Tiziana Life Sci PLC - Half-year Report
("Tiziana" or "the Company")
Interim Results for the Six Months Ended
Advancing pipeline of next generation therapeutics and diagnostics for oncology and immune diseases of high unmet need
Highlights during the period:
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
CLINICAL PROGRAMMES
Foralumab
TZLS-401
Foralumab is a fully human engineered anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAB). It was in-licensed in
As the only fully human engineered human anti-CD3 mAB in clinical development, Foralumab has significant potential advantages such as a shorter treatment duration and reduced immunogenicity. With completion of the intravenous dosing for our Phase 2a trial in Crohn's Disease, Foralumab's ability to modulate T-cell response enables potential extension into a wide range of other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as GvHD, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Foralumab is being developed as both an immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agent, with therapeutic benefits of rendering T-cells unable to orchestrate an immune response and induction of immune tolerance via maintenance of regulatory T-cells. There is further potential for Foralumab to be combined with the Company's TZLS-501, a fully human anti-IL-6R mAB in development to target autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
On
Milciclib
TZLS-201
Milciclib, Tiziana's lead small molecule drug, was exclusively licenced in
To date, Milciclib has been studied in a total of eight completed and ongoing Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in 316 patients. In these trials, Milciclib was observed to be well-tolerated and showed initial signals of anti-tumour action. Prior to in-licensing, Milciclib was granted orphan designation by the
The Group initiated a Phase 2a trial (CDKO-125a-010) of Milciclib safety and tolerability as a single therapy in Sorafenib-resistant patients with HCC in the first half of 2017. In
In
As per the study protocol, data collection was limited to 6-months. Thus, clinical data were not collected from patients under compassionate use treatment. The clinical activity assessment in evaluable patients was based on the investigators' review using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST).
· 9 out of 14 patients (64.2%) were approved by their respective ethical committees to continue the treatment.
· 5 of the 9 patients on compassionate use had received Milciclib for a total of 9, 9, 11, 13 and 16 months.
· As of 1 September 2019, the remaining 4 patients continuing the treatment are in their 10th, 11th, 11th and 12th months.
· Both median TTP and PFS were 5.9 months (95% Confidence Interval ("CI") 1.5-6.7 months) out of the 6-months duration of the trial.
· 17 of 28 (60.7%) evaluable patients showed 'Stable Disease' (SD; met at least once in an 8-week interval).
· One patient (3.6%) showed 'Partial Response' (PR, unconfirmed).
· 18 of 28 (64.3%) evaluable patients showed 'Clinical Benefit Rate' defined as CBR=CR+PR+SD (with CR representing Complete Remission).
Preclinical data presented at the AASLD meeting in
PRE-CLINICAL PROGRAMMES
Anti IL-6R mAb
TZLS-501, formerly NI-1201
TZLS-501 is a fully human engineered mAb targeting the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R).
In preclinical studies, TZLS-501 demonstrated the potential to overcome limitations of other IL-6 blocking pathway drugs. Compared to tocilizumab and sarilumab, while binding to the membrane-bound IL-6R complex TZLS-501 has shown a higher affinity for the soluble IL-6 receptor as seen from the antibody binding studies conducted in cell culture. TZLS-501 also demonstrated the potential to block or reduce IL-6 signalling in mouse models of inflammation. The soluble form of IL-6 has been implicated to have a larger role in disease progression compared to the membrane-bound form. (Kallen, K.J. (2002). "The role of transsignalling via the agonistic soluble IL-6 receptor in human diseases". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 1592 (3): 323-343.).
StemPrintER™
StemPrintER is a multi-gene signature assay intended for use in patients diagnosed with estrogen-receptor positive ER+/HER2 negative breast cancers. The Group believes this in-vitro prognostic test will be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation to identify those patients at increased risk for early and/or late metastasis.
FINANCIAL
· For the six months to
· The Group ended the period with
The Company continues to carefully manage its working capital position and continues the process, as referred to below, to seek to raise further funds through the issue of ADSs through a United States Offering as well as through private placements.
Highlights post period:
· On
· On
· On
· On
Contacts:
| +44 (0)20 7495 2379 |
| +44 (0)20 7213 0880 |
Shore Capital (Broker) | +44 (0)20 7408 4050 |
About
The Company is focused on its lead compound, milciclib, a molecule which blocks the action of specific enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) involved in cell division as well as a number of other protein kinases. Milciclib is currently completing phase II clinical trials for epithelial thymic carcinoma and/or thymoma in patients previously treated with chemotherapy and has filed an IND to enroll patients in an exploratory trial in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in EU.
The Company is also in clinical development of foralumab. We believe foralumab is the only fully human anti-human CD3 antibody in clinical development in the world. This compound has potential application in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as NASH, primary biliary cholangitis (PBS), ulcerative colitis, MS, type-1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, where modulation of a T-cell response is desirable drug candidate inhibiting specifically Bcl-3 is an innovative approach to suppress growth of metastases.
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to report on the Group's financial results for the six months ended
Background
The business employs a lean and virtual business model using highly experienced teams of experts for each business function to maximize value accretion and focus capital on the drug development and discovery processes.
In
Financial summary
The Group has made a loss for the six months to
The Group ended the period with
Fund raising
During the six months to
Funds raised by Tiziana will be used to fund the development of the Group's clinical stage assets Milciclib and Foralumab, to meet the Group's ongoing liabilities in respect of license agreements, and for general working capital purposes.
Research & Development
On
On
Outlook
It has been a busy six months for the Company as we continue to progress our pipeline of drugs to treat rare cancers and difficult to treat autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Milciclib met the primary endpoint and secondary endpoints in two phase IIa multi-centered single arm, repeated dose clinical trials in thymic carcinoma (TC) and Thymoma (B3T) patients Based on satisfying results from the completion of a 6 month trial with 14 sorafenib-resistant HCC patients, which demonstrated that toxicities of the miclicib treatment is manageable, the Group expects to initiate a Phase 2b trial (TZLS (201)-125a-011) dosing Milciclib in combination with Sorafenib (the standard of care) in patients with HCC. This is due to commence in the second half of 2019.
Following the approval of our Investigational New Drug ("IND") application to the
The
Looking ahead, Tiziana is confident that it is well positioned to advance these programs to their next respective value inflection points.
Executive Chairman
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended
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| 6 months to 30 June | 6 months to 30 June | 12 months to 31 Dec | |
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| 2019 | 2018 | 2018 | |
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| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Notes | (unaudited) | (unaudited) |
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Research and development |
| (1,507) | (2,281) | (4,132) | |
Operating expenses |
| (2,202) | (1,575) | (3,313) | |
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Operating loss |
| (3,709) | (3,856) | (7,445) | |
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Financial income |
| -- | -- | -- | |
Financial expense |
| (5) | (4) | (9) | |
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Operating loss before taxation | 5 | (3,714) | (3,860) | (7,454) | |
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Taxation |
| 27 | -- | 1,459 | |
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Operating loss after taxation |
| (3,687)
| (3,860) | (5,995) | |
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Net loss for the period attributable to equity owners |
| (3,687) | (3,860) | (5,995) | |
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Other comprehensive income for the period |
| 52 | (77) | (113) | |
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Total comprehensive loss attributable to equity owners |
| (3,635) | (3,937) | (6,108) | |
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Basic and diluted loss per share (pence) |
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Basic and diluted loss per share on continuing operations | 6 | (2.9p) | (3.1p) | (4.7p) | |
Total basic and diluted loss per share |
| (2.9p) | (3.1p) | (4.7p) | |
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at
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| 30 June | 30 June | 31 Dec |
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| 2019 | 2018 | 2018 |
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| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
| Notes | (unaudited) | (unaudited) |
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Assets |
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Non-Current assets: Property, plant and equipment |
7 |
5 |
12 |
6 |
Right-of-use assets | 4 | 358 | -- | -- |
Other non-current assets |
| 217 | 217 | 217 |
Total Non-current assets |
| 580 | 229 | 223 |
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Current assets: |
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Trade and other receivables | 8 | 245 | 53 | 248 |
Taxation receivable |
| 827 | 965 | 800 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
445 | 66 | 4,165 |
Total current assets |
| 1,517 | 1,084 | 5,213 |
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Total assets |
| 2,097 | 1,313 | 5,436 |
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Equity and liabilities |
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Shareholders' equity
Called up share capital Share premium Share based payment reserve Shares to be issued reserve Convertible loan note reserve Merger relief reserve Capital reduction reserve Other reserve Translation reserve Retained earnings |
9
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4,094 25,896 3,021 612 -- -- 31,183 (28,286) (61) (39,453) |
3,806 20,271 3,017 485 -- -- 31,183 (28,286) - (33,692) |
4,094 25,894 2,857 548 -- -- 31,183 (28,286) (113) (35,766) |
Equity attributed to the owners of the Company |
| (2,994) | (3,216) | 411 |
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Current liabilities: |
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Trade and other payables | 11 | 4,727 | 4,131 | 5,025 |
Lease Liabilities - current |
| 87 |
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| 4,814 | 4,131 | 5,025 |
Long term liabilities: |
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Fixed term loans |
| -- | 398 | -- |
Lease Liabilities - non-current | 4 | 277 |
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Total Liabilities |
| 5,091 | 4,529 | 5,025 |
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Total Equity and Liabilities |
| 2,097 | 1,313 | 5,436 |
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the 6 months ended
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| 6 months to 30 June | 6 months to 30 June | 12 months to 31 Dec |
| 2019 | 2018 | 2018 |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) |
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Cash flows from operating activities |
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Total comprehensive loss for the period before tax | (3,714) | (3,860) | (7,454) |
Convertible loan interest accrued | -- | -- | 9 |
Convertible loan interest paid as equity | 5 | 4 | 16 |
Shares issued in lieu of fees | - | - | 41 |
Share based payment - options | 164 | 663 | 504 |
Cancellation of options | -- | -- | - |
Share based payment - warrants | 64 | 66 | 128 |
Net (increase) / decrease in operating assets -Trade / other receivables |
3 |
590 |
(135) |
Net increase / (decrease) in operating liabilities -Trade / other liabilities Depreciation Loss on foreign exchange Lease adjustment |
(307) 1 56 6 |
617 6 (144) 3 |
1,592 12 (222) 3 |
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash inflow from taxation
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares Proceeds from issuance of convertible loan notes Proceeds from issuance of loans Fundraising costs Net cash generated from financing activities
Cash flows from investing activites Acquisition of property, plant and equipment Acquisitionof other investments Net cash generated from investing activities
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | (3,722)
--
--
2 -- -- -- 2
-- -- --
(3,720)
4,165
445 | (2,055)
--
--
1,675 -- 398 -- 2,073
-- -- --
18
48
66 | (5,506)
2,093
(3,413)
7,437 -- 1,132 (1,039) 7,530
- - -
4,117
48
4,165 |
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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the six months ending
(Unaudited) |
Share Capital
|
Share Premium | Share Based Payment Reserve | Shares to Be Issued Reserve |
Capital Reduction Reserve |
Translation Reserve |
Other Reserve |
Retained Earnings |
Total Equity |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
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Balance at | 4,094 | 25,894 | 2,857 | 548 | 31,183 | (113) | (28,286) | (35,766) | 411 |
Transactions with owners |
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Issue of share capital | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 |
Share based payments (options) | - | - | 662
| - | - | - | - | - | 662 |
Forfeiture of options |
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| (498) |
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| (498) |
Share based payments (warrants) | - | - | - | 64 | - | - | - | - | 64 |
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Total transactions with owners | - | 2 | 164 | 64 | - | - | - | - | 641 |
Comprehensive income |
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Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,687) | (3,687) |
Foreign currency translation | - | - | - | - | - | 52 | - | - | 52 |
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Total comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | 52 | - | (3,687) | (3,635)
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Balance at | 4,094 | 25,896 | 3,021 | 612 | 31,183 | (61) | (28,286) | (39,453) | (2,994) |
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Balance at | 3,752 | 18,650 | 2,354 | 419 | 31,183 | - | (28,286) | (29,755) | (1,683) |
Transactions with owners |
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Issue of share capital | 54 | 1,621 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,675 |
Share based payments (options) | - | - | 663
| - | - | - | - | - | 663 |
Share based payments (warrants) | - | - | - | 66 | - | - | - | - | 66 |
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| - |
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Total transactions with owners | 54 | 1,621 | 663 | 66 | - | - | - | - | 2,404 |
Comprehensive income |
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Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,860) | (3,860)
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Foreign currency translation | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (77) | (77) |
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Total comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,937) | (3,937)
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Balance at | 3,806 | 20,271 | 3,017 | 485 | 31,183 | - | (28,286) | (33,692) | (3,216) |
| Share Capital | Share Premium | Capital Reduction Reserve | Share Based Payment Reserve | Shares to Be Issued Reserve (warrants) | Convertible Loan Note Reserve | Other reserve | Translation reserve | Retained Earnings | Total Equity |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
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Balance as at | 3,752 | 18,650 | 31,183 | 2,354 | 419 | - | (28,286) | - | (29,755) | (1,683) |
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Transactions with owners |
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Issue of share capital (private placement and IPO) | 232 | 4,864 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5,096 |
Issue of share capital (warrants) | 44 | 1,085 | - | - | - | - |
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| 1,129 |
Issue of share capital (loan conversion) | 64 | 1,240 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,304 |
Share based payment (options) | - | - | - | 503 | - | - | - | - | - | 503 |
Issue of share capital in lieu of fees | 1 | 40 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 41 |
Convertible loan note interest | 1 | 15 | - | - | - | - | - | - | (16) | - |
Share based payment (warrants) | - | - | - | - | 129 | - | - | - | - | 129 |
Total transactions with owners | 342 | 7,244 | - | 503 | 129 | - | - | - | (16) | 8,202 |
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Comprehensive income |
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Exchange differences on translating foreign operations | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (113) | - | (113) |
Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| (5,995) | (5,995) |
Total comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (113) | (5,995) | (6,108) |
| - |
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Balance as at |
4,094 |
25,894 |
31,183 |
2,857 |
548 |
- |
(28,286) |
(113) |
(35,766) |
411 |
Notes to the Interim Financial Statements
for the six month period to
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
These financial statements are presented in thousands of pounds sterling (£'000) which is the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.
The ultimate parent of the Group is
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently to all the years presented unless otherwise stated.
Basis of preparation
These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS and IFRIC Interpretations) issued by the
The Group has applied the same accounting policies and methods of computation in its interim consolidated financial statements as in its 2018 annual financial statements, as set out in Note 2 of that document, except for the adoption of IFRS 16.
Going Concern
The Group incurred losses during the year and has net liabilities at the year end.
The Group is in the early stages of developing its business focusing on the discovery and development of novel molecules that treat human disease in oncology and immunology. The Directors expect the company to incur further losses and to require significant capital expenditure in continuing to develop clinical stage development therapeutic candidates in both oncology and immunology. The company has successfully funded clinical trials to date and is in the process of securing additional investment for purposes of continuing to fund their clinical trials moving forward.
The Directors have prepared cash flow projections that include the costs associated with the continued clinical trials and additional investment to fund that operation. On the basis of those projections, the Directors conclude that the company will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future, and therefore that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements under the going concern basis of preparation.
However, until and unless the Group secures sufficient investment to fund their clinical trials, there is a material uncertainty about the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, and therefore about the applicability of the going concern basis of preparation. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be required if the going concern basis of preparation was considered inappropriate.
New and Revised Standards
Standards in effect in 2019
IFRS 16 'Leases' has come into effect from 1 January 2019 and has been adopted by the Group. The impact of the adoption of the leasing standard is disclosed in Note 4 below.
IFRS in issue but not applied in the current financial statements
The Directors do not expect that the adoption of new IFRS Standards, Interpretations and Amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods.
Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the effect of these standards until a detailed review has been completed.
A number of IFRS and IFRIC interpretations are also currently in issue which are not relevant for the Group's activities and which have not therefore been adopted in preparing these financial statements.
Basis of consolidation
Subsidiary undertakings are all entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the subsidiary and therefore exercises control. The existence and effect of both current voting rights and potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether control of an entity is exercised. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date at which the Group obtains control and are de-consolidated from the date at which control ceases.
Business combination
The consolidated position of the Group is as a result of the reverse acquisition of Alexander David Investments plc by Tiziana Pharma Ltd and the subsequent listing of the Company as
On 24 April 2014, the Company (Alexander David Investments plc, (ADI)) acquired via a share for share exchange the entire issued share capital of Tiziana Pharma Limited, whose principal activity is that of a clinical stage biotechnology company focussed on targeted drugs to treat diseases in oncology and immunology.
Due to the relative values of the companies, the former Tiziana Pharma Limited shareholders became majority shareholders with 96.1% of the enlarged share capital in ADI which was renamed
In determining the appropriate accounting treatment for the reverse acquisition, the Directors considered the Application Supplement to IFRS 3, Business combinations. However, they concluded that this transaction fell outside the scope of IFRS 3 since
The following accounting treatment has been applied in respect of the reverse acquisition;
• The assets and liabilities of the legal subsidiary, Tiziana Pharma Limited are recognised and measured in the consolidated financial statements at their pre-combination carrying amounts, without restatement to their fair value.
• The retained reserves recognised in the consolidated financial statements reflect the retained reserves of Tiziana Pharma Limited to the date of acquisition.
• In applying IFRS 3 by analogy, the equity structure appearing in the consolidated financial statements reflects the equity structure of the legal parent
• A reverse acquisition reserve has been created to enable the presentation of a consolidated balance sheet which combines the equity structure of the legal parent with the non-statutory reserves of the legal subsidiary.
• Comparative numbers are based upon the consolidated financial statements of the legal subsidiary, Tiziana Pharma Limited for the year ended 31 December 2013 apart from the equity structure which reflects that of the parent.
Tiziana Pharma Limited was incorporated on 4 November 2013 and prepared its first set of financial statements to 31 December 2014. Therefore, the parent and subsidiary had the same reporting date but Tiziana Pharma Limited had a long period of account. No adjustment was made in the consolidated financial statements for the difference in length of reporting period because the only transaction in Tiziana Pharma Limited at 31 December 2013 was the issue of ordinary share capital of £1.
Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated upon consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the group.
Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Board. The Board allocates resources to and assess the performance of the segments. The Board considers there to be only one operating segment being the research and development of biotechnological and pharmaceutical products.
Taxation
The tax expense for the year represents the total of current taxation and deferred taxation. The charge in respect of current taxation is based on the estimated taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit for the year is based on the profit as shown in the income statement, as adjusted for items of income or expenditure which are not deductible or chargeable for tax purposes. The current tax liability for the year is calculated using tax rates which have either been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method on temporary differences arising between the tax base 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 affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates which have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency transactions are translated using the rate of exchange applicable at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the re-translation at the year end of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into Pound Sterling at the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and their statements of comprehensive income are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. The exchange differences arising on translation for consolidation are recognised in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign subsidiary, the component of other comprehensive income relating to that particular foreign subsidiary is recognised in profit or loss.
Research and development
All on-going research and development expenditure is currently expensed in the period in which it is incurred. Due to the regulatory environment inherent in the development of the Group's products, the criteria for development costs to be recognised as an asset, as set out in IAS 38 'Intangible Assets', are not met until a product has been granted regulatory approval and it is probable that future economic benefit will flow to the Group. The Group currently has no qualifying expenditure.
Financial instruments
The Group classifies a financial instrument, or its component parts, as a financial liability, a financial asset or an equity instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement and the definitions of a financial liability, a financial asset and an equity instrument.
The Group evaluates the terms of the financial instrument to determine whether it contains an asset, a liability or an equity component. Such components shall be classified separately as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments.
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or
equity instrument of another entity.
(a) Financial assets, initial recognition and measurement and subsequent measurement
All financial assets not recorded at fair value through profit or loss, such as receivables and deposits, are
recognized initially at fair value plus transaction costs. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognized at fair value, and transaction costs are expensed in the income statement.
The measurement of financial assets depends on their classification. Financial assets such as receivables and deposits are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less loss allowance. The Group does not hold any financial assets at fair value through profit or loss or fair value through other comprehensive income.
(b) Financial liabilities, initial recognition and measurement and subsequent measurement
Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortized cost or FVTPL.
A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is a derivative. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognized in profit or loss.
Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on
derecognition is also recognized in profit or loss.
The Group's financial liabilities include trade and other payables.
Share capital
Ordinary shares of the company are classified as equity.
Property, plant and equipment
(i) Recognition and measurement
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.
When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, and are recognised in profit or loss. When revalued assets are sold, the amounts included in the revaluation reserve are transferred to retained earnings.
(ii) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on the depreciable amount, which is the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less its residual value.
Depreciation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.
The estimated useful lives for the current period and the comparative period are as follows.
IT and equipment 3 years
Fixtures and fittings 5 years
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date. Depreciation is allocated to the operating expenses line of the income statement.
Impairment
Impairment of financial assets measured at amortised cost
At each reporting date the Group recognises a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortised cost.
In establishing the appropriate amount of loss allowance to be recognised, the Group applies either the general approach or the simplified approach, depending on the nature of the underlying group of financial assets.
General approach
The general approach is applied to the impairment assessment of refundable lease deposits and other refundable lease contributions, restricted cash and cash and cash equivalents.
Under the general approach the Group recognises a loss allowance for a financial asset at an amount equal to the 12-month expected credit losses, unless the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition, in which case a loss allowance is recognised at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses.
Simplified approach
The simplified approach is applied to the impairment assessment of trade receivables.
Under the simplified approach the Group always recognises a loss allowance for a financial asset at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses.
Non-financial assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Non-financial assets are impaired when its carrying amount exceed its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is measured as the higher of fair value less cost of disposal and value in use. The value in use is calculated as being net projected cash flows based on financial forecasts discounted back to present value.
Leases
IFRS 16 Leases was issued in January 2016 and was implemented by the Group from 1 January 2019. The Standard replaces IAS 17 and requires lease liabilities and 'right of use' assets to be recognised on the balance sheet for almost all leases. The adoption methodology of IFRS 16 is the cumulative catch-up method, and the impact of adoption was to recognise a right of use asset of £435k and a lease liability of £435k on 1 January, 2019.
Fair Value Measurement
Management have assessed the categorisation of the fair value measurements using the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. Categorisation within the hierarchy has been determined on the basis of the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the relevant asset as follows;
Level 1 - valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2 - valued by reference to valuation techniques using observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1
Level 3 - valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data.
Share based payments
The calculation of the fair value of equity-settled share based awards and the resulting charge to the statement of comprehensive income requires assumptions to be made regarding future events and market conditions. These assumptions include the future volatility of the Company's share price. These assumptions are then applied to a recognised valuation model in order to calculate the fair value of the awards.
Where employees, directors or advisers are rewarded using share based payments, the fair value of the employees', directors' or advisers' services are determined by reference to the fair value of the share options / warrants awarded. Their value is appraised at the date of grant and excludes the impact of any nonmarket vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets). Warrants issued in association with the issue of Convertible Loan Notes are also considered as share based payments and a share based payment charge is calculated for these too.
In accordance with IFRS 2, a charge is made to the Statement of Comprehensive Income for all share-based payments including share options based upon the fair value of the instrument used. A corresponding credit is made to a Share Based Payment Reserve, in the case of options / warrants awarded to employees, directors or advisers, and Shares To Be Issued Reserve in the case of warrants issued in association with the issue of Convertible Loan Notes, net of deferred tax where applicable.
If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options / warrants expected to vest. Non market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options / warrants that are expected to become exercisable.
Estimates are subsequently revised, if there is any indication that the number of share options / warrants expected to vest differs from previous estimates. No adjustment is made to the expense or share issue cost recognised in prior periods if fewer share options ultimately are exercised than originally estimated.
Upon exercise of share options / warrants, the proceeds received are allocated to share capital with any excess being recorded as share premium.
Where share options are cancelled, this is treated as an acceleration of the vesting period of the options. The amount that otherwise would have been recognised for services received over the remainder of the vesting period is recognised immediately within the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share based payment are measured at their fair value.
Other non-current assets
Other current assets are currently measured at cost less accumulated impairment. The asset is not yet being amortised since it is not yet in the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.
Convertible loan notes
Under IAS 32 the liability and equity components of convertible loan notes must be presented separately on the Statement of Financial Position. The Group has examined the terms of each issue of convertible loan notes and determined their accounting treatment accordingly. Convertible loan notes are treated differently depending upon a number of factors.
Where there is no option to repay as cash and the interest rate is fixed
The Group considers these to be Convertible Equity Instruments and records the principal of the loan note as an equity in a Convertible loan note reserve. The accrued interest on the principal amount is also recorded in the Convertible loan note reserve. Upon redemption of the instrument and the issue of share capital, the amount is reclassified from the convertible loan note reserve to share capital and share premium.
Where there is no option to repay as cash and the interest rate is variable
The Group considers these to be Convertible Debt Instruments and records the principal of the loan note as a debt liability in the liabilities section of the balance sheet. The accrued interest on the principal amount is recorded in the income statement and as an increase in the debt liability. Upon redemption of the instrument and the issue of share capital, the amount is reclassified from the debt liability to share capital and share premium.
3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The preparation of financial information in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice, in the case of the Group being International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as adopted by the
When entering into agreements with third parties which provide the rights to conduct research into specific biological processes the group account for these agreements as an expense if the agreements are 'milestone' in nature and relate to the Group's own research and development costs. Such agreements involve periodic payments and are evaluated as representing payments made to fund research.
The only other critical accounting estimates and judgements in the preparation of the financial statements were fair value estimates used in the calculation of share based payments and warrants which have been detailed above in note 2, accounting policies, and note 8, share based payments, to the accounts.
4. CHANGES IN ACCOUTING POLICIES
The group has adopted IFRS 16 retrospectively from 1 January 2019, but has not restated comparatives for the 2018 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions in the standard. The reclassifications and the adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognised in the opening balance sheet on 1 January 2019.
On adoption of IFRS 16, the group recognised lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as 'operating leases' under the principles of IAS 17 Leases. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee's incremental borrowing rate as of 1 January 2019. The weighted average lessee's incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on 1 January 2019 was 3.35%.
The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. The Group recognises a right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities at the lease commencement date, except for short term leases and leases of low value. For these leases, the lease payments are recognised as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of term of the lease.
The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liabilities adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial costs incurred. The right-of-use assets are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The right-of-use assets are from the commencement date depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. The estimated useful lives of right-of-use assets are determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use assets are periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liabilities, e.g. revised discount rate, change in the lease term or change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index.
The lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate determined by the Group's borrowing rate.
| 2019 £000 |
Operating lease commitments disclosed under IAS17 as at 31 December 2018 | 835 |
Less low value and short term leases recognised in a straight-line basis as an expense | (42) |
Remaining lease commitments discounted using the Group's incremental borrowing rate as at the date of initial application | 435 |
Lease Liability recognised ad at 1 January 2019 | 435 |
Of which: |
|
Current lease liabilities | 87 |
Non-current lease liabilities | 277 |
The associated right-of-use assets for all leases were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability.
The recognised right-of-use assets relate to the following types of assets:
| 30 June 2019 | 1 January 2019 |
| £000 | £000 |
Properties | 358 | 435 |
|
|
|
Total right-of-use assets | 358 | 435 |
5. OPERATING LOSS
The Group's operating loss for the year is stated after charging the following:
| 6 months to 30 June 2019 | 6 months to 30 June 2018 | 12 months to 31 Dec 2018 |
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) |
|
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
|
|
|
|
License Fees | - | 176 | 781 |
Depreciation | 1 | 6 | 12 |
Foreign exchange losses | (136) | (136) | (222) |
6. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
| 6 months to 30 June | 6 months to 30 June | 12 months to 31 Dec |
| 2019 | 2018 | 2018 |
|
|
|
|
| (unaudited) | (unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss for the period (£'000) | (3,634) | (3,937) | (6,108) |
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares | 126,049,229 | 126,049,229 | 127,553,866 |
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share - pence | (2.9) | (3.1) | (4.7) |
|
|
|
|
As the Group is reporting a loss from continuing operations for the period then, in accordance with IAS 33, the share options are not considered dilutive because the exercise of the share options would have an anti-dilutive effect. The basic and diluted earnings per share as presented on the face of the Statement of comprehensive income are therefore identical. All earnings per share figures presented above arise from continuing and total operations and therefore no earnings per share for discontinued operations are presented.
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Details of the Groups property, plant and equipment are as follows:
|
| Furniture and fixtures |
|
| IT equipment |
| Total |
|
| £'000 |
|
| £'000 |
| £'000 |
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2019 |
| 12 |
|
| 25 |
| 37 |
Additions |
| - |
|
| - |
| - |
Disposals |
| - |
|
| - |
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 30 June 2019 |
| 12 |
|
| 25 |
| 37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2019 |
| 7 |
|
| 24 |
| 31 |
Charge in period |
| 1 |
|
| - |
| 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 30 June 2019 |
| 8 |
|
| 24 |
| 32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value as at 30 June 2019 |
| 4 |
|
| 1 |
| 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value as at 30 June 2018 |
| 8 |
|
| 4 |
| 12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value as at 31 December 2018 |
| 5 |
|
| 1 |
| 6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. Trade and other receivables
| (unaudited) 30 June 2019 | (unaudited) 30 June 2018 |
31 Dec 2018 |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables | 84 | 33 | 195 |
Related party receivable | 150 | -- | 20 |
Prepayments | 11 | 20 | 33 |
| 245 | 53 | 248 |
|
|
|
|
9. Share based payments
Options
The Group operates share-based payment arrangements to remunerate Directors and key employees in the form of a share option scheme. The exercise price of the option is normally equal to the market price of an ordinary share in the Company at the date of grant.
|
| 30 June 2019 |
| 31 December 2018 | ||||
|
| (unaudited) |
|
| ||||
|
| Weighted Average exercise price (pence) |
| Options ('000) |
| Weighted Average exercise price (pence) |
| Options ('000) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at 1 January |
| 84 |
| 18,617 |
| 93 |
| 10,717 |
Granted |
| - |
| - |
| 82 |
| 9,500 |
Cancelled |
| - |
| - |
| - |
| - |
Forfeited |
| (46) |
| (1,480) |
| (172) |
| (1,600) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at period end |
| 88 |
| 17,137 |
| 84 |
| 18,617 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at period end |
| 39 |
| 3,831 |
| 39 |
| 5,236 |
No options were exercised during the period to 30 June 2019.
The total outstanding fair value of the share option instruments is deemed to be approximately £4,483,621 as at 30 June 2019. (2018: £6,486,110).
The Company has used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of the options applying the assumptions below.
Historical volatility relies in part on the historical volatility of a group of peer companies that management believes is generally comparable to the Company.
The Company has not paid any dividends on common stock since its inception and does not anticipate paying dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future.
The Company has estimated a forfeiture rate of zero.
For the options issued with a market condition attached, the Directors have used the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of these options, the Company uses the following methods to determine its underlying assumptions:
· expected volatilities are based on the historical volatilities of the market;
· the expected term of the awards is based on managements' assessment of when the market condition is likely to be achieved of 15 years; and
· a range of fair value's per share were produced and management have determined the most appropriate value based on their knowledge of the market and vesting conditions being fulfilled.
Warrants
On 2 March 2015, warrants were granted over 600,000 shares at an exercise price of £0.50 per share in lieu of the issue of options. The warrants are exercisable in 25% portions until 22 January 2016, 22 January 2017, 22 January 2018, and 22 January 2019.
On 31 May 2015, warrants were granted over 292,500 shares at an exercise price of £0.66 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 31 May 2022.
On 11 November 2017, warrants were granted over 100,000 shares at an exercise price of £1.60 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 20 November 2022.
On 11 December 2017, warrants were granted over 183,333 shares at an exercise price of £1.60 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 11 December 2023.
On 15 December 2017, warrants were granted over 196,667 shares at an exercise price of £1.60 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 15 December 2023.
On 15 January 2018, warrants were granted over 163,334 shares at an exercise price of £1.60 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 15 January 2024.
On 22 January 2018, warrants were granted over 80,000 shares at an exercise price of £1.60 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 22 January 2024.
On 5 March 2018, warrants were granted over 78,000 shares at an exercise price of £1.60 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 5 March 2024.
On 19 April 2018, warrants were granted over 51,563 shares at an exercise price of £0.8 per share in lieu of fundraising fees. The warrants are exercisable until 19 April 2024.
The Directors have estimated the fair value of the warrants in services provided using an appropriate valuation model. The remaining fair value of the warrant instruments is deemed to be approximately £638,000. For each set of warrants, the charge has been expensed over the vesting period. A share based payment charge for the six months to June 30, 2019 of £63k (six months to June 2018: £66k) has been expensed in the statement of comprehensive income.
10. Convertible loan notes
Planwise Convertible Loan Notes 2016
From the date of the reverse acquisition a convertible loan note of £200,000 was in existence as detailed in the Admission Document dated 31 March 2014. Proceeds of the subscriptions for the notes are to be used exclusively to finance the Group's ongoing working capital requirements. The terms of the loan note are that the loan notes, plus accrued interest at a rate of 4 per cent above
Accounting for the convertible debt instrument
The net proceeds received from the issue of the Planwise Convertible Loan Note 2016 has been recorded as a debt liability in the Statement of financial position and the accrued interest charged to the Statement of comprehensive income and the debt liability. The liability for the convertible debt instrument at 30 June 2019 is;
|
Planwise Convertible Loan Note 2019 |
| £000 |
Convertible loan notes issued |
200 |
Accrued interest | 47 |
|
|
| 247 |
11. Trade and other payables
| (unaudited) 30 June 2019 | (unaudited) 30 June 2018 | 12 months to 31 Dec 2018 |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
|
|
|
|
Convertible loan note liability | 247 | 238 | 243 |
Trade and other payables | 3,286 | 3,400 | 2,859 |
Accruals | 795 | 493 | 1,813 |
Related party payable | 399 | -- | 110 |
Other creditors | -- | -- | -- |
| 4,727 | 4,131 | 5,025 |
|
|
|
|
12. Post balance sheet events
On 22 July 2019, the Group announced the preliminary topline clinical data from a Phase 2a trial of Milciclib as a monotherapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. The primary endpoint of the study was overall safety. Under compassionate use, a few patients continued with total treatment for up to 16 months. Overall, treatment with Milciclib was well-tolerated and no drug-related deaths were recorded. Secondary endpoints of efficacy including progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP) are currently being evaluated and will subsequently be reported.
On 6 August 2019, the Group announced the commencement of an underwritten public offering in
On 4 September 2019, the Group announced additional positive Phase 2a clinical data exhibiting impressive clinical activity of Milciclib monotherapy in patients with advanced Sorafenib-resistant or -intolerant patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
On 1 September 2019, the Group reported its Phase 1 clinical data demonstrating that nasally administered Foralumab, was well-tolerated at all doses. Importantly, the treatment showed significant positive effects on the biomarkers for activation of mucosal immunity, which is capable of inducing site-targeted immunomodulation to elicit anti-inflammatory effects.
On 16 September 2019, the Group announced that the
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