0001193125-15-182857.txt : 20150512 0001193125-15-182857.hdr.sgml : 20150512 20150512060534 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-15-182857 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 6-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20150512 FILED AS OF DATE: 20150512 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20150512 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Vascular Biogenics Ltd. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001603207 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: L3 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 6-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-36581 FILM NUMBER: 15852702 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 JONATHAN NETANYAHU ST. CITY: OR YEHUDA STATE: L3 ZIP: 60376 BUSINESS PHONE: 972-3-6346450 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6 JONATHAN NETANYAHU ST. CITY: OR YEHUDA STATE: L3 ZIP: 60376 6-K 1 d924034d6k.htm FORM 6-K Form 6-K
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of May 2015

Commission File Number: 001-36581

 

 

Vascular Biogenics Ltd.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

6 Jonathan Netanyahu St.

Or Yehuda

Israel 60376

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  x            Form 40-F  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes  ¨            No   x

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-            

 

 

 


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein is the registrant’s press release issued on May 12, 2015 announcing financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, unaudited condensed interim financial statements as of March 31, 2015 and operating and financial review for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015.


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SIGNATURE

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

 

VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.
Date: May 12, 2015 By:

/s/ Dror Harats

Name: Dror Harats
Title: Chief Executive Officer


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VBL Therapeutics Announces First Quarter 2015 Financial Results

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 12, 2015 — VBL Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VBLT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer, today reported first quarter 2015 financial results.

“During the first quarter of 2015, VBL continued to build on momentum as we look to build and advance our novel oncology franchise. In March, we announced updated topline results from our ongoing Phase 2 study of VB-111 in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), which demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (p=0.05) in patients treated with VB-111 plus bevacizumab upon disease progression,” said Dror Harats, M.D., Chief Executive Officer at VBL Therapeutics. “Coupled with the clinical activity observed in other recurrent oncology indications, continued evidence of VB-111’s efficacy in rGBM reinforces our belief in the compound’s unique mechanism of action. We look forward to providing updated interim rGBM data and top-line data from our Phase 1 trial of VB-111 in recurrent platinum-resistant Müllerian cancer in conjunction with the ASCO Annual Meeting next month, and to hosting our investor event there on Monday, June 1.”

First Quarter and Recent Business Highlights:

 

    Announced statistically significant interim results from VB-111 Phase 1/2 Study: In March, VBL announced positive interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 trial of VB-111 in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). A statistically significant improvement in overall survival (p=0.05) was demonstrated in patients with rGBM who received VB-111 as a standalone drug and who, upon further progression, were treated with VB-111 in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin®) compared to patients treated with bevacizumab alone upon further progression.

 

    Announced removal of FDA partial clinical hold on VB-111: VBL announced that the FDA has determined that VBL may proceed with its pivotal Phase 3 trial in patients with rGBM and removed the partial clinical hold on the trial, allowing the study to proceed under a previously agreed upon special protocol assessment.

 

    Added prominent industry veterans to Board of Directors: VBL appointed Ron Cohen, M.D., and Philip Serlin, C.P.A. to its Board of Directors.

First Quarter 2015 Financial Results:

 

    Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and short term deposits as of March 31, 2015 were $34.4 million, compared to $36.8 million at year end 2014.

 

    R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $2.3 million in the comparable period in 2014. The decrease in R&D expenses was largely due to lower expenses for VB-201 subcontractors and consultants following the completion of clinical trials in 2014.

 

    G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $0.6 million in the comparable period in 2014. The increase in G&A expenses was due primarily to share-based compensation expenses for options granted to two external directors of the Company.

 

    Net Loss: Net loss was $3.0 million for the first quarter of 2015, compared to net loss of $5.1 million for the comparable period in 2014.


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Conference Call:

VBL Therapeutics will be hosting a conference call and webcast today, May 12, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 877 280 2343 for domestic participants and 972 3763 0146 for international participants (reference conference ID 5889296). A live webcast of the call will be available online from the investor relations section of the Company website at ir.vblrx.com. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available on the VBL website beginning approximately two hours after the event, and will be available for 30 days.

About VBL:

Vascular Biogenics Ltd., operating as VBL Therapeutics, is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. VBL has also developed a proprietary platform of small molecules, Lecinoxoids, for the treatment of chronic immune-related indications. The Company’s lead oncology product candidate, VB-111, is a gene-based biologic that is initially being developed for recurrent glioblastoma, or rGBM, an aggressive form of brain cancer. VB-111 has received orphan drug designation in both the United States and Europe and was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for prolongation of survival in patients with glioblastoma that has recurred following treatment with standard chemotherapy and radiation. VBL Therapeutics expects to begin the pivotal Phase 3 trial for VB-111 in rGBM in mid-2015, under a special protocol assessment agreement granted by the FDA.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated generally with research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory reviews and approvals, and the risk that historical clinical trial results may not be predictive of future trial results. In particular, results from our proposed pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of VB-111 in rGBM may not support approval of VB-111 for marketing in the United States, notwithstanding the positive results seen in our current clinical trial. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in the Company’s regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. VBL Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Hannah Deresiewicz

Stern Investor Relations, Inc.

(212) 362-1200, hannahd@sternir.com


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(UNAUDITED)

 

     March, 31,     December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)  
     U.S. dollars in thousands  
Assets   

CURRENT ASSETS:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,383     $ 36,783  

Short-term bank deposits

     11,008    

Other current assets

     615       961  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

  35,006     37,744  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Property and equipment, net

  348     358  

Long-term prepaid expenses

  39     36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

  387     394  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

  35,393     38,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and equity

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable:

Trade

  1,638     695  

Other

  1,288     2,235  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

  2,926     2,930  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Severance pay obligations, net

  103     106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

  103     106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

  3,029     3,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY:

Ordinary Shares

  32     32  

Other comprehensive income

  39     39  

Additional paid in capital

  162,430     162,191  

Accumulated deficit

  (130,137   (127,160
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

  32,364     35,102  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$ 35,393   $ 38,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three months ended
March 31
 
     2015     2014  
     U.S dollars
in thousands
 
     (Unaudited)  

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES, net

   $ 2,030     $ 2,347  

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     799       576  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING LOSS

  2,829     2,923  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INCOME

  (15   (4

FINANCIAL EXPENSES:

Loss from change in fair value of convertible loan

  —        2,098  

Other financial expenses

  163     38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCIAL EXPENSES, (INCOME), net

  148     2,132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

  2,977     5,055  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     U.S. dollars  

LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE - basic and diluted

   $ 0.15      $ 4.59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Number of shares  

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ORDINARY SHARE OUTSTANDING - basic and diluted

     19,898,674       1,102,748  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

AS OF MARCH 31, 2015

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     Page  
Statements of financial position      2   
Statements of comprehensive loss      3   
Statements of changes in equity (capital deficiency)      4   
Cash flow statements      5   
Notes to the condensed financial statements      6-7   

 

 

 

 


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(UNAUDITED)

 

     March, 31,     December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)  
     U.S. dollars in thousands  
Assets   

CURRENT ASSETS:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,383     $ 36,783  

Short-term bank deposits

     11,008       —     

Other current assets

     615       961  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

  35,006     37,744  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Property and equipment, net

  348     358  

Long-term prepaid expenses

  39     36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

  387     394  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

  35,393     38,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and equity

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable:

Trade

  1,638     695  

Other

  1,288     2,235  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

  2,926     2,930  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Severance pay obligations, net

  103     106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

  103     106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

  3,029     3,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY:

Ordinary Shares

  32     32  

Other comprehensive income

  39     39  

Additional paid in capital

  162,430     162,191  

Accumulated deficit

  (130,137   (127,160
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

  32,364     35,102  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$ 35,393   $ 38,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

2


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three months ended
March 31
 
     2015     2014  
     U.S dollars
in thousands
 
     (Unaudited)  

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES, net

   $ 2,030     $ 2,347  

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     799       576  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING LOSS

  2,829     2,923  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INCOME

  (15   (4

FINANCIAL EXPENSES:

Loss from change in fair value of convertible loan

  —       2,098  

Other financial expenses

  163     38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCIAL EXPENSES, (INCOME), net

  148     2,132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

  2,977     5,055  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     U.S. dollars  

LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE - basic and diluted

   $ 0.15      $ 4.59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Number of shares  

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ORDINARY SHARE OUTSTANDING - basic and diluted

     19,898,674       1,102,748  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

3


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)

(UNAUDITED)

 

                  Other      Additional               
     Number of shares      Ordinary
shares
    Preferred
shares
     comprehensive
income
     paid-in
capital
     Accumulated
deficit
    Total  
     Ordinary      Preferred      U.S dollars in thousands  

BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2014

     1,098,248         10,069,566       $ 1      $ 7       $ 29       $ 86,133       $ (109,753   $ (23,583

CHANGES FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014:

                     

Share-based payments – value of employees and non-employees services

     —           —           —          —           —           123         —          123  

Employee stock options exercised

     4,500         —                 —           —           5         —          5  

Comprehensive Loss

     —           —           —          —           —           —           (5,055     (5,055
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2014

  1,102,748      10,069,566    $ 1    $ 7    $ 29    $ 86,261    $ (114,808 $ (28,510
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2015

  19,898,674      —      $ 32    $ —      $ 39    $ 162,191    $ (127,160 $ 35,102  

CHANGES FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015:

Share-based payments – value of employees and non-employees services

  —        —        —        —        —        239      —        239  

Comprehensive Loss

  —        —        —        —        —        —        (2,977   (2,977
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2015

  19,898,674      —      $ 32    $ —      $ 39    $ 162,430    $ (130,137 $ 32,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Amount less than $1 thousand

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

 

4


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

CONDENSED INTERIM CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three months ended
March 31
 
     2015     2014  
     U.S dollars in thousands  
     (Unaudited)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Loss for the period

   $ (2,977   $ (5,055

Adjustments required to reflect net cash used in operating activities (see appendix A)

     806       1,772  

Interest received

     7       2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

  (2,164   (3,281
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchase of property and equipment

  (23   (22

Short-term deposits, net

  (11,000   1,494  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities

  (11,023   1,472  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Exercised of employee stock options

  —        5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash generated by financing activities

  —        5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

  (13,187   (1,804

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

  36,783     9,377  

EXCHANGE LOSSES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

  (213   (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

$ 23,383   $ 7,568  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

APPENDIX A:

Adjustments required to reflect net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation

$ 33   $ 36  

Interest income

  (7   (2

Accrued Interest

  (8   —     

Loss from change in fair value of convertible loan

  —        2,098  

Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents

  213     5  

Net changes in severance pay

  (3   —     

Share-based payments

  239     123  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  467     2,260  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in working capital:

Decrease (Increase) in other current assets

  346     (1,127

Decrease (Increase) in long term prepaid expenses

  (3   1  

Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable and accruals:

Trade

  943     (454

Other

  (947   1,092  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  339     (488
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 806   $ 1,772  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

5


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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

General

Vascular Biogenics Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated in January 27, 2000. The Company is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. VBL has also developed a proprietary platform of small molecules, Lecinoxoids, for the treatment of chronic immune-related indications.

VB-111 is our lead product candidate in our cancer program, and VB-201 is our lead Lecinoxoid-based product candidate. In February 2015, VB-201 did not meet the preset endpoints in Phase 2 clinical trials for psoriasis and for ulcerative colitis.

The Company is commencing its Phase 3 Clinical Trial of VB-111 in rGBM in mid-2015 under a special protocol assessment concurred by the FDA.

Since its inception, the Company has been engaged in research and development activities.

Since the Company is engaged in research and development activities, it has not yet derived income from its activity and has incurred through March 31, 2015 accumulated losses in the amount of $130.1 million.

NOTE 2 - BASIS OF PREPARATION

The Company’s condensed interim financial statements as of March 31, 2015 and for the three months then ended (the “interim financial statements”) have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard No. 34, “Interim Financial Reporting” (“IAS 34”). These interim financial statements, which are unaudited, do not include all disclosures necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the year then ended and their accompanying notes, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards board (“IASB).” The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year or for any other interim period.

NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies and calculation methods applied in the preparation of the interim financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the annual financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and for the year then ended.

NOTE 4 - FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The interim financial statements do not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements; they should be read in conjunction with the company’s annual financial statements as of December, 31 2014. There have been no changes in the risk management department or in any risk management policies since the year end.

 

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VASCULAR BIOGENICS LTD.

NOTES TO CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 5 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In January 2015, the Company granted to each of the two external directors of the Company the options to purchase 30,000 ordinary shares of the Company, par value NIS 0.01 each, at an exercise price equal to $6.03 with a vesting period of three years under the Company’s Grantee Share Ownership and Option Plan (“the 2014 Plan”). The fair value of these options was estimated at $722 thousand.

 

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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements as of December 31, 2014 (included in our Annual Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014) and for the year then ended and their accompanying notes and the related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this release. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Our audited financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and our unaudited financial statements for the 3 months ended on March 31, 2015 (the “Period”) have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB. Unless stated otherwise, comparisons included herein are made to the 3 month period ended on March 31, 2014 (the “Parallel Period”).

About VBL

Vascular Biogenics Ltd., operating as VBL Therapeutics, is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. VBL has also developed a proprietary platform of small molecules, Lecinoxoids, for the treatment of chronic immune-related indications. The treatments leverage the body’s natural physiologic and genetic regulatory elements.

Our lead product candidate, VB-111, is a gene-based biologic that we are initially developing for recurrent glioblastoma, or rGBM, an aggressive form of brain cancer. We have obtained fast track designation for VB-111 in the United States for prolongation of survival in patients with glioblastoma that has recurred following treatment with standard chemotherapy and radiation. We have also received orphan drug designation in both the United States and Europe. The FDA has concurred with the design and planned analyses of our Phase 3 pivotal trial of VB-111 in rGBM pursuant to a special protocol assessment, or SPA. We intend to begin this trial in mid-2015. We also have been conducting a program targeting anti-inflammatory diseases based on the use of our Lecinoxoid platform technology. Lecinoxoids are a novel class of small molecules we developed that are structurally and functionally similar to naturally occurring molecules known to modulate inflammation. As we reported in February 2015, the lead product candidate from this program, VB-201, did not meet the preset endpoints in Phase 2 clinical trials for psoriasis and for ulcerative colitis. As a result, we have ceased our development of VB-201 in those inflammatory indications. We are currently evaluating whether to develop VB-201 for other indications, and we continue to investigate other potential Lecinoxoids for development as well, but in the near term, we intend to focus substantially all of our efforts and resources on advancing our oncology program.

Various statements in this release concerning our future expectations constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include words such as “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” and “intends,” and describe opinions about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these risks are incurred losses; dependence on the success of our lead products, VB-111, its regulatory approval and commercialization; the novelty of our technologies, which makes it difficult to predict the time and cost of product candidate development and potential regulatory approval; as well as potential delays in our clinical trials.

These and other factors are more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Annual Report on Form 20-F as of December 31, 2014. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.

Overview

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. Our program is based on our proprietary Vascular Targeting System, or VTS, platform technology, which utilizes genetically targeted therapy to destroy newly formed, or angiogenic, blood vessels, and which we believe will allow us to develop product candidates for multiple oncology indications.

 

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We are developing our lead oncology product candidate, VB-111, for solid tumor indications, with current clinical programs in rGBM, thyroid cancer and ovarian cancer. In interim analyses of data from our ongoing open-label Phase 2 clinical trial of VB-111 in rGBM, we observed dose-dependent attenuation of tumor growth and an increase in median overall survival, which is the time interval from initiation of treatment to the patient’s death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has granted VB-111 fast track designation for prolongation of survival in patients with glioblastoma that has recurred following treatment with temozolomide, a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat newly diagnosed glioblastoma, and radiation. On July 1, 2014, the FDA concurred with the design and planned analyses of our Phase 3 pivotal trial of VB-111 in rGBM pursuant to an SPA. At the time, commencement of the trial was subject to our providing the agency with more information regarding our potency release assay for the trial. We developed this assay and submitted initial information to the FDA on May 26, 2014. On February 5, 2015 the FDA has found our data satisfactory and removed the partial hold. Therefore, we intend to begin our Phase 3 pivotal trial of VB-111 in rGBM in mid-2015, as planned. We expect to receive interim data from this trial in the second half of 2016. In addition, we are conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial of VB-111 in thyroid cancer and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in ovarian cancer in combination with paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat ovarian cancer. As of April 1, 2015, we had studied VB-111 in over 166 patients and have observed it to be well-tolerated. We have been granted composition of matter patents that, together with orphan drug designations in both the United States and Europe, we believe will provide exclusivity for VB-111, if approved for marketing, until at least 2027.

We plan to leverage our platforms to develop additional therapeutics. For example, we are conducting pre-clinical studies of additional potential product candidates based on our VTS platform technology. We have also identified additional Lecinoxoid derivatives that may have increased efficacy or specificity compared to VB-201 and which may have potential for additional indications.

We commenced operations in 2000, and our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, developing our VTS and Lecinoxoid platform technologies and developing our product candidates, including conducting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of VB-111 and VB-201. To date, we have funded our operations through private sales of preferred shares, a convertible loan, public offering and grants from the Israeli Office of Chief Scientist, or OCS, under the Israel Encouragement of Research and Development in Industry, or the Research Law. We have no products that have received regulatory approval and accordingly have never generated revenue. Since our inception and through March 31, 2015, we had raised an aggregate of $170.3 million to fund our operations, of which $113.4 million was from sales of our equity securities, $40.5 from our initial public offering, or IPO, and $16.4 million from OCS grants.

Since inception, we have incurred significant losses. Our loss for the Period was $3.0 million. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our loss was $17.4 million and $17.3 million, respectively. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and losses for at least the next several years. As of March 31, 2015, we had an accumulated deficit of $130.1 million. Our losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year, depending on the timing of our clinical trials, the receipt of payments under any future collaboration we may enter into, and our expenditures on other research and development activities.

As of March 31, 2015, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits of $34.4 million. To fund further operations, we will need to raise additional capital. We may seek these funds through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings, government grants, strategic collaborations and licensing arrangements. Additional financing may not be available when we need it or may not be available on terms that are favorable to us.

As of March 31, 2015, we had 33 employees. Our operations are located in a single facility in Or Yehuda, Israel.

 

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Financial Overview

Revenue

To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to receive any revenue from any product candidates that we develop unless and until we obtain regulatory approval and commercialize our products or enter into collaborative agreements with third parties.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred for the development of both of our platform technologies and our product candidates. Those expenses include:

 

  employee-related expenses, including salaries and share-based compensation expenses for employees in research and development functions;

 

  expenses incurred in operating our laboratories and small-scale manufacturing facility;

 

  expenses incurred under agreements with CROs and investigative sites that conduct our clinical trials;

 

  expenses relating to outsourced and contracted services, such as external laboratories, consulting and advisory services;

 

  supply, development and manufacturing costs relating to clinical trial materials;

 

  maintenance of facilities, depreciation and other expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent and insurance; and

 

  costs associated with pre-clinical and clinical activities.

Research expenses are recognized as incurred. An intangible asset arising from the development of our product candidates is recognized if certain capitalization conditions are met. As of March 31, 2015, we did not have any capitalized development costs.

Costs for certain development activities are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information and data provided to us by our vendors and clinical sites. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services to be received in future periods for use in research and development activities are deferred and capitalized. The capitalized amounts are then expensed as the related goods are delivered and the services are performed.

We have received grants from the OCS as part of the research and development programs for our VTS and Lecinoxoid platform technologies. The requirements and restrictions for such grants are found in the Research Law. These grants are subject to repayment through future royalty payments on any products resulting from these research and development programs, including VB-111 and VB-201. The total gross amount of grants actually received by us from the OCS, including accrued LIBOR interest as of March 31, 2015 totaled $20.2 million, of which $0.4 million was received in the Period. As of March 31, 2015, we had not paid any royalties to the OCS.

Information on our liabilities and the restrictions that we are subject to under the Research Law in connection with the OCS grants that we have received is detailed in the Annual Report on Form 20-F as of December 31, 2014.

Under applicable accounting rules, the grants from the OCS have been accounted for as an off-set against the related research and development expenses in our financial statements. As a result, our research and development expenses are shown on our financial statements net of the OCS grants.

 

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General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist principally of salaries and related costs for personnel in executive and finance functions such as salaries, benefits and share-based compensation. Other general and administrative expenses include facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses, communication expenses, and professional fees for legal services, patent counseling and portfolio maintenance, consulting, auditing and accounting services.

We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will continue to increase in regards to legal and accounting services associated with maintaining compliance with NASDAQ listing rules and SEC requirements as a result of increased legal and accounting services, stock registration and printing fees.

Financial Expenses (Income), Net

Financial income is comprised of interest income generated from interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits and gains and losses due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates mainly in the appreciation and depreciation of the NIS exchange rate against the U.S. dollar.

Financial expenses primarily consist of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and gains and losses resulting from the re-measurement of our convertible loan liability between July 2013 and May 2014. We continued to record adjustments to the estimated fair value of the convertible loan liability until it was converted into our Series E preferred shares in May 2014, after which we no longer record any related periodic fair value adjustments.

Taxes on Income

We have not generated taxable income since our inception, and had carry forward tax losses as of December 31, 2014 of $102 million. We anticipate that we will be able to carry forward these tax losses indefinitely to future tax years. Accordingly, we do not expect to pay taxes in Israel until we have taxable income after the full utilization of our carry forward tax losses.

We recognize deferred tax assets on losses for tax purposes carried forward to subsequent years if utilization of the related tax benefit against a future taxable income is expected. We have not created deferred taxes on our tax loss carry forward since their utilization is not expected in the foreseeable future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

This management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

We make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Share-Based Compensation

We operate a number of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans for employees (as defined in IFRS 2 “Share-Based Payments”), directors and service providers. As part of the plans, we grant employees, directors and service providers, from time to time and at our discretion, options to purchase our ordinary shares. The fair value of the services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognized as an expense in our statements of comprehensive loss and is carried to additional paid in capital in our statements of financial position. The total amount is recognized as an expense ratably over the vesting period of the options, which is the period during which all vesting conditions are expected to be met.

 

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We estimate the fair value of our share-based awards to employees, directors and service providers using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including (a) the expected volatility of our shares, (b) the expected term of the award, (c) the risk-free interest rate, and (d) expected dividends. Due to the lack of a public market for the trading of our shares until October 2014 and a lack of company-specific historical and implied volatility data, we have based our estimate of expected volatility on the historic volatility of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded. We will continue to apply this process until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of our own share price becomes available.

We are also required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant, and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from the estimates. Vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. At the end of each reporting period, we revise our estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the nonmarket vesting conditions. We recognize the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid in capital.

Convertible Loan

On July 1, 2013, we closed a Convertible Bridge Loan Agreement, or the CLA, with some of our shareholders and related parties. The CLA provided for the infusion of an aggregate amount of $10.0 million in the form of a convertible bridge loan, or the Convertible Loan, to bridge our cash needs until a financing opportunity is achieved. The Convertible Loan was denominated in U.S. dollars and bore an annual interest rate of 10%.

On May 15, 2014, or the Conversion Date, the Convertible Loan was converted into 1,082,235 Preferred E Shares. Following such conversion, the entire balance of the Convertible Loan was reflected in equity.

For more detail, see Note 8 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F financial statements and Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Financial Overview – Convertible Loan as of December 31, 2014.

Results of Operations

Comparison of 3 month periods Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

 

     3 months ended, March 31,      Increase (Decrease)  
     2015      2014      $      %  
     (in thousands)         

Expenses:

           

Research and development, gross

   $ 2,303       $ 3,182       $ (879      -28

Government grants

     (273      (835      562         -67
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Research and development, net

$ 2,030    $ 2,347    $ (317   -14

General and administrative

  799      576      223      39
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Operating loss

  2,829      2,923      (94   -3

Financial expense (income), net

  148      2,132      (1,984   -93
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Loss

$ 2,977    $ 5,055    $ (2,078   -41
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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Research and development expenses, net. Research and development expenses are shown net of OCS grants. Research and development expenses were $2.0 million for the Period, compared to $2.3 million in the Parallel Period, a decrease of $0.3 million or 14%. The decrease in gross research and development expenses of $0.9 million or 28% is mainly related to lower expenses for VB-201 subcontractors and consultants in 2015 as the clinical trials were completed by 2014, in addition to a decrease in payroll and related expenses as a result of a favorable currency exchange rate, offset by a decrease in OCS grants received in the Period compared to the Parallel Period of $0.6 million or 67% due to a grant payment deferment from 2013 to the beginning of 2014.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the Period were $0.8 million, compared to $0.6 million for the Parallel Period, an increase of $0.2 million or 39%. The increase was attributable to share-based compensation expense for options granted to 2 external directors of the Company.

Financial expenses (income), net. Financial expenses (income), net for the Period were $0.1 million, compared to $2.1 million for the Parallel Period, a decrease of $2.0 million or 93%. The decrease was primarily attributable to the change in the fair value of the convertible loan in the Parallel Period with no additional impact in the Period since its conversion to Preferred E Shares on May 15, 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception and through March 31, 2015, we have raised a total of $113.4 million from sales of our equity securities before the initial public offering, $40.5 million gross in the public offering ($34.9 million net) and $16.4 million from OCS grants. Our primary uses of cash have been to fund working capital requirements and research and development, and we expect these will continue to represent our primary uses of cash. We expect our cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits as of March 31, 2015 to be sufficient to fund our operations for approximately 24 months.

Funding Requirements

At March 31, 2015, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits totaling $34.4 million and working capital of $32.1 million. We expect that our cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for approximately 24 months and will be sufficient to enable us to receive interim data from our planned Phase 3 clinical trial of VB-111 in rGBM, to complete our Phase 1/2 clinical trial for VB-111 in ovarian cancer, and to complete our Phase 1/2 clinical trial for VB-111 in rGBM. We are unable to estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenses associated with completing the development of VB-111 and our other product candidates. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

 

  the costs, timing and outcome of regulatory review of VB-111 and any other product candidates we may pursue;

 

  the costs of future development activities, including clinical trials, for VB-111 and any other product candidates we may pursue;

 

  the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending intellectual property-related claims;

 

  the extent to which we acquire or in-license other products and technologies; and

 

  our ability to establish any future collaboration arrangements on favorable terms, if at all.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. We do not have any committed external source of funds.

 

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Cash Flows

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

 

     Period ended March 31,  
     2015      2014  
     (in thousands)  

Cash used in operating activities

   $ (2,164 )    $ (3,281 )

Cash provided by investing activities

     (11,023 )      1,472  

Cash provided by financing activities

     —           5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$ (13,187 ) $ (1,804 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities for the Period was $2.2 million and consisted primarily of net loss of $3.0 million arising primarily from research and development activities, partially offset by a net decrease in working capital of $0.3 million, and net aggregate non-cash charges of $0.5 million.

Cash used in operating activities for the Parallel Period was $3.3 million and consisted primarily of net loss of $5.1 million arising primarily from research and development activities in addition to a net increase in working capital of $0.5 million, partially offset by net aggregate non-cash charges of $2.3 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was ($11.0) million for the Period and $1.5 million for the Parallel Period. This was primarily due to the increase and maturation of short-term bank deposits, respectively.

Financing Activities

No cash was generated by financing activities for the Period.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following tables summarize our contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2015 that will affect our future liquidity:

 

     Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3
Years
     3-5
Years
     More
than
5 Years
 
     (in thousands)  

Licenses

   $ 321      $ 107      $ 214      $ —        $ —    

Operating Leases

     551        328        223        —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

$ 872   $ 435   $ 437   $ —      $ —    

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, such as relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating financing transactions that are not required to be reflected on our statement of financial positions.

 

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of foreign currency exchange rates. Approximately 41% of our expenses in the first 3 months of 2015 were denominated in New Israeli Shekels and 8% in Euros. Changes of 5% and 10% in the US$/NIS or the US$/Euro exchange rate will increase or decrease the operation expenses by up to 2% and 1%, respectively.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Fluctuations in exchange rates, especially the NIS against the U.S. dollar, may affect our results, as some of our assets are linked to NIS, as are some of our liabilities. In addition, the fluctuation in the NIS exchange rate against the U.S. dollar may impact our results, as a portion of our operating cost is NIS denominated.

Inflation Risk

We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations in the last two fiscal years. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through hedging transactions. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014. It replaces the guidance in IAS 39 that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost, fair value through OCI and fair value through P&L. There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities, there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of changes in own credit risk in other comprehensive income for liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss. The standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have yet to assess IFRS 9’s full impact.

JOBS Act

On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for an “emerging growth company.” As an “emerging growth company,” we are electing to not take advantage of the extended transition period afforded by the JOBS Act for the implementation of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to not take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable. In addition, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act.

 

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