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NET REVENUES FROM COLLABORATIONS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
NET REVENUES FROM COLLABORATIONS NET REVENUES FROM COLLABORATIONS
Net revenues from collaborations consist of the following:
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals$30,343 $19,503 
Novartis AG8,111 1,060 
Vir Biotechnology2,822 6,516 
Other521 459 
Total$41,797 $27,538 
The following table presents the balance of our receivables and contract liabilities related to our collaboration agreements:
(In thousands)As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
Receivables included in “Accounts receivable, net”$19,111 $33,542 
Contract liabilities included in “Deferred revenue”$94,759 $120,021 
We recognized revenue of $25.3 million and $14.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the respective period.
In order to determine revenue recognized in the period from contract liabilities, we first allocate revenue to the individual contract liability balance outstanding at the beginning of the period until the revenue exceeds that balance. If additional consideration is received on those contracts in subsequent periods, we assume all revenue recognized in the reporting period first applies to the beginning contract liability as opposed to a portion applying to the new consideration for the period.
The following table provides research and development expenses incurred by type, for which we recognize net revenue, that are directly attributable to our collaboration agreements, by collaboration partner:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
(In thousands)Clinical Trial and ManufacturingExternal ServicesOtherClinical Trial and ManufacturingExternal ServicesOther
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals$4,799 $94 $12,235 $4,612 $— $11,491 
Vir Biotechnology1,029 159 1,355 339 52 1,693 
Novartis AG— — 998 — 266 
Other11 52 859 — 17 231 
Total$5,839 $305 $14,452 $5,949 $69 $13,681 
The research and development expenses incurred for each agreement listed in the table above consist of costs incurred for (i) clinical expenses, including manufacturing of clinical product, (ii) external services including consulting services and lab supplies and services, and (iii) other expenses, including professional services, facilities and overhead allocations, and a reasonable estimate of compensation and related costs as billed to our counterparties, for which we recognize net revenue from collaborations. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we did not incur material selling, general and administrative expenses related to our collaboration agreements.
Product Alliances
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
In April 2019, we entered into a global, strategic collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or Regeneron, to discover, develop and commercialize RNAi therapeutics for a broad range of diseases by addressing therapeutic targets expressed in the eye and central nervous system, or CNS, in addition to a select number of targets expressed in the liver, which we refer to as the Regeneron Collaboration. The Regeneron Collaboration is governed by a Master Agreement, referred to as the Regeneron Master Agreement, which became effective on May 21, 2019, or the Effective Date. In connection with the Regeneron Master Agreement, we and Regeneron entered into (i) a binding co-co collaboration term sheet covering the continued development of cemdisiran, our C5 small interfering RNA, or siRNA, currently in Phase 2 development for C5 complement-mediated diseases, as a monotherapy and (ii) a binding license term sheet to evaluate anti-C5 antibody-siRNA combinations for C5 complement-mediated diseases including evaluating the combination of Regeneron’s pozelimab (REGN3918), currently in Phase 2 development, and cemdisiran. The C5 co-co collaboration and license agreements were executed in August 2019.
Under the terms of the Regeneron Collaboration, we are working exclusively with Regeneron to discover RNAi therapeutics for eye and CNS diseases for an initial five-year research period, which we refer to as the Initial Research Term. Regeneron has an option to extend the Initial Research Term (referred to as the Research Term Extension Period, and together with the Initial Research Term, the Research Term) for up to an additional five years, for a research term extension fee of up to $400.0 million. The Regeneron Collaboration also covers a select number of RNAi therapeutic programs designed to target genes expressed in the liver, including our previously announced collaboration with Regeneron to identify RNAi therapeutics for the chronic liver disease nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We retain broad global rights to all of our other unpartnered liver-
directed clinical and pre-clinical pipeline programs. The Regeneron Collaboration is governed by a joint steering committee that is comprised of an equal number of representatives from each party.
Regeneron will lead development and commercialization for all programs targeting eye diseases (subject to limited exceptions), entitling us to certain potential milestone and royalty payments pursuant to the terms of a license agreement, the form of which has been agreed upon by the parties. We and Regeneron will alternate leadership on CNS and liver programs, with the lead party retaining global development and commercial responsibility. For CNS and liver programs, both we and Regeneron will have the option at lead candidate selection to enter into a co-co collaboration agreement, the form of which has been agreed upon by the parties, whereby both companies will share equally all costs of, and profits from, all development and commercialization activities under the program. If the non-lead party elects to not enter into a co-co collaboration agreement with respect to a given CNS or liver program, we and Regeneron will enter into a license agreement with respect to such program and the lead party will be the “Licensee” for the purposes of the license agreement. If the lead party for a CNS or liver program elects to not enter into the co-co collaboration agreement, then we and Regeneron will enter into a license agreement with respect to such program and leadership of the program will transfer to the other party and the former non-lead party will be the “Licensee” for the purposes of the license agreement.
With respect to the programs directed to C5 complement-mediated diseases, we retain control of cemdisiran monotherapy development, and Regeneron is leading combination product development. Under the C5 co-co collaboration agreement, we and Regeneron equally share costs and potential future profits on any monotherapy program. Under the C5 license agreement, for cemdisiran to be used as part of a combination product, Regeneron is solely responsible for all development and commercialization costs and we will receive low double-digit royalties and commercial milestones of up to $325.0 million on any potential combination product sales. The C5 co-co collaboration agreement, the C5 license agreement, and the Master Agreement have been combined for accounting purposes and treated as a single agreement.
In connection with the Regeneron Master Agreement, Regeneron made an upfront payment of $400.0 million. We are also eligible to receive up to an additional $200.0 million in milestone payments upon achievement of certain criteria during early clinical development for eye and CNS programs. We and Regeneron plan to advance programs directed to up to 30 targets under the Regeneron Collaboration during the Initial Research Term. For each program, Regeneron will provide us with $2.5 million in funding at program initiation and an additional $2.5 million at lead candidate identification, with the potential for approximately $30.0 million in annual discovery funding to us as the Regeneron Collaboration reaches steady state.
Regeneron has the right to terminate the Regeneron Master Agreement for convenience upon ninety days’ notice. The termination of the Regeneron Master Agreement does not affect the term of any license agreement or co-co collaboration agreement then in effect. In addition, either party may terminate the Regeneron Master Agreement for a material breach by, or insolvency of, the other party. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to its terms, the Regeneron Master Agreement will remain in effect with respect to each program until (a) such program becomes a terminated program or (b) the parties enter into a license agreement or co-co collaboration agreement with respect to such program. The Regeneron Master Agreement includes various representations, warranties, covenants, dispute escalation and resolution mechanisms, indemnities and other provisions customary for transactions of this nature.
For any license agreement subsequently entered into, the licensee will generally be responsible for its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the development and commercialization of the collaboration products. The licensee will pay to the licensor certain development and/or commercialization milestone payments totaling up to $150.0 million for each collaboration product. In addition, following the first commercial sale of the applicable collaboration product under a license agreement, the licensee is required to make certain tiered royalty payments, ranging from low double-digits up to 20%, to the licensor based on the aggregate annual net sales of the collaboration product, subject to customary reductions.
For any co-co collaboration agreement subsequently entered into, we and Regeneron will share equally all costs of, and profits from, development and commercialization activities. Reimbursement of our share of costs will be recognized as a reduction to research and development expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. In the event that a party exercises its opt-out right, the lead party will be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the development and commercialization of the collaboration products under the applicable co-co collaboration agreement, subject to continued sharing of costs through defined points. If a party exercises its opt-out right, following the first commercial sale of the applicable collaboration product under a co-co collaboration agreement, the lead party is required to make certain tiered royalty payments, ranging from low double-digits up to 20%, to the other party based on the aggregate annual net sales of the collaboration product and the timing of the exercise of the opt-out right, subject to customary reductions and a reduction for opt-out transition costs.
Due to the uncertainty of pharmaceutical development and the high historical failure rates generally associated with drug development, we may not receive any milestone or royalty payments from Regeneron under the Regeneron Master Agreement, the C5 license agreement, or any future license agreement, or under any co-co collaboration agreement in the event we exercise our opt-out right.
Our obligations under the Regeneron Collaboration include: (i) a research license and research services, collectively referred to as the Research Services Obligation; (ii) a worldwide license to cemdisiran for combination therapies, and manufacturing and supply, and development service obligations, collectively referred to as the C5 License Obligation; and (iii) development, manufacturing and commercialization activities for cemdisiran monotherapies, referred to as the C5 Co-Co Obligation.
The research license is not distinct from the research services primarily as a result of Regeneron being unable to benefit on its own or with other resources reasonably available, as the license is providing access to specialized expertise, particularly as it relates to RNAi technology that is not available in the marketplace. Similarly, the worldwide license to cemdisiran for combination therapies is not distinct from the manufacturing and supply, and development service obligations, as Regeneron cannot benefit on its own from the value of the license without receipt of supply.
Separately, the cemdisiran monotherapy co-co collaboration agreement is under the scope of ASC 808 as we and Regeneron are both active participants in the development and manufacturing activities and are exposed to significant risks and rewards that are dependent on commercial success of the activities of the arrangement. The development and manufacturing activities are a combined unit of account under the scope of ASC 808 and are not deliverables under ASC 606.
The total transaction price is comprised of the $400.0 million upfront payment and additional variable consideration related to research, development, manufacturing and supply activities related to the Research Services Obligation and the C5 License Obligation. We utilized the expected value method to determine the amount of reimbursement for these activities. We determined that any variable consideration related to sales-based royalties and milestones related to the worldwide license to cemdisiran for combination therapies is deemed to be constrained and therefore has been excluded from the transaction price. In addition, we are eligible to receive future milestones upon the achievement of certain criteria during early clinical development for the eye and CNS programs. We are also eligible to receive royalties on future commercial sales for certain eye, CNS or liver targets, if any; however, these amounts are excluded from variable consideration under the Regeneron Collaboration as we are only eligible to receive such amounts if, after a drug candidate is identified, the form of license agreement is subsequently executed resulting in a license that is granted to Regeneron. Any such subsequently granted license would represent a separate transaction under ASC 606.
We allocated the initial transaction price to each unit of account based on the applicable accounting guidance as follows, in thousands:
Performance ObligationsStandalone Selling PriceTransaction Price AllocatedAccounting Guidance
Research Services Obligation$130,700 $183,100 ASC 606
C5 License Obligation97,600 92,500 ASC 606
C5 Co-Co Obligation364,600 246,000 ASC 808
$521,600 
The transaction price was allocated to the obligations based on the relative estimated standalone selling prices of each obligation, over which management has applied significant judgment. We developed the estimated standalone selling price for the licenses included in the Research Services Obligation and the C5 License Obligation primarily based on the probability-weighted present value of expected future cash flows associated with each license related to each specific program. In developing such estimate, we applied judgment in the determination of the forecasted revenues, taking into consideration the applicable market conditions and relevant entity-specific factors, the expected number of targets or indications expected to be pursued under each license, the probability of success, the time needed to develop a product candidate pursuant to the associated license and the discount rate. We developed the estimated standalone selling price for the services and/or manufacturing and supply included in each of the obligations, as applicable, primarily based on the nature of the services to be performed and/or goods to be manufactured and estimates of the associated costs. The estimated standalone selling price of the C5 Co-Co Obligation was developed by estimating the present value of expected future cash flows that Regeneron is entitled to receive. In developing such estimate, we applied judgment in determining the indications that will be pursued, the forecasted revenues for such indications, the probability of success and the discount rate.
For the Research Services Obligation and the C5 License Obligation accounted for under ASC 606, we measure proportional performance over time using an input method based on cost incurred relative to the total estimated costs for each of the identified obligations, on a quarterly basis, by determining the proportion of effort incurred as a percentage of total effort we expect to expend. This ratio is applied to the transaction price allocated to each obligation. Management has applied significant judgment in the process of developing our estimates. Any changes to these estimates will be recognized in the period in which they change as a cumulative catch up. We re-evaluate the transaction price as of the end of each reporting period, as of March 31, 2021, the total transaction price was $530.5 million. As of March 31, 2021, the transaction price is comprised of the
upfront payment and variable consideration related to development, manufacture and supply activities. For the C5 Co-Co Obligation accounted for under ASC 808, the transaction price allocated to this obligation is recognized using a proportional performance method. Revenue recognized under this agreement, inclusive of the amount allocated to the C5 Co-Co Obligation, is accounted for as collaboration revenue.
The following tables provide a summary of the transaction price allocated to each unit of account based on the applicable accounting guidance, in addition to revenue activity during the period, in thousands:
Transaction Price AllocatedDeferred Revenue
Performance ObligationsAs of March 31,
2021
As of March 31,
2021
As of December 31,
2020
Accounting Guidance
Research Services Obligation$200,600 $45,100 $54,900 ASC 606
C5 License Obligation83,900 45,200 58,700 ASC 606
C5 Co-Co Obligation246,000 228,900 231,400 ASC 808
$530,500 $319,200 $345,000 
Revenue Recognized During
Performance ObligationsThree Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
Accounting Guidance
Research Services Obligation$9,800 $12,300 ASC 606
C5 License Obligation13,500 — ASC 606
C5 Co-Co Obligation2,500 4,200 ASC 808
$25,800 $16,500 
As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining Research Services Obligation and C5 License Obligation that was unsatisfied was $188.3 million, which is expected to be recognized through the term of the Regeneron Collaboration as the services are performed. This amount excludes the transaction price allocated to the C5 Co-Co Obligation accounted for under ASC 808. Deferred revenue related to the Regeneron Collaboration is classified as either current or non-current in the condensed consolidated balance sheets based on the period the revenue is expected to be recognized.
Novartis AG
In February 2013, we and The Medicines Company, or MDCO, entered into a license and collaboration agreement pursuant to which we granted to MDCO an exclusive, worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize RNAi therapeutics targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, or PCSK9, for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and other human diseases, including inclisiran. We refer to this agreement, as amended through the date hereof, as the MDCO License Agreement. On January 6, 2020, Novartis completed its acquisition of MDCO, and assumed all rights and obligations under the MDCO License Agreement.
As of March 31, 2021, we have earned $45.0 million of milestones and upon achievement of certain events, we will be entitled to receive additional milestones, up to an aggregate of $135.0 million, including $25.0 million associated with the U.S. regulatory approval milestone, $10.0 million in other specified regulatory milestones and $100.0 million in specified commercialization milestones. In addition, we will be entitled to royalties ranging from 10% up to 20% based on annual worldwide net sales of licensed products by Novartis, its affiliates and sublicensees, subject to reduction under specified circumstances. Due to the uncertainty of pharmaceutical development and the high historical failure rates generally associated with drug development, we may not receive any additional milestone payments under the MDCO License Agreement.
Unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the agreement, the MDCO License Agreement expires on a licensed product-by-licensed product and country-by-country basis upon expiration of the last royalty term for any licensed product in any country, where a royalty term is defined as the latest to occur of (1) the expiration of the last valid claim of patent rights covering a licensed product, (2) the expiration of the Regulatory Exclusivity, as defined in the MDCO License Agreement, and (3) the twelfth anniversary of the first commercial sale of the licensed product in such country. We estimate that our fundamental RNAi patents covering licensed products under the MDCO License Agreement will expire both in and outside of the U.S. generally between 2016 and 2028. We also estimate that our inclisiran product-specific patents covering licensed products under the MDCO License Agreement will expire in the U.S., Europe, China and Japan in 2036 and elsewhere at the end of 2033. These patent rights are subject to potential patent term extensions and/or supplemental protection certificates
extending such terms in countries where such extensions may become available due to regulatory delay. In addition, more patent filings relating to the collaboration may be made in the future.
Either party may terminate the MDCO License Agreement in the event the other party fails to cure a material breach or upon patent-related challenges by the other party. In addition, Novartis has the right to terminate the agreement without cause at any time upon four months’ prior written notice.
During the term of the MDCO License Agreement, neither party will, alone or with an affiliate or third party, research, develop or commercialize, or grant a license to any third party to research, develop or commercialize, in any country, any siRNA product directed to the PCSK9 gene, other than a licensed product, without the prior written agreement of the other party, subject to the terms of the MDCO License Agreement.
We evaluated the MDCO License Agreement and concluded that Novartis meets the definition of a customer and that the MDCO License Agreement is a contract. During 2018, we completed the performance obligations identified in the MDCO License Agreement. However, we continue to receive additional orders for supply of certain material. Given Novartis now has the ability to manufacture on its own through its own vendors, such orders will be treated as separate agreements and any associated revenue will be recognized upon transfer of control.
Vir Biotechnology, Inc.
In October 2017, we and Vir Biotechnology, Inc., or Vir, entered into a collaboration and license agreement, or the Vir Agreement, for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics for infectious diseases, including chronic hepatitis B virus, or HBV, infection.
Pursuant to the Vir Agreement, we granted to Vir an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize ALN-HBV02 (VIR-2218), for all uses and purposes other than certain excluded fields, as set forth in the Vir Agreement. In addition, we granted Vir an exclusive option for up to four additional RNAi therapeutic programs for the treatment of infectious diseases. Under the terms of the Vir Agreement, for each product arising from the HBV program, including ALN-HBV02, we retained the right to opt into a profit-sharing arrangement prior to the start of a Phase 3 clinical trial. In addition, we have the right on a product-by-product basis with respect to each additional infectious disease program that Vir elects to pursue, to opt into a profit-sharing arrangement for each such product at any time during a specified period prior to the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial for each such product.
Pursuant to the Vir Agreement, Vir paid us an upfront fee of $10.0 million and issued to us 1,111,111 shares of its common stock. Under the Vir Agreement, we may also receive milestone payments upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on the net sales of licensed products ranging from high-single-digit to sub-teen double-digit percentages. In March 2020, we achieved a development milestone relating to ALN-HBV02 and earned a $15.0 million cash milestone and 1,111,111 shares of Vir's common stock, which were received in the second quarter of 2020. In June 2020, we earned and received a $10.0 million payment from Vir related to Vir's sublicense for ALN-HBV02 in China. Due to the uncertainty of pharmaceutical development and the high historical failure rates generally associated with drug development, we may not receive any additional milestone payments or any royalty payments under the Vir Agreement.
In March and April 2020, we entered into amendments to the Vir Agreement to expand our collaboration to include the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19, along with three additional targets focused on human host factors for SARS-CoV-2, including angiotensin converting enzyme-2 and transmembrane protease, serine 2 and potentially a third mutually selected host factor target. Under the Vir amendments, we and Vir were each responsible for our own pre-clinical development costs incurred in performing our allocated responsibilities under an agreed-upon initial pre-clinical development plan. Under the original agreements, we and Vir agreed to equally share certain costs incurred in connection with the manufacture of non-GMP drug product required for pre-clinical development prior to filing an IND for the first product in the coronavirus program. We also agreed that Vir would lead all development and commercialization of any selected development candidates.
In December 2020, we signed a letter agreement to amend the Vir Agreement such that we are solely responsible for conducting pre-clinical research activities under the pre-clinical development plan, related to the COVID-19 activities in the March and April 2020 amendments, at our discretion and sole expense, and effective as of July 1, 2020, we are responsible for all pre-clinical development costs incurred under such plan for such COVID-19 related activities.
Unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the agreement, the Vir Agreement expires on a licensed product-by-product and country-by-country basis upon expiration of all royalty payment obligations under the agreement. If Vir does not exercise its option for an infectious disease program, the Vir Agreement will expire upon the expiration of the applicable option period with respect to such program. However, if we exercise our profit-sharing option for any product, the term of the agreement will continue until the expiration of the profit-sharing arrangement for such product.
Either party may terminate the agreement in the event the other party fails to cure a material breach, or upon patent-related challenges by the other party. In addition, Vir has the right to terminate the agreement on a program-by-program basis or in its entirety for any reason on 90 days’ written notice.
We identified one performance obligation under the Vir Agreement, as amended, comprised of: i) the exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize RNAi therapeutics (including ALN-HBV02); ii) the obligation to deliver four additional development candidates and supply product for each such RNAi therapeutic program; and iii) the obligation to deliver up to four development candidates and supply product for RNAi therapeutic programs targeting SARS-CoV-2. The license is not distinct from the services, including the obligation to deliver development candidates and supply product, as Vir cannot benefit on its own from the value of the license without receipt of such services and supply.
We measure proportional performance over time using an input method based on cost incurred relative to the total estimated costs for the identified performance obligation, on a quarterly basis, by determining the proportion of effort incurred as a percentage of total effort we expect to expend. This ratio is applied to the total transaction price. Management has applied significant judgment in the process of developing our estimates. Any changes to these estimates will be recognized in the period in which they change as a cumulative catch up. As of March 31, 2021, the total transaction price was determined to be $110.1 million, and is comprised of the upfront payment, fair value of non-cash equity consideration at contract inception, milestones achieved and variable consideration related to development, manufacture and supply activities. We utilized the expected value method to determine the amount of reimbursement for these activities. The total transaction price is allocated entirely to the single performance obligation. We determined any variable consideration related to sales-based royalties and milestones related to the exclusive license to be constrained and therefore excluded such consideration from the transaction price.
As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the performance obligation that was unsatisfied was $48.8 million, which is expected to be recognized through the term of the Vir Agreement as the services are performed.