 2.2 years.  

 

11.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases office space and certain equipment under cancellable and non-cancelable operating lease agreements. 

 

Supply Agreements

 

The Company has various supply, license, distribution and manufacturing agreements with third parties that include purchase minimums or minimum royalties.

 

See the Contractual Obligations section on page 44 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a summary of the Company’s operating lease obligations and commitments under supply agreements.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is currently party to legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, principally patent litigation matters. The Company has assessed such legal proceedings and does not believe that it is probable that a liability has been incurred or that the amount of any potential liability or range of losses can be reasonably estimated. As a result, the Company has not recorded any loss contingencies for any of these matters as of March 31, 2017. While it is not possible to determine the outcome of these matters, in the event of an adverse outcome or outcomes, the Company’s business could be materially harmed. The Company intends to vigorously defend its intellectual property rights.

 

VIMOVO® ANDA Litigation

 

Between March 14, 2011 and May 16, 2013, Pozen, now a subsidiary of the Company, received Paragraph IV Notice Letters from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (“DRL”), Lupin Ltd. (“Lupin”), Watson Laboratories, Inc. – Florida (“Watson,” now “Actavis”), and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Mylan”), stating that each had filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) with the FDA seeking regulatory approval to market a generic version of our VIMOVO product before the expiration of U.S. Patent No. 6,926,907 (the “‘907 patent”). On November 20, 2012, Pozen received a second Notice Letter from DRL stating that DRL had filed a second ANDA with the FDA seeking regulatory approval to market a different generic formulation of the VIMOVO product before the expiration of the ‘907 patent. The ‘907 patent

28


 

is assigned to Pozen and listed for the VIMOVO product in the FDA’s publication titled “Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations” (also known as the “Orange Book”).

 

On April 21, 2011, Pozen filed suit against the first ANDA filer, DRL, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey (the “District Court”), asserting infringement of the 907 patent. Pozen subsequently filed suit against the other three ANDA filers within 45 days of receipt of their respective Paragraph IV Notice Letters. Horizon, the Company’s current marketing partner for the VIMOVO product in the U.S., is Pozen’s co-plaintiff in each suit. The first suit against DRL is considered the lead case and has been consolidated with other suits for the purpose of pre-trial and discovery. On December 19, 2012, the District Court conducted a pre-trial Markman hearing to determine the proper claim construction of certain claims disputed by the parties. On May 1, 2013, the District Court issued a Markman Order construing the disputed claims. A scheduling order for the consolidated suits was issued by the District Court on June 27, 2014. 

 

On October 15, 2013, the United States Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 8,557,285 (the “‘285 patent”). The ‘285 patent is listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product and is related to the ‘907 patent. On October 23, 2013, Pozen filed suits against DRL, Lupin, Watson and Mylan in the District Court asserting infringement of the ‘285 patent. These suits have each been consolidated with the above referenced suits involving the ‘907 patent. On May 12, 2016, the court granted DRL’s motion for summary judgment of non-infringement of the ‘907 patent with respect DRL’s second ANDA. The ruling does not apply to DRL’s first-filed ANDA, nor does it apply to the other patents asserted against DRL’s second ANDA. In January 2017, Judge Cooper conducted a six day bench trial in the lead case involving Defendants DRL and Mylan relating solely to the validity and infringement of the ‘907 and ‘285 patents. The parties provided post-trial submissions to the District Court on April 24, 2017 and the closing arguments are scheduled for May 17, 2017. 

 

On October 7, 2014, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 8,852,636 (the “‘636 patent”). On October 14, 2014, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 8,858,996 (the “‘996 patent”). In addition, on October 21, 2014, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 8,865,190 (the “190 patent”). The ‘636, ‘996 and ‘190 patents are each listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product and are each related to the ‘907 and ‘285 patents.

 

On February 3, 2015, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 8,945,621 (the “‘621 patent”). The ‘621 patent is listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product.

 

On May 13, 2015, Pozen and Horizon filed suit against DRL, Lupin, Actavis (formerly known as Watson) and Mylan in the District Court asserting infringement of the ‘636 and ‘996 patents. On June 18, 2015, Pozen filed Amended Complaints in each of the suits to assert infringement of the ‘190 patent.

 

On October 20, 2015, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 9,161,920 (the “‘920 patent”). On December 1, 2015, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 9,198,888 (the “‘888 patent”). The ‘920 and ‘888 patents are each listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product and are each related to the ‘907 and ‘285 patents.

 

On December 29, 2015, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 9,220,698 (the “‘698 patent”). The ‘698 patent is listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product.

 

On May 24, 2016, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 9,345,695 (the “‘695 patent”). The ‘695 patent is listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product and is related to the ‘907 and ‘285 patents.

 

On January 25, 2016, Pozen and Horizon filed suit against Actavis in the District Court asserting infringement of the ‘920 and ‘888 patents. On March 16, 2016, the District Court consolidated this suit with the suit filed against Actavis on May 13, 2015. On February 10, 2016, Pozen filed Amended Complaints against DRL, Lupin and Mylan to assert infringement of the ‘920 and ‘888 patents. On August 11, 2016, Pozen and Horizon filed suit against DRL, Lupin, Actavis and Mylan in the District Court asserting infringement of the ’621, ’698, and ’695 patents. These suits are in the initial phase and a full schedule has not yet been set by the District Court.

 

29


 

On July 19, 2016, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 9,393,208 (the “‘208 patent”). The ‘208 patent is listed in the Orange Book for the VIMOVO product and is related to the ‘698 patent.

 

On December 6, 2016, Pozen and Horizon filed Amended Complaints in the suits against Mylan, Lupin, and Actavis to assert infringement of the ‘208 patent. On December 6, 2016, Pozen and Horizon filed suit against DRL in the District Court asserting infringement of the ‘208 patent. On March 8, 2017, the District Court consolidated this suit with the suit filed against DRL on August 11, 2016.

 

On December 30, 2016, the District Court granted Actavis’ motion to enforce an alleged settlement agreement resolving all claims and counterclaims between Actavis and co-plaintiffs Pozen and Horizon in the lawsuits relating to VIMOVO. Pozen and Horizon contend that they did not agree to the settlement, and Pozen and Horizon filed notices of appeal of the District Court’s decision, on February 8, 2017 and February 9, 2017, respectively.

 

The suits against DRL, Mylan, and Lupin involving the ‘636, ‘996, ‘190, ‘621, ‘920, ‘888, ‘698, ‘695, and ‘208 patents have been consolidated for the purpose of pre-trial and discovery.

 

As with any litigation proceeding, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome of the patent infringement suits against DRL, Lupin, Mylan and Actavis relating to generic versions of VIMOVO. Furthermore, while Horizon is responsible for this litigation, including the costs of same, we nevertheless will have to incur additional expenses in connection with the lawsuits relating to VIMOVO, which may be substantial. Moreover, responding to and defending pending litigation results in a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and an increase in professional fees.

 

Inter Partes Review

 

DRL filed a Petition for review (“IPR Petition”) of the ‘285 patent with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) of the USPTO on February 24, 2015, which was denied on October 9, 2015. The Coalition for Affordable Drugs VII L.L.C. (“CFAD”) filed IPR Petitions of the ‘907 patent, the ‘996 patent and the ‘636 patent with the PTAB on May 21, 2015, June 5, 2014 and August 7, 2015, respectively, each of which was denied on December 8, 2015, December 17, 2015 and February 11, 2016, respectively.

 

On August 12, 2015, CFAD filed an IPR Petition of the ‘621 patent with the PTAB. On February 22, 2016 the PTAB instituted review of the claims of the ‘621 patent. Pozen and Horizon filed a response on June 23, 2016. CFAD filed a reply to this response on September 22, 2016. Oral argument before the PTAB was held on November 16, 2016. On February 21, 2017, the PTAB entered a Final Written Decision in which it concluded that CFAD had not carried its burden of proving that the claims of the ‘621 patent were unpatentable.

 

On August 19, 2015, Lupin filed three separate IPR Petitions of the ‘996, ‘636 and ‘190 patents with the PTAB. On March 1, 2016 the PTAB denied Lupin’s petition for review of the ‘636 patent and instituted review of a limited number of the claims in each of the ‘996 and ‘190 patents. Pozen and Horizon filed responses to the petitions for review of the ‘996 and ‘190 patents on June 27, 2016. Lupin filed replies to these responses on September 16, 2016. Oral arguments before the PTAB for these matters were held on November 29, 2016. On February 28, 2017, the PTAB entered Final Written Decisions in which it concluded that Lupin had not carried its burden of proving that the claims of the ‘996 and ‘190 patents were unpatentable.

 

Canada VIMOVO® Litigation

 

On January 20, 2015, the Company’s Canadian licensee, AstraZeneca Canada Inc. (“AstraZeneca Canada”) received a Notice of Allegation from Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC (“Mylan Canada”) informing them that Mylan Canada has filed an Abbreviated New Drug Submission in Canada (“ANDS”) for approval of its naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets and alleging non-infringement of some of the claims and invalidity of Pozen’s Canadian Patent No. 2,449,098 (the “‘098 patent”). A Notice of Allegation is served pursuant to the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations in Canada and is similar to a Paragraph IV Notice Letter in the United States. In response, Pozen and AstraZeneca Canada commenced a proceeding in the Federal Court of Canada (the “Canada Court”) in

30


 

relation to the ‘098 patent on March 5, 2015 seeking to prohibit Health Canada from approving Mylan Canada’s generic naproxen/esomeprazole product until the expiry of the ‘098 patent. The Canadian proceeding is summary in nature and  intended to decide only whether approval for Mylan Canada’s naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets should be prohibited until the expiry of the ‘098 patent because none of Mylan Canada’s allegations in respect of the ‘098 patent are justified. The matter was heard on November 21 to 23, 2016. On February 7, 2017, the Court dismissed Pozen and AstraZeneca Canada’s request to prohibit the Minister from approving Mylan’s naproxen/esomeprazole products, deciding that certain of Mylan Canada’s allegations in respect of the ‘098 patent are justified (the “Decision”). However, this summary proceeding did not decide the ‘098 patent validity or infringement. The ‘098 patent expires on May 31, 2022. Following the Decision, the Minister issued approval for Mylan’s 500/20mg strength naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets on February 8, 2017.

 

On March 23, 2016, AstraZeneca Canada received another Notice of Allegation from Mylan Canada in respect of the ‘098 patent, informing them that Mylan Canada has filed a supplemental submission for one of the strengths of its naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets. This Notice of Allegation states that Mylan Canada withdrew from its ANDS the 375/20 mg strength and re-filed a supplemental submission for this strength. In this circumstance, Mylan is required to file, and has provided another Notice of Allegation in respect of the ‘098 patent. The allegations in respect of the ‘098 patent are identical to those asserted in the first Notice of Allegation. In response, Pozen and AstraZeneca Canada commenced another proceeding in the Federal Court of Canada on May 5, 2016 seeking to prohibit Health Canada from approving Mylan Canada’s 375/20 mg strength naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablet until the expiry of the ‘098 patent. As the allegations made in respect of the ‘098 patent are identical, on the parties’ consent, the Court stayed the proceeding and the parties agreed that the outcome of the first proceeding discussed above, will determine the outcome for this new proceeding. Following the Decision, this proceeding was discontinued on February, 10, 2017. The Minister issued approval for Mylan’s 375/20 mg strength naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets on February 10, 2017. Mylan’s generic naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets recently became available in Canada.

 

Yosprala Paragraph IV Certification

 

On November 4, 2016, the FDA website indicated that an ANDA for a generic version of Yosprala 81mg/40mg was submitted to the FDA on October 14, 2016. The Company ultimately received the related Paragraph IV Notice Letter on December 12, 2016, as described below.

 

On December 12, 2016, the Company received a Paragraph IV Notice Letter from Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (“Teva”) stating that it had filed an ANDA with the FDA seeking regulatory approval to market generic versions of Yosprala 325mg/40 mg and 81mg/40mg prior to the expiration of the ‘907 patent, U.S. Patent No. 8,206,741 (the “‘741 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 9,364,439 (the “‘439 patent”). The ‘907, ‘741, and ‘439 patents are assigned to Pozen and listed in the Orange Book for the Yosprala product.

 

On January 10, 2017, the USPTO issued to Pozen U.S. Patent No. 9,539,214 (the “‘214 patent”). The ‘214 patent is listed in the Orange Book for the Yosprala product. On March 13, 2017, the Company received a Paragraph IV Notice Letter regarding the ‘214 patent.

 

On January 23, 2017, Aralez Parent and its subsidiaries Aralez Pharmaceuticals Trading DAC, Aralez Pharmaceuticals US Inc., and Pozen Inc. filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Teva and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for infringement of the ‘907, ‘741, ‘439, and ‘214 patents. The lawsuit was filed within 45 days of receipt of Teva’s Paragraph IV Notice Letter. In accordance with the Hatch-Waxman Act, as a result of having filed a timely lawsuit against Teva, a stay of approval will be imposed by the FDA on Teva’s ANDA for 30 months after the date of the Company’s receipt of Teva’s Paragraph IV Notice Letter on December 12, 2016 or until a final court decision is entered in the infringement suit in favor of Teva, whichever is earlier.

 

On April 13, 2017, the parties entered a joint stipulation to dismiss the complaint against Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. based on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.’s agreement to be bound by any judgment, order, or decision in the lawsuit.  The lawsuit will continue against Teva.  The suit remains in the initial phase and a full schedule has not yet been set.

 

31


 

As with any litigation proceeding, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome of the infringement suit relating to generic versions of Yosprala.

 

12.SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Aralez has one operating segment, the acquisition, development and commercialization of products primarily in cardiovascular, pain and other specialty areas for the purpose of delivering meaningful products to improve patients’ lives while focusing on creating shareholder value. The Company’s entire business is managed by a single management team, which reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

13.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Modification of Contract with Government Regarding Toprol-XL

 

On April 6, 2017, Aralez US and the Government entered into a Modification of Contract pursuant to which the Government exercised its first renewal option under the VA Contract, extending the term of the VA Contract by one year to April 28, 2018 with reduced pricing for the duration thereof. 

 

Sales Force Reduction and Other Cost Initiatives

 

On April 5, 2017, the Company announced that it has begun implementing a program of cost savings initiatives, which included a 32% reduction in its U.S. sales force and realignment of certain financial resources to support the launch of Zontivity, together with a significant decrease in marketing spend on Yosprala.  As a result of this sales force reduction, the Company anticipates it will incur cash severance costs of approximately $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2017.

 

License Agreement

 

On May 8, 2017, Pozen entered into a license agreement with a multi-national pharmaceutical company pursuant to which Pozen granted a non-exclusive license to such company under a Japanese patent owned by Pozen.  The non-exclusive license is limited to Japan.  In consideration for this non-exclusive license, Pozen will receive an upfront payment of $4.0 million, plus contingent milestones payments and royalties under certain circumstances.

 

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about execution of our commercialization strategy with our expanded product portfolio, including Yosprala® (aspirin and omeprazole), Fibricor® (fenofibric acid) and its authorized generic, Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate) and its currently marketed authorized generic and Zontivity®  (vorapaxar), which we plan to fully relaunch in the United States in June 2017, cash and cash equivalents together with cash expected to be generated from our business is currently believed to be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months, cost savings initiatives, business development plans, our operating model and financial discipline, our objective to achieve sustained long-term growth, product launches, our strategies, plans, objectives, financial forecasts, goals, prospects, prospective products or product approvals, future performance or results of current and anticipated products, exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes and other statements that are not historical facts, and such statements are typically identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “likely,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative or similar words, variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which are discussed in the section entitled “Part II – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and with applicable Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR on March 13, 2017 and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC and securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievement. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law.

 

All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Amounts are expressed on an as‑converted from Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar basis, as applicable, and are calculated using the conversion rates as of and for the periods ended March 31, 2017 unless otherwise noted.

 

Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Aralez” or the “Company” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are referring to Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided in addition to the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We have organized the MD&A as follows:

 

·

Overview—this section provides financial highlights, our business strategy, a summary of our marketed products, our product pipeline update, and a summary of our out-licensed products.

 

·

Results of Operations—this section provides a review of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

·

Liquidity and Capital Resources—this section provides a summary of our financial condition, including our sources and uses of cash, capital resources, commitments and liquidity.

 

33


 

·

Commitments and Contingencies—this section provides a summary of our material legal proceedings and a summary of our contractual obligations.

 

·

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—this section describes our critical accounting policies and the significant judgments and estimates that we have made in preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

·

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—this section provides a summary of accounting pronouncements that have been issued, but not yet adopted by the Company.

 

Overview

 

Aralez is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on delivering meaningful products to improve patients’ lives while creating shareholder value by acquiring, developing and commercializing products primarily in cardiovascular, pain and other specialty areas. Our parent corporation, Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., was incorporated under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (“BCBCA”) on December 2, 2015. Our global headquarters is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, our U.S. headquarters is located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States, and our Irish headquarters is located in Dublin, Ireland. Aralez was formed for the purpose of facilitating the business combination of POZEN Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Pozen”), and Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada (“Tribute”), which transaction closed on February 5, 2016.

 

On February 5, 2016, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Arrangement between Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pozen, Tribute and other related parties (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), Aralez completed the acquisition of Tribute by way of a court approved plan of arrangement in a stock transaction with a purchase price of $137.6 million made up of (i) $115.1 million related to Tribute shares, equity awards and certain warrants outstanding and (ii) $22.5 million in repayments of Tribute indebtedness. In connection with the transaction, Pozen and Tribute were combined under and became subsidiaries of Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., with Pozen treated as the acquiring company for accounting purposes (the “Merger”). Pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Exchange Act, Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the successor issuer to Pozen. The Merger provides the combined company with increased financial strength and product portfolio diversity and is expected to meaningfully accelerate our operating strategies.

 

On September 6, 2016, Aralez Pharmaceuticals Trading DAC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aralez (“Aralez Ireland”), acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Zontivity  ® (vorapaxar) pursuant to an asset purchase agreement with Schering-Plough (Ireland) Company, an Irish private unlimited company and an affiliate of Merck & Co., Inc. (“Merck”). Zontivity represents an addition to our product portfolio in cardiovascular disease and is the first and only approved therapy shown to inhibit the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), the primary receptor for thrombin, which is considered to be the most potent activator of platelets.

 

On September 15, 2016, we announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved Yosprala®  (aspirin and omeprazole) for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients at risk for aspirin-associated gastric ulcers. 

 

On October 31, 2016, Aralez Ireland acquired the U.S. rights to Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate) and the currently marketed authorized generic (the “AG”) pursuant to an asset purchase agreement (the “Toprol-XL Asset Purchase Agreement”) entered into between AstraZeneca AB (“AstraZeneca”), Aralez Ireland and Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. Toprol-XL is a cardioselective beta-blocker indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensives; the long term treatment of angina pectoris and treatment of stable, symptomatic (NYHA class II or III) heart failure of specific origins. Toprol-XL and the AG further expands our cardiovascular portfolio.

 

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Financial Highlights

 

The following table is a summary of our financial results for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenues, net

 

$

6,686

 

$

3,565

 

Other revenues

 

 

19,283

 

 

4,492

 

Total revenues, net

 

 

25,969

 

 

8,057

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product revenues (exclusive of amortization shown separately below)

 

 

2,756

 

 

2,538

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

30,846

 

 

37,459

 

Research and development

 

 

94

 

 

4,412

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

8,513

 

 

1,272

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 

 

4,443

 

 

 —

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

46,652

 

 

45,681

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(20,683)

 

 

(37,624)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(6,653)

 

 

(307)

 

Other income, net

 

 

411

 

 

4,797

 

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(26,925)

 

 

(33,134)

 

Income tax expense

 

 

552

 

 

654

 

Net loss

 

$

(27,477)

 

$

(33,788)

 

Basic net loss per common share

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.65)

 

Diluted net loss per common share

 

$

(0.42)

 

$

(0.73)

 

 

Business Strategy

 

Our management team has a strong track record of success in creating, leading and expanding specialty pharmaceutical companies with marketing and sales capabilities. Driven by this leadership and leveraging our competitive platform, our focus on acquiring high potential growth opportunities through aggressive business development and licensing and strategic transactions, and commercializing our product portfolio to provide enhanced value to a range of stakeholders, is driven by the following primary strategies:

 

·

Maximize value of expanded portfolio – We plan to continue our focus on execution of our commercialization strategy with respect to our broadened cardiovascular portfolio, including Zontivity, which we acquired in September 2016 and commenced the first phase of our commercial relaunch in the United States in April 2017 (with the full relaunch planned for June 2017), Yosprala, which was approved by the FDA in September 2016, Fibricor®  (fenofibric acid) and its authorized generic, and Toprol-XL and the AG, which we acquired in October 2016.

 

·

Business Development through selective acquisitions – While we completed several transactions in 2016 to expand our portfolio offering, we plan to continue to pursue value-driven business development opportunities as they arise with a focus on strategic M&A, targeting companies with commercially available, cash flow generating products and revenues that offer synergies and growth potential, particularly in the cardiovascular and pain anchor areas. We will also continue to assess the addition of other specialty therapeutic areas through M&A activity with a similar focus on opportunities that we anticipate are or will become synergistic, revenue and cash flow generating.

 

·

Leverage platform for growth – We intend to maintain a lean, nimble and performance-oriented operating model with strong financial discipline. Our objective is to achieve sustained long-term growth, both organically, through products such as Yosprala, and through business development initiatives that could include M&A

35


 

and/or product acquisitions, such as the recently completed purchases of Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG, while at all times maintaining our focus on creating shareholder value.

 

Marketed Products – United States

 

Yosprala®

 

Yosprala is currently the only prescription fixed-dose combination of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), an anti-platelet agent, and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (“PPI”), in the United States. It is indicated for patients who require aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and who are at risk of developing aspirin associated gastric ulcers. Yosprala is designed to support both cardio- and gastro-protection for at-risk patients through the proprietary Intelli-COAT™ system, which is formulated to sequentially deliver immediate-release omeprazole (40 mg) followed by a delayed-release, enteric-coated aspirin core in either 81 mg or 325 mg dose strengths. Yosprala is currently protected by four U.S. patents, the latest expiring in late 2032 with potential patent term adjustment into early 2033. We received FDA approval for Yosprala on September 14, 2016 and began commercialization in the United States on October 3, 2016. The competition for PPI-aspirin (“PA”) products, such as Yosprala, may come from aspirin itself, other aspirin-combination products that may be introduced, as well as other anti-platelet products used for secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

 

The Company is committed to perform two post-marketing requirements related to Yosprala. One is an in-vitro study to examine the breakdown products of omeprazole at different pH levels. Pending the results of that study, the FDA has requested a pharmacokinetics study measuring the levels of these degradants in serum compared to enteric-coated omeprazole.

 

Toprol-XL® and its Authorized Generic

 

Toprol-XL is a cardioselective beta-blocker indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensives, the long term treatment of angina pectoris and treatment of stable, symptomatic (NYHA class II or III) heart failure of specific origins. Toprol-XL is an extended-release tablet that belongs to a family of high blood pressure medications known as beta-blockers. Extended-release tablets need to be taken only once a day. After swallowing Toprol-XL, the coating of the tablet dissolves, releasing a multitude of controlled release pellets filled with metoprolol succinate. Each pellet acts as a separate drug delivery unit and is designed to deliver metoprolol continuously over the dosage interval of 24 hours. We acquired the U.S. rights to Toprol-XL and the AG from AstraZeneca on October 31, 2016 in exchange for an upfront payment of $175.0 million, a payment for certain inventory and certain future royalties and contingent milestone payments, as described in Note 2, “Business Agreements,” in the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements in more detail. Toprol-XL and the AG compete against several generic offerings for metoprolol succinate.

 

Fibricor® and its Authorized Generic

 

Fibricor is indicated as a complementary therapy along with diet for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia and as a complementary therapy along with diet to reduce elevated LDL-C, Total-C, TG, and Apo B, and to increase HDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Fibricor is currently protected by four U.S. patents extending to August 20, 2027. In May 2015, we acquired the U.S. rights to Fibricor (fenofibric acid) and its related authorized generic. We began promoting Fibricor in the United States during the second quarter of 2016 with a 25-person U.S. sales force, which was expanded in September 2016 in connection with the U.S. launch of Yosprala. Fibricor and its authorized generic compete against other cholesterol-lowering drugs known as fibrates. The large fibrate market is heavily genericized.

 

Zontivity®

 

Zontivity is the first and currently the only approved therapy shown to inhibit the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), the primary receptor for thrombin on the platelet, which is considered to be the most potent activator of platelets. In the United States, Zontivity is indicated for the reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients

36


 

with a history of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or in patients with narrowing of leg arteries, called peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and should be used in combination with daily aspirin and/or clopidogrel according to their indications or standard of care. We acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Zontivity from Merck on September 6, 2016 in exchange for an upfront payment of $25 million and certain future royalties and milestone payments, as described in Note 2, “Business Agreements,” in the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements in more detail.

 

We have commenced the commercial preparations and the first phase of the relaunch of Zontivity by our U.S. sales force (with the full relaunch planned for June 2017) and are currently assessing our plans with respect to the commercialization of Zontivity in Canada. Zontivity competes with certain products referred to as oral anti-platelets, which market is dominated by the generic offerings for clopidogrel bisulfate. There are also two newer, competitive anti-platelet offerings in this class: Effient® and Brilinta®.

 

Marketed Products – Canada

 

Cambia®

 

Cambia® (diclofenac potassium for oral solution) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) and currently the only prescription NSAID available and approved in Canada for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults 18 years of age or older. Cambia was licensed from Nautilus Neurosciences, Inc. (“Nautilus”) in November 2010, which was acquired by Depomed, Inc. in December 2013. Cambia was approved by Health Canada in March 2012 and was commercially launched to specialists in Canada in October 2012 and broadly to all primary care physicians in February 2013.

 

We consider the competitive market for Cambia to be the triptan class of drugs or 5-HT1 receptor agonists as they are known, which include sumatriptan (Imitrex®), rizatriptan (Maxalt®), zolmitriptan (Zomig®), almotriptan (Axert®), naratriptan (Amerge®), eletriptan (Relpax®) and frovatriptan (Frova®).

 

Fiorinal®/Fiorinal® C

 

Fiorinal® (acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and butalbital tablets and capsules) and Fiorinal® C (acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, butalbital and codeine capsules) were originally approved by Health Canada in 1971 and 1970, respectively, for the relief of tension-type headaches. Fiorinal is a fixed dose combination drug that combines the analgesic properties of acetylsalicylic acid, with the anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties of butalbital, and the central nervous system stimulant properties of caffeine. Fiorinal C expands on the properties of Fiorinal with the additional analgesic effect of codeine. Fiorinal and Fiorinal C are currently the only prescription products in Canada indicated for relief of tension type headaches. Fiorinal and Fiorinal C were acquired from Novartis AG and Novartis Pharma AG in October 2014.

 

We consider the competitive market for Fiorinal and Fiorinal C as the prescription NSAID class, which includes Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Toradol®, and prescription analgesic/opiate combination class, which includes Percocet® and Tylenol® with codeine.

 

Soriatane®

 

Soriatane® (acitretin) is indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis (including erythrodermic and pustular types) and other disorders of keratinization. Soriatane is a retinoid, an aromatic analog of vitamin A. Soriatane was approved in Canada in 1994 and is the first and currently the only oral retinoid indicated for severe psoriasis. Soriatane is often used when milder forms of psoriasis treatments like topical steroids, emollients and topical tar-based therapies have failed. Soriatane is under license from Actavis Group PTC ehf (“Actavis”), an Allergan affiliate, and we have the exclusive rights to market Soriatane in Canada.

 

We consider the competitive market for Soriatane to be biologic therapies such as Enbrel®, Humira® and Remicade®, and oral agents such as Cyclosporine and methotrexate. 

 

37


 

Bezalip® SR

 

Bezalip® SR (bezafibrate) is an established pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator. Bezalip SR, used to treat hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), has over 25 years of therapeutic use globally. Bezalip SR helps lower LDL-C and triglycerides while raising HDL-C levels. It also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels, which in combination with the cholesterol effects may significantly lower the incidence of cardiovascular events and development of diabetes in patients with features of metabolic syndrome. Bezalip SR is contraindicated in patients with hepatic and renal impairment, pre-existing gallbladder disease, hypersensitivity to bezafibrate, or pregnancy or lactation. Bezalip SR is under license from Actavis, and we have the exclusive rights to market Bezalip SR in Canada and the United States. At this time, we are only marketing Bezalip SR in Canada.

 

We consider the competitive market for Bezalip SR to be the fibrates class of cholesterol-lowering treatments, which is composed of three competing molecules: (1) gemfibrozil (Lopid®), (2) bezafibrate (Bezalip SR), and (3) fenofibrate (Lipidil® in Canada or Tricor® in the United States).  

 

Proferrin®

 

Proferrin® (heme iron polypeptide) is an iron supplement used to prevent or treat those at risk of iron deficiency. We have the exclusive right to import and distribute Proferrin in Canada pursuant to a distribution agreement with Colorado Biolabs, Inc.

 

We consider the competitive market for Proferrin to be in the Heme iron class of iron supplements, which is composed of two directly competing products: (1) Hema-Fer, and (2) JAMP Heme iron, and the following indirectly competing products: (1) Polyride® and Feramax® (Polysaccharide-iron complex), and (2) Palafer® and Eurofer® (Ferrous fumarate).

 

BlextenTM (bilastine)

 

Bilastine is a second generation antihistamine drug for the symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Bilastine exerts its effect as a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist, and has an effectiveness similar to other second generation antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine and desloratadine. It was developed in Spain by FAES Farma, S.A. In April 2016, Health Canada approved bilastine with the brand name Blexten (bilastine 20mg oral tablet) for the treatment of the symptoms of SAR and CSU (such as itchiness and hives). We began commercializing Blexten in Canada in December 2016.

 

We consider the competitive market for Blexten to be first generation selective histamine H1 receptor antagonists (Aerius® – desloratadine, Claritin® - loratadine, Allegra® – fexofenadine, Reactine® – cetirizine); and second generation selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist (RupallTM – rupatadine; and Benadryl® – diphenhydramine and Atarax® – hydroxyzine).

 

Product Pipeline Updates

 

The Company plans to consider various avenues to commercialize Yosprala outside of the U.S., and, to this end, in January 2017, submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for its investigational candidate, PA10040 (aspirin and omeprazole, which is marketed in a tablet form under the brand name Yosprala in the United States), for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients at risk for aspirin-induced gastric ulcers.

 

Out-Licensed Products

 

VIMOVO®

 

VIMOVO® (naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium) is the brand name for a proprietary fixed-dose combination of enteric-coated naproxen, a pain-relieving NSAID and immediate-release esomeprazole magnesium, a PPI, in a single

38


 

delayed-release tablet. We developed VIMOVO in collaboration with AstraZeneca. On April 30, 2010, the FDA approved VIMOVO for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, and to decrease the risk of developing gastric ulcers in patients at risk of developing NSAID-associated gastric ulcers.

 

In 2010, we officially transferred to AstraZeneca the investigational new drug application (“IND”) and new drug application (“NDA”) for the product such that AstraZeneca became responsible for the commercialization of VIMOVO. In November 2013, AstraZeneca entered into an agreement for Horizon Pharma USA, Inc. (“Horizon”) to acquire the U.S. rights for VIMOVO. Under the terms of the agreement, we receive from Horizon a 10% royalty on net sales of VIMOVO sold in the United States, with guaranteed annual minimum royalty payments of $7.5 million. The guaranteed annual minimum royalty payments are applicable for each calendar year that certain patents which cover VIMOVO are in effect and certain types of competing products are not on the market in the United States (including competing products entering pursuant to a license to enter the market prior to expiration of the applicable patents).  Horizon’s royalty payment obligation with respect to VIMOVO expires on the later of (a) the last to expire of certain patents covering VIMOVO, and (b) ten years after the first commercial sale of VIMOVO in the United States. The royalty rate may be reduced to the mid single digits in the event of a loss of market share as a result of certain competing products (including competing products entering pursuant to a license to enter the market prior to expiration of the applicable patents).

 

AstraZeneca will continue to have rights to commercialize VIMOVO outside of the United States and Japan and paid us a royalty of 6% on all sales within its territory through 2015, which increased to 10% commencing in the first quarter of 2016.  AstraZeneca’s royalty payment obligation with respect to VIMOVO expires on a country-by country basis upon the later of (a) expiration of the last-to-expire of certain patent rights related to VIMOVO in that country, and (b) ten years after the first commercial sale of VIMOVO in such country.  The royalty rate may be reduced to the mid single digits in the event of a loss of market share as a result of certain competing products (including competing products entering pursuant to a license to enter the market prior to expiration of the applicable patents). As the result of an unfavorable outcome in certain patent litigation in Canada, Mylan’s generic naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium tablets recently became available in Canada.  See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements within Item 1 of Part I in this report for more information.

 

Treximet®

 

Treximet (sumatriptan/naproxen sodium) is a migraine medicine that we developed in collaboration with Glaxo Group Limited, d/b/a GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”). The product is formulated with our patented technology of combining a triptan, sumatriptan 85mg, with an NSAID, naproxen sodium 500mg, and GSK’s RT Technology™ in a single tablet. In 2008, the FDA approved Treximet for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. Treximet is currently available in the United States only.

 

In 2008, we transferred the IND and NDA for the product to GSK, which subsequently sold its rights in Treximet, including the related trademark, to Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (“Pernix”) in 2014. As part of GSK’s divestiture to Pernix, restrictions on our right to develop and commercialize certain additional dosage forms of sumatriptan/naproxen combinations outside of the United States had been eliminated, allowing us to seek approval for these combinations on the basis of the approved NDA. GSK was previously, and Pernix is currently, responsible for the commercialization of Treximet in the United States, while we receive royalties based on net sales. In 2011, we sold to a financial investor, CPPIB Credit Investments Inc. (“CII”), for an upfront lump-sum, our rights to future royalty and milestone payments relating to Treximet sales in the United States and certain other products containing sumatriptan/naproxen sodium developed and sold by Pernix in the United States. By virtue of the agreement, we will also be entitled to receive a 20% interest in royalties, if any, paid on net sales of Treximet and such other products in the United States to CII relating to the period commencing in the second quarter of 2018.

 

 

39


 

Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Revenues

 

The following table sets forth net revenues for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product revenues, net

 

$

6,686

 

$

3,565

 

Other revenues

 

 

19,283

 

 

4,492

 

Total revenues, net

 

$

25,969

 

$

8,057

 

 

Product Revenues, net

 

Net product revenues for the three months months ended March 31, 2017 were $6.7 million, an increase of $3.1 million, compared to $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase related to the product portfolio we acquired with the acquisition of Tribute on February 5, 2016 and primarily include revenues from sales of Bezalip, Fiorinal, Soriatane, Proferrin and Fibricor for the full quarter in 2017. Net product revenues for the first quarter of 2017 also includes sales of Blexten and Yosprala, which received regulatory approval in April 2016 and September 2016, respectively. Net product revenues for the first quarter of 2016 only include sales from the date of the Tribute merger on February 5, 2016.

 

Other Revenues

 

Other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $19.3 million, an increase of $14.8 million, compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase related primarily to net revenues totaling $15.6 million for Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG, which were acquired in September 2016 and October 2016, respectively, and are being sold on our behalf by Merck and AstraZeneca, respectively, for an interim period post acquisition. The increase was offset by a decrease of approximately $0.8 million in net royalties from VIMOVO during the first quarter of 2017.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

The following table sets forth costs and expenses for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product revenues (exclusive of amortization shown separately below)

 

$

2,756

 

$

2,538

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

30,846

 

 

37,459

 

Research and development

 

 

94

 

 

4,412

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

8,513

 

 

1,272

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 

 

4,443

 

 

 —

 

Total costs and expenses

 

$

46,652

 

$

45,681

 

 

Cost of Product Revenues

 

Cost of product revenues were $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $0.3 million compared, to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase related primarily to costs of product revenues for the full quarter in 2017 from our product portfolio that we acquired as part of the Tribute merger in February 2016, as well as Blexten and Yosprala, which received regulatory approval in April 2016 and

40


 

September 2016, respectively. In addition, the first quarter of 2016 reflects costs only for products revenues from February 5, 2016 through March 31, 2016.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Our selling, general and admininstrative expenses were $30.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, a decrease of $6.7 million, compared to $37.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by costs related to the Tribute merger in the prior year of approximately $19.4 million, partially offset by increased costs during the first quarter of 2017 of $5.5 million related to the build out of our U.S. sales force in 2016, and increased promotional expenses in the U.S. of $4.2 million.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses were $0.1 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to March 31, 2016 was primarily due to lower costs incurred for Yosprala, for which FDA approval was received in September 2016.

 

Amortization of Intangible Assets

 

Amortization of acquired intangible assets is recognized ratably over the estimated useful life of the related assets acquired in the Merger and the acquisitions of Zontivity and Toprol-X-l and the AG in 2016. Amortization expense was $8.5 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The increase of $7.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily related to assets acquired in the Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG acquisitions in September 2016 and October 2016, respectively, as well as a full quarter of amortization in 2017 for the assets acquired in the Tribute merger.

 

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration was $4.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 related primarily to accretion expense from the contingent consideration recorded in connection with the Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG acquisitions. There was no contingent consideration recorded during the first quarter of 2016.

 

Interest and Other Income, net

 

The following table sets forth interest expense and other income, net for the periods presented:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

    

2017

    

2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

$

(6,653)

 

$

(307)

 

Other income, net

 

 

411

 

 

4,797

 

Total interest and other income, net

 

$

(6,242)

 

$

4,490

 

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 totaled $6.7 million and was primarily due to the October 31, 2016 drawdown of $200.0 million under a credit facility under the Second Amended and Restated Debt Facility Agreement (the “Facility Agreement”), dated December 7, 2015, among Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc., Pozen, Tribute (the “Credit Parties”) and certain lenders party thereto with an interest rate of 12.5% and the issuance of $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2.5% senior secured convertible notes in February 2016. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $0.3 million.

 

41


 

Other Income, net

 

Other income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.4 million compared to $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $4.4 million. The decrease principally related to a $4.6 million decrease in the fair value of the warrants liability acquired from Tribute during the prior year, offset by a $0.3 million gain from the sale of a building during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from the royalty payments received from our commercialization partners for net sales of VIMOVO; the operating income of Tribute; sales of Fibricor and its authorized generic, Yosprala, Zontivity, and Toprol-XL and the AG; and the financings completed on February 5, 2016 and October 31, 2016. Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital; operational expenses; commercialization activities for products, including Yosprala, Zontivity, Toprol-XL and the AG, and Fibricor and our Canadian portfolio, and product candidates; contractual obligations, including any royalty and milestone payments that may become due; capital expenditures; and debt service payments. As of March 31, 2017, we had approximately $73.7 million of cash and cash equivalents which, together with cash we expect to generate from our business, we currently believe is sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months, including our principal liquidity requirements set forth above.  

 

Our ability to become profitable and/or to generate positive cash from operations depends upon, among other things, our ability to generate revenues from sales of our products and prudently manage its expenses. New sources of product revenue have only recently been approved, in the case of Yosprala in the United States and Blexten in Canada, or acquired by the Company, in the case of Zontivity in the United States and Canada and Toprol-XL and the AG in the United States. The ability of such products to generate revenues and cash flows depends on a variety of factors, including the success of our commercialization efforts and competition in applicable markets. If we do not generate sufficient product revenues, or prudently manage our expenses, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We have begun implementing cost savings initiatives, which include a 32% reduction in our U.S. sales force and realignment of certain financial resources to support the launch of Zontivity, together with a significant decrease in marketing spend on Yosprala and other cost reductions across the business.  In addition, we are actively exploring other initiatives, such as business development opportunities and refinancing options, to improve our future liquidity. There can be no assurances that these other initiatives will be available on reasonable terms, or at all. If we are not successful in any or all of these initiatives, or if our future operations fail to meet our current expectations, our projected future liquidity may be limited, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. 

 

To the extent our capital resources are insufficient to meet future operating requirements or business development activities, we may need to raise additional capital, reduce planned expenditures, or incur indebtedness, among other things. If we require additional financing in the future, we cannot assure you that it will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, particularly if the credit and financial markets are constrained at the time we require funding. If we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Borrowings and Other Liabilities

 

At March 31, 2017, we had $75.0 million aggregate principal outstanding related to our 2.5% senior secured convertible notes due February 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) issued to certain lenders under the Facility Agreement in connection with the closing of the Merger and $200.0 million outstanding under a credit facility under the Facility Agreement, due on October 31, 2022, with an interest rate of 12.5% per annum.

 

See Note 8, “Debt,” in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

42


 

 

Repurchases of Common Shares

 

From time to time, our Board of Directors may authorize us to repurchase our common shares, subject to compliance with our credit agreement. If and when our Board of Directors should determine to authorize any such action, it would be on terms and under market conditions that the Board of Directors determines are in the best interest of Aralez and its shareholders. Any such repurchases could deplete some of our cash resources.

 

Cash Flows

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $41.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily related to positive working capital from our Toprol-XL acquisition, as well as non-cash adjustments for depreciation and amortization, contingent consideration accretion, and stock-based compensation.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to expenses related to the acquisition of Tribute, including payments of transaction expenses of approximately $12.0 million, excise tax equalization payments of $11.4 million, and severance payments of $2.7 million. Also contributing were pre-commercialization expenses incurred for the launch of Yosprala and costs related to the build out and support of the global corporate infrastructure.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to net cash used by investing activities of $18.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017, principally related to $1.5 million paid for capital expenditures. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily consisted of $17.9 million of cash consideration used to consummate the Merger, consisting of the repayment of Tribute indebtedness, net of cash acquired. 

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was de minimis but included $0.1 million related to contingent consideration payments. Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $148.6 million and included the receipt of $75.0 million from the issuance of the 2022 Notes and $75.0 million from the issuance of equity to certain investors, net of issuance costs of $0.7 million. 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Proceedings

 

See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” in the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

43


 

Contractual Obligations

 

The table below presents a summary of our contractual obligations at March 31, 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due By Period

 

 

 

 

 

Within

 

 

 

 

 

More than

 

Contractual Obligations (1)

    

Total

    

1 year

    

1-3 Years

    

3-5 Years

    

5 years

 

2022 Notes – principal (2)

 

$

75,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

75,000

 

$

 —

 

2022 Notes – interest (2)

 

 

9,565

 

 

1,875

 

 

3,750

 

 

3,940

 

 

 —

 

Credit Facility - principal (3)

 

 

200,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

200,000

 

Credit Facility - interest (3)

 

 

145,958

 

 

25,000

 

 

50,000

 

 

50,068

 

 

20,890

 

Operating lease obligations (4)

 

 

19,344

 

 

1,824

 

 

6,163

 

 

4,978

 

 

6,379

 

Other (5)

 

 

900

 

 

150

 

 

300

 

 

300

 

 

150

 

Total

 

$

450,767

 

$

28,849

 

$

60,213

 

$

134,286

 

$

227,419

 


(1)

This table does not include potential future milestone payments, royalty or profit-share obligations to third parties under asset purchase, product development, license and other agreements to the extent that the timing and likelihood of such milestone payments are not known, and, in the case of royalty and profit-share obligations, if the amount of such obligations are not reasonably estimable, as discussed below.

 

(2)

The interest expense for the 2022 Notes includes the fixed-rate 2.5% per annum interest payable on the $75.0 million principal outstanding as of March 31, 2017. The table above assumes no conversions prior to maturity.

 

(3)

The interest expense on the borrowings under the credit facility under the Facility Agreement includes the fixed-rate 12.5% per annum interest payable on the $200.0 million currently outstanding.

 

(4)

Amounts represent lease obligations existing at March 31, 2017, primarily for office space, including lease agreements for our global headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, for our U.S. headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, and for our Irish headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The table above includes lease commitments for the full term of the leases under the respective agreements. Certain of such lease agreements may be terminated before the full term, including the agreement for the Princeton, New Jersey lease, which may be terminated after seven years in consideration of an early termination penalty equal to four months of rent.

 

(5)

Amounts consist of non-cancelable commitments to third parties for minimum royalties payable under various license, distribution and manufacturing agreements.

 

We have various agreements with third-parties with contingent consideration and milestone payments that are potentially payable by or to us, as more fully described in Note 2, “Business Agreements,” in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. These payments are contingent upon achieving development, regulatory and/or sales-based milestones that may or may not ever be achieved. Therefore, our requirement to make or receive such payments in the future or at all is highly uncertain. These agreements include:

 

·

In connection with our acquisition of Toprol-XL, we are obligated to pay certain milestone payments upon the occurrence of certain milestone events based on the annual aggregate net sales of Toprol-XL and the AG and other contingent events, which in no event will exceed $48 million in the aggregate, and royalty payments of (A) 15% of total quarterly net sales of Toprol-XL and any other authorized or owned generic version of Toprol-XL that is marketed, distributed or sold by or on behalf of, or under a license or sublicense from, Aralez (other than the AG), and (B) 15% of quarterly net sales of the AG, but for purposes of royalty payments and clause (B) only, net sales do not include the supply price paid for the AG by Aralez Ireland to AstraZeneca under the supply agreement entered into between Aralez Ireland and AstraZeneca in respect of the applicable period.

 

·

In connection with our acquisition of Zontivity, we are obligated to pay certain milestone payments upon the occurrence of certain milestone events based on the annual aggregate net sales of Zontivity, any

44


 

combination product containing vorapaxar sulphate and one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients or any line extension thereof, which in no event will exceed $80 million in the aggregate and royalty payments in the low double digits based on the annual aggregate net sales of Zontivity, any combination product containing vorapaxar sulphate and one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients or any line extension thereof.

 

·

Under an exclusive license and supply agreement with Faes Farma, S.A. (“Faes”), a Spanish pharmaceutical company, we have the exclusive right to sell bilastine, a product for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) in Canada, which is now named Blexten. We will owe up to $1.7 million in sales-based milestone payments to Faes if certain sales targets are met.

 

·

Under a license agreement with Nautilus, which was acquired by Depomed, Inc. in December 2013, we have the exclusive rights to develop, register, promote, manufacture, use, market, distribute and sell Cambia in Canada. Up to $6.0 million in sales-based milestone payments may be payable over time.

 

·

We have a product development and profit share agreement with Actavis to develop, obtain regulatory approval of and market Bezalip SR in the United States. We may owe a milestone payment of $5.0 million to Actavis in the event that we pursue and obtain regulatory approval to market Bezalip SR in the United States.

 

·

In connection with our acquisition of Fibricor and its authorized generic in the United States, we may be obligated to pay up to $4.5 million in milestone payments based on annual net sales of Fibricor and its authorized generic as well as royalties ranging from the high single digits to low double digits based on annual net sales of such products.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At March 31, 2017, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The accounting policies that we believe are most critical to fully understand our consolidated financial statements include those relating to: revenue recognition; intangible assets; contingent consideration; income taxes; accounting for share-based compensation; and fair value measurements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Principal sources of revenue are (i) net revenues from sales of Zontivity, Toprol-XL and the AG, and Yosprala (ii) product sales from the product portfolio acquired with our acquisition of Tribute, and (iii) royalty revenues from sales of VIMOVO by our commercialization partners. In all instances, revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or determinable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

 

Product Sales

 

Revenues from the sale of products acquired with our acquisition of Tribute are distributed through Canadian wholesalers to Canadian retail pharmacies and are recorded net of discounts, wholesaler fees, chargebacks, rebates, returns and allowances, and are recognized when legal title to the goods and risk of ownership has been passed to the customer which in this case is the Canadian wholesaler. Discounts, wholesaler fees, chargebacks, rebates, returns and

45


 

allowances are not significant for these product sales and are not expected to be significant in the future given the Canadian marketplace.

 

Revenues from the sale of Yosprala® in the United States are recorded on a sell through method since we do not have sufficient historical data to estimate returns. As such, we defer revenue and costs of inventory for all Yosprala products shipped to wholesalers in the United States until the product is sold through to the end customer. Revenue recorded since we launched Yosprala in the United States was not significant during the first quarter of 2017. Product sales from Fibricor® are recorded on a sell in method and were not significant during the first quarter of 2017. 

 

All of our products have a returns policy that allows the customer to return pharmaceutical products within a specified period of time both prior to and subsequent to the product’s expiration date. Our estimate of the provision for returns for those products that use a sell in method is analyzed quarterly and is based upon many factors, including historical data of actual returns and analysis of the level of inventory in the distribution channel, if any. We believe that the reserves we have established is reasonable based upon current facts and circumstances. Applying different judgments to the same facts and circumstances could result in the estimated amount for reserves to vary. If actual results vary with respect to our reserves, we may need to adjust our estimates, which could have a material effect on our results of operations in the period of adjustment.

 

Other Revenues

 

Other revenues principally include revenues from licensing arrangements with other biopharmaceutical companies (principally royalty revenues from VIMOVO), including milestones payments and royalties. Revenue from royalties is recognized when we have fulfilled the terms in accordance with contractual agreements, have no future obligation, and the amount of the royalty fee is determinable. Royalty revenue that is reasonably estimable and determinable is recognized based on estimates utilizing information reported to us by its commercialization partners.

 

Other revenues also include net revenues from sales of Zontivity, from its acquisition date, recognized net of related cost of product revenues and fees paid to Merck under a transition services agreement in effect through March 31, 2017. Similarly, we also include net revenues from sales of Toprol-XL and the AG from its acquisition date, recognized net of related cost of product revenues and fees paid to AstraZeneca under a transition services agreement in effect through December 31, 2017 (as extended from July 31, 2017 pursuant to an amendment to the transition services agreement). We record these revenues net of related cost since we are not the principal in the arrangements and expect to record this revenue similar to a royalty arrangement until we are deemed to be the principal in the sales and marketing of these products, at which point we will record net sales and costs of revenue separately. Effective March 31, 2017, we will record revenues of Zontivity on a sell in method, which will be classified as product sales.

 

Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill relates to amounts that arose in connection with the acquisitions of Tribute, Zontivity and Toprol-XL and the AG. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired when accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount.

 

Other Intangible Assets, net

 

Other intangible assets consist of acquired technology rights. The Company amortizes its intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated economic lives. Costs to obtain, maintain and defend the Company's patents are expensed as incurred. We will evaluate the potential impairment of other intangible assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable or that the useful lives of these assets are no longer appropriate. Events giving rise to impairment are an inherent risk in our industry and many factors cannot be predicted. Factors that we consider in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant

46


 

changes in our forecasted projections for the asset or asset group for reasons including, but not limited to, significant under-performance of a product in relation to expectations, significant changes or planned changes in our use of the assets, significant negative industry or economic trends, and new or competing products that enter the marketplace. The impairment test is based on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset group and its eventual disposition to the carrying value of the asset group. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the related fair value of the asset with the related impairment charge recognized within the statements of operations. Such impairment charges may be material to our results. The valuation techniques utilized in performing the initial valuation of other intangible assets or subsequent quantitative impairment tests incorporate significant assumptions and judgments to estimate the fair value. The use of different valuation techniques or assumptions could result in significantly different fair value estimates.

 

Contingent Consideration

 

Certain of the our business acquisitions involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of operational and commercial milestones and royalty payments on future product sales. The fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined at the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, at each reporting period, the contingent consideration liability is remeasured at current fair value with changes recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in any of the inputs may result in a significantly different fair value adjustment.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between financial reporting and tax basis assets and liabilities and are measured by applying enacted rates and laws to taxable years in which differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Further, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the rate changes. A valuation allowance is required when it is “more-likely-than-not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Since our inception, we have incurred substantial cumulative losses and may incur substantial and recurring losses in future periods. The utilization of the loss carryforwards to reduce future income taxes will depend on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of the loss carryforwards. In addition, the maximum annual use of net operating loss and research credit carryforwards is limited in certain situations where changes occur in stock ownership.

 

Aralez files federal and state income tax returns, as applicable, with the tax authorities in various jurisdictions including Canada, Ireland and the United States. Pozen is no longer subject to U.S. federal or North Carolina state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013. Tribute is no longer subject to Canadian income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. However, the loss and credit carryforwards generated by Pozen and Tribute may still be subject to change to the extent these losses and credits are utilized in a year that is subject to examination by tax authorities.

 

ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not file a return in a particular jurisdiction. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. We recognize any interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

We expense the fair value of employee share-based compensation over the employees' service periods, which are generally the vesting period of the equity award. For awards with performance conditions granted, we recognize

47


 

compensation cost over the expected period to achieve the performance conditions, provided achievement of the performance conditions are deemed probable. Awards with market-based conditions are expensed over the service period regardless of whether achievement of the market condition is deemed probable or is ultimately achieved. Compensation expense is measured using the fair value of the award at the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

 

In order to determine the fair value of option awards on the grant date, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Inherent in this model are assumptions related to expected share price volatility, estimated option life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Our expected share price volatility assumption is based on the historical volatility of our common shares, which is obtained from public data sources. The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that share-based awards are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise patterns and post-vesting cancellations for terminated employees that have been exhibited historically, adjusted for specific factors that may influence future exercise patterns. The risk-free interest rate is based on factual data derived from public sources. We use a dividend yield of zero as we have no intention to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. For performance-based awards with market conditions, the Company used a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine the fair value of awards as of the grant date.

 

Determining the appropriate amount to expense for performance-based awards based on the achievement of stated goals requires judgment, including forecasting future performance results. The estimate of expense is revised periodically based on the probability of achieving the required performance targets and adjustments are made as appropriate. The cumulative impact of any revisions is reflected in the period of change. If any applicable financial performance goals are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed.

 

In the first quarter of 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-09. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, We recognize the impact of forfeitures when they occur, with no adjustment for estimated forfeitures, and recognize excess tax benefits as a reduction of income tax expense regardless of whether the benefit reduces income taxes payable. Additionally, we now recognize the cash flow impact of such excess tax benefits in operating activities in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows for the prior period have not been adjusted. There was no net impact on our opening accumulated deficit upon application of this guidance using the modified retrospective transition method as the total cumulative-effect adjustment for previously deferred excess  tax benefits was offset by a related change in the valuation allowance.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The accounting standard for fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and requires detailed disclosures about fair value measurements. Under this standard, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect certain market assumptions. This standard classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

 

·

Level 1 Inputs — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

·

Level 2 Inputs — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

·

Level 3 Inputs — Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

 

The fair value hierarchy level is determined by asset class based on the lowest level of significant input. In periods of market inactivity, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for certain instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.

 

48


 

The carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents approximate its fair value due to the short-term nature of these amounts. The warrants liability and contingent consideration are our only liabilities carried at fair value, and we utilized Level 3 inputs to estimate fair value. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our warrants liability, which uses a Black-Scholes valuation model, include the volatility of our common shares and the expected term. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our contingent consideration liability include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. The use of different inputs could result in materially different fair value estimates.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 1, “Organization, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies”, in the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements within Item 1 of Part I in this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our cash on hand is invested in bank deposits and money market funds that invest primarily in short-term, highly-rated investments, including U.S. government securities, commercial paper and certificates of deposit guaranteed by banks and short-term corporate fixed income obligations and U.S. government and government agency obligations. Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate changes. Due to the short-term maturities of our investments, we do not believe that a decrease in market rates would have a significant negative impact on the value of our investment portfolio.

 

Aralez will face market risks attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and foreign currency exposure on the translation into U.S. dollars of the financial results of our operations in Canada and Europe. Both favorable and unfavorable foreign currency impacts to our foreign currency-denominated operating expenses are mitigated to a certain extent by the natural, opposite impact on our foreign currency-denominated revenue.

.

 

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that we are able to collect the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC and to process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of March 31, 2017, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the our internal control over financial reporting for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017 identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

49


 

PART II. Other Information

 

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” in the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements within Item 1 of Part I in this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following risk factor as well as the risk factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” section included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed on March 13, 2017. The following updates and supplements the risk factors previously disclosed in the Annual Report.

Our expense reduction initiatives, including our recent decision to reduce our U.S. sales force, may impact our ability to maintain or increase our sales levels or successfully commercialize our products.  In addition, we may not realize the expected benefits of our initiatives to reduce costs across our operations.

Our ability to successfully commercialize our products depends in part on our sales and marketing resources, including sales personnel, dedicated to such efforts.  We recently announced a number of expense reduction initiatives, including a reduction in our U.S. sales force.  Each remaining sales representative will be now responsible for a larger territory than prior to the reduction in force.  The sales force reduction could harm our ability to attract and retain qualified sales personnel.  The sales force reduction could also result in a lack of focus and reduced productivity among our remaining sales personnel.  All of the foregoing may negatively impact the sales of our products. 

In addition, we have incurred restructuring charges and may incur additional restructuring charges as we implement our cost saving initiatives and we may not realize some or all of the expected benefits from such initiatives.  There may also be significant disruptions in our operations now or in the future as a result of these initiatives, which may impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

 

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.

 

50


 

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

10.1

    

VA National Contract signed February 11, 2016 and effective April 29, 2016, between the United States of America and Aralez Pharmaceuticals US Inc., by novation pursuant to a Novation Agreement, entered into on February 23, 2017, between the United States of America, Aralez Pharmaceuticals US Inc. and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. †

 

 

 

10.2

 

Modification of Contract, executed on April 6, 2017 and effective April 29, 2017, between the United States of America and Aralez Pharmaceuticals US Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aralez Pharmaceutical Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 11, 2017)

 

 

 

10.3

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Adrian Adams, dated March 20, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aralez Pharmaceutical Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K filed March 23, 2017).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement with Andrew Koven, dated March 20, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aralez Pharmaceutical Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K filed March 23, 2017).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

101

 

The following materials from Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Portions hereof have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 24b‑2

 

 

51


 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

    

ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 9, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Scott J. Charles

 

 

 

Scott J. Charles

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 

52