10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

OR

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

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission file number: 001-36361

Aravive, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	2834	26-4106690
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

River Oaks Tower

3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 1200

Houston, Texas 77098

(Address of principal executive offices)

(936) 355-1910

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code)       

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share	ARAV	Nasdaq Global Select Market

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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 October 25, 2021, there were 20,973,499 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Aravive, Inc.

ARAVIVE, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2021

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item		Page
1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):
	a. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020	3
	b. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	4
	c. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	5
	d. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	6
	e. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	25
4.	Controls and Procedures	26
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
1.	Legal Proceedings	27
1A.	Risk Factors	27
6.	Exhibits	31
	Signatures	32

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ARAVIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

	September 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
	(unaudited)
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,511		$	60,541
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,012			1,148
Total current assets		71,523			61,689
Restricted cash		2,430			2,430
Property and equipment, net		435			526
Operating lease right-of-use assets		2,394			2,958
Intangible asset, net		6			97
Other assets		5			10
Total assets	$	76,793		$	67,710
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	1,988		$	2,500
Accrued liabilities		4,586			2,323
Operating lease obligation, current portion		2,324			2,086
Current portion of deferred revenue		5,296			2,552
Total current liabilities		14,194			9,461
Deferred revenue, net of current portion		3,617			3,763
Operating lease obligation, net of current portion		4,646			6,431
Total liabilities		22,457			19,655
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 20,904,499 and 16,481,099 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		2			2
Additional paid-in capital		581,183			548,707
Accumulated deficit		(526,849	)		(500,654	)
Total stockholders' equity		54,336			48,055
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	76,793		$	67,710

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

3

ARAVIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenue
Collaboration revenue	$	2,412		$	—		$	6,457		$	—
Total revenue		2,412			—			6,457			—
Operating expenses
Research and development		11,343			5,070			25,347			11,085
General and administrative		2,643			2,715			8,102			9,866
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets		—			2,914			—			5,784
Total operating expenses		13,986			10,699			33,449			26,735
Loss from operations		(11,574	)		(10,699	)		(26,992	)		(26,735	)
Interest income		9			8			29			251
Other income (expense), net		479			31			768			(13	)
Net loss	$	(11,086	)	$	(10,660	)	$	(26,195	)	$	(26,497	)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted	$	(0.53	)	$	(0.66	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(1.69	)
Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share		20,763			16,055			19,758			15,658

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

4

ARAVIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

	Three and Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2021
					Additional					Total
	Common Stock				Paid-In		Accumulated			Stockholders'
	Shares		Amount		Capital		Deficit			Equity
Balances at January 1, 2021		16,481,099	$	2	$	548,707	$	(500,654	)	$	48,055
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options		77,858		—		260		—			260
Issuance of common stock in direct offering, net of issuance costs of $98		2,875,000		—		20,866		—			20,866
Issuance of common stock in at the market offering		884,695		—		7,034		—			7,034
Stock-based compensation		—		—		505		—			505
Net loss		—		—		—		(8,004	)		(8,004	)
Balances at March 31, 2021		20,318,652	$	2	$	577,372	$	(508,658	)	$	68,716
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options		63,094		—		20		—			20
Issuance of common stock in at the market offering		314,983		—		1,816		—			1,816
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans		17,275		—		71		—			71
Stock-based compensation		—		—		540		—			540
Net loss		—		—		—		(7,105	)		(7,105	)
Balances at June 30, 2021		20,714,004	$	2	$	579,819	$	(515,763	)	$	64,058
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options		7,500		—		5		—			5
Issuance of common stock in at the market offering		182,995		—		732		—			732
Stock-based compensation		—		—		627		—			627
Net loss		—		—		—		(11,086	)		(11,086	)
Balances at September 30, 2021		20,904,499	$	2	$	581,183	$	(526,849	)	$	54,336

	Three and Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2020
					Additional					Total
	Common Stock				Paid-In		Accumulated			Stockholders'
	Shares		Amount		Capital		Deficit			Equity
Balances at January 1, 2020		15,001,795	$	2	$	539,158	$	(470,111	)	$	69,049
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options		5,645		—		33		—			33
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans		8,492		—		—		—			—
Stock-based compensation		—		—		717		—			717
Net loss		—		—		—		(10,796	)		(10,796	)
Balances at March 31, 2020		15,015,932	$	2	$	539,908	$	(480,907	)	$	59,003
Issuance of common stock in private placement, net of issuance costs of $78		931,098		—		4,922		—			4,922
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options		13,844		—		53		—			53
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans		35,303		—		22		—			22
Stock-based compensation		—		—		488		—			488
Net loss		—		—		—		(5,041	)		(5,041	)
Balances at June 30, 2020		15,996,177	$	2	$	545,393	$	(485,948	)	$	59,447
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options		91,089		—		203		—			203
Stock-based compensation		—		—		376		—			376
Net loss		—		—		—		(10,660	)		(10,660	)
Balances at September 30, 2020		16,087,266	$	2	$	545,972	$	(496,608	)	$	49,366

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

5

ARAVIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021			2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(26,195	)	$	(26,497	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		746			1,602
Impairment of long-lived assets		—			5,784
Stock-based compensation expense		1,672			1,581
Write-off of lease receivable/prepaid commission assets		—			1,383
Changes in assets and liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(2,859	)		962
Accounts payable		(512	)		615
Deferred revenue		2,598			—
Accrued and other liabilities		716			(1,823	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(23,834	)		(16,393	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with employee benefit plans		71			311
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of options		285			—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in direct offering, net of issuance costs		20,866			—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in private placement, net of issuance costs of $78		—			4,922
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in at the market offering		9,582			—
Net cash provided by financing activities		30,804			5,233
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		6,970			(11,160	)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period		62,971			67,557
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	69,941		$	56,397

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

6

ARAVIVE, INC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

1. Formation and Business of the Company

Aravive, Inc. (“Aravive” or the “Company”) was incorporated on December 10, 2008 in the State of Delaware. Aravive Biologics, Inc. (“Aravive Biologics”) our wholly owned subsidiary was incorporated in 2007. Aravive is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments designed to halt the progression of life-threatening diseases, including cancer and fibrosis.

The Company’s lead product candidate, batiraxcept (formerly AVB-500), is an ultrahigh-affinity, decoy protein that targets the GAS6-AXL signaling pathway. By capturing serum GAS6, batiraxcept starves the AXL pathway of its signal, potentially halting the biological programming that promotes disease progression. AXL receptor signaling plays an important role in multiple types of malignancies by promoting metastasis, cancer cell survival, resistance to treatments, and immune suppression.

The Company’s current development program benefits from the availability of a proprietary serum-based biomarker that accelerated batiraxcept drug development by allowing the Company to select a pharmacologically active dose and may potentially identify the cancer patients that have the best chance of responding to batiraxcept.

In July 2016, Aravive Biologics was approved for a $20.0 million Product Development Award from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (“CPRIT Grant”). The CPRIT Grant was expected to allow Aravive Biologics to develop the product candidate referenced above through clinical trials. The CPRIT Grant was effective as of June 1, 2016 and terminated on November 30, 2019. Aravive Biologics’ royalty and other obligations, including its obligation to repay the disbursed grant proceeds under certain circumstances, survive the termination of the agreement. The CPRIT Grant was subject to customary CPRIT funding conditions including a matching funds requirement where Aravive Biologics matched 50% of funding from the CPRIT Grant. Consequently, Aravive Biologics was required to raise $10.0 million in matching funds over the three-year project. Aravive Biologics raised all its required $10.0 million in matching funds.

Aravive Biologics’ award from CPRIT requires it to pay CPRIT a portion of its revenues from sales of certain products, or received from its licensees or sublicensees, at tiered percentages of revenue in the low- to mid-single digits until the aggregate amount of such payments equals 400% of the grant award proceeds, and thereafter at a rate of less than one percent for as long as Aravive Biologics maintains government exclusivity. In addition, the grant contract also contains a provision that provides for repayment to CPRIT of the full amount of the grant proceeds under certain specified circumstances involving relocation of Aravive Biologics’ principal place of business outside Texas.

In the Company’s completed Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers with its lead product candidate, batiraxcept, the Company demonstrated proof of mechanism for batiraxcept in neutralizing GAS6. Importantly, batiraxcept had a favorable safety profile preclinically and in the first in human trial and Phase 1b clinical trial in cancer patients.

In August 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) designated as a Fast Track development program the investigation of the Company’s lead development candidate, batiraxcept, for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer ("PROC").

In December 2018, the Company initiated a Phase 1b clinical trial of batiraxcept combined with standard of care therapies in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, or PROC, for which it reported results in July 2020.

In April 2020, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement with WuXi Biologics (Hong Kong) Limited, the objective of which is to identify and develop novel high-affinity bispecific antibodies against CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor ("CTGF"), implicated in cancer and fibrosis, and identified from a similar target discovery screen that identified the significance of the AXL/GAS6 pathway in cancer. The goal is to generate a best-in-class therapeutic targeting desmoplasia and tumor growth for initial investigation in the clinic in 2023.

In November 2020, the Company entered into a collaboration and license agreement (the "Agreement") with 3D Medicines Inc. ("3D Medicines"), whereby the Company granted 3D Medicines an exclusive license to develop and commercialize products that contain batiraxcept as the sole drug substance for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of human oncological diseases, in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau (the "Territory") for an upfront cash payment of $12 million. In April 2021, the Company dosed the first patient in our Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Based upon this event, the Company has completed its first clinical milestone with 3D Medicines and the Company received a $6 million cash payment related to the completion of this milestone, during the second quarter of 2021. In August 2021, the Company received a $3 million development milestone from its licensee, 3D Medicines. This milestone is based on the Center for Drug Evaluation ("CDE") of the China National Medical Products Administration ("NMPA") approval of the Investigational New Drug application ("IND") submitted by 3D Medicines to participate in the Company’s international batiraxcept Phase 3 PROC clinical trial.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company initiated its Phase 1b portion of its Phase 1b/2 trial of batiraxcept in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (“ccRCC”) and the Company dosed its first patient in the trial in March 2021.

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company initiated a registrational Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in PROC and the Company dosed its first patient in the trial in April 2021.

In May 2021, the Company announced expansion of batiraxcept development programs into first line pancreatic adenocarcinoma with the goal of initiating the trial by end of 2021. The Company dosed its first patient in August 2021.

In June 2021, the Company announced positive initial safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic results from the batiraxcept Phase 1b portion of the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in ccRCC. Based on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety data at 15mg/kg of batiraxcept, and approval by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board ("DSMB"), the Company announced plans to expand the dosing of 15mg/kg of batiraxcept to an additional three patients to determine the potential of initiating the Phase 2 portion with this dose. The Company also expects to continue to investigate higher doses of batiraxcept in the Phase 1b to obtain additional safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics information.

In October 2021, the European Medicines Agency granted orphan drug designation for batiraxcept for the treatment of ovarian cancer, following a recommendation from the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products.

As the Company advances its clinical programs, the Company is in close contact with its clinical research organizations ("CROs") and clinical sites and is continually assessing the impact of COVID-19 on its planned trials and current timelines and costs. As noted previously, the Company has experienced delays in patient enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the Company anticipates a delay in the interim analysis until mid-2022. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues and persists for an extended period of time or increases in severity, the Company could experience significant disruptions to its clinical development timelines and, if the Company experiences delays in patient enrollment and deems it necessary or advisable to improve patient recruitment by, among other things, opening additional clinical sites, the Company could incur increased clinical program expenses. Any such disruptions or delays would, and any such increased clinical program expenses could, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

7

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

As consideration for the rights granted as part of a license agreement with Stanford University, Aravive Biologics is obligated to pay yearly license fees and milestone payments, and a royalty based on net sales of products covered by the patent-related rights. More specifically, Aravive Biologics is obligated to pay Stanford University (i) annual license payments (ii) milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 upon achievement of clinical and regulatory milestones, and (iii) royalties equal to a percentage (in the low single digits) of net sales of licensed products; provided that the annual license payments made will offset (and be credited against) any royalties due in such license year. In the event of a sublicense to a third party of any rights based on the patents that are solely owned by Stanford University, Aravive Biologics is obligated to pay royalties to Stanford University equal to a percentage of what Aravive Biologics would have been required to pay to Stanford University had it sold the products under sublicense itself. In addition, in such event it is required to pay to Stanford University a percent of sublicensing income. In the event of a termination, Aravive Biologics will be obligated to pay all amounts that accrued prior to such termination.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of its financial position as of  September 30, 2021 and, its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The  December 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year or any other interim period. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto for the year ended  December 31, 2020 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 16, 2021, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

8

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of  September 30, 2021 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 include the accounts of Aravive, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Aravive Biologics. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Liquidity and Financial Condition

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company’s management has evaluated whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.   

Since inception, the Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. At September 30, 2021, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $526.8 million and working capital of $57.3 million. The Company expects to continue to incur losses from expenses related to the development of batiraxcept and related administrative activities for the foreseeable future. These factors raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of the recorded assets or the classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $67.5 million consisting of cash and investments in highly liquid U.S. money market funds. The Company intends to seek additional capital through equity and/or debt financings, collaborative or other funding arrangements with partners or through other sources of financing to fulfill its operating and capital requirement for the next 12 months to advance its clinical development program to later stages of development and potentially commercialize its clinical product candidate batiraxcept. Although management has been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful or that any needed financing will be available in the future at terms acceptable to the Company. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds when needed, the Company may be required to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all of its development programs and clinical trials. The Company may also be required to sell or license to others technologies or clinical product candidates or programs that it would prefer to develop and commercialize itself.

Segments

The Company operates in one segment. Management uses one measurement of performance and does not segregate its business for internal reporting. All long-lived assets are maintained in the United States of America.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. All of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at several financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality. Such deposits may exceed federally insured limits.

Risk and Uncertainties

The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of results of clinical trials and reaching milestones, uncertainty of regulatory approval of the Company’s potential drug candidates, uncertainty of market acceptance of the Company’s products, competition from substitute products and larger companies, securing and protecting proprietary technology, strategic relationships and dependence on key individuals and sole source suppliers.

Products developed by the Company require clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Pharmaceuticals Medicines and Devices Agency, or other international regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance that the products will receive the necessary clearances. If the Company is denied clearance, clearance is delayed or the Company is unable to maintain clearance, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

The Company expects to incur substantial operating losses for the next several years and will need to obtain additional financing in order to launch and commercialize any product candidates for which it receives regulatory approval.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At  September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were held at multiple institutions in the United States and included deposits in money market funds which were unrestricted as to withdrawal or use. Restricted cash consists of a letter of credit to secure the Company’s obligations under the right-of-use ("ROU") lease.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally between three and five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the period realized.

9

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Leases

The Company leases all of its office space in conducting its business. At inception, the Company determines whether an agreement represents a lease and at commencement the Company evaluates each lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or financing lease.

The Company records an operating lease ROU asset and an operating lease obligation on the consolidated balance sheet when entering into a lease. ROU assets represent the Company’s ROU of the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation represents the Company’s commitment to make the lease payments arising from the lease. Lease obligations are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term and ROU assets are calculated as the lease liability, adjusted by unamortized initial direct costs, unamortized lease incentives received, cumulative deferred or prepaid lease payments, and accumulated impairment losses. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company has used an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease inception date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease and the Company includes renewal options in its calculation of the estimated lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or expectations regarding the terms. Variable lease costs such as common area costs and property taxes are expensed as incurred. Variable lease costs and short-term lease payments not included in the lease liability are classified within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. For all lease agreements, the Company has combined lease and nonlease components. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. These expenses are recognized within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by the comparison of the carrying amount to the future net cash flows which the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value (i.e., determined through estimating projected discounted future net cash flows or other acceptable methods of determining fair value) arising from the asset. There were no such impairments of long-lived assets as of September 30, 2021.

The Company accounted for the sublease with EVA Automation, Inc. (“EVA”) as an operating lease and reviews the ROU asset recorded associated with the sublease for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the ROU asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360-10. Recoverability is measured if the lease cost for the term of the sublease exceeds the anticipated sublease income for the same period on an undiscounted basis and the Company shall treat this circumstance as an indicator that the carrying amount of the ROU asset may not be recoverable.

At the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company was informed by EVA, its sublease tenant at the time, that EVA would not be in a position to pay future sublease rental payments and intended to exit the sublease. Given the uncertainty of the sublease tenant’s ability to pay the remaining sublease rental payments, the Company determined the carrying amounts of the ROU asset and leasehold improvements associated with the facility located at 1020 Marsh Road (the "1020 Marsh Facility") may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company performed a recoverability test, using an undiscounted cash flow analysis as of March 31, 2020. Based on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined that the ROU and leasehold improvement assets had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. The Company then measured the impairment of the asset group using a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated future sublease payments to be received from an expected sublessee. In determining the fair value of the asset group, the Company utilized current real estate market rates, time needed to sublet the building and estimated a discount rate of 9.5%. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge against its ROU asset of and leasehold improvement assets of $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

At the end of the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company continued to evaluate the estimates used in the valuation used in the first quarter of 2020. Given the continued uncertainty due to the COVID-19 shut down and the significant negative impact to the real estate market as of the end of the third quarter, the Company determined the carrying amounts of the ROU asset and leasehold improvements associated with the 1020 Marsh Facility may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company performed a recoverability test, using an undiscounted cash flow analysis as of September 30, 2020. Based on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined that the ROU and leasehold improvement assets had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. The Company then measured the impairment of the asset group using a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated future sublease payments to be received from an expected sublessee as the Company is currently marketing the 1020 Marsh Facility location for subletting. In determining the fair value of the asset group, the Company utilized current real estate market estimated rates, time needed to sublet the building and estimated a discount rate of 9.5%. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge against its ROU asset and leasehold improvement assets of $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. A total of $5.8 million was reported as an impairment loss on the Company’s long-lived asset balances within the statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020.

In June 2021, the Company entered into a sublease arrangement with Grail, Inc. ("Subtenant") to occupy all of the approximately 34,464 rentable square feet of office space at the 1020 Marsh Facility. The landlord consent was received and final agreement was signed in July 2021. The term of the sublease commenced on  August 1, 2021 and will continue through October 31, 2024. Aggregate base rent due to the Company under the sublease agreement is approximately $7.65 million.

10

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The fair value hierarchy defines a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, unadjusted quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities; and

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity for the related assets or liabilities.

The categorization of a financial instrument within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of Level 1 assets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.  Level 1 securities are comprised of highly liquid money market funds.

Preclinical and Clinical Trial Accruals

The Company’s clinical trial accruals are based on estimates of patient enrollment and related costs at clinical investigator sites as well as estimates for the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and CROs that conduct and manage clinical trials on the Company’s behalf.

The Company estimates preclinical and clinical trial expenses based on the services performed, pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage preclinical studies and clinical trials on its behalf. In accruing service fees, the Company estimates the time period over which services will be performed and the level of patient enrollment and activity expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from the estimate, the Company will adjust the accrual accordingly. Payments made to third parties under these arrangements in advance of the receipt of the related services are recorded as prepaid expenses until the services are rendered.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Research and development costs include, but are not limited to, payroll and personnel expenses, laboratory supplies, consulting costs, external research and development expenses and allocated overhead, including rent, equipment depreciation, and utilities. Costs to acquire technologies to be used in research and development that have not reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future use are expensed to research and development costs when incurred.

11

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

The Company assesses all material positions taken in any income tax return, including all significant uncertain positions, in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge by relevant taxing authorities. Assessing an uncertain tax position begins with the initial determination of the position’s sustainability and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions must be reassessed, and the Company will determine whether (i) the factors underlying the sustainability assertion have changed and (ii) the amount of the recognized tax benefit is still appropriate. The recognition and measurement of tax benefits requires significant judgment. Judgments concerning the recognition and measurement of a tax benefit might change as new information becomes available.     

Stock-Based Compensation

For stock options granted to employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on the grant-date estimated fair value. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of fair value for stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option pricing model requires management to make certain assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables.

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to nonemployees is recognized based on the fair value of the stock options, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as they are earned. The awards generally vest over the time period the Company expects to receive services from the nonemployee.

Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating Expenses
Research and development	$	229	$	122	$	693	$	378
General and administrative		398		254		979		1,203
Total	$	627	$	376	$	1,672	$	1,581

Net Loss per Share of Common Stock

Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities outstanding for the period. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, stock options and restricted stock units are considered to be potentially dilutive securities. Because the Company has reported a net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for those periods.

Intangible Asset

Intangible assets consist of an assembled workforce which was acquired as part of the merger between Aravive Biologics and Versartis, Inc. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized based on their pattern of economic benefit over their estimated useful lives and reviewed periodically for impairment. The estimated useful life of the assembled workforce is 3 years.

Collaborative Arrangements

The Company records the elements of its collaboration agreements that represent joint operating activities in accordance with ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements (ASC 808). Accordingly, the elements of the collaboration agreements that represent activities in which both parties are active participants and to which both parties are exposed to the significant risks and rewards that are dependent on the commercial success of the activities are recorded as collaborative arrangements. The Company considers the guidance in ASC 606-10-15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Scope and Scope Exceptions, in determining the appropriate treatment for the transactions between the Company and its collaborative partner and the transactions between the Company and third parties. Generally, the classification of transactions under the collaborative arrangements is determined based on the nature and contractual terms of the arrangement along with the nature of the operations of the participants. Currently, the Company has one collaboration agreement, the Agreement with 3D Medicines, see Note 4 for further discussion.

12

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s sole source of revenue for 2021 and 2020 has been generated through its Agreement with 3D Medicines. The Company’s Agreement contains multiple elements including (i) intellectual property licenses, and (ii) research and development services. Consideration received under these arrangements may include upfront payments, research and development funding, cost reimbursements, milestone payments, payments for product sales and royalty payments. The Company’s only customer currently is 3D Medicines.

The Company follows ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) for recognition of its revenues under the Agreement. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for goods or services and excludes sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company analyzes the nature of these performance obligations in the context of individual agreements in order to assess the distinct performance obligations.

The Company applies the following five-step model to recognize revenue: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

i) Identify the contract with a customer. The Company considers the terms and conditions of its agreements to identify contracts within the scope of ASC 606. The Company concludes it has a contract with a customer when the contract is approved, each party's rights regarding the goods and services to be transferred can be identified, the payment terms for the goods and services can be identified, it has been determined that the customer has the ability and intent to pay and the contract has commercial substance. The Company uses judgment in determining the customer's ability and intent to pay, which is based upon factors including the customer's historical payment experience or, for new customers, credit and financial information pertaining to the customers.

ii) Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Performance obligations in the agreements are identified based on the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. The Company’s performance obligations generally consist of intellectual property licenses and research and development services with respect to license and service agreements, and the manufacture and supply of product for product sales agreements.

iii) Determine the transaction price. The Company determines the transaction price based on the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. In determining the transaction price, any variable consideration would be considered, to the extent applicable, if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. In accordance with the royalty exception under ASC 606 for licenses of intellectual property, the transaction price excludes future royalty payments to be received from the Company’s customers. None of the Company’s revenue generating contracts contain consideration payable to its customer or a significant financing component.

iv) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract. If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to that performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price.

v) Recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customers for an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

13

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Performance Obligations

The following is a general description of principal goods and services from which the Company generates revenue.

License to intellectual property

The Company generates revenue from licensing its intellectual property including know-how and development and commercialization rights. The license provides a customer with the right to further research, develop and commercialize internally-discovered or collaborated drug candidates, or the right to use batiraxcept to further research, develop and commercialize customer drug candidates. The consideration the Company receives is in the form of nonrefundable upfront consideration related to the functional intellectual property licenses and is recognized when the Company transfers such license to the customer unless the license is combined with other goods or services into one performance obligation, in which case the revenue is recognized over a period of time based on the estimated pattern in which the Company satisfies the combined performance obligation. The Company’s licensing agreements are generally cancelable. 

Research and development services

The Company generates revenue from research and development services it provides to its customer and primarily includes clinical trials, and assistance during regulatory approval application process. Revenue associated with these services is recognized based on the Company’s estimate of total consideration to be received for such services and the pattern in which the Company perform the services. The pattern of performance is generally determined to be the amount of incurred costs related to the service portion of the contract with the customer as a percentage of total expected costs associated with the service portion of the contract.

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

The Company’s Agreement with its customer contains multiple promised goods or services. Based on the characteristics of the promised goods and services the Company analyzes whether they are separate or combined performance obligations. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. The estimated standalone selling price is based on the adjusted market assessment approach including estimated present value of future cash flows and cost-plus margin approach, taking into consideration the type of services, estimates of hourly market rates, and stage of the development.

Variable Consideration

The Company’s contracts with its customer primarily include two types of variable consideration: (i) development and regulatory milestone payments, which are due to the Company upon achievement of specific development and regulatory milestones and (ii) one-time sales-based payments and sales-based royalties associated with licensed intellectual property.

Due to uncertainty associated with achievement of the development and regulatory milestones, the related milestone payments are excluded from the contract consideration and the corresponding revenue is not recognized until the Company concludes it is probable that reversal of such milestone revenue will not occur.  As part of the Company’s evaluation of the constraint, the Company considers numerous factors, including whether the achievement of the milestone is outside of the Company’s control, contingent upon regulatory approval or dependent on licensee efforts.

Product sales-based royalties under licensed intellectual property and one-time payments are accounted for under the royalty exception. The Company recognizes revenue for sales-based royalties under licensed intellectual property and one-time payments at the later of when the sales occur or the performance obligation is satisfied or partially satisfied.

The transaction price is reevaluated each reporting period and as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, or other standard setting bodies and adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

14

 

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This guidance is intended to improve consistent application and simplify the accounting for income taxes. This ASU removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021, the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)-Accounting For Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, which will permit more equity contracts to qualify for it. The ASU also simplifies the diluted net income per share calculation in certain areas. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021, the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The remaining financial instruments are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at amounts that approximate current fair value. The following table sets forth the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at
	September 30, 2021
	(unaudited)
	Total		Level 1
Assets
Money market funds	$	49,214	$	49,214

	Fair Value Measurements at
	December 31, 2020
	Total		Level 1
Assets
Money market funds	$	49,207	$	49,207

The Company recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the hierarchy during the periods ended September 30, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

As disclosed in Note 2, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $5.8 million related to ROU and leasehold improvement assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This impairment charge was derived using Level 3 inputs and the fair value of the long-lived assets was derived by using a discounted cash flow analysis of the 1020 Marsh Facility.

4. Collaboration and License Agreement

On November 6, 2020, the Company entered into the Agreement with 3D Medicines, whereby the Company granted 3D Medicines an exclusive license to develop and commercialize products that contain batiraxcept as the sole drug substance, for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of human oncological diseases, in the Territory.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company was paid $21 million (inclusive of $9 million in milestone payments) and is eligible to receive from 3D Medicines cash payments of up to an aggregate of $207 million (inclusive of $9 million in milestone payments) in clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. There can be no guarantee that any such milestones will in fact be met. The Company is obligated to make certain payments to The Board of Trustees of Stanford University ("Stanford") based on certain amounts received from 3D Medicines under the Agreement pursuant to the existing license agreement by and between the Company and Stanford, dated January 25, 2012, and as amended to date. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company has paid amounts due to Stanford of $0.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received payments of $12 million from 3D Medicines and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company received payments of $3 million and $9 million, respectively.

15

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

The Company will also be entitled to receive tiered royalties ranging from low double digits to mid-teens on sales in the Territory, if any, of products containing batiraxcept. Royalties are payable with respect to each jurisdiction in the Territory until the latest to occur of: (i) the last-to-expire of specified patent rights in such jurisdiction in the Territory; or (ii) ten (10) years after the first commercial sale of a product in such jurisdiction in the Territory. In addition, royalties payable under the Agreement will be subject to reduction on account of generic competition under certain specified conditions, with any such reductions capped at certain percentages of the amounts otherwise payable during the applicable royalty payment period.

Under the terms and conditions of the Agreement, 3D Medicines will be solely responsible for the development and commercialization of licensed products in the Territory.

If either the Company or 3D Medicines materially breaches the Agreement and does not cure such breach, the non-breaching party may terminate the Agreement in its entirety. Either party may also terminate the Agreement, upon written notice, if the other party files for bankruptcy, is dissolved or has a receiver appointed for substantially all of its property. The Company may terminate the Agreement if 3D Medicines, its affiliates or its sublicensees challenges the validity or enforceability of any of the Company’s patents covering any of the licensed compounds or products or ceases substantially all development and commercialization of licensed products in the Territory for a specified period, subject to certain exceptions. 3D Medicines may also terminate the Agreement for convenience provided certain notice is provided to the Company.

The Agreement contemplates that the Company will enter into ancillary arrangements with 3D Medicines, including a clinical supply agreement and a manufacturing technology transfer agreement.

The Company assessed this arrangement in accordance with ASC 606 and identified the following performance obligations: 1) license to intellectual property, batiraxcept, and 2) research and development services, including conducting clinical trials.  The Company concluded that each of these performance obligations were distinct because 3D Medicines can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available, and each performance obligation is separately identifiable from other promises within the contract.

The estimated total transaction price was allocated between performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach and an expected cost plus a margin approach to estimate the standalone selling price for the performance obligations. The Company allocated the $21.0 million transaction price of the upfront payments as such: $11.3 million to the research and development services performance obligation and $9.7 million to the license to intellectual property. Accordingly, the Company will recognize revenue related to the allocable research and development services obligation on a proportional performance basis as the underlying services are performed pursuant to the current development plan which is commensurate with the period and consistent with the pattern over which the Company’s research and development services obligation is satisfied. The Company will recognize the revenue related to the license to intellectual property at a point in time. This is due to the fact that the license was determined to be a functional license due to the current stage in development of batiraxcept. Batiraxcept has been developed, dosing levels have already been determined and the drug is currently in a Phase 3 clinical trial related to its PROC ovarian cancer trial. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has achieved a clinical milestone based on the Center for Drug Evaluation of the China National Medical Products Administration approval of the IND submitted by 3D Medicines to participate in the Company’s international batiraxcept Phase 3 PROC clinical trial for $3 million. No other clinical or regulatory milestones have been assessed as probable of being reached and thus have been fully constrained. The Company continues to re-assess the probability of achievement of future milestones at the end of each reporting period.

The Company recognized in revenue $1.0 million and $2.3 million related to the research and development services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and $1.4 million and $4.2 million related to the license to the intellectual property for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company adjusted its estimate of the overall transaction price as a result of the achievement of the $6 million and $3 million development milestones. This adjustment resulted in a cumulative catch-up recorded to revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 of approximately $5.0 million. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had a contract liability balance of $8.9 million of which $5.3 million is classified as current and $3.6 million is classified as long-term, consisting of deferred revenue related to a portion of the payment received from 3D Medicines. Revenue recognized from the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2020 was $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, the service period for the future research and development services is expected to occur over the next 2.25 years.

5. Leases

In March 2017, the Company entered into an operating facility lease agreement for approximately 34,500 rentable square feet located at the 1020 Marsh Facility. The lease commenced in August 2017 for a period of 87 months with one renewal option for a five-year term. The Company did not include the renewal option period as the Company determined it was not reasonably certain the lease would be renewed as of the modification date.

16

 

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

In October 2018, the Company executed a sublease agreement in Palo Alto, California for approximately 4,240 square feet for office space. The rental term of the sublease commenced on October 30, 2018 and expired August 31, 2020.  

In August 2020, the Company entered into a lease agreement in North Carolina for approximately 4,128 square feet for office space. The monthly lease payments will be approximately $9 thousand per month for a period of 63 months with a three-month rent abatement period. The lease commenced in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The Company’s rent expense including both short-term and variable lease components of $0.1 million associated with the facility leases was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s rent expense including both short-term and variable lease components of  $0.3 million associated with the facility leases was $1.1 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease obligations for operating cash flows from operating leases was $1.8 million and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, the Company’s operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 3.2 years and a weighted average discount rate of 7.64%, which approximates the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.

As of September 30, 2021, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2021 (3 months remaining)	$	733
2022		2,955
2023		3,039
2024		2,619
2025		116
Thereafter		30
Total future minimum lease payments		9,493
Less: discount		(2,523	)
Total lease liabilities	$	6,970

1020 Marsh Facility Sublease

On June 8, 2021, the Company entered into an operating sublease with Subtenant for the 1020 Marsh Facility. The final agreement and consent received from the landlord was obtained on July 13, 2021. The term of the sublease will commence on August 1, 2021 through October 31, 2024, unless the master lease is terminated earlier due to a breach by Subtenant. Subtenant will also pay to the Company, as additional rent, an amount equal to the Company’s share of operating expenses attributable to the subleased premises due under the master lease. The terms entered into for this sublease agreement did not result in an impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Lease income associated with this sublease is recorded in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company has recorded lease income associated with this sublease of approximately $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, cash received from the Subtenant was $0.6 million, which amount was included in operating cash flows.

Future base rent the Subtenant shall pay to the Company over the sublease term as of September 30, 2021, are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2021 (3 months remaining)	$	569
2022		2,303
2023		2,372
2024		2,029
Total	$	7,273

In August 2018, the Company entered into an operating sublease agreement with EVA Automation, Inc. (“EVA”) for the 1020 Marsh Facility. The 1020 Marsh Facility sublease commenced on October 1, 2018 for 72 months. EVA was entitled to an abatement of base rent of approximately $0.9 million for the first five full calendar months of the term of the sublease. Lease income associated with this sublease is recorded in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. At the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company was informed by EVA that it will not be in a position to pay future sublease rental payments and intends to exit the sublease. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge to long-lived assets as previously discussed in Note 2. In addition, associated with this impairment charge the Company recorded a write down totaling $1.4 million related to a straight-line sublease rent receivable balance and previously capitalized commission charges, which has been recorded in other expense within the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Overall, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded sublease income associated with this sublease of $31 thousand and a loss of $13 thousand. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, cash received from EVA was $1.2 million, which amount was included in the change in prepaid expenses and other assets for operating cash flows.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

The Company conducts research and development programs through a combination of internal and collaborative programs that include, among others, arrangements with contract manufacturing organizations and contract research organizations. The Company had contractual arrangements with these organizations including license agreements with milestone obligations and service agreements with obligations largely based on services performed.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various firm purchase commitments related to certain preclinical and clinical studies.

17

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and provide for general indemnifications. The Company’s exposure under these agreements is unknown because it involves claims that may be made against the Company in the future but have not yet been made. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated.  

Indemnification

In accordance with the Company’s amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, the Company has indemnification obligations to its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while they are serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. There have been no claims to date and the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that may enable it to recover a portion of any amounts paid for future claims.

Litigation

The Company may from time to time be involved in legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business. There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings as of September 30, 2021.

7. Common Stock

Private Placement

On April 6, 2020, the Company, entered into an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”), by and among the Company, Eshelman Ventures, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the “Eshelman Ventures”), and, solely for purposes of Article IV and Article V of the Investment Agreement, Fredric N. Eshelman, Pharm.D., who immediately became the Company’s chairman of the board.

On April 8, 2020, pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Eshelman Ventures purchased 931,098 shares of the Company’s unregistered common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.0 million. The Company recorded the amount received net of expenses of approximately $78 thousand.

Related Party Transaction

On February 12, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, with Eshelman Ventures relating to the issuance and sale (the “Offering”) of 2,875,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $7.29. The Offering closed on February 18, 2021 and the Company received aggregate proceeds from the Offering of approximately $20.9 million, net of offering costs. Eshelman Ventures is an entity wholly owned by the Company’s chairman of the board.

At the Market Offering Program

In September 2020, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC which was declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2020 (the “Form S-3”). On September 4, 2020, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Piper Sandler & Co. (“Piper Sandler”) and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor Fitzgerald”) to sell shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, from time to time, pursuant to the Form S-3 through an “at the market offering” program having an aggregate offering price of up to $60,000,000 through which Piper Sandler and Cantor Fitzgerald will act as sales agents (the “Sales Agents”). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company sold 182,995 shares and 1,382,673 shares for net proceeds of $0.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively, under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

8. Stock Based Awards

Equity Incentive Plans

The Company’s Board of Directors, or Board, and stockholders approved the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2019 Plan, which became effective on September 12, 2019. The 2019 Plan is a successor to and continuation of all prior plans including the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and Aravive Biologics' 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (Prior Plans). As of September 30, 2021, the total number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan was approximately 1,934,179. In addition, if the shares subject to outstanding stock options or other awards under the Prior Plans: (I) terminate or expire prior to exercise or settlement; (II) are not issued because the award is settled in cash; (III) are forfeited because of failure to vest; or (IV) are reacquired or withheld (or not issued) to satisfy a tax withholding obligation or the purchase or exercise price, if any, such shares will become available for issuance under the 2019 Plan. Unless the Board provides otherwise, beginning January 1, 2021 with an expiration date of January 1, 2029, the total number of shares of common stock available for issuance will automatically increase annually on January 1 of each calendar year by 4.5% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year. The 2019 Plan provides for granting of equity awards to employees, directors and consultants, including incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and performance awards.

18

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Activity under the Company’s stock option plan is set forth below:

						Weighted
						Average
				Weighted		Remaining		Aggregate
				Average		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Number of			Exercise		Life		Value
	Shares			Price		(in years)		(in thousands)
Balances, January 1, 2021		2,173,776		$	9.59
Options granted		865,674			5.55
Options cancelled		(457,323	)		34.53
Options exercised		(148,452	)		1.91
Balances, September 30, 2021		2,433,675		$	3.93		7.0	$	3,269
Outstanding and expected to vest as of September 30, 2021		2,278,219		$	3.77		6.9	$	3,269
Exercisable as of September 30, 2021		1,473,616		$	2.44		5.6	$	3,269

The intrinsic values of outstanding, vested and exercisable options were determined by multiplying the number of shares by the difference in exercise price of the options and the fair value of the common stock. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was $0.8 million.

Stock Options Granted to Employees

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company granted stock options to officers, directors and employees to purchase shares of common stock with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.66 and $7.82 per share, respectively. The fair value is being expensed over the vesting period of the options, which is usually 4 years on a straight-line basis as the services are being provided. No tax benefits were realized from options and other share-based payment arrangements during the periods.

As of September 30, 2021, total unrecognized employee stock-based compensation related to stock options granted was $4.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.6 years.

The fair value of employee stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	September 30,			September 30,
	2021			2020
Expected volatility		114.4	%		112.3	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.0	%
Dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%
Expected life (in years)		5.9			6.0

Determining Fair Value of Stock Options – The fair value of each grant of stock options was determined by the Company using the methods and assumptions discussed below. Each of these inputs is subjective and generally requires significant judgment to determine.

Expected Volatility – The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected term of our stock options. 

Risk-Free Interest Rate – The risk-free rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury instruments with terms that were consistent with the expected term of the Company’s stock options.

19

ARAVIVE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) (unaudited)

Expected Dividend – The expected dividend assumption was based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Expected Term – The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to be outstanding. For option grants that are considered to be “plain vanilla”, the Company has opted to use the simplified method for estimating the expected term as provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The simplified method calculates the expected term as the average time-to-vesting and the contractual life of the options.

Forfeiture Rate – Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

Fair Value of Common Stock – The fair value of the underlying common stock is based upon quoted prices on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

9. Net loss per share of Common Stock

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share of the Company (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Net loss	$	(11,086	)	$	(10,660	)	$	(26,195	)	$	(26,497	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.53	)	$	(0.66	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(1.69	)
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share		20,763			16,055			19,758			15,658

Basic net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method and the as-if converted method, for convertible securities, if inclusion of these is dilutive. Because the Company has reported a net loss for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not have dilutive common stock equivalents and therefore diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for those periods.

The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding at the end of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021		2020
Options to purchase common stock		2,433,675		2,204,141
Restricted stock units		—		1,441

20

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 filed on March 16, 2021 (the “Annual Report”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This discussion, particularly information with respect to our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy, plans and objectives for future operations and the uncertain negative impacts that current uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic may have on our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as described under the heading “Special note regarding forward-looking statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. You should review the disclosure under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and under Part 1, Item 1A of the Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our” and similar first-person expressions refer to Aravive, Inc. (formerly known as Versartis, Inc.) and its subsidiary, Aravive Biologics, Inc. ("Aravive Biologics")

Special note regarding forward-looking statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions or variations intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management based on information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included under Part II, Item 1A below and those identified under Part 1, Item 1A of the Annual Report. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Overview

We are a clinical-stage oncology company developing transformative treatments designed to halt the progression of life-threatening diseases, including cancer and fibrosis.

Our lead product candidate, batiraxcept (formerly AVB-500), is an ultrahigh-affinity, decoy protein that targets the GAS6-AXL signaling pathway. By capturing serum GAS6, batiraxcept starves the AXL pathway of its signal, potentially halting the biological programming that promotes disease progression. AXL receptor signaling plays an important role in multiple types of malignancies by promoting metastasis, cancer cell survival, resistance to treatments, and immune suppression.

Our current development program benefits from the availability of a proprietary serum-based biomarker that has accelerated batiraxcept drug development by allowing us to select a pharmacologically active dose and may potentially identify the cancer patients that have the best chance of responding to batiraxcept.

In our completed Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers with our lead product candidate, batiraxcept, we have demonstrated proof of mechanism for batiraxcept in neutralizing GAS6. Importantly, batiraxcept had a favorable safety profile preclinically and in the first in human trial and Phase 1b clinical trial in cancer patients.

In August 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") designated as a Fast Track development program the investigation of our lead development candidate, batiraxcept, for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

In December 2018, we initiated our Phase 1b clinical trial of batiraxcept combined with standard of care therapies in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer ("PROC"), for which we reported results in July 2020.

21

In April 2020, we entered into a license and collaboration agreement with WuXi Biologics (Hong Kong) Limited, the objective of which is to identify and develop novel high-affinity bispecific antibodies against CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor ("CTGF"), implicated in cancer and fibrosis and identified from a similar target discovery screen that identified the significance of the AXL/GAS6 pathway in cancer. The goal is to generate a best-in-class therapeutic targeting desmoplasia and tumor growth for initial investigation in the clinic in 2023.

In November 2020, we entered into a collaboration and license agreement (the "Agreement") with 3D Medicines Inc. ("3D Medicines"), whereby we granted 3D Medicines an exclusive license to develop and commercialize products that contain batiraxcept as the sole drug substance, for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of human oncological diseases, in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, we initiated our Phase 1b portion of the Phase 1b/2 trial of batiraxcept in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma ("ccRCC") and we dosed our first patient in the trial in March 2021.

During the first quarter 2021, we initiated our registrational Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in PROC and we dosed our first patient in the trial in April 2021.This global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled adaptive trial is designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of batiraxcept at a dose of 15 mg/kg in combination with paclitaxel versus paclitaxel alone. As noted previously, we have experienced delays in patient enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, we now expect to conduct the interim analysis in mid-2022. The interim analysis is being conducted to determine whether randomization will continue with all patients, regardless of prior bevacizumab treatment, or only with patients medically ineligible to receive bevacizumab or who chose not to receive bevacizumab. The final analysis of the primary endpoint preserves the opportunity to evaluate the efficacy in patients who received bevacizumab prior to trial entry, as well as those patients who never received bevacizumab and provides an additional opportunity to be successful in both patient populations, regardless of the results of the interim analysis.

In May 2021, we announced expansion of batiraxcept development programs into first line pancreatic adenocarcinoma with the goal of initiating the trial by end of 2021. We dosed our first patient in August 2021.

In June 2021, we announced positive initial safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic results from the batiraxcept Phase 1b portion of the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in ccRCC.

In October 2021, the European Medicines Agency granted orphan drug designation for batiraxcept for the treatment of ovarian cancer, following a recommendation from the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products.

As we advance our clinical programs, we are in close contact with our clinical research organizations and clinical sites and are continually assessing the impact of COVID-19 on our planned trials and current timelines and costs. As noted previously, we have experienced delays in patient enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  To date, we are on track to meet all of our previously announce clinical milestones other than the delay in the interim analysis discussed above. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues and persists for an extended period of time or increases in severity, we could experience significant disruptions to its clinical development timelines and, if we experience delays in patient enrollment and deems it necessary or advisable to improve patient recruitment by, among other things, opening additional clinical sites, we could incur increased clinical program expenses. Any such disruptions or delays would, and any such increased clinical program expenses could, adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Important Note

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes a discussion of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Recent developments

In August 2021, we dosed the first patient in our Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of batiraxcept in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The Phase 1b portion of our clinical trial is intended to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical activity of batiraxcept in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel.

Financial overview

Revenue

To date, we have not generated any revenue from commercial sales of any of our product candidates. However, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we generated $2.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively, from our Agreement with 3D Medicines, which represents a portion of initial signing and milestone payments received from 3D Medicines that is recognized at the time of the receipt and a portion of the payments that is deferred and recognized over the PROC trial period.

In the future, we may generate revenue from a variety of sources, including product sales if we develop products which are approved for sale, license fees, milestones, research and development and royalty payments in connection with strategic collaborations or government contracts, or licenses of our intellectual property.

Research and development expenses

We recognize both internal and external research and development expenses as incurred. Our external research and development expenses consist primarily of:

• the cost of acquiring and manufacturing clinical trial and other materials, including expenses incurred under agreements with contract manufacturing organizations;

• expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, investigative sites, and consultants that conduct our clinical trials; and

• other costs associated with development activities, including additional studies;

Internal research and development costs consist primarily of salaries and related fringe benefit costs for our employees (such as workers’ compensation and health insurance premiums), stock-based compensation charges and travel costs.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consist principally of personnel-related costs, professional fees for legal, consulting, audit and tax services, rent and other general operating expenses not included in research and development.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net is primarily comprised of sublease income for our 1020 Marsh Facility lease and gains and losses on foreign currency transactions related to third party contracts with foreign-based contract manufacturing organizations in 2021 and 2020.

Critical accounting policies, significant judgments and use of estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our critical accounting policies and estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Annual Report.

22

Results of operations

Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and 2020

The following table summarizes our net loss during the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

	Three Months Ended											Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						Increase/					September 30,						Increase/
	2021			2020			(Decrease)					2021			2020			(Decrease)
Revenue:
Collaboration revenue	$	2,412		$	—		$	2,412		(1	)	$	6,457		$	—		$	6,457		(1	)
Operating expenses:
Research and development		11,343			5,070			6,273		124	%		25,347			11,085			14,262		129	%
General and administrative		2,643			2,715			(72	)	-3	%		8,102			9,866			(1,764	)	-18	%
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets		—			2,914			(2,914	)				—			5,784			(5,784	)	(1	)
Total operating expenses		13,986			10,699			3,287		31	%		33,449			26,735			6,714		25	%
Loss from operations		(11,574	)		(10,699	)		875		8	%		(26,992	)		(26,735	)		257		1	%
Interest income		9			8			1		13	%		29			251			(222	)	-88	%
Other income (expense), net		479			31			448		(1	)		768			(13	)		(781	)	(1	)
Net loss	$	(11,086	)	$	(10,660	)	$	426		4	%	$	(26,195	)	$	(26,497	)	$	(302	)	-1	%

(1) Not meaningful

Collaboration revenue

In November 2020, we entered into the Agreement with 3D Medicines. Collaboration revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $2.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively. There was no collaboration revenue during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Research and development expense

Research and development expense increased by $6.3 million, or 124%, to $11.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $5.1 million for the same period in 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 research and development expense increased $14.3 million or 129% to $25.3 million from $11.1 million for the same period in 2020. The increase was primarily due to our clinical trial expenses and an increase in compensation expense as we further built out our research and development team for our clinical trials. The initiation of our Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in PROC along with our phase 1b clinical trials in ccRCC and pancreatic adenocarcinoma have been a significant driver to the recent increase in research and development expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020.   

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense decreased by $0.1 million, or 3%, to $2.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $2.7 million for the same period in 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, general and administrative expense decreased $1.8 million or 18% to $8.1 million from $9.9 million from the same period in 2020. The decrease was primarily driven by lower stock-based compensation expense along with reduced rent expense, legal and consulting fees.

Loss on impairment of long-lived assets

The Company incurred non-cash charges for impairment of our long-lived assets of $2.9 and $5.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to our former sublease tenant's inability to pay future sublease rental payments as compared to no charges in 2021.

Other income (expense), net

Other income increased by $0.4 million, to $0.5 million in the three months ending September 30, 2021 from $31,000 for the same period in 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, other income and expense increased by $0.8 million, to $0.8 million from $13,000 of other expense in same period of 2020. The increase mainly relates to our sublease income received from our new Subtenant with no write-down incurred in 2021 as compared to sublease income received in 2020 from our prior sublease tenant, which was offset by the write-down of $1.4 million related to our sublease receivable balance and previously capitalized commission charges.

23

Liquidity and capital resources

Since our inception and through September 30, 2021, we have financed our operations through private placements of our equity securities, public offerings of our common stock, debt financing, CPRIT grant proceeds, sales of common stock through our at the market facility as well as payments received from license agreements. At September 30, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $526.8 million and working capital of $57.3 million, primarily as a result of research and development and general and administrative expenses. At September 30, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $67.5 million, a majority of which is invested in money market funds at several highly rated financial institutions.

During 2020 and 2021, our primary sources of funding have been grant revenue from our CRIT Grant, revenue from 3D Medicines and proceeds from the sale of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. In March 2020, we received approximately $1.6 million of additional funding from our CPRIT Grant. In November 2020, June 2021 and August 2021, we received $12 million, $6 million and $3 million, respectively, in upfront and milestone payments from 3D Medicines pursuant to the Agreement with them. On February 18, 2021, we received approximately $21 million from the purchase by Eshelman Ventures of 2,875,000 shares of our common stock. In September 2020, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC which was declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2020. On September 4, 2020, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "Equity Distribution Agreement"), with Piper Sandler & Co., ("Piper Sandler"), and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., ("Cantor Fitzgerald"), to sell shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, from time to time, through an “at the market offering” program having an aggregate offering price of up to $60,000,000 through which Piper Sandler and Cantor Fitzgerald will act as sales agents.  During the three-month period ended September 30, 2021, we sold 182,995 shares of common stock for proceeds net of discounts and offering costs of $0.7 million under the Equity Distribution Agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we sold 1,382,673 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $9.6 million under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our current planned operations into the second half of 2022 and that we will need to obtain additional financing in order to pursue our clinical development programs including advancing our clinical development program to later stages of development, build out our pipeline and fund operations for the foreseeable future and we will continue to seek funds through equity or debt financings, collaborative or other arrangements with corporate sources, or through other sources of financing. These factors raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of the recorded assets or the classification of liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. Although management has been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that we will be successful or that any needed financing will be available in the future at terms acceptable to us.  Our failure to raise capital as and when needed could have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategies. We anticipate that we will need to raise substantial additional capital, the requirements of which will depend on many factors, including:

• the rate of progress, number of patients required to be dosed and cost of our clinical studies;

• the timing of, and costs involved in, seeking, and obtaining approvals from the FDA and other regulatory authorities;

• the cost of preparing to manufacture on a larger scale;

• the costs of commercialization activities if any future product candidate is approved, including product sales, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution;

• the degree and rate of market acceptance of any products launched by us or future partners;

• the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

• our ability to enter into additional collaboration, licensing, commercialization or other arrangements and the terms and timing of such arrangements; and

• the emergence of competing technologies or other adverse market developments.

If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all of our development programs and clinical trials. We may also be required to sell or license to others technologies or clinical product candidates or programs that we would prefer to develop and commercialize ourselves.

24

Cash flows

The following table sets forth the primary sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for each of the periods presented below:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021			2020
	(In thousands)
Net cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities	$	(23,834	)	$	(16,393	)
Financing activities		30,804			5,233
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	6,970		$	(11,160	)

Cash used in operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $23.8 million and $16.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which was primarily due to the use of funds in our operations related to the development of batiraxcept, our product candidate. Cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased compared to the same period in 2020 due primarily to the ramp up in our Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in PROC along with continuing costs related to our trial of our second oncology indication, ccRCC and our new third oncology indication, pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Cash provided by investing activities

Net cash from investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was zero.

Cash provided by financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $30.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and included $20.9 million in net proceeds from the issuance and sale of shares of our common stock to Eshelman Ventures and $9.6 million in net proceeds from the issuance and sales of our common stock pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement.  Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to proceeds from issuance of common stock, primarily in a private placement offering.

Contractual obligations and commitments

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, there were no other material changes to our contractual obligations and commitments described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

Since our inception, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest rate and market risk

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital to fund our operations. We also seek to maximize income from our cash and cash equivalents without assuming significant risk. To achieve our objectives, we invest our cash and cash equivalents in money market funds. As of September 30, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $67.5 million consisting of cash and investments in highly liquid U.S. money market funds. A portion of our investments may be subject to interest rate risk and could decrease in value if market interest rates increase. However, because our investments are substantially all short-term in duration, we believe that our exposure to interest rate risk is not significant and a 1% movement in market interest rates would not have a significant impact on the total value of our portfolio. We actively monitor changes in interest rates.

25

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation as of September 30, 2021 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures.”  Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act defines “disclosure controls and procedures” as controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to a company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at September 30, 2021.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2021, and has concluded that there was no change during such quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of our disclosure control system are met.  As set forth above, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on the evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of our disclosure control system were met.

26

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal proceedings

We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, together with all the other information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including our condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. If any of the following risks actually materializes, our operating results, financial condition and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The following information updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the information disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” contained in the Annual Report. Except as disclosed below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Annual Report.

Risks Related to Our Financial Position and Capital Requirements

We have incurred significant losses since inception and expect to continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability.

We have incurred significant operating losses in each year since our inception and expect to incur substantial and increasing losses for the foreseeable future. As of September 30, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $526.8 million. Our accumulated deficit does not reflect the cumulative deficit of Aravive Biologics prior to the merger. As a result of our recurring losses from operations, recurring negative cash flows from operations and substantial cumulative losses, there is uncertainty regarding our ability to maintain liquidity sufficient to operate our business effectively, which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to raise additional financing, we may be required to significantly delay, reduce, or terminate some or all of our development programs and clinical trials. 

To date, we have financed our operations through private placements of our equity securities, public offerings of our common stock, debt financing, CPRIT grant proceeds, sales of common stock through our at the market facility as well as payments received from license agreements. We have devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and development, including clinical studies, but have not completed development of any product candidate, and our Phase 3 clinical trial of somavaratan failed to meet its primary endpoint. We anticipate that our expenses will increase to the extent we:

• continue the research and development of our only product candidate, batiraxcept, and any future product candidates;

• conduct additional clinical studies of batiraxcept in the future, including our planned pivotal and Phase1b/Phase 2 trials and other later stage clinical trials with larger patient populations;

• seek to discover or in-license additional product candidates;

• seek regulatory approvals for batiraxcept and any future product candidates that successfully complete clinical studies;

• establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure and scale-up manufacturing capabilities to commercialize batiraxcept or other future product candidates if they obtain regulatory approval, including process improvements in order to manufacture batiraxcept at commercial scale; and

• enhance operational, financial and information management systems and hire more personnel, including personnel to support development of batiraxcept and any future product candidates and, if a product candidate is approved, our commercialization efforts.

To be profitable in the future, we must succeed in developing and eventually commercializing batiraxcept as well as other products with significant market potential. This will require us to be successful in a range of activities, including advancing batiraxcept and any future product candidates, completing clinical studies of these product candidates, obtaining regulatory approval for these product candidates and manufacturing, marketing and selling those products for which we may obtain regulatory approval. We may not succeed in these activities and may never generate revenue that is sufficient to be profitable in the future. Even if we are profitable, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. Our failure to achieve sustained profitability would depress the value of our company and could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, diversify our product candidates, market our product candidates, if approved, or continue our operations.

27

We expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly as our product candidates advance in clinical development. Because of numerous risks and uncertainties involved in our business, the timing or amount of increased development expenses cannot be accurately predicted and, our expenses could increase beyond expectations if we are required by the FDA, or comparable non-U.S. regulatory authorities, to perform studies or clinical trials in addition to those we currently anticipate or if we experience delays in studies due to unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if our product candidate, batiraxcept, is approved for commercial sale, we anticipate incurring significant costs associated with the commercial launch of and the related commercial-scale manufacturing requirements for batiraxcept. As a result, we expect to continue to incur significant and increasing operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with biopharmaceutical product development and commercialization, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of future expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. These losses have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our financial position and working capital.

There is uncertainty regarding our ability to maintain liquidity sufficient to operate our business effectively, which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our consolidated unaudited financial statements as of September 30, 2021 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, attain further operating efficiencies, reduce expenditures, and, ultimately, to generate revenue. Since inception, we have incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. At September 30, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $526.8 million and working capital of $57.3 million. We expect to continue to incur losses from expenses related to the development of batiraxcept and related administrative activities for the foreseeable future. As of September 30, 2021, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $67.5 million consisting of cash and investments in highly liquid U.S. money market funds. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our current planned operations into the second half of 2022 but that we will need to seek additional capital to fulfill our operating and capital requirement for the next 12 months to advance our clinical development program to later stages of development and commercialize our clinical product candidate. Although management has been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that we will be successful or that any needed financing will be available in the future at terms acceptable to the Company. As such, the Company cannot conclude that such plans will be effectively implemented within one year after the date that the financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and there is uncertainty regarding our ability to maintain liquidity sufficient to operate our business effectively, which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

We will need additional funds to support our operations, and such funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, which would force us to delay, reduce or suspend our research and development programs and other operations or commercialization efforts. Raising additional capital may subject us to unfavorable terms, cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our product candidates and technologies.

The completion of the development and the potential commercialization of batiraxcept and any future product candidates, should they receive approval, will require substantial funds. As of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $67.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund our current planned operations into the second half of 2022 based on our existing business plan; however, our existing cash and cash equivalents will not be sufficient to enable us to complete the clinical development and commercialization of batiraxcept. Our future financing requirements will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the following:

• the rate of progress and cost of our future clinical studies;

• the timing of, and costs involved in, seeking and obtaining approvals from the FDA and other regulatory authorities;

• the cost of preparing to manufacture batiraxcept on a larger scale, should we elect to do so;

• the costs of commercialization activities if batiraxcept or any future product candidate is approved, including product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution;

• the degree and rate of market acceptance of any products launched by us or future partners;

• the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

• our ability to enter into additional collaboration, licensing, commercialization or other arrangements and the terms and timing of such arrangements;

• the emergence of competing technologies or other adverse market developments;

• the costs of attracting, hiring and retaining qualified personnel; and

• the impact to the global capital markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We do not have any material committed external source of funds or other support for our development efforts. Although we have entered into an at the market facility with Piper Sandler & Co., and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., as sales agents, there can be no assurance that we will meet all of the conditions necessary to continue to use such facility or that we can generate sufficient proceeds from the sale of securities pursuant to such facility to support our operations. Until we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue to finance our cash requirements, which we may never do, we expect to finance future cash needs through a combination of public or private equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements and other marketing and distribution arrangements. Additional financing may not be available to us when we need it or it may not be available on favorable terms. In addition, certain SEC and Nasdaq limitations with respect to fundraising may make it more difficult to raise additional funds. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing when needed, we may have to delay, reduce the scope of, or suspend one or more of our clinical studies or research and development programs or our commercialization efforts.

28

Risks Related to Our Business

For the Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer, for the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial and planned Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and for the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial and planned Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, we are administering, or plan to administer, our clinical product candidate, batiraxcept, in combination with other approved standard of care drugs. Any problems obtaining the standard of care drugs, other essential supplies or clinical sites maintaining adequate staff could result in a delay or interruption in our clinical trials.

For the Phase 3 clinical trial of batiraxcept for the treatment of patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer, we are administering batiraxcept in combination with an already approved standard of care drug, paclitaxel. For the ongoing Phase 1b portion and planned Phase 2 portion of our Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of batiraxcept for the treatment of patients with clear cell renal carcinoma, we are administering batiraxcept in combination with an already approved standard of care drug, cabozantinib. For the ongoing Phase 1b portion and planned Phase 2 portion of our Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of batiraxcept for the treatment of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, we are administering batiraxcept in combination with an already approved standard of care drugs, gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane®).  Therefore, our success in completing these trials will be dependent upon the continued use of these standard of care drugs. In addition, our success in completing these trials is also dependent upon the ability of our trial sites to obtain essential supplies such as IV saline bags and to maintain and adequate staff to administer batiraxcept and any standard of care drugs. We expect that in any other clinical trials we conduct for additional indications, our clinical product candidate will also be administered in combination with drugs owned by third parties. If any of the standard of care drugs that are used in our clinical trials or other essential supplies are unavailable while the trials are continuing, the timeliness and commercialization costs could be impacted, both of which could have a material adverse result on our operating results. In addition, if any of these other drugs are determined to have safety or efficacy problems, our clinical trials and commercialization efforts would be adversely affected.

Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Common Stock

Our stock price has fluctuated in the past, has recently been volatile and may be volatile in the future, and as a result, investors in our common stock could incur substantial losses.

Our stock price has fluctuated in the past, has recently been volatile and may be volatile in the future. From January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 the reported sale price of our common stock has fluctuated between $3.50 and $14.81 per share. From January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021 the reported closing price of our common stock has fluctuated between $3.67 and $9.24 per share. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused broad stock market and industry fluctuations, including a significant decline in our stock price. The stock market in general and the market for biotechnology companies in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, investors may experience losses on their investment in our common stock. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including the following:

• investor reaction to our business strategy and clinical data;

• the success of competitive products or technologies;

• results of clinical studies of batiraxcept or future product candidates or those of our competitors;

• regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries, especially changes in laws or regulations applicable to our products;

• introductions and announcements of new products by us, results of clinical trials, our commercialization partners, or our competitors, and the timing of these introductions or announcements;

29

• actions taken by regulatory agencies with respect to our products, clinical studies, manufacturing process or sales and marketing terms;

• variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us;

• the success of our efforts to acquire or in-license additional products or product candidates;

• developments concerning our collaborations, including but not limited to those with our sources of manufacturing supply and our commercialization partners;

• developments concerning our ability to bring our manufacturing processes to scale in a cost-effective manner;

• announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

• developments or disputes concerning patents or other proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters and our ability to obtain patent protection for our products;

• our ability or inability to raise additional capital and the terms on which we raise it;

• the recruitment or departure of key personnel;

• changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems;

• market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors;

• declines in the market prices of stocks generally;

• actual or anticipated changes in earnings estimates or changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our common stock, other comparable companies or our industry generally;

• trading volume of our common stock;

• sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders;

• general economic, industry and market conditions;

• other events or factors, including those resulting from such events, or the prospect of such events, including war, terrorism and other international conflicts, public health issues including health epidemics or pandemics, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters such as fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados or other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the United States or elsewhere, could disrupt our operations, disrupt the operations of our suppliers or result in political or economic instability; and

• the other risks described in this “Risk factors” section.

These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. Since the stock price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past, has been recently volatile and may be volatile in the future, investors in our common stock could incur substantial losses. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Our current executive officers, directors, and entities under our control will continue to maintain the ability to control or significantly influence all matters submitted to stockholders for approval.

As of September 30, 2021, our current executive officers, directors and entities under their control, in the aggregate, owned shares representing approximately 27.8% of our common stock. As a result, if these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to control or significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these stockholders, if they choose to act together, will control or significantly influence the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of our company on terms that other stockholders may desire.

30

Item 6. Exhibits

		Incorporation by Reference
Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description	Form	SEC File No.	Exhibit	Filing Date
3.1	Amended and Restated Bylaws	S-1/A	333-193997	3.4	03/06/2014
3.2	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation	8-K	001-36361	3.1	03/26/2014
3.3	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation	8-K	001-36361	3.1	06/01/2017
3.4	Certificate of Amendment of Amended to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended	8-K	001-36361	3.1	09/12/2017
3.5	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended	8-K	001-36361	3.1	10/16/2018
3.6	Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended	8-K	001-36361	3.2	10/16/2018
3.7	Certificate of Correction to Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended	10-K	001-36361	3.6	03/15/2019
31.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.1*+	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.2*+	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

* Filed Herewith.

+ This certification accompanies the Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed “filed” by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31

SIGNATURES

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.

	ARAVIVE, INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: October 28, 2021	By:/s/ Gail McIntyre
	Gail McIntyre Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

	ARAVIVE, INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: October 28, 2021	By:/s/ Vinay Shah
	Vinay Shah Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

32

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Gail McIntyre, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aravive, Inc.

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 28, 2021
	By:	/s/ Gail McIntyre
		Name: Gail McIntyre
		Title:  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Vinay Shah, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aravive, Inc.

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 28, 2021
	By:	/s/ Vinay Shah
		Name: Vinay Shah
		Title:  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gail McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of Aravive, Inc. (the “Company”), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

1. The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021 (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.

Dated: October 28, 2021
	By:	/s/ Gail McIntyre
		Name: Gail McIntyre
		Title:  Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Vinay Shah, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) of Aravive, Inc. (the “Company”), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

1. The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021 (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.

Dated: October 28, 2021
	By:	/s/ Vinay Shah
		Name: Vinay Shah
		Title:  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

XML

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 25, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0001513818
Entity Registrant Name	Aravive, Inc.
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-36361
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	26-4106690
Entity Address, Address Line One	River Oaks Tower 3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 1200
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77098
City Area Code	936
Local Phone Number	355-1910
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Trading Symbol	ARAV
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,973,499

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 67,511	$ 60,541
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,012	1,148
Total current assets	71,523	61,689
Restricted cash	2,430	2,430
Property and equipment, net	435	526
Operating lease right-of-use assets	2,394	2,958
Intangible asset, net	6	97
Other assets	5	10
Total assets	76,793	67,710
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	1,988	2,500
Accrued liabilities	4,586	2,323
Operating lease obligation, current portion	2,324	2,086
Current portion of deferred revenue	5,296	2,552
Total current liabilities	14,194	9,461
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	3,617	3,763
Operating lease obligation, net of current portion	4,646	6,431
Total liabilities	22,457	19,655
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; 20,904,499 and 16,481,099 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	581,183	548,707
Accumulated deficit	(526,849)	(500,654)
Total stockholders' equity	54,336	48,055
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 76,793	$ 67,710

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	20,904,499	16,481,099
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,904,499	16,481,099

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue
Total revenue	$ 2,412	$ 0	$ 6,457	$ 0
Operating expenses
Research and development	11,343	5,070	25,347	11,085
General and administrative	2,643	2,715	8,102	9,866
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets		2,914	0	5,784
Total operating expenses	13,986	10,699	33,449	26,735
Loss from operations	(11,574)	(10,699)	(26,992)	(26,735)
Interest income	9	8	29	251
Other income (expense), net	479	31	768	(13)
Net loss	$ (11,086)	$ (10,660)	$ (26,195)	$ (26,497)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.53)	$ (0.66)	$ (1.33)	$ (1.69)
Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share (in shares)	20,763	16,055	19,758	15,658
Collaborative Arrangement [Member]
Revenue
Total revenue	$ 2,412	$ 0	$ 6,457	$ 0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Direct Offering [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Direct Offering [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Direct Offering [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	Direct Offering [Member]	At-the-market Offering [Member] Common Stock [Member]	At-the-market Offering [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	At-the-market Offering [Member] Retained Earnings [Member]	At-the-market Offering [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019									15,001,795
Balances at Dec. 31, 2019									$ 2	$ 539,158	$ (470,111)	$ 69,049
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)									5,645
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options									$ 0	33	0	33
Stock-based compensation									0	717	0	717
Net loss									$ 0	0	(10,796)	(10,796)
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans (in shares)									8,492
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans									$ 0	0	0	0
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020									15,015,932
Balances at Mar. 31, 2020									$ 2	539,908	(480,907)	59,003
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019									15,001,795
Balances at Dec. 31, 2019									$ 2	539,158	(470,111)	69,049
Net loss												(26,497)
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020									16,087,266
Balances at Sep. 30, 2020									$ 2	545,972	(496,608)	49,366
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020									15,015,932
Balances at Mar. 31, 2020									$ 2	539,908	(480,907)	59,003
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)									13,844
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options									$ 0	53	0	53
Issuance of common stock (in shares)									931,098
Issuance of common stock									$ 0	4,922	0	4,922
Stock-based compensation									0	488	0	488
Net loss									$ 0	0	(5,041)	(5,041)
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans (in shares)									35,303
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans									$ 0	22	0	22
Balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020									15,996,177
Balances at Jun. 30, 2020									$ 2	545,393	(485,948)	59,447
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)									91,089
Issuance of common stock									$ 0	203	0	203
Stock-based compensation									0	376	0	376
Net loss									$ 0	0	(10,660)	(10,660)
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020									16,087,266
Balances at Sep. 30, 2020									$ 2	545,972	(496,608)	49,366
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020									16,481,099
Balances at Dec. 31, 2020									$ 2	548,707	(500,654)	48,055
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)									77,858
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options									$ 0	260	0	260
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	2,875,000				884,695
Issuance of common stock	$ 0	$ 20,866	$ 0	$ 20,866	$ 0	$ 7,034	$ 0	$ 7,034
Stock-based compensation									0	505	0	505
Net loss									$ 0	0	(8,004)	(8,004)
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021									20,318,652
Balances at Mar. 31, 2021									$ 2	577,372	(508,658)	68,716
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020									16,481,099
Balances at Dec. 31, 2020									$ 2	548,707	(500,654)	$ 48,055
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)												148,452
Net loss												$ (26,195)
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021									20,904,499
Balances at Sep. 30, 2021									$ 2	581,183	(526,849)	54,336
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021									20,318,652
Balances at Mar. 31, 2021									$ 2	577,372	(508,658)	68,716
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)									63,094
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options									$ 0	20	0	20
Issuance of common stock (in shares)					314,983
Issuance of common stock					$ 0	$ 1,816	$ 0	$ 1,816
Stock-based compensation									0	540	0	540
Net loss									$ 0	0	(7,105)	(7,105)
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans (in shares)									17,275
Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans									$ 0	71	0	71
Balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021									20,714,004
Balances at Jun. 30, 2021									$ 2	579,819	(515,763)	64,058
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)									7,500
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options									$ 0	5	0	5
Issuance of common stock (in shares)									182,995
Issuance of common stock									$ 0	732	0	732
Stock-based compensation									0	627	0	627
Net loss									$ 0	0	(11,086)	(11,086)
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2021									20,904,499
Balances at Sep. 30, 2021									$ 2	$ 581,183	$ (526,849)	$ 54,336

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Direct Offering [Member]
Issuance costs	$ 98
Issuance costs		$ 78

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$ (26,195)	$ (26,497)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	746	1,602
Impairment of long-lived assets	0	5,784
Stock-based compensation expense	1,672	1,581
Write-off of lease receivable/prepaid commission assets	0	1,383
Changes in assets and liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(2,859)	962
Accounts payable	(512)	615
Deferred revenue	2,598	0
Accrued and other liabilities	716	(1,823)
Net cash used in operating activities	(23,834)	(16,393)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with employee benefit plans	71	311
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of options	285	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in private placement, net of issuance costs of $78	0	4,922
Net cash provided by financing activities	30,804	5,233
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	6,970	(11,160)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	62,971	67,557
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	69,941	56,397
Direct Offering [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in offering	20,866	0
At-the-market Offering [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in offering	$ 9,582	$ 0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Stock Issuance costs	$ 78

XML

Note 1 - Formation and Business of the Company

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

1. Formation and Business of the Company

Aravive, Inc. (“Aravive” or the “Company”) was incorporated on December 10, 2008 in the State of Delaware. Aravive Biologics, Inc. (“Aravive Biologics”) our wholly owned subsidiary was incorporated in 2007. Aravive is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments designed to halt the progression of life-threatening diseases, including cancer and fibrosis.

The Company’s lead product candidate, batiraxcept (formerly AVB-500), is an ultrahigh-affinity, decoy protein that targets the GAS6-AXL signaling pathway. By capturing serum GAS6, batiraxcept starves the AXL pathway of its signal, potentially halting the biological programming that promotes disease progression. AXL receptor signaling plays an important role in multiple types of malignancies by promoting metastasis, cancer cell survival, resistance to treatments, and immune suppression.

The Company’s current development program benefits from the availability of a proprietary serum-based biomarker that accelerated batiraxcept drug development by allowing the Company to select a pharmacologically active dose and may potentially identify the cancer patients that have the best chance of responding to batiraxcept.

In July 2016, Aravive Biologics was approved for a $20.0 million Product Development Award from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (“CPRIT Grant”). The CPRIT Grant was expected to allow Aravive Biologics to develop the product candidate referenced above through clinical trials. The CPRIT Grant was effective as of June 1, 2016 and terminated on November 30, 2019. Aravive Biologics’ royalty and other obligations, including its obligation to repay the disbursed grant proceeds under certain circumstances, survive the termination of the agreement. The CPRIT Grant was subject to customary CPRIT funding conditions including a matching funds requirement where Aravive Biologics matched 50% of funding from the CPRIT Grant. Consequently, Aravive Biologics was required to raise $10.0 million in matching funds over the three-year project. Aravive Biologics raised all its required $10.0 million in matching funds.

Aravive Biologics’ award from CPRIT requires it to pay CPRIT a portion of its revenues from sales of certain products, or received from its licensees or sublicensees, at tiered percentages of revenue in the low- to mid-single digits until the aggregate amount of such payments equals 400% of the grant award proceeds, and thereafter at a rate of less than one percent for as long as Aravive Biologics maintains government exclusivity. In addition, the grant contract also contains a provision that provides for repayment to CPRIT of the full amount of the grant proceeds under certain specified circumstances involving relocation of Aravive Biologics’ principal place of business outside Texas.

In the Company’s completed Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers with its lead product candidate, batiraxcept, the Company demonstrated proof of mechanism for batiraxcept in neutralizing GAS6. Importantly, batiraxcept had a favorable safety profile preclinically and in the first in human trial and Phase 1b clinical trial in cancer patients.

In August 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) designated as a Fast Track development program the investigation of the Company’s lead development candidate, batiraxcept, for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer ("PROC").

In December 2018, the Company initiated a Phase 1b clinical trial of batiraxcept combined with standard of care therapies in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, or PROC, for which it reported results in July 2020.

In April 2020, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement with WuXi Biologics (Hong Kong) Limited, the objective of which is to identify and develop novel high-affinity bispecific antibodies against CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor ("CTGF"), implicated in cancer and fibrosis, and identified from a similar target discovery screen that identified the significance of the AXL/GAS6 pathway in cancer. The goal is to generate a best-in-class therapeutic targeting desmoplasia and tumor growth for initial investigation in the clinic in 2023.

In November 2020, the Company entered into a collaboration and license agreement (the "Agreement") with 3D Medicines Inc. ("3D Medicines"), whereby the Company granted 3D Medicines an exclusive license to develop and commercialize products that contain batiraxcept as the sole drug substance for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of human oncological diseases, in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau (the "Territory") for an upfront cash payment of $12 million. In April 2021, the Company dosed the first patient in our Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Based upon this event, the Company has completed its first clinical milestone with 3D Medicines and the Company received a $6 million cash payment related to the completion of this milestone, during the second quarter of 2021. In August 2021, the Company received a $3 million development milestone from its licensee, 3D Medicines. This milestone is based on the Center for Drug Evaluation ("CDE") of the China National Medical Products Administration ("NMPA") approval of the Investigational New Drug application ("IND") submitted by 3D Medicines to participate in the Company’s international batiraxcept Phase 3 PROC clinical trial.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company initiated its Phase 1b portion of its Phase 1b/2 trial of batiraxcept in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (“ccRCC”) and the Company dosed its first patient in the trial in March 2021.

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company initiated a registrational Phase 3 trial of batiraxcept in PROC and the Company dosed its first patient in the trial in April 2021.

In May 2021, the Company announced expansion of batiraxcept development programs into first line pancreatic adenocarcinoma with the goal of initiating the trial by end of 2021. The Company dosed its first patient in August 2021.

In June 2021, the Company announced positive initial safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic results from the batiraxcept Phase 1b portion of the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in ccRCC. Based on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety data at 15mg/kg of batiraxcept, and approval by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board ("DSMB"), the Company announced plans to expand the dosing of 15mg/kg of batiraxcept to an additional three patients to determine the potential of initiating the Phase 2 portion with this dose. The Company also expects to continue to investigate higher doses of batiraxcept in the Phase 1b to obtain additional safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics information.

In October 2021, the European Medicines Agency granted orphan drug designation for batiraxcept for the treatment of ovarian cancer, following a recommendation from the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products.

As the Company advances its clinical programs, the Company is in close contact with its clinical research organizations ("CROs") and clinical sites and is continually assessing the impact of COVID-19 on its planned trials and current timelines and costs. As noted previously, the Company has experienced delays in patient enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the Company anticipates a delay in the interim analysis until mid-2022. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues and persists for an extended period of time or increases in severity, the Company could experience significant disruptions to its clinical development timelines and, if the Company experiences delays in patient enrollment and deems it necessary or advisable to improve patient recruitment by, among other things, opening additional clinical sites, the Company could incur increased clinical program expenses. Any such disruptions or delays would, and any such increased clinical program expenses could, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

As consideration for the rights granted as part of a license agreement with Stanford University, Aravive Biologics is obligated to pay yearly license fees and milestone payments, and a royalty based on net sales of products covered by the patent-related rights. More specifically, Aravive Biologics is obligated to pay Stanford University (i) annual license payments (ii) milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 upon achievement of clinical and regulatory milestones, and (iii) royalties equal to a percentage (in the low single digits) of net sales of licensed products; provided that the annual license payments made will offset (and be credited against) any royalties due in such license year. In the event of a sublicense to a third party of any rights based on the patents that are solely owned by Stanford University, Aravive Biologics is obligated to pay royalties to Stanford University equal to a percentage of what Aravive Biologics would have been required to pay to Stanford University had it sold the products under sublicense itself. In addition, in such event it is required to pay to Stanford University a percent of sublicensing income. In the event of a termination, Aravive Biologics will be obligated to pay all amounts that accrued prior to such termination.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of its financial position as of  September 30, 2021 and, its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The  December 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year or any other interim period. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto for the year ended  December 31, 2020 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 16, 2021, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

XML

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of  September 30, 2021 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 include the accounts of Aravive, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Aravive Biologics. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Liquidity and Financial Condition

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company’s management has evaluated whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.   

Since inception, the Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. At September 30, 2021, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $526.8 million and working capital of $57.3 million. The Company expects to continue to incur losses from expenses related to the development of batiraxcept and related administrative activities for the foreseeable future. These factors raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of the recorded assets or the classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $67.5 million consisting of cash and investments in highly liquid U.S. money market funds. The Company intends to seek additional capital through equity and/or debt financings, collaborative or other funding arrangements with partners or through other sources of financing to fulfill its operating and capital requirement for the next 12 months to advance its clinical development program to later stages of development and potentially commercialize its clinical product candidate batiraxcept. Although management has been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful or that any needed financing will be available in the future at terms acceptable to the Company. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds when needed, the Company may be required to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all of its development programs and clinical trials. The Company may also be required to sell or license to others technologies or clinical product candidates or programs that it would prefer to develop and commercialize itself.

Segments

The Company operates in one segment. Management uses one measurement of performance and does not segregate its business for internal reporting. All long-lived assets are maintained in the United States of America.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. All of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at several financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality. Such deposits may exceed federally insured limits.

Risk and Uncertainties

The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of results of clinical trials and reaching milestones, uncertainty of regulatory approval of the Company’s potential drug candidates, uncertainty of market acceptance of the Company’s products, competition from substitute products and larger companies, securing and protecting proprietary technology, strategic relationships and dependence on key individuals and sole source suppliers.

Products developed by the Company require clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Pharmaceuticals Medicines and Devices Agency, or other international regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance that the products will receive the necessary clearances. If the Company is denied clearance, clearance is delayed or the Company is unable to maintain clearance, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

The Company expects to incur substantial operating losses for the next several years and will need to obtain additional financing in order to launch and commercialize any product candidates for which it receives regulatory approval.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At  September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were held at multiple institutions in the United States and included deposits in money market funds which were unrestricted as to withdrawal or use. Restricted cash consists of a letter of credit to secure the Company’s obligations under the right-of-use ("ROU") lease.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally between three and five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the period realized.

Leases

The Company leases all of its office space in conducting its business. At inception, the Company determines whether an agreement represents a lease and at commencement the Company evaluates each lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or financing lease.

The Company records an operating lease ROU asset and an operating lease obligation on the consolidated balance sheet when entering into a lease. ROU assets represent the Company’s ROU of the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation represents the Company’s commitment to make the lease payments arising from the lease. Lease obligations are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term and ROU assets are calculated as the lease liability, adjusted by unamortized initial direct costs, unamortized lease incentives received, cumulative deferred or prepaid lease payments, and accumulated impairment losses. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company has used an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease inception date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease and the Company includes renewal options in its calculation of the estimated lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or expectations regarding the terms. Variable lease costs such as common area costs and property taxes are expensed as incurred. Variable lease costs and short-term lease payments not included in the lease liability are classified within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. For all lease agreements, the Company has combined lease and nonlease components. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. These expenses are recognized within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by the comparison of the carrying amount to the future net cash flows which the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value (i.e., determined through estimating projected discounted future net cash flows or other acceptable methods of determining fair value) arising from the asset. There were no such impairments of long-lived assets as of September 30, 2021.

The Company accounted for the sublease with EVA Automation, Inc. (“EVA”) as an operating lease and reviews the ROU asset recorded associated with the sublease for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the ROU asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360-10. Recoverability is measured if the lease cost for the term of the sublease exceeds the anticipated sublease income for the same period on an undiscounted basis and the Company shall treat this circumstance as an indicator that the carrying amount of the ROU asset may not be recoverable.

At the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company was informed by EVA, its sublease tenant at the time, that EVA would not be in a position to pay future sublease rental payments and intended to exit the sublease. Given the uncertainty of the sublease tenant’s ability to pay the remaining sublease rental payments, the Company determined the carrying amounts of the ROU asset and leasehold improvements associated with the facility located at 1020 Marsh Road (the "1020 Marsh Facility") may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company performed a recoverability test, using an undiscounted cash flow analysis as of March 31, 2020. Based on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined that the ROU and leasehold improvement assets had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. The Company then measured the impairment of the asset group using a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated future sublease payments to be received from an expected sublessee. In determining the fair value of the asset group, the Company utilized current real estate market rates, time needed to sublet the building and estimated a discount rate of 9.5%. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge against its ROU asset of and leasehold improvement assets of $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

At the end of the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company continued to evaluate the estimates used in the valuation used in the first quarter of 2020. Given the continued uncertainty due to the COVID-19 shut down and the significant negative impact to the real estate market as of the end of the third quarter, the Company determined the carrying amounts of the ROU asset and leasehold improvements associated with the 1020 Marsh Facility may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company performed a recoverability test, using an undiscounted cash flow analysis as of September 30, 2020. Based on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined that the ROU and leasehold improvement assets had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. The Company then measured the impairment of the asset group using a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated future sublease payments to be received from an expected sublessee as the Company is currently marketing the 1020 Marsh Facility location for subletting. In determining the fair value of the asset group, the Company utilized current real estate market estimated rates, time needed to sublet the building and estimated a discount rate of 9.5%. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge against its ROU asset and leasehold improvement assets of $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. A total of $5.8 million was reported as an impairment loss on the Company’s long-lived asset balances within the statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020.

In June 2021, the Company entered into a sublease arrangement with Grail, Inc. ("Subtenant") to occupy all of the approximately 34,464 rentable square feet of office space at the 1020 Marsh Facility. The landlord consent was received and final agreement was signed in July 2021. The term of the sublease commenced on  August 1, 2021 and will continue through October 31, 2024. Aggregate base rent due to the Company under the sublease agreement is approximately $7.65 million.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The fair value hierarchy defines a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, unadjusted quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities; and

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity for the related assets or liabilities.

The categorization of a financial instrument within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of Level 1 assets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.  Level 1 securities are comprised of highly liquid money market funds.

Preclinical and Clinical Trial Accruals

The Company’s clinical trial accruals are based on estimates of patient enrollment and related costs at clinical investigator sites as well as estimates for the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and CROs that conduct and manage clinical trials on the Company’s behalf.

The Company estimates preclinical and clinical trial expenses based on the services performed, pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage preclinical studies and clinical trials on its behalf. In accruing service fees, the Company estimates the time period over which services will be performed and the level of patient enrollment and activity expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from the estimate, the Company will adjust the accrual accordingly. Payments made to third parties under these arrangements in advance of the receipt of the related services are recorded as prepaid expenses until the services are rendered.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Research and development costs include, but are not limited to, payroll and personnel expenses, laboratory supplies, consulting costs, external research and development expenses and allocated overhead, including rent, equipment depreciation, and utilities. Costs to acquire technologies to be used in research and development that have not reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future use are expensed to research and development costs when incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

The Company assesses all material positions taken in any income tax return, including all significant uncertain positions, in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge by relevant taxing authorities. Assessing an uncertain tax position begins with the initial determination of the position’s sustainability and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions must be reassessed, and the Company will determine whether (i) the factors underlying the sustainability assertion have changed and (ii) the amount of the recognized tax benefit is still appropriate. The recognition and measurement of tax benefits requires significant judgment. Judgments concerning the recognition and measurement of a tax benefit might change as new information becomes available.     

Stock-Based Compensation

For stock options granted to employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on the grant-date estimated fair value. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of fair value for stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option pricing model requires management to make certain assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables.

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to nonemployees is recognized based on the fair value of the stock options, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as they are earned. The awards generally vest over the time period the Company expects to receive services from the nonemployee.

Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating Expenses
Research and development	$	229	$	122	$	693	$	378
General and administrative		398		254		979		1,203
Total	$	627	$	376	$	1,672	$	1,581

Net Loss per Share of Common Stock

Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities outstanding for the period. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, stock options and restricted stock units are considered to be potentially dilutive securities. Because the Company has reported a net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for those periods.

Intangible Asset

Intangible assets consist of an assembled workforce which was acquired as part of the merger between Aravive Biologics and Versartis, Inc. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized based on their pattern of economic benefit over their estimated useful lives and reviewed periodically for impairment. The estimated useful life of the assembled workforce is 3 years.

Collaborative Arrangements

The Company records the elements of its collaboration agreements that represent joint operating activities in accordance with ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements (ASC 808). Accordingly, the elements of the collaboration agreements that represent activities in which both parties are active participants and to which both parties are exposed to the significant risks and rewards that are dependent on the commercial success of the activities are recorded as collaborative arrangements. The Company considers the guidance in ASC 606-10-15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Scope and Scope Exceptions, in determining the appropriate treatment for the transactions between the Company and its collaborative partner and the transactions between the Company and third parties. Generally, the classification of transactions under the collaborative arrangements is determined based on the nature and contractual terms of the arrangement along with the nature of the operations of the participants. Currently, the Company has one collaboration agreement, the Agreement with 3D Medicines, see Note 4 for further discussion.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s sole source of revenue for 2021 and 2020 has been generated through its Agreement with 3D Medicines. The Company’s Agreement contains multiple elements including (i) intellectual property licenses, and (ii) research and development services. Consideration received under these arrangements may include upfront payments, research and development funding, cost reimbursements, milestone payments, payments for product sales and royalty payments. The Company’s only customer currently is 3D Medicines.

The Company follows ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) for recognition of its revenues under the Agreement. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for goods or services and excludes sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company analyzes the nature of these performance obligations in the context of individual agreements in order to assess the distinct performance obligations.

The Company applies the following five-step model to recognize revenue: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

i) Identify the contract with a customer. The Company considers the terms and conditions of its agreements to identify contracts within the scope of ASC 606. The Company concludes it has a contract with a customer when the contract is approved, each party's rights regarding the goods and services to be transferred can be identified, the payment terms for the goods and services can be identified, it has been determined that the customer has the ability and intent to pay and the contract has commercial substance. The Company uses judgment in determining the customer's ability and intent to pay, which is based upon factors including the customer's historical payment experience or, for new customers, credit and financial information pertaining to the customers.

ii) Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Performance obligations in the agreements are identified based on the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. The Company’s performance obligations generally consist of intellectual property licenses and research and development services with respect to license and service agreements, and the manufacture and supply of product for product sales agreements.

iii) Determine the transaction price. The Company determines the transaction price based on the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. In determining the transaction price, any variable consideration would be considered, to the extent applicable, if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. In accordance with the royalty exception under ASC 606 for licenses of intellectual property, the transaction price excludes future royalty payments to be received from the Company’s customers. None of the Company’s revenue generating contracts contain consideration payable to its customer or a significant financing component.

iv) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract. If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to that performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price.

v) Recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customers for an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

Performance Obligations

The following is a general description of principal goods and services from which the Company generates revenue.

License to intellectual property

The Company generates revenue from licensing its intellectual property including know-how and development and commercialization rights. The license provides a customer with the right to further research, develop and commercialize internally-discovered or collaborated drug candidates, or the right to use batiraxcept to further research, develop and commercialize customer drug candidates. The consideration the Company receives is in the form of nonrefundable upfront consideration related to the functional intellectual property licenses and is recognized when the Company transfers such license to the customer unless the license is combined with other goods or services into one performance obligation, in which case the revenue is recognized over a period of time based on the estimated pattern in which the Company satisfies the combined performance obligation. The Company’s licensing agreements are generally cancelable. 

Research and development services

The Company generates revenue from research and development services it provides to its customer and primarily includes clinical trials, and assistance during regulatory approval application process. Revenue associated with these services is recognized based on the Company’s estimate of total consideration to be received for such services and the pattern in which the Company perform the services. The pattern of performance is generally determined to be the amount of incurred costs related to the service portion of the contract with the customer as a percentage of total expected costs associated with the service portion of the contract.

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

The Company’s Agreement with its customer contains multiple promised goods or services. Based on the characteristics of the promised goods and services the Company analyzes whether they are separate or combined performance obligations. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. The estimated standalone selling price is based on the adjusted market assessment approach including estimated present value of future cash flows and cost-plus margin approach, taking into consideration the type of services, estimates of hourly market rates, and stage of the development.

Variable Consideration

The Company’s contracts with its customer primarily include two types of variable consideration: (i) development and regulatory milestone payments, which are due to the Company upon achievement of specific development and regulatory milestones and (ii) one-time sales-based payments and sales-based royalties associated with licensed intellectual property.

Due to uncertainty associated with achievement of the development and regulatory milestones, the related milestone payments are excluded from the contract consideration and the corresponding revenue is not recognized until the Company concludes it is probable that reversal of such milestone revenue will not occur.  As part of the Company’s evaluation of the constraint, the Company considers numerous factors, including whether the achievement of the milestone is outside of the Company’s control, contingent upon regulatory approval or dependent on licensee efforts.

Product sales-based royalties under licensed intellectual property and one-time payments are accounted for under the royalty exception. The Company recognizes revenue for sales-based royalties under licensed intellectual property and one-time payments at the later of when the sales occur or the performance obligation is satisfied or partially satisfied.

The transaction price is reevaluated each reporting period and as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, or other standard setting bodies and adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This guidance is intended to improve consistent application and simplify the accounting for income taxes. This ASU removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021, the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)-Accounting For Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, which will permit more equity contracts to qualify for it. The ASU also simplifies the diluted net income per share calculation in certain areas. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021, the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

XML

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

3. Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The remaining financial instruments are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at amounts that approximate current fair value. The following table sets forth the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at
	September 30, 2021
	(unaudited)
	Total		Level 1
Assets
Money market funds	$	49,214	$	49,214

	Fair Value Measurements at
	December 31, 2020
	Total		Level 1
Assets
Money market funds	$	49,207	$	49,207

The Company recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the hierarchy during the periods ended September 30, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

As disclosed in Note 2, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $5.8 million related to ROU and leasehold improvement assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This impairment charge was derived using Level 3 inputs and the fair value of the long-lived assets was derived by using a discounted cash flow analysis of the 1020 Marsh Facility.

XML

Note 4 - Collaboration and License Agreement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block]

4. Collaboration and License Agreement

On November 6, 2020, the Company entered into the Agreement with 3D Medicines, whereby the Company granted 3D Medicines an exclusive license to develop and commercialize products that contain batiraxcept as the sole drug substance, for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of human oncological diseases, in the Territory.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company was paid $21 million (inclusive of $9 million in milestone payments) and is eligible to receive from 3D Medicines cash payments of up to an aggregate of $207 million (inclusive of $9 million in milestone payments) in clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. There can be no guarantee that any such milestones will in fact be met. The Company is obligated to make certain payments to The Board of Trustees of Stanford University ("Stanford") based on certain amounts received from 3D Medicines under the Agreement pursuant to the existing license agreement by and between the Company and Stanford, dated January 25, 2012, and as amended to date. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company has paid amounts due to Stanford of $0.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received payments of $12 million from 3D Medicines and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company received payments of $3 million and $9 million, respectively.

The Company will also be entitled to receive tiered royalties ranging from low double digits to mid-teens on sales in the Territory, if any, of products containing batiraxcept. Royalties are payable with respect to each jurisdiction in the Territory until the latest to occur of: (i) the last-to-expire of specified patent rights in such jurisdiction in the Territory; or (ii) ten (10) years after the first commercial sale of a product in such jurisdiction in the Territory. In addition, royalties payable under the Agreement will be subject to reduction on account of generic competition under certain specified conditions, with any such reductions capped at certain percentages of the amounts otherwise payable during the applicable royalty payment period.

Under the terms and conditions of the Agreement, 3D Medicines will be solely responsible for the development and commercialization of licensed products in the Territory.

If either the Company or 3D Medicines materially breaches the Agreement and does not cure such breach, the non-breaching party may terminate the Agreement in its entirety. Either party may also terminate the Agreement, upon written notice, if the other party files for bankruptcy, is dissolved or has a receiver appointed for substantially all of its property. The Company may terminate the Agreement if 3D Medicines, its affiliates or its sublicensees challenges the validity or enforceability of any of the Company’s patents covering any of the licensed compounds or products or ceases substantially all development and commercialization of licensed products in the Territory for a specified period, subject to certain exceptions. 3D Medicines may also terminate the Agreement for convenience provided certain notice is provided to the Company.

The Agreement contemplates that the Company will enter into ancillary arrangements with 3D Medicines, including a clinical supply agreement and a manufacturing technology transfer agreement.

The Company assessed this arrangement in accordance with ASC 606 and identified the following performance obligations: 1) license to intellectual property, batiraxcept, and 2) research and development services, including conducting clinical trials.  The Company concluded that each of these performance obligations were distinct because 3D Medicines can benefit from the good or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available, and each performance obligation is separately identifiable from other promises within the contract.

The estimated total transaction price was allocated between performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach and an expected cost plus a margin approach to estimate the standalone selling price for the performance obligations. The Company allocated the $21.0 million transaction price of the upfront payments as such: $11.3 million to the research and development services performance obligation and $9.7 million to the license to intellectual property. Accordingly, the Company will recognize revenue related to the allocable research and development services obligation on a proportional performance basis as the underlying services are performed pursuant to the current development plan which is commensurate with the period and consistent with the pattern over which the Company’s research and development services obligation is satisfied. The Company will recognize the revenue related to the license to intellectual property at a point in time. This is due to the fact that the license was determined to be a functional license due to the current stage in development of batiraxcept. Batiraxcept has been developed, dosing levels have already been determined and the drug is currently in a Phase 3 clinical trial related to its PROC ovarian cancer trial. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has achieved a clinical milestone based on the Center for Drug Evaluation of the China National Medical Products Administration approval of the IND submitted by 3D Medicines to participate in the Company’s international batiraxcept Phase 3 PROC clinical trial for $3 million. No other clinical or regulatory milestones have been assessed as probable of being reached and thus have been fully constrained. The Company continues to re-assess the probability of achievement of future milestones at the end of each reporting period.

The Company recognized in revenue $1.0 million and $2.3 million related to the research and development services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and $1.4 million and $4.2 million related to the license to the intellectual property for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company adjusted its estimate of the overall transaction price as a result of the achievement of the $6 million and $3 million development milestones. This adjustment resulted in a cumulative catch-up recorded to revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 of approximately $5.0 million. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had a contract liability balance of $8.9 million of which $5.3 million is classified as current and $3.6 million is classified as long-term, consisting of deferred revenue related to a portion of the payment received from 3D Medicines. Revenue recognized from the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2020 was $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, the service period for the future research and development services is expected to occur over the next 2.25 years.

XML

Note 5 - Leases

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]

5. Leases

In March 2017, the Company entered into an operating facility lease agreement for approximately 34,500 rentable square feet located at the 1020 Marsh Facility. The lease commenced in August 2017 for a period of 87 months with one renewal option for a five-year term. The Company did not include the renewal option period as the Company determined it was not reasonably certain the lease would be renewed as of the modification date.

In October 2018, the Company executed a sublease agreement in Palo Alto, California for approximately 4,240 square feet for office space. The rental term of the sublease commenced on October 30, 2018 and expired August 31, 2020.  

In August 2020, the Company entered into a lease agreement in North Carolina for approximately 4,128 square feet for office space. The monthly lease payments will be approximately $9 thousand per month for a period of 63 months with a three-month rent abatement period. The lease commenced in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The Company’s rent expense including both short-term and variable lease components of $0.1 million associated with the facility leases was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s rent expense including both short-term and variable lease components of  $0.3 million associated with the facility leases was $1.1 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease obligations for operating cash flows from operating leases was $1.8 million and $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, the Company’s operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 3.2 years and a weighted average discount rate of 7.64%, which approximates the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.

As of September 30, 2021, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2021 (3 months remaining)	$	733
2022		2,955
2023		3,039
2024		2,619
2025		116
Thereafter		30
Total future minimum lease payments		9,493
Less: discount		(2,523	)
Total lease liabilities	$	6,970

1020 Marsh Facility Sublease

On June 8, 2021, the Company entered into an operating sublease with Subtenant for the 1020 Marsh Facility. The final agreement and consent received from the landlord was obtained on July 13, 2021. The term of the sublease will commence on August 1, 2021 through October 31, 2024, unless the master lease is terminated earlier due to a breach by Subtenant. Subtenant will also pay to the Company, as additional rent, an amount equal to the Company’s share of operating expenses attributable to the subleased premises due under the master lease. The terms entered into for this sublease agreement did not result in an impairment of the Company’s long-lived assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Lease income associated with this sublease is recorded in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company has recorded lease income associated with this sublease of approximately $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, cash received from the Subtenant was $0.6 million, which amount was included in operating cash flows.

Future base rent the Subtenant shall pay to the Company over the sublease term as of September 30, 2021, are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
2021 (3 months remaining)	$	569
2022		2,303
2023		2,372
2024		2,029
Total	$	7,273

In August 2018, the Company entered into an operating sublease agreement with EVA Automation, Inc. (“EVA”) for the 1020 Marsh Facility. The 1020 Marsh Facility sublease commenced on October 1, 2018 for 72 months. EVA was entitled to an abatement of base rent of approximately $0.9 million for the first five full calendar months of the term of the sublease. Lease income associated with this sublease is recorded in other income in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. At the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company was informed by EVA that it will not be in a position to pay future sublease rental payments and intends to exit the sublease. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge to long-lived assets as previously discussed in Note 2. In addition, associated with this impairment charge the Company recorded a write down totaling $1.4 million related to a straight-line sublease rent receivable balance and previously capitalized commission charges, which has been recorded in other expense within the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Overall, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded sublease income associated with this sublease of $31 thousand and a loss of $13 thousand. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, cash received from EVA was $1.2 million, which amount was included in the change in prepaid expenses and other assets for operating cash flows.

XML

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

The Company conducts research and development programs through a combination of internal and collaborative programs that include, among others, arrangements with contract manufacturing organizations and contract research organizations. The Company had contractual arrangements with these organizations including license agreements with milestone obligations and service agreements with obligations largely based on services performed.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various firm purchase commitments related to certain preclinical and clinical studies.

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties and provide for general indemnifications. The Company’s exposure under these agreements is unknown because it involves claims that may be made against the Company in the future but have not yet been made. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated.  

Indemnification

In accordance with the Company’s amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, the Company has indemnification obligations to its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences, subject to certain limits, while they are serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. There have been no claims to date and the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that may enable it to recover a portion of any amounts paid for future claims.

Litigation

The Company may from time to time be involved in legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business. There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings as of September 30, 2021.

XML

Note 7 - Common Stock

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Common Stock

Private Placement

On April 6, 2020, the Company, entered into an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”), by and among the Company, Eshelman Ventures, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the “Eshelman Ventures”), and, solely for purposes of Article IV and Article V of the Investment Agreement, Fredric N. Eshelman, Pharm.D., who immediately became the Company’s chairman of the board.

On April 8, 2020, pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Eshelman Ventures purchased 931,098 shares of the Company’s unregistered common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.0 million. The Company recorded the amount received net of expenses of approximately $78 thousand.

Related Party Transaction

On February 12, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, with Eshelman Ventures relating to the issuance and sale (the “Offering”) of 2,875,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $7.29. The Offering closed on February 18, 2021 and the Company received aggregate proceeds from the Offering of approximately $20.9 million, net of offering costs. Eshelman Ventures is an entity wholly owned by the Company’s chairman of the board.

At the Market Offering Program

In September 2020, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC which was declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2020 (the “Form S-3”). On September 4, 2020, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Piper Sandler & Co. (“Piper Sandler”) and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor Fitzgerald”) to sell shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, from time to time, pursuant to the Form S-3 through an “at the market offering” program having an aggregate offering price of up to $60,000,000 through which Piper Sandler and Cantor Fitzgerald will act as sales agents (the “Sales Agents”). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company sold 182,995 shares and 1,382,673 shares for net proceeds of $0.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively, under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

XML

Note 8 - Stock Based Awards

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]

8. Stock Based Awards

Equity Incentive Plans

The Company’s Board of Directors, or Board, and stockholders approved the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2019 Plan, which became effective on September 12, 2019. The 2019 Plan is a successor to and continuation of all prior plans including the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and Aravive Biologics' 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (Prior Plans). As of September 30, 2021, the total number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2019 Plan was approximately 1,934,179. In addition, if the shares subject to outstanding stock options or other awards under the Prior Plans: (I) terminate or expire prior to exercise or settlement; (II) are not issued because the award is settled in cash; (III) are forfeited because of failure to vest; or (IV) are reacquired or withheld (or not issued) to satisfy a tax withholding obligation or the purchase or exercise price, if any, such shares will become available for issuance under the 2019 Plan. Unless the Board provides otherwise, beginning January 1, 2021 with an expiration date of January 1, 2029, the total number of shares of common stock available for issuance will automatically increase annually on January 1 of each calendar year by 4.5% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year. The 2019 Plan provides for granting of equity awards to employees, directors and consultants, including incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and performance awards.

Activity under the Company’s stock option plan is set forth below:

						Weighted
						Average
				Weighted		Remaining		Aggregate
				Average		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Number of			Exercise		Life		Value
	Shares			Price		(in years)		(in thousands)
Balances, January 1, 2021		2,173,776		$	9.59
Options granted		865,674			5.55
Options cancelled		(457,323	)		34.53
Options exercised		(148,452	)		1.91
Balances, September 30, 2021		2,433,675		$	3.93		7.0	$	3,269
Outstanding and expected to vest as of September 30, 2021		2,278,219		$	3.77		6.9	$	3,269
Exercisable as of September 30, 2021		1,473,616		$	2.44		5.6	$	3,269

The intrinsic values of outstanding, vested and exercisable options were determined by multiplying the number of shares by the difference in exercise price of the options and the fair value of the common stock. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was $0.8 million.

Stock Options Granted to Employees

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company granted stock options to officers, directors and employees to purchase shares of common stock with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.66 and $7.82 per share, respectively. The fair value is being expensed over the vesting period of the options, which is usually 4 years on a straight-line basis as the services are being provided. No tax benefits were realized from options and other share-based payment arrangements during the periods.

As of September 30, 2021, total unrecognized employee stock-based compensation related to stock options granted was $4.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.6 years.

The fair value of employee stock options was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	September 30,			September 30,
	2021			2020
Expected volatility		114.4	%		112.3	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.0	%
Dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%
Expected life (in years)		5.9			6.0

Determining Fair Value of Stock Options – The fair value of each grant of stock options was determined by the Company using the methods and assumptions discussed below. Each of these inputs is subjective and generally requires significant judgment to determine.

Expected Volatility – The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected term of our stock options. 

Risk-Free Interest Rate – The risk-free rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury instruments with terms that were consistent with the expected term of the Company’s stock options.

Expected Dividend – The expected dividend assumption was based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Expected Term – The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to be outstanding. For option grants that are considered to be “plain vanilla”, the Company has opted to use the simplified method for estimating the expected term as provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The simplified method calculates the expected term as the average time-to-vesting and the contractual life of the options.

Forfeiture Rate – Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

Fair Value of Common Stock – The fair value of the underlying common stock is based upon quoted prices on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

XML

Note 9 - Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

9. Net loss per share of Common Stock

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share of the Company (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Net loss	$	(11,086	)	$	(10,660	)	$	(26,195	)	$	(26,497	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.53	)	$	(0.66	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(1.69	)
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share		20,763			16,055			19,758			15,658

Basic net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method and the as-if converted method, for convertible securities, if inclusion of these is dilutive. Because the Company has reported a net loss for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not have dilutive common stock equivalents and therefore diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for those periods.

The following potentially dilutive securities outstanding at the end of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021		2020
Options to purchase common stock		2,433,675		2,204,141
Restricted stock units		—		1,441

XML

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of  September 30, 2021 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 include the accounts of Aravive, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Aravive Biologics. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Liquidity and Financial Condition

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company’s management has evaluated whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.   

Since inception, the Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operations. At September 30, 2021, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $526.8 million and working capital of $57.3 million. The Company expects to continue to incur losses from expenses related to the development of batiraxcept and related administrative activities for the foreseeable future. These factors raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of the recorded assets or the classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $67.5 million consisting of cash and investments in highly liquid U.S. money market funds. The Company intends to seek additional capital through equity and/or debt financings, collaborative or other funding arrangements with partners or through other sources of financing to fulfill its operating and capital requirement for the next 12 months to advance its clinical development program to later stages of development and potentially commercialize its clinical product candidate batiraxcept. Although management has been successful in raising capital in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful or that any needed financing will be available in the future at terms acceptable to the Company. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds when needed, the Company may be required to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all of its development programs and clinical trials. The Company may also be required to sell or license to others technologies or clinical product candidates or programs that it would prefer to develop and commercialize itself.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segments

The Company operates in one segment. Management uses one measurement of performance and does not segregate its business for internal reporting. All long-lived assets are maintained in the United States of America.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. All of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at several financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality. Such deposits may exceed federally insured limits.

Risks and Uncertainties [Policy Text Block]

Risk and Uncertainties

The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of results of clinical trials and reaching milestones, uncertainty of regulatory approval of the Company’s potential drug candidates, uncertainty of market acceptance of the Company’s products, competition from substitute products and larger companies, securing and protecting proprietary technology, strategic relationships and dependence on key individuals and sole source suppliers.

Products developed by the Company require clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Pharmaceuticals Medicines and Devices Agency, or other international regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance that the products will receive the necessary clearances. If the Company is denied clearance, clearance is delayed or the Company is unable to maintain clearance, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

The Company expects to incur substantial operating losses for the next several years and will need to obtain additional financing in order to launch and commercialize any product candidates for which it receives regulatory approval.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At  September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were held at multiple institutions in the United States and included deposits in money market funds which were unrestricted as to withdrawal or use. Restricted cash consists of a letter of credit to secure the Company’s obligations under the right-of-use ("ROU") lease.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally between three and five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the period realized.

Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]

Leases

The Company leases all of its office space in conducting its business. At inception, the Company determines whether an agreement represents a lease and at commencement the Company evaluates each lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or financing lease.

The Company records an operating lease ROU asset and an operating lease obligation on the consolidated balance sheet when entering into a lease. ROU assets represent the Company’s ROU of the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation represents the Company’s commitment to make the lease payments arising from the lease. Lease obligations are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term and ROU assets are calculated as the lease liability, adjusted by unamortized initial direct costs, unamortized lease incentives received, cumulative deferred or prepaid lease payments, and accumulated impairment losses. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company has used an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease inception date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease and the Company includes renewal options in its calculation of the estimated lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or expectations regarding the terms. Variable lease costs such as common area costs and property taxes are expensed as incurred. Variable lease costs and short-term lease payments not included in the lease liability are classified within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. For all lease agreements, the Company has combined lease and nonlease components. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. These expenses are recognized within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by the comparison of the carrying amount to the future net cash flows which the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value (i.e., determined through estimating projected discounted future net cash flows or other acceptable methods of determining fair value) arising from the asset. There were no such impairments of long-lived assets as of September 30, 2021.

The Company accounted for the sublease with EVA Automation, Inc. (“EVA”) as an operating lease and reviews the ROU asset recorded associated with the sublease for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the ROU asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360-10. Recoverability is measured if the lease cost for the term of the sublease exceeds the anticipated sublease income for the same period on an undiscounted basis and the Company shall treat this circumstance as an indicator that the carrying amount of the ROU asset may not be recoverable.

At the end of the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company was informed by EVA, its sublease tenant at the time, that EVA would not be in a position to pay future sublease rental payments and intended to exit the sublease. Given the uncertainty of the sublease tenant’s ability to pay the remaining sublease rental payments, the Company determined the carrying amounts of the ROU asset and leasehold improvements associated with the facility located at 1020 Marsh Road (the "1020 Marsh Facility") may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company performed a recoverability test, using an undiscounted cash flow analysis as of March 31, 2020. Based on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined that the ROU and leasehold improvement assets had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. The Company then measured the impairment of the asset group using a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated future sublease payments to be received from an expected sublessee. In determining the fair value of the asset group, the Company utilized current real estate market rates, time needed to sublet the building and estimated a discount rate of 9.5%. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge against its ROU asset of and leasehold improvement assets of $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.

At the end of the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company continued to evaluate the estimates used in the valuation used in the first quarter of 2020. Given the continued uncertainty due to the COVID-19 shut down and the significant negative impact to the real estate market as of the end of the third quarter, the Company determined the carrying amounts of the ROU asset and leasehold improvements associated with the 1020 Marsh Facility may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company performed a recoverability test, using an undiscounted cash flow analysis as of September 30, 2020. Based on the undiscounted cash flow analysis, the Company determined that the ROU and leasehold improvement assets had net carrying values that exceeded their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. The Company then measured the impairment of the asset group using a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated future sublease payments to be received from an expected sublessee as the Company is currently marketing the 1020 Marsh Facility location for subletting. In determining the fair value of the asset group, the Company utilized current real estate market estimated rates, time needed to sublet the building and estimated a discount rate of 9.5%. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge against its ROU asset and leasehold improvement assets of $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. A total of $5.8 million was reported as an impairment loss on the Company’s long-lived asset balances within the statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020.

In June 2021, the Company entered into a sublease arrangement with Grail, Inc. ("Subtenant") to occupy all of the approximately 34,464 rentable square feet of office space at the 1020 Marsh Facility. The landlord consent was received and final agreement was signed in July 2021. The term of the sublease commenced on  August 1, 2021 and will continue through October 31, 2024. Aggregate base rent due to the Company under the sublease agreement is approximately $7.65 million.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The fair value hierarchy defines a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, unadjusted quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities; and

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity for the related assets or liabilities.

The categorization of a financial instrument within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of Level 1 assets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.  Level 1 securities are comprised of highly liquid money market funds.

Preclinical and Clinical Trial Accruals

The Company’s clinical trial accruals are based on estimates of patient enrollment and related costs at clinical investigator sites as well as estimates for the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and CROs that conduct and manage clinical trials on the Company’s behalf.

The Company estimates preclinical and clinical trial expenses based on the services performed, pursuant to contracts with research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage preclinical studies and clinical trials on its behalf. In accruing service fees, the Company estimates the time period over which services will be performed and the level of patient enrollment and activity expended in each period. If the actual timing of the performance of services or the level of effort varies from the estimate, the Company will adjust the accrual accordingly. Payments made to third parties under these arrangements in advance of the receipt of the related services are recorded as prepaid expenses until the services are rendered.

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Research and development costs include, but are not limited to, payroll and personnel expenses, laboratory supplies, consulting costs, external research and development expenses and allocated overhead, including rent, equipment depreciation, and utilities. Costs to acquire technologies to be used in research and development that have not reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future use are expensed to research and development costs when incurred.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

The Company assesses all material positions taken in any income tax return, including all significant uncertain positions, in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge by relevant taxing authorities. Assessing an uncertain tax position begins with the initial determination of the position’s sustainability and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions must be reassessed, and the Company will determine whether (i) the factors underlying the sustainability assertion have changed and (ii) the amount of the recognized tax benefit is still appropriate. The recognition and measurement of tax benefits requires significant judgment. Judgments concerning the recognition and measurement of a tax benefit might change as new information becomes available.     

Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

For stock options granted to employees, the Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on the grant-date estimated fair value. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of fair value for stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option pricing model requires management to make certain assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables.

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options granted to nonemployees is recognized based on the fair value of the stock options, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, as they are earned. The awards generally vest over the time period the Company expects to receive services from the nonemployee.

Stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating Expenses
Research and development	$	229	$	122	$	693	$	378
General and administrative		398		254		979		1,203
Total	$	627	$	376	$	1,672	$	1,581

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Loss per Share of Common Stock

Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive securities outstanding for the period. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, stock options and restricted stock units are considered to be potentially dilutive securities. Because the Company has reported a net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for those periods.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Intangible Asset

Intangible assets consist of an assembled workforce which was acquired as part of the merger between Aravive Biologics and Versartis, Inc. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized based on their pattern of economic benefit over their estimated useful lives and reviewed periodically for impairment. The estimated useful life of the assembled workforce is 3 years.

Collaborative Arrangement, Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block]

Collaborative Arrangements

The Company records the elements of its collaboration agreements that represent joint operating activities in accordance with ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements (ASC 808). Accordingly, the elements of the collaboration agreements that represent activities in which both parties are active participants and to which both parties are exposed to the significant risks and rewards that are dependent on the commercial success of the activities are recorded as collaborative arrangements. The Company considers the guidance in ASC 606-10-15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Scope and Scope Exceptions, in determining the appropriate treatment for the transactions between the Company and its collaborative partner and the transactions between the Company and third parties. Generally, the classification of transactions under the collaborative arrangements is determined based on the nature and contractual terms of the arrangement along with the nature of the operations of the participants. Currently, the Company has one collaboration agreement, the Agreement with 3D Medicines, see Note 4 for further discussion.

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s sole source of revenue for 2021 and 2020 has been generated through its Agreement with 3D Medicines. The Company’s Agreement contains multiple elements including (i) intellectual property licenses, and (ii) research and development services. Consideration received under these arrangements may include upfront payments, research and development funding, cost reimbursements, milestone payments, payments for product sales and royalty payments. The Company’s only customer currently is 3D Medicines.

The Company follows ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) for recognition of its revenues under the Agreement. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for goods or services and excludes sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company analyzes the nature of these performance obligations in the context of individual agreements in order to assess the distinct performance obligations.

The Company applies the following five-step model to recognize revenue: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.

i) Identify the contract with a customer. The Company considers the terms and conditions of its agreements to identify contracts within the scope of ASC 606. The Company concludes it has a contract with a customer when the contract is approved, each party's rights regarding the goods and services to be transferred can be identified, the payment terms for the goods and services can be identified, it has been determined that the customer has the ability and intent to pay and the contract has commercial substance. The Company uses judgment in determining the customer's ability and intent to pay, which is based upon factors including the customer's historical payment experience or, for new customers, credit and financial information pertaining to the customers.

ii) Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Performance obligations in the agreements are identified based on the goods and services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from the Company, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. The Company’s performance obligations generally consist of intellectual property licenses and research and development services with respect to license and service agreements, and the manufacture and supply of product for product sales agreements.

iii) Determine the transaction price. The Company determines the transaction price based on the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods and services to the customer. In determining the transaction price, any variable consideration would be considered, to the extent applicable, if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. In accordance with the royalty exception under ASC 606 for licenses of intellectual property, the transaction price excludes future royalty payments to be received from the Company’s customers. None of the Company’s revenue generating contracts contain consideration payable to its customer or a significant financing component.

iv) Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract. If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to that performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price.

v) Recognize revenue when or as we satisfy a performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at the time the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customers for an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.

Performance Obligations

The following is a general description of principal goods and services from which the Company generates revenue.

License to intellectual property

The Company generates revenue from licensing its intellectual property including know-how and development and commercialization rights. The license provides a customer with the right to further research, develop and commercialize internally-discovered or collaborated drug candidates, or the right to use batiraxcept to further research, develop and commercialize customer drug candidates. The consideration the Company receives is in the form of nonrefundable upfront consideration related to the functional intellectual property licenses and is recognized when the Company transfers such license to the customer unless the license is combined with other goods or services into one performance obligation, in which case the revenue is recognized over a period of time based on the estimated pattern in which the Company satisfies the combined performance obligation. The Company’s licensing agreements are generally cancelable. 

Research and development services

The Company generates revenue from research and development services it provides to its customer and primarily includes clinical trials, and assistance during regulatory approval application process. Revenue associated with these services is recognized based on the Company’s estimate of total consideration to be received for such services and the pattern in which the Company perform the services. The pattern of performance is generally determined to be the amount of incurred costs related to the service portion of the contract with the customer as a percentage of total expected costs associated with the service portion of the contract.

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

The Company’s Agreement with its customer contains multiple promised goods or services. Based on the characteristics of the promised goods and services the Company analyzes whether they are separate or combined performance obligations. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. The estimated standalone selling price is based on the adjusted market assessment approach including estimated present value of future cash flows and cost-plus margin approach, taking into consideration the type of services, estimates of hourly market rates, and stage of the development.

Variable Consideration

The Company’s contracts with its customer primarily include two types of variable consideration: (i) development and regulatory milestone payments, which are due to the Company upon achievement of specific development and regulatory milestones and (ii) one-time sales-based payments and sales-based royalties associated with licensed intellectual property.

Due to uncertainty associated with achievement of the development and regulatory milestones, the related milestone payments are excluded from the contract consideration and the corresponding revenue is not recognized until the Company concludes it is probable that reversal of such milestone revenue will not occur.  As part of the Company’s evaluation of the constraint, the Company considers numerous factors, including whether the achievement of the milestone is outside of the Company’s control, contingent upon regulatory approval or dependent on licensee efforts.

Product sales-based royalties under licensed intellectual property and one-time payments are accounted for under the royalty exception. The Company recognizes revenue for sales-based royalties under licensed intellectual property and one-time payments at the later of when the sales occur or the performance obligation is satisfied or partially satisfied.

The transaction price is reevaluated each reporting period and as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, or other standard setting bodies and adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This guidance is intended to improve consistent application and simplify the accounting for income taxes. This ASU removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and clarifies and amends existing guidance. This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021, the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)-Accounting For Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity. The ASU simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, which will permit more equity contracts to qualify for it. The ASU also simplifies the diluted net income per share calculation in certain areas. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2021, the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

XML

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes Tables

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating Expenses
Research and development	$	229	$	122	$	693	$	378
General and administrative		398		254		979		1,203
Total	$	627	$	376	$	1,672	$	1,581

XML

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes Tables

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	Fair Value Measurements at
	September 30, 2021
	(unaudited)
	Total		Level 1
Assets
Money market funds	$	49,214	$	49,214

	Fair Value Measurements at
	December 31, 2020
	Total		Level 1
Assets
Money market funds	$	49,207	$	49,207

XML

Note 5 - Leases (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes Tables

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]

Year Ending December 31,
2021 (3 months remaining)	$	733
2022		2,955
2023		3,039
2024		2,619
2025		116
Thereafter		30
Total future minimum lease payments		9,493
Less: discount		(2,523	)
Total lease liabilities	$	6,970

Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block]

Year Ending December 31,
2021 (3 months remaining)	$	569
2022		2,303
2023		2,372
2024		2,029
Total	$	7,273

XML

Note 8 - Stock Based Awards (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes Tables

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]

						Weighted
						Average
				Weighted		Remaining		Aggregate
				Average		Contractual		Intrinsic
	Number of			Exercise		Life		Value
	Shares			Price		(in years)		(in thousands)
Balances, January 1, 2021		2,173,776		$	9.59
Options granted		865,674			5.55
Options cancelled		(457,323	)		34.53
Options exercised		(148,452	)		1.91
Balances, September 30, 2021		2,433,675		$	3.93		7.0	$	3,269
Outstanding and expected to vest as of September 30, 2021		2,278,219		$	3.77		6.9	$	3,269
Exercisable as of September 30, 2021		1,473,616		$	2.44		5.6	$	3,269

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	September 30,			September 30,
	2021			2020
Expected volatility		114.4	%		112.3	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.7	%		1.0	%
Dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%
Expected life (in years)		5.9			6.0

XML

Note 9 - Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Notes Tables

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Net loss	$	(11,086	)	$	(10,660	)	$	(26,195	)	$	(26,497	)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.53	)	$	(0.66	)	$	(1.33	)	$	(1.69	)
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share		20,763			16,055			19,758			15,658

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021		2020
Options to purchase common stock		2,433,675		2,204,141
Restricted stock units		—		1,441

XML

Note 1 - Formation and Business of the Company (Details Textual) - USD ($)			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	41 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2020	Jun. 01, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax, Total				$ 2,412,000		$ 0	$ 6,457,000	$ 0
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax, Total			$ 20,000,000.0
Percentage of Cash Required to Raise in Matching Funds		50.00%
Cash Required to Raise in Matching Funds		$ 10,000,000.0
Matching Funds Required to Raise, Project Term (Year)		3 years
Cash Required in Matching Funds, Amount Raised											$ 10,000,000.0
Percentage of Grant Award Proceeds Required to Pay		400.00%
Maximum Percentage of Grant Award Proceeds Required to Pay Thereafter Until Government Exclusivity Maintained		1.00%
3D Medicines, Inc [Member]
Proceeds from Collaborators				3,000,000			9,000,000		$ 21,000,000	$ 12,000,000
Proceeds from Milestone Achievement					$ 6,000,000
Collaborative Agreement, Expected Milestone Payments to be Received												$ 3,000,000
3D Medicines, Inc [Member] | Mainland China,Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau [Member]
Proceeds from Collaborators	$ 12,000,000
Leland Stanford Junior University [Member]
Maximum Milestone Payments Upon Achievement of Clinical and Regulatory Milestones				$ 1,000,000			$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000

XML

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) ft²	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 ft²
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance				$ (526,849)		$ (500,654)
Working Capital (Deficit)				57,300
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance				$ 67,511		$ 60,541
Number of Operating Segments				1
Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use, Total		$ 2,914		$ 0	$ 5,784
Assembled Workforce [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life (Year)				3 years
The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²							34,500
The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member] | EVA Automation, Inc. [Member]
Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use, Total					$ 5,800
Impairment, Lessor Asset under Operating Lease		2,400	$ 2,400
The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member] | EVA Automation, Inc. [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use, Total		$ 500	$ 500
The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member] | Grail, Inc [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²	34,464
Sublease Income	$ 7,650
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member] | EVA Automation, Inc. [Member]
Right of Use and Leasehold Improvement Assets, Measurement Input		0.095	0.095		0.095
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (Year)				3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (Year)				5 years

XML

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 627	$ 376	$ 1,672	$ 1,581
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense	229	122	693	378
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 398	$ 254	$ 979	$ 1,203

XML

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Transfers, Amount	$ 0		$ 0
Asset Impairment Charges, Total		$ 5,800

XML

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Recurring [Member] - Money Market Funds [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Money market funds	$ 49,214	$ 49,207
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Money market funds	$ 49,214	$ 49,207

XML

Note 4 - Collaboration and License Agreement 1 (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 06, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current		$ 5,296		$ 5,296	$ 5,296	$ 2,552
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent		3,617		3,617	3,617	3,763
3D Medicines, Inc [Member]
Proceeds from Collaborators		3,000		9,000	21,000	$ 12,000
Collaborative Agreement, Maximum Clinical Development, Regulatory and Commercial Milestone Payments	$ 207,000
Collaborative Agreement, Royalty, Period After First Commercial Sale of Product (Year)	10 years
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 21,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized				1,200
Proceeds from Milestone Achievement			$ 6,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Estimate of Transaction Price				5,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total		8,900		8,900	8,900
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current		5,300		5,300	5,300
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent		3,600		3,600	$ 3,600
3D Medicines, Inc [Member] | Research and Development Services [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	11,300
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized		1,000		2,300
3D Medicines, Inc [Member] | License [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 9,700
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized		1,400		4,200
Proceeds from Milestone Achievement		$ 6,000		3,000
Leland Stanford Junior University [Member]
Payments for License Agreement				$ 300

XML

Note 4 - Collaboration and License Agreement 2 (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2021
3D Medicines, Inc [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period (Year)	2 years 3 months

XML

Note 5 - Leases (Details Textual) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2020 USD ($) ft²	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2018 ft²	Mar. 31, 2017 ft²
Short-term and Variable Lease, Cost			$ 100		$ 300
Lease, Cost, Total			$ 400	$ 500	1,100	$ 1,300
Operating Lease, Payments					$ 1,800	2,000
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (Year)			3 years 2 months 12 days		3 years 2 months 12 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent			7.64%		7.64%
Write-off of Lease Receivable and Prepaid Commission Assets					$ 0	1,383
The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²								34,500
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Month)								87 months
Lessee, Operating Lease, Number of Renewal Options								1
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term (Year)								5 years
The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member] | EVA Automation, Inc. [Member]
Proceeds from Lease Payment, Operating Activity					1,200
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Month)	72 months
Incentive to Lessee	$ 900
Lessor, Operating Lease, Abatement Term (Month)	5 months
Write-off of Lease Receivable and Prepaid Commission Assets					1,400
Operating Lease, Lease Income (Loss)				$ 31		$ (13)
Sublease Agreement in Palo Alto, California [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²							4,240
Office Space in North Carolina [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property (Square Foot) | ft²		4,128
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract (Month)		63 months
Lessee, Operating Lease, Monthly Payments		$ 9
Lessee, Operating Lease, Abatement Term (Month)		3 months
The 1020 Marsh Facility [Member]
Sublease Income			$ 400		400
Proceeds from Lease Payment, Operating Activity			$ 600		$ 600

XML

Note 5 - Leases - Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-cancellable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
2021 (3 months remaining)	$ 733
2022	2,955
2023	3,039
2024	2,619
2025	116
Thereafter	30
Total future minimum lease payments	9,493
Less: discount	(2,523)
Total lease liabilities	$ 6,970

XML

Note 5 - Leases - Future Based Rent (Details) - The 1020 Marsh Road Facility [Member] - Grail, Inc [Member] $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
2021 (3 months remaining)	$ 569
2022	2,303
2023	2,372
2024	2,029
Total	$ 7,273

XML

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 0

XML

Note 7 - Common Stock (Details Textual) - USD ($)			3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2021	Apr. 08, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 04, 2020
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues			$ 732,000			$ 203,000	$ 4,922,000
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs									$ 78,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.0001					$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Private Placement [Member] | Eshelman Ventures [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)		931,098
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ 5,000,000.0
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs		$ 78,000
Direct Offering [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)	2,875,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 20,900,000				$ 20,866,000
Shares Issued, Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 7.29
At-the-market Offering [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues				$ 1,816,000	$ 7,034,000
At-the-market Offering [Member] | Piper Sandler & Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in shares)			182,995					1,382,673
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues			$ 700,000					$ 9,600,000
Equity Distribution Agreement, Maximum Aggregate Offering Price											$ 60,000,000

XML

Note 8 - Stock Based Awards (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value		$ 800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)		$ 4.66	$ 7.82
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)		4 years
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit		$ 0	$ 0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total		$ 4,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (Year)		2 years 7 months 6 days
The 2019 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)		1,934,179
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Outstanding Stock Maximum	4.50%

XML

Note 8 - Stock Based Awards - Activity Under Stock Option Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Balances, number of shares (in shares)	2,173,776
Balances, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 9.59
Options granted, number of shares (in shares)	865,674
Options granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.55
Options cancelled, number of shares (in shares)	(457,323)
Options cancelled, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.53
Options exercised, number of shares (in shares)	(148,452)
Options exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 1.91
Balances, number of shares (in shares)	2,433,675
Balances, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.93
Balances, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	7 years
Balances, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 3,269
Outstanding and expected to vest, number of shares (in shares)	2,278,219
Outstanding and expected to vest, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.77
Outstanding and expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	6 years 10 months 24 days
Outstanding and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 3,269
Exercisable, number of shares (in shares)	1,473,616
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.44
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (Year)	5 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 3,269

XML

Note 8 - Stock Based Awards - Weighted-average Assumptions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Expected volatility	114.40%	112.30%
Risk-free interest rate	0.70%	1.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected life (in years) (Year)	5 years 10 months 24 days	6 years

XML

Note 9 - Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock (Details Textual) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Total (in shares)	0	0	0	0

XML

Note 9 - Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock - Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Net loss	$ (11,086)	$ (7,105)	$ (8,004)	$ (10,660)	$ (5,041)	$ (10,796)	$ (26,195)	$ (26,497)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.53)			$ (0.66)			$ (1.33)	$ (1.69)
Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share (in shares)	20,763			16,055			19,758	15,658

XML

Note 9 - Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock - Antidilutive Securities (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Options to purchase common stock (in shares)	2,433,675	2,204,141
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Options to purchase common stock (in shares)	0	1,441