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Karolinska Development
Earnings Release • Feb 16, 2024
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Earnings Release
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Karolinska Development
Karolinska Development (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is an investment company which offers a unique opportunity to participate in the growth in value of a number of Nordic life sciences companies with substantial commercial opportunities. All of the portfolio companies are developing potentially groundbreaking treatments for medical conditions with a substantial need for improved therapies, including heart failure, serious viral infections, kidney disease, sepsis, pain, systemic inflammation, bone defects, women's health and liver diseases. To date, two of the companies have launched their first products.
For further information, see www.karolinskadevelopment.com
Financial Update
Fourth quarter
- The net profit/loss for the fourth quarter was SEK -1,9 million (SEK 10.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022). Earnings per share totaled SEK -0.01 (SEK 0.04 in the fourth quarter of 2022).
- The result of the Change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 6.6 million (SEK 15.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022). The result is largely due to the upturn in share price in the listed holdings OssDsign and Promimic which is partially offset by the downturn in share price in Modus Therapeutics and the dilutive effect of the transaction in Umecrine Cognition in connection to their capital rise.
- The total fair value of the portfolio was SEK 1,440.3 million at the end of December 2023, corresponding to an increase of SEK 48.1 million from SEK 1,392.2 million at the end of the previous quarter. The net portfolio fair value at the end of December 2023 was SEK 1,100.4 million, corresponding to an increase of SEK 48.2 million from SEK 1,052.2 million at the end of the previous quarter. The increase is mainly the effect of investments during the quarter, upturn in share price of listed holdings but partially offset by the dilutive effect of the transaction in Umecrine Cognition in connection to their capital rise.
- Net asset value amounted to SEK 1,253.4 million, per share SEK 4.6, at the end of December 2023 (SEK 1,249.1 million, per share SEK 4.6 at the end of December 2022).
- Net sales totaled SEK 0.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2023 (SEK 0.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2022.
- Karolinska Development invested a total of SEK 41.6 million in portfolio companies during the fourth quarter of 2023 (SEK 15.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022). Fourth quarter 2023 investments in portfolio companies by Karolinska Development and other specialized life sciences investors totaled SEK 125.3 million (SEK 122.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022).
- Cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments) decreased by SEK 44.7 million during the fourth quarter, totaling SEK 85.3 million on 31 December 2023 (SEK 189.8 million on 31 December 2022).
Full year
- The full-year net profit/loss was SEK 5.4 million (SEK -88.1 million in 2022). Earnings per share totalled SEK 0.02 (SEK -0.34 in 2022).
- The full-year result for the change in the fair value of the portfolio amounted to SEK 15.2 million (SEK -76.1 million during 2022).
- The total fair value of the portfolio was SEK 1,440.3 million at the end of December 2023, an increase from SEK 1,312.5 million at the corresponding date in 2022. The net portfolio fair value was SEK 1,100.4 million, an increase by SEK 116.4 million from SEK 984.0 million at the corresponding date in 2022.
- Net asset value amounted to SEK 1,253.4 million, per share SEK 4.6, at the end of December 2023 (SEK 1,249.1 million, per share SEK 4.6 at the end of December 2022).
- Revenue totalled SEK 2.0 million for the full year of 2023 (SEK 2.3 million in 2022).
- Karolinska Development invested a total of SEK 103.0 (110.3) million in its portfolio companies during the full year. Full-year investments in the portfolio companies by Karolinska Development and other specialised life sciences investors totalled SEK 394.5 (464.9) million.
- Karolinska Development's cash compensation from earn-out agreements regarding divested portfolio companies amounted to SEK 19.3 (5.4) million during the year.
- Cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments) decreased by SEK 104.5 million during the full year, totalling SEK 85.3 (189.8) million on 31 December 2023.
- The Board does not propose any dividend for the financial year 2023.
Significant events during the fourth quarter
- The portfolio company PharmNovo successfully completed its clinical phase 1 study with PN6047, a drug candidate developed as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain. The results from the study show that PN6047 is safe and well-tolerated at doses predicted to have clinically relevant effects. Furthermore, PN6047 seems to offer a different safety profile compared to conventional opioids (October 2023).
- The portfolio company Modus Therapeutics decided to carry out a rights issue that raised SEK 19.4 million before issue costs. The capital injection will primarily be used to finance the company's continued operations and an expansion of the clinical development program for the drug candidate sevuparin to the area of anemia in chronic kidney disease (November 2023).
- The portfolio company Umecrine Cognition conducted a capital raise, implemented as a convertible loan with attached share options, for the continued development of its drug candidate golexanolone. Karolinska Development participates as part of an investor consortium in the financing round that brings Umecrine Cognition a total of SEK 30.4 million (November 2023).
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The portfolio company Umecrine Cognition presented positive results from a study of the company's drug candidate golexanolone in a preclinical model of PBC-like symptomology and neuroinflammation. The results indicate a normalizing effect on cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, motor impairments, neuroinflammation, and neural signaling. The results are published in the November issue of the internationally renowned journal Liver International (November 2023).
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The portfolio company PharmNovo announced that its drug candidate PN6047 will be evaluated as a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal syndrome. The U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse, NIDA, has funded a collaboration project to investigate PN6047, a novel and highly selective Delta Opioid Receptor Agonist (DORA), in a preclinical model (December 2023).
- The portfolio company OssDsign announced that they expect revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 to exceed market expectations. Preliminary total revenues for the period October - November amount to SEK 25.2 million, mainly attributable to a continued strong market performance of the company's orthobiologic franchise and some extraordinary orders from a large hospital system (December 2023).
Significant post-period events
- The portfolio company OssDsign reported positive data from the clinical study TOP FUSION. Top-line results show a 93% spinal fusion rate at 12 months as assessed with CT by independent radiological review after surgery with the novel nanosynthetic bone graft OssDsign Catalyst (January 2024).
- The portfolio company AnaCardio received the second tranche of SEK 50 million, completing the previously announced Series A investment round totaling SEK 150 million. The financing will fund the continued development of the company's drug candidate AC01, including the ongoing clinical phase 1b/2a study in heart failure patients (January 2024).
Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development, comments:
"2023 has been a year of positive development for our portfolio companies, with both OssDsign's and Promimic's share prices rising. PharmNovo, Modus Therapeutics and Biosergen have, meanwhile, presented promising phase 1 results, while Umecrine Cognition and AnaCardio have both begun enrolling patients in their phase 2 studies. Umecrine Cognition also obtained an orphan drug designation – which is very important from a commercial viewpoint. To summarise, the entire portfolio has shown positive development despite the harsh financial climate, paving the way for commercial success going forward."
Contact information
For further information, please contact:
Viktor Drvota, Chief Executive Officer +46 73 982 52 02 [email protected]
Hans Christopher "HC" Toll, Chief Financial Officer +46 70 717 00 41 [email protected]
Chief Executive's Report
Several of our portfolio companies have made real progress during the year, generating strong research results and strengthening their financial position. The year's fourth and final quarter, for example, saw PharmNovo not only present promising data in difficult-to-treat neuropathic pain, but also announce planned investments in getting to grips with opioid addiction, which has developed into a massive social problem in the USA and elsewhere. Umecrine Cognition published promising results from a preclinical study of the company's candidate drug, golexanolone, in the well-known publication, Liver International, and also – as did Modus Therapeutics – raised new capital in order to strengthen their financial position. OssDsign, which launched a new strategy focusing on the company's bone graft, Catalyst, in the third quarter, has continued its strong growth journey and recently presented new clinical results that may further boost sales.
OssDsign continues its strong growth journey
OssDsign's nanosynthetic bone graft, OssDsign Catalyst, has been very well received on the US market since its launch in 2021, and it is the steep increase in sales of Catalyst that lie behind the company's announcement in December that Q4 2023 income is expected to exceed market expectations. In January, meanwhile, the company presented very positive clinical results for Catalyst that are expected to further strengthen the product's establishment in the US market.
The results show that spinal fusion surgery using OssDsign Catalyst results in a 93% spinal fusion rate at 12 months. This is an exceptionally good result, in that the challenge of this type of operation lies specifically in achieving fusion between the vertebrae. These findings confirm the excellent preclinical results previously observed in a preclinical model for spinal fusion – the BODEN model – i.e. that spinal fusion surgery using OssDsign Catalyst leads to consistent and rapid bone healing, with improved patient outcomes as a result. We are convinced that the company's new strategic orientation, entailing a full operational focus on the company's orthobiologic high margin products will generate ever-increasing shareholder value during the years ahead.
PharmNovo presents positive data
In October, PharmNovo presented positive data from the company's clinical phase 1 study of its PN6047 candidate drug, a potential treatment for severe neuropathic pain, which often develops into a chronic condition. The results of the study show that PN6047 is safe and well-tolerated at doses predicted to have clinically relevant effects. The results also reinforce PN6047's benefits over conventional opioids in terms of the pharmacological profile and the lack of adverse effects commonly associated with conventional opioids, such as respiratory depression, cramps, or addiction potential.
The phase 1 results add valuable information on the candidate drug ahead of the planned clinical phase 2 study that is scheduled to begin in mid-2024. It is also becoming increasingly clear that PN6047 may offer substantial advantages over conventional opioids, which pose a considerable problem for society, due to their problematic addictive properties.
It was also announced in December that PN6047 will be evaluated as a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal syndrome after the project was awarded funding by the US National Institute of Drug Abuse, NIDA. NIDA's mandate is to advance research into drug usage and addiction, and the funding will be used to identify effective treatments for opioid withdrawal with the aim of tackling the challenging situation posed by opioid addiction, which is a significant public health concern in the US and globally.
Umecrine Cognition strengthens its financial position
Umecrine Cognition presented positive results during the quarter from a study of the company's candidate drug, golexanolone, in a preclinical model of PBC-like symptomology and neuroinflammation. The results indicate a normalising effect on cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, motor impairments, neuroinflammation, and neural signalling. The results were published in the November edition of the internationally renowned journal, Liver International.
Umecrine Cognition has also conducted a capital raise in the form of a convertible loan with attached share options for the ongoing development of golexanolone. Karolinska Development was one of the members of the investor consortium that participated in the financing round, which generated a capital contribution totalling SEK 30.4 million for Umecrine Cognition. The capital will finance the ongoing clinical phase 2 study of golexanolone in primary biliary cholangitis and be used as working capital.
Modus expands its clinical development program
Karolinska Development also participated in the capitalisation of Modus Therapeutics during the quarter. The portfolio company raised SEK 19 million at the beginning of December through a rights issue that will be used to expand the company's clinical development program for sevuparin. The capital contribution will be used as working capital, to fund a clinical phase 2 study of sevuparin in the area of anaemia in kidney disease, as well as continued sevuparin supply to the ongoing clinical study in malaria. Karolinska Development 's subscription for shares in the rights issue totalled SEK 15 million.
Modus Therapeutics' candidate drug, sevuparin, is being developed with the aim of revolutionising the treatment of medical conditions characterised by severe systemic inflammation such as sepsis, endotoxemia and severe malaria. The company has successfully secured important intellectual property protection, thereby paving the way for an expansion of the clinical development program to include new indications such as anaemia in chronic inflammation and kidney disease – an area in which there is a substantial need for better treatments. The expansion means a reduction in the indication-specific risks in the project portfolio while simultaneously increasing the company's flexibility ahead of future business development and financing activities.
Good prospects for further successes in 2024
2023 has been a year of positive development for our portfolio companies and we are looking forward to the activities that lie ahead in 2024. We began the new year by attending the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, which is one of the year's biggest international investment conferences and at which several of our portfolio companies were also represented. The conference presents new trends in business development and the health care system as a whole, and highlights new findings and innovations. The most important aspect of these networking meetings is, however, the opportunity to forge and develop relationships with other players in an industry where everyone's focus is on the patient. We enter a new year, full of engagement and inspiration, and we are convinced that the portfolio companies will continue to advance in 2024 as they did in 2023.
Solna, 16 February 2024
Viktor Drvota Chief Executive Officer
Portfolio Companies
High potential for continued value inflection in portfolio
Karolinska Development's investments in therapeutic companies are conducted in syndicates with other professional life science investors, normally until proof-of-concept is demonstrated in phase 2 trials, at which point different exit options are evaluated. When engaging in MedTech companies, the business model is to finance the companies until they show a positive operating profit.
The portfolio currently consists of eleven companies focused on developing innovative treatment methods for severe or life-threatening diseases where there is currently a great need and there is a lack of effective treatment alternatives. Nine of the portfolio companies have drug candidates in ongoing or planned clinical trials and two companies have MedTech products in early commercial phases. During the period 2024– 2025, three portfolio companies are expected to present data from phase 1 studies and six portfolio companies are expected to present data from phase 2 studies. Additionally, one company is preparing to start a phase 3 study. These study results have the potential to significantly increase the opportunities for attractive divestments or license transactions. Comparable drug candidates have in recent years been out licensed or sold at contract values that have amounted to billions (SEK) for the individual projects.
In addition to the portfolio companies, Karolinska Development has interests in two other life science companies, Forendo Pharma and Oncopeptides, in the form of earn-out agreements. In the case of Forendo Pharma the deal with the acquirer Organon stipulates significant milestone payments, provided milestones are met, in both the drug development phase as well as in the commercial phase.
Project (First-in class) ATR inhibitor ATRN-119 ATR inhibitor ATRN-W1051
Primary indication Solid tumor malignancies
Development phase Phase 1
Holding in company* KDev Investments 2%
Other investors Morgan Stanley Vanguard Group BlackRock Geode Capital Management
Origin Karolinska Institutet
More information aprea.com
* Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans.
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 469 million MEI Pharma (licensor) & Helsinn Group (licensee) 2016
- USD 483 million Calithera Biosciences (licensor) & Incyte (licensee) 2017
Aprea Therapeutics Inc
Inhibits the ability of cancerous tumors to repair DNA damage
Aprea Therapeutics (Boston, USA and Stockholm, Sweden) is focused on developing and commercializing novel drugs to combat various types of cancer by affecting the proteins involved in the ability of tumors to repair damage in their DNA.
During the second quarter of 2022, Aprea completed the acquisition of Atrin Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel cancer therapeutics targeting proteins in the DNA damage response (DDR). With the acquisition of the Atrin Pharmaceuticals drug project, Aprea shifts its primary focus to the development of ATRN-119, evaluated in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with malignant solid tumors – both as monotherapy and in combination with today's standard treatment.
ATRN-119 is an orally bioavailable, highly potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of ATR, a protein with key roles in response to DNA damage. In the third quarter 2022, Aprea initiated a clinical trial with ATRN-119 as monotherapy in cancer patients with defined gene mutations.
Aprea is also developing ATRN-W1051, an orally bioavailable, highly potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of WEE1, a key regulator of multiple phases of the cell cycle. In September 2023, preclinical data for ATRN-W1051 were presented indicating that the selective properties of ATRN-1051 may make it a more effective cancer therapy than other WEE1 inhibitors in development and that it has a promising safety profile. The company expects that an application for the start of the first clinical trial can be submitted early in 2024 and that the study will be able to start in the first half of the year.
Aprea is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in the USA since October 2019.
The market
Targeting DNA Damage Repair, several commercially available Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors induced substantial response in patients with DNA repair defects and have received Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, for several cancer indications. The notable commercial success of these PARP inhibitors has made DNA Damage and Response a clinically and commercially validated therapeutic approach. Targeting ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) represents an emerging strategy to treat a broad spectrum of cancers, most notably those that currently lack fully effective treatments.
Recent progress
- In January 2023, the first patient in the phase 1/2 clinical trial of the drug candidate ATRN-119 was dosed.
- In February 2023, a guaranteed new issue was carried out that will finance the company with USD 5.5 million before transaction costs.
- In September 2023, preclinical results for ATRN-1051 were presented with positive in vivo activity and safety profile.
- In October 2023, early clinical results for ATRN-119 were announced, showing that no hematologic or liver function toxicities in the heavily pretreated solid tumor patients have been observed in the first three cohorts to date.
Project (First-in-class) Sevuparin
Primary indication Sepsis/Septic shock Anemia chronic inflammation/ kidney disease Severe malaria
Development phase Phase 2
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 66% KDev Investments 8%
Other investors John Öhd Nordnet Pensionsförsäkring Hans Wigzell
Origin Karolinska Institutet Uppsala University
More information modustx.com
*Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans
Modus Therapeutics AB
Develops sevuparin for patients with severe diseases and major medical needs
Modus Therapeutics AB (Stockholm, Sweden) is developing its patented polysaccharide sevuparin as a possible treatment for several major healthcare needs, including sepsis / septic shock and other conditions with severe systemic inflammation such as severe malaria and endotoxemia, as well as for anemia in chronic inflammation e.g kidney disease. In February 2023, the company presented positive results from a phase 1b clinical study of sevuparin, where the drug candidate's safety profile and efficacy have been evaluated in a well-established disease model for systemic inflammation (such as sepsis).
Preclinical research presented in 2023 also shows sevuparin's ability to counteract high levels of the ironregulating hormone hepcidin (in cells, in mice and in humans), which points to the possibility of counteracting anemia in kidney disease and other conditions of chronic inflammation. In addition, in a model of chronic kidney disease in mice, sevuparin showed the ability to counteract both anemia and kidney damage in the disease model, with and without the addition of erythropoietin (standard treatment).
In December 2023, Modus carried out a rights issue that amounted to SEK 19.4 million. Karolinska Development participated with SEK 15 million. The raised capital will finance the clinical development of Sevuparin in anemia and chronic kidney disease.
The market
Septic shock is a leading cause of death in intensive care units, with mortality rates often exceeding 30 percent. No specific drug treatment is yet available. This makes the condition one of the most costly to treat in hospital care. In 2019, US healthcare costs for patients with sepsis were estimated at USD 23 billion.
Approximately 10 percent of the world's population is believed to have grade 3-5 chronic kidney disease, and approximately 25 percent of these are expected to have anemia, which equates to approximately 4-5 million patients in the United States alone. Lack of treatment response to today's standard treatments often poses a problem in being able to maintain adequate treatment over time.
Recent progress
- In February 2023, the company presented positive results from the clinical phase 1b study of sevuparin, in a well-established disease model for systemic inflammation e.g. sepsis.
- In May 2023, Modus announced that they have, in collaboration with a world-leading research group, generated data showing that sevuparin has the potential to be developed as a treatment for anemia in patients with certain chronic diseases.
- In December 2023, preclinical data were presented showing that sevuparin can counteract the anemia that occurs in a well-established preclinical model of chronic kidney disease in mice.
- In December 2023, Modus carried out a rights issue that amounted to SEK 19.4 million. Karolinska Development participated with SEK 15 million.
Expected milestones
Phase 2a studies in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia and sepsis with estimated starts in 2024/2025.
Project (First-in-class) Tafoxiparin
Primary indication Priming of Labor Preeclampsia
Development phase Phase 2b
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 2% KDev Investments 29%
Other investors Opocrin The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies Lee's Pharmaceutical Praktikerinvest Rosetta Capital
Origin Karolinska Institutet
More information dilafor.com
* Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans.
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 397 million Velo Bio (seller) & AMAG Pharmaceuticals (buyer) 2018
- USD 465 million Palatin Technologies (licensor) & AMAG Pharmaceuticals (licensee) 2017
Dilafor AB
Reducing complications in prolonged childbirth
Dilafor (Solna, Sweden) is developing tafoxiparin for obstetric indications, with particular reference to protracted labor and associated complications. Up to 30 percent of all pregnant women undergo induction in labor. In just over half of all cases, the induction fails, leading to protracted labor that entails an increased risk for both mother and child due to medical complications. Between 25 and 40 percent of women who experience protracted labor eventually require an emergency caesarean section. Surgical intervention always entails not only a risk to the patient, but substantial health care costs. With the help of tafoxiparin, the patient suffering could be reduced, and valuable health care resources could be saved.
In 2021, the results of a placebo-controlled phase 2b study were presented, which showed that tafoxiparin has a significant positive effect on cervical ripening in first-time mothers who receive treatment to initiate labor. The study included 170 first-time mothers with immature cervixes, which are treated to ripen the cervix and thereby facilitate the onset of labor. Patients were treated with either a subcutaneous injection of tafoxiparin or a placebo once daily for up to one week prior to scheduled initiation. The primary objective of the study was to document the effect of tafoxiparin on cervical ripening measured as the degree of ripening according to an internationally established scale, the Bishop score.
The study results showed that tafoxiparin affected the ripening of the cervix compared to placebo, with a difference that was statistically significant (p <0.009). Based on the positive results, Dilafor extended the phase 2b study, to document the effect of tafoxiparin also in two lower doses than what has been studied thus far. The extension study included 164 women, and positive results regarding dose response were presented in mid-February 2023.
The market
About a quarter of all pregnant women need labor induction. The current standard treatment includes administration of prostaglandins and oxytocin, but in over 50 percent of cases, the induction fails, leading to protracted labor, emergency caesarean sections, or other maternal and fetal complications. Market analyses show that a drug with a good effect on the ripening of the cervix has the potential to reach annual sales over USD 1 billion in the US market alone.
Recent progress
- In December 2022, recruitment was completed for the extension of the phase 2b study of the drug candidate tafoxiparin for induction of childbirth.
- In February 2023, positive results from the extension of the phase 2b study regarding dose response were presented.
Expected milestones
• Start of Phase 3 study with tafoxiparin for priming of labor.
Project (First-in-class) Golexanolone (GR3027)
Primary indications Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) Parkinson's Disease
Development phase Phase 2b
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 62%
Other investors Fort Knox Förvaring AB PartnerInvest
Origin Umeå University
More information umecrinecognition.com
* Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans.
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 397 million Aerial Biopharma (licensor) & Jazz Pharmaceuticals (licensee) 2014
- USD 201 million Vernalis (licensor) & Corvus Pharmaceuticals (licensee) 2015
Umecrine Cognition AB
Developing a new approach to alleviate cognitive impairment
Umecrine Cognition (Solna, Sweden) is developing golexanolone (GR3207), a candidate drug in a new class of pharmaceuticals that affect the GABA system, the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The GABA system is suspected of being overactivated in liver failure and potentially other severe inflammatory diseases such as Parkinson's disease, causing very serious clinical symptoms. The overactivation is also thought to lay behind certain cognitive impairments and sleep disturbances. GABA-Areceptor modulating steroid antagonists, such as golexanolone, counter the increased activation of the GABA system and have been shown to restore different types of neurological impairments in experimental models.
Umecrine Cognition is developing golexanolone for two indications: Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and Parkinson's disease. The company has also conducted a phase 2a clinical study of golexanolone in patients with Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is a serious neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive condition that occurs in acute and chronic liver damage. The results showed that the drug candidate was well tolerated. One of the effect parameters used shows that the drug candidate exerts a significant effect on brain signaling, with a correlated positive effect on extreme daytime fatigue. Based on these study results, the company has established a plan for the further development of the drug candidate in PBC, where a phase 2 study is now also underway. Golexanolone has also been tested in a preclinical model of Parkinson's disease which showed positive effect both on symptoms and neuroinflammation.
The market
PBC (primary biliary cholangitis) is a rare autoimmune liver disease with about 190,000 patients globally where 9 out of 10 sufferers are women. Common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive impairment, itching and, in more advanced cases, even jaundice. The global PBC treatment market is estimated at USD 584 million in 2021 and is expected to grow to USD 3 billion by 2027.
Recent progress
- In January 2023, Umecrine Cognition was granted orphan drug designation by FDA within the indication PBC.
- In March and November 2023 Umecrine Cognition secured a total of SEK 62 million in loan financing, where Karolinska Development part took along with a number of additional investors.
- In April 2023, the first patient was included in the phase 2 study in PBC.
- In June 2023, data is presented, showing that golexanolone's mode-of-action and ability to reduce neuroinflammation.
- In July 2023, data on the positive effects of golexanolone shown in a preclinical model of Parkinson's disease from January 2023 were presented at the World Parkinson Congress.
- In November 2023, Umecrine Cognition presented new positive preclinical results indicating normalizing effects of golexanolone on PBC-like symptoms including cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, motor disturbances, neuroinflammation and neural signals.
Going forward
Topline data from the Phase 2 study of golexanolone in patients with PBC are expected to be available in 2024.
Project (First-in-class) SVF-001 SVF-002
Primary indication Hepatitis B and D SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses
Development phase Phase 1
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 34%
Origin Karolinska Institutet
More information svenskavaccinfabriken.se
*Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 546 million Affinivax raises Series B and C financing 2020
- USD 1.4 billion MYR Gmbh (acquired) & Gilead Sciences Inc (buyer) 2020
SVF Vaccines AB
New technology for the treatment of viral diseases
SVF Vaccines (formerly Svenska Vaccinfabriken Produktion; Solna, Sweden) develops therapeutic proteins and DNA vaccines against, among other things, hepatitis B and D, as well as vaccines to prevent infections by covid-19 and potential future coronaviruses. Therapeutic vaccines, unlike preventative vaccines, have the potential to cure already infected patients.
Despite the availability of preventative vaccines and antiviral treatments, over 250 million people live with a chronic hepatitis B infection. One million chronic carriers die each year due to complications caused by the virus, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The closely related hepatitis D virus infects 15-25 million hepatitis B carriers and exacerbates the progression of the disease.
SVF Vaccines uses a proprietary immunotherapy to produce a specific form of antibodies that blocks the ability of the hepatitis virus to invade human cells. The company has generated promising efficacy data in a preclinical animal model and is now continuing its preclinical development with the goal of enabling a phase 1 study to be initiated in 2024.
Although coronavirus infections are usually mild, some virus types can lead to life-threatening conditions. To meet and prevent severe infections, SVF Vaccines has developed a platform that is expected to enable the production of vaccines against both current and future forms of coronavirus. The company also has had patents granted for chimeric antigens that can create an immune response against chronic hepatitis B and D infections. In February 2023, the company initiated a phase 1 study for its vaccine candidate against covid-19, SVF-002 and filed a patent application specifically for a potential vaccine against covid-19.
The market
SVF Vaccines is currently focusing its innovative vaccine platform on the market for therapeutic vaccines for hepatitis B and D, and preventative vaccines for respiratory viral diseases, such as covid-19. The 2017 KuicK research report, "Global Hepatitis Drug Market & Clinical Trials Insight 2023" estimated the value of the annual global market for hepatitis B at USD 4-5 billion, growing to USD 5-6 billion by 2023. The annual global market for hepatitis D, by contrast, is estimated at around USD 1 billion. Investors' interest in early vaccine companies and platforms like SVF Vaccines' has increased markedly in recent years. This is thought to be due to an increased awareness of the potential for the commercialization of vaccines based on next generation technology, such as RNA vaccines and DNA vaccines. Interest in therapies to treat hepatitis B and D has further intensified – two areas in which the unmet medical need is still significant.
Recent progress
- In June 2022, the company presented preclinical study data indicating that the candidate therapeutic vaccine SVF-001 has the potential to elicit an immune response in a preclinical disease model of chronic hepatitis B at the EASL International Liver CongressTM.
- In January 2023 the company changed its name to SVF Vaccines.
- In February 2023, the company began a phase 1 clinical study with the company's universal vaccine against covid-19, SVF-002.
Expected milestones
Phase 1 studies of hepatitis B and D vaccines are expected to be initiated in 2024.
Project (First-in-class) AC01
Primary indication Heart failure
Development phase Phase 2a
Holding in company' Karolinska Development 19%
Other investors Flerie Invest LLD Nybohov Invest Industrifonden 3B Health Ventures
Origin Karolinska Institutet Karolinska University Hospital
More information anacardio.com
*Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 2.1 billion Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals (licensor) & Bristol-Myers Squibb (licensee), 2015
- USD 620 million Corthera (licensor) & Novartis (licensee), 2012
AnaCardio AB
Protects heart tissue in heart failure
AnaCardio (Stockholm, Sweden) is developing a new form of drug concept that protects cardiac tissue in conjunction with heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart's ability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs has deteriorated. The underlying condition often involves a weakening of the heart's musculature, resulting in an inability to pump the blood out of the heart's chambers. The condition arises as a sequela of high blood pressure or vasoconstriction. The chronic phase is characterized by diffuse symptoms, such as tiredness or breathlessness, which leads to the illness often being diagnosed at a late stage. Acute heart failure results in an individual's health status becoming critical, necessitating hospitalization, but a major issue with existing pharmaceuticals is that they are not designed for long-term treatment.
AnaCardio's clinical candidate drug is being developed to restore the heart's normal muscular function and blood circulation with ground-breaking and safer technique. The Company's goal is to develop an oral drug that, in contrast to existing treatments, can affect the underlying cause of the disease. The drug candidate is based on research by Professor Lars Lund at Karolinska Institutet.
In September 2022, a series A financing round of SEK 150 million was closed in which Karolinska Development participated together with a group of reputable investors to finance a clinical phase 1b/2a study of the drug candidate AC01 in patients with heart failure.
The market
It is estimated that more than 6 million individuals in the United States and nearly 100 million globally suffer from heart failure. The risk of developing a cardiovascular disease increases with age, and 10-20 percent of the elderly population is now estimated to suffer from chronic heart failure, which is now the most common reason for hospitalization amongst the elderly. Heart failure not only causes considerable individual suffering, but it also has significant economic consequences for society in the form of both direct costs from in-patient care and indirect costs such as productivity losses. The increased medical need is reflected in the sales value of heart failure treatments, which is expected to increase from USD 6.8 billion by 2021 to USD 18.7 billion by 2028 in the world's seven largest pharmaceutical markets.
Recent progress
- In November 2022, AnaCardio received regulatory approval to initiate the Phase 1b/2a study in the EU and the UK.
- In March 2023, AnaCardio's founder published an article that supports development of heart failure drug candidate AC01
- In April 2023, the first patient was included in the company's clinical phase 1b/2a study.
- In August 2023, AnaCardio received IND approval from the FDA for AC01.
- In January 2024, AnaCardio secured SEK 50 million in the second and final part of the previously announced series A financing round of a total of SEK 150 million. Karolinska Development participated in both parts of the financing.
Expected milestones
Topline data from the phase 1b/2a study of drug candidate AC01 are expected to be available in 2025.
Project (First-in-class) PN6047
Primary indication Allodynia/ Hyperalgesia
Development phase Phase 1
Holding in company' Karolinska Development 13%
Origin Start-up
More information pharmnovo.com
*Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 940 million ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (acquirer) & CerSci Therapeutics (acquired), 2020
- USD 312 million Novartis (acquirer) & Spinifex Pharmaceuticals (acquired), 2015
PharmNovo AB
Innovative drug project for the treatment of nerve pain
PharmNovo (Lund, Sweden) is developing innovative drugs for the treatment of nerve pain (neuropathic pain). Neuropathic pain is one of the most prevalent types of chronic pain and affects up to 10 percent of the population. Common causes include nerve damage from type 2 diabetes, shingles and can also arise from trauma (including surgery), cancer and cancer treatments. PharmNovo's lead candidate, PN6047, focuses on allodynia and hyperalgesia, two common forms of nerve pain, affecting 15-20 percent of neuropathic pain patients. Allodynia is pain due to a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain, while hyperalgesia is increased pain from a stimulus that usually provokes pain. Current treatment options are deemed ineffective and are also associated with significant side-effects; particularly cardiovascular risks, and, with gabapentinoids or conventional opioids, a higher risk of suicide and drug abuse potential.
PharmNovo's novel drug candidate PN6047, which is based on a drug development project from AstraZeneca, targets a different receptor than conventional opiate drugs do; the delta opioid receptor, and thereby decreases the chronical pain without the side-effects associated with the current marketed opioids (constipation, physical dependence and, potentially, fatal respiratory depression). PN6047 has recently completed a clinical phase 1 study showing that PN6047 is safe and well-tolerated at doses predicted to have clinically relevant effects. PN6047 has also been tested in several mechanistic in vitro models and in animal models for neuropathic pain conditions, as well as for short-term tolerance and dependence. The drug candidate does not induce drug abuse behavior in non-clinical test models and indicates the capacity to reduce conventional opioid withdrawal symptoms, according to brand new results from a collaboration with researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Michigan, with financial support from the US National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). PharmNovo is now preparing a phase 2 clinical study which is expected to start in 2024.
The market
The need for improved treatments for nerve pain is enormous. Around 10 percent of the world's population currently suffers from conditions characterized by this form of pain, leading to a severely reduced quality of life for the individual and substantial costs for society – estimated at nearly EUR 440 billion annually in Europe alone. The estimated global market value for nerve pain drugs is nearly USD 6 billion per year and the market for allodynia alone is around USD 1.25 billion per year and is expected to continue to grow, driven by an aging population and increased cancer survival.
Recent progress
- In September 2023, new preclinical data were presented showing that there are no signs of abuse potential and that PN6047 alleviates symptoms of withdrawal caused by conventional opioids.
- In October 2023, positive phase 1 data were presented showing that PN6047 is safe and well tolerated at doses predicted to have clinically relevant effects.
- In December 2023, a collaborative project based on PN6047 received funding from the US research institute NIDA to evaluate the drug candidate as a new treatment for opioid withdrawal in a preclinical model.
Expected milestones
The phase 2 study with PN6047 is expected to start in 2024.
Project (First-in-class) HEN-001
Primary indication Hidradenitis suppurativa
Development phase Preclinical
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 15%
Other investors Eir Ventures
Origin Start-up
More information henlez.com
* Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans.
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 750 million Janssen (buyer) & XBiotech (seller), 2019
- USD 760 million LEO Pharma (buyer) & PellePharm (seller), 2018
Henlez ApS
Developing a topical treatment against hidradenitis suppurativa
Henlez (Copenhagen, Denmark) is a privately owned company developing a topical enzyme-based treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. The company was founded 2019 by former Novozymes A/S scientist and current Henlez CEO Jeppe Mouritsen.
Henlez' pre-clinical lead development program, HEN-001, is an enzyme-based, topical application directed towards hidradenitis suppurativa – a highly stigmatizing and chronic inflammatory condition characterized by severe pain, malodorous wound fluid and permanent scarring of the armpits and groin. Despite an increasing number of drug trials, the available treatment options are still insufficient. Patients and key opinion leaders unanimously identify a large unmet need for novel treatments, a problem Henlez is poised to meet.
In October 2022, the company raised EUR 1 million in seed financing from Nordic venture capital firms Eir Ventures and Karolinska Development. The proceeds will cover the formulation development of topical HEN-001 to facilitate a forthcoming clinical evaluation of the product as well as an expansion of the patent portfolio.
The market
An estimated 1 percent of the world's population is affected by hidradenitis suppurativa. The global market for therapeutic treatments of the disease is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2028. Available medical treatment options for the condition mainly comprise repurposed, palliative drugs for systemic administration that are limited in both numbers, safety, and effect.
Recent progress
In October 2022, Karolinska Development's seed financing of Henlez was made in syndication with the Nordic venture capital firm Eir Ventures, where the two parties have contributed EUR 0.5 million each.
Project OssDsign® Catalyst
Primary indication Bone grafts
Development phase Marketed
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 10%**
Other investors TAMT Linc AB
Origin Karolinska University Hospital Uppsala University
More information
ossdsign.com
* Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans
** Includes indirect holdings through KCIF Co-Investment Fund
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 330 million Baxter International (buyer) & ApaTech (seller) 2010
- USD 360 million Royal DSM (buyer) & Kensey Nash (seller) 2012
OssDsign AB
Creating the next generation bone replacement products
OssDsign (Uppsala, Sweden) is an innovative company in bone regeneration. Since September 2023, the company is focusing its entire business on the orthobiologics market in the USA. This strategy is against a background of an outstanding commercial success for the nanosynthetic bone graft OssDsign Catalyst, an "off the shelf" product with very good scalability and a high gross margin.
About 20 percent of all low back pain surgeries fail due to poor fusion between the implant and the spine. When surgeons perform the procedure, they use a combination of screws and metal braces to fix the vertebrae and bone replacement material to stimulate bone growth. OssDsign Catalyst is an innovative synthetic bone graft consisting of a proprietary nanocrystalline structure of calcium phosphate. OssDsign Catalyst mimics the body's own bone mineral structure and provides a favorable biological environment for rapid and reliable bone formation. OssDsign Catalyst can be produced with high scalability, has an attractive profit margin and great potential in the market for standardized surgical procedures. OssDsign Catalyst received FDA approval in 2020 and launched in the US in August 2021.
OssDsign raised SEK 150 million in September 2023, in a targeted new issue to a number of reputable institutional investors, including TAMT and Linc AB in order to accelerate the commercial roll out in the US. In connection with the fundraise, OssDsign announced that the company's financial goal is to reach sales of SEK 150-200 million in the mid-term, at which point the company is also expected to be cash flow positive.
The market
The orthobiologics market is valued at USD 5 billion, by 2022. The market segment that OssDsign Catalyst specifically targets is valued at USD 1.8 billion and is expected to have an annual growth rate of 8 percent.
Recent progress
- In January 2023, a first patient report from the TOP FUSION clinical study was published, showing a complete spinal fusion six months after surgery with OssDsign Catalyst.
- In September 2023, the company announced its' new strategy to become a pure orthobiologics company with a focus on the US market.
- In September 2023, SEK 150 million was raised in a targeted new issue to a number of reputable institutional investors. Karolinska Development participated with SEK 10 million.
- In December 2023, OssDsign announced that they believe that the fourth quarter revenue will exceed market expectations.
- In January 2024, OssDsign reported exceptional data from its TOP FUSION clinical study. The top-line results, reviewed by independent radiologists, show a fusion rate of 93 percent 12 months after surgery with the new OssDsign Catalyst nanosynthetic bone graft.
Project HAnano Surface
Primary indication Implant surface coatings
Development phase Marketed
Holding in company* Karolinska Development 2% KDev Investments 12%
Other investors
K-Svets Ventures Chalmers Ventures Riepen LCC Andra AP-fonden
Origin Chalmers University of Technology
More information promimic.com
*Fully-diluted ownership based on current investment plans
Deal values for similar projects
- USD 95 million Nobel Biocare (buyer) & AlphaBioTec (seller) 2008
- USD 120 million MAKO surgical (buyer) & Pipeline Biomedical (seller) 2013
Promimic AB
Nanocrystals of synthetic bone shorten the healing time of implants
Promimic (Gothenburg, Sweden) is the company behind HAnano Surface, a surface treatment that is currently used clinically on approximately 1.5 million implants.
HAnano Surface is a nanometer-thin coating of hydroxylapatite crystals that helps stimulate the growth of bone cells. This provides a stronger anchoring in bone tissue and better healing. The surface is unique in that it can be applied to all types of implant materials and geometries, including porous materials and 3D printed structures – examples of surfaces where traditional thicker HA coating can clog pores.
In the Brazilian market, Promimic collaborates with Sistema de Implante Nacional (S.I.N), a leading supplier of dental implants, which commercializes dental implants coated with HAnano Surface.
In the United States, the technology is approved by the FDA, which means that new implants with HAnano Surface can be quickly brought to market via a 510(k) process. This has enabled strong growth – in the last two years, the number of approved implants for clinical use has increased from 5 to 26.
Promimic has a sales office in Austin, Texas and several partnerships for development and commercialization in the US market for orthopedic implants. Currently, the market for spinal implants is the company's strongest segment. The collaboration with the company's customers includes the development and commercialization of products treated with HAnano Surface technology in various application areas.
The market
Promimic focuses on two main segments, namely the markets for orthopedic and dental implants. Together, these segments represent a global market opportunity for Promimic worth up to USD 600- 800 million in 2025. Within these segments, the company's target group is medium to large sized implant companies and the main market is the United States.
Recent progress
- In April 2022, Promimic successfully listed the company's share on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in a fully subscribed IPO offering.
- In June 2022, new preclinical results showed that the company's HAnano Surface coating technology reduces the risk of adhesion by common pathogenic bacteria by up to 60 percent.
- In July 2022, Promimic deepened its US investment through the establishment of Nano Processing Inc. – a joint venture with Danco Medical for surface treatment for the US market.
Expected milestones
In 2024, the company is expected to run development projects with both existing and new customers, and further product launches and license agreements will be finalized and announced.
Financial Development
The following financial reporting is divided into one financial reporting for The Parent Company and one for The Investment Entity. The Parent Company and The Investment Entity are the same legal entity, but the reporting is divided to meet legal reporting requirements.
The Parent Company is reporting in accordance with the guidelines under the Swedish Annual Accounting Act and Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council, RFR 2. The Investment Entity is required to meet the reporting requirements of listed companies and thus in accordance with IFRS adopted by the EU and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act
Amounts with brackets refer to the corresponding period previous year unless otherwise stated.
Financial development in summary for the Investment Entity
| SEKm | 2023 Oct-Dec |
2022 Oct-Dec |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Full-year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condensed income statement | ||||
| Change in fair value of shares in portfolio | ||||
| companies | 6.6 | 15.3 | 15.2 | -76.1 |
| Net profit/loss | -1,9 | 10.0 | 5.4 | -88.1 |
| Balance sheet information | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 85.3 | 189.8 | 85.3 | 189.8 |
| Net asset value (Note 1) | 1,253.4 | 1,249.1 | 1,253.4 | 1,249.1 |
| Net debt (Note 1) | -85.3 | -189.8 | -85.3 | -189.8 |
| Share information | ||||
| Earnings per share, weighted average before dilution (SEK) |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | -0.3 |
| Earnings per share, weighted average after dilution (SEK) |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | -0.3 |
| Net asset value per share (SEK) (Note 1) | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Equity per share (SEK) (Note 1) | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Share price, last trading day in the reporting period (SEK) |
1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Portfolio information | ||||
| Investments in portfolio companies | 41.6 | 15.6 | 103.0 | 110.3 |
| Of which investments not affecting cash flow | 1.5 | 0.4 | 4.4 | 1.1 |
| Portfolio companies at fair value through profit | ||||
| or loss | 1,100.4 | 984.0 | 1,100.4 | 984.0 |
Financial Development for the Investment Entity in 2023
Investments (comparable numbers 2022)
Investments in the portfolio in the fourth quarter 2023 by external investors and Karolinska Development amounted to SEK 125.3 (122.5) million, whereof 67% (88%) by external investors.
Karolinska Development invested during the fourth quarter SEK 41.7 (15.6) million, of which SEK 40.1 (15.2) million was cash investments. Investments were made in Modus Therapeutics with SEK 15.0 million, Umecrine Cognition with SEK 15.0 million, OssDsign with SEK 4.6 million, PharmNovo with SEK 3.0 million and in SVF Vaccines with SEK 2.5 million. Non-cash investments (accrued interest on loans) amounted to SEK 1.5 (0.3) million.
Investments by external investors in the portfolio companies during the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 83.6 (106.9) million and were made in OssDsign with SEK 43.8 million, PharmNovo with SEK 20.0 million, Umecrine Cognition with SEK 15.4 million and in Modus Therapeutics with SEK 4.4 million.
During the year, Karolinska Development and external investors have made investments in the portfolio companies as follows:
| SEKm | Karolinska Development |
External Investors | Total Invested Q1-Q4 2023 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umecrine Cognition | 31.4 | 31.9 | 63.3 | ||
| Modus Therapeutics | 23.5 | 4.4 | 27.9 | ||
| Dilafor | 16.3 | 24.0 | 40.3 | ||
| PharmNovo | 13.7 | 28.0 | 41.7 | ||
| OssDsign | 10.0 | 140.0 | 150.0 | ||
| SVF Vaccines | 8.1 | 0.0 | 8.1 | ||
| Aprea | 0.0 | 57.8 | 57.8 | ||
| Biosergen | 0.0 | 5.4 | 5.4 | ||
| Total | 103.0 | 291.5 | 394.5 |
Portfolio Fair Value
Fair Value of the portfolio companies owned directly by Karolinska Development had a net increase by SEK 39.1 million during the fourth quarter 2023. The main reason for the increase in fair value was primarily the upturn in share price in the listed holdings OssDsign and Promimic, together with the investments in Modus Therapeutics, Umecrine Cognition, OssDsign, PharmNovo and SVF Vaccines. The downturn in share price in the listed holding Modus Therapeutics and the dilutive effect of the transaction in Umecrine Cognition in connection to their capital rise reduced the increase.
Fair Value of the portfolio companies owned indirectly via KDev Investments increased by SEK 9.0 million during the fourth quarter 2023.The main reasons for the increase in Fair value of the portfolio companies was the upturn in share price in the listed holding Promimic.
Total Fair Value from portfolio companies owned directly by Karolinska Development and indirectly via KDev Investments increased by SEK 48.1 million in the fourth quarter 2023.
During the quarter, a dividend of SEK 5.1 million has been made from KDev Investments to Rosetta Capital, which leads to the potential remaining distribution to Rosetta Capital being reduced by SEK 0.1 million, resulting in Net Portfolio Fair Value increasing by SEK 48.2 million in the fourth quarter 2023.
| SEKm | 31 Dec 2023 | 30 Sep 2023 | Q4 2023 vs Q3 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karolinska Development Portfolio Fair Value (unlisted companies) | 741.4 | 732.7 | 8.7 |
| Karolinska Development Portfolio Fair Value (listed companies) | 124.6 | 94.2 | 30.4 |
| KDev Investments Portfolio Fair Value | 574.3 | 565.3 | 9.0 |
| Total Portfolio Fair Value | 1,440.3 | 1,392.2 | 48.1 |
| Potential distribution to Rosetta Capital of fair value of KDev | |||
| Investments | -339.9 | -340.0 | 0.1 |
| Net Portfolio Fair Value (after potential distribution to Rosetta Capital) | 1,100.4 | 1,052.2 | 48.2 |
Profit development 2023 (comparable numbers 2022)
During the fourth quarter 2023, Karolinska Development's revenue amounted to SEK 0.5 (0.6) million and consists primarily of services provided to portfolio companies. For the full-year 2023, the revenue amounted to SEK 2.0 (2.3) million.
Change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies of in total SEK 6.6 (15.3) million includes the difference between the change in Net Portfolio Fair Value during the fourth quarter 2023 with SEK 48.2 million and the investment in portfolio company of SEK 41.6 million. Change in fair value of other financial assets and liabilities amounted to SEK -3.3 (1.1) million and were the consequence of changes in valuation of earn-out deals. For the full-year 2023, the change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies amounted to SEK 15.2 (-76.1) million and the change in fair value of other financial assets amounted to SEK 8.9 (20.4) million.
During the fourth quarter 2023 other expenses amounted to SEK 2.3 (1.9) million and personnel costs amounted to SEK 5.5 (6.0) million. For the full-year 2023 other expenses amounted to SEK 7.0 (6.8) million and personnel costs amounted to 21.8 (26.6) million. Decreased personnel costs in 2023 are mainly due to outcomes in bonus schemes.
The operating profit/loss in the fourth quarter 2023 amounted to SEK -4.3 million compared to SEK 8.8 million in the fourth quarter 2022. The operating profit/loss for the full-year 2023 amounted to SEK -3.5 (-87.4) million.
The financial net during the fourth quarter 2023 amounted to SEK 2.5 million compared to SEK 1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. For the full-year 2023 the financial net amounted to SEK 8.9 (-0.7) million. The increased financial income in 2023 is due to interest income from bank funds and loans to portfolio companies, as well as capital gains on short-term investments.
The Investment Entity's Net profit/loss amounted to SEK -1.9 (10.0) million in the fourth quarter 2023. For the full-year 2023 net profit/loss amounted to SEK 5.4 (-88.1) million.
Financial position
The Investment Entity's equity to total assets ratio amounted to 99% on 31 December 2023, which it also did on 31 December 2022.
The investment company's equity on 31 December 2023, amounted to SEK 1,246.8 million, compared to SEK 1,248.7 million on 30 September 2023. The increase is a consequence of the profit/loss for the period of SEK -1.90 million.
After the paying of operational costs and investments for the fourth quarter 2023, cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments) amounted to SEK 85.3 million on 31 December 2023 compared to SEK 189.8 million on 31 December 2022. Net debt (negative net debt/ net cash) amounted to SEK -85.3 million on 31 December 2023 compared to the net debt of SEK -189.8 million on 31 December 2022.
The company is going concern. The company's ability to continue operations (going concern) is stable. The report is prepared based on the assumption of continued operation.
Financial Development – Parent Company
The Parent Company refers to Karolinska Development AB (comparable numbers 2022).
During the fourth quarter 2023, the Parent Company's Net profit/loss amounted to SEK -2.0 (10.0) million. For the full-year 2023 net profit/loss amounted to SEK 5.2 (-88.1) million.
The negative result for the fourth quarter of 2023 led to a decrease in equity of SEK 2.0 million from SEK 1,248.7 million as of 30 September 2023 to SEK 1,246.7 million 31 December 2023.
The Share
The share and share capital
Trade in the Karolinska Development share takes place on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker symbol "KDEV". The last price paid for the listed B share on 31 December 2023 was SEK 1.70, and the market capitalization amounted to SEK 459 million.
The share capital of Karolinska Development on 31 December 2023 amounted to SEK 2.7 million divided into 2,555,261 A shares, each with ten votes (25,552,610 votes) and 267,522,333 B shares, each with one vote (267,522,333 votes). The total number of shares and votes in Karolinska Development on 31 December 2023 amounted to 270,077,594 shares and 293,074,943 votes.
YEAR-END REPORT
Jan – Dec 2023
Ownership
On 31 December 2023, Karolinska Development had 15,104 shareholders.
| Shareholder | A-Shares | B-Shares | Cap % | Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| invoX Pharma Ltd | 0 | 128,736,384 | 47.67% | 43.93% |
| Worldwide International Investments Ltd | 0 | 28,007,077 | 10.37% | 9.56% |
| Swedbank Robur Microcap fond | 0 | 8,750,000 | 3.24% | 2.99% |
| Styviken Invest AS | 0 | 5,236,206 | 1.94% | 1.79% |
| Avanza pension | 0 | 4,707,022 | 1.74% | 1.61% |
| Stift För Främjande & Utveckling | 2,555,261 | 1,755,818 | 1.60% | 9.32% |
| Coastal Investment Management LLC | 0 | 2,470,541 | 0.91% | 0.84% |
| Handelsbanken fonder | 0 | 1,401,581 | 0.52% | 0.48% |
| Nordnet Pensionsförsäkringar | 0 | 1,400,141 | 0.52% | 0.48% |
| Adis Holding | 0 | 1,200,000 | 0.44% | 0.41% |
| Sum Top 10 Shareholders | 2,555,261 | 183,664,770 | 68.95% | 71.39% |
| Sum Other Shareholders | 0 | 83,857,563 | 31.05% | 28.61% |
| Sum All Shareholders | 2,555,261 | 267,522,333 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Information on Risks and Uncertainties
Investment Entity and Parent Company
Financial risks
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as the war in Gaza and the related disturbances of sea transport through the Red Sea affect the economy and society as a whole, including Karolinska Development and its portfolio companies. The general downturn in the stock market since 2022 and the continued increases in interest rates have shifted the financial market's focus from growth companies to companies with positive operating cash flows, which has led to lower valuations in many previously highly valued growth companies. This affects Karolinska Development and its opportunities to not only finance its portfolio companies, but also to divest them at a suitable time for Karolinska Development.
The value of listed companies can decline delays in clinical trial programs may occur and the opportunities for refinancing can be hampered. The Board monitors the evolvement of the crises closely and Karolinska Development is working intensively to minimize the impact on the value of our investments and works continuously with different financing alternatives to secure the long-term capital requirement and thereby increase the degree of strategic and operational headroom for the future.
For a detailed description of other risks and uncertainties, see the Annual report 2022.
Signing of the report
Solna, 16 February 2024
Viktor Drvota CEO
This report has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors.
Dates for Publication of Financial Information
| Annual Report 2023 | 22 March 2024 |
|---|---|
| Interim Report January – March 2024 | 26 April 2024 |
| Annual meeting 2024 | 16 May 2024 |
| Interim Report January – June 2024 | 30 August 2024 |
| Interim Report January – September 2024 | 15 November 2024 |
Karolinska Development is required by law to publish the information in this interim report. The information was published on 16 February 2023.
This interim report, together with additional information, is available on Karolinska Development's website: www.karolinskadevelopment.com.
Note: This report is a translation of the Swedish interim report. In case of any discrepancies, the official Swedish version shall prevail.
Financial Statements
Condensed income statement for the Investment Entity
| SEK 000 | Note | 2023 Oct-Dec |
2022 Oct-Dec |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Full-year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 533 | 562 | 2,014 | 2,300 | |
| Change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies Change in fair value of other financial assets and liabilities |
2,3 | 6,597 -3,345 |
15,314 1,089 |
15,185 8,891 |
-76,083 20,435 |
| Other expenses | -2,317 | -1,949 | -6,963 | -6,798 | |
| Personnel costs Depreciation of right-of-use |
-5,534 | -6,026 | -21,834 | -26,585 | |
| assets | -262 | -173 | -798 | -690 | |
| Operating profit/loss | -4,328 | 8,817 | -3,505 | -87,421 | |
| Financial net | 2,457 | 1,205 | 8,891 | -701 | |
| Profit/loss before tax | -1,871 | 10,022 | 5,386 | -88,122 | |
| Taxes | - | - | - | - | |
| NET PROFIT/LOSS FOR THE PERIOD |
-1,871 | 10,022 | 5,386 | -88,122 |
Condensed statement of comprehensive income for the Investment Entity
| SEK 000 | Note | 2023 Oct-Dec |
2022 Oct-Dec |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Full-year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net profit/loss for the period | -1,871 | 10,022 | 5,386 | -88,122 | |
| Total comprehensive income/loss for the period |
-1,871 | 10,022 | 5,386 | -88,122 |
Earnings per share for the Investment Entity
| SEK | Note | 2023 Oct-Dec |
2022 Oct-Dec |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Full-year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings per share, weighted average before dilution |
-0.01 | 0.04 | 0.02 | -0.34 | |
| Number of shares, weighted average before dilution Earnings per share, weighted |
269,833,309 | 269,833,309 | 269,833,309 | 257,417,460 | |
| average after dilution | -0.01 | 0.04 | 0.02 | -0.34 | |
| Number of shares, weighted | |||||
| average after dilution | 269,833,309 | 269,833,309 | 269,833,309 | 257,417,460 |
Condensed balance sheet for the Investment Entity
| SEK 000 | Note | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Tangible assets | |||
| Right-of-use assets | 3,158 | 690 | |
| Financial assets | |||
| Shares in portfolio companies at fair value through | |||
| profit or loss | 2,3 | 1,100,398 | 983,995 |
| Other financial assets | 4 | 57,443 | 59,537 |
| Total non-current assets | 1,160,999 | 1,044,222 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Receivables from portfolio companies | 268 | 211 | |
| Other financial assets | 4 | 10,386 | 15,970 |
| Other current receivables | 673 | 673 | |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 795 | 750 | |
| Short-term investments, at fair value through profit or | |||
| loss | - | 58,742 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 85,272 | 131,078 | |
| Total current assets | 97,394 | 207,424 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1,258,393 | 1,251,646 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Total equity | 1,246,824 | 1,241,438 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Other financial liabilities | 130 | 191 | |
| Accounts payable | 1,323 | 439 | |
| Liability to make lease payment | 3,070 | 753 | |
| Other current liabilities | 674 | 654 | |
| Accrued expenses and prepaid income | 6,372 | 8,171 | |
| Total current liabilities | 11,569 | 10,208 | |
| Total liabilities | 11,569 | 10,208 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 1,258,393 | 1,251,646 |
Condensed statement of changes in the Investment Entity's equity
| SEK 000 | Not | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening balance, equity | 1,241,438 | 971,086 | |
| Share capital | 2,701 | 2,701 | |
| Share premium | 2,735,903 | 2,735,903 | |
| Retained earnings | -1,491,780 | -1,497,166 | |
| Closing balance, equity | 1,246,824 | 1,241,438 |
Condensed statement of cash flows for the Investment Entity
| SEK 000 Note |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Jan-Dec |
|---|---|---|
| Operating activities | ||
| Operating profit/loss | -3,505 | -87,421 |
| Adjustments for items not affecting cash flow | ||
| Depreciation | 798 | 690 |
| Change in fair value | -24,076 | 55,648 |
| Other items | 2,761 | -206 |
| Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and operating investments |
-24,022 | -31,289 |
| Cash flow from changes in working capital | ||
| Increase (-)/Decrease (+) in operating receivables | -104 | 416 |
| Increase (+)/Decrease (-) in operating liabilities | -895 | -1,661 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | -25,021 | -32,534 |
| Investment activities | ||
| Part payment from earn-out deal | 18,271 | 5,358 |
| Acquisitions of shares in portfolio companies | -98,589 | -109,166 |
| Proceeds from sale of short-term investments | 60,336 | - |
| Acquisitions of short-term investments | - | -10,000 |
| Cash flow from investment activities | -19,982 | -113,808 |
| Financing activities | ||
| Cash from rights issue | - | 254,911 |
| Prospectus costs | - | -19,175 |
| Amortization of lease liabilities | -803 | -714 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -803 | 235,022 |
| Cash flow for the period | -45,806 | 88,680 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 131,078 | 42,398 |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD |
85,272 | 131,078 |
YEAR-END REPORT
Jan – Dec 2023
Condensed income statement for the Parent Company
| SEK 000 | Note | 2023 Oct-Dec |
2022 Oct-Dec |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Full-year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 533 | 562 | 2,014 | 2,300 | |
| Change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies |
2.3 | 6,597 | 15,314 | 15,185 | -76,083 |
| Change in fair value of other financial assets and liabilities |
-3,345 | 1,089 | 8,891 | 20,435 | |
| Other expenses | -2,677 | -2,129 | -7,859 | -7,513 | |
| Personnel costs | -5,534 | -6,026 | -21,834 | -26,585 | |
| Operating profit/loss | -4,426 | 8,810 | -3,603 | -87,446 | |
| Financial net | 2,387 | 1,215 | 8,837 | -655 | |
| Profit/loss before tax | -2,039 | 10,025 | 5,234 | -88,101 | |
| Tax | - | - | - | - | |
| NET PROFIT/LOSS FOR THE PERIOD |
-2,039 | 10,025 | 5,234 | -88,101 |
Condensed statement of comprehensive income for the Parent Company
| SEK 000 | Note | 2023 Oct-Dec |
2022 Oct-Dec |
2023 Full-year |
2022 Full-year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net profit/loss for the period | -2,039 | 10,025 | 5,234 | -88,101 | |
| Total comprehensive income/loss for the period |
-2,039 | 10,025 | 5,234 | -88,101 |
Condensed balance sheet for the Parent Company
| SEK 000 | Note | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Financial non-current assets | |||
| Shares in portfolio companies at fair value through profit | |||
| or loss | 2,3 | 1,100,398 | 983,995 |
| Other financial assets | 4 | 57,443 | 59,537 |
| Total non-current assets | 1,157,841 | 1,043,532 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Receivables from portfolio companies | 268 | 211 | |
| Other financial assets | 4 | 10,386 | 15,970 |
| Other current receivables | 673 | 673 | |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 795 | 750 | |
| Short-term investments at fair value through profit or | |||
| loss | - | 58,742 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 85,272 | 131,078 | |
| Total current assets | 97,394 | 207,424 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1,255,235 | 1,250,956 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Total equity | 1,246,735 | 1,241,501 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Other financial liabilities | 130 | 191 | |
| Accounts payable | 1,323 | 439 | |
| Other current liabilities | 674 | 654 | |
| Accrued expenses and prepaid income | 6,373 | 8,171 | |
| Total current liabilities | 8,500 | 9,455 | |
| Total liabilities | 8,500 | 9,455 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 1,255,235 | 1,250,956 |
Condensed statement of changes in equity for the Parent Company
| SEK 000 | Not | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening balance, equity | 1,241,501 | 971,128 | |
| Share capital | 2,701 | 2,701 | |
| Share premium reserve | 2,735,903 | 2,735,903 | |
| Retained earnings | -1,491,869 | -1,497,103 | |
| Closing balance, equity | 1,246,735 | 1,241,501 |
Notes to the Financial Statements
NOTE 1 Accounting policies
This report has been prepared in accordance with the International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Annual Accounts Act. The accounting policies applied to the Investment Entity and the Parent Company correspond, unless otherwise stated below, to the accounting policies and valuation methods used in the preparation of the most recent annual report.
Information on the Parent Company
Karolinska Development AB (publ) ("Karolinska Development," "Investment Entity" or the "Company") is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The Company, with Corporate Identity Number 556707-5048, is a limited liability company with its registered office in Solna, Sweden. The Company focuses on identifying medical innovations and investing in the creation and growth of companies developing these assets into differentiated products that will make a difference to patients' lives and provide an attractive return on investment to its shareholders. The sole purpose of investing in such companies is to generate a return through capital appreciation and investment income. These temporary investments, which are not investment entities, are designated "portfolio companies" below.
New and revised accounting principles 2023
No new or revised IFRS standards or recommendations from IFRS Interpretations Committee has had significant impact on the Investment Entity.
Related party transactions
No related party transactions have taken place during the reporting period.
Definitions
Interim period: The period from the beginning of the financial year through the closing date.
Reporting period: January – December 2023.
Alternative Performance Measures
The Company presents certain financial measures in the interim report that are not defined under IFRS. The Company believes that these measures provide useful supplemental information to investors and the company's management as they allow for the evaluation of the company's performance. Because not all companies calculate the financial measures in the same way, these are not always comparable to measures used by other companies. Therefore, these financial measures should not be considered as substitutes for measures as defined under IFRS.
Portfolio companies: Companies where Karolinska Development has made investments (subsidiaries, joint ventures, associated companies and other long-term securities' holdings) which are active in pharmaceuticals, MedTech, theranostics and formulation technology.
The Portfolio Fair Value is divided into Total Portfolio Fair Value and Net Portfolio Fair Value.
Total Portfolio Fair Value: The aggregated proceeds that would be received by Karolinska Development and KDev Investments if the shares in their portfolio companies were sold in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Net Portfolio Fair Value (after potential distribution to Rosetta Capital) is the net aggregated proceeds that Karolinska Development will receive after KDev Investments' distribution of proceeds to Rosetta Capital.
rNPV: "risk-adjusted net present value" is a method to value risky future cash flows. rNPV is the standard valuation method in the drug development industry, where sufficient data exists to estimate success rates for all R&D phases.
Equity per share: Equity on the closing date in relation to the number of shares outstanding on the closing date.
Net debt: Interest-bearing liabilities (SEK 0.0 million) reduced with cash and cash equivalents (including shortterm investments) (SEK 85.3 million).
Equity to total assets ratio: Equity divided by total assets.
YEAR-END REPORT
Jan – Dec 2023
Net asset value as of 31 December 2023:
| Number of shares |
Fair value Part of Karolinska Developments' net asset value |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEK 000 | SEK per share3 |
percentage | ||
| Listed assets | ||||
| Modus Therapeutics | 23,801,390 | 41,295 | 0.15 | 3.3% |
| OssDsign | 9,135,478 | 73,084 | 0.27 | 5.8% |
| Promimic | 312,500 | 10,219 | 0.04 | 0.8% |
| Total listed assets | 124,598 | 0.46 | 9.9% | |
| Unlisted assets | ||||
| AnaCardio | 45,140 | 0.17 | 3.6% | |
| Dilafor | 40,302 | 0.15 | 3.2% | |
| Henlez | 5,557 | 0.02 | 0.4% | |
| PharmNovo | 33,664 | 0.12 | 2.7% | |
| Svenska Vaccinfabriken Produktion | 21,007 | 0.08 | 1.7% | |
| Umecrine Cognition | 588,072 | 2.18 | 46.9% | |
| KCIF Co-Investment Fund KB1 | 7,623 | 0.03 | 0.6% | |
| KDev Investments1 | 234,435 | 0.87 | 18.7% | |
| Total unlisted assets | 975,800 | 3.62 | 77.9% | |
| Net of other liabilities and debts2 | 152,971 | 0.57 | 12.2% | |
| Total net asset value | 1,253,369 | 4.64 | 100.0% |
1The company has both listed and unlisted assets.
2 Includes SEK 85.3 million cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investments).
3In relation to the number of shares outstanding (269,833,309) on the closing date.
NOTE 2 Shares in portfolio companies, at fair value through profit or loss
Change in fair value of portfolio companies
| SEK 000 | 2023 Full-year |
2022 Jan-Dec |
|---|---|---|
| Result level 1 | ||
| Listed companies, realized | - | - |
| Listed companies, unrealized | 15,561 | -22,408 |
| Total level 1 | 15,561 | -22,408 |
| Result level 3 | ||
| Unlisted companies, realized | 793 | 751 |
| Unlisted companies, unrealized | -1,169 | -54,426 |
| Total level 3 | -376 | -53,675 |
| Total | 15,185 | -76,083 |
Shares in portfolio companies, at fair value through profit or loss
| SEK 000 | 2023-12-31 | 2022-12-31 |
|---|---|---|
| Accumulated acquisition cost | ||
| At the beginning of the year | 983,995 | 950,170 |
| Investments during the year | 102,980 | 110,294 |
| Sales during the year | -1,763 | -386 |
| Changes in fair value in net profit/loss for the year | 15,185 | -76,083 |
| Closing balance | 1,100,398 | 983,995 |
NOTE 3 Fair value
The table below shows financial instruments measured at fair value based on the classification in the fair value hierarchy. The various levels are defined as follows:
- Level 1- Fair value determined on the basis of observed (unadjusted) quoted prices in an active market for identical assets and liabilities
- Level 2- Fair value determined based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly
- Level 3- Fair value determined based on valuation models where significant inputs are based on non‐ observable data
Fair value as of 31 December 2023
| SEK 000 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets | ||||
| Shares in portfolio companies, at fair value through profit or loss |
124,598 | - | 975,800 | 1,100,398 |
| Other financial assets Cash and cash equivalents and short-term |
- | - | 67,829 | 67,829 |
| investments | 85,272 | - | - | 85,272 |
| Total | 209,870 | - | 1,043,629 | 1,253,499 |
| Financial liabilities | ||||
| Other financial liabilities | - | - | 130 | 130 |
| Total | - | - | 130 | 130 |
Fair value as of 31 December 2022
| SEK 000 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets | ||||
| Shares in portfolio companies, at fair value through profit or loss |
75,534 | - | 908,461 | 983,995 |
| Other financial assets Cash, cash equivalents and short-term |
- | - | 75,507 | 75,507 |
| investments | 189,820 | - | - | 189,820 |
| Total | 265,354 | - | 983,968 | 1,249,322 |
| Financial liabilities | ||||
| Other financial liabilities | - | - | 191 | 191 |
| Total | - | - | 191 | 191 |
Fair value (level 3) as of 31 December 2023
| SEK 000 | Shares in portfolio companies |
Other financial assets |
Other financial liabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| At beginning of the year | 908,461 | 75,507 | 191 |
| Acquisitions | 69,477 | - | - |
| Compensations | -1,763 | -16,508 | - |
| Gains and losses recognized through profit or loss | -376 | 8,830 | -61 |
| Closing balance 31 December 2023 | 975,799 | 67,829 | 130 |
| Realized gains and losses for the period included in profit or loss |
793 | 16,508 | - |
| Unrealized gains and losses in profit or loss for the period included in profit or loss |
-1,169 | -7,678 | 61 |
Fair value (level 3) as of 31 December 2022
| SEK 000 | Shares in portfolio companies |
Other financial assets |
Other financial liabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| At beginning of the year | 876,250 | 61,799 | 1,756 |
| Acquisitions | 86,276 | - | - |
| Compensations | -390 | -5,485 | -324 |
| Gains and losses recognized through profit or loss | -53,675 | 19,193 | -1,241 |
| Closing balance 31 December 2023 | 908,461 | 75,507 | 191 |
| Realized gains and losses for the period included in profit or | |||
| loss | 751 | 5 485 | - |
| Unrealized gains and losses in profit or loss for the period | |||
| included in profit or loss | -54,426 | 13,708 | -1,241 |
The Investment Entity recognizes transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy on the date when an event or changes occur that give rise to the transfer.
Shares in portfolio companies (Level 3) as of 31 December 2023
| SEK 000 | Ownership | Market value | Valuation model1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnaCardio | 20.7% | 45,140 | Last post money |
| Dilafor | 2.2% | 40,302 | Last post money |
| Henlez | 13.5% | 5,557 | Last post money |
| PharmNovo | 13.1% | 33,664 | Last post money |
| SVF Vaccines | 34.8% | 21,007 | Last post money |
| Umecrine Cognition | 72.6% | 588,072 | External valuation2 |
| KCIF Co-Investment Fund KB | 26.0% | 7,623 | A combination of share price listed company and fair value of financial asset3 |
| KDev Investments | 90.1% | 234,435 | A combination of last post money and share price listed company4 |
| Total level 3 | 975,800 |
1See The Annual Report 2022 Valuation of portfolio companies at fair value, for a description of valuation models. 2Risk adjusted external valuation by an independent valuation institute in December 2022. The external valuation resulted in an rNPV value which Karolinska Development has adjusted further in order to reflect an assumed split in risk and revenues in conjunction with a license deal and also to incorporate the financial risk that Umecrine Cognition will not manage to finance fully the final parts of the research program.
3KCIF Co-Investment Fund KB holds listed shares which are valued in accordance with the closing rate on the final trading day of the period and a financial asset, at fair value through profit or loss, attributable to earn-out in the sale of Forendo Pharma. 4KDev Investments AB holds both listed shares which are valued in accordance with the closing rate on the final trading day of the period and unlisted shares which are valued in accordance with the most recent transaction (post-money valuation). Dilafor, which is an unlisted company, accounts for 85% of the total fair value in KDev Investments.
Impact of Portfolio Fair Value
In the table below, "Total Portfolio Fair Value" is as defined in Note 1.
Impact on Portfolio Fair Value of the agreement with Rosetta Capital
"Potential distribution to Rosetta Capital", SEK 339.9 million, is the amount that KDev Investments according to the investment agreement between Karolinska Development and Rosetta Capital is obliged to distribute to Rosetta Capital from the proceeds received by KDev Investments (KDev Investments Fair Value). The distribution to Rosetta Capital will only happen when KDev Investments distributes dividends. KDev Investments will only distribute dividends after all eventual payables and outstanding debt has been repaid. Following dividends from KDev Investments during 2021 - 2023, all additional investments totaling SEK 44.2 million have been repaid to Rosetta Capital. In addition, SEK 6.3 million has been distributed, which reduce the first SEK 220 million in the waterfall structure. See also the annual report for 2022, note 17, for a description of the agreement with Rosetta Capital.
"Net Portfolio Fair Value (after potential distribution to Rosetta Capital)" is as defined in Note 1.
Expanded Portfolio Fair Value calculations taking the portfolio valuation and potential distribution to Rosetta Capital in consideration
| SEK 000 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Karolinska Development Portfolio Fair Value (unlisted companies) | 741,365 | 704,443 |
| Karolinska Development Portfolio Fair Value (listed companies) | 124,598 | 75,534 |
| KDev Investments Portfolio Fair Value | 574,336 | 532,547 |
| Total Portfolio Fair Value | 1,440,299 | 1,312,524 |
| Potential distribution to Rosetta Capital of fair value of KDev | ||
| Investments | -339,901 | -328,529 |
| Net Portfolio Fair Value (after potential distribution to Rosetta Capital) | 1,100,398 | 983,995 |
NOTE 4 Other financial assets
| SEK 000 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Other financial assets, non-current | ||
| Earn-out agreement Forendo Pharma | 57,443 | 59,537 |
| Earn-out agreement Oncopeptides | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 57,443 | 59,537 |
| Other financial assets, current | ||
| Earn-out agreement Forendo Pharma | 10,386 | 15,970 |
| Total | 10,386 | 15,970 |
Earn-out agreement Forendo Pharma
Karolinska Development is entitled to earn-out payments according to the agreement with Organon regarding the sale of Forendo Pharma. Karolinska Development estimates the risk-adjusted net present value (rNPV) of future cash flows (earn-outs), after the initial payment in December 2021 and payments in 2022 and 2023, to SEK 67.8 million, whereof Karolinska Development expects SEK 10.4 million to be paid during 2024. The earnouts are expected to be paid during the period 2024–2034, and renewed rNPV valuations will be performed continuously. Forendo Pharma's previous shareholders are entitled to additional future payments totaling USD 870 million upon the achievement of certain development, registration and commercial milestones pertaining to Forendo Pharma's drug candidates.
NOTE 5 Pledge assets and contingent liabilities
| SEK 000 | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Pledge assets | ||
| Contingent liabilities | ||
| Investment agreement in portfolio company | 8,705 | 7,580 |
| Summa | 8,705 | 7,580 |