Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Segments

 

The Company operates in only one segment. Management uses cash flow as the primary measure to manage its business and does not segment its business for internal reporting or decision-making.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to significant risk on its cash.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, rapid technological change, regulatory approvals, competition from current treatments and therapies and larger companies, protection of proprietary technology, strategic relationships and dependence on key individuals.

 

Products developed by the Company will require clearances from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) and other international regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales in their respective markets. The Company’s products may not receive the necessary clearances and if they are denied clearance, clearance is delayed or the Company is unable to maintain clearance the Company’s business could be materially adversely impacted.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in a readily available checking account.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment, which consists of lab equipment, computer equipment, and office equipment, are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to five years) using the straight-line method.

 

Goodwill and In-Process Research and Development

 

Goodwill and an intangible asset for in-process research and development were recorded in connection with the acquisition of RFS Pharma in November 2014. In-process research and development represents a series of awarded patents, filed patent applications and an in-process research program acquired in the acquisition of RFS Pharma that are integral to the development of the Company’s planned future products. In-process research and development represents an indefinite-lived intangible asset. As a result, both goodwill and in-process research and development are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level on November 30 or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Factors the Company considers important that could trigger an interim review for impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  Significant changes in the manner of its use of acquired assets or the strategy for its overall business;
     
  Significant negative industry or economic trends;
     
  Significant decline in stock price for a sustained period; and
     
  Significant decline in market capitalization relative to net book value.
     
  Limited funding could further delay development efforts
     
  Safety or efficacy issues could surface during development efforts
     
  Clinical outcomes for drug candidates do not lead to regulatory approval

 

Goodwill and in-process research and development are evaluated for impairment first by a qualitative assessment to determine the likelihood of impairment. If it is determined that impairment is more likely than not, the Company will then proceed to the two step impairment test. For goodwill, the first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount of the reporting unit and for in-process research and development to compare the fair value of the in-process research and development asset to its carrying amount (the “First Step”). If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step must be followed to calculate impairment (the “Second Step”). Otherwise, if the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill or indefinite-lived research and development asset is not considered to be impaired as of the measurement date. In its review of the carrying value of the goodwill for its single reporting unit and its in-process research and development, the Company determines fair values of its goodwill using the market approach, and its in-process research and development asset using the income approach. For both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company determined that a quantitative assessment of impairment of goodwill and in-process research and development was necessary and performed its annual impairment tests as of November 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

In performing the impairment valuation, the Company considered, among other factors, the Company’s intention for future use of acquired assets, analyses of historical financial performance and estimates of future performance of Cocrystal Pharma’s product candidates. The fair values of intangible assets were calculated primarily using a discounted cash flow analysis of future revenues to be generated from the eventual sale of potential products to be developed under the programs by geographic region, expected development costs and exit values under a number of different scenarios. Company management estimated the probabilities of occurrence of each scenario and prepared forecast balance sheets and income statements for the combined company. The rates utilized to discount net cash flows to their present values were based on a range of discount rates from 13.1% (rate during the active periods) to 14.4% (terminal rate). Other assumptions used to develop our estimated cash flows include prices charged by competitors for similar products, the expected price of our product candidates if and when they begin generating revenues, the probabilities of our product candidates obtaining regulatory approvals through various phases of development, and the market size of potential candidates for the products we are developing.

 

Upon completion of the impairment evaluation, we have determined that in-process research and development assets related to our Hepatitis C programs have been impaired. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined the carrying value of our Hepatitis C in-process research and development was impaired by $38.7 million. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we determined the carrying value of our Hepatitis C in-process research and development was impaired by an additional $92.4 million. This impairment was the result of increased competition within the marketplace that is putting downward pressure on revenue projections and partially the result of further data defining the scientific and commercial potential of Company HCV compounds. We have reflected these write-downs in Research and Development expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company regularly reviews the carrying value and estimated lives of all of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, to determine whether indicators of impairment may exist which warrant adjustments to carrying values or estimated useful lives. The determinants used for this evaluation include management’s estimate of the asset’s ability to generate positive income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods as well as the strategic significance of the assets to the Company’s business objective. Should an impairment exist, the impairment loss would be measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the asset’s fair value.

 

Mortgage Note Receivable

 

The Company records its mortgage note receivable at the amount advanced to the borrower, which includes the stated principal amount and certain loan origination and commitment fees that are recognized over the term of the mortgage note. Interest income is accrued as earned over the term of the mortgage note. The Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of the note to determine whether it is impaired. The note is considered to be impaired if, based on current information and events, the Company determines that it is probable that it would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. Upon determination that the note is impaired, the amount of loss is calculated by comparing the recorded investment to the value determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at the note’s effective interest rate or to the fair value of the Company’s interest in the underlying collateral, less the cost to sell.

 

Grant Revenue and Accounts Receivable

 

Research and development grants are recorded as revenue when there is reasonable assurance that the Company has complied with all conditions necessary to achieve the grants, collectability is reasonably assured, and as the expenditures are incurred. Accounts receivable represents amounts due under research and development grants that have not yet been received.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized based on the weight of available evidence, including expected future earnings. The Company recognizes an uncertain tax position in its financial statements when it concludes that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based solely on its technical merits. Only after a tax position passes the first step of recognition will measurement be required. Under the measurement step, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon effective settlement. This is determined on a cumulative probability basis. The full impact of any change in recognition or measurement is reflected in the period in which such change occurs. The Company elects to accrue any interest or penalties related to income taxes as part of its income tax expense.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognizes compensation expense using a fair-value-based method for costs related to stock-based payments, including stock options. The fair value of options awarded to employees is measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized as expense, net of a forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

 

Use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions including expected volatility, expected term, and a risk free interest rate. The Company estimates volatility using market comparable entities since the Company’s common stock has limited trading history and limited observable volatility of its own. The expected term of the options is estimated by using the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Bulletin No. 107’s Simplified Method for Estimate Expected Term. The risk free interest rate is estimated using comparable published federal funds rates.

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrants and Other Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We classify as equity any contracts that require physical settlement or net-share settlement or provide us a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in our own shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement) provided that such contracts are indexed to our own stock as defined in ASC 815-40, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. We classify as assets or liabilities any contracts that require net-cash settlement (including a requirement to net cash settle the contract if an event occurs and if that event is outside our control) or give the counterparty a choice of net-cash settlement or settlement in shares (physical settlement or net-share settlement). We assess classification of our common stock purchase warrants and other free standing derivatives at each reporting date to determine whether a change in classification between assets and liabilities is required.

 

Our derivative instruments consisting of warrants to purchase our common stock were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following assumptions at December 31, 2016:

 

  Estimated dividends: None
       
  Expected volatility: 99.65 – 99.95%
       
  Risk-free interest rate: 2.24 – 2.25%
       
  Expected term: 6.82 – 7.05 years

 

Our derivative instruments consisting of warrants to purchase our common stock were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following assumptions at December 31, 2015:

 

  Estimated dividends: None
       
  Expected volatility: 78 - 101%
       
  Risk-free interest rate: 0.49 - 2.20%
       
  Expected term: 0.20 – 8.0 years

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606). The standards update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to utilize to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that will be received in exchange for the goods and services. Additional disclosures will also be required to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In 2016, the FASB issued accounting standards updates to address implementation issues and to clarify the guidance for identifying performance obligations, licenses and determining if a company is the principal or agent in a revenue arrangement. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The mandatory adoption date of ASC 606 for the Company is now January 1, 2018. There are two methods of adoption allowed, either a “full” retrospective adoption or a “modified” retrospective adoption. The Company expects to adopt the standard on a modified retrospective basis applying the new rules to all contract existing at January 1, 2018, with an adjustment for the cumulative effect of all changes recognized in beginning retained earnings. The Company does not expect the updated standard will have a significant impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In September 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 defines when and how companies are required to disclose going concern uncertainties, which must be evaluated each interim and annual period. Specifically, the ASU requires management to determine whether substantial doubt exists regarding the entity’s going concern presumption. Substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, indicate that it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). If substantial doubt exists, certain disclosures are required; the extent of those disclosures depends on an evaluation of management’s plans (if any) to mitigate the going concern uncertainty. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company has adopted this guidance during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the classification of deferred taxes, ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 eliminates the guidance in Topic 740, Income Taxes, that required an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets between current and noncurrent amounts in a classified balance sheet. The amendments require that all deferred tax liabilities and assets of the same tax jurisdiction or a tax filing group, as well as any related valuation allowance, be offset and presented as a single amount in a classified balance sheet. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any interim period or annual reporting period. The Company adopted this guidance during the year ended December 31, 2016. There was no impact as a result of adoption of this ASU.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 impacts any entity that enters into a lease with some specified scope exceptions. This new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. The guidance updates and supersedes Topic 840, Leases. For public entities, ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods with those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company has not implemented this guidance as of December 31, 2016. However, based upon on the Company’s current operating lease arrangements, the Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial statements based upon current obligations.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The Company continues to evaluate ASU 2016-09 and at the current time has not quantified the effects adoption of the new standard will have on its financial statements.