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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Nature of Operations. Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: AVDL) (“Avadel,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is an emerging biopharmaceutical company. Our lead product candidate, FT218, is an investigational once-nightly formulation of sodium oxybate for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (“EDS”), and cataplexy in narcolepsy patients. FT218, which uses our Micropump drug-delivery technology, is in a Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of narcolepsy patients suffering from EDS and cataplexy. In addition, we have three approved commercial products developed under our “unapproved marketed drug,” or UMD, program, Akovaz, Bloxiverz and Vazculep, and a fourth approved product, Nouress, which are sterile injectable drugs used in the hospital setting.

We are primarily focused on the development and potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval of FT218. In addition, we continue to market and distribute our current approved hospital products portfolio and, pending resolution of the existing patent infringement claim (as described below), we plan to commercialize Nouress. Outside of our product candidate and our existing commercial products, we continue to evaluate opportunities to expand our product portfolio.

Current marketed products

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Bloxiverz (neostigmine methylsulfate injection) - Bloxiverz was approved by the FDA in May 2013 and was launched in July 2013. Bloxiverz is a drug used intravenously in the operating room to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents after surgery. Bloxiverz was the first FDA-approved version of neostigmine methylsulfate. Today, neostigmine is one of the two most frequently used products for the reversal of the effects of other agents used for neuromuscular blocks.


•	Vazculep (phenylephrine hydrochloride injection) - Vazculep was approved by the FDA in June 2014 and was launched in October 2014. Vazculep is indicated for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.


•	Akovaz (ephedrine sulfate injection). Akovaz, was approved by the FDA in April 2016 and was launched in August 2016. Akovaz was the first FDA approved formulation of ephedrine sulfate, an alpha- and beta- adrenergic agonist and a norepinephrine-releasing agent that is indicated for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.

Nouress

In December 2019, we received FDA approval for Nouress (cysteine hydrochloride injection), a sterile injectable product for use in the hospital setting, and currently have two patents covering that product. Several additional patent applications for Nouress are pending with the USPTO. In light of the recently filed patent suit by Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC, we are currently evaluating the timing and process for a commercial launch of Nouress in the U.S. See Note 16: Contingent Liabilities and Commitments.

The Company was incorporated in Ireland on December 1, 2015 as a private limited company, and re-registered as an Irish public limited company on November 21, 2016. Our headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland and we have operations in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., and Lyon, France.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (U.S. GAAP). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Revenue

Revenue. Revenue includes sales of pharmaceutical products, licensing fees, and, if any, milestone payments for research and development (“R&D”) achievements.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”) using the modified retrospective transition method applied to all open contracts as at December 31, 2017. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material effect on the overall timing or amount of revenue recognized when compared to prior accounting standards. See Note 4: Revenue Recognition.

ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments. Under ASC 606, an entity recognizes revenue when the performance obligations to the customer have been satisfied through the transfer of control of the goods or services. To determine the appropriate revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company believes are within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) Identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) Determine the transaction price; (iv) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company applies the five-step model to contracts only when the Company and its customer’s rights and obligations under the contract can be determined, the contract has commercial substance, and it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. For contracts that are determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company identifies the promised goods or services in the contract to determine if they are separate performance obligations or if they should be bundled with other goods and services into a single performance obligation. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Product Sales

We sell products primarily through wholesalers and considers these wholesalers to be its customers. Under ASC 606, revenue from product sales is recognized when the customer obtains control of our product, which occurs typically upon receipt by the customer. Our gross product sales are subject to a variety of price adjustments in arriving at reported net product sales. These adjustments include estimates of product returns, chargebacks, payment discounts, rebates, and other sales allowances and are estimated based on analysis of historical data for the product or comparable products, future expectations for such products and other judgments and analysis.

License Revenue

From time to time we may enter into out-licensing agreements which are within the scope of ASC 606 under which it licenses to third parties certain rights to its products or intellectual property. The terms of these arrangements typically include payment to us of one or more of the following: non-refundable, upfront license fees; development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments; and sales-based royalty payments. Each of these payments results in license revenue.

Research and Development

Research and Development (“R&D”). R&D expenses consist primarily of costs related to clinical studies and outside services, personnel expenses, and other R&D expenses. Clinical studies and outside services costs relate primarily to services performed by clinical research organizations and related clinical or development manufacturing costs, materials and supplies, filing fees, regulatory support, and other third-party fees. Personnel expenses relate primarily to salaries, benefits and share-based compensation. Other R&D expenses primarily include overhead allocations consisting of various support and facilities-related costs. R&D expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.

We recognize R&D tax credits received from the French and Irish government for spending on innovative R&D as an offset of R&D expenses.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising Expenses. We expense the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expenses were $372, $17,562 and $2,214 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in advertising for the year ended December 31, 2019 is due to Specialty Pharma’s bankruptcy and deconsolidation.

Stock-based Compensation

Share-based Compensation. We account for share-based compensation based on the estimated grant-date fair value. The fair value of stock options and warrants is estimated using Black-Scholes option-pricing valuation models (“Black-Scholes model”). As required by the Black-Sholes model, estimates are made of the underlying volatility of AVDL stock, a risk-free rate and an expected term of the option or warrant. We estimated the expected term using a simplified method, as we do not have enough historical exercise data for a majority of such options and warrants upon which to estimate an expected term. We recognize compensation cost, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, using the accelerated method over the requisite service period of the award.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income. Accrued interest and penalties are included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash on deposit and fixed term deposits which are highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities. The Company’s marketable securities are considered to be available for sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (“AOCI”) in shareholders’ equity, with the exception of unrealized gains and losses on equity instruments and unrealized losses believed to be other-than-temporary, if any, which are reported in earnings in the current period. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method.

Accounts Receivables

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are stated at amounts invoiced net of allowances for doubtful accounts and certain other gross to net variable consideration deductions. The Company makes judgments as to our ability to collect outstanding receivables and provides allowances for the portion of receivables deemed uncollectible. Provision is made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices. A majority of accounts receivable is due from four significant customers.

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories consist of raw materials and finished products, which are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value, using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Raw materials used in the production of pre-clinical and clinical products are expensed as R&D costs when consumed. The Company establishes reserves for inventory estimated to be obsolete, unmarketable or slow-moving on a case by case basis.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:



Laboratory equipment	4-8 years
Software, office and computer equipment	3 years
Leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and fittings	5-10 years

Goodwill

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the acquisition consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We have determined that we operate in a single segment and has a single reporting unit associated with the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Prior to November 2019, we tested for goodwill impairment using a two-step process. The first step is a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If this step indicates impairment, then, in the second step, the loss is measured as the excess of recorded goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. Implied fair value of goodwill is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole over the fair value of all separately identified assets and liabilities within the reporting unit. As discussed in Note 2: Effect of New Accounting Standards, we elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04 in November 2019, which eliminated step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. We test goodwill for impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We performed our required impairment test of goodwill and have determined that no impairment of goodwill existed at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets include fixed assets and intangible assets. Intangible assets consist primarily of purchased licenses and intangible assets recognized as part of the Éclat Pharmaceuticals acquisition. Acquired IPR&D has an indefinite life and is not amortized until completion and development of the project, at which time the IPR&D becomes an amortizable asset, for which amortization of such intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever conditions indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Such impairment tests are based on a comparison of the pretax undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset to the recorded value of the asset or other market based value approaches. If impairment is indicated, the asset value is written down to its market value if readily determinable or its estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows. Any significant changes in business or market conditions that vary from current expectations could have an impact on the fair value of these assets and any potential associated impairment. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded a $66,087 impairment charge to the entire acquired developed technology related to Noctiva (see Note 9: Goodwill and Intangible Assets). We determined that no impairment existed at December 31, 2019.

Lease Obligations

Lease Obligations. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, “Leases” which supersedes ASC 840 “Leases” and creates a new topic, ASC 842 “Leases”. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective transition approach and elected the transition option to recognize the adjustment in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. Results and disclosure requirements for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under Topic 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 840. Upon adoption, we recognized total ROU assets of $5,046, with corresponding lease liabilities of $5,131 on the consolidated balance sheets. The adoption did not impact our beginning retained earnings, or our prior year consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flows.

The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed us to carryforward our historical lease classification, our assessment on whether a contract was or contains a lease, and our initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to January 1, 2019. The Company also elected to combine our lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of (loss) income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Under ASU 2016-02, the Company determines if a contract is a lease at the inception of the arrangement. Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, the Company considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. The Company reviews all options to extend, terminate, or purchase its right-of-use assets at the inception of the lease and will include these options in the lease term when they are reasonably certain of being exercised. Nearly all of the Company’s lease contracts do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. For these contracts, the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate is based on information available at the inception of the lease. Our lease agreements may contain variable costs such as common area maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes or other costs. Variable lease costs are expensed as incurred on the consolidated statements of income.

Acquisition-related Contingent Consideration. The acquisition-related contingent consideration payables arising from the acquisition of Éclat Pharmaceuticals (i.e., our hospital products) and FSC (our pediatrics products), which was assumed by the buyer as part of the disposition of the pediatrics products on February 16, 2018, are accounted for at fair-value (see Note 12: Long-Term Related Party Payable and Note 17: Divestiture of the Pediatric Assets). The fair value of the warrants issued in connection with the Éclat acquisition were estimated using a Black-Scholes model. A portion of these warrants were exercised on February 23, 2018 and the remaining warrants expired on March 12, 2018. See Note 12: Long-Term Related Party Payable. The fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration payable is estimated using a discounted cash flow model based on the long-term sales or gross profit forecasts of the specified hospital or pediatric products using an appropriate discount rate. There are a number of estimates used when determining the fair value of these earn-out payments. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the long-term pricing environment, market size, market share the related products are forecast to achieve, the cost of goods related to such products and an appropriate discount rate to use when present valuing the related cash flows. These estimates can and often do change based on changes in current market conditions, competition, management judgment and other factors. Changes to these estimates can have and have had a material impact on our consolidated statements of (loss) income and balance sheets. Changes in fair value of these liabilities are recorded in the consolidated statements of (loss) income within operating expenses as changes in fair value of related party contingent consideration.

Financing-related Royalty Agreements

Financing-related Royalty Agreements. We also entered into two royalty agreements with related parties in connection with certain financing arrangements. We elected the fair value option for the measurement of the financing-related contingent consideration payable associated with the royalty agreements with certain Deerfield and Broadfin entities, both of whom are related parties (see Note 12: Long-Term Related Party Payable). The fair value of financing-related royalty agreements is estimated using the same components used to determine the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration noted above, with the exception of cost of products sold. Changes to these components can also have a material impact on our consolidated statements of (loss) income and balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of this liability are recorded in the consolidated statements of (loss) income as other (expense) income - changes in fair value of related party payable.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including marketable securities and contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the periods presented. These estimates and assumptions are based on the best information available to management at the balance sheet dates and depending on the nature of the estimate can require significant judgments. Changes to these estimates and judgments can have and have had a material impact on our consolidated statements of (loss) income and balance sheets. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Effect of New Accounting Standards

Newly Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” which supersedes ASC 840 “Leases” and creates a new topic, ASC 842 “Leases.” This update requires lessees to recognize on their balance sheet a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 “Targeted Improvements”, amending certain aspects of the new leasing standard. The amendment allows an additional optional transition method whereby an entity records a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption without restating prior periods, which the Company has elected. The Company adopted this ASU during the first quarter of 2019. See Note 10: Leases for more information.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This update eliminates step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, and requires the goodwill impairment test to be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. In November 2019, the Company elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04, and the adoption had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, as part of its overall simplification initiative to reduce costs and complexity of applying accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The FASB’s amendments primarily impact ASC 740, Income Taxes, and may impact both interim and annual reporting periods. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2019-12.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework— Changes to the Disclosure Requirement for Fair Value Measurement” which amends certain disclosure requirements over Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in ASU 2018-13 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2018-13 and does not believe the standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”).” This standard requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of our adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our condensed consolidated financial statements and currently does not believe the standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.