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Published: 2022-06-06 18:41:13 ET
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EX-99.3 4 tm2217793d1_ex99-3.htm EXHIBIT 99.3

Exhibit 99.3

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

ANNUAL REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

 

31 DECEMBER 2021

 

Registered in England and Wales, number: 05252842

 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

CONTENTS Page
   
Officers and professional advisers 1
   
Directors’ report 2 – 5
   
Strategic Report 6 – 12
   
Director’s Remuneration Report 13 – 26
   
Independent Auditor’s report to the shareholders of Akari Therapeutics Plc 27 – 30
   
Consolidated statement of comprehensive loss 31
   
Consolidated statement of financial position 32
   
Parent company statement of financial position 33
   
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 34
   
Parent company statement of changes in equity 35
   
Consolidated statement of cash flows 36
   
Parent company statement of cash flows 37
   
Notes to the report and financial statements 38-55

 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

Directors R Prudo-Chlebosz
  J Hill
  S Ungar
  D Byrne
  D Williams
  M Grissinger
  P Feldschreiber
  R Jacques
   
Secretary Prism Cosec Limited
   
Registered Office  
  Highdown House,
  Yeoman Way,
  Worthing,
  West Sussex
  BN99 3HH
   
Independent Auditors Haysmacintyre LLP
  10 Queen Street Place
  London
  EC4R 1AG

 

 1 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Akari,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company”, the “Group” and similar designations refer to Akari Therapeutics, Plc and its subsidiaries. All references to “parent company” refer to Akari Therapeutics, Plc excluding its subsidiaries.

 

The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

 

The principal activity of the Group is developing advanced therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, specifically through the inhibition of the complement and leukotriene pathways. Each of these systems has scientifically well-supported causative roles in the diseases the Company is targeting. Management believes that blocking early mediators of inflammation will prevent initiation and continual amplification of the processes that cause certain diseases.

 

DIRECTORS

 

The directors who served the Company during the year and up to the date of signing the Annual Report were as follows:

 

R Prudo-Chlebosz

C Richardson (resigned in March 22)

J Hill

S Ungar

D Byrne

D Williams

M Grissinger

P Feldschreiber

R Jacques (appointed 28 March 22)

 

SUPPLIER PAYMENT POLICY

 

It is the Group’s policy to agree to commercial terms with its suppliers prior to purchase of goods or services. The Group negotiates favourable payment terms where possible.

 

POLITICAL/CHARITABLE DONATIONS

 

There were no political or charitable contributions made by the Group during the year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: $nil).

 

STAFF POLICY

 

The Group is committed to a policy of recruitment and promotion on the basis of aptitude and ability. Applications for employment by disabled persons are given full and fair consideration having regard to their particular aptitudes and abilities. Where existing employees become disabled, it is the Group’s policy, wherever possible, to provide continuing employment under normal terms and conditions and to provide training, career development and promotion wherever appropriate.

 

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY

 

The Company’s Articles of Association provide, subject to the provisions of UK legislation, an indemnity for directors and officers of the Company in respect of liabilities they may incur in the discharge of their duties or in the exercise of their powers, including any liabilities relating to the defence of any proceedings brought against them which relate to anything done or omitted, or alleged to have been done or omitted, by them as officers or employees of the Company.

 

Appropriate directors and officer’s liability insurance cover is in place in respect of all Company directors.

 

 2 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURES

 

We are a group with a small number of employees. We have serviced offices and we currently outsource our research, development, testing and manufacturing activities. As a result, the group consumed 40,000 kWh of energy or less during the year ended 31 December 2021. For this reason, no disclosures concerning greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and energy efficiency action are made under the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

 

AUDITORS

 

Haysmacintyre LLP have indicated their willingness to continue in office as auditor for another year. In accordance with section 489 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that Haysmacintyre LLP be reappointed as auditors of the Company will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

 

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

On 31 December 2021 the following shareholders held an interest of 3% or more of the ordinary share capital of the Company:

 

   Ordinary shares of $0.0001   % of issued share capital 
Ray Prudo (1)   871,186,700    18.2%
PranaBio Investments, LLC (2)   330,308,700    6.8%
Aspire Capital Fund, LLC (3)   1,044,753,900    21.0%

 

(1)Represents the entire holdings of RPC Pharma Limited, Praxis Trustees Limited As trustee of The Sonic Healthcare Holding Company and Dr. Ray Prudo and includes warrants to purchase 9,210,500 ordinary shares (equivalent to 92,105 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.03 per share (or $3.00 per ADS) which expire on July 1, 2024 and warrants to purchase 7,500,000 ordinary shares (equivalent to 75,000 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.02 per share (or $2.20 per ADS) which expire on February 21, 2025. The principal business office of RPC Pharma Limited is c/o Landmark Fiduciare (Suisse) SA, 6 Place des Eaux-Vives, P.O. Box 3461, Geneva, V8 1211, Switzerland. Dr. Ray Prudo has voting and dispositive control over the ordinary shares held by RPC Pharma Limited and owns approximately 67.8% of RPC’s outstanding shares (including option grants), including 10.6% of RPC’s outstanding shares held in trust for Dr. Ungar. Dr. Prudo disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his actual pecuniary interest in such shares.

(2)Represents the entire holdings of Pranabio Investments, LLC and includes warrants to purchase 32,500,000 ordinary shares (equivalent to 325,000 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.03 per share (or $3.00 per ADS) which expire on July 1, 2024 and warrants to purchase additional 30,000,000 ordinary shares (equivalent to 300,000 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.02 per share (or $2.20 per ADS) which expire on February 21, 2025. Pranabio Investments, LLC is a Texas limited liability company. Samir R. Patel is the managing member and has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares.

(3)Represents the holdings of Aspire Capital Fund, LLC and includes warrants to purchase 26,315,800 ordinary shares (equivalent to 263,158 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.03 per share (or $3.00 per ADS) which expire on July 1, 2024 and warrants to purchase additional 58,823,500 ordinary shares (equivalent to 588,235 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.02 per share (or $2.20 per ADS) which expire on March 3, 2025. Aspire Capital Partners LLC (“Aspire Partners”) is the Managing Member of Aspire Capital Fund, LLC (“Aspire Fund”). SGM Holdings Corp (“SGM”) is the Managing Member of Aspire Partners. Mr. Steven G. Martin (“Mr. Martin”) is the president and sole shareholder of SGM, as well as a principal of Aspire Partners. Mr. Erik J. Brown (“Mr. Brown”) is the president and sole shareholder of Red Cedar Capital Corp (“Red Cedar”), which is a principal of Aspire Partners. Mr. Christos Komissopoulos (“Mr. Komissopoulos”) is president and sole shareholder of Chrisko Investors Inc. (“Chrisko”), which is a principal of Aspire Partners. Mr. William F. Blank, III (“Mr. Blank”) is president and sole shareholder of WML Ventures Corp. (“WML Ventures”), which is a principal of Aspire Partners. Each of Aspire Partners, SGM, Red Cedar, Chrisko, WML Ventures, Mr. Martin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Komissopoulos and Mr. Blank may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of ADSs by Aspire Fund. The principal business office of Aspire Partners is 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1600, Chicago IL 60606. Each of Aspire Partners, SGM, Red Cedar, Chrisko, WML Ventures, Mr. Martin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Komissopoulos and Mr. Blank disclaims beneficial ownership of the ADSs held by Aspire Fund.

 

As at 31 December 2021 no other person had reported an interest of 3% or more in the Company’s ordinary shares.

 

 3 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Group is not required to implement the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”).

 

Regular board meetings are held and the Executive Directors are heavily involved in the day to day running of the business. The Board of Directors meets regularly and is responsible for overseeing management, formulating strategy and monitoring financial performance.

 

GOING CONCERN

 

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through funding. In assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, Management has prepared financial forecasts covering at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

 

The Group’s forecast and projections, show that at present, the Group has insufficient working capital to fulfil its current business plan without the Group raising additional capital.

 

We plan to raise additional funds from external sources and/or from Aspire Capital with which the Group has approximately $22.0 million remaining of the total $30.0 million commitment to drawdown in the form of equity funding as of 4 June 2022. In our assessment, the remaining availability of funds under the Aspire facility, together with our expectation of the Group’s ability to raise capital from other fundraising sources could extend the Group’s ability to fund operations into December 2023 without any subsequent adjustment to the preliminary forecast. The Group currently intends to pursue other external fundraising sources within the fiscal year 2021, although securing such fundraising is subject to uncertainty.

 

Therefore, based on the availability of funds under the Aspire facility, and ability to reduce both R&D and other administrative expenditure costs significantly if so required, management believes the Group’s financial prospects are sufficient to fund future operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

Ultimately, the Group will require additional capital in order to develop and commercialise our current product candidates or any product candidates that we acquire, if any, particularly for the period beyond the next twelve months. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available on a timely basis, we may be required to terminate or delay development for one or more of our product candidates.

 

These matters indicate the existence of conditions that give rise to a material uncertainty (specifically, the reliance on fundraising, which is not guaranteed, to facilitate the Group's operating activities) which may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Notwithstanding these uncertainties, the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has the ability to continue to raise such funding and therefore consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Events occurring after the year end and required to be disclosed are detailed in note 20 of the notes to the financial statements.

 

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and Parent company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the Group and Parent company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the United Kingdom. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and their profit or loss for that period.

 

The financial statements are required by law and IFRS as adopted by the United Kingdom to present fairly the financial position and performance of the Group.

 

 4 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

In preparing these financial statements the directors are required to:

 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the United Kingdom subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the parent company will continue in business.

 

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and Parent company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to safeguard the assets of the Group and Parent company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

 

The directors consider that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

 

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS

 

Each of the directors at the time the report is approved confirms that, as at that time:

 

so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

the director has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a director to make themselves aware of any relevantaudit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information

 

This report was approved by the board on 5 June 2022 and signed on its behalf.

 

By: /s/ Rachelle Jacques  
Title: Director and Chief Executive Officer  

 

 5 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

REVIEW OF BUSINESS

 

We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing advanced therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, specifically through the inhibition of the complement and leukotriene pathways. Each of these systems has scientifically well-supported causative roles in the diseases we are targeting. We believe that blocking early mediators of inflammation will prevent initiation and continual amplification of the processes that cause certain diseases.

 

Ticks have undergone 300 million years of natural selection to produce inhibitors that bind tightly to key highly-conserved inflammatory mediators, are generally well tolerated in humans, and remain fully functional when a host is repeatedly exposed to the molecule. Our molecules are derived from these inhibitors.

 

Our lead product candidate, nomacopan inhibits both terminal complement activation and leukotriene B4, or LTB4. It inhibits terminal complement activation by tightly binding to C5 and preventing its cleavage and activation by complement. It inhibits LTB4 by capturing the fatty acid within the body of the nomacopan protein. By preventing C5 activation of complement nomacopan can stop formation of the anaphylatoxin C5a which activates cells, including granulocytes and T and B cells, via two G protein coupled receptors, or GPCRs, and also prevents formation of the membrane attack complex, or MAC which activates cells including endothelial cells. C5a and the MAC cause and maintain a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state. LTB4 also activates cells via two separate GPCRs and can independently cause and maintain a proinflammatory state. The importance of nomacopan’s dual inhibitory action is therefore twofold. First, it can prevent inflammatory and prothrombotic activities of two key pathways, and second, the pathways can be independently activated, for example terminal complement activation can be induced by IgG, IgM, carbohydrates and damage associated molecular patterns and LTB4 synthesis can be induced by engagement of Fc gamma receptors, cytokines, toll-like receptors, C5a and MAC.

 

Nomacopan is a recombinant small protein (16,769 Da) derived from a protein originally discovered in the saliva of the Ornithodoros moubata tick, where it modulates the host immune system to allow the parasite to feed without alerting the host to its presence or provoking an immune response.

 

Nomacopan has received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH, high-risk hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, or HSCT-TMA, and bullous pemphigoid, or BP and from the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, for PNH, Guillain Barré Syndrome, or GBS and BP. Orphan drug designation provides us with certain benefits and incentives, including a period of marketing exclusivity if marketing authorization of the drug is ultimately received for the designated indication. The receipt of orphan drug designation status does not change the regulatory requirements or process for obtaining marketing approval and the designation does not mean that marketing approval will be received. We intend to apply in the future for orphan drug designation in additional indications we deem appropriate.

 

We have received Fast Track designation from the FDA for the investigation of nomacopan for the treatment of pediatric HSCT-TMA and for the treatment of PNH in patients who have polymorphisms conferring Soliris® (eculizumab) resistance and the treatment of BP. The Fast Track program was created by the FDA to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new drugs which show promise in treating a serious or life-threatening disease and address an unmet medical need. Drugs that receive this designation benefit from more frequent communications and meetings with the FDA to review the drug’s development plan including the design of the proposed clinical trials, use of biomarkers and the extent of data needed for approval. Drugs with Fast Track designation may also qualify for priority review to expedite the FDA review process, if relevant criteria are met.

 

Our clinical targets for nomacopan are inflammatory diseases where the inhibition of both C5 and LTB4 are implicated, including BP, pediatric HSCT-TMA, and as well as both orphan and mass market inflammatory conditions in the eye and lung.

 

 6 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

 

Research and development expenses for the year ended 31 December 2021 were approximately $12,200,000 (2020: $12,192,000). This represents an increase in research and development expenses of $8,000 reflecting similar research and development expenditures to the prior year.

 

Administrative expenses for the year ended 31 December 2021 were approximately $8,274,000 (2020: $7,910,000). This $364,000 increase was primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency movements.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended 31 December 2021 was approximately $18,847,000 (2020: $16,951,000). Net cash flow used in operating activities was primarily attributed to our ongoing research activities to support nomacopan, including manufacturing, clinical trial and preclinical activities.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $14,293,000 (2020: $25,074,000).

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased to approximately $9,361,000 at 31 December 2021 (2020: $14,056,000).

 

The Group made a loss of approximately $17,702,000 (2020: $17,597,000). The loss for the Group is in line with the expected performance and the Directors are satisfied with the results for the year.

 

No dividends were paid during the year (2020: $Nil) and the directors do not propose a final dividend.

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

Financing

 

The Group requires additional funding to continue its future operations and planned research and development activities. The directors recognise that the Group may not be able to obtain financing on favourable terms and the terms of the Group’s finance arrangements may be dilutive. The Group may also seek additional funding through partnership arrangements with collaborators and other third parties. These types of arrangements may require the Group to relinquish rights to internally developed technology, product candidates or products. If the Group is unable to obtain additional funding on a timely basis, the Group may be required to curtail or terminate some or all of its research or development programs, including some or all of its product candidates. Additionally, the report of the Group’s statutory audit firm on its financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2021, includes an explanatory paragraph raising substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern as a result of recurring losses from operations and net capital deficiency. The Group’s future is dependent upon its ability to obtain financing in the future. This opinion could materially limit the Group’s ability to raise funds.

 

The Group plans to raise additional funds from external sources and/or from Aspire Capital. As of 4 June 2022, $22.0 million was available for drawdown under the Company’s equity line with Aspire Capital. The availability of funds under the Aspire facility could extend the Company’s ability to fund operations into December 2023 without any subsequent adjustment to the preliminary forecast. Furthermore, the Company currently intends to pursue other external fundraising sources within the fiscal year 2022. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available when the Group needs them on terms that are acceptable, or at all.

 

Clinical development stage

 

The Company is an clinical development stage Group with limited history of trading on which future projections can be based. There is no guarantee that the Group will succeed in growing its current business or that the Group will be able to provideor maintain sufficient resources required for operations in the development and introduction of its products. Many clinical development stage companies fail to achieve their business plans mainly due to lack of being able to estimate the speed of new market entrants and the costs associated with entering markets and obtaining market share.

 

 7 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (continued)

 

Drug development

 

The Group’s drug development activities are complex and all of the product candidates are in clinical development with a high risk of failure. It is impossible to predict when or if any of the product candidates will prove effective or safe in humans and/or will receive regulatory approval.

 

Further common challenges for similar companies and the Group is to:

 

Find a stable active product or formulation without extensive clinical trials and substantial additional costs or create adequate assay for the products for formulation or clinical testing purposes;

Manufacture, and/or formulate sufficient amounts of its product candidates or upscale or optimise such synthesis so as to enable efficient production of scale;

Find safe and effective doses and dose ratios for its product candidates without extensive clinical trials and substantial additional costs;

Obtain sufficient supply or quality of product candidates supply or materials to produce product candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials; and

Establish manufacturing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to supply materials to make product candidates, or manufacture clinical trial drug supplies.

 

Departure of and search for executive officers

 

The Group’s success depends on its ability to hire and retain the services of its current executive officers, directors, principal consultants and others. In addition, the Group has established relationships with universities and research institutions which have historically provided, and continue to provide, us with access to research laboratories, clinical trials, facilities and patients. The loss of the services of any of these individuals or institutions has had and could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business. Dr. Torsten Hombeck was appointed to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in June 2020. Rachelle Jacques was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Company’s board on March 28, 2022 and, in a planned transition, replaced Clive Richardson who was appointed to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in May 2018.

 

Retention of key management staff is an underlying risk of the business.

 

Market acceptance

 

The Group is not guaranteed that any of its product candidates will gain market acceptance amongst physicians, patients, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies or other customers.

 

The Group’s clinical trials in humans may show that the doses or dose ratios selected based on screening, animal testing or clinical trials do not achieve the desired therapeutic result in humans, or achieve these results only in a small part of the population. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or other regulatory agencies in the United States and foreign jurisdictions may determine that these clinical trials do not support the Group’s conclusion. The Group may be required to conduct additional clinical studies and provide more evidence substantiating the safety and efficacy of the doses or dose ratios selected in a significant patient population.

 

 8 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (continued)

 

Intense competition from powerful competitors

 

Many companies, universities and research organisations developing product candidates have greater resources and significantly greater experience in financial, research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, distribution and technical regulatory matters than the Group has. These competitors could commence and complete clinical testing of their products, obtain regulatory approval, and begin commercial-scale manufacturing of their products faster than the Group is able to, thus resulting in a situation whereby the Group may not be able to commercialise its product candidates or achieve a competitive position in the market.

 

Product liability exposure

 

The Group faces exposure to product liability and other claims if its product candidates, products or processes are alleged to have caused harm. These risks are inherent in testing, manufacturing, and marketing human therapeutic products. If the Group is sued for any injury caused by its products, product candidates or processes, the Group’s liability could exceed its product liability insurance coverage and its total assets. Claims against the Group, regardless of their merit or potential outcome, may also generate negative publicity or damage the Group’s ability to obtain physician endorsement of its products or expand its business.

 

Intellectual Property

 

The Group may be unable to protect the intellectual property relating to its product candidates, or if it infringes the rights of others, its ability to successfully commercialise its product candidates may be harmed. The Group owns or hold licenses to a number of issued patents (foreign and foreign counterparts) and pending patent applications. The Group’s success depends in part on its ability to obtain patent protection both in the United States and in other territories for its product candidates, as well as the methods for treating patients in the product indications using these product candidates. The Group’s ability to protect its product candidates from unauthorised or infringing use by third parties depends in substantial part on its ability to obtain and maintain valid and enforceable patents. Due to evolving legal standards relating to the patentability, validity and enforceability of patents covering pharmaceutical inventions and the scope of claims made under these patents, the Group’s ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patents is uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions. Even if the Group’s product candidates, as well as methods for treating patients for prescribed indications using these product candidates are covered by valid and enforceable patents and have claims with sufficient scope, disclosure and support in the specification, the patents will provide protection only for a limited amount of time. Accordingly, rights under any issued patents may not provide the Group with sufficient protection for a commercial advantage against competitive products or processes

 

Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak

 

The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the mutation of variants, continues to remain fluid globally and we continue to manage ongoing challenges associated with the pandemic as they relate to operations. The potential for a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation remains a risk. We cannot reasonably estimate with any degree of certainty any future impact of COVID-19. Pandemics such as this can adversely impact our business as a result of disruptions, such as travel bans, quarantines, staffing shortages, and interruptions to access the trial sites and supply chains, which could result in material delays and complications with respect to our research and development programs and clinical trials.

 

Moreover, as a result of COVID-19, there is a general unease of conducting certain non-critical activities in medical centers. For example, while now open for enrollment, our clinical trials have previously been halted or delayed due to COVID-19. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts operations will depend on future developments, including the scope of any new virus mutations and outbreaks, the nature of government public health guidelines and the public’s adherence to those guidelines, the rate of individuals becoming fully vaccinated and the public’s adherence to guidelines to receive booster vaccinations, and the extent to which new lockdowns may be needed or are required in particular countries, including China. In particular, the continued spread of COVID-19 globally could adversely impact our operations and workforce, including research and clinical trials and the ability to raise capital, could affect the operations of key governmental agencies, such as the FDA, which may delay the development of our product candidates, and could result in the inability of suppliers to deliver components or raw materials, including drug product and drug substance, on a timely basis or at all, each of which in turn could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

 9 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Group finances its operations using cash generated by the sale of equity instruments in the Group. The cash flow of the Group is monitored on a regular basis to ensure the Group has sufficient funding to meet its capital and operational requirements.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The Group is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing advanced therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, specifically through the inhibition of the complement and leukotriene pathways. Each of these systems has scientifically well-supported causative roles in the diseases the Group is targeting.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

 

The directors consider the key performance indicators to be the research and development spend. This allows the Directors to manage the on-going activities and strategies for further development of the Group.

 

The key performance indicators are measured and reviewed on a regular basis at Board meetings and enable the Directors to communicate the performance of the Group against predetermined targets.

 

Key financial performance indicators:

 

Research and Development spend – 2021: $12,200,000 (2020: $12,192,000)

Cash and cash equivalents position – 2021: $9,361,000 (2020: $14,056,000)

 

SECTION 172 STATEMENT

 

When making decisions, the Directors of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (“Akari” or the “Company”) act in the way they consider is most likely to promote the success of the Company, for the benefit of its members as a whole, while also considering the broad range of stakeholders who interact with the business.

 

Our strategy is to develop and commercialize advanced therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

 

In striving to achieve our goal to develop new therapeutic medicines, our business touches the lives of many people. We exist in a complex and evolving regulatory and scientific environment and as a result we have a number of key stakeholder groups. Considering the interests of our stakeholders is fundamental to the way in which the Company operates. Our Values and Code of Ethics empower employees to make the best decisions in the interest of the Company and our stakeholders, and help to ensure that these considerations are made not only at Board level, but throughout our organization.

 

Post the reporting period end, the directors of the Company (“Directors”) have continued to take into account the Company’s stakeholders, including the potential impact of its future activities on the community, the environment and the Company’s reputation when making decisions. The Directors also continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the Company is acting in good faith and fairly between members and is promoting the success of the Company for its members in the long term.

 

The table below serves as our Section 172 statement by setting out the key stakeholder groups, their interests and how the Company engages with them. Akari’s key stakeholders include its investors, employees, regulatory bodies and suppliers.

 

 10 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

Stakeholder Why we engage

How we engage

 

Our Investors The Board and management maintain a regular and constructive dialogue with existing and potential investors to communicate the Company’s strategy and performance to promote investor confidence and ensure continued access to capital.

     Annual General Meetings

     Quarterly financial results

•     One-to-one meetings by Management with analysts and institutional investors

•     Investor outreach programs including attending virtual and in-person conferences, events and roadshows

•     Press releases

•     Company website

•     Social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter)

Our Employees Akari employees are key to the Company’s success and to the achievement of business objectives. We aim to be a responsible employer in our approach to employee engagement, development, performance and rewards.  The health, safety and well-being of our employees is one of our primary considerations in the way we do business.  Employee engagement is led primarily by the CEO, Executive Team and Chairman.

•     Market competitive compensation and benefits aligned with role and overall performance

•     Individual development through external conferences and training opportunities

•     Communication channels between the Board, Executive Team and Akari employees

Regulatory bodies Akari is subject to a wide range of laws, regulations, and listing requirements including the regulatory framework from FDA, EMA and other regulatory agencies, the SEC, data protection, employment, tax, environmental and health and safety legislation.

•     Company website

•     EDGAR announcements

•     Annual Report

•     Direct contact and communications with regulators

•     Compliance updates at Board Meetings

 

 11 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

Stakeholder Why we engage

How we engage

 

Our Suppliers

 

We have several key suppliers with whom we have built strong relationships. We establish communication channels to ensure our working relationship remains collaborative and forward – focused, and to create a successful and fair collaboration.   

•     Building strong working relationships with suppliers through open two-way discussions and regular meetings.

•     Executing contracts that guide expectations of both Akari and the suppliers

 

This report was approved by the Board on 5 June 2022 and signed on its behalf.

 

By: /s/ Rachelle Jacques  
Title: Director and Chief Executive Officer  

 

 12 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

PART I - ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

 

Information provided in this section of the Directors’ Remuneration report is subject to audit.

 

Single Total Figure of Remuneration for Each Director (subject to audit)

 

The following table shows the compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended 31 December 2021.

 

Name of
Director
  Salary and/or
Fees ($)
   Taxable Benefits
($)
   Annual Bonus
($)(4)
   Long-
term
Incentive
($)
   Option Awards ($)(1)   Pension Benefits
($)
   2021
Total
   2021
Total
Fixed
   2021
Total
variable
 
                                     
Executive Director
Ray Prudo   412,000    -    206,000    -    -    -    618,000    412,000    206,000 
Clive Richardson (5)   525,981    12,218(3)   206,826                 52,598(2)   797,623    590,797    206.826 
Non-Employee Director
James Hill, M.D.   62,752    -    -    -    13,547    -    76,298    76,298    - 
Stuart Ungar, M.D.   49,947    -    -    -    13,547    -    63,494    63,494    - 
David Byrne   52,143    -    -    -    13,547    -    65,689    65,689    - 
Donald Williams   56,838    -    -    -    13,547    -    70,385    70,385    - 
Peter Feldchreiber   49,947    -    -    -    13,547    -    63,494    63,494    - 
Michael Grissinger   39,338    -    -    -    13,547    -    52,885    52,885    - 

 

(1) These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for option awards for fiscal year 2021 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in note 16 to our Financial Statements.

(2) Consists of company contributions to pension scheme.

(3) Consists of company contributions to health benefits of $8,030 and life insurance premiums of $4,188

(4)  Bonuses are awarded on the basis of an assessment of the overall performance of the director concerned, rather than specific measures or targets. In respect of 2021, the annual bonus payments for the Executive Directors reflect their strong personal performance at a critical time for the business. Ray Prudo and Clive Richardson both received annual bonus payments of 100% of the maximum available respectively, of which 100% was paid in the first quarter of 2022. None of the awards is attributable to share price appreciation and no discretion was exercised as a result of share price appreciation or depreciation.

(5) Mr. Richardson resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer in March 2022.

 

 13 

 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

The following table shows the compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended 31 December 2020.

 

Name of
Director
  Salary
and/or
Fees ($)
   Taxable
Benefits
($)
   Annual
Bonus
($)(4)
   Long-term
Incentive
($)
   Option
Awards
($)(1)
   Pension
Benefits
($)
   2019
Total
   2019
Total
Fixed
   2019
Total
variable
 
                                     
 
Executive Director
Ray Prudo   412,000    -    206,000    -    -    -    618,000    412,000    206,000 
Clive Richardson   503,941    11,648(3)   214,960    -    -    50,394 (2)   780,942    565,983    214,960 
Non-Employee Director
James Hill, M.D.   62,752    -    -    -    19,611    -    82,363    82,363    - 
Stuart Ungar, M.D.   49,947    -    -    -    19,611    -    69,558    69,558    - 
David Byrne   52,143    -    -    -    19,611    -    71,754    71,754    - 
Donald Williams   56,838    -    -    -    19,611    -    76,499    76,449    - 
Peter Feldchreiber   49,947    -    -    -    19,611    -    69,558    69,558    - 
Michael Grissinger   39,338    -    -    -    19,611    -    58,949    58,944    - 

 

(1) These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for option awards for fiscal year 2020 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in determining grant date fair value may be found in note 16 to our Financial Statements.

 

(2) Consists of company contributions to pension scheme.

 

(3) Consists of company contributions to health benefits of $7,288 and life insurance premiums of $4,360.

 

(4)  Bonuses are awarded on the basis of an assessment of the overall performance of the director concerned, rather than specific measures or targets. In respect of 2020, the annual bonus payments for the Executive Directors reflect their strong personal performance at a critical time for the business. Ray Prudo and Clive Richardson both received annual bonus payments of 100% of the maximum available respectively, of which 100% was paid in the first quarter of 2021. None of the awards is attributable to share price appreciation and no discretion was exercised as a result of share price appreciation or depreciation.

 

14 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Incentive Plan Awards (subject to audit)

 

Akari operates an equity incentive plan (the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2014 Plan) under which directors receive options to acquire ordinary shares in Akari. Options awards granted during the fiscal year ended 31 December 2021 are as follows:

 

Name of Director  Option
Awards (1)
   Grant Date  Exercise
Price
   Face Value
($) (2)
   Option
Vesting Date
  Option
Expiry Date
James Hill   1,300,000   30/06/21  $0.0173   $22,490   30/06/22  30/06/31
Stuart Ungar   1,300,000   30/06/21  $0.0173   $22,490   30/06/22  30/06/31
David Byrne   1,300,000   30/06/21  $0.0173   $22,490   30/06/22  30/06/31
Donald Williams   1,300,000   30/06/21  $0.0173   $22,490   30/06/22  30/06/31
Michael Grissinger   1,300,000   30/06/21  $0.0173   $22,490   30/06/22  30/06/31
Peter Feldschreiber   1,300,000   30/06/21  $0.0173   $22,490   30/06/22  30/06/31

 

(1) Option awards are subject to time-based vesting without performance measures or targets other than continued service until the date of vesting.

 

(2) These amounts represent the face value for option awards, calculated as the number of shares awarded (assuming full vesting) multiplied by the price per share implied by the market price per ADS, which is equal to the stated exercise price.

 

Director’s shareholdings (subject to audit)

 

The table below shows, for each director, the total number of ordinary shares owned (by the director and connected persons), the total number of those share options that were held and the number of share options vested as at 31 December 2021. All share options are subject to time-based vesting without performance measures or targets other than continued service until the date of vesting. No director exercised any share options during the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

Name of Director  Ordinary Shares Owned   Share Options   Vested Share Options (1) 
             
Executive Director
Ray Prudo (2)   871,186,700    -    - 
Clive Richardson   10    40,771,850    35,771,850 
Non-Employee Director
James Hill   -    9,100,000    7,800,000 
Stuart Ungar   20    9,100,000    7,800,000 
David Byrne   -    9,100,000    7,800,000 
Donald Williams   -    9,850,000    8,550,000 
Michael Grissinger   -    6,500,000    4,875,000 
Peter Feldschreiber   -    6,500,000    4,875,000 

 

15 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

(1) All share options that were outstanding as at 31 December 2021 use time-based vesting and are not subject to performance targets other than continued service until the date of vesting. None of the options have been exercised.

  

(2) Represents the entire holdings of RPC Pharma Limited, Praxis Trustees Limited As trustee of The Sonic Healthcare Holding Company and Dr. Ray Prudo and includes warrants to purchase 9,210,500 ordinary shares (equivalent to 92,105 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.03 per share (or $3.00 per ADS) which expire on July 1, 2024 and warrants to purchase 7,500,000 ordinary shares (equivalent to 75,000 ADSs) at an exercise price of $0.02 per share (or $2.20 per ADS) which expire on February 21, 2025. Dr. Prudo has voting and dispositive control over the ordinary shares held by RPC Pharma Limited and owns approximately 67.8% of RPC’s outstanding shares (including option grants), including 10.6% of RPC’s outstanding shares held in trust for Dr. Ungar. Dr. Prudo disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his actual pecuniary interest in such shares.

 

The remainder of this Directors’ Remuneration Report is not subject to audit.

 

Illustration of Total Shareholder Return

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Akari’s ADSs, each representing 100 ordinary shares, with that of the Nasdaq Biotech Index from the period that Akari’s ADSs were publicly traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market through 31 December 2021. Akari selected the Nasdaq Biotech Index because Akari’s ADSs trade on The NASDAQ Capital Market and Akari believes this indicates its relative performance against a group consisting of more similarly situated companies.

 

 

16 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Chief Executive Total Remuneration History

 

The table below sets out total remuneration details for the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Period  Single total
figure of
remuneration
($)
   Annual Bonus
($)
   Short-term
incentive
payout against
maximum (1)
   Option Award
($)
   Option
Awards
against
maximum (2)
 
2021 Clive Richardson (3)   525,981    208,826    -    -    - 
2020 Clive Richardson   503,941    214,960    -    -    - 
2019 Clive Richardson (4)   432,408    177,028    -    -    - 
2018 (David Solomon) (5)   173,611    -    -    -    - 
2017 (Gur Roshwalb and David Solomon) (5)   1,338,253    119,041(8)   100%(9)   -    - 
2016 (Gur Roshwalb)   581,250    187,500    125%(10)   -    - 
2015 (Gur Roshwalb)   7,306,951    86,625    100%(11)   6,863,034    - 
2014 (Gur Roshwalb)   410,564    -    -    60,564    - 
2013 (Gur Roshwalb) (6)   576,389    -    -    173,396    - 
2012 (7)   -    -    -    -    - 

 

(1)All cash bonuses to Clive Richardson were awarded on a discretionary annual basis.

(2)All options were awarded on a discretionary basis.

(3)Clive Richardson resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer in March 2022.

(4)Clive Richardson was appointed Interim Chief Executive on 8 May 2018 and Chief Executive Officer on 18 July 2019.

(5)Dr. Roshwalb resigned as Akari’s Chief Executive Officer on 29 May 2017 and David Solomon was appointed as Akari’s Chief Executive Officer on 28 August 2017 and resigned 8 May 2018.

(6)Dr. Roshwalb was appointed as Akari’s Chief Executive Officer on 4 March 2013.

(7)Akari was not a quoted company in 2012.

(8)Includes a $50,000 signing bonus.

(9)Bonus was awarded in 2017 but calculated from Dr. Solomon’s appointment on 28 August 2017.

(10)Bonus was awarded in 2016 but calculated for a 15-month period from the date of the acquisition of Volution Immuno Pharmaceutical SA on 18 September 2015.

(11)Bonus was awarded in 2015 but calculated for a 9-month period until the date of the acquisition of Volution Immuno Pharmaceutical SA on 18 September 2015.

 

Directors’s Remuneration Compared to Other Employees

 

The table below shows the percentage change in remuneration of each director and the parent company’s non-director employees on a full-time equivalent basis between the year ended 31 December 2020 and the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

   Change in Remuneration in year ended 31 December 2021 compared with
remuneration in the year ended 31 December 2020
 
   Salary and/or Fees    Taxable Benefits    Annual Bonus 
Executive Director               
Ray Prudo   0%        0%
Clive Richardson   4%   5%   -4%
Non-employee Director               
James Hill, M.D.   -    -    - 
Stuart Ungar, M.D.   -    -    - 
David Byrne   -    -    - 
Donald Williams   -    -    - 
Peter Feldschreiber   -    -    - 
Michael Grissinger   -    -    - 
Other Employees   11%   44%   25%

 

17 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay

 

The following table sets forth the total amounts spent by the Company on remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2021 and the year ended 31 December 2020. Given that Akari remains in the early phases of its business life cycle, the comparator chosen to reflect the relative importance of Akari’s spend on pay is Akari’s research and development costs for the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

Period  Year Ended
31 December 2021
($)
   Year Ended
31 December 2020
($)
 
Total spend on remuneration   3,852,268    3,505,737 
Shareholder distributions   -    - 
Research and development costs   12,198,000    12,241,000 

 

Implementation of remuneration policy for year ending 31 December 2021

 

Our director compensation program is administered by our board of directors with the assistance of the compensation committee. The compensation committee conducts an annual review of director compensation and makes recommendations to the board with respect thereto.

 

The shareholders approved our Directors Remuneration Policy on June 30, 2021 to provide a framework for the Directors’ compensation packages. In addition, the Company has a non-employee director compensation policy, which was amended and restated on November 19, 2015 and was subsequently amended on June 29, 2016, January 26, 2017, January 23, 2018, January 8, 2019 and on January 9, 2020. The Company does not intend to make any significant changes in the way that the Directors Remuneration Policy will be implemented in 2022 compared to how it was implemented in 2021 and does not expect any deviations from the procedure for the implementation of the Directors Remuneration Policy set out in the policy. On December 7, 2020, our Compensation Committee resolved that the cash compensation and committee membership fees for the fiscal year 2021 would remain the same as they were for 2020. As a result, our non-employee directors will be compensated for service on our board of directors as follows in 2021:

 

  ¨ an annual retainer for service on the board of directors of $39,338;

 

  ¨ an annual retainer for service as a member of the compensation committee and nominating and governance committee of $5,305;

 

  ¨ an annual retainer for service as a member of the audit committee of $7,500;

 

  ¨ for the chairman of the compensation committee, and nominating and governance committee, an annual retainer of $10,609;

 

  ¨ for the chairperson of the audit committee, an annual retainer of $17,500;

 

18 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS, PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

The following table presents the increases in compensation (board fees and/or salaries) agreed for the upcoming fiscal year (with the agreed increases for the year ended 31 December 2021 presented as comparative information)

 

 

Director  31
December 
2020
   31
December 
2021
   Increase %   31
December 
2021
   31
December 
2022
(1)
   Increase %
 
                         
Executive Director
Ray Prudo  $412,000   $412,000    0%  $412,000   $412,000    0%
Clive Richardson(2)   £382,306   £382,306    0%  £382,306   £382,306    0%
Rachelle Jacques(3)                      $600,000      
Non-Employee Director
James Hill, M.D.  $62,752   $62,752    0%  $62,752   $62,752    0%
Stuart Ungar, M.D.  $49,947   $49,947    0%  $49,947   $49,947    0%
David Byrne  $52,143   $52,143    0%  $52,143   $52,143    0%
Donald Williams  $56,838   $56,838    0%  $56,838   $56,838    0%
Peter Feldschreiber  $39,338   $39,338    0%  $39,338   $39,338    0%
Michael Grissinger  $49,947   $49,947    0%  $49,947   $49,947    0%

 

(1)All figures are estimates. Additional discretionary bonuses may be awarded in accordance with contractual entitlement and the remuneration policy.

(2)Mr. Richardson resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer in March 2022. His annual base compensation of £382,306 will be pro-rated.

(3)Ms. Jacques was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer in March 2022. Her annual base compensation of $600,000 will be pro-rated.

 

Compensation Committee Approach to Remuneration Matters

 

The Compensation Committee is comprised of Dr. James Hill (Chairman), Dr. Stuart Ungar, and Mr. David Byrne. Dr. James Hill, as Chairman of our Compensation Committee, reports, in respect of 2021, that the annual bonus payments for the Executive Directors reflect their strong personal performance at a critical time for the business. Ray Prudo and Clive Richardson both received annual bonus payments of 100% of the maximum available respectively, of which 100% was paid in the first quarter 2022. For the year ending 31 December 2021, our Compensation Committee resolved that the cash compensation and committee membership fees of Non-Executive Directors would remain the same as they were for 2020 to reflect the developmental stage of the Company. All members have continued to serve until the date of this Directors’ Remuneration Report. The charter of the Committee is set forth on Akari’s website at http://www.akaritx.com. No person other than a member of the Compensation Committee provided to the Committee advice, or services, that materially assisted the Committee in their consideration of matters relating to the directors’ remuneration for 2021 or remuneration issues during the consideration of an individual’s nomination as a director.

 

Akari is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and the Compensation Committee takes an active interest in shareholder views and voting outcomes.

 

In respect of the last resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2020 AGM, of the 1,055,203,832 votes cast in respect of the above resolution 1,023,958,776 votes were in favour of this resolution, 12,885,200 votes were against and 18,359,856 votes abstained.

 

In respect of the last resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM, of the 1,055,203,832 votes cast in respect of the above resolution 955,625,587 votes were in favour of this resolution, 18,166,700 votes were against and 81,411,545 votes abstained.

 

19 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

PART II - DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

 

INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION OF THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT IS NOT SUBJECT TO AUDIT.

 

This section sets out the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (“Policy”) of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (“Akari”), which was approved by shareholders at the 20      20 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”). The Policy provides Akari’s compensation framework from the date of its approval at the AGM and for a period of three years thereafter, unless changes to the Policy are required earlier and a new Policy is put to shareholder vote.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, in approving the Directors’ remuneration policy, authority is given to Akari to honour any commitments entered into with current or former Directors (such as the payment of a pension, fees or the vesting/exercise of past share option awards) for the periods for which they apply.

 

Akari’s remuneration policy seeks to provide compensation packages which will attract, motivate, reward and retain an executive team with the right calibre of talent, experience, and skills to lead a successful future for Akari. Akari’s compensation framework is designed to provide a competitive package in comparison to companies of similar size, complexity, maturity profile and geographic presence. Elements of compensation packages which are subject to performance conditions as noted in the Group’s remuneration policy may include key performance indicators (KPIs), both financial and non-financial, which are an important component of the information needed to explain a company’s progress towards its stated goals. Other elements which are not subject to performance measures are considered an important component of attracting and retaining UK resident employees, including Executive Directors.

 

The table below sets out the main elements of Akari’s remuneration policy for its Executive Directors and seeks to explain how each element of the compensation package operates:

 

Policy table – Executive Directors

 

Element  Purpose and link
to strategy
  Operation  Maximum opportunity  Performance metrics
and recovery
provisions
Base salary  Support the recruitment and retention of Executive officers 

   Base salary levels are set taking into account the role, responsibilities and individuals experience in the position, performance of the individual and Akari.

 

•   Base salaries are typically reviewed annually

 

•   There is no prescribed maximum increase nor any requirement to increase salary at any time.

 

•   By exception, higher increases may be made to reflect individual circumstances. These may include significant changes in the job size or complexity and/or promotion.

 

   None, although overall performance of the individual is considered when setting and reviewing salaries.

 

   No provisions for recovery or withholding of sums as this is not performance-related.

             
             
Pension  Encourages and enables executives to build savings for their retirement     Akari typically makes contributions to pension plans (or retirement savings plans) to match prevailing local market practices.     Currently up to 10% of salary per annum. 

    None.

 

    No provisions for recovery or withholding of sums as this is not performance-related.

 

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AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Other Benefits  Provide market competitive benefits in a cost-effective way 

   Provisions include medical insurance, life assurance, permanent health insurance, etc.

 

    In exceptional circumstances, such as the relocation of an executive or for a new hire, additional benefits may be provided in the form of relocation allowance and benefits.

 

   Other benefits may be offered if considered appropriate and reasonable by the Compensation Committee.

     No prescribed maximum.  The cost of benefits will vary from year to year in accordance with the cost of insuring such benefits. 

   None.

 

   No provisions for recovery or withholding of sums as this is not performance-related.

             

Bonus

 

  To reward the delivery of annual targets as well as to recognise the individual contributions towards our key strategic achievements 

   Any bonus is paid in cash typically within 60 days after the end of the financial year to which it relates.

 

   Performance objectives and targets are either fixed contractually or set annually and actual payout levels are determined after the year end, based on performance against targets subject to overriding discretion of the Compensation Committee.

  The maximum annual bonus payable for any financial year is capped at 100% of salary, although the Compensation Committee reserves the right to vary this amount in exceptional circumstances. 

    Where performance conditions are attached to a bonus payment, targets are either fixed contractually or selected by the Compensation Committee and set annually and can include key financial, operational and/or individual objectives. All assessments of performance against target is made by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.

 

   No provisions for recovery or withholding of sums as the performance measures are considered adequate.

 

 

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AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Equity incentive plan (2014 Equity Incentive Plan)   To motivate and reward long-term performance in alignment with the shareholder interests and value-creation    

•   Awards may be made periodically to Executive Officers in the form of options or in shares including stock appreciation rights, phantom stock awards or stock units.

 

•   Awards typically vest over three or four years and may be subject to phased vesting.

 

•   There is no specific maximum set for annual equity awards.

 

When making awards, the Compensation Committee will take into account internal grant guidelines, which have been set in reference to local market norms.

 

•   Where performance conditions are attached to an award, these typically include key financial, operational and/or individual objectives subject to overall Compensation Committee discretion.

 

   No provisions for recovery or withholding of sums as the performance measures are considered adequate.

                 
CSOP (UK resident employees and directors only)       •   Executives are eligible to participate in the all-employee CSOP Plan under the same conditions as all other employees.     Grant value of £30,000 or local market rules as amended from time to time.  

•    None.

 

•    No provisions for recovery or withholding of sums as this is not performance-related.

 

Policy table – Non-Executive Directors

 

Akari’s non-employee compensation policy is administered by its board of directors with the assistance of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews non-employee director compensation policy and makes recommendations to the board.

 

Non-Executive Directors typically receive an annual retainer paid in cash for their service (depending on their additional membership and chairman responsibilities) and an annual grant of stock options but do not participate in the bonus plan to which Executive Officers are eligible, nor do they typically receive any other performance related payment. There are no elements of the non-employee director compensation policy which are subject to performance conditions given the necessity to maintain directors’ independence and board effectiveness in corporate governance, and accordingly there are no provisions for recovery or withholding of sums.

 

22 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

The table below sets out some of the features of Akari’s current non-employee director compensation policy:

 

Element Purpose and link to
strategy
Operation Maximum
opportunity
Performance
metrics
Annual Cash Retainer Fee Support the recruitment and retention of Non-Executive Directors

  Each Non-Executive Director serving on the Board receives an annual cash retainer, with additional amounts payable for acting as a chairman or a member of various committees.

 

  In addition, the Chairman receive an additional cash retainer.

 

•  Annual cash retainers are typically payable on a quarterly basis with the exception of the Executive Chairman who is paid monthly.

 

•  A Non-Employee Director may elect to receive annual cash payments in the form of fully-vested ordinary shares.

  There is no prescribed maximum increase nor any requirement to increase board fees at any time.   None.

 

23

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Share Options

Strengthens the alignment to shareholders’ interests through share ownership

 

 

 

  Directors typically receive an annual grant of options in the form of market value options under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

  These awards typically vest in full on the date of the next AGM following the date of grant, subject to the Non-Executive Director’s continued service on the Board, have a term of 10 years from date of grant, and vesting accelerates in the case of a change of control.

•  Normal initial grant and annual grant of share options will be equal to 1,300,000 (or equivalent value of ADS) but the Committee reserves the discretion to review and amend this amount.   None.

 

The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by Akari’s current non-employee director compensation policy, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Approach to recruitment compensation

 

Akari’s policy is to pay a fair remuneration package for the role being undertaken and the experience of the individual to be appointed.

 

Akari expects remuneration packages for Executive Directors to include base salary, targeted level of annual cash incentive, initial and ongoing equity-based awards, standard benefits and special provisions tailored to the recruiting situation, such as: sign-on bonus, reasonable relocation support and make-whole awards for remuneration forfeited from a prior employer (whether on account of cash bonuses, share awards, pension benefits or other forfeited items). The Compensation Committee retains the discretion to provide additional cash, share based payment, benefits and other remuneration where necessary or useful to recruit new Executive Directors or to secure the ongoing service of existing Executive Directors.

 

The remuneration package for any new Non-Executive Director will be set in accordance with the terms of Akari’s non-employee director compensation policy then in effect. Akari expects remuneration packages for Non-Executive Directors to include an annual retainer paid in cash for their service (depending on their additional membership and chairman responsibilities) and an annual grant of stock options. Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the bonus plan to which Executive Directors are eligible, nor do they typically receive any other performance related payment.

 

24

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Director’s service contracts

 

Akari’s board of directors is divided into three classes for purposes of election (Class A Directors, who serve a one year term before being subject to re-election at Akari’s annual general meeting; Class B Directors, who serve a two year term before being subject to re-election at the annual general meeting; and Class C Directors who serve a three year term before being subject to re-election at the annual general meeting, provided also that in any two year period, a majority of the board must stand for re-election).

 

It is the Company’s policy that Executive Directors should have contracts with an indefinite term. Directors’ notice periods are set by the compensation committee, having regard to the need to attract and retain talent, ensure an orderly succession and enable the Company to manage its personnel while avoiding excessive costs. Service contracts are available for inspection at Akari’s registered office or 75/76 Wimpole Street London W1G 9RT.

 

Policy on Payments for Loss of Office

 

Akari’s approach to payments to Executive Directors in the event of termination is to take account of the individual circumstances including the reason for termination, individual performance, contractual obligations and the terms of any option award.

 

Generally, Akari employment arrangements for Executive Directors include a notice provision and continuing payment obligations as per the individual Executive Director service contracts following termination by Akari of an Executive Director without cause or termination by the Executive Director for good reason or change of control. Payment obligations, if any, include base salary, benefits, and all or some portion of target annual cash remuneration. Akari may offer payment in lieu of notice if it is considered to be in the best interests of Akari.

 

Treatment of unvested outstanding equity awards will be determined according to the specific nature of termination, individual contracts, and plan rules.

 

The Compensation Committee reserves the right to make payments it considers reasonable under a compromise or settlement agreement, including payment or reimbursement of reasonable legal and professional fees, and any payment or compensation (in whatever form) in respect of statutory rights under employment law in the US, UK or other jurisdictions. Payment or reimbursement (in whatever forms) of reasonable outplacement fees may also be provided.

 

25

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Other relevant information considered

 

As appropriate, the Compensation Committee considers the pay and conditions of the broader employee workforce, as well as the Consumer Price Index and Retail Price Index, when making compensation related decisions for the Directors. The Compensation Committee does not consult employees, other than Executive Directors, when drafting the Directors’ remuneration policy.

 

The Compensation Committee also considers shareholder feedback, so far as it relates to compensation, when reviewing of the appropriateness of its Policy. In addition, the Compensation Committee considers potential conflicts of interest and directors do not have sole discretion over their own remuneration.

 

This report was approved by the board on 5 June 2022 and signed on its behalf.

 

By: /s/ Rachelle Jacques  
Title: Director and Chief Executive Officer  

 

26

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

Opinion

 

We have audited the financial statements of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss, the consolidated statement of financial position, the parent company statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of changing in equity, the parent company statement of changes in equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the parent company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements:

 

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2021 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Basis for opinion

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

 

An overview of the scope of our audit

 

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we considered areas where subjective judgement was exercised by the directors and management, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. We also assessed the risk of management override of controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the group and the parent company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.

 

Our audit scope included the statutory audit of the parent company for the year ended 31 December 2021. It excludes the parent company’s non-UK registered subsidiaries which were audited to component materiality for the purposes of the group audit.

 

Key audit matters

 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

 

Key Audit Matter How our scope addressed this matter

Securities Purchase Agreement

Included in the Group Statement of Financial Position are share application funds in advance of $1,120,000. These funds relate to monies received in advance of the issuance of ADS warrants through a Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

Management performed an assessment of the date at which the funds received and instruments issued should be recognised as equity within the Statement of Financial Position. The assessment was made with reference to the substance of the legal agreement between the investors and the Group.

 

There is a risk that the interpretation of this agreement is not correct and that the ADS warrants issues are not recognised as equity in the correct period.

 

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to, the following:

      Review of management’s assessment of how funds received in advance of the issuance of ADS warrants through a Securities Purchase Agreement should be classified in accordance with IAS 32: Financial Instruments: Presentation;

      Review of audit evidence to corroborate management’s assessment; and

      Review of disclosures made in the financial statements to ensure the treatment of advanced subscription proceeds received are appropriately outlined.

 

27

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Our application of materiality

 

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements on our audit and on the financial statements. For the purposes of determining whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement we define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person, relying on the financial statements, would be changed or influenced. We determined overall materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole to be US$355,000 being 1.7% of expenditure for the year. We considered it appropriate to determine our materiality based on expenditure as we consider this to be the key metric in assessing the financial performance and position of the Group given its primary purpose is to undertake research and development activities. On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the overall control environment, we apply a different level of materiality, performance materiality, to determine the extent of our testing and this was set at 75% of the overall audit financial statements’ materiality, being $266,250.

 

We agreed with management that we would report to the Audit Committee all audit differences in excess of US$17,750 as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

 

Material uncertainty in relation to going concern

 

We draw attention to note 1(c) in the financial statements, which outlines considerations relating to the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The disclosure indicates that the group and parent company is reliant on additional funding to meet their liabilities as they fall due. These circumstances indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. They have concluded that there is a material uncertainty which could cast significant doubt over the going concern status of the Group due to the impact of the requirement for additional fundraising, and we agree that this is adequately disclosed in the Directors’ Report and the accounting policies.

 

The key risk identified was uncertainty around the ability of the Group and Parent Company to raise funds in order to continue operations. While the Group and Parent Company have a history of raising funds as required, past history is no guarantee that further fundraising will be successful. Future fundraising could be delayed and the amounts arising from future fundraises are uncertain. A significant delay in the ability to raise funds would negatively impact the group’s ability to generate cash to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due.

 

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the entity’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included an assessment of the inherent risks to the Group’s business model and how such risks may impact the ability to continue operations over the going concern assessment period. We also undertook the following procedures:

 

-We reviewed trading and fundraising activities after the reporting date and considered management’s assessment of the Group’s and Parent Company’s prospects regarding further fundraising.

 

-We reviewed cash flow forecasts prepared by management and assessed their adequacy, and also challenged the assumptions and judgements inherent within them.

 

-We assessed the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to scale back operations and reduce costs as a means of preserving cash in the twelve months from approval of the financial statements.

 

-We have corroborated cash levels after the reporting date to consider whether they are in line with forecasts and investigated the reasons for any significant discrepancies.

 

-We reviewed prior period budgets and forecasts against actual performance to consider management’s ability to accurately forecast and budget.

 

28

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

 

Other information

 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

 

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 

• the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

 

Responsibilities of directors

 

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 4, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

 

29

 

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

 

Based on our understanding of the company and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to regulatory requirements for the company. We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, income tax and payroll taxes.

 

We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to areas subject to significant judgement and management bias through accounting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

 

-Inspecting filings with regulators;

-Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;

-Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;

-Identifying and testing journals, in particular journal entries posted with key words, by individuals who do not usually make journals, posted around the end of the period, posted with certain keywords, and journals posted at unusual dates or times, and;

-Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

 

Use of our report

 

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

 

Christopher Cork (Senior Statutory Auditor)

 

 

10 Queen Street Place

For and on behalf of Haysmacintyre LLP, Statutory Auditors

 

5 June 2022

 

10 Queen Street Place

London

EC4R 1AG

 

30

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

       2021   2020 
   Notes   $000   $000 
Research and development expenses        (12,200)   (12,192)
Administrative expenses        (8,274)   (7,910)
                
OPERATING LOSS   2    (20,474)   (20,102)
                
Fair value movement on liability related to options   15    -    557 
Net finance cost   3    (17)   (909)
                
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX        (20,491)   (20,454)
                
Income Tax Credit   4    2,789    2,857 
                
loss for the YEAR        (17,702)   (17,597)
                
Other Comprehensive Loss:               
Currency translation differences        (107)   (300)
                
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR        (17,595)   (17,897)
                
Loss per share attributable to the ordinary equity holder of the parent:               
Basic and diluted (cents)   5    (0.41)   (0.56)

 

All losses are derived from continuing activities for the current and previous financial year.

 

The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the parent company income statement. Refer note 5 for the results of the parent company.

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

31

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC COMPANY NUMBER: 05252842

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

      

2021

  

2020
(restated)

 
   Notes   $000   $000 
ASSETS               
Non-current assets               
Property, plant and equipment   8    -    - 
Intangible Assets   7    23    27 
         23    27 
Current assets               
Trade and Other receivables   10    4,976    3,512 
Cash and cash equivalents        9,361    14,056 
         14,337    17,568 
                
TOTAL ASSETS        14,360    17,595 
                
EQUITY               
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity shareholders               
Called up share capital   13    476    385 
Share premium   14    125,059    111,978 
Capital redemption reserve   14    52,194    52,194 
Other reserves   14    (580)   (687)
Merger reserve   14    9,128    9,128 
Share based payment reserve   14    17,302    16,987 
Reverse Acquisition reserve   14    (20,983)   (20,983)
Retained earnings   14    (174,329)   (156,627)
TOTAL EQUITY        8,267    12,375 
                
LIABILITIES               
Current liabilities               
Trade and other payables   11    6,093    5,220 
TOTAL LIABILITIES        6,093    5,220 
                
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES        14,360    17,595 

 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 5 June 2022 and were signed below on its behalf by:

 

By: /s/ Rachelle Jacques  
Title: Director and Chief Executive Officer  

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

32

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC COMPANY NUMBER: 05252842

 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

      

2021

 

   2020
(restated)
 
   Notes   $000   $000 
ASSETS               
Non-current assets               
Property, plant and equipment   8    -    - 
Investment in subsidiaries   9    20,339    20,339 
         20,339    20,339 
Current assets               
Trade and Other receivables   10    8,826    7,401 
Cash and cash equivalents        9,319    14,014 
         18,145    21,415 
                
TOTAL ASSETS        38,484    41,754 
                
EQUITY               
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity shareholders               
Called up share capital   13    476    385 
Share premium   14    125,059    111,978 
Capital redemption reserve   14    52,194    52,194 
Merger reserve   14    9,128    9,128 
Share based payment reserve   14    17,302    16,987 
Retained earnings   14    (171,590)   (153,976)
TOTAL EQUITY        32,569    36,696 
                
LIABILITIES               
Current liabilities               
Trade and other payables   11    5,915    5,058 
TOTAL LIABILITIES        5,915    5,058 
                
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES        38,484    41,754 

 

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the income statement of the parent Company is not presented as part of these financial statements. The parent Company’s loss for the financial year was $17,614,000 (2020: loss of $17,909,000).

 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 5 June 2022 and were signed below on its behalf by:

 

By: /s/ Rachelle Jacques  
Title: Director and Chief Executive Officer  

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

33

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

   Share
Capital
$000
   Share
Premium
$000
   Other
Reserves
$000
   Merger
Reserve
$000
   Share
Based
Payment
Reserve
$000
   Reverse
Acquisition
Reserve
$000
   Capital
Redemption
Reserve
$000
   Retained
Earnings
$000
   Total
$000
 
At 1 January 2020   31,987    109,337    (387)   9,128    13,462    (20,983)   -    (139,030)   3,514 
                                              
Comprehensive gain/ (loss) for the year   -    -    (300)   -    -    -    -    (17,597)   (17,897)
Share based payments   -    -    -    -    325    -    -    -    325 
Shares Issued   20,576    2,629    -    -    -    -    -    -    23,205 
Share Buyback   (50,593)   -    -    -    -    -    50,593    -    - 
Effect of redenomination (note 18)   (1,601)        -    -    -    -    1,601    -    - 
Shares issued on exercise of warrants   16    12    -    -    -    -    -    -    28 
Reclassification of warrants to shareholder equity (note 15)   -    -    -    -    3,200    -    -    -    3,200 
Restated total equity at 31 December 2020   385    111,978    (687)   9,128    16,987    (20,983)   52,194    (156,627)   12,375 
                                              
Comprehensive gain/ (loss) for the year   -    -    107    -    -    -    -    (17,702)   (17,595)
Share based payments   -    -    -    -    315    -    -    -    315 
Shares Issued   91    13,081    -    -    -    -    -    -    13,172 
At 31 December 2021   476    125,059    580    9,128    17,302    (20,983)   52,194    (174,329)   8,267 

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 34 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

   Share
Capital
$000
   Share
Premium
$000
   Merger
Reserve
$000
   Share
Based
Payment
Reserve
$000
   Capital
Redemption
Reserve
$000
   Retained
Earnings
$000
   Total
$000
 
At 1 January 2020   31,987    109,337    9,128    13,462    -    (136,067)   27,847 
                                    
Total comprehensive loss for the year   -    -    -    -    -    (17,909)   (17,909)
Share based payments   -    -    -    325    -    -    325 
Shares Issued   20,576    2,629    -    -    -    -    23,205 
Share buyback   (50,593)   -    -    -    50,593    -    - 
Effect of redenomination (note 18)   (1,601)   -    -    -    1,601    -    - 
Shares issued on exercise of warrants   16    12    -    -    -    -    28 
Reclassification of warrants to shareholder equity (note 15)   -    -    -    3,200    -    -    3,200 
Restated total equity at 31 December 2020   385    111,978    9,128    16,987    52,194    (153,976)   36,696 
                                    
Total comprehensive loss for the year                            (17,614)   (17,614)
Share based payments   -    -    -    315    -    -    315 
Shares Issued   91    13,081    -    -    -    -    13,172 
At 31 December 2021   476    125,059    9,128    17,302    52,194    (171,590)   32,569 

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 35 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

    Note   2021
$000
   2020
$000
 
Cash flows from operating activities               
Loss before income tax        (20,491)   (20,454)
Adjustments for:               
Changes in fair value of warrants        -    (557)
Finance costs (fees settled in shares)        -    900 
Share-based payment   16    315    325 
Foreign currency exchange gains        243    (491)
Depreciation and amortization        4    8 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other receivables        (1,742)   192 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other payables        (243)   (246)
Tax received        3,067    3,372 
Net cash flows used in operating activities        (18,847)   (16,951)
                
Cash flows from financing activities               
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares   12    13,330    25,914 
Proceeds from ordinary shares to be issued   12    1,120    - 
Issue costs        (157)   (868)
Proceeds from warrant exercise        -    28 
Cash generated from financing activities        14,293    25,074 
                
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents        (141)   201 
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents        (4,695)   8,324 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period        14,056    5,732 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period        9,361    14,056 

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 36 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

    Notes   2021
$000
   2020
$000
 
Cash flows from operating activities               
Loss before income tax        (20,404)   (20,766)
Adjustments for:               
Changes in fair value of warrants        -    (557)
Share based payments   16    315    325 
Finance costs (fees settled in shares)        -    900 
Depreciation        -    5 
Increase in trade and other receivables        (1,703)   236 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other payables        (263)   (291)
Taxation received        3,067    3,372 
Exchange rate differences        143    (175)
                
Net cash flows used in operating activities        (18,845)   (16,951)
                
Cash flows from financing activities               
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares   12    13,330    25,914 
Proceeds from ordinary shares yet to be issued   12    1,120    - 
Issue costs        (157)   (868)
Proceeds from issue of shares on warrant exercise        -    28 
                
Cash generated from financing activities        14,293    25,074 
                
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents         (143)   175 
                
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents        (4,695)   8,298 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period        14,014    5,716 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period        9,319    14,014 

 

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 37 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Akari Therapeutics, Plc is a public company limited by shares registered in England and Wales under number 5252482, with its registered office at Highdown House, Yeoman Way, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 3HH.

 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

(a)Basis of preparation

 

These consolidated financial statements of Akari Therapeutics, Plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the UK and IFRIC interpretations issued and effective or issued and early adopted as at the time of preparing these statements and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historical cost conversion modified for fair value measurement as required by IFRS 9. A summary of the significant accounting policies is set out below.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 1(n).

 

(b)Basis of consolidation

 

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

 

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same financial year as the parent company, applying consistent accounting policies throughout the Group. Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealised profits are eliminated on consolidation.

 

The Group financial statements consolidate the Company’s financial statements of Akari Therapeutics, Plc and its subsidiaries (the “Group”).

 

(c)Going Concern

 

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through funding. In assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, Management has prepared financial forecasts covering at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements.

 

The Group’s forecast and projections, show that at present, the Group has insufficient working capital to fulfil its current business plan without the Group raising additional capital.

 

We currently plan to raise additional funds from external sources and/or from Aspire Capital with which the Group has approximately $22,000,000 remaining of the total $30,000,000 commitment to drawdown in the form of equity funding as of 4 June, 2022. In our assessment, the remaining availability of funds under the Aspire facility, together with our expectation of the Group’s ability to raise capital from other fundraising sources could extend the Group’s ability to fund operations into December 2023 without any subsequent adjustment to the preliminary forecast. The Group currently intends to pursue other external fundraising sources within the fiscal years 2022 and/or 2023, although securing such fundraising is subject to uncertainty.

 

Therefore, based on the availability of funds under the Aspire facility, and ability to reduce both R&D and other administrative expenditure costs significantly if so required, management believes the Group’s financial prospects are sufficient to fund future operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

Ultimately, the Group will require additional capital in order to develop and commercialise its current product candidates or any product candidates that the Group acquires, if any, particularly for the period beyond the next twelve months. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available when the Group needs them on terms that are acceptable, or at all. If adequate funds are not available on a timely basis, the Group may be required to terminate or delay development for one or more of our product candidates.

 

 38 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

(c)Going Concern (continued)

 

These matters indicate the existence of conditions that give rise to a material uncertainty (specifically, the reliance on fundraising, which is not guaranteed, to facilitate the Group's operating activities) which may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Notwithstanding these uncertainties, the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has the ability to continue to raise such funding and therefore consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.

 

(d)Standards and interpretations adopted during the year

 

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021, which were prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as adopted by the United Kingdom, updated to adopt those standards which became effective for periods starting on or before 1 January 2020. None of the new standards have had a material impact on the Group.

 

Standards issued, but not yet effective

 

The following standards are issued, but not yet effective. The Group intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective. It is not expected that these standards will have a material impact on the Group.

 

  Standard Effective date
  Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37); 1 January 2022
  Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16); 1 January 2022
  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 (Amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16 and IAS 41); 1 January 2022
  Amendments to IFRS 3: References to Conceptual Framework; 1 January 2022  
  Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current 1 January 2023
  Disclosure of accounting policies (Amendments to IAS 1) 1 January 2023
  Definition of accounting estimates (Amendments to IAS 8) 1 January 2023
  Amendments to IFRS 17 Insurance contracts 1 January 2023
  Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes: Deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a similar transaction 1 January 2023

 

The directors of the Company (the “Directors”) anticipate that the application of all new and amendments to IFRS will have no material impact on the future results of the Company in the foreseeable future.

 

 39 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(e)Foreign currency translation

 

Functional and presentation currency

 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The functional currency of Akari Therapeutics, Plc is U.S. dollars. The Group and Parent Company financial statements are presented in U.S Dollars which is considered to the Group’s presentation currency.

 

Transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.

 

Group companies

 

The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-inflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated as follows:

 

a)assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are translated at the closing rate as at that balance sheet date;

 

b)income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates; and

 

c)all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

 40 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(f)Financial instruments

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.

 

Trade and other receivables

 

Trade and other receivables are recognised at fair value less a provision for impairment. Bad debts are written off through the income statement when identified. If collection is expected in one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets.

 

Trade and other payables

 

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services received that have been acquired in the ordinary course of the business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Executory contracts are recognised when both parties to the contract met their respective obligations. Trade and other payable are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are stated at cost.

 

Share capital

 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

 

(g)Research and development expenditure

 

Research costs are expensed through the income statement as they are incurred. Research and development expenses include, among other costs, costs incurred by outside laboratories and other accredited facilities in connection with clinical trials and preclinical studies.

 

Under IAS 38, development costs are only capitalised after technical and commercial feasibility of the asset for sale or use have been established. The company must intend and be able to complete the asset and either use it or sell it and be able to demonstrate how the asset will generate future economic benefit. If the company cannot distinguish between the research and the development phase, then all costs are expensed as research costs.

 

(h)Property, plant and equipment:

 

Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost, including directly attributable costs, less accumulated depreciation and excluding day-to-day servicing expenses. The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

 

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the assets at annual rates as follows:

 

Computers, peripheral and scientific equipment   33%
Office furniture and equipment   33%

 

The Group reviews all long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held or used is measured by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment recognised is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.

 

 41 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(i)Intangible assets

 

Patent acquisition costs and related capitalised legal fees are recognised at historical cost. Patents have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line basis method and are amortised over the shorter of the legal or useful life. The estimated useful life for current patents is twenty two years.

 

The Group expenses costs associated with maintaining and defending patents subsequent to their issuance in the period the costs are incurred.

 

(j)Investments

 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less provisions for impairment.

 

(k)Share-based payments and warrants

 

Where share options or warrants are awarded to directors and employees, the fair value of the options or warrants at the grant date is charged to the consolidated income statement over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options and warrants granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition.

 

Where the terms and conditions of options and warrants are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options and warrants, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to the consolidated income statement over the remaining vesting period.

 

When the options and warrants are exercised, the company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options and warrants are exercised.

 

When share options and warrants lapse, any amounts credited to the share-based payments reserve are released to the retained earnings reserve.

 

Where warrants and options issued with settlement criteria that outside fixed for fixed criteria as outlined by IAS 32 (i.e. fixed number of shares for fixed amount of cash) the resulting fair value of the instruments issued will be classified in financial liabilities.

 

(l)Finance income and expenses

 

Interest income and expenses are recognised using the effective interest method. It mainly comprises of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value through the income statement and exchange gains and losses which is reported on a net basis in the statement of comprehensive loss.

 

 42 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

1.ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(m)Deferred taxation

 

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values in the financial statements. The deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction, other than a business combination, that at the time of the transaction does not affect either the accounting or taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised.

 

(n)Critical accounting estimates and judgements:

 

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The preparation of financial statements requires management and the Board of Directors to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that management and the Board believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, significantly impacting earnings and financial position.

 

Management believes that the following areas, all of which are discussed and separately marked in the respective sections of Note 1 “Accounting Policies,” comprise the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments it has to make in the preparation of the financial statements: Assessment of the capitalisation of research and development expenditure, calculation and classification of share based payments and the assessment of the carrying value of the subsidiary for impairment.

 

Research and Development: Under IAS 38: Intangible Assets, the Group must determine whether to recognise research costs incurred as an expense or asset. Depending on the development stage of a project determines whether an expense can be capitalised. Difficultly can arise at determining the stage of a project. No costs have been capitalised in the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

Share based payments: The Group issues share options and warrants to employees, service providers and investors. Where share options and warrants are issued in return for services, appropriate valuation methods are used to recognise an appropriate expense is recognised in the financial statements. These valuation methods are subject to significant estimation as outlined in note 16. Where warrants issued to investors are classified as free-standing liabilities, they are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date for which both judgement and estimation is required in relation based on unobservable valuation input assumptions, resulting in a higher degree of estimation uncertainty.

 

Investment in subsidiary: The Parent must continually assess the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries for indications of impairment. Indications of impairment are considered with reference to the Group’s market capitalisation, internal assessment of the ongoing contribution of intellectual property and any other indications of obsolescence and progress in line with the Group’s business plan.

 

 43 

 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

2.             EXPENSES BY NATURE

 

The operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Employee benefit expense (see below)   4,249    4,061 
Depreciation   -    5 
Amortisation   4    3 
Commitment fees   -    900 
Exchange (loss)/ gain   193    351 
Auditors’ remuneration - fees for the audit of the Group and Parent Company financial statements   44    41 

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Employee benefit expense          
Wages and salaries   3,852    3,506 
Social security costs   397    378 
Retirement benefits   189    177 
           
    4,438    4,061 
           
The average number of persons (including directors)  employed by the group during the year was as follows: Office and administration   16    17 
           
Key management remuneration          
Wages and salaries   1,694    1,678 

 

The key management is considered to be the directors and senior management team. Details of directors’ remuneration and share based compensation can be seen within the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 13 to 26.

 

 44 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

3.             NET FINANCE INCOME/(LOSS)

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Commitment fees   -    (900)
Interest Income   11    13 
Other   (27)   (22)
    (16)   (909)

 

4.             INCOME TAX CREDIT

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Current tax:        
Current tax on losses for the year   (2,752)   (2,812)
Adjustment in respect of prior years   (37)   (45)
    (2,789)   (2,857)
The tax assessed in the year is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% in 2021 (2020: 19%)          
The differences are explained below:          
           
Loss before tax   (20,491)   (20,454)
           
Loss on ordinary activities before tax multiplied by the standard companies’ rate of tax in the UK   (3,893)   (3,886)
           
Effects of:          
Deferred tax asset on losses not recognised   2,215    2,044 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes   110    241 
Surrender of tax loses for R&D tax credit refund   1,568    1,601 
Additional deduction for R&D tax credit   (2,752)   (2,812)
Adjustment in respect of prior years   (37)   (45)
Tax credit   (2,789)   (2,857)

 

5.             LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PARENT COMPANY

 

The parent Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included its own profit and loss account in these financial statements. The parent Company had a loss for the year of $17,614,000 (2020: $17,909,000).

 

 45 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

6.             BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE

 

The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share is based on the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of $17,702,000 (2020: $17,597,000) and a weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the year ended 31 December 2021 of 4,292,112,667 (2020: 3,159,037,588) calculated below. As a loss making group, outstanding share options are considered antidilutive and therefore basic and diluted loss per share are considered to be equal.  

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders   17,702    17,597 
           
    2021    2020 
    Number    Number 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares          
Number of shares in issue at the beginning of the year   3,847,331,923    2,245,865,913 
Effect of shares issued during year   444,780,744    913,171,675 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the year   4,292,112,667    3,159,037,588 

 

7.             INTANGIBLE ASSETS GROUP

 

   2021   2020 
  $000   $000 
Patent acquisition costs          
Cost          
At 1 January   95    95 
Additions   -    - 
At 31 December   95    95 
           
Amortisation          
At 1 January   (68)   (65)
Charge for the year   (4)   (3)
At 31 December   (72)   (68)
           
Net Book Value          
At 31 December   23    27 

 

 46 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

8.             PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

GROUP & COMPANY

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Office furniture and equipment          
Cost          
At 1 January   172    172 
Additions   -    - 
At 31 December   172    172 
           
Depreciation          
At 1 January   (172)   (167)
Charge for the year   -    (5)
At 31 December   (172)   (172)
           
Net Book Value          
At 31 December   -    - 

 

 47 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

9.             INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

   Investments in
Subsidiary
Undertakings
 
   $000 
Company     
      
At 1 January 2020   20,339 
Additions   - 
      
At 31 December 2020   20,339 
      
At 1 January 2021   20,339 
Additions   - 
      
At 31 December 2021   20,339 

 

The Company directly owns 100% of the issued share capital of the following subsidiaries, which have been included in the consolidated financial statements:  

 

   Principal activity  Country of
incorporation
  Holdings  % 
Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA  Development of pharmaceutical drugs  Switzerland  Ordinary   100 
Celsus Therapeutics Inc.  Dormant  United States  Ordinary   100 
Morria Biopharma Ltd.  Dormant  Israel  Ordinary   100 
Akari Malta Limited  Regulatory compliance  Malta  Ordinary   100 

 

Registered office addresses of subsidiaries:
Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA : Place Des Eaux-Vives 6, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland
Celsus Therapeutics Inc: 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Morria Biopharma Ltd: 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Akari Malta Limited: Gasan Centre, Level 3, Mriehel By Pass, Mriehel, BKR 3000, Malta  
             

 

10.           TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

   Group   Company 
   2021   2020   2021   2020 
   $000   $000   $000   $000 
Due from a related party   -    -    3,856    3,897 
Prepayments and accrued income   2,264    521    2,258    513 
Income tax receivable   2,712    2,991    2,712    2,991 
    4,976    3,512    8,826    7,401 

 

 48 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

11.           TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

   Group   Company 
   2021   2020   2021   2020 
   $000   $000   $000   $000 
Trade payables   1,788    3,380    1,627    3,232 
Accrued expenses   3,185    1,840    3,168    1,826 
Share application funds received in advance   1,120    -    1,120    - 
    6,093    5,220    5,915    5,058 

 

12.           CALLED UP SHARE CAPTIAL

 

      Share 
   2021   Capital 
  No. of Shares   ($) 
Issued and fully paid          
Akari Therapeutics, Plc          
           
As at 1 January 2021   3,847,331,923    384,733 
           
Issuance of ordinary shares   912,400,000    91,240 
Exercise of warrants          
           
As at 31 December 2021   4,759,731,923    475,973 

 

Issue of shares

 

In May 2021, the Company sold to Aspire Capital LLC a total of 117,647,100 ordinary shares of the Company for total gross proceeds of $2,000,001 under the Purchase Agreement.

 

In July 2021, we sold to certain accredited and institutional investors, led by some of our existing investors, including Praxis Trustees Limited as trustee of Sonic Healthcare Holding Company EFRBS (“Praxis Trustees Limited”) which is beneficially owned by Dr. Ray Prudo, the Company’s Chairman, an aggregate of 7,947,529 ADSs in a private placement at $1.55 per ADS for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $12.3 million. We also entered into a letter agreement with Paulson Investment Company, LLC, or the Placement Agent, to serve as our placement agent in connection with this offering. In connection with the offering, we issued to the Placement Agent unregistered warrants to purchase 398,384 ADSs at $2.32 per ADS. As at the 31 December 21, all of the 398,384 warrants were outstanding.

 

In December 2021, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with certain accredited and institutional investors, including Dr. Ray Prudo, the Company’s Chairman, providing for the issuance of an aggregate of 4,311,019 ADSs in a registered direct placement at $1.40 per ADS for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $6.0 million which closed on January 5, 2022. As of December 31, 2021, the Company received approximately $1,120,000 gross proceeds from investors which were classified as Current liabilities in the financial statements due to termination rights by investors prior to closing of the 2021 Registered Direct which occurred on January 4 and 5, 2022. The Company also entered into a letter agreement with Paulson Investment Company, LLC to serve as the placement agent for the Company in connection with this offering. In connection with the offering, on January 4 and 5, 2022, the Company issued to the investors registered warrants to purchase a total of 2,155,507 ADSs at $1.65 per ADS. The Company paid an aggregate of $542,835 in placement agent fees and expenses and issued registered placement agent warrants to the Placement Agent to purchase an aggregate of 172,441 ADS on January 4, 2022 at $1.75 per ADS.

 

 49 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

14.           RESERVES  

 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

 

Share premium - Accumulated amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of the nominal value of the share capital issued. Costs relating to the issue of shares are offset against share premium. Issue costs incurred in the year ended 31 December 2021 offset in share premium were $157,000 (31 December 2020: $868,000).

 

Retained earnings – Includes all current and prior period losses

 

Other reserves - Accounts for all other gains and losses reported by the group and not recognised elsewhere. Includes accumulated gains and losses arising from the retranslation of the net assets of overseas entities.

 

Share based payment reserve – This includes all movement for share options granted during the period.

 

Merger reserve – Merger reserve represents the premium on the shares issued to acquire Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA in accordance with the provisions of S612 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Reverse acquisition reserve – The reverse acquisition reserve relates to the reverse acquisition between Celsus Therapeutics PLC and Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA on 18 September 2015.

 

Capital redemption reserve – Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares.

 

 50 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

 

15.           WARRANTS

 

There is no warrant liability recognised in the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

In the prior year the Group accounted for the liability warrants issued in accordance with IAS 39, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” as a freestanding liability instrument that is measured at fair value at each reporting date, based on its fair value, with changes in the fair values being recognised in the Group's consolidated statement of comprehensive loss as financing income or expense. The fair value of warrants granted was measured using the Binomial method of valuation.

 

   Fair value of
warrant
liability
 
   $000 
Issuance of 2020 Paulson warrants   2,750 
Reclassification of warrant to equity on exercise   (8)
Change in fair value of warrant liability   (557)
Transfer to equity following redenomination of share capital   (3,200)
As at 31 December 2020   - 

 

The share capital of the Company was redenominated on 8 December 2020 from £0.01 shares to $0.01325 shares. As a result of this redenomination, the inputs resulting in the recognition of the derivative liability associated with placing warrants now meet the fixed for fixed criteria to be recognised in equity. At this point the fair value of the liability of $3.2m was transferred to share based payments reserve from liabilities.

 

 51 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

16.           SHARE OPTIONS

 

In accordance with the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the number of shares that may be issued upon exercise of options under the Plan shall not exceed 400,000,000 Ordinary Shares. (31 December 2020 344,747,462). At 31 December 2021, 257,050,965 Ordinary Shares are available for future issuance under the Plan (31 December 2020 232,098,427). The option plan is administered by the Company’s board of directors and grants are made pursuant thereto by the compensation committee. The per share exercise price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an option shall be such price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Ordinary Shares on the grant date and set forth in the individual option agreement. Options expire ten years after the grant date and typically vest over one to four years.

 

   2021   2020 
      Weighted Average
Exercise Price
      Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
    Number    $    Number    $ 
Outstanding at the beginning of the year   112,649,035    0.09    94,349,035    0.10 
Granted during the year   30,300,000    0.02    20,800,000    0.02 
Forfeited/waived during the year   -    -    (2,500,000)   0.02 
Exercised during the year   -    -    -    - 
Total outstanding   142,949,035    0.07    112,649,035    0.09 
Total exercisable (Vested)   97,499,035    0.10    77,667,785    0.12 

 

The following is a summary of the Group's share options granted separated into ranges of exercise price:

 

Exercise
price
(range) ($)
  Options
outstanding
at 31 December
 2021
   Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price ($)
   Options
exercisable at
December
31, 2021
   Remaining
contractual
life for
exercisable
options (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price for
exercisable
options ($)
 
0.02-0.05   107,900,000    7.7    0.02    62,450,000    6.9    0.02 
0.12-0.19   18,334,629    4.3    0.15    18,334,629    4.3    0.15 
0.32   16,714,406    3.7    0.32    16,714,406    3.7    0.32 
    142,949,035              97,499,035           

 

Exercise

price

(range)

($)

 

Options

outstanding

at 31

December
 2020

  

Weighted

average

remaining

contractual

life (years)

  

Weighted

average

exercise
price ($)

  

Options

exercisable

at 31

December
 2020

  

Remaining

contractual

life (years for

exercisable

options)

  

Weighted

average

exercise

price ($)

 
0.02-0.05   77,600,000    8.03    0.02    42,712,500    7.60    0.03 
0.12-0.19   18,334,629    5.30    0.15    18,240,879    5.30    0.15 
0.32   16,714,406    4.73    0.32    16,714,406    4.73    0.32 
    112,649,035              77,667,785           

 

 52 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

16.          SHARE OPTIONS (continued)

 

The Company measures compensation cost for all share-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognizes compensation expense in general administrative and research and development expenses within its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss using the straight-line method over the service period over which it expects the awards to vest.

 

The Company estimates the fair value of all time-vested options as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected share price volatility, which is calculated based on the historical volatility of peer companies. The Company uses a risk-free interest rate, based on the U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of the grant, for the period comparable to the expected term of the option. Given its limited history with share option grants and exercises, the Company uses the “simplified” method in estimating the expected term, the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, for its grants.

 

The Company classifies its stock-based payments which are settled in ordinary shares as equity-classified awards. The Company measures equity-classified awards at their grant date fair value and does not subsequently re-measure them. Compensation costs related to equity-classified awards generally are equal to the grant-date fair value of the award amortized over the vesting period of the award.

 

Below are the assumptions used for the options granted in the year ended 31 December 2021:

 

   2021
Expected dividend yield   0%
Expected volatility   70.7%-83.2%
Risk-free interest   0.64%-1.25%
Expected life   5.5-6.25 years

 

Below are the assumptions used for the options granted in the year ended 31 December 2020:

 

   2020
Expected dividend yield   0%
Expected volatility   83.88-86.85%
Risk-free interest   0.38%-0.49%
Expected life   5.5-6.25 years

 

During the year ended 31 December 21 the Group recognized $314,000 (2020: $325,000) in share-based compensation expenses for employees and directors. At 31 December 2021, there was approximately $423,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Group’s share option plans which the company expects to recognize over 2.6 years.

 

 53 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

17.           FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

a.             Classification of financial assets and liabilities:

 

The financial assets and financial liabilities in the statement of financial position are classified by groups of financial instruments pursuant to IFRS 9 are:

 

   2021   2020 
   $000   $000 
Financial assets:          
Other receivables   -    - 
           
Financial liabilities:          
Trade payables, share funds received in advance  and other payables   5,994    5,139 

 

Financial risks factors:

 

The Group's activities are exposed to foreign exchange risk. The Group's comprehensive risk management plan focuses on activities and strategies that reduce adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group to a minimum.

 

1.Foreign currency risk:

 

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group's exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Group's operating activities when expenses are denominated in a different currency from the Group's functional currency. The Group believes that no reasonable change in foreign currency exchange rates would have a material impact on the income statement or statement of changes in equity. The Group manages its foreign currency risk by managing bank accounts that are denominated in a currency other than its respective functional currency, primarily the Great British Pound (GBP).

 

2.Credit risk:

 

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or supplier contract, leading to a financial loss. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits are deposited with major banks in Europe and the United States, and invested mostly in U.S. dollars and Great British Pounds. Such redeemed upon demand and therefore bear low risk.

 

3.Market risk:

 

The Group's financial instruments comprise equity investments, cash and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations. The main risk arising from the Groups financial instruments is liquidity risk. The Group has previously entered into derivatives with respect of the warrant liability, this liability has been settled in the previous year.

 

 54 

 

 

AKARI THERAPEUTICS PLC

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

 

 

18.RESTATEMENT

 

On the 8 December 2020, Company accounted for a redenomination of share capital from £0.01 to $0.01325 with the resulting currency retranslation effect of $1.6m being included as non-distributable redenomination reserve. In the year ended 31 December 2021 the Directors have re-appraised the nature of the redenomination, which included the subdivision of existing shares into ordinary and deferred shares, followed by the cancellation of the deferred shares, and have concluded that a more appropriate presentation of the currency translation difference should be inclusion within the capital redemption reserve which arose at the same date. The effect of the restatement in the prior year is to increase the capital redemption reserve $1.6m and remove the redenomination reserve. There was no impact on net assets or other comprehensive loss in any of the years presented.

 

19.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The following transactions were carried out with related parties:

 

Shares Issued - The Company has issued 387,096 ADSs at $1.55 per ADS to Praxis Trustees Limited in connection with a placing for cash during the year ended 31 December 21. Praxis Trustees Limited is a trustee of Sonic Healthcare Limited ERSB, a Company in which Ray Prudo, the Company’s Chairman, is beneficially interested.

 

Office Lease - The Company leases its offices in London from The Doctors Laboratory (“TDL”) and has incurred expenses of approximately $146,000 plus VAT during the year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: $133,000). David Byrne, a non-employee director of the Company, is also the Chief Executive Officer of TDL and Dr. Ray Prudo, the Company’s Executive Chairman, is also Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of TDL.

 

Laboratory Testing Services - The Company has received laboratory testing services for its clinical trials provided by TDL and has incurred expenses of approximately $102,000 plus VAT during the year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: $234,000). The Company recorded payable balances to TDL of approximately $32,000 plus VAT as of December 31, 2021 (2020: $100,000).

 

Consulting - A non-employee director of the Company began providing business development consulting services in January 2018. The Company has incurred expenses of approximately $100,000 during the year ended December 31, 2021 (2020: $100,000), relating to these consulting services.

 

20.POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

 

In connection with the offering entered into on the 29 December 2021, on January 4 and 5, 2022, the Company issued to the investors registered warrants to purchase a total of 2,155,507 ADSs at $1.65 per ADS. The Company paid an aggregate of $542,835 in placement agent fees and expenses and issued registered placement agent warrants to the Placement Agent to purchase an aggregate of 172,441 ADS on January 4, 2022 at $1.75 per ADS. The warrants issued to investors and the placement agent will expire five years from issuance and are immediately exercisable.

 

On March 8, 2022, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with certain accredited and institutional investors, including Dr. Ray Prudo, the Company’s Chairman, providing for the issuance of an aggregate of 7,440,833 ADSs in a registered direct offering at $1.20 per ADS, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $8.9 million. In addition, the Company issued to the investors registered warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,720,409 ADSs. The warrants are immediately exercisable and will expire five years from issuance at an exercise price of $1.40 per ADS, subject to adjustment as set forth therein. The Company paid an aggregate of approximately $774,321 in placement agent fees and expenses and issued unregistered placement agent warrants to purchase an aggregate of 297,633 ADS on the same terms as the warrants, except that the placement agent warrants are exercisable at $1.50 per ADS.

 

21.ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

 

The directors do not believe that there is an ultimate controlling party of the Group.

 

 55