EX-99.2 3 ea183075ex99-2_inflarxnv.htm INFLARX N.V. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Exhibit 99.2

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This management’s discussion and analysis is designed to provide you with a narrative explanation of our financial condition and results of operations. We recommend that you read this discussion together with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, for the three- and six- months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Report on Form 6-K to which this discussion is attached as Exhibit 99.2. We also recommend that you read our “ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2022, and the notes thereto, which appear in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Annual Report”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In addition, we recommend that you read any public announcements made by InflaRx N.V.

 

The following discussion is based on our financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which may differ in material respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and other jurisdictions. We maintain our books and records in euros. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to currency amounts in this discussion are in euros. We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in this discussion and analysis. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them.

 

The following discussion includes 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 many factors, including but not limited to those described under “ITEM 3. Key Information––Risk factors” in the Annual Report.

 

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references to “InflaRx” or the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us” or similar terms refer to InflaRx N.V. and its subsidiaries InflaRx GmbH and InflaRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

Overview

 

We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on applying our proprietary anti-C5a and C5aR technologies to discover, develop and commercialize first-in-class, potent and specific inhibitors of the complement activation factor known as C5a and its receptor known as C5aR. C5a is a powerful inflammatory mediator involved in the progression of a wide variety of autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. Our lead product candidate, vilobelimab, is a novel intravenously delivered first-in-class anti-C5a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to free C5a and has demonstrated disease-modifying clinical activity and tolerability in multiple clinical settings.

 

Gohibic (vilobelimab) for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients

 

In April 2023, we received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Gohibic (vilobelimab) for the treatment of critically ill, invasively mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Specifically, we received an EUA for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized adults when initiated within 48 hours of receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Gohibic (vilobelimab) is not FDA-approved for any indication, including for the treatment of COVID-19.

 

The EUA is supported by the previously announced results of the multicenter Phase III PANAMO trial. PANAMO is one of the largest 1:1 randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials in IMV COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. A total of 369 patients were randomly assigned to the vilobelimab treatment group (six 800 mg infusions) or the placebo group. Both groups also received standard of care, which included treatment with anticoagulants, corticosteroids like dexamethasone and other immunomodulators. The data showed that the vilobelimab treatment improved survival with a relative reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality by 23.9% compared to the placebo in the global data set. The data were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine in September 2022.

 

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In June 2023, we began the commercialization of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in the United States for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized adults when initiated within 48 hours of receiving IMV or ECMO. For this, we have hired and are continuing to hire U.S. experts with relevant experience in the commercialization of medical products in the hospital market, including in the areas of sales, sales operations, marketing, market access, distribution and others. Notably, we hired Dr. Camilla Chong as our Chief Medical Officer, who will also be supporting the commercialization efforts in the United States through her responsibility for medical affairs. In addition, we are building the necessary infrastructure, including IT systems, supply chain, financial reporting systems and inventory management systems both, internally and with the assistance of external service providers. In June 2023, we announced that Gohibic (vilobelimab) was available in the United States. In connection with such announcement, we entered into agreements with certain subsidiaries of AmerisourceBergen Corp., which will act as our U.S. distributor and make Gohibic (vilobelimab) available for order by U.S. hospital customers under the EUA. AmerisourceBergen Corp. will provide cold storage, cold-chain distribution services, inventory management and secondary labeling/packaging, among other services.

 

In parallel, as part of our launch plan, we are finalizing our commercial strategic plan, building our sales force and medical affairs teams, preparing relevant promotional and medical education materials to target healthcare providers and other stakeholders, refining our medical affairs strategy to increase scientific awareness of the EUA within the target customers, and implementing a commercial strategy to allow for first revenues from sales of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in the United States from Q3 onwards.

 

To achieve full commercial scale and successfully exploit the full market potential of the product in the future, we also aspire to obtain full market approval for Gohibic (vilobelimab). We are therefore continuing discussions with the FDA related to a submission of a Biologics License Applications (BLA) for full approval of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in our COVID-19 indication and potentially, in the future, in similar indications that may apply to other virally induced acute respiratory distress conditions. We are also advancing our plans to prepare a submission for regulatory approval of Gohibic (vilobelimab) with the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), which we anticipate being submitted soon.

 

In October 2021, we announced that we received a grant of up to €43.7 million from the German Ministry of Education and Research and the German Ministry of Health to support our development of vilobelimab for the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients. Due to subsequent changes in our research and development plan and fewer costs projected within the timeframe of the grant, we were notified that the amount available to us is €41.4 million. The grant is structured as a reimbursement of 80% of certain pre-specified expenses related to the clinical development and manufacturing of vilobelimab. The grant period ended on June 30, 2023. We expect to receive approximately €5.2 million of the remaining grant amount during the third quarter. In total, during the duration of the grant period, we were able to claim an amount of € 32.7 million to support our activities regarding the development of vilobelimab for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

 

Vilobelimab for the treatment of Pyoderma Gangrenosum

 

We are developing vilobelimab for the treatment of pyoderma gangraenosum (PG). PG is a rare chronic inflammatory form of neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by accumulation of neutrophils in the affected skin areas. The exact pathophysiology is not fully understood, but it is postulated that inflammatory cytokine production, as well as neutrophil activation and dysfunction contribute to a sterile inflammation in the skin. PG often presents as painful pustules or papules, mainly on the lower extremities, which can rapidly progress to an extremely painful enlarging ulcers. Associated symptoms include fever, malaise, weight loss and myalgia. PG has a devastating impact on a patient’s life due to the severe pain and induction of significant movement impairment depending on lesions’ locations. The exact prevalence of PG is not yet known, but it is estimated that up to 51,000 patients in the United States and Europe are affected by this disease.

 

In April 2021, we completed an open-label, multicenter Phase IIa exploratory study enrolling 19 patients with moderate to severe PG in Canada, the United States and Poland. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vilobelimab in three different doses and to determine the appropriate dose for the future development of vilobelimab in registrational Phase III studies for the treatment of PG.

 

The reported final results showed a dose-dependent treatment effect, whereby in the highest dose cohort of 2,400 mg, six out of seven patients showed a clinical remission (PGA score ≤ 1) and closure of the target ulcer. The seventh patient showed a slight improvement (PGA score 4), with a decrease of the target ulcer area of over 50%. During the follow-up period, ulcers remained closed two months after treatment completion in all but one patient, and a sustained suppression of C5a was observed for up to 20 days after the last dosing. Final results from all patients were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) Annual Meeting in March 2022.

 

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With these results, vilobelimab was granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of PG by both the FDA in the United States and the EMA in Europe, as well as fast-track designation by the FDA. In January 2023, we announced details related to the design of our pivotal Phase III study with vilobelimab in ulcerative PG. The design is based on detailed feedback and recommendations from the FDA Division of Dermatology and Dentistry and was developed in close collaboration with the Company´s medical advisors from the United States, Europe and other regions. The randomized, double-blinded controlled study will comprise an active arm of 2,400 mg of vilobelimab versus its passive arm that will receive a placebo every other week for a treatment period of 26 weeks. Both arms will be initiated with a low-dose corticosteroid treatment, which will be tapered off during the first 8 weeks of the treatment period. The study will be conducted with an adaptive trial design, providing for a planned interim analysis after enrollment of 30 patients (15 per arm). At least 48 patients and up to 90 patients will be enrolled in the trial and be treated for a period of 26 weeks. Patients dropping out of the treatment will be considered as non-responders to the treatment. The interim analysis by an independent data safety monitoring committee (blinded for the sponsor and investigators) will consider the then-observed difference in complete target ulcer closure between the two arms based on a set of predefined rules, and accordingly, the trial sample size will be continued with a 2:1 randomization in favor of vilobelimab, adapted in size, or the trial will be stopped due to futility.

 

We have submitted a Phase III clinical trial protocol to the FDA and initiated the preparatory activities for the study, including selection of clinical trial sites, obtaining regulatory and ethics approvals to conduct the study and expect to start the trial by enrolling patients in the United States, Europe and selected other regions in Q3 2023. The total enrollment period is projected to be at least two years, depending on the trial size after potential sample size adaptation.

 

Vilobelimab for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)

 

We are also developing vilobelimab for the treatment of PD-1 / PD-L1 inhibitor resistant / refractory, locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). cSCC is the second most common skin cancer. The incidence of cSCC increases with cumulative sun exposure and age, and individuals with fair skin and hair are more often affected. The potential for local recurrence or metastasis of cSCC varies with the pathologic variant and localization of the primary lesion, and the risk for metastasis in cSCC is approximately 2%-5%. Advanced cSCC 10-year survival rates are less than 20% with regional lymph node involvement and less than 10% with distant metastases.

 

In the study, which was initiated in April 2021, we recruted patients in two independent arms, vilobelimab alone (Arm A) and vilobelimab in combination with pembrolizumab (Arm B). The main objectives of the trial are to assess the safety and antitumor activity of vilobelimab monotherapy, to determine the maximum tolerated or recommended dose in combination with pembrolizumab, as well as to evaluate the safety and antitumor activity in the combination treatment arm in cSCC patients.

 

As of the date hereof, 10 patients were enrolled in Arm A, in which they received a run-in dose of 800 mg of vilobelimab on days 1, 4, 8 and 15, followed by a dose of 1,600 mg vilobelimab every two weeks starting on day 22. An interim analysis in Arm A of the 10 patients was conducted in July 2023 and the treatment responses in Arm A were evaluated. The interim efficacy analysis shows that 1 patient showed a complete response and one patient showed stable disease according to the protocol. One additional patient demonstrated stable disease per “Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors” (RECIST) only. Two of ten patients are still on treatment.

 

In Arm B, as of the date hereof, three patients have been treated in the first dosing cohort of the study (400 mg intravenous infusions of vilobelimab on days 1, 4, 8 and 15 and 800 mg from day 22 and every two weeks thereafter, in addition to 400 mg of pembrolizumab on day 8 and every six weeks thereafter). Six patients were treated at the next higher dose (600 mg intravenous infusions of vilobelimab on days 1, 4, 8 and 15 and 1,200 mg from day 22 and every two weeks thereafter, in addition to 400 mg of pembrolizumab on day 8 and every six weeks thereafter). In the third dosing cohort, an additional six patients were treated at the highest planned dose per protocol (800 mg intravenous infusions of vilobelimab on days 1, 4, 8 and 15 and 1,600 mg from day 22 and every two weeks thereafter, in addition to 400 mg of pembrolizumab on day 8 and every six weeks thereafter). Each dose escalation was done per recommendation and after review of the safety data by an independent study monitoring committee comprised of external clinical advisors. In total, as of the date hereof, 15 patients were enrolled in Arm B (3+6+6 in the three dosing cohorts). Before proceeding with the second stage of the study in Arm B, we plan to perform an efficacy interim analysis in Arm B. We plan to conduct such analysis once all ten patients treated with the maximum tolerated dose identified in stage one, are evaluable for the response assessment. We expect these data to be available in the first half of 2024. The decision on whether to progress to stage 2 of the study in arms A and/or B will be taken once the efficacy analysis in Arm B has been completed.

 

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Anti-C5aR inhibitor INF904

 

We are developing INF904, an oral small-molecule drug candidate that targets the C5aR receptor. We plan on targeting complement-mediated, chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions for which an oral small molecule is the preferred route of administration for patients. In our investigational new drug (IND)-enabling preclinical studies we demonstrated the absence of any obvious toxicological findings even in the highest dose groups in required GLP toxicity analyses. In these preclinical studies, oral INF904 showed higher plasma exposure in animals, including non-human primates, and improved inhibitory activity in a hamster neutropenia model compared to the marketed C5aR inhibitor avacopan. Anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects in several preclinical disease models were also demonstrated by INF904. Further, in contrast to the marketed C5aR inhibitor avacopan, in vitro experiments showed that INF904 has substantially less inhibition of the cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5) enzymes, which play an important role in the metabolism of a variety of drugs, including glucocorticoids. We are currently conducting a Phase I single (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) study in healthy volunteers with the goal of confirming the safety of INF904 and to establish the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of this development candidate. We plan to show the effect of INF904 on C5a-induced downstream activity and to generate data in a format comparable with other published data on C5aR inhibitory molecules like avacopan. Results from the SAD part of the study are expected for Q3 2023 and results from the MAD part of the study are expected in Q4 of 2023.

 

Anti-C5a antibody IFX002

 

To expand the breadth of our anti-C5a technology, we are also developing IFX002 for the treatment of chronic inflammatory indications. IFX002 shares the same mechanism of action as vilobelimab, blocking C5a with high specificity, but is designed to have a dosing regimen that may be more suitable for chronic therapy through a potentially less frequent necessity to administer the product. IFX002 is currently in pre-clinical development.

 

Management changes

 

Effective April 26, 2023, Ms. Hege Hellstrom was appointed to the Board of Directos of InflaRx N.V. Mrs. Hellstrom has more than 30 years’ experience in sales, marketing, strategy development, commercialization, partner alliances and executive management. Since December 2021, Ms. Hellstrom has been serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at Advicenne Pharma SA, a French pharmaceutical company specializing in the development of innovative treatments in Nephrology. In addition, Ms. Hellstrom has been a non-executive board member and audit committee member of Vivesto AB since 2019 and of Camurus AB since 2020; both are public biopharmaceutical Swedish companies. Ms. Hellstrom has also been the founder and managing director of Belnor BV, an investment and consulting company, since 2019. From 2013 to 2018, she worked as President for Europe, Middle East, North Africa and Russia at Sobi, a Swedish biopharmaceutical company, where she led several launches for drugs that threat rare diseases, such as hemophilia and metabolic diseases. Ms. Hellstrom holds a B.Sc. in biomedical laboratory science from Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway.

 

Effective July 1, 2023, we appointed Dr. Camilla Chong as our Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Chong is a medical doctor with 25 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry. She has successfully led clinical development, medical affairs, clinical operations, regulatory and pharmacovigilance teams and has managed global clinical development programs. She has extensive experience in the launch of many new pharmaceutical products in multiple geographies. She joined InflaRx from Kyowa Kirin Corporation, where she was vice president and global medical affairs therapy area head for immunology. Her previous senior management roles have spanned multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiology, immunology, respiratory, dermatology and orphan diseases at Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Teva. Dr. Chong received her M.D. degree from the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University College London, UK. She holds a diploma in pharmaceutical medicine and is a member of the faculty of pharmaceutical medicine (MFPM).

 

Financial highlights

 

As of June 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of €19.5 million and marketable securities of €95.7 million. We believe that our current funds on hand will be sufficient to fund our planned operations into 2026.

 

We anticipate that our expenses might increase if and as we:

 

continue to expand the commercialization efforts for Gohibic (vilobelimab) in the United States by investing in our commercial infrastructure and seek partners to support commercialization of our other products;

 

continue to develop and conduct clinical trials with respect to our lead product candidate, vilobelimab;

 

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continue research, preclinical and clinical development efforts for any future product candidates, including IFX002 and INF904;

 

invest in our working capital;

 

actively seek to identify additional research programs and additional product candidates;

 

pursue full BLA and centralised marketing authorisation applications (MAA) approvals for Gohibic (vilobelimab);

 

seek regulatory and marketing approvals for our product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials, if any;

 

establish sales, marketing, distribution and other commercial infrastructure in the future to commercialize various products for which we may obtain marketing approval, if any;

 

require the scale-up and validation of the manufacturing process for the commercialization of Gohibic (vilobelimab) including the manufacturing of larger quantities for the completion of the development activities towards the establishment of a commercial manufacturing process and for further clinical development;

 

collaborate with strategic partners to optimize the manufacturing process for vilobelimab, IFX002, INF904 and other pipeline products;

 

maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio;

 

hire and retain additional personnel, such as commercial, administrative, clinical, quality control and scientific personnel; and

 

add operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our product development and help us comply with our obligations as a public company.

 

Our ability to become and remain profitable depends on our ability to generate revenue. Historically, we had no products or services from which we could generate revenues. In April 2023, the FDA issued an EUA for the emergency use of Gohibic (vilobelimab) for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized adults. Gohibic (vilobelimab) is not FDA-approved for any indication, including for the treatment of COVID-19. Subsequently to obtaining the EUA in this indication, in June 2023 we launched Gohibic (vilobelimab) into the U.S. market by making it available through the ordering channels for hospitals. In the future, as long as the product is still authorized under the EUA, we may be able to generate limited revenues through sales of Gohibic (vilobelimab) to U.S. hospitals under the EUA.

 

For this, we are hiring experts with relevant experience in the commercialization of medical products and are building the necessary commercial and logistical infrastructure internally and/or with the potential assistance of external partners or service providers. However, in order to achieve full commercial scale and successfully exploit the full market potential of our products in the future, we or our collaborators will need to obtain full market approval for Gohibic (vilobelimab) and for our other product candidates in the future.

 

Successful commercialization of our products and product candidates will require achievement of key milestones, including successfully completing clinical trials; obtaining marketing approval for these product candidates; manufacturing, marketing and selling those products for which we, or any of our future collaborators, may obtain marketing approval; satisfying any post-marketing requirements of the FDA and other regulatory agencies and obtaining reimbursement for our products from private insurance or government payors. Because of the uncertainties and risks associated with these activities, we are unable to accurately predict the timing and amount of revenues, and if or when we might achieve profitability. We and any future collaborators may never succeed in these activities, and even if we do, or any future collaborators do, we may never generate revenue that is large enough for us to achieve profitability. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.

 

Our expenses in any quarter may not be indicative of our expenses in future periods, and in particular we expect that our expenses, and therefore our net losses, could vary depending on the going-forward strategy relating to the full regulatory approval of vilobelimab for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients, our development plans in PG, cSCC and additional indications, as well as for other product candidates like INF904 or any potential addition of a technology platform or assets.

 

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Accordingly, we may seek to further fund our operations through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, including strategic collaborations. We may, however, be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements when needed on favorable terms or at all. Our failure to raise capital or enter into such other arrangements as and when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to develop vilobelimab or any additional product candidates.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses have consisted principally of:

 

expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, or CROs, and contract manufacturing organizations, or CMOs, consultants and independent contractors that conduct research and development, preclinical and clinical activities on our behalf;

 

employee-related expenses, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expenses based upon employees’ roles within the organization; and

 

professional fees for lawyers related to the protection and maintenance of our intellectual property.

 

Our research and development expenses primarily relate to the following key programs:

 

Vilobelimab. We expect our expenses associated with vilobelimab to increase in 2023 compared to 2022, as we are initiating the Phase III clinical study in PG and conducting our Phase II clinical program in cSCC. In addition, we are incurring, and expect to further incur, expenses in conjunction with filing market authorizations for vilobelimab in the United States and elsewhere, including expenses to obtain full BLA and MAA approval for Gohibic (vilobelimab). We might also potentially consider development of vilobelimab in additional indications. In addition, we are also incurring expenses related to the manufacturing of clinical trial material and by establishing a commercial scale production process.

 

INF904. We are also developing INF904, a product candidate that targets the C5aR receptor. We have been conducting a Phase I single and multiple ascending dose clinical study since November 2022 and expect to incur additional costs by advancing the development of INF904. We plan to study INF904 in complement-mediated, chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions for which an oral low molecular weight compound might have advantages or is needed for patients and for which oral delivery is the medically preferred route of administration.

 

IFX002. We are also developing IFX002 for the treatment of chronic inflammatory indications. IFX002 is a highly potent anti-complement C5a antibody with a higher humanization grade and altered pharmacokinetic properties compared to vilobelimab and is currently in preclinical development. Expenses for this program mainly consist of salaries, costs for preclinical testing conducted by CROs and costs to produce preclinical material. 

 

Other development programs. Our other research and development expenses relate to our preclinical studies of other product candidates and discovery activities, expenses for which mainly consist of salaries, costs for production of preclinical compounds and costs paid to CROs. 

 

In 2022, we incurred €37.5 million in research and development expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, we incurred research and development expenses of €25.7 million and €21.7 million, respectively. The increase in our research and development expenses was attributable to the completion of the development activities for vilobelimab for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients, for which the FDA granted an EUA in April 2023. These expenses comprised of costs attributable to the establishment of a commercial scale manufacturing process for vilobelimab and regulatory expenses in conjunction with the EUA filing and other regulatory activities, as well as for the manufacturing of clinical trial-related material. Our research and development expenses may vary substantially from period to period based on the timing of our research and development activities, including due to timing of clinical trial initiation and enrollment.

 

We expense research and development costs as incurred. We recognize costs for certain development activities, such as preclinical studies and clinical trials, based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks. We use information provided to us by our vendors such as patient enrollment or clinical site activations for services received and efforts expended. Research and development activities are central to our business model.

 

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The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. We cannot reasonably and accurately predict the nature, timing and estimated costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the development of, or the period, if any, in which material net cash inflows may commence from, any of our product candidates. For a discussion of our other key financial statement line items, please see “ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating results” in the Annual Report.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as our business expands, we initiate commercial operations in conjunction with the recently granted EUA for Gohibic (vilobelimab), this will not only result in sales and marketing costs, but we believe will also result in an increase in general and administrative costs. There will also be additional costs associated with operating as a public company. It is expected that the costs of commercialization will also result in additional personnel, additional consulting costs in the connection of the expansion of our ERP system and internal and external reporting. Public company-related costs relate primarily to additional personnel, additional professional and legal fees, audit fees, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums and costs associated with investor relations.

 

In 2022, we incurred €14.9 million in general and administrative expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, we incurred general and administrative expenses of €7.1 million and €8.7 million, respectively.

 

Sales and marketing expenses

 

In the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2023, we report marketing and sales expenses for the first time. These expenses amounted to €0.3 million in the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Results of operations

 

The information below was derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. The discussion below should be read along with these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and our Annual Report.

 

1.Comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

   three months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Operating expenses            
             
Research and development expenses   (10,919,595)   (11,180,958)   261,363 
General and administrative expenses   (3,540,805)   (4,346,965)   806,160 
Sales and marketing expenses   (276,051)       (276,051)
Total operating expenses   (14,736,451)   (15,527,923)   791,472 
Other income   4,882,908    14,441,541    (9,558,633)
Other expenses   (2,624)   (279)   (2,345)
Operating result   (9,856,168)   (1,086,661)   (8,769,507)
Finance income   1,087,011    82,401    1,004,610 
Finance expenses   (5,052)   (7,945)   2,893 
Foreign exchange result   767,646    1,563,580    (795,934)
Other financial result   (195,567)   (86,000)   (109,567)
Income (loss) for the period   (8,202,130)   465,376    (8,667,506)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign currency   (330)   4,408,940    (4,409,270)
Total comprehensive income (loss)   (8,202,460)   4,874,316    (13,076,776)

 

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a)Sales and marketing expenses

 

   three months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Third-party expenses   124,930        124,930 
Personnel expenses   104,884        104,884 
Legal and consulting fees   42,891        42,891 
Other expenses   3,347        3,347 
Total sales and marketing expenses   276,051        276,051 

 

In the three-months ended June 30, 2023, we incurred €0.3 million of sales and marketing espenses. These expenses are primarily comprised of €0.1 million personnel costs and €0.1 external services for distribution.

 

b)Research and development expenses

 

   three months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Third-party expenses   8,096,874    8,694,344    (597,470)
Personnel expenses   1,798,930    2,117,975    (319,045)
Legal and consulting fees   542,015    277,274    264,741 
Other expenses   481,776    91,364    390,412 
Total research and development expenses   10,919,596    11,180,958    (261,362)

 

We use our employee and infrastructure resources across multiple research and development programs directed toward developing vilobelimab in different indications and in our pre-clinical programs. We manage certain activities such as contract research and manufacturing of vilobelimab and our discovery programs through our third-party vendors. Research and development expenses incurred for the three months ended June 30, 2023 decreased slightly by €0.3 million compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022.

 

c)General and administrative expenses

 

   three months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Personnel expenses   1,386,945    2,052,710    (665,765)
Legal, consulting and audit fees   1,085,521    1,141,416    (55,895)
Other expenses   1,068,338    1,152,838    (84,500)
Total general and administrative expense   3,540,805    4,346,965    (806,160)

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by €0.8 million to €3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, from €4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is attributable to lower expenses associated with equity-settled share-based compensation recognized in personnel expenses of €0.6 million.

 

d)Other income

 

   three months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Income from government grants   4,874,934    14,415,368    (9,540,434)
Other   7,974    26,173    (18,199)
Total other income   4,882,908    14,441,541    (9,558,633)

 

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Other income decreased by €9.6 million to €4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, from €14.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease in income from government grants is primarily due to a non-recurring catch-up effect of costs incurred in preceding periods for which income recognition was deferred until the three months ended June 30, 2022, when the recognition criteria were met.

 

Other income is primarily attributable to income recognized from the grant payments received from the German federal government for the development of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in severe COVID-19 cases, including our expenses related to clinical development and manufacturing process development.

 

e)Net financial result

 

   three months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Interest income   1,087,011    82,401    1,004,610 
Interest expenses   (363)   (2,243)   1,880 
Interest on lease liabilities  (4,689)  (5,702)  1,013 
Finance result   1,081,959    74,456    1,007,503 
                
Foreign exchange income   2,090,994    2,947,221    (856,227)
Foreign exchange expense   (1,323,348)   (1,383,641)   60,293 
Foreign exchange result   767,646    1,563,580    (795,934)
                
Other financial result   (195,567)   (86,000)   (109,567)
Net financial result   1,654,038    1,552,036    102,002 

 

Net financial result increased by €0.1 million to a gain of €1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from a gain of €1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. This increase is mainly attributable to an increase of interest income on marketable securities by €1.0, which was partially offset by €0.8 million lower foreign exchange result. Other financial result consists of an adjustment for expected credit losses on marketable securities.

 

2.Comparison of the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Operating expenses            
             
Research and development expenses   (25,651,503)   (21,652,881)   (3,998,622)
General and administrative expenses   (7,149,359)   (8,734,408)   1,585,049 
Sales and marketing expenses   (276,051)       (276,051)
Total operating expenses   (33,076,914)   (30,387,289)   (2,689,625)
Other income   12,629,096    14,443,135    (1,814,039)
Other expenses   (3,190)   (844)   (2,346)
Operating result   (20,451,007)   (15,944,999)   (4,506,008)
Finance income   1,543,047    110,362    1,432,685 
Finance expenses   (10,580)   (32,531)   21,951 
Foreign exchange result   (369,664)   2,291,513    (2,661,177)
Other financial result   2,241    39,000    (36,759)
Income (loss) for the period   (19,285,963)   (13,536,654)   (5,749,309)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign currency   (17,116)   5,718,815    (5,735,931)
Total comprehensive income (Loss)   (19,303,079)   (7,817,839)   (11,485,240)

 

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a)Sales and marketing expenses

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Third-party expenses   124,930        124,930 
Personnel expenses   104,884        104,884 
Legal and consulting fees   42,891        42,891 
Other expenses   3,347        3,347 
Total sales and marketing expenses   276,051        276,051 

 

In the six months ended June 30, 2023 we had incurred €0.3 million of sales and marketing expenses. These expenses are mainly composed of €0.1 million personnel costs and €0.1 external services for distribution.

 

b)Research and development expenses

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Third-party expenses   20,500,002    16,782,955    3,717,047 
Personnel expenses   3,410,009    4,225,598    (815,589)
Legal and consulting fees   1,087,166    471,361    615,805 
Other expenses   654,327    172,967    481,360 
Total research and development expenses   25,651,503    21,652,881    3,998,622 

 

We use our employee and infrastructure resources across multiple research and development programs directed toward developing vilobelimab and our pre-clinical programs. We manage certain activities such as contract research and manufacturing of vilobelimab and our discovery programs through our third-party vendors.

 

Research and development expenses incurred for the six months ended June 30, 2023 increased compared to the corresponding period in 2022 by €4.0 million. This increase was primarily due to higher expenses in conjunction with our EUA application of vilobelimab in COVID-19. The main driver were costs related to manufacturing development and regulatory activities and was driven by an overall increase in third-party expenses of €3.7 million. The €0.8 million decrease in personnel expenses was mainly related to equity-settled share-based compensation.

 

c)General and administrative expenses

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Personnel expenses   2,992,950    4,529,727    (1,536,777)
Legal, consulting and audit fees   2,071,433    1,911,707    159,726 
Other expenses   2,084,976    2,292,974    (207,998)
Total general and administrative expense   7,149,359    8,734,408    (1,585,049)

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by €1.6 million to €7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, from €8.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in expenses associated with equity-settled share-based compensation recognized in personnel expenses.

 

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d)Other income

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
Income from government grants   12,609,789    14,415,368    (1,805,579)
Other   19,307    27,767    (8,460)
Total other income   12,629,096    14,443,135    (1,814,039)

 

Other income decreased by €1.8 million to €12.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, from €14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease in income from government grants is primarily due to a non-recurring catch-up effect of costs incurred in preceding periods for which income recognition was deferred until the three months ended June 30, 2022 when the recognition criteria were met.

 

Other income is primarily attributable to income recognized from the grant payments received from the German federal government for the development of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in severe COVID-19 cases, including our expenses related to clinical development and manufacturing process development.

 

e)Net financial result

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022   Change 
   (in €) 
             
Interest income   1,543,047    110,362    1,432,685 
Interest expenses   (782)   (22,102)   21,320 
Interest on lease liabilities  (9,798)  (10,429)  631 
Finance Result   1,532,467    77,831    1,454,636 
                
Foreign exchange income   2,381,519    4,057,629    (1,676,110)
Foreign exchange expense   (2,751,183)   (1,766,116)   (985,067)
Foreign exchange result   (369,664)   2,291,513    (2,661,177)
                
Other financial result   2,241    39,000    (36,759)
Net financial result   1,165,044    2,408,344    (1,243,300)

 

Net financial result decreased by €1.2 million to €1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, from €2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. This decrease was mainly attributable to lower foreign exchange results which decreased by €2.7 million, partly compensated by the increase in interest income of €1.4 million due to increased interest payments from marketable securities

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

Since inception, we have incurred significant operating losses. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, we incurred a net loss of €19.3 million. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of our securities. As of June 30, 2023, we had cash, cash equivalents in the amount of €19.5 million and financial assets in the amount of €101.7 million, comprised of marketable securities in the amount of €95.7 million and other financial assets amounting to €6.1 million, including receivables from our governmental grant. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of bank deposit accounts and fixed U.S. dollar term deposits.

 

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Cash flows

 

The table below summarizes our consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:

 

   six months ended June 30, 
   2023   2022 
   (in €) 
Net cash used in operating activities   (21,685,642)   (25,359,081)
Net cash from investing activities   (27,893,346)   12,554,101 
Net cash from/ (used in) financing activities   53,175,455    (182,014)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period   16,265,355    26,249,995 
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents   (345,862)   2,153,152 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period   19,515,959    15,416,152 

 

3.Net cash used in operating activities

 

The use of cash in all periods resulted primarily from our net losses, adjusted for noncash charges and changes in components of working capital.

 

Net cash used in operating activities decreased to €21.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023, from €25.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

4.Net cash from/used in investing activities

 

Net cash from investing activities decreased by €40.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023, mainly due to higher investments in marketable securities in the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022.

 

5.Net cash from/used in financing activities

 

Net cash from financing activities increased by €53.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

In the six months ended June 30, 2023, we issued an additional 3,235,723 ordinary shares under our at-the-market program (refer to Note 8 “Equity”), resulting in €14.4 million in net proceeds. The existing ATM program expired in July 2023 and no more shares are issuable under this program.

 

Through an underwritten public offering in April 2023, the Company sold and issued an aggregate of 10,823,529 ordinary shares, of which 1,411,764 were sold pursuant to the exercise of an overallotment option by the underwriters. The ordinary shares were sold at a price of $4.25 per share and have a nominal value of €0.12 per share. Proceeds of this offering after deducting €2.5 million ($2.8 million) in underwriting discounts amounted to €39.1 million ($43.2 million). Other offering expenses amounted to €0.4 million, resulting in a total of €38.7 million in net proceeds from this offering.

 

Funding requirements

 

We expect our expenses associated with vilobelimab to increase in 2023 compared to 2022, as we continue discussion with the FDA related to submission of a BLA for full approval of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in severe COVID-19, pursue commercialization of Gohibic (vilobelimab) under the EUA for emergency use as granted by the FDA, complete developing vilobelimab in other indications, including PG in our Phase III trial, and continue the Phase II clinical program in cSCC. In addition, we are also incurring expenses related to the manufacturing of clinical trial material and by validating our manufacturing process for vilobelimab to meet regulatory standards for approval as a commercial grade manufacturing process. Furthermore, we also have established commercial scale production options and are initiating manufacturing campaigns to be able to serve the market needs in the United States under the granted the EUA.

 

We also plan to advance the development of INF904 by completing the ongoing Phase I clinical program consisting of a SAD and a MAD arm in H2 2023. In parallel, we are also continuing with non-clinical development activities in relation to CMC and additional non-clinical animal studies in order to prepare for the future initiation of a Phase II clinical development.

 

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If clinical data is supportive, we may seek marketing approval for any product candidates that we successfully develop. Additionally, we will validate and further develop the manufacturing process of our products to be able to apply for marketing authorization and to be able to provide a commercial-grade product. If we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to establishing sales, marketing, distribution, and other commercial infrastructure to commercialize such products. We will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce, or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and financial assets will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements under our current business plan into 2026.

 

Until such time, if ever, that we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, royalty-based financings, future collaborations, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements and revenues from product sales. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the interest of our current shareholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include voting or other rights that adversely affect your rights as a common shareholder. Debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, or declaring dividends. If we raise funds through additional collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.

 

For more information as to the risks associated with our future funding needs, see “ITEM 3. Key Information––Risk factors” in our Annual Report.

 

Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2023, and during the periods presented, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements other as described under “ITEM 5. Operating and financial review and prospects—off-balance sheet arrangements” in our Annual Report.

 

Contractual obligations and commitments

 

As of the date of this discussion and analysis, we do not have any, and during the periods presented we did not have any, contractual obligations and commitments other than as described under “ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and capital resources––Contractual obligations and commitments” in the Annual Report.

 

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, there were no significant changes to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from those reported in “ITEM 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Annual Report and our quarterly report for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included as Exhibit 99.1 and 99.2 to the Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 11, 2023, except as set forth below:

 

The manufacturing and distribution of Gohibic (vilobelimab) is subject to a number of risks that could harm our reputation, business, financial condition and operating results.

 

The manufacturing and distribution of Gohibic (vilobelimab) is subject to a number of risks that could harm our reputation, business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Manufacturing: The manufacturing processes of Gohibic (vilobelimab) is complex. We may encounter manufacturing difficulties, including difficulties related to product storage and shelf life. Such difficulties could result from the complexities of manufacturing product batches at a larger scale, equipment failure, availability of excipients and other product components/ingredients (including related to choice and quality of raw materials), analytical testing technology and product instability. Specifically, insufficient product stability or shelf life of Gohibic (vilobelimab) or its components could materially limit or delay our or our collaborators’ ability to distribute and commercialize Gohibic (vilobelimab) at the current price or at all. Further, if Gohibic (vilobelimab) becomes subject to a product recall, including as the result of manufacturing errors, design/labeling defects or other deficiencies, our reputation would be adversely affected.

 

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Distribution: Gohibic (vilobelimab) is a “cold-chain product” that must be shipped and stored at cold temperatures. We could lose supply of Gohibic (vilobelimab) due to distribution difficulties, including generally related supply chain management (e.g., shelf-life expiration) and specifically related to shipping and storing Gohibic (vilobelimab) at cold temperatures. If so, we could incur additional manufacturing costs in order to supply required quantities to U.S. hospitals under the EUA.

 

Any such manufacturing and distribution difficulties may harm our reputation, business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Our ability to successfully commercialize and generate revenue from sales of Gohibic (vilobelimab) is subject to a number of risks that could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Our ability to successfully commercialize Gohibic (vilobelimab) is subject to a number of risks that could impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Specifically, our ability to generate revenue from sales of Gohibic (vilobelimab) is uncertain, including due to the market opportunity for, and interest and perception in, Gohibic (vilobelimab). In particular, given fluctuations in the number of patients developing severe symptoms from COVID-19 infections, the size of the addressable patient population and, thus, the market opportunity for Gohibic (vilobelimab) is uncertain and may shrink over time. In addition, since Gohibic (vilobelimab) has an EUA, but not FDA approval, sales of Gohibic (vilobelimab) depend on whether healthcare providers at U.S. hospitals are interested in and receptive to providing Gohibic (vilobelimab) as a treatment for COVID-19. If we are unable to successfully commercialize and generate revenue from sales of Gohibic (vilobelimab), our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

Critical judgments and accounting estimates

 

There have been no material changes to the significant accounting policies and estimates described in “ITEM 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical judgments and accounting estimates” in the Annual Report other than a change in the functional currency of the InflaRx N.V. entity from the U.S. dollar to the euro. Refer to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes as of June 30, 2023 for additional information.

 

Cautionary statement regarding forward looking statements

 

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions intended to identify statements about the future. These statements speak only as of the date of this discussion and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the following:

 

the receptiveness of Gohibic (vilobelimab) as a treatment for COVID-19 by COVID-19 patients and U.S. hospitals;

 

our ability to commercialize Gohibic (vilobelimab) and our other product candidates;

 

our expectations regarding the size of the patient populations for, market opportunity for, estimated returns and return accruals for, coverage and reimbursement for and clinical utility of Gohibic (vilobelimab) in its approved or authorized indication or for vilobelimab and any other product candidates, under the EUA and in the future if approved for commercial use in the United States or elsewhere;

 

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the success of our future clinical trials for vilobelimab and any other product candidates and whether such clinical results will reflect results seen in previously conducted preclinical studies and clinical trials;

 

the timing, progress and results of clinical trials of our product candidates, and statements regarding the timing of initiation and completion of studies or trials and related preparatory work, the period during which the results of the trials will become available, the costs of such trials and our research and development programs generally;

 

our interactions with regulators regarding the results of clinical trials and potential regulatory approval pathways, including related to our biologics license application, or BLA, submission for Gohibic (vilobelimab), and our ability to obtain and maintain full regulatory approval of vilobelimab or Gohibic (vilobelimab) for any indication;

 

whether the FDA, the EMA, or any comparable foreign regulatory authority will accept or agree with the number, design, size, conduct or implementation of our clinical trials, including any proposed primary or secondary endpoints for such trials;

 

our expectations regarding the scope of any approved indication for vilobelimab;

 

our ability to leverage our proprietary anti-C5a and C5aR technologies to discover and develop therapies to treat complement-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory diseases;

 

our ability to protect, maintain and enforce our intellectual property protection for vilobelimab and any other product candidates, and the scope of such protection;

 

our manufacturing capabilities and strategy, including the scalability and cost of our manufacturing methods and processes and the optimization of our manufacturing methods and processes, and our ability to continue to rely on our existing third-party manufacturers and our ability to engage additional third-party manufacturers for our planned future clinical trials and for commercial supply of vilobelimab and for the finished product Gohibic (vilobelimab);

 

our estimates of our expenses, ongoing losses, future revenue, capital requirements and our needs for or ability to obtain additional financing;

 

our ability to defend against liability claims resulting from the testing of our product candidates in the clinic or, if, approved, any commercial sales;

 

if any of our product candidates obtain regulatory approval, our ability to comply with and satisfy ongoing obligations and continued regulatory overview;

 

our ability to comply with enacted and future legislation in seeking marketing approval and commercialization;

 

our future growth and ability to compete, which depends on our retaining key personnel and recruiting additional qualified personnel; and

 

our competitive position and the development of and projections relating to our competitors in the development of C5a and C5aR inhibitors or our industry.

 

Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. You should refer to the “ITEM 3. Key Information––Risk factors” section of our Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this discussion or in our Annual Report will prove to be accurate. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. You should, however, review the factors and risks and other information we describe in the reports we will file from time to time with the SEC after the date of this discussion.

 

 

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