Investor Presentation • May 16, 2024
Investor Presentation
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer


January – March 2024
p.9 We are thrilled to announce these strong and convincing Phase 3 results for Orviglance. This is the most significant milestone achievement for Ascelia Pharma so far" "
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| OPERATING RESULT (SEKm) | ||
| -16.7 | -36.7 | |
| EARNINGS PER SHARE (SEK) | ||
| -0.5 | -1.1 | |
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS (SEKm) | ||
| -15.0 | -37.5 | |
| LIQUID ASSETS (SEKm) | ||
| 26.5 | 111.4 |

On 2 May 2024, we announced positive headline results from our Phase 3 study with Orviglance. It was a day the entire team has been eagerly waiting for. The results were strong and showed that Orviglance significantly improved visualization of focal liver lesions, successfully meeting the primary endpoint in the pivotal Phase 3 study, SPARKLE with statistical significance for all three readers (<0.001). These strong results mark the completion of clinical development for Orviglance and reinforce our confidence in the regulatory and commercial path ahead for Orviglance.
We will now focus on bringing Orviglance through the regulatory submission and approval process. In parallel, we will continue to advance launch readiness and dialogue with potential commercialization partners to make Orviglance available to patients who need high-quality liver imaging without gadoliniumrelated safety risk. Submission of the New Drug Application (NDA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to obtain regulatory approval is expected by mid-2025.
We look very much forward to executing on the opportunities ahead for Ascelia Pharma in 2024 and beyond.
Positive Orviglance Phase 3 headline results. As announced on 2 May 2024, the pivotal Phase 3 study for Orviglance, SPARKLE successfully met the primary endpoint and demonstrated that the company's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, Orviglance significantly improved visualization of focal liver lesions compared to unenhanced MRI. The results had high statistical significance (P values <0.001) for all three readers and the reliability of the data was strong and conclusive for all three readers – this includes an acceptable level of variability.
Common adverse events in this vulnerable patient population were in line with previous studies with Orviglance, such as mildto moderate nausea. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed.
Completion of Orviglance clinical development. With the positive headline results for SPARKLE, clinical development of Orviglance has been successfully completed with consistent positive efficacy and safety data from nine clinical studies with a total of 286 patients and healthy volunteers. In the global multi-center Phase 3 SPARKLE study, 85 patients with known or suspected focal liver lesions and severely impaired kidney function were successfullly completed with MRI data.
In the middle of 2023, the images from the study were evaluated by three independent radiologists (readers) in accordance with regulatory guidance to the industry. In this process, a high intra-reader variability in the image scoring by the readers was discovered, preventing us from evaluating the efficacy data from SPARKLE. A new evaluation of the images with new readers was therefore required. We successfully completed the re-evaluation according to the planned timeline, and on 2 May 2024 we announced positive headline results.
The strong results reinforce our confidence in Orviglance and the path to market. We will now focus on bringing Orviglance through the regulatory submission and approval process. We expect to submit the NDA file to the FDA by mid-2025 to obtain regulatory approval. In parallel, we will continue to advance launch readiness and dialogue with potential commercialization partners to make Orviglance available to patients who need high-quality liver imaging without the safety risks associated with gadolinium.
"We have met a major milestone, with the successful headline results from our Orviglance Phase 3 study. We look forward to meeting the next milestones on our journey to making Orviglance available to patients and transforming Ascelia Pharma to a commercial stage company."
Recognition in the scientific community. We were pleased to see the acceptance for publication of a scientific review article on Orviglance in the journal Investigative Radiology in a special issue "A new era in MR contrast media" published in January 2024. The scientific review article, titled Oral manganese chloride tetrahydrate, a novel magnetic resonance liver imaging agent for patients with renal impairment: efficacy, safety and clinical implication, reviews and discusses liver imaging in patients with severely impaired kidney function as well as the development of Orviglance and its potential role in clinical practice.
It's a pleasure to have this publication accepted in one of the leading journals in radiology, showing that the scientific community sees a need for novel contrast agents without gadolinium.
Strategy to commercialize with partners. Orviglance addresses a well-defined unmet medical need representing an an annual global addressable market of USD 800 million, with 100,000 procedures in the target patient population in the US alone.
Our strategy is to launch with commercialization partners. This approach enables us to leverage established commercialization capabilities with a low investment requirement for launch. A focused, ambitious launch plan, built on advanced market insights, is in place. Our focus in 2024 is to create value by ensuring Orviglance launch readiness when approved.
Strengthened financial position. The significant cost saving initiatives implemented from the start of the SPARKLE data re-evaluation in August 2023, led to a substantially lower cost level, also in Q1 2024.
On 4 February 2024, we announced that we have secured additional financing of SEK 35 million. On 18 April, we exercised our right to drawn down the last SEK 15 million under the loan facility of the agreement. This strengthened financial position is an important and value-adding step to maintain financial and strategic flexibility. We are also very pleased to secure a financing solution with a maximum dilution of only around 4 percent for our shareholders. With the full financing in place, we have a cash runway into Q2 2025, covering the completion of time critical activities for the NDA. Relevant sources of financing will be explored in due time to support the continued growth longer term, including the submission of the NDA file by mid-2025.
A transformative 2024 ahead. With positive headline results from SPARKLE, we are excited to advance Orviglance through the registration process and make it available for patients together with a partner. I look forward to sharing our continued progress and other opportunities for growing Ascelia Pharma in 2024 and beyond.
We are devoted to improving the lives of patients and creating values for our stakeholders.
We work tirelessly and follow our convictions even when it means changing status quo.
We build powerful relationship with mutual respect and adhere to the high ethical standards
To be a leader in identifying, developing and commercializing novel drugs that address unmet needs of people with rare cancer conditions.
Our headquarter is in Malmö, Sweden, and our US base is in New Jersey.
The shares in the company are listed on NASDAQ Stockholm (ticker: ACE).

Orviglance is our first-in-class non-gadolinium diagnostic drug (contrast agent) to be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver. Orviglance is developed to improve the visualization of focal liver lesions (liver metastases and primary liver cancer) in patients with impaired kidney function at risk of severe side-effects from the gadolinium contrast agents currently on the market.
Oncoral is our novel oral irinotecan chemotherapy tablet developed initially for the treatment of gastric cancer. The potential anti-tumor effect of irinotecan is well established.

Orviglance aims to be the standard of care liver MRI contrast agent for patients also suffering from severe kidney impairment. These patients are at risk of severe side-effects from using gadolinium-based contrast agents.
\$800 million global annual addressable market
The target group for Orviglance is patients who need liver imaging and have severely impaired kidney function. This patient group is at risk of serious, and potentially fatal, side effects from using the currently available contrast agents. These contrast agents, which all are based on the heavy-metal gadolinium, carry Black Box warnings for patients with severely reduced kidney function.
The completed clinical trials show that Orviglance improve the diagnostic performance of MRI and offers a significantly better alternative than unenhanced MRI (i.e., MRI without contrast agent). Consequently, Orviglance fills a significant unmet medical need to improve the diagnosis, and subsequently, the treatment of liver metastases and primary liver cancer.
The immediate addressable market for Orviglance is estimated at \$800 million yearly and Orviglance is expected to be the only gadolinium-free product on the market for this patient segment.
Orviglance has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA. One major advantage of orphan drug status is, among other things, that orphan drugs can obtain longer market exclusivity after market approval.
Orviglance is a contrast agent used in MRIs to improve the visualization of focal liver lesions (liver metastases and primary tumors). The liver is the second most common organ for metastasis after the lymph nodes. Detecting liver metastases at an early stage is crucial for determining the right treatment method and the patient's chances of survival. Studies show that the fiveyear survival rate can increase from 6 percent to 46 percent if liver metastases can be removed surgically. An accurate MR scan using contrast agents is therefore critical to evaluate the possibilityfor surgical resection, but also for monitoring of treatment effect and surveillance for recurrence of the disease.

Orphan liver MRI contrast agent in registration phase
Orviglance is an orally administrated contrast agent developed for use with MRI of the liver. It is based on the chemical element manganese, which is a natural trace element in the body. Orviglance also contains L-Alanine and Vitamin D3 to enhance the function of manganese as a contrast agent. After having been absorbed from the small intestine, the manganese is transported to the liver where it is taken up by and retained in the normal liver cells. The high manganese uptake causes the normal liver tissue to appear bright on MR images. Metastases and tumor cells do not take up manganese to the same extent as normal liver tissue and therefore appear dark on MR images. Liver metastases are easier to identify due to this contrast effect by Orviglance.
Clinical development of Orviglance has been completed with consistent positive efficacy and safety data from nine studies with 286 patients and healthy volunteers.
The pivotal Phase 3 study for Orviglance, SPARKLE successfully met the primary endpoint and demonstrated that Orviglance significantly improved visualization of focal liver lesions compared to unenhanced MRI. The results had high statistical significance (P values <0.001) for all three readers and the reliability of the data was strong and conclusive for all three readers, including an acceptable level of variability.
Common adverse events in this vulnerable patient population were in line with previous studies with Orviglance, such as mildto moderate nausea. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed.
Submission of the NDA file to the FDA is expected by mid-2025. Key required steps during the NDA preparations include the Full Clinical Study Report early Q4 2024 and conclusions from an FDA pre-submission meeting by Q1 2025.

The pivotal Phase 3 study, SPARKLE, successfully met the primary endpoint and demonstrated that Orviglance significantly improved the visualization of focal liver lesions compared to unenhanced MRI. The results for all three readers were highly statistically significant (P values <0.001).
Common adverse events in this vulnerable patient population were in line with previous studies with Orviglance, such as mild- to moderate nausea. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed.
The pivotal Phase 3 study (SPARKLE) is a global multicentre study, which has been completed with 85 enrolled patients with suspected or known focal liver lesions and severely impaired kidney function.
The primary objective was to demonstrate an improved visualization of liver lesions (the primary endoint) compared to MRI without contrast, unenhanced MRI. The evaluation of the primary endpoint was independently carried out by three blinded, independent radiologists (readers), who assessed changes of visualization of liver lesions with and without Orviglance, as well as other secondary efficacy endpoints.
The Phase 3 study aims to to support a regulatory filing and approval for use of Orviglance for liver imaging in patients where the use of gadolinium is medically inadvisable. It was designed in accordance with industry standards, regulatory guidance for imaging agent development and based on discussions with regulatory agencies.
| NUMBER OF PATIENTS | Global study with 85 patients | |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY ENDPOINT | Lesion visualization Border delineation (border sharpness of lesions) Lesion contrast (conspicuity compared to liver background) |
|
| COMPARATOR | Unenhanced MRI + Orviglance MRI vs. Unenhanced MRI | |
| EVALUATION | Centralized evaluation by 3 radiologists | |
| RANDOMIZATION | None – each patient their own control | |
| FOLLOW-UP | Less than a week |
Visualization of focal liver lesions with Orviglance (CMRI) vs. unenhanced MRI was strongly superior with statistical significance for all three readers (<0.001)
Results from both variables show that Orviglance significantly improves MRI performance
Submission of the NDA file to the FDA is expected by mid-2025
Orviglance addresses a well-defined unmet medical need representing an attractive commercial potential with an annual global addressable market of \$800 million. This estimate is based on:

Unique opportunity to address an unmet need Orviglance addresses an attractive market opportunity by offering contrast enhanced liver imaging for cancer patients with poor kidney function
90 percent of health care professionals are concerned by safety issues related to gadolinium contrast agents including NSF. In fact, according to market research, 16 percent of healthcare providers have experienced gadolinium-induced NSF3.
In the US alone real-world data shows that 100,000 abdominal imaging procedures are performed every year in 50,000 patients that fall under the black-box warning for gadolinium contrast agents, which is about 4 percent of the cancer patient population undergoing abdominal imaging.
The go-to-market strategy for Orviglance is to launch with commercialization partners. This approach enables Ascelia Pharma to leverage established commercialization capabilities and maintain a low investment requirement for launch.
The focus of Ascelia Pharma is to create value by ensuring launch readiness and collaboration with a partner by preparing for optimal adoption by key stakeholders at launch.
Give people with cancer in the liver and poor kidney function ACCESS TO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IMAGING to live healthier and longer lives
Be the STANDARD OF CARE liver imaging choice for cancer patients with poor kidney function
Ensure OPTIMAL LABEL, timely SUPPLY and launch READINESS Drive EARLY ADOPTION AND PREFERENCE by decision makers with focused efforts and a strong value proposition
" Our commercialization strategy is to launch through partners, supporting our ambition to secure the optimal balance between future revenues and investment required. Our focus in 2024 is therefore to continue the ongoing dialogue with potential partners and to ensure that Orviglance is ready for launch when approved", says Julie Waras Brogren, Deputy CEO
1) Ascelia Pharma market research on real-world volumes with DRG (2020) 2) Market access research and analyses with Charles River Associates (2020), Triangle (2022) and Trinity (2022), incl. 75 stakeholder and expert interactions. Final pricing and access strategy subject to Phase 3 data and payer evidence 3) Ascelia Pharma market research with Two Labs including 254 US HCPs (2022).
Oncoral is a novel daily irinotecan chemotherapy in development. Irinotecan chemotherapy has an established potent anti-tumor effect. Oncoral is a daily irinotecan tablet with the potential to offer better efficacy with improved safety following the daily dosing at home compared to intravenous high-dose infusions at the hospital.
Proven anti-cancer effect. The active substance in Oncoral is irinotecan, which has an established and proven effect in killing cancer cells. Irinotecan is a so-called antineoplastic agent that after metabolic activation inhibits the enzyme topoisomerase 1, thereby inducing cancer cell death via the prevention of their DNA replication. Irinotecan is converted by carboxylesterases, primarily in the liver, to the active metabolite SN-38 which is 100–1,000 more potent than irinotecan in killing tumor cells.
Potential to be the first oral version of irinotecan. Oncoral is a new patented oral tablet formulation of irinotecan, which enables a reliable release and efficient absorption of irinotecan from the gastro intestinal tract after oral administration. With oral administration, iriontecan can be given with low daily doses. This is very different from the current standard of giving a high intravenous doses every third week.
All-oral chemo combination. Oncoral has the potential to be combined with other chemotherapies and targeted cancer drugs and enable an all oral combination chemotherapy option with improved clinical outcomes.




| PATIENTS | Q Around 100 patients Q Metastatic gastric cancer |
|---|---|
| COMPARATOR | Oncoral + Lonsurf vs. Lonsurf |
| ENDPOINTS | Primary: Progression Free Survival Secondary: Response rate, Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Overall Survival data in a follow up analysis |
| STUDY PERIOD | 2 - 2½ years, study start pending |
LONSURF® is approved for treatment of metastatic gastric cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer
The Group's net sales in Q1 (Jan-Mar 2024) amounted to SEK 0 (SEK 0). Ascelia Pharma does not expect to recognize revenue before products have been launched on the market. Other operating income totalled SEK 360 thousand (SEK 311 thousand). The income refers to exchange rate gains.
R&D costs for the Group in Q1 were SEK 10.8 million (SEK 29.6 million). The cost decrease of SEK 18.8 million reflects completion of SPARKLE patient recruitment activities and previous communicated cost-cutting initiatives.
During Q1, the costs related to commercial preparations amounted to SEK 14.0 thousand (SEK 2.9 million). This reflects the decrease in commercial preparations due to cost-cutting initiatives.
Administration costs for the Group in Q1 amounted to SEK 6.2 million (SEK 4.3 million). The increased costs compared to the same period last year, primarily relates to an increase in recognized costs for employee incentive programs.
The operating result in Q1 amounted to SEK -16.7 million (SEK -36.7 million). The decreased loss reflects completion of SPARKLE patient recruitment activities and implemented cost-cutting initiatives.
The Group's net loss in Q1 amounted to SEK -16.7 million (SEK -37.2 million). During the quarter, net financial costs of SEK -3.0 thousand was recognized which reflects a positive currency gain on bank deposits in USD with a corresponing interest expense related to loans. The net loss corresponds to a loss per share, before and after dilution, of SEK -0.49 (SEK -1.07).
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital in Q1 amounted to SEK -11.4 million (SEK -35.7 million). The decreased outflow reflects the completion of SPARKLE patient recruitment as well as initiated cost-cutting initiatives. Changes in working capital for the quarter totalled an outflow of SEK -3.6 million (outflow of SEK -1.9 million). The outflow primarily reflects the decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities. Cash flow from investing activities in Q1 amounted to SEK 0 (SEK 0). Cash flow from financing activities amounted to an inflow of SEK 18.9 million (outflow of SEK -0.2 million), which reflects the new loans during the quarter.
On the closing date, equity amounted to SEK 62.9 million, compared with SEK 74.3 million per 31 December 2023 and SEK 144.7 million per 31 March 2023. The decrease since 31 December 2023 reflects the net loss incurred. Liquid assets on the closing date amounted to SEK 26.5 million, compared to SEK 21.9 million per 31 December 2023 and SEK 111.4 million per 31 March 2023. The decrease in liquid assets reflects the net loss incurred.
On 4 February 2024, additional financing of SEK 35 million was secured, consisting of a SEK 15 million convertible and a SEK 20 million loan, of which SEK 15 million was drawn on 18 April, after the closing of the quarter.
| Financial key ratios for the Group | Q1 (January-March) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Operating result (SEK 000') | -16,719 | -36,707 | |
| Net result (SEK 000') | -16,694 | -37,219 | |
| Earnings per share (SEK) | -0.5 | -1.1 | |
| Weighted avg. number of shares | 33,757,746 | 33,690,062* | |
| R&D costs/operating costs (%) | 63% | 80% | |
| Cash flow used in operating activities (SEK 000') | -15,051 | -37,530 | |
| Equity (SEK 000') | 62,881 | 144,687 | |
| Liquid assets incl. marketable securities (SEK 000') | 26,542 | 111,371 |
*The amount for 2023 is adjusted for C-shares.
Ascelia Pharma has one outstanding employee option program as well as three share saving programs. If the terms of the option program are met at the time for utilization, the employees has the right to purchase shares at a pre-determined price. For the sharesaving program, employees are entitled to receive matching and performance shares according to the terms of the program.
The Group recognizes share-based remuneration, which personnel may receive. A personnel cost is recognized, together with a corresponding increase in equity, distributed over the vesting period. Social security costs are revalued at fair value. Further information about the incentive programs can be found in the Annual Report 2023 on pages 67-69.
In case all outstanding incentive programs per 31 March 2024 are exercised in full, a total of 3.2 million common shares will be issued (including hedge for future payment of social security charges). This corresponds to an aggregate maximum dilution of approximately 8.6 percent of Ascelia Pharma's share capital after full dilution (calculated on the number of common shares that will be added upon full exercise of all incentive programs).
Ascelia Pharma's activities and markets are exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties which impact, or could impact, the company's business, financial position and result. The risks and uncertainties, which Ascelia Pharma considers to have the largest impact on its results are clinical drug development, regulatory conditions, commercialization and licensing, intellectual property rights and other forms of protection, financing conditions, macroeconomic conditions including impact from pandemics, geopolitical effects, inflation and foreign exchange exposure.
The Group's overall strategy for risk management is to limit undesirable impact on its result and financial position, to the extent it is possible. The Group's risks and uncertainties are described in more detail in the Annual Report 2023 on pages 35–37.
On 24 April 2024 Ascelia Pharma announced that the SPARKLE image reading is completed and that headline results are expected first half of May 2024.
On 18 April 2024 Ascelia Pharma announced that the company has exercised its right to draw down the SEK 15 million second tranche.
On 2 May Ascelia Pharma announced that liver imaging drug candidate, Orviglance, significantly improved visualization of focal liver lesions, successfully meeting the primary endpoint in the pivotal Phase 3 study SPARKLE.
On 7 May 2024 Ascelia Pharma welcomed investors, analysts and media to a virtual update and live Q&A.
This interim report has not been reviewed by the company's auditor.
This interim report has been prepared in both Swedish and English versions. In the event of any differences between the translations and the Swedish original, the Swedish version shall prevail.
Malmö, 16 May 2024 Ascelia Pharma AB (publ)
CEO
13 Ascelia Pharma Interim Report Q1 (Jan–Mar 2024)
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands (unless otherwise stated)* | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net sales | – | – | |
| Gross profit/loss | – | – | |
| Administrative costs | -6,227 | -4,285 | |
| Research and development costs | -10,810 | -29,620 | |
| Commercial preparation costs | -14 | -2,896 | |
| Other operating income | 360 | 311 | |
| Other operating costs | -28 | -217 | |
| Operating result | -16,719 | -36,707 | |
| Finance income | 663 | 307 | |
| Finance costs | -666 | -867 | |
| Net financial items | -3 | -560 | |
| Loss before tax | -16,722 | -37,267 | |
| Tax | 28 | 49 | |
| Loss for the period | -16,694 | -37,219 | |
| Attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the Parent Company | -16,694 | -37,219 | |
| Non-controlling interest | – | – | |
| Earnings per share | |||
| Before and after dilution (SEK) | -0.5 | -1.1 |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | ||
|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands (unless otherwise stated)* | 2024 | 2023 |
| Profit/loss for the period | -16,694 | -37,219 |
| Other comprehensive income | ||
| Currency translation of subsidiaries** | -62 | 65 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period | -62 | 65 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | -16,756 | -37,154 |
* Some figures are rounded, so amounts might not always appear to match when added up.
** Will be classified to profit and loss when specific conditions are met
| 31 Mar | 31 Mar | 31 Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 |
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Intangible assets | 57,078 | 57,076 | 57,074 |
| Tangible assets - Equipment | 71 | 145 | 89 |
| Right-of-use assets | 757 | 1,769 | 973 |
| Total non-current assets | 57,906 | 58,990 | 58,135 |
| Current assets | |||
| Advance payments to suppliers | 3,255 | 3,458 | 3,433 |
| Current receivables | |||
| Income tax receivables | 1,373 | 3,066 | 1,981 |
| Other receivables | 535 | 1,728 | 480 |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 2,516 | 1,669 | 1,188 |
| Cash and bank balances | 26,542 | 111,371 | 21,855 |
| Total current assets | 34,220 | 121,291 | 28,937 |
| Total assets | 92,126 | 180,281 | 87,072 |
| EQUITY | |||
| Share capital | 34,871 | 34,871 | 34,871 |
| Other paid-in capital | 678,747 | 678,747 | 678,747 |
| Reserve of exchange differences on translation | 609 | 65 | 671 |
| Loss brought forward (incl. net profit/loss for the period) | -651,347 | -568,997 | -639,962 |
| Equity attributable to Parent Company shareholders | 62,881 | 144,687 | 74,328 |
| Total equity | 62,881 | 144,687 | 74,328 |
| LIABILITIES | |||
| Long-term liabilities | |||
| Long-term interest bearing liabilities | 17,958 | – | – |
| Lease liabilities | 73 | 855 | 176 |
| Total long-term liabilities | 18,031 | 855 | 176 |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Accounts payable | 1,094 | 8,102 | 1,525 |
| Tax payable | – | – | – |
| Other liabilities | 1,170 | 1,733 | 1,640 |
| Current lease liabilities | 772 | 953 | 884 |
| Accrued expenses and deferred income | 8,177 | 23,950 | 8,519 |
| Total current liabilities | 11,214 | 34,739 | 12,568 |
| Total liabilities | 29,245 | 35,594 | 12,744 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 92,126 | 180,281 | 87,072 |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | FY (Jan-Dec) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Equity at start of the period | 74,328 | 180,859 | 180,859 |
| Comprehensive income | |||
| Profit/loss for the period | -16,694 | -37,219 | -109,288 |
| Other comprehensive income | -62 | 65 | -301 |
| Total comprehensive income | -16,756 | -37,154 | -109,589 |
| Transactions with shareholders | |||
| New issue of C-shares | – | – | – |
| Repurchase of own shares C-shares | – | – | – |
| New issue of common shares | – | – | – |
| Common shares: Conversion from C-shares | – | -55 | -89 |
| C-shares: Resolution of C-shares | – | 55 | 89 |
| Issuance expenses | -257 | – | -30 |
| Call option premium in relation to loan facility | 1,433 | – | – |
| Share based remuneration to employees | 4,134 | 981 | 3,088 |
| Total transactions with shareholders | 5,309 | 981 | 3,058 |
| Equity at end of the period | 62,881 | 144,687 | 74,328 |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Operating activities | ||||
| Operating result | -16,719 | -36,707 | ||
| Expensed share based remuneration | 5,024 | 972 | ||
| Adjustment for items not included in cash flow | 237 | 294 | ||
| Interest received | 14 | 34 | ||
| Interest paid | -607 | -35 | ||
| Income tax paid/received | 649 | -208 | ||
| Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital | -11,402 | -35,650 | ||
| Cash flow from changes in working capital | ||||
| Increase (-)/Decrease (+) of advance payments | 178 | 1,901 | ||
| Increase (-)/Decrease (+) of operating receivables | -1,688 | -350 | ||
| Increase (+)/Decrease (-) of accounts payable | -433 | -7,777 | ||
| Increase (+)/Decrease (-) of other liabilities | -1,706 | 4,345 | ||
| Change in working capital | -3,649 | -1,880 | ||
| Cash flow used in operating activities | -15,051 | -37,530 | ||
| Investing activities | ||||
| Investment in equipment | – | – | ||
| Divestment of right-of-use assets | – | – | ||
| Cash flow from investing activities | – | – | ||
| Financing activities | ||||
| Transaction costs for issuance | -257 | – | ||
| Conversion from C-shares | – | -55 | ||
| Resolution of C-shares | – | 55 | ||
| Convertible bond issue | 1,433 | – | ||
| New loans | 17,958 | – | ||
| Amortisation of loan (leasing) | -214 | -229 | ||
| Cash flow from financing activities | 18,919 | -229 | ||
| Cash flow for the period | 3,868 | -37,759 | ||
| Cash flow for the period | 3,868 | -37,759 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of period | 21,855 | 149,555 | ||
| Exchange rate differences in cash and cash equivalents | 819 | -425 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 26,542 | 111,371 |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Net sales | 95 | 188 | ||
| Gross profit/loss | 95 | 188 | ||
| Administrative costs | -6 165 | -4 205 | ||
| Research and development costs | -10 725 | -29 471 | ||
| Commercial preparation costs | -14 | -2 902 | ||
| Other operating income | – | 14 | ||
| Other operating costs | -28 | -14 | ||
| Operating result | -16 837 | -36 390 | ||
| Finance income | 544 | 140 | ||
| Finance costs | -643 | -571 | ||
| Result from other long-term receivables | 747 | 725 | ||
| Net financial costs | 649 | 294 | ||
| Loss before tax | -16 189 | -36 096 | ||
| Group contribution | – | – | ||
| Tax | – | – | ||
| Loss for the period | -16 189 | -36 096 |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | ||
|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 |
| Loss for the period | -16 189 | -36 096 |
| Other comprehensive income | – | – |
| Other comprehensive income for the period | – | – |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | -16 189 | -36 096 |
| 31 Mar | 31 Mar | 31 Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 |
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Tangible assets | |||
| Equipment | 71 | 145 | 89 |
| Financial assets | |||
| Shares in affiliated companies | 58,068 | 58,068 | 58,068 |
| Other long-term receivables from group companies | 36,621 | 39,211 | 35,874 |
| Total non-current assets | 94,760 | 97,424 | 94,032 |
| Current assets | |||
| Advance payments to suppliers | 3,255 | 3,458 | 3,433 |
| Current receivables | |||
| Receivables from group companies | 1,766 | 8,989 | 15,114 |
| Income tax receivables | 1,019 | 964 | 1,668 |
| Other receivables | 514 | 1,707 | 453 |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 2,487 | 1,592 | 1,129 |
| Cash and bank balances | 26,051 | 99,580 | 8,199 |
| Total current assets | 35,092 | 116,290 | 29,996 |
| Total assets | 129,852 | 213,714 | 124,027 |
| EQUITY | |||
| Restricted equity | |||
| Share capital | 34,871 | 34,871 | 34,871 |
| Non-restricted equity | |||
| Other paid-in capital | 678,747 | 678,747 | 678,747 |
| Loss brought forward | -595,833 | -497,656 | -495,578 |
| Loss for the period | -16,189 | -36,096 | -105,563 |
| Total equity | 101,597 | 179,867 | 112,477 |
| LIABILITIES | |||
| Long-term liabilities | |||
| Long-term interest bearing liabilities | 17,958 | – | – |
| Total long-term liabilities | 17,958 | – | – |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Accounts payable | 1,064 | 8,434 | 1,489 |
| Other liabilities | 1,171 | 1,733 | 1,640 |
| Accrued expenses and deferred income | 8,062 | 23,680 | 8,422 |
| Total current liabilities | 10,297 | 33,847 | 11,551 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 129,852 | 213,714 | 124,027 |
This interim report for the Group has been prepared according to IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and applicable rules in the Swedish Annual Accounts Act (ÅRL). The interim report for the parent company has been prepared according to the Swedish Annual Accounts Act chapter 9, Interim Reporting. The fair value of the debt component of a convertible bond is calculated using a discount rate which is based on the market rate for a debt with the same terms without the conversion right to shares. The amount is reported as debt at amortized cost until the debt is converted or matures. The conversion right is initially reported as the difference between the fair value of the entire compound financial instrument and the fair value of the debt component. The value of the conversion right is reported in equity. For the Group and the parent company, the same accounting principles and basis for calculations have been applied as in the recent Annual Report.
The recognized value for other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, trade payables and other liabilities constitutes a reasonable approximation of fair value. Interest bearing liabilities are recognized at amortized cost which is considered an approximation of the fair value.
No significant transactions with related parties have occurred during the period.
Reference is made in this interim report to alternative performance measures that are not defined according to IFRS. Ascelia Pharma considers these performance measures to be an important complement since they enable a better evaluation of the company´s economic trends. The company believes that these alternative performance measures give a better understanding of the company´s financial development and that such key performance measures contain additional information to the investors to those performance measures already defined by IFRS. Furthermore, the key performance measures are widely used by the management in order to assess the financial development of the company. These financial key performance measures should not be viewed in isolation or be considered to substitute the key performance measures prepared by IFRS.
Furthermore, such key performance measures should not be compared to other key performance measures with similar names used by other companies. This is due to the fact that the above-mentioned key performance measures are not always defined identically by other companies. These alternative performance measures are described below.
The recognized research and development project in progress is subject for management's impairment test. The most critical assumption, subject to evaluation by management, is whether the recognized intangible asset will generate future economic benefits that at a minimum correspond to the intangible asset's carrying amount. Management's assessment is that the expected future cash flows will be sufficient to cover the intangible asset's carrying amount and accordingly no impairment loss has been recognized.
In Q1 2024, the criteria for classifying R&D costs as an asset according to IAS 38 has not been met (capitalization of development expenses is normally done in connection with final regulatory approval). Hence, all R&D costs related to the development of the product candidates have been expensed.
Ascelia Pharma has in total implemented three employee option programs with individual terms and conditions of which one program is active. The parameter, which have the largest impact on the value of the options, is the publicly traded share price.
In January 2023, the second option program was expired and the options were not exercised. In November 2023 a new optionprogram was implemented.
The total recognized costs for the option programs including social security charges in Q1 2024 were SEK 4.4 million.
Ascelia Pharma has implemented five long-term incentive programs for employees in the form of performance-based share saving programs of which three are active. The parameter, which have the largest impact on the value of the programs, is the publicly traded share price.
The total recognized costs for the share saving programs including social security charges in Q1 2024 were SEK 0.7 million.
| Alternative performance measures | Definition | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Operating results (TSEK) | Profit before financial items and tax. | The performance measure shows the company´s operational performance. |
| Research and development costs/Operating costs (%) | The research and development expenses in relation to total operating costs (consisting of the sum of administrative expenses, R&D, costs for commercial prepara tions and other operating expenses). |
The performance measure is useful in order to understand how much of the operating costs that are related to research and development expenses. |
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | ||
|---|---|---|
| SEK in thousands* | 2024 | 2023 |
| R&D costs | -10,810 | -29,620 |
| Administration costs | -6,227 | -4,285 |
| Commercial preparation costs | -14 | -2,896 |
| Other operating costs | -28 | -217 |
| Total operating costs | -17,079 | -37,018 |
| R&D costs/Operating costs (%) | 63% | 80% |
Half-year report H1 2024 (Jan-Jun): 15 August 2024 Interim report 9M 2024 (Jan-Sep): 7 November 2024 Full-year report 2024 (Jan-Dec): 7 February 2025
Magnus Corfitzen, CEO [email protected] | +46 735 179 118
Julie Waras Brogren, Deputy CEO (Finance, Investor Relations & Commercial) [email protected] | +46 735 179 116

ASCELIA PHARMA AB (publ) Hyllie Boulevard 34 SE-215 32 Malmö, Sweden
ascelia.com
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.