UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
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Trading Symbol(s) |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
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Accelerated filer |
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Smaller reporting company |
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Emerging growth company |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As of July 26, 2024, the registrant had
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements concerning our business, operations and financial performance and condition, as well as our plans, objectives and expectations for our business, operations and financial performance and condition. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that are in some cases beyond our control and 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.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “due,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “positioned,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
i
Table of Contents
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PART I. |
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Item 1. |
1 |
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1 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss |
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3 |
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4 |
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
5 |
Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
18 |
Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
23 |
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PART II. |
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Item 1. |
24 |
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Item 1A. |
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Item 2. |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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Item 5. |
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Item 6. |
26 |
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27 |
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ii
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share data)
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June 30, 2024 |
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December 31, 2023 |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
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$ |
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Marketable securities |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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Total current assets |
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Property and equipment, net |
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Operating lease assets |
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Other assets |
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Total assets |
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$ |
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$ |
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Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
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$ |
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Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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Current portion of operating lease liabilities |
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Total current liabilities |
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Taxes payable, non-current |
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Total liabilities |
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Stockholders’ equity: |
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Common stock, $ |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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Accumulated deficit |
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Total stockholders’ equity |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share data)
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Three Months Ended June 30, |
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Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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General and administrative |
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Total operating expenses |
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Loss from operations |
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Other income: |
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Interest income |
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Other expense, net |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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Total other income, net |
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Loss before income taxes |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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Income tax expense |
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( |
) |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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Net loss |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic and diluted |
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Other comprehensive loss: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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Foreign exchange translation adjustment, net of tax |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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Comprehensive loss |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
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Common Stock |
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Additional |
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Accumulated |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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Shares |
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Amount |
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Capital |
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Loss |
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Deficit |
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Equity |
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Balances at December 31, 2023 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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Vesting of restricted stock units with service conditions |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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( |
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Foreign exchange translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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( |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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( |
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Balances at March 31, 2024 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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Exercise of stock options |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of pre-funded warrants |
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( |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Vesting of restricted stock units with service conditions |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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( |
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Foreign exchange translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
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— |
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( |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
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( |
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Balances at June 30, 2024 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
) |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 |
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Common Stock |
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Additional |
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Accumulated |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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Shares |
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Amount |
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Capital |
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Loss |
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Deficit |
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Equity |
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Balances at December 31, 2022 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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Issuance of common stock in at-the-market offering |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Vesting of restricted stock units with service conditions |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Foreign exchange translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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( |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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( |
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Balances at March 31, 2023 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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Exercise of stock options |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of pre-funded warrants |
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( |
) |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Vesting of restricted stock units with service conditions |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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( |
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Foreign exchange translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
) |
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— |
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( |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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( |
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Balances at June 30, 2023 |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited; in thousands)
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Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
( |
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Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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Depreciation expense |
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Accretion on marketable securities |
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( |
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( |
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Change in deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions |
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Amortization of operating lease assets |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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( |
) |
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( |
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Accounts payable |
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( |
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Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
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Operating lease liabilities |
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( |
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( |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
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( |
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( |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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( |
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Purchase of investments |
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( |
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( |
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Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments |
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Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
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( |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in at-the-market offering |
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Proceeds from stock option exercises |
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Payment of deferred offering costs |
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( |
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Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
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( |
) |
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( |
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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( |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
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$ |
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$ |
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Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
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Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Nature of the Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of the Business
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Terns or the Company) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of small-molecule product candidates to address serious diseases including oncology and obesity.
Terns was incorporated as an exempted company in the Cayman Islands in December 2016. In December 2020, the Company effected a de-registration of the Company in the Cayman Islands and a domestication in the State of Delaware, pursuant to which it became a Delaware corporation. Terns owns all of the share capital of Terns Pharmaceutical HongKong Limited (Terns Hong Kong) and Terns, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Terns U.S. Opco). Terns Hong Kong holds all of the share capital of Terns China Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (organized in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China (PRC)) (Terns China) and Terns (Suzhou) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (organized in Suzhou, PRC) (Terns Suzhou).
The Company manages its operations as a single segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Terns and its wholly owned subsidiaries Terns U.S. Opco and Terns Hong Kong and its wholly owned subsidiaries Terns China and Terns Suzhou, for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, to fairly state the financial position and the results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for interim periods in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations or cash flows for a full year or any subsequent interim periods. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Annual Report) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024. There have been no significant changes to the Company's significant accounting policies described in Note 1, Nature of the Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of Part II of the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Any reference to these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) and Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
At-the-Market Offering
In March 2022, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC (Cowen) as sales agent, pursuant to which the Company has the ability to offer and sell, from time to time, through Cowen, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $
5
In May 2023, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement with Cowen as sales agent, pursuant to which the Company has the ability to offer and sell, from time to time, through Cowen, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions made in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the estimates for accruals of research and development expenses, accrual of research contract costs, unrecognized tax benefits, fair value of common stock and stock option valuations. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments, using historical and anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
Cash and cash equivalents consist of standard checking accounts and money market funds. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
The Company classifies as available-for-sale marketable securities with a remaining maturity when purchased of greater than three months. The Company’s marketable securities are maintained by investment managers and may consist of U.S. government and non-U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities and commercial paper. Debt securities are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as a component of stockholders’ equity until realized. Any premium arising at purchase is amortized to the earliest call date and any discount arising at purchase is accreted to maturity. Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts are recorded in interest income and/or expense. Gains and losses on securities sold are recorded based on the specific identification method and are included in Interest income, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company has not incurred any material realized gains or losses from sales of securities to date.
The Company assesses its available-for-sale debt securities for impairment as of each reporting date in order to determine if a portion of any decline in fair value below carrying value is the result of a credit loss. The Company records credit losses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as credit loss expense within other expense, net, which is limited to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of the security. To date, the Company has not recorded any credit losses on its available-for-sale debt securities.
Interest receivable related to the Company's available-for-sale debt securities is presented as marketable securities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company writes off interest receivable once it has determined that the asset is not realizable. To date, the Company has not written off any interest receivables associated with its marketable securities.
Operating Leases and Rent Expense
At the inception of a contractual arrangement, the Company determines whether the contract contains a lease by assessing whether there is an identified asset and whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration over a period of time. If both criteria are met, upon lease commencement, the Company records a lease liability which represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, and a corresponding right-of-use (ROU) asset which represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term.
Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the balance sheet at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. In determining the net present value of the lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate applicable to the underlying asset unless the implicit rate is readily determinable. Any lease incentives received are deferred and recorded as a reduction of the ROU asset and amortized over the term of the lease. The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components and instead treats them as a single component. Rent expense, comprised of amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company determines the lease term as the noncancellable period of the lease and may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options.
6
The Company elected to not apply the recognition requirements of the new leasing standard to short-term leases with terms of 12 months or less. As a result, leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recognized on the balance sheet.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred to discover, research and develop drug candidates, including personnel expenses, stock-based compensation expense, allocated facility-related and depreciation expenses, third-party license fees and external costs, including fees paid to consultants and contract research organizations (CROs) in connection with nonclinical studies and clinical trials and other related clinical trial fees, such as for investigator grants, patient screening, laboratory work, clinical trial database management, clinical trial material management and statistical compilation and analysis. Non-refundable prepayments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses. Such amounts are recognized as an expense as the goods are delivered or the related services are performed, or until it is no longer expected that the goods will be delivered, or the services rendered. Costs incurred in obtaining technology licenses are charged immediately to research and development expense if the technology licensed has not reached technological feasibility and has no alternative future uses.
The Company has from time to time entered into various research and development and other agreements with commercial firms, researchers, universities and others for provisions of goods and services. These agreements are generally cancelable, and the related costs are recorded as research and development expenses as incurred. The Company records accruals for estimated ongoing research and development costs. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, the Company analyzes progress of the studies or clinical trials, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received and contracted costs. Estimates are made in determining the accrued balances at the end of any reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from the Company’s estimates. Since inception, the Company’s historical accrual estimates have not been materially different from the actual costs.
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities included the following:
(in thousands) |
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
||
Research and development costs |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Compensation and benefit costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued professional fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Executive Leadership Transition
In August 2023, the Company and Senthil Sundaram, former chief executive officer, entered into a separation agreement. Pursuant to the separation agreement, Mr. Sundaram was entitled to receive severance in the amount of $
In August 2023, Bryan Yoon, chief operating officer and general counsel, and Mark Vignola, Ph.D., chief financial officer, received retention awards payable in cash in the aggregate amount of $
7
In July 2024, Dr. Vignola entered into a transition agreement with the Company. The transition agreement provides for Dr. Vignola’s continued service as chief financial officer for a transition period until the date of his separation from employment, anticipated to be February 1, 2025. Pursuant to the transition agreement, Dr. Vignola is entitled to receive severance in the amount of $
In July 2024, Mr. Yoon entered into a separation agreement with the Company. The separation agreement provides for Mr. Yoon’s continued service as chief operating officer and special counsel for a transition period until September 3, 2024. Pursuant to the separation agreement, Mr. Yoon is entitled to receive severance in the amount of $
In November 2023, Erin Quirk, M.D., former president and head of research & development, received a retention award payable in cash in the aggregate amount of $
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes primarily relates to projected federal, state and foreign income taxes. To determine the quarterly provision for income taxes, the Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is generally based on expected annual income and statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. In addition, the tax effects of certain significant or unusual items are recognized discretely in the quarter during which they occur and can be a source of variability in the effective tax rates from quarter to quarter.
Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company considers all expected future events including the enactment of changes in tax laws or rates. A valuation allowance is recorded, if necessary, to reduce net deferred tax assets to their realizable values if management does not believe it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. In making such a determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the amount of the valuation allowance. When the Company establishes or reduces the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, its provision for income taxes will increase or decrease, respectively, in the period such determination is made.
The Company assesses accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by modeling for the recognition, measurement and disclosure in financial statements any uncertain income tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. The Company accrues interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.
The Company recorded income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 of less than $
8
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense relates to stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) with service conditions, and RSUs with market conditions issued under the Company’s equity incentive plan and rights to acquire stock granted under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). Grants are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the awards and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model estimates the fair value of stock options with time-based vesting and rights to acquire stock under the ESPP. The Company lacks sufficient company-specific historical and implied volatility information. Therefore, it estimates its expected stock volatility based on the historical volatility of a publicly traded set of peer companies and expects to continue to do so until such time as it has adequate historical data regarding the volatility of its own traded stock price. The Company estimates risk-free rates using the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term and dividend yield using the Company’s expectations and historical data. The Company uses the simplified method to calculate the expected term of stock option grants as the Company has limited historical information from which to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior for its stock option grants. Under the simplified method, the expected term is estimated to be the mid-point between the vesting date and the contractual term of the option. The fair value is calculated based upon the Company’s common stock valuation on the date of the grant.
The fair value of RSUs with service conditions is based upon the Company’s common stock valuation on the date of the grant.
The Monte Carlo simulation model estimates the fair value of the RSUs with market conditions, using inputs for the common stock valuation on the date of the grant, volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and the dividend yield. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the derived service period commencing on the grant date. The derived service period is the median duration of the successful stock price paths to meet the price goal for each tranche as simulated in the Monte Carlo valuation model. If the related market condition is achieved earlier than its estimated derived service period, the stock-based compensation expense is accelerated, and a cumulative catch-up expense is recorded during the period in which the market condition is met.
Pre-funded Warrants
Pre-funded warrants are classified as a component of permanent stockholders’ equity within additional paid-in capital and are recorded at the issuance date using a relative fair value allocation method. The pre-funded warrants are equity classified because they (i) are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the equity instruments, (ii) are immediately exercisable, (iii) do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares, (iv) permit the holders to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise, (v) are indexed to the Company’s common stock and (vi) meet the equity classification criteria. In addition, such pre-funded warrants do not provide any guarantee of value or return. The value of the pre-funded warrants is known at issuance, as their sales price approximates their fair value, and net proceeds from the sale are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital.
Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock
Basic net income (loss) per share of common stock is computed by dividing the net income (loss) per share of common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2024 included pre-funded warrants, as the warrants were issued for minimal consideration and were immediately exercisable.
Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock is computed by adjusting net income (loss) to reallocate undistributed earnings based on the potential impact of dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing the diluted net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, including potentially dilutive shares.
9
The Company reported a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. In periods in which the Company reported a net loss, diluted net loss per share of common stock was the same as basic net loss per share of common stock, since dilutive shares were not assumed to have been issued if their effect is anti-dilutive. The Company excluded the following potential shares of common stock, presented based on amounts outstanding at each period end, from the computation of diluted net loss attributable to common stockholders per share of common stock for the periods indicated because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
|
|
June 30, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Options to purchase common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unvested restricted stock units with service conditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unvested restricted stock units with market conditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Shares issuable under employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred Offering Costs
The Company capitalizes certain legal, professional accounting and other third-party fees that are directly associated with in-process equity financings as deferred offering costs until such financings are consummated.
After consummation of the equity financing, these costs are recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in capital or equity generated as a result of such offering. Should an in-process equity financing be abandoned, the deferred offering costs will be expensed immediately as a charge to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, the Company may have certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that future expenditures will be made, and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. For all periods presented, the Company was not a party to any pending material litigation or other material legal proceedings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies. The Company is an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended (JOBS Act). Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies have extended transition periods available for complying with new or revised accounting standards. The Company has elected to use this exemption to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. Where allowable, the Company has early adopted certain standards as described below.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09), which requires additional income tax disclosures in the annual consolidated financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. For public entities, ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. For non-public entities, ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies have extended transition periods available for complying with new or revised accounting standards. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-09 on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07), which expands segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. The disclosures required under ASU 2023-07 are also required for public entities with a single reportable segment. ASU 2023-07 is effective for the Company’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within the Company’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-07 to have a material impact on its financial statements and related disclosures.
10
2. Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
The amortized cost and fair value of cash equivalents and marketable securities by major security type is as follows:
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
Amortized Cost |
|
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
||||
Money market funds |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
U.S. government securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Classified as: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
Amortized Cost |
|
|
Unrealized Gains |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
||||
Money market funds |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
U.S. government securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Classified as: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
The aggregate fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale marketable securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months or twelve months or longer is as follows:
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Less than 12 months |
|
|
12 months or longer |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
||||||
U.S. government securities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Less than 12 months |
|
|
12 months or longer |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Unrealized Losses |
|
||||||
U.S. government securities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
||||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
||||
At June 30, 2024, the Company had
11
3. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are defined below:
The carrying values of the Company’s other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
The following tables present information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
|
|
Fair Value at June 30, 2024 |
|
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash in bank balances |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Money market funds |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Total cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. government securities |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Total marketable securities |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Fair Value at December 31, 2023 |
|
|||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash in bank balances |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Money market funds |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Total cash and equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. government securities |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Total marketable securities |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The aggregate amortized cost and fair value of marketable securities as of June 30, 2024, by contractual maturity, are as follows:
(in thousands) |
|
Amortized Cost |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
||
Due in one year or less |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Due after one year through two years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total marketable securities |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
There were
12
4. Leases
In March 2019, the Company entered into a lease agreement for office space in Foster City, California which expires October 2024. Additionally, the Company leases office space in Shanghai and Suzhou, China.
Components of lease cost are as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Operating lease cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Short-term cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total lease cost |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Weighted-average remaining lease term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Weighted-average discount rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
||||
The Company's future minimum lease payments are as follows:
(in thousands) |
|
Operating Leases |
|
|
2024 |
|
$ |
|
|
2025 and thereafter |
|
|
|
|
Total lease payments |
|
|
|
|
Less: Imputed interest |
|
|
( |
) |
Present value of lease liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Less: Current portion of lease liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
Total lease liabilities, non-current |
|
$ |
|
|
5. Common Stock and Stock-Based Compensation
The Company is authorized to issue
The Company had reserved shares of common stock for issuance in connection with the following:
|
|
June 30, 2024 |
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
||
Options outstanding under incentive award plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unvested restricted stock units with service conditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Unvested restricted stock units with market conditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Shares available for future grant under incentive award plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Shares available for future grant under employee stock purchase plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Shares available for future grant under employment inducement award plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Pre-funded warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total shares reserved |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
13
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company has
2021 Incentive Award Plan
In January 2021, the Company's board of directors approved the 2021 Plan which permits the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance bonus awards, performance stock unit awards and other stock awards to employees, directors, officers and consultants. In February 2021,
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2021 ESPP) was approved by the Company’s board of directors in January 2021. In February 2021, a total of
Under the 2021 ESPP, eligible employees may select a rate of payroll deduction up to
As of June 30, 2024, there was $
2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan
In September 2022, the Company's compensation committee approved the 2022 Inducement Plan which authorized
14
Pre-Funded Warrants
In August 2022, the Company sold pre-funded warrants to purchase
Stock Options
Stock options granted to employees and non-employees under the plans generally vest over four years and allow the holder of the option to purchase common stock at a stated exercise price. Options granted under the plans generally expire ten years after the date of grant. The Company recognizes the stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grantees, which generally equals the vesting period.
The following table summarizes the stock option activity for all stock plans during the six months ended June 30, 2024:
|
|
Number |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in years) |
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Exercised |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding as of June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercisable, June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Vested and expected to vest, June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the fair value of the Company’s common stock for those stock options that had exercise prices lower than the fair value of the Company’s common stock.
As of June 30, 2024, there was $
Restricted Stock Units with Service Conditions
RSUs with service conditions granted to employees under the plans generally vest over four years. The number of shares issued on the date the RSUs vest is net of the minimum statutory tax withholdings, which are paid in cash to the appropriate taxing authorities on behalf of the Company’s employees. The Company recognizes the stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grantees, which generally equals the vesting period.
The following table summarizes the RSUs with service conditions activity for all stock plans during the six months ended June 30, 2024:
|
|
Number |
|
|
Weighted Average Grant-Date |
|
||
Unvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Unvested restricted stock units as of June 30, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
As of June 30, 2024, there was $
15
Restricted Stock Units with Market Conditions
In March 2024, the Company granted
The Company estimated the fair value of RSUs with market conditions granted using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following assumptions:
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
% |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
% |
|
Fair value of underlying common stock |
|
$ |
|
|
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share |
|
$ |
|
|
As of June 30, 2024, none of the escalating stock price thresholds had been met for any of the RSUs with market conditions, resulting in no shares vested.
As of June 30, 2024, there was $
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company estimated the fair value of options granted and rights to acquire stock granted under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions presented on a weighted average basis:
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Stock Option Plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected term (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected volatility |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Fair value of underlying common stock |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Employee Stock Purchase Plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected term (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Expected volatility |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
||
Fair value of underlying common stock |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Stock-based compensation expense was classified in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
Research and development expense |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
General and administrative expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total stock-based compensation expense |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||
16
6. Assignment, License and Collaboration Agreements
Assignment Agreement
In June 2019, the Company entered into an assignment agreement with Vintagence Biotechnology Ltd. (Vintagence) (Vintagence 2019 Assignment Agreement). Under the terms of the Vintagence 2019 Assignment Agreement, Vintagence assigned and agreed to assign to the Company any and all worldwide rights, title, and interest in and to the Vintagence technology and gave Terns a sublicensing right that allows the Company to grant sublicenses to any of its affiliates and/or to licensees or contractors to perform any portion of the development, manufacture, and/or commercialization of covered compounds or covered products. The Company will remain directly responsible for all amounts owed to Vintagence under this agreement, regardless of sublicenses. The Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to commercialize the covered product in the field in the major markets.
In June 2019, the Company paid Vintagence an upfront payment of $
Hansoh Option and License Agreement
In July 2020, the Company entered into an exclusive option and license agreement with Hansoh (Shanghai) Healthtech Co., Ltd. (Hansoh Healthtech) and Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Company Ltd. (Jiangsu Hansoh) (collectively, Hansoh) (Hansoh 2020 Option and License Agreement). Under the terms of the Hansoh 2020 Option and License Agreement, the Company granted Hansoh an exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, fully-paid, royalty-free license to conduct preliminary studies on the licensed compound (TERN-701, formerly known as TRN-000632) with an option to exclusively license the same for development and commercialization of licensed products in all prophylactic, palliative, therapeutic and/or diagnostic uses in connection with all human diseases and disorders (including development and research activities on animal models thereof) in the field of oncology, including all types of cancers (Field) in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau (collectively, the Territory).
In November 2021, Hansoh exercised its option and was granted an exclusive, royalty-bearing license, with the right to sublicense to exploit licensed compound and licensed products in the Field and in the Territory. In connection with Hansoh’s exercise of its option, the Company recognized $
17
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024. In addition to historical financial information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our fiscal year ends on December 31 each year.
Overview
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of small-molecule product candidates to address serious diseases, including oncology and obesity. Our programs are based on mechanisms of action that have achieved proof-of-concept in clinical trials in indications with significant unmet medical needs. We are advancing multiple drug candidates we believe have the potential to deliver improved clinical outcomes in the target indication as either single-agent or combination therapies. The most advanced product candidates in our pipeline – TERN-701, TERN-601 and TERN-501 – were internally discovered. Additionally, we have an ongoing discovery effort for the TERN-800 series of small-molecule glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) modulators for obesity, which have the potential to be combined with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
TERN-701 is our proprietary, oral, potent, allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitor. Allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitors are a novel class of therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that has demonstrated superior efficacy and safety compared to traditional active-site tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In April 2024, we announced that in a Phase 1 healthy volunteer study, pharmacokinetic (PK) data showed no clinically significant difference in exposure between fed and fasted dosing. The ability to dose without regard to food represents a key potential differentiator within the allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitor class. Across the dose ranges administered to date (20 mg to 160 mg), TERN-701 PK was linear with a median half-life ranging from 8 to 12 hours. At the 80 mg and 160 mg doses, TERN-701 exposures over 24 hours met or exceeded the predicted efficacious concentrations based on preclinical data, consistent with observed clinical activity and safety at these doses in the ongoing clinical trial conducted by our partner, Hansoh. Additionally, the PK profile of TERN-701 in Western participants was generally consistent with that observed in the Phase 1 clinical study in Chinese CML patients. Enrollment of our global Phase 1 trial, the CARDINAL trial, continues and includes sites from the United States, Europe and other countries.. We expect interim data from initial cohorts in the CARDINAL trial in December 2024. TERN-701 received Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of CML in March 2024.
TERN-601 is our small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist program that is intended to be orally administered for obesity and other metabolic diseases. We initiated a first-in-human, Phase 1 trial of TERN-601 for obesity in the fourth quarter of 2023. The multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of the Phase 1 study is underway, testing once-daily administration of TERN-601. Preliminary safety findings from the ongoing, blinded Phase 1 SAD/MAD study have been unremarkable to date with no observations of liver enzyme elevations, drug induced liver injury or discontinuations due to treatment-related adverse events. We expect to report top-line 28-day weight loss data in September 2024. The primary endpoints include safety and tolerability assessments, and the secondary and exploratory endpoints include PK and change in body weight over 28 days. Preliminary safety findings continue to be unremarkable to date with no observations of liver enzyme elevations, drug induced liver injury or discontinuations due to treatment-related adverse events. Preparations are underway to allow TERN-601 to rapidly progress to a 12-week, Phase 2a clinical trial for obesity, following supportive data from the Phase 1 trial.
TERN-501 is our thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) agonist initially developed for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) for which we announced positive top-line data from the Phase 2a DUET trial in August 2023. We have decided to limit spend in MASH given the current regulatory and clinical development requirements for the indication. We continue to evaluate opportunities for TERN-501 in metabolic diseases. Based on non-clinical studies, THR-β is an orthogonal mechanism to GLP-1, potentially providing broader metabolic and liver benefits in addition to increased weight loss. In June 2024, we highlighted preclinical data supporting TERN-501 in combination with a GLP-1R agonist for obesity at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions. TERN-501 significantly improved the efficacy of a GLP-1 receptor agonist in an obese mouse model by normalizing energy expenditure, resulting in greater weight loss, increased fat mass loss and relative preservation of lean mass compared to the GLP-1R agonist alone.
The TERN-800 series is our ongoing discovery efforts to discover small molecule GIPR modulators for obesity, which we believe has the potential for combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists. We are prioritizing our discovery efforts towards nominating a GIPR antagonist development candidate based on in-house discoveries and growing scientific rationale supporting the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIPR antagonist combinations for obesity.
18
Since the commencement of our operations, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to research and development activities, organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials and providing general and administrative support for these operations.
Results of operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||
Results of operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Research and development |
|
$ |
18,352 |
|
|
$ |
14,151 |
|
|
$ |
4,201 |
|
|
$ |
36,939 |
|
|
$ |
31,207 |
|
|
$ |
5,732 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
7,185 |
|
|
|
7,008 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
14,044 |
|
|
|
14,109 |
|
|
|
(65 |
) |
Total operating expenses |
|
|
25,537 |
|
|
|
21,159 |
|
|
|
4,378 |
|
|
|
50,983 |
|
|
|
45,316 |
|
|
|
5,667 |
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(25,537 |
) |
|
|
(21,159 |
) |
|
|
(4,378 |
) |
|
|
(50,983 |
) |
|
|
(45,316 |
) |
|
|
(5,667 |
) |
Other income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Interest income |
|
|
2,876 |
|
|
|
3,395 |
|
|
|
(519 |
) |
|
|
6,058 |
|
|
|
6,088 |
|
|
|
(30 |
) |
Other expense, net |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
38 |
|
Total other income, net |
|
|
2,862 |
|
|
|
3,335 |
|
|
|
(473 |
) |
|
|
6,032 |
|
|
|
6,024 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(22,675 |
) |
|
|
(17,824 |
) |
|
|
(4,851 |
) |
|
|
(44,951 |
) |
|
|
(39,292 |
) |
|
|
(5,659 |
) |
Income tax expense |
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
(72 |
) |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
(158 |
) |
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
Net loss |
|
$ |
(22,736 |
) |
|
$ |
(17,896 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,840 |
) |
|
$ |
(45,109 |
) |
|
$ |
(39,424 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,685 |
) |
Revenue
To date, we have not generated, and do not expect to generate for the foreseeable future, any revenue from the sale of products. We may generate revenue from pre-specified clinical, regulatory and sales milestones as part of an exclusive option and license agreement for TERN-701 in greater China with Hansoh.
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses account for a significant portion of our operating expenses and consist primarily of external and internal expenses incurred in connection with the discovery and development of our product candidates. To date, our research and development expenses have related primarily to discovery efforts, preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates. Research and development expenses are recognized as incurred and payments made prior to the receipt of goods or services to be used in research and development are capitalized until the goods or services are received. Costs for certain activities, such as manufacturing and preclinical studies and clinical trials, are generally recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information and data provided to us by our vendors and collaborators.
External expenses include:
19
Internal expenses include:
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||
Research and development expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
External expenses by program: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
TERN-701 |
|
$ |
3,114 |
|
|
$ |
993 |
|
|
$ |
2,121 |
|
|
$ |
6,568 |
|
|
$ |
1,642 |
|
|
$ |
4,926 |
|
TERN-601 |
|
|
5,121 |
|
|
|
716 |
|
|
|
4,405 |
|
|
|
9,258 |
|
|
|
2,415 |
|
|
|
6,843 |
|
TERN-501 |
|
|
378 |
|
|
|
4,835 |
|
|
|
(4,457 |
) |
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
13,778 |
|
|
|
(13,127 |
) |
Other programs |
|
|
2,364 |
|
|
|
2,193 |
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
5,853 |
|
|
|
3,445 |
|
|
|
2,408 |
|
Total external expenses |
|
|
10,977 |
|
|
|
8,737 |
|
|
|
2,240 |
|
|
|
22,330 |
|
|
|
21,280 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Unallocated internal expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Personnel-related expenses |
|
|
7,082 |
|
|
|
5,154 |
|
|
|
1,928 |
|
|
|
13,968 |
|
|
|
9,411 |
|
|
|
4,557 |
|
Other expenses |
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
641 |
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
Total research and development expenses |
|
$ |
18,352 |
|
|
$ |
14,151 |
|
|
$ |
4,201 |
|
|
$ |
36,939 |
|
|
$ |
31,207 |
|
|
$ |
5,732 |
|
The increase in research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase in clinical and preclinical program expenses and a $1.9 million increase in personnel-related expenses due to higher headcount.
The increase in research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to a $4.6 million increase in personnel-related expenses due to higher headcount and a $1.1 million increase in clinical and preclinical program expenses.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related expenses, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation expense, for personnel in administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include professional fees for legal, patent, consulting, investor and public relations, accounting and tax services.
The increase in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to a $0.2 million increase in personnel-related expenses due to higher headcount.
The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to a $0.2 million decrease in expenses related to insurance costs, partially offset by a $0.1 million increase in personnel-related expenses due to higher headcount.
Interest income
Interest income primarily consists of interest income on our cash equivalents and marketable securities.
Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $2.9 million, compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in marketable securities.
Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $6.1 million.
20
Other expense, net
Other expense, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was less than $0.1 million.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was less than $0.1 million.
Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $0.2 million, compared to $0.1 million for the same period in 2023.
Liquidity and capital resources
Uses of cash
Our primary use of cash is to fund operating expenses, which consist primarily of research and development expenditures and general and administrative expenditures. Cash used to fund operating expenses is impacted by the timing of when we pay these expenses, as reflected in the change in our outstanding accounts payable and accrued expenses.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026, including key clinical data readouts from our lead programs in CML and obesity. However, we continue to anticipate that our research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditures will remain significant to support our ongoing and planned activities. We expect to continue to incur net operating losses for at least the next several years.
Sources of liquidity
We have primarily funded our operations through proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock. We have devoted substantially all of our resources to research and development activities, organizing and staffing our company, raising capital, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials and providing general and administrative support for these operations.
Since our inception, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and we have incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from our operations. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $377.7 million and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $225.3 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we had a net loss of approximately $45.1 million and negative cash flows from operations of approximately $39.0 million.
In March 2022, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Cowen and Company, LLC (Cowen), as sales agent, pursuant to which we have the ability to offer and sell, from time to time, through Cowen, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $75.0 million in an at-the-market offering. The shares are offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which became effective in March 2022. As of June 30, 2024, there were 9,781,673 shares of our common stock sold for aggregate net proceeds of $66.6 million after deducting commissions and offering expenses pursuant to this agreement.
In May 2023, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Cowen, as sales agent, pursuant to which we have the ability to offer and sell, from time to time, through Cowen, shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $150.0 million in an at-the-market offering. The shares are offered pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC, which became effective in February 2023. There were no sales of our common stock pursuant to this agreement through June 30, 2024.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2026. We will need substantial additional funding to support our operating activities.
21
Future funding requirements
We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as we advance the preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates. We expect that our research and development and general and administrative costs will remain significant for the foreseeable future in connection with conducting additional preclinical studies and clinical trials for our current and future research programs and product candidates, contracting with CROs and CMOs to support preclinical studies and clinical trials, expanding our intellectual property portfolio, and providing general and administrative support for our operations. As a result, we will need additional capital to fund our operations, which we may obtain from additional equity or debt financings, collaborations, licensing arrangements or other sources.
Our primary uses of cash are to fund our research and development activities, business planning, establishing and maintaining our intellectual property portfolio, hiring personnel, raising capital and providing general and administrative support for these operations.
We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the research and development of, continue or initiate clinical trials of, and seek marketing approval for, our product candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to any approved products, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing and distribution are not the responsibility of potential collaborators. Accordingly, 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.
Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials is a time-consuming, expensive, and uncertain process that takes many years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, our product candidates, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, will be derived from sales of product candidates that we do not expect to be commercially available for many years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.
Cash flows
Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $39.0 million and consisted primarily of our net loss of $45.1 million, a $1.9 million decrease from changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily attributable to the timing of expenses incurred and payments issued as well as a non-cash adjustment of $0.9 million due to net accretion on marketable securities. This was partially offset by non-cash adjustments of $8.4 million of stock-based compensation, $0.3 million in amortization of operating lease assets and $0.2 million of depreciation.
Net cash used in operating activities during six months ended June 30, 2023 was $27.4 million and consisted primarily of our net loss of $39.4 million as well as a non-cash adjustment of $1.8 million net accretion on marketable securities. This was partially offset by a $5.2 million increase from changes in operating assets and liabilities, non-cash adjustments of $8.2 million of stock-based compensation, $0.3 million in amortization of operating lease assets and $0.1 million of depreciation.
Investing activities
Net cash provided by investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $50.2 million and consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments of $100.8 million partially offset by $50.6 million in purchases of investments.
Net cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $62.9 million and consisted primarily of $206.7 million in purchases of investments, partially offset by proceeds from the sale and maturity of investments of $143.8 million.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $0.4 million and consisted primarily of $0.4 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $28.1 million and consisted primarily of $27.9 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common stock in an at-the-market offering, $0.2 million in proceeds from the
22
issuance of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan and $0.2 million in proceeds from stock option exercises. This was partially offset by $0.3 million in payments of deferred offering costs.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and use of estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and use of estimates, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We are subject to several recently issued accounting pronouncements. Note 1 – Nature of the Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements which is contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, describes these new accounting pronouncements and is incorporated herein by reference.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined by applicable regulations of the SEC) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
There have been no material changes to the information provided under Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" which is included and described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Conclusions Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of June 30, 2024, management, with the supervision and participation of our chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objective and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2024, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes. There were no changes during the quarter ended June 30, 2024 to our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may be involved in legal proceedings or subject to claims incident to the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of any such proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, as of June 30, 2024, we were not a party to any litigation or legal proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are probable to have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of the outcome, such proceedings or claims can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of resources, reputational harm, and other factors, and there can be no assurances that favorable outcomes will be obtained.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 may not be the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
Item 5. Other Information.
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the three months ended June 30, 2024, none of our directors or officers, or the Company, has entered into any new “
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Item 6. Exhibits.
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Incorporated by Reference |
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Exhibit Number |
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Exhibit Description |
Form |
Date |
Number |
Filed Herewith |
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3.1 |
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8-K |
2/9/2021 |
3.1 |
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3.2 |
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8-K |
10/10/2023 |
3.1 |
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4.1 |
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S-1/A |
2/1/2021 |
4.2 |
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4.2 |
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8-K |
8/16/2022 |
4.1 |
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4.3 |
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S-1 |
1/15/2021 |
10.1 |
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10.1# |
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Separation Agreement between Terns, Inc. and Erin Quirk dated May 7, 2024. |
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X |
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10.2 |
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8-K |
7/3/2024 |
10.1 |
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31.1 |
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X |
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31.2 |
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X |
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32.1^ |
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X |
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32.2^ |
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X |
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101.INS |
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Inline XBRL Instance Document |
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X |
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101.SCH |
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Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema with Embedded Linkbase Documents |
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X |
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104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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X |
# |
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. |
^ |
The certification that accompanies this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, is not deemed “filed” by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
26
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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TERNS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
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Date: August 5, 2024 |
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By: |
/s/Amy Burroughs |
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Amy Burroughs |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
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Date: August 5, 2024 |
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By: |
/s/ Mark Vignola |
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Mark Vignola, Ph.D. |
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Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
27
Exhibit 10.1#
May 7, 2024
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
BY EMAIL
Erin Quirk
Dear Erin:
The purpose of this separation agreement (the “Agreement”) is to confirm the terms of your separation from Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and any affiliates, including without limitation, Terns, Inc. (collectively, the “Company”). This Agreement outlines the terms of certain benefits and payments to you in connection with your separation, provided you execute and do not revoke this Agreement, or the Supplemental Release provided for in this Agreement, all as set forth herein.
Other than as set forth in this Section, you are not eligible for any other payment from the Company, including without limitation, wages, bonuses, benefits, vacation, paid time off, compensation or equity.
Page 2 of 10
____________________
1 For purposes of Sections 4 and 5, the term “Company” includes Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Terns, Inc. and any of their parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates (which means all persons and entities directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company), professional employer organizations such as Sequoia, and all other related entities and the former and current directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns of each applicable organization.
Page 3 of 10
Page 4 of 10
Without limiting the foregoing general waiver and release, you specifically waive and release the Company from any Claim arising from or related to your prior employment relationship with the Company or the termination thereof, including, without limitation:
** Claims under any local, state or federal discrimination, fair employment practices or other employment-related statute, regulation or executive order (as they may have been amended through the Execution Date) prohibiting discrimination or harassment based upon any protected status including, without limitation, race, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Without limitation, specifically included in this paragraph are any Claims arising under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1871, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; and any similar California, or other state, federal, or local statute.
** Claims under any other local, state or federal employment related statute, regulation or executive order (as they may have been amended through the Execution Date) relating to any other terms and conditions of employment.
** Claims under any state or federal common law theory including, without limitation, wrongful discharge, breach of express or implied contract, promissory estoppel, unjust enrichment, breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, violation of public policy, defamation, interference with contractual relations, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, misrepresentation, deceit, fraud or negligence.
** Any other Claim arising under local, state or federal law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section does not release the Company from any obligation expressly set forth in this Agreement. Moreover, this section does not release any claims or entitlements you may have to indemnification from the Company or the benefit of coverage under any D&O policies of insurance applicable to the period for which you served as a Company officer. You acknowledge and agree that, but for providing this waiver and release, you would not be receiving the economic benefits being provided to you under the terms of this Agreement.
Page 5 of 10
**Unknown Claims, Waiver of California Civil Code Section 1542. You understand and expressly agree that this Agreement extends to all claims of every nature and kind, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, past, present, or future, arising from or attributable to any conduct of the Company, whether set forth in any claim or demand referred to in this Agreement or not, and that any and all rights granted to you under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any analogous state law or federal law or regulation, are expressly WAIVED. Section 1542 of the California Civil Code reads as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, AND THAT IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASING PARTY.
In waiving the provisions of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, you acknowledge you may later discover facts in addition to or different from those you now believe to be true with respect to the matters released in this Agreement. You, however, agree you have taken that possibility into account in reaching this Agreement, and that the release in this Agreement will remain in effect as a full and complete release notwithstanding the discovery or existence of additional or different facts.
It is the Company’s desire and intent to make certain that you fully understand the provisions and effects of this Agreement. To that end, you have been encouraged and given the opportunity to consult with legal counsel for the purpose of reviewing the terms of this Agreement. Also, because you are over the age of 40, and consistent with the provisions of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, the Company is providing you with twenty-one (21) days in which to consider and accept the terms of this Agreement by signing below and returning it to Bryan Yoon at the Company (byoon@ternspharma.com). In addition, you may rescind your assent to this Agreement if, within seven (7) days after you sign this Agreement, you deliver by hand or send by mail or confirmed receipt email (if by mail, certified, return receipt and postmarked within such 7-day period) a notice of rescission to Bryan Yoon. The eighth day following your signing of this Agreement without rescission is the “Effective Date” of this Agreement.
Also, consistent with the provisions of local, state and federal discrimination laws, nothing in this release shall be deemed to prohibit you from challenging the validity of this release under such discrimination laws (the “Discrimination Laws”) or from filing a charge or complaint of age or other employment related discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or state or local equivalent, or from participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC or state or local equivalent (or seeking the recovery of any governmental bounty). Further, nothing in this release or Agreement shall be deemed to limit the Company’s right to seek immediate dismissal of such charge or complaint on the basis that your signing of this Agreement constitutes a full release of any individual rights under the Discrimination Laws, or to seek restitution to the extent permitted by law of the economic benefits provided to you under this Agreement in the event that you successfully challenge the validity of this release and prevail in any claim under the Discrimination Laws.
Page 6 of 10
By executing this Agreement, you are acknowledging that: (1) you have carefully read and understand the terms and effects of this Agreement, including the Section entitled Your Release of Claims; (2) you understand that the Your Release of Claims is legally binding and by signing this Agreement, you give up certain rights; (3) you have been afforded sufficient time to understand the terms and effects of this Agreement; (4) your agreements and obligations hereunder are made voluntarily, knowingly and without duress; and (5) neither the Company nor its agents or representatives have made any representations inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.
This Agreement may be signed on one or more copies, each of which when signed will be deemed to be an original, and all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement. The Company will counter-sign this Agreement once it receives it from you. This Agreement will remain valid for 21 days after its delivery to you.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS AT PAGE 8]
Page 7 of 10
Terns, Inc.
By: /s/ Amy Burroughs
Name: Amy Burroughs
Its: Chief Executive Officer
Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
By: /s/ Amy Burroughs
Name: Amy Burroughs
Its: Chief Executive Officer
Confirmed, Agreed and Acknowledged:
/s/ Erin Quirk
Erin Quirk
Dated: May 7, 2024
Page 8 of 10
Exhibit A – Resignation Form
May 7, 2024
To the Chair of the Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Board of Directors
Please be advised that I hereby resign as President and Head of R&D of Terns, Inc., as well as from any other officer positions for Terns, Inc. and Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. effective as of May 7, 2024.
_________________________
Erin Quirk
Page 9 of 10
Exhibit B
Equity Statement
Page 10 of 10
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Amy Burroughs, certify that:
Date: August 5, 2024 |
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By: |
/s/ Amy Burroughs |
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Amy Burroughs |
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Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Mark Vignola, certify that:
Date: August 5, 2024 |
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By: |
/s/ Mark Vignola |
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Mark Vignola |
|
|
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Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
Date: August 5, 2024 |
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By: |
/s/ Amy Burroughs |
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|
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Amy Burroughs |
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
Date: August 5, 2024 |
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By: |
/s/ Mark Vignola |
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|
|
Mark Vignola |
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|
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Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |