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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations
Nature of Operations. Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: AVDL) (“Avadel,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a biopharmaceutical company. Our lead product candidate, FT218, is an investigational once-nightly, extended-release formulation of sodium oxybate for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (“EDS”) and cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy. We are primarily focused on the development and potential United States (“U.S.”) Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval of FT218. In December 2020, the Company submitted a New Drug Application (“NDA”) to the FDA for FT218 to treat excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy.The NDA for FT218 was accepted by the FDA in February 2021 and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) target action date of October 15, 2021.

Outside of our lead product candidate, we continue to evaluate opportunities to expand our product portfolio. As of December 31, 2020, we do not have any approved and commercialized products in our portfolio.

We are registered as an Irish public limited company. Our headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland and we have operations in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.

FT218

FT218 is a once-nightly formulation of sodium oxybate that uses our Micropump controlled release drug-delivery technology for the treatment of EDS and cataplexy in adults suffering from narcolepsy. Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of gamma hydroxybutyrate, an endogenous compound and metabolite of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid. Sodium oxybate is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of EDS and cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy and is approved in Europe for the treatment of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. Since 2002, sodium oxybate has only been available as a formulation that must be taken twice nightly, first at bedtime, and then again 2.5 to 4 hours later.

On December 16, 2020, we announced the submission of our NDA to the FDA for FT218. On February 26, 2021, the FDA notified us of formal acceptance of the NDA with an assigned PDUFA target action date of October 15, 2021.

The REST-ON trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that enrolled 212 patients and was conducted in clinical sites in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and Australia. The last patient, last visit was completed at the end of the first quarter of 2020 and positive top line data from the REST-ON trial was announced on April 27, 2020. Patients who received 9 g of once-nightly FT218, the highest dose administered in the trial, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement compared to placebo across the three co-primary endpoints of the trial: maintenance of wakefulness test, or MWT, clinical global impression-improvement, or CGI-I, and mean weekly cataplexy attacks. The lower doses assessed, 6 g and 7.5 g also demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement on all three co-primary endpoints compared to placebo. We observed the 9 g dose of once-nightly FT218 to be generally well tolerated. Adverse reactions commonly associated with sodium oxybate were observed in a small number of patients (nausea 1.3%, vomiting 5.2%, decreased appetite 2.6%, dizziness 5.2%, somnolence 3.9%, tremor 1.3% and enuresis 9%), and 3.9% of the patients who received 9 g of FT218 discontinued the trial due to adverse reactions.

In January 2018, the FDA granted FT218 Orphan Drug Designation, which makes the drug eligible for certain development and commercial incentives, including potential U.S. market exclusivity for up to seven years. Additionally, several FT218-related U.S. patents have been issued, and there are additional patent applications currently in development and/or pending at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), as well as foreign patent offices.

In July 2020, we announced that the first patient was dosed initiating an open-label extension (“OLE”)/switch study of FT218 as a potential treatment for EDS and cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. The OLE/switch study is examining the long-term safety and maintenance of efficacy of FT218 in patients with narcolepsy who participated in the REST-ON study, as well as dosing and preference data for patients switching from twice-nightly sodium oxybate to once-nightly FT218 regardless if they participated in REST-ON or not. We anticipate that the study will enroll up to 250 patients, many of which will be enrolled in North American clinical trial sites that participated in the REST-ON study.
Previously Approved FDA Products

On June 30, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), Avadel Legacy Pharmaceuticals, LLC (the “Avadel Seller”) announced the sale of the portfolio of sterile injectable drugs used in the hospital setting (the “Hospital Products”), which included our three commercial products, Akovaz, Bloxiverz and Vazculep, as well as Nouress, which was approved by the U.S. FDA to Exela Sterile Medicines LLC (“Exela Buyer”) pursuant to an asset purchase agreement by and among the Avadel Seller, Avadel US Holdings, Inc., the Exela Buyer and Exela Holdings, Inc. This sale included the following FDA approved products:

•Bloxiverz (neostigmine methylsulfate injection) - Bloxiverz is a drug used intravenously in the operating room to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents after surgery.

•Vazculep (phenylephrine hydrochloride injection) - Vazculep is indicated for the treatment of clinically important hypotension occurring in the setting of anesthesia.

•Akovaz (ephedrine sulfate injection) - 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 (cysteine hydrochloride injection) - Nouress is a sterile injectable product for use in the hospital setting to provide parenteral nutrition to neonates.
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.
Reclassifications ReclassificationsCertain reclassifications are made to prior year amounts whenever necessary to conform with the current year presentation. Certain adjustments have been made to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and balances within Note 16: Other Assets and Liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2019 to condense line items of the same nature into a single line. This change does not affect previously reported net cash flows used in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We made certain reclassifications within Note 10: Goodwill and Intangible Assets, to the gross value and total accumulated amortization balances of the Vazculep intangible asset as of December 31, 2019. We made certain adjustments to Note 24: Company Operations by Product, Customer, and Geographic Area to include comparable information for customers that became significant for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Revenue
Revenue. Prior to June 30, 2020, revenue included 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 5: 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  
Prior to June 30, 2020, we sold products primarily through wholesalers and considered these wholesalers to be our 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 and Milestone 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. Raw materials used in the production of pre-clinical and clinical products are expensed as R&D costs.  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 $312, $372 and $17,562 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in advertising for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 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 income (loss). 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 Receivable Accounts Receivable. Prior to the sale of the Hospital Products on June 30, 2020, accounts receivable were stated at amounts invoiced net of allowances for credit losses and certain other gross to net variable consideration deductions. An allowance for credit losses is established based on expected losses. Expected losses are estimated by reviewing individual accounts, considering aging, financial condition of the debtor, payment history, current and forecast economic conditions and other relevant factors. A majority of our accounts receivable were due from four significant customers.
Inventories Inventories. Prior to the sale of the Hospital Products on June 30, 2020, inventories consisted of raw materials and finished products, which were stated at lower of cost or net realizable value, using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company established 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:
Software, office and computer equipment3 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 have a single reporting unit associated with the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. 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, 2020 and 2019.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets include fixed assets and intangible assets. Prior to the sale of the Hospital Products on June 30, 2020, intangible assets consisted primarily of purchased licenses and intangible assets recognized as part of the Éclat Pharmaceuticals acquisition. Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) had an indefinite life and was not amortized until completion and development of the project, at which time the IPR&D became an amortizable asset, for which amortization of such intangible assets was 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. We determined that no impairment existed
at December 31, 2019. On June 30, 2020, we transferred our remaining intangible asset to the Exela Buyer as part of the disposition of the Hospital Products. We determined that no impairment existed at December 31, 2020 on our remaining long-lived assets.
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 (loss) 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 income (loss) 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. The Company’s lease contracts do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. 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 (loss).
Acquisition-related Contingent Consideration Acquisition-related Contingent Consideration. Prior to the sale of the Hospital Products on June 30, 2020, 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, were accounted for at fair value (see Note 13: Contingent Consideration Payable and Note 18: 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 13: Contingent Consideration 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 income (loss) and balance sheets. Changes in fair value of these liabilities are recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) within operating expenses as changes in fair value of contingent consideration.
Financing-related Royalty Agreements Financing-related Royalty Agreements. We were previously a party to two royalty agreements 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 (the “Deerfield and Broadfin Royalty Agreements”) (see Note 13: Contingent Consideration Payable). Prior to the sale of the Hospital Products on June 30, 2020, the fair value of financing-related royalty agreements was 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 income (loss) and balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of this liability are recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) as other (expense) income - changes in fair value of contingent consideration payable. In connection with the disposition of the Hospital Products on June 30, 2020 as discussed in Note 4: Disposition of the Hospital Products, the Deerfield and Broadfin Royalty Agreements were assigned to the Exela Buyer and the Exela Buyer assumed and shall pay, perform, satisfy and discharge the liabilities and obligations of the Company under the Deerfield and Broadfin Royalty Agreements.
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 income (loss) and balance sheets. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance and Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. We adopted ASU 2018-13 in the first quarter of 2020.

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 adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020. Adoption of the new standard did not have any 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; however, the impact is expected to be immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging- Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), to reduce the complexity associated with applying U.S. GAAP principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this ASU reduce the number of accounting models for convertible instruments and expand the existing disclosure requirements over earnings per share as it relates to convertible instruments. This ASU will be effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2022 and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments may be adopted through either a modified retrospective method, or a fully retrospective method. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2020-06.