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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

OR

 

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                     

Commission file number 001-35428

 

 

Prima BioMed Ltd

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter and translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

 

Australia

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Level 12, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales, Australia

(Address of principal executive offices)

Marc Voigt, Chief Executive Officer

Level 12, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney, 2000 New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 (0)2 8315 7003 Fax: +61 (0)2 8569 1880


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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Ordinary Shares   NASDAQ Global Market (for listing purposes only)
American Depositary Shares, each representing 100 Ordinary Shares   NASDAQ Global Market

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report.

The number of ordinary shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017 was 2,079,742,938.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ☐  Yes    ☒  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    ☐  Yes    ☒  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    ☒  Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    ☐  Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer        Accelerated filer    
Non-accelerated filer        Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  ☐  

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board  ☒

  Other  ☐

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    ☐  Item 17    ☐  Item 18

If this is an Annual Report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ☐  Yes    ☒  No

 

 

 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          PAGE  
INTRODUCTION      1  
PART I      2  
Item 1   

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     2  
Item 2   

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     2  
Item 3   

Key Information

     2  
  

A. Selected Financial Data

     2  
  

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

     4  
  

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     4  
  

D. Risk Factors

     4  
Item 4.   

Information on the Company

     21  
  

A. History and Development of the Company

     21  
  

B. Business Overview

     25  
  

C. Organizational Structure

     35  
  

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

     35  
Item 4A.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

     35  
Item 5.   

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     35  
  

A. Operating Results

     35  
  

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

     40  
  

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

     42  
  

D. Trend Information

     42  
  

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     42  
  

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

     42  
  

G. Safe Harbor

     42  
Item 6.   

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     43  
  

A. Directors and Senior Management

     43  
  

B. Compensation

     45  
  

C. Board Practices

     49  
  

D. Employees

     53  
  

E. Share Ownership

     53  
Item 7.   

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     54  
  

A. Major Shareholders

     54  
  

B. Related Party Transactions

     54  
  

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

     54  
Item 8.   

Financial Information

     54  
  

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     54  
  

B. Significant Changes

     55  
Item 9.   

The Offer and Listing

     56  
  

A. Offer and Listing Details

     56  
  

B. Plan of Distribution

     56  
  

C. Markets

     56  
  

D. Selling Shareholders

     56  
  

E. Dilution

     57  
  

F. Expenses of the Issue

     57  
Item 10.   

Additional Information

     57  
  

A. Share Capital

     57  
  

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

     57  

 

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          PAGE  
  

C. Material Contracts

     58  
  

D. Exchange Controls

     59  
  

E. Taxation

     60  
  

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

     65  
  

G. Statement by Experts

     65  
  

H. Documents on Display

     65  
  

 I. Subsidiary Information

     65  
Item 11.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     66  
Item 12.   

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     66  
  

A. Debt Securities

     66  
  

B. Warrants and Rights

     66  
  

C. Other Securities

     66  
  

D. American Depositary Shares

     67  
PART II      
Item 13.   

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     68  
Item 14.   

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     68  
Item 15.   

Controls and Procedures

     68  
Item 15T.   

Controls and Procedures

     69  
Item 16.   

Reserved

     69  
Item 16A.   

Audit Committee Financial Expert

     69  
Item 16B.   

Code of Ethics

     69  
Item 16C.   

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     69  
Item 16D.   

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     69  
Item 16E.   

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     69  
Item 16F.   

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     70  
Item 16G.   

Corporate Governance

     70  
Item 16H.   

Mine Safety Disclosure

     70  
PART III      
Item 17.   

Financial Statements

     70  
Item 18.   

Financial Statements

     70  
Item 19.   

Exhibits

  

 

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INTRODUCTION

Prima BioMed Ltd was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia on May 21, 1987. The principal listing of our ordinary shares and listed options to purchase our ordinary shares is the Australian Securities Exchange, or ASX. We filed a registration statement on Form 20-F with respect to our ordinary shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, which was declared effective on April 12, 2012. Our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, each of which represents 100 of our ordinary shares, were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “PBMD” on April 16, 2012. The Bank of New York Mellon acts as our depositary, and registers and delivers our ADSs. As used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the terms “we,” “us,” “our”, “Prima BioMed”, “Prima” and the “Company” mean Prima BioMed Ltd and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are prepared in Australian dollars and in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB. Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F comply with both the IFRS and Australian Accounting Standards. In this Annual Report, all references to “U.S. dollars” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States, all references to “euro”, “€” or “EUR” are to the currency of certain states of the European Union, and all references to “Australian dollars” or “$” or “A$” are to the currency of Australia.

Statements made in this Annual Report on Form 20-F concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are summaries of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not complete descriptions of all of their terms. If we filed any of these documents as an exhibit to this Annual Report or to any registration statement that we previously filed, you may read the document itself for a complete description of its terms.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are “forward-looking statements” which reflect our current view with respect to future events and financial results. We urge you to consider that statements which use the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and these forward-looking statements, include, without limitation, any statements relating to:

 

    our product development and business strategy, including the potential size of the markets for our products and future development and/or expansion of our products and therapies in our markets;

 

    our future research and development activities, including clinical testing and manufacturing and the costs and timing thereof;

 

    sufficiency of our cash resources;

 

    our ability to commercialize products and generate product revenues

 

    our ability to achieve and collect milestone and royalty payments from our collaboration partners and other contract counterparties;

 

    our ability to raise additional funding when needed;

 

    any statements concerning anticipated regulatory activities or licensing or collaborative arrangements, including our ability to obtain regulatory clearances;

 

    our research and development and other expenses;

 

    our operations and intellectual property risks;

 

    our ability to remain compliant with NASDAQ’s continuing listing standards; and

 

    any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

 

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We remind investors that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, our achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly release any update or revision to any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise after the date hereof. Please see the Risk Factors section that appears in “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors.”

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A. Selected Financial Data

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F comply with both the International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and Australian Accounting Standards, as issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (“AASB”).

The following selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2017 and 2016 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The selected consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which are not included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. This data should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” as well as our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in “Item 18. Financial Statements” of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

The selected financial data are presented in Australian dollars (A$) (except as otherwise noted).

 

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Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

 

     Year Ended June 30,  
     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
     (in A$, except share amounts)  

License revenue

     —         175,052       —         —         —    

Other income

     4,221,534       1,853,869       2,092,867       3,140,066       4,005,394  

Depreciation & amortization

     (1,701,615     (1,993,093     (1,341,202     (446,360     (254,024

Research & development and intellectual property

     (7,525,744     (7,059,528     (8,952,447     (11,930,857     (14,005,259

Corporate administrative expenses

     (4,346,952     (6,982,629     (5,723,106     (4,092,623     (4,851,195

Loss on foreign exchange

     —         (563,890     —         —         —    

Finance costs

       (8,199     (18,364,804     —         —    

Share Based Payment to strategic investor

     —         (47,468,071     —         —         —    

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments

     —         —         —         —         (33,714

Changes in fair value of comparability milestone

     —         (542,075     —         —         —    

Net change in fair value of convertible note liability

     (751,816     (607,637     —         —         —    

Loss on disposal of assets

     —         —         (5,160     —         —    

Loss before income tax expense

     (10,104,593     (63,196,201     (32,293,852     (13,329,774     (15,138,798

Income tax (expense) / benefit

     737,387       1,181,017       142,156       (13,607     (86,873
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (9,367,206     (62,015,184     (32,151,696     (13,343,381     (15,225,671
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share – basic and diluted (in A$ cents)

     (0.45     (3.08 ) *       (2.34 ) *       (1.03 ) *       (1.33 ) *  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     2,072,450,143       2,016,566,497 *       1,371,431,903 *       1,292,764,473 *       1,148,247,371 *  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Prima Biomed Ltd and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries (’the group’) revised the 2013 to 2016 EPS figures to correct the basic and diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the EPS calculation. Although the figures have been updated in these financial statements, the Group has determined that the revision to the number of shares and the resulting EPS was not material to the 2013 to 2016 financial statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

 

     As of June 30,  
     2017      2016      2015      2014      2013  
     (in A$)  

Cash and cash equivalents

     12,236,974        20,879,548        6,759,615        14,200,042        22,023,143  

Working capital

     13,287,250        20,198,827        3,643,408        21,912,972        28,248,167  

Total assets

     34,963,796        42,554,067        30,983,445        25,377,955        32,814,298  

Long-term debt

     5,778,984        5,027,168        —          —          —    

Total shareholders’ equity

     26,532,306        35,317,513        24,689,743        22,592,320        29,248,418  

Contributed equity

     195,352,543        194,530,932        179,878,436        149,014,372        142,326,977  

Exchange Rate Information:

The following tables set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information regarding the rates of exchange of A$1.00 into US$ based on the historical daily exchange rates of the Australian dollar by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

 

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Exchange rate as of September 29, 2017: A$1.00 is US$0.7839.

 

Year Ended June 30,

   At Period End      Average Rate      High      Low  
     US$      US$      US$      US$  

2013

     0.9275        1.0271        1.0593        0.9202  

2014

     0.9420        0.9187        0.9672        0.8716  

2015

     0.7680        0.8382        0.9458        0.7114  

2016

     0.7426        0.7283        0.7812        0.6867  

2017

     0.7692        0.7545        0.7724        0.7202  

 

Month

   High      Low  
     US$      US$  

April 2017

     0.7602        0.7475  

May 2017

     0.7539        0.7352  

June 2017

     0.7692        0.7390  

July 2017

     0.8046        0.7585  

August 2017

     0.8011        0.7842  

September 2017

     0.8121        0.7813  

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

The following risks relate specifically to our business and should be considered carefully. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks. As a result, the trading price of our ordinary shares and our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, could decline and the holders could lose part or all of their investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future.

We have experienced significant recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities since its inception. For example, for the years ended June 30, 2016 and 2017, we had net losses of $62.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

We are at an early stage in the development of pharmaceutical products and their success is therefore uncertain. We focus on the development of immunotherapeutic products for the treatment of cancer. We, and our partners, have four product candidates under development-IMP321, IMP761, IMP701 and IMP731, all of which are directed to lymphocyte activation gene 3, or LAG-3, a gene linked to the regulation of T cells in immune responses. In prior years, our business was focused on the development of CVac™, an autologous dendritic cell cancer vaccine. However, in February 2015, we suspended the development of CVac™ during its Phase II clinical trials in favor of focusing on biologicals like IMP321, which offer greater commercial potential based on cost of goods alone. While the decision to consolidate the CVac™ clinical trial program and to cease the patient recruitment has led to a significant decrease of costs, the clinical trial program of IMP321 has generated new expenses, especially in relation to the two clinical trials AIPAC and TACTI-mel. There can also be no guarantee that IMP321 will successfully be partnered or that any of our product candidates or know how, whether partnered or not, will ever generate future revenues.

We expect to continue to incur losses from operations for the foreseeable future and expect the costs of drug development to increase in the future as more patients are recruited to the clinical trials. In particular, we expect to continue to incur significant losses in carrying out clinical trials of IMP321 and ongoing research in terms of immunotherapy product candidates, such as IMP761. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of therapeutic products such as IMP321 and IMP761, we may experience larger than expected future losses and may never become profitable.

 

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Moreover, there is a substantial risk that we, or our development partners, may not be able to complete the development of our current product candidates or develop other pharmaceutical products. It is possible that none of them will be successfully commercialized, which would prevent us from ever achieving profitability.

We have no medicinal products approved for commercial sale and no source of material revenue.

Currently, we have no products approved for commercial sale and to date have not generated material revenue from product sales. We are largely dependent on the success of our product candidates, especially the LAG-3 related ones.

The LAG-3 product candidates were acquired by us through the acquisition of the French privately owned and venture capital backed company Immutep SA, a biopharmaceutical company in the rapidly growing field of Immuno-Oncology in December 2014. This acquisition significantly expanded Prima’s clinical development product portfolio to other categories of immunotherapies. It has also provided Prima with partnerships with several of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

We have four LAG-3 product candidates. The most advanced of the three is IMP321. IMP321 is a recombinant protein typically used in conjunction with other therapies (e.g. chemotherapy) to amplify a patient’s immune response. The development and manufacturing of IMP321 is being conducted in conjunction with Eddingpharm, especially for the territory of China.

Another LAG-3 product candidate is IMP701, an antagonist antibody that acts to stimulate T cell proliferation in cancer patients. IMP701 has been licensed to CoStim (Novartis), which is solely responsible for its development and manufacturing.

Our third LAG-3 product candidate is IMP731, a depleting antibody that could remove T cells involved in autoimmunity. IMP731 has been licensed to GlaxoSmithKline, or GSK, which is solely responsible for its development and manufacturing.

Our forth LAG-3 product candidate is IMP761, a new early stage product candidate which is being developed as our first agonist antibody of LAG-3.

In addition to these products Immutep also has a dedicated R&D laboratory outside Paris with ongoing research capabilities. Immutep also currently generates modest income from sales of LAG-3 research reagents.

There can be no assurance that our or our partners’ ability to develop any product candidate, will be successful or our ability to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals with respect to any of the foregoing will be successful.

We anticipate that as the costs related to the clinical trials for IMP321 will increase, we will require additional funds to achieve our long-term goals of commercialization and further development of IMP321 and other product candidates. In addition, we will require funds to pursue regulatory applications, defend intellectual property rights, increase contracted manufacturing capacity, potentially develop marketing and sales capability and fund operating expenses. We intend to seek such additional funding through public or private financings and/or through licensing of our assets or other arrangements with corporate partners. However, such financing, licensing opportunities or other arrangements may not be available from any sources on acceptable terms, or at all. Any shortfall in funding could result in us having to curtail or cease our operations including research and development activities, thereby harming our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to generate product revenue depends on a number of factors, including our ability to:

 

    successfully complete clinical development of, and receive regulatory approval for, our product candidates;

 

    set an acceptable price for our products, if approved, and obtain adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors;

 

    obtain commercial quantities of our products, if approved, at acceptable cost levels; and

 

    successfully market and sell our products, if approved.

 

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In addition, because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with product candidate development, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of increased expenses, or when, or if, we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Our expenses could significantly increase beyond current expectations if the applicable regulatory authorities require further studies in addition to those currently anticipated and even if our product candidates are approved for commercial sale, we anticipate incurring significant costs associated with the commercial launch of such products and there can be no guarantee that we will ever generate significant revenues.

We will require additional financing and may be unable to raise sufficient capital, which could have a material impact on our research and development programs or commercialization of our products or product candidates.

We have historically devoted most of our financial resources to research and development, including pre-clinical and clinical development activities. To date, we have financed a significant amount of our operations through public and private financings. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of our future expenditures and our ability to obtain funding through equity or debt financings or strategic collaborations. The amount of such future net losses, as well as the possibility of future profitability, will also depend on our success in developing and commercializing products that generate significant revenue. Our failure to become and remain profitable would depress the value of our ordinary shares or ADSs and could impair our ability to raise capital, expand our business, maintain our research and development efforts, diversify our product offerings or even continue our operations.

We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially for the foreseeable future if, and as, we:

 

    continue our research and preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates;

 

    expand the scope of our current proposed clinical studies for our product candidates;

 

    initiate additional preclinical, clinical or other studies for our product candidates;

 

    change or add additional manufacturers or suppliers;

 

    seek regulatory and marketing approvals for our product candidates that successfully complete clinical studies;

 

    seek to identify and validate additional product candidates;

 

    acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies;

 

    maintain, protect and expand our intellectual property portfolio;

 

    attract and retain skilled personnel;

 

    create additional infrastructure to support our operations as a publicly quoted company and our product development and planned future commercialization efforts;

 

    add an internal sales force; and

 

    experience any delays or encounter issues with any of the above.

Until our product candidates become commercially available, we will need to obtain additional funding in connection with the further development of our product candidates. Our ability to obtain additional financing will be subject to a number of factors, including market conditions, our operating performance and investor sentiment. As such, additional financing may not be available to us when needed, on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or any future commercialization efforts or obtain funds by

 

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entering agreements on unattractive terms. Our resource allocation decisions and the elimination of development programs may result in the failure to capitalize on profitable market opportunities. Furthermore, any additional equity fundraising in the capital markets may be dilutive for stockholders and any debt-based funding may bind us to restrictive covenants and curb our operating activities and ability to pay potential future dividends even when profitable. We cannot guarantee that future financing will be available in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms, we will be prevented from pursuing research and development efforts. This could harm our business, operating results and financial condition and cause the price of our common stock to fall.

If we are unable to secure sufficient capital to fund our operations, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to third parties to develop and market products or product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves. For example, additional strategic collaborations could require us to share commercial rights to our product candidates with third parties in ways that we do not intend currently or on terms that may not be favorable to us. Moreover, we may also have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.

We are exposed to significant risks related to our ongoing research and development efforts and might not be in a position to successfully develop any product candidate. Any failure to implement our business strategy could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The development and commercialization of IMP321, IMP701, IMP761 and IMP731, or any other product candidate we may develop, is subject to many risks, including:

 

    additional clinical or pre-clinical trials may be required beyond what we currently expect;

 

    regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of data from our preclinical studies and clinical studies or may require that we conduct additional studies;

 

    regulatory authorities may disagree with our proposed design of future clinical trials;

 

    regulatory authorities may not accept data generated at our clinical study sites;

 

    we may be unable to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidate in any jurisdiction;

 

    the prevalence and severity of any side effects of any product candidate could delay or prevent commercialization, limit the indications for any approved product candidate, require the establishment of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, or cause an approved product candidate to be taken off the market;

 

    regulatory authorities may identify deficiencies in our manufacturing processes or facilities or those of our third-party manufacturers;

 

    regulatory authorities may change their approval policies or adopt new regulations;

 

    the third-party manufacturers we expect to depend on to supply or manufacture our product candidates may not produce adequate supply;

 

    we, or our third-party manufacturers, may not be able to source or produce cGMP materials for the production of our product candidates;

 

    we may not be able to manufacture our product candidates at a cost or in quantities necessary to make commercially successful products;

 

    we may not be able to obtain adequate supply of our product candidates for our clinical trials;

 

    we may experience delays in the commencement of, enrolment of patients in and timing of our clinical trials;

 

    we may not be able to demonstrate that our product candidates are safe and effective as a treatment for its indications to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities, and we may not be able to achieve and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to our product candidates;

 

    we may not be able to maintain a continued acceptable safety profile of our products following approval;

 

    we may be unable to establish or maintain collaborations, licensing or other arrangements;

 

    the market may not accept our product candidates;

 

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    we may be unable to establish and maintain an effective sales and marketing infrastructure, either through the creation of a commercial infrastructure or through strategic collaborations, and the effectiveness of our own or any future strategic collaborators’ marketing, sales and distribution strategy and operations will affect our profitability;

 

    we may experience competition from existing products or new products that may emerge;

 

    we and our licensors may be unable to successfully obtain, maintain, defend and enforce intellectual property rights important to protect our product candidates; and

 

    we may not be able to obtain and maintain coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party payors.

If any of these risks materializes, we could experience significant delays or an inability to successfully commercialize IMP321, IMP761, IMP701 and IMP731, or any other product candidate we may develop, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not make acquisitions in the future, or if we do, we may not be successful in integrating the acquired company, either of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

We completed our acquisition of Immutep, in December 2014 for consideration of up to US$25m in cash and stock. Although we have completed the integration of Immutep’s business into our own, we have not yet achieved, and may never achieve, the full benefit of the clinical development expectations, product portfolio enhancements or revenue generations we expected at the time of the acquisition. In addition, even if we achieve the expected benefits, we may be unable to achieve them within the anticipated time frame. Also, there may be unexpected problems in the business unrelated to the Immutep acquisition that have a negative effect on our business. If we fail to implement our business strategy, we may be unable to achieve expected results and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Immutep is our only significant acquisition in the recent history of Prima. Identifying strategic acquisitions is part of our business plan and may become an increasingly important part of our growth. There is, however, no assurance that we will be successful in identifying, negotiating, or consummating any future acquisitions. If we fail to make any future acquisitions, our growth rate could be materially and adversely affected. Any additional acquisitions we undertake could involve the dilutive issuance of equity securities, incurring indebtedness and/or incurring large one-time expenses. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in assimilating the acquired company’s operations, the diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns, risks of entering into markets in which we have had no or only limited direct experience, and the potential loss of customers, key employees and drivers of the acquired company, all of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. If we make acquisitions in the future, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate the acquired companies or assets into our business, which would have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Ongoing and future clinical trials of product candidates may not show sufficient safety or efficacy to obtain requisite regulatory approvals for commercial sale.

Phase I and Phase II clinical trials are not primarily designed to test the efficacy of a product candidate but rather to test safety and to understand the product candidate’s side effects at various doses and schedules. Furthermore, success in preclinical and early clinical trials does not ensure that later large-scale trials will be successful nor does it predict final results. Acceptable results in early trials may not be repeated in later trials. Further, Phase III clinical trials may not show sufficient safety or efficacy to obtain regulatory approval for marketing. In addition, clinical results are frequently susceptible to varying interpretations that may delay, limit or prevent regulatory approvals. Negative or inconclusive results or adverse medical events during a clinical trial could require that the clinical trial be redone or terminated. The length of time necessary to complete clinical trials and to submit an application for marketing approval by applicable regulatory authorities may also vary significantly based on the type, complexity and novelty of the product candidate involved, as well as other factors. If we suffer any significant delays, quality issues, setbacks or negative results in, or termination of, our clinical trials, it may be unable to continue the development of our products or product candidates or generate revenue and our business may be severely harmed.

If we do not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals we will be unable to commercialize our products.

The clinical development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of our products are subject to extensive regulation by regulatory authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and elsewhere. Despite the substantial time and expense invested in preparation and submission of a Biologic License Application or equivalents in other jurisdictions, regulatory

 

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approval is never guaranteed. The number, size and design of preclinical studies and clinical trials that will be required will vary depending on the product, the disease or condition for which the product is intended to be used and the regulations and guidance documents applicable to any particular product. The FDA or other regulators can delay, limit or deny approval of a product for many reasons, including, but not limited to, the fact that regulators may not approve our or a third-party manufacturer’s processes or facilities or that new laws may be enacted or regulators may change their approval policies or adopt new regulations requiring new or different evidence of safety and efficacy for the intended use of a product.

IMP321 is undergoing clinical trials; however, successful results in the trials and in the subsequent application for marketing approval are not guaranteed. Without additional clinical trials any other product candidate in the current portfolio cannot obtain a regulatory approval. If we are unable to obtain regulatory approvals, we will not be able to generate revenue from this product candidate. Even if we receive regulatory approval for any product candidate, our profitability will depend on our ability to generate revenues from the sale of those product candidates or the licensing of our technology.

Even if our product candidates receive regulatory approval, it may still face development and regulatory difficulties that may delay or impair future sales of product candidates.

Even if we or our licensing partners receive regulatory approval to sell IMP321 or any other product candidate, the relevant regulatory authorities may, nevertheless, impose significant restrictions on the indicated uses, manufacturing, labelling, packaging, adverse event reporting, storage, advertising, promotion and record keeping or impose ongoing requirements for post-approval studies. In addition, regulatory agencies subject a marketed product, its manufacturer and the manufacturer’s facilities to continual review and periodic inspections. Previously unknown problems with the product candidate, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, may result in restrictions on the marketing of the product, and could include withdrawal of the product from the market. In addition, new statutory requirements may be enacted or additional regulations may be enacted that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our products.

We have limited manufacturing experience with our product candidates.

We have no manufacturing capabilities and are dependent on third parties for cost effective manufacture and manufacturing process development of the company’s product candidates. Problems with third party manufacturers or the manufacturing process, or the scaling up of manufacturing activities as such may delay clinical trials and commercialization of our product candidates. To minimize the chance of these kinds of disruption, we enter into advance purchase agreements for reagents wherever possible.

Biological product candidates like IMP731, IMP701, IMP761 or IMP321 usually have more complicated manufacturing procedures than chemically produced therapies. The change of manufacturing partners, manufacturing process changes or changes of other nature could impact the product quality and affect the comparability of different product batches. A lack of comparability could significantly impact the development timelines and could even lead to a situation where regulatory bodies require additional or new pre-clinical or clinical development.

The clinical development of autologous dendritic cell cancer vaccines such as CVac is complex and more expensive to produce than most other biologicals such as IMP321. Biologicals like IMP321 offer greater commercial potential based on cost of goods alone. Such lower cost and greater commercial potential were main contributing factors in our decision to focus our clinical trial resources internally on developing IMP 321 whilst seeking a partner to develop CVac. With consolidation of the CVac program and the spin off transaction with Sydys Corporation, a US based special purpose vehicle, the manufacturing and other uncertainties surrounding CVac have now transferred to Sydys. Compared to our other partners Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline who are well funded and established within the industry, the transaction with Sydys bears significantly more risk given that Sydys first needs to establish itself and secure significant funds to develop CVac, and there is no guarantee that Sydys will be successful in that respect. The successful approval of CVac by regulatory authorities and the manufacturing of CVac will be beyond the control of Prima.

To the extent we rely significantly on contractors, we will be exposed to risks related to the business and operational conditions of our contractors.

We are a small company, with few internal staff and limited facilities. We are and will be required to rely on a variety of contractors to manufacture and transport our products, to perform clinical testing and to prepare regulatory dossiers. Adverse events that affect one or more of our contractors could adversely affect us, such as:

 

    a contractor is unable to retain key staff that have been working on our product candidates;

 

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    a contractor is unable to sustain operations due to financial or other business issues;

 

    a contractor loses their permits or licenses that may be required to manufacture our products or product candidates; or

 

    errors, negligence or misconduct that occur within a contractor may adversely affect our business.

We depend on, and will continue to depend on, collaboration and strategic alliances with third partners. To the extent we are able to enter into collaborative arrangements or strategic alliances, we will be exposed to risks related to those collaborations and alliances.

An important element of our strategy for developing, manufacturing and commercializing our product candidates is entering into partnerships and strategic alliances with other pharmaceutical companies or other industry participants. For example, we currently have collaborative arrangements with Eddingpharm for the development of IMP321 for China, Macau and Taiwan. Any revenues from sales of any of our partnered product candidates will depend on the success of the collaboration partner.

Any partnerships or alliance we have or may have in the future may be terminated for reasons beyond our control or we may not be able to negotiate future alliances on acceptable terms, if at all. These arrangements may result in us receiving less revenue than if it sold its products directly, may place the development, sales and marketing of its products outside of its control, may require it to relinquish important rights or may otherwise be on unfavorable terms. Collaborative arrangements or strategic alliances will also subject us to a number of risks, including the risk that:

 

    we may not be able to control the amount and timing of resources that our strategic partner/collaborators may devote to the product candidates;

 

    strategic partner/collaborators may experience financial difficulties;

 

    the failure to successfully collaborate with third parties may delay, prevent or otherwise impair the development or commercialization of our product candidates or revenue expectations;

 

    products being developed by partners/collaborators may never reach commercial stage resulting in reduced or even no milestone or royalty payments;

 

    business combinations or significant changes in a collaborator’s business strategy may also adversely affect a collaborator’s willingness or ability to complete their obligations under any arrangement;

 

    a collaborator could independently move forward with a competing product developed either independently or in collaboration with others, including our competitors; and

 

    collaborative arrangements are often terminated or allowed to expire, which would delay the development and may increase the cost of developing product candidates.

Our research and development efforts will be jeopardized if we are unable to retain key personnel and cultivate key academic and scientific collaborations.

Changes in our senior management may be disruptive to our business and may adversely affect our operations. For example, when we have changes in senior management positions, we may elect to adopt different business strategies or plans. Any new strategies or plans, if adopted, may not be successful and if any new strategies or plans do not produce the desired results, our business may suffer.

Moreover, competition among biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for qualified employees is intense and as such we may not be able to attract and retain personnel critical to our success. Our success depends on our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management, clinical and scientific personnel, manufacturing personnel, sales and marketing personnel and on our ability to develop and maintain important relationships with clinicians, scientists and leading academic and health institutions. If we fail to identify, attract, retain and motivate these highly skilled personnel, we may be unable to continue our product development and commercialization activities.

In addition, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are subject to rapid and significant technological change. Our product candidates may be or become uncompetitive. To remain competitive, we must employ and retain suitably qualified staff that are continuously educated to keep pace with changing technology, but may not be in a position to do so.

 

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Future potential sales of our products may suffer if they are not accepted in the marketplace by physicians, patients and the medical community.

There is a risk that IMP321 or any other product candidate may not gain market acceptance among physicians, patients and the medical community, even if they are approved by the regulatory authorities. The degree of market acceptance of any of our approved products will depend on a variety of factors, including:

 

    timing of market introduction, number and clinical profile of competitive products;

 

    our ability to provide acceptable evidence of safety and efficacy and our ability to secure the support of key clinicians and physicians for our products;

 

    cost-effectiveness compared to existing and new treatments;

 

    availability of coverage, reimbursement and adequate payment from health maintenance organizations and other third-party payers;

 

    prevalence and severity of adverse side effects; and

 

    other advantages over other treatment methods.

Physicians, patients, payers or the medical community may be unwilling to accept, use or recommend our product candidates which would adversely affect our potential revenues and future profitability.

If healthcare insurers and other organizations do not pay for our products or impose limits on reimbursement, our future business may suffer.

Our product candidates may be rejected by the market due to many factors, including cost. The continuing efforts of governments, insurance companies and other payers of healthcare costs to contain or reduce healthcare costs may affect our future revenues and profitability. In Australia and certain foreign markets the pricing of pharmaceutical products is already subject to government control. We expect initiatives for similar government control to continue in the United States and elsewhere. The adoption of any such legislative or regulatory proposals could harm our business and prospects.

Successful commercialization of our product candidates will depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of our products and related treatment will be available from government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. Our product candidates may not be considered cost-effective and reimbursement may not be available to consumers or may not be sufficient to allow our products to be marketed on a competitive basis. Third-party payers are increasingly challenging the price of medical products and treatment. If third party coverage is not available for our products the market acceptance of these products will be reduced. Cost-control initiatives could decrease the price we might establish for products, which could result in product revenues lower than anticipated. If the price for our product candidates decreases or if governmental and other third-party payers do not provide adequate coverage and reimbursement levels our potential revenue and prospects for profitability will suffer.

We may be exposed to product liability claims which could harm our business.

The testing, marketing and sale of therapeutic products entails an inherent risk of product liability. We may face product liability exposure related to the testing of our product candidates in human clinical trials. If any of our products are approved for sale, we may face exposure to claims by an even greater number of persons than were involved in the clinical trials once marketing, distribution and sales of our products begin. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:

 

    decreased demand for our product candidates;

 

    injury to our reputation;

 

    withdrawal of clinical trial participants;

 

    costs of related litigation;

 

    substantial monetary awards to patients and others;

 

    loss of revenues; and

 

    the inability to commercialize products and product candidates.

 

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We rely on a number of third party researchers and contractors to produce, collect, and analyze data regarding the safety and efficacy of our product candidates. We have quality control and quality assurance in place to mitigate these risks, as well as professional liability and clinical trial insurance to cover financial damages in the event that human testing is done incorrectly or the data is analyzed incorrectly. If a claim is made against us in conjunction with these research testing activities, the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs may be negatively affected. We could also face additional liability beyond insurance limits if testing mistakes were to endanger any human subjects.

We are currently taking advantage of certain exemptions from having to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act due to our status as an “emerging growth company”.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. Accordingly, this allows us to postpone the date by which we must comply with some of the laws and regulations that are otherwise applicable to public companies and to reduce the amount of information we provide in our reports filed with the SEC, which could undermine investor confidence in our company and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs.

For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” which may increase the risk that weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting go undetected. Similarly, so long as we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” we may elect not to provide investors with certain information, including certain financial information and certain information regarding compensation of our executive officers, that we would otherwise have been required to provide in filings we make with the SEC, which may make it more difficult for investors and securities analysts to evaluate our company.

We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We would cease to be an “emerging growth company” upon the earliest of: (i) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our initial U.S. public offering, which closed on July 5, 2017; (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of at least $1,070,000,000; (iii) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our ordinary shares (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs) that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of the second quarter of our last completed fiscal year; and (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during a three-year period.

We cannot predict if investors will find our ordinary shares or ADSs less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our ordinary shares or ADSs less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for such shares, and our stock price may be more volatile and may decline.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

Our success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property and our proprietary technology.

Our success is to a certain degree also dependent on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection or where applicable, to receive/maintain orphan drug designation/status and resulting marketing exclusivity for our product candidates.

We may be materially adversely affected by our failure or inability to protect our intellectual property rights. Without the granting of these rights, the ability to pursue damages for infringement would be limited. Similarly, any know-how that is proprietary or particular to our technologies may be subject to risk of disclosure by employees or consultants despite having confidentiality agreements in place.

Any future success will depend in part on whether we can obtain and maintain patents to protect our own products and technologies; obtain licenses to the patented technologies of third parties; and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. Biotechnology patent matters can involve complex legal and scientific questions, and it is impossible to predict the outcome of biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent claims. Any of our future patent applications may not be approved, or we may not develop additional products or processes that are patentable. Some countries in which we may sell our product candidate or license our intellectual property may fail to protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the protection that may be

 

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afforded in the United States or Australia. Some legal principles remain unresolved and there has not been a consistent policy regarding the breadth or interpretation of claims allowed in patents in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia or elsewhere. In addition, the specific content of patents and patent applications that are necessary to support and interpret patent claims is highly uncertain due to the complex nature of the relevant legal, scientific and factual issues. Changes in either patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union or elsewhere may diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection. Even if we are able to obtain patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Our competitors may be able to circumvent our patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner.

Moreover, any of our pending applications may be subject to a third-party preissuance submission of prior art to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, the European Patent Office, or EPO, the Australian Patent and Trademark Office and/or any patents issuing thereon may become involved in opposition, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review, post grant review, interference proceedings or other patent office proceedings or litigation, in the United States or elsewhere, challenging our patent rights. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate, our patent rights, and allow third parties to commercialize our technology or products and compete directly with us, without payment to us. In addition, if the breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to exploit our intellectual property or develop or commercialize current or future product candidate.

The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to the inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, and our patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the U.S., the EU, Australia and elsewhere. Such challenges may result in loss of ownership or in patent claims being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, in whole or in part, which could limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology and products. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.

In addition, other companies may attempt to circumvent any regulatory data protection or market exclusivity that we obtain under applicable legislation, which may require us to allocate significant resources to preventing such circumvention. Such developments could enable other companies to circumvent our intellectual property rights and use our clinical trial data to obtain marketing authorizations in the EU, Australia and in other jurisdictions. Such developments may also require us to allocate significant resources to prevent other companies from circumventing or violating our intellectual property rights.

Our attempts to prevent third parties from circumventing our intellectual property and other rights may ultimately be unsuccessful. We may also fail to take the required actions or pay the necessary fees to maintain our patents.

Intellectual property rights of third parties could adversely affect our ability to commercialize our products, such that we could be required to litigate with or obtain licenses from third parties in order to develop or market our products. Such litigation or licenses could be costly or not available on commercially reasonable terms.

Our commercial success may somewhat depend upon our future ability and the ability of our potential collaborators to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates without infringing valid intellectual property rights of third parties.

If a third-party intellectual property right exists that requires the pursuit of litigation or administrative proceedings to nullify or invalidate the third-party intellectual property right concerned, or enter into a license agreement with the intellectual property right holder, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

Third-party intellectual property right holders, including our competitors, may bring infringement claims against us. We may not be able to successfully settle or otherwise resolve such infringement claims. If we are unable to successfully settle future claims or otherwise resolve such claims on terms acceptable to us, we may be required to engage in or continue costly, unpredictable and time-consuming litigation and may be prevented from, or experience substantial delays in, marketing our product candidate.

If we fail to settle or otherwise resolve any such dispute, in addition to being forced to pay damages, we or our potential collaborators may be prohibited from commercializing any product candidates we may develop that are held to be infringing, for the duration of the patent term. We might, if possible, also be forced to redesign our formulations so that we no longer infringe such third-party intellectual property rights. Any of these events, even if we were ultimately to prevail, could require us to divert substantial financial and management resources that we would otherwise be able to devote to our business.

 

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To mitigate this risk, we have a patent strategy and monopoly around many of the technical areas we operate in with little room for others to achieve freedom to operate. From time to time we engage the advice of patent counsel to conduct checks on the freedom to operate position of our business with respect to claims protecting our product development candidates and our clinical and manufacturing strategies.

We may become involved in lawsuits to protect and defend our patents or other intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.

Competitors may infringe our patents or other intellectual property and we may inadvertently infringe the patent or intellectual property of others. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file claims, and any related litigation and/or prosecution of such claims can be expensive and time consuming. Any claims we assert against perceived infringers could provoke these parties to assert counterclaims against us alleging that we infringe their intellectual property. In addition, in a patent infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours is invalid in whole or in part, unenforceable, or construe the patent’s claims narrowly allowing the other party to commercialize competing products on the grounds that our patents do not cover such products.

Even if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses and could distract our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. Such litigation or proceedings could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce our resources available for development activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. The effects of patent litigation or other proceedings could therefore have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace.

Confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees, advisors and consultants may not adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and protect other proprietary information.

We consider proprietary trade secrets and/or confidential know-how and unpatented know-how to be important to our business. We may rely on trade secrets and/or confidential know-how to protect our technology, especially where patent protection is believed by us to be of limited value. However, trade secrets and/or confidential know-how can be difficult to maintain as confidential.

To protect this type of information against disclosure or appropriation by competitors, our policy is to require our employees, advisors and consultants to enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with us. However, current or former employees, advisors and consultants may unintentionally or wilfully disclose our confidential information to competitors, and confidentiality and invention assignment agreements may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Enforcing a claim that a third-party obtained illegally and is using trade secrets and/or confidential know-how is expensive, time consuming and unpredictable. The enforceability of confidentiality and invention assignment agreements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Failure to obtain or maintain trade secrets and/or confidential know-how trade protection could adversely affect our competitive position. Moreover, our competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and may even apply for patent protection in respect of the same. If successful in obtaining such patent protection, our competitors could limit our use of our trade secrets and/or confidential know-how.

Intellectual property rights do not address all potential threats to our competitive advantage.

The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations, and may not adequately protect our business, or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. The following examples are illustrative:

 

    Others may be able to make products that are similar to IMP321 but that are not covered by our intellectual property rights.

 

    Others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or otherwise circumvent any of our technologies without infringing our intellectual property rights.

 

    We or any of our collaboration partners might not have been the first to conceive and reduce to practice the inventions covered by the patents or patent applications that we own, license or will own or license.

 

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    We or any of our collaboration partners might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of the patents or patent applications that we or they own or have obtained a license, or will own or will have obtained a license.

 

    It is possible that any pending patent applications that we have filed, or will file, will not lead to issued patents.

 

    Issued patents that we own may not provide us with any competitive advantage, or may be held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of legal challenges by our competitors.

 

    Our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights, or in countries where research and development safe harbor laws exist, and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets.

 

    Ownership of our patents or patent applications may be challenged by third parties.

 

    The patents of third parties or pending or future applications of third parties, if issued, may have an adverse effect on our business.

Changes in patent laws or patent jurisprudence could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our products or product candidate.

As is the case with other biopharmaceutical companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly patents. Obtaining and exploiting patents in the biopharmaceutical industry involve both technological and legal complexity. Therefore, obtaining and exploiting biopharmaceutical patents is costly, time-consuming and inherently uncertain. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. Such examples include:

 

    Nautilus, Inc. v. Biosig Instruments, Inc. (2014), where the Court imposed a stricter requirement for clarity of claim language than previously applied by the Federal Circuit, thereby making it easier to invalidate patents for insufficiently apprising the public of the scope of the invention.

 

    Limelight Networks, Inc. v. Akamai Technologies, Inc. (2014), where the Court articulated a standard for inducement of infringement that makes it more difficult to establish liability for inducing infringement of a multi-step method claim that is performed by multiple parties.

 

    Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. (2013), where the Court held that isolated naturally-occurring DNA is patent ineligible subject matter.

 

    KSR v. Teleflex (2007), where the Court decided unanimously that the Federal Circuit Court had been wrong in taking a narrow view of when an invention is “obvious” and thus cannot be patented.

 

    EBay Inc. v. MercExchange, LLC (2006), where the Court heightened the standard for an injunction after a finding of patent infringement.

 

    Merck KGgA v. Integra Lifesciences (2004), where the Court adopted an expansive interpretation of the activities associated with regulatory approval exempt from patent infringement.

In addition, the America Invents Act, or AIA, has been recently enacted in the United States, resulting in significant changes to the U.S. patent system. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, the combination of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions and AIA has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. A few highlights of changes to U.S. patent law under the AIA are:

 

    Under the AIA, a patent is awarded to the “first-inventor-to-file” rather than the first to invent.

 

    There is a new definition of prior art which removes geographic and language boundaries found in the pre-AIA law. At the same time, certain categories of “secret” prior art have been eliminated.

 

    The AIA introduced new procedures for challenging the validity of issued patents: post-grant review and inter partes review.

 

    Patent owners under the AIA may now request supplemental examination of a patent to consider, reconsider, or correct information believed to be relevant to the patent.

 

    The AIA allows third parties to submit any patent, published application, or publication relevant to examination of a pending patent application with a concise explanation for inclusion during prosecution of the patent application.

 

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The “first-inventor-to-file” system and the new definitions of prior art apply to U.S. patent applications with claims having an effective filing date on or after March 16, 2013. Until at least 2034, patent practice will involve both pre-AIA and AIA laws. Depending on decisions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts, and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that could weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to exploit our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in the future. Similarly, the complexity and uncertainty of European patent laws has also increased in recent years. In addition, the European patent system is relatively stringent in the type of amendments that are allowed during prosecution. Changes in patent law or patent jurisprudence could limit our ability to obtain new patents in the future that may be important for our business.

We may face difficulties with protecting our intellectual property in certain jurisdictions, which may diminish the value of our intellectual property rights in those jurisdictions.

The laws of some jurisdictions do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws in the U.S. and the EU, and many companies have encountered significant difficulties in protecting and defending such rights in such jurisdictions. If we or our collaboration partners encounter difficulties in protecting, or are otherwise precluded from effectively protecting, the intellectual property rights important for our business in such jurisdictions, the value of these rights may be diminished and we may face additional competition from others in those jurisdictions.

Some countries in Europe and China have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, the patent owner may have limited remedies, which could materially diminish the value of such patent. If we or any of our licensors is forced to grant a license to third parties with respect to any patents relevant to our business, our competitive position or commercial advantage may be impaired and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

Our stock price is volatile and could decline significantly.

The market price of our ordinary shares historically has been, and we expect will continue to be, subject to significant fluctuations over short periods of time. These fluctuations may be due to factors specific to us, to changes in analysts’ recommendations and earnings estimates, to arbitrage between our Australian-listed ordinary shares and our NASDAQ-listed ADSs, to changes in exchange rates, or to factors affecting the biopharmaceutical industry or the securities markets in general. Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions, such as a recession, interest rate or currency fluctuations, could adversely affect the market price of our securities.

For example, during the last two fiscal years, the market price for our ordinary shares on the Australian Securities Exchange and ADSs on NASDAQ has ranged from a low of A$0.028 and US$1.70, respectively, to a high of A$0.085 and US$6.00, respectively. We may experience a material decline in the market price of our shares, regardless of our operating performance. Therefore, a holder of our ordinary shares or ADSs may not be able to sell those ordinary shares or ADSs at or above the price paid by such holder for such shares or ADSs. Price declines in our ordinary shares or ADSs could result from a variety of factors, including many outside our control. These factors include:

 

    the results of pre-clinical testing and clinical trials by us and our competitors;

 

    unforeseen safety issues or adverse side effects resulting from the clinical trials or the commercial use of our product candidate;

 

    regulatory actions in respect of any of our products or the products of any of our competitors;

 

    announcements of the introduction of new products by us or our competitors;

 

    market conditions, including market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors;

 

    increases in our costs or decreases in our revenues due to unfavorable movements in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

    developments or litigation concerning patents, licenses and other intellectual property rights;

 

    litigation or public concern about the safety of our potential products;

 

    changes in recommendations or earnings estimates by securities analysts;

 

    actual and anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;

 

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    deviations in our operating results from the estimates of securities analysts;

 

    rumors relating to us or our competitors;

 

    additions or departures of key personnel;

 

    changes in third-party reimbursement policies; and

 

    developments concerning current or future strategic alliances or acquisitions.

Our ordinary shares may be considered a “penny stock” under SEC regulations which could adversely affect the willingness of investors to hold our ADSs.

The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to specific exemptions. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, our ordinary shares traded on the ASX from low of A$0.03 to a high of A$0.04 per share. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, our ordinary shares traded on the ASX from a low of A$0.04 to a high of A$0.09 per share. Penny stock rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors.” The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse in each of the prior two years.

The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC, which provides (a) contains a description of the nature and level of risk in the market for penny stocks in both public offerings and secondary trading; (b) contains a description of the broker’s or dealer’s duties to the customer and of the rights and remedies available to the customer with respect to a violation of such duties or other requirements of the securities laws; (c) contains a brief, clear, narrative description of a dealer market, including bid and ask prices for penny stocks and the significance of the spread between the bid and ask price; (d) contains a toll-free telephone number for inquiries on disciplinary actions; (e) defines significant terms in the disclosure document or in the conduct of trading in penny stocks; and (f) contains such other information and is in such form, including language, type size and format, as the SEC shall require by rule or regulation.

The broker-dealer also must provide, prior to effecting any transaction in a penny stock, the customer with (a) bid and offer quotations for the penny stock; (b) the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction; (c) the number of shares to which such bid and ask prices apply, or other comparable information relating to the depth and liquidity of the market for such stock; and (d) a monthly account statement showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account.

In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement, a written agreement as to transactions involving penny stocks, and a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement.

These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity for our common stock. Therefore, stockholders may have difficulty selling our securities.

In addition, the low trading price of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the willingness of investors to hold our ADSs.

We may be a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) which would subject our U.S. investors to adverse tax rules.

Holders of our ADSs who are U.S. residents face income tax risks. There is a substantial risk that we are currently a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to a “U.S. Holder” of our ADRs and reduce the value of our ADSs. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is considered to be an asset that produces passive income.

The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and depends on the composition of our income and the value of our assets. Therefore, it is possible that we could be a PFIC in the current year as well as in future years. If we are classified as a PFIC in any year that a U.S. Holder owns ADSs, the U.S. Holder will generally continue to be treated as holding ADSs of a PFIC

 

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in all subsequent years, notwithstanding that we are not classified as a PFIC in a subsequent year. Dividends received by the U.S. Holder and gains realized from the sale of our ADSs would be taxed as ordinary income and subject to an interest charge. We urge U.S. investors to consult their own tax advisors about the application of the PFIC rules and certain elections that may help to minimize adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences in their particular circumstances.

We have never paid a dividend and we do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future which means that holders of shares and ADSs may not receive any return on their investment from dividends.

To date, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares and currently intend to retain any future earnings for funding growth. We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Dividends may only be paid out of our profits. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Our holders of shares and ADSs may not receive any return on their investment from dividends. The success of your investment will likely depend entirely upon any future appreciation of the market price of our ordinary shares, which is uncertain and unpredictable. There is no guarantee that our ordinary shares will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased your ordinary shares.

Currency fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the ADSs relative to the price of our ordinary shares.

The price of our ordinary shares is quoted in Australian dollars and the price of our ADSs will be quoted in U.S. dollars. Movements in the Australian dollar/U.S. dollar exchange rate may adversely affect the U.S. dollar price of our ADSs and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the price of our ordinary shares. In the last two years, the value of the Australian dollar remained relatively stable against the U.S. dollar. There can be no assurance, however, that this trend will continue. If the Australian dollar weakens against the U.S. dollar, the U.S. dollar price of the ADSs could decline, even if the price of our ordinary shares in Australian dollars increases or remains unchanged.

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention and if we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting may be adversely affected.

As a publicly-traded company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file certain reports with respect to our business and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight are required. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting annually and disclosure controls and procedures quarterly. In particular, beginning with fiscal year ended on June 30, 2013, we have performed system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow our management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We have in prior fiscal years identified material weaknesses that have been remediated. If we identify material weaknesses in future periods or we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, our reported financial results could be restated, we could be subject to investigations or sanctions by regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources, and the market price of our stock could decline.

Our ordinary shares are listed and traded on the ASX and NASDAQ and on Over The Counter markets within Germany. Price levels for our ordinary shares could fluctuate significantly on either market, independent of our share price on the other market. Investors could seek to sell or buy our shares to take advantage of any price differences between the three markets through a practice referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected volatility in our share prices on either exchange and the volumes of shares available for trading on either exchange. In addition, holders of shares in either jurisdiction will not be immediately

 

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able to transfer such shares for trading on the other markets without effecting necessary procedures with our transfer agent. This could result in time delays and additional cost for our shareholders. Further, if we are unable to continue to meet the regulatory requirements for listing on the ASX and NASDAQ, we may lose our listing on any of these exchanges, which could impair the liquidity of our shares.

Risks Relating to Our Location in Australia

Currency fluctuations may expose us to increased costs and revenue decreases.

Our business is affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Currency fluctuations could, therefore, cause our costs to increase and revenues to decline. Our expenses will be denominated in Australian dollars, U.S. dollars and European euro. Last year, the Australian dollar has, as a general trend, remained stable against the U.S. dollar and European euro, whereas two years ago, the Australian dollar had appreciated against the U.S. dollar and European Euro. We conduct clinical trials in many different countries and we have manufacturing of our product candidate undertaken outside of Australia, which exposes us to potential cost increases resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates. In fiscal 2017, there was a small foreign exchange gain as a result of currency fluctuations of A$433. In fiscal 2016, we made net foreign exchange losses as a result of currency fluctuations of A$0.6 million. In fiscal 2015, we made net foreign exchange gains as a result of currency fluctuations of A$0.5 million.

Australian takeovers laws may discourage takeover offers being made for us or may discourage the acquisition of large numbers of our shares.

We are incorporated in Australia and are subject to the takeovers laws of Australia. Amongst other things, we are subject to the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth of Australia). Subject to a range of exceptions, the Corporations Act prohibits the acquisition of a direct or indirect interest in our issued voting shares (including through the acquisition of ADSs) if the acquisition of that interest will lead to a person’s or someone else’s voting power in us increasing from 20% or below to more than 20%, or increasing from a starting point that is above 20% and below 90%. Exceptions to the general prohibition include circumstances where the person makes a formal takeover bid for us, if the person obtains shareholder approval for the acquisition or if the person acquires less than 3% of the voting power of us in any rolling six month period. Australian takeovers laws may discourage takeover offers being made for us or may discourage the acquisition of large numbers of our shares.

Rights as a holder of ordinary shares are governed by Australian law and our Constitution and differ from the rights of shareholders under U.S. law. Holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs may have difficulty in effecting service of process in the United States or enforcing judgments obtained in the United States.

We are a public company incorporated under the laws of Australia. Therefore, the rights of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by Australian law and our Constitution. These rights differ from the typical rights of shareholders in U.S. corporations. The rights of holders of ADSs are affected by Australian law and our Constitution but are governed by U.S. law. Circumstances that under U.S. law may entitle a shareholder in a U.S. company to claim damages may also give rise to a cause of action under Australian law entitling a shareholder in an Australian company to claim damages. However, this will not always be the case. Holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs may have difficulties enforcing, in actions brought in courts in jurisdictions located outside the U.S., liabilities under U.S. securities laws. In particular, if such a holder sought to bring proceedings in Australia based on U.S. securities laws, the Australian court might consider:

 

    that it did not have jurisdiction; and/or

 

    that it was not an appropriate forum for such proceedings; and/or

 

    that, applying Australian conflict of laws rule, U.S. law (including U.S. securities laws) did not apply to the relationship between holders of our ordinary shares or ADSs and us or our directors and officers; and/or

 

    that the U.S. securities laws were of a public or penal nature and should not be enforced by the Australian court.

Holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may also have difficulties enforcing in courts outside the U.S. judgments obtained in the U.S. courts against any of our directors and executive officers or us, including actions under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws.

 

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As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, we may follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements.

As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of The NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. As an Australian company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, we may follow home country practice with regard to, among other things, the composition of the board of directors, director nomination process, compensation of officers and quorum at shareholders’ meetings. In addition, we may follow Australian law instead of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules that require that we obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events, such as for the establishment or amendment of certain equity based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of the company, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or more interest in the company and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company. As a foreign private issuer that has elected to follow a home country practice instead of NASDAQ requirements, we have submitted to NASDAQ a written statement from our independent counsel certifying that our practices are not prohibited by Australian laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in Annual Reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission each such requirement that it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer instead of any such requirement. Accordingly, our shareholders may not be afforded the same protection as provided under NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules. Please see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices” for further information.

We are exposed to differing legal and tax laws in multiple jurisdictions, including complex transfer pricing rules in Australia.

We and our subsidiaries are located in a number of jurisdictions and therefore have exposure to different legal and taxation requirements in multiple jurisdictions, which requirements are subject to change. The listed entity Prima Biomed Ltd is incorporated in, and a tax resident of, Australia. It has a number of intercompany arrangements with its subsidiaries (resident outside Australia), including, for example, funding and employee sourcing arrangements. In Australia there are complex and material requirements on transfer pricing of intercompany loan arrangements with overseas entities. The multiple jurisdictional structure of the Company and its subsidiaries can expose the group to substantial compliance and taxation liabilities. While we believe we are compliant with these tax laws, there is a risk that we and our subsidiaries could be subject to tax audits (with the resulting compliance costs) or exposed to fines or penalties.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our ADSs

Our ADS holders are not shareholders and do not have shareholder rights.

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, registers and delivers our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs. Our ADS holders will not be treated as shareholders and do not have the rights of shareholders. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying our ADSs. Holders of our ADSs will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary and our ADS holders, and the beneficial owners of ADSs, sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs. For a description of ADS holder rights, see “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—D. American Depositary Shares.” Our shareholders have shareholder rights. Australian law and our constitution govern shareholder rights. For a description of our shareholders’ rights, see “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.” Our ADS holders do not have the same voting rights as our shareholders. Shareholders are entitled to our notices of general meetings and to attend and vote at our general meetings of shareholders. At a general meeting, every shareholder present (in person or by proxy, attorney or representative) and entitled to vote has one vote on a show of hands. Every shareholder present (in person or by proxy, attorney or representative) and entitled to vote has one vote per fully paid ordinary share on a poll. This is subject to any other rights or restrictions which may be attached to any shares. ADS holders may exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, ADS holders vote by giving voting instructions to the depositary. Upon receipt of instructions, the depositary will try to vote in accordance with those instructions. Otherwise, ADS holders will not be able to vote unless they withdraw the ordinary shares underlying their ADSs. ADS holders may not learn of ordinary shareholders’ meetings in time to instruct the depositary or withdraw underlying ordinary shares. If we ask for our ADS holders’ instructions, the depositary will notify our ADS holders of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials and form of notice to them. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to Australian law and the provisions of the depositary agreement, to vote the shares as our ADS holders instruct. The depositary will not vote or attempt to exercise the right to vote other than in accordance with the instructions of the ADS holders. We cannot assure our ADS holders that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that they can instruct the depositary to vote their shares. This means that there is a risk that our ADS holders may not be able to exercise voting rights and there may be nothing they can do if their shares are not voted as they requested.

 

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Our ADS holders do not have the same rights to receive dividends or other distributions as our shareholders.

Subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to a share, the directors may determine that a dividend will be payable on a share and fix the amount, the time for payment and the method for payment (although we have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary stock and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future). Dividends may be paid on shares of one class but not another and at different rates for different classes. Dividends and other distributions payable to our shareholders with respect to our ordinary shares generally will be payable directly to them. Any dividends or distributions payable with respect to ordinary shares will be paid to the depositary, which has agreed to pay to our ADS holders the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its fees and expenses. Our ADS holders will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of shares their ADSs represent. In addition, there may be certain circumstances in which the depositary may not pay to our ADS holders amounts distributed by us as a dividend or distribution.

There are circumstances where it may be unlawful or impractical to make distributions to the holders of our ADSs.

The deposit agreement with the depositary generally requires the depositary to convert foreign currency it receives in respect of deposited securities into U.S. dollars and distribute the U.S. dollars to ADS holders, provided the depositary can do so on a reasonable basis. If it does not convert foreign currency, the depositary may distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. If a distribution is payable by us in Australian dollars, the depositary will hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, our ADS holders may lose some of the value of the distribution. The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. This means that our ADS holders may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available.

If we fail to comply with the Nasdaq listing requirements, Nasdaq may delist the ADSs, which could limit liquidity of the ADSs and adversely affect our business and access to future capital.

The ADSs are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PMBD.” In the past we have failed, and in the future we may again fail, to comply with the Nasdaq Global Market regulations and listing requirements as to minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum market value, minimum total assets and revenue, minimum bid price, minimum public float and/or other requirements, and as a result Nasdaq may initiate procedures to delist the ADSs from the Nasdaq Global Market, which may adversely affect our business.

For example, on March 4, 2016, we announced that we received a deficiency letter from Nasdaq that indicated that we were not in compliance with the US$1.00 minimum bid price rule applicable to securities listed on Nasdaq for failing to have a bid price for the ADSs of at least US$1.00 per ADS for the prior 30 trading days. After regaining compliance, we announced that we received another deficiency letter from Nasdaq on August 10, 2016 advising us that we were again not in compliance with the minimum bid price rule. Although we remedied this noncompliance in part through changing the ordinary share-to-ADS ratio from 30:1 to 100:1 in December 2016, there can be no assurance that we will again not fall below the minimum bid price required by the Nasdaq listing requirements nor can there be any assurance that we will not be required to further change our ordinary share-to-ADS ratio in response thereto. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the ADSs have traded in a range from a low of US$1.70 to a high of US$3.30.

If we fail to meet Nasdaq’s continued listing rules, the ADSs may be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market. Delisting from the Nasdaq Global Market could have an adverse effect on our business, including our ability to access future capital, and on the trading of the ADSs. If a delisting of the ADSs were to occur, the ADSs may trade in the over-the-counter market such as on the OTC Bulletin Board or on the “pink sheets”. The over-the-counter market is generally considered to be a less efficient market, and this could diminish investors’ interest in the ADSs as well as significantly impact the price and liquidity of the ADSs. Any such delisting may also adversely affect the trading of the ADSs by ADS holders, or impede them from liquidating their holdings. Delisting may also make it more difficult for us to issue additional securities or secure additional financing, particularly in the United States.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. History and Development of the Company

Our legal and commercial name is Prima BioMed Ltd. We were incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia on May 21, 1987.

 

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Our registered office is located at Level 12, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000 New South Wales, Australia and our telephone number is +61 (0)2 8315 7003. Our address on the Internet is www.primabiomed.com.au . The information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. We have included our website address in this Annual Report on Form 20-F solely as an inactive textual reference.

Fiscal 2016

On 29 June 2015 Prima BioMed announced a Notice of Meeting for the Extraordinary General Meeting to be held in Sydney on 31 July 2015. The EGM resolutions were in regards to the acquisition of Immutep SA, and, US-based Ridgeback Capital Investments.

On 7 July 2015 Prima BioMed received positive scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency regarding the clinical trial design for the development program of IMP321 in metastatic breast cancer.

On 7 July 2015 Prima BioMed announced a Share Purchase Plan to allow eligible shareholders to subscribe for up to A$15,000 worth of new shares, at an issue price of 5 cents per share to raise up to A$5m. On 24 July 2015 Prima announced a successful capital raising of A$10M via the SPP.

On 31 July 2015 Prima BioMed announced the results of the 2015 Extraordinary General Meeting. All 5 Resolutions were passed.

On 4 August 2015 Prima BioMed announced the formal termination of its US$37.4m investment agreement with Bergen Global Opportunity Fund, LP. The New York institutional investor managed by Bergen Asset Management was terminated by mutual consent. The facility was established in October 2014 in order to assist with the funding of the acquisition of Immutep SA (completed December 2014), as well as assisting Prima through to its capital raising in May – July 2015. Upon the conclusion of the investment agreement, Bergen exercised their options, and convertible note.

On 14 August 2015 Prima BioMed announced the commencement of a milestone payment program for IMP701 from its collaboration and licensing agreement with Novartis relating to its Phase I IMP701 LAG-3 antibody.

On 9 October 2015 Prima BioMed received a €306,000 (A$475,000) in grant funding from the European Union and the German Free State of Saxony. The grant, administered by the Saxony Development Bank, was in relation to the past development work on the CVac™ therapy.

On 13 October 2015 Prima BioMed raised A$1.55M via a placement of shares at A$0.05 per share to Nyenburgh Investment Partners (NYIP). The proceeds were used to fund Prima’s IMP321 clinical trial program.

On 27 October 2015 Prima BioMed received approval from Belgium’s Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products for the commencement of the AIPAC study (Phase IIb clinical study of IMP321).

On 30 October 2015 Prima BioMed announced it raised A$2.0M via an equity placement at $0.05 per ordinary share to a leading Australian institutional investor. The proceeds were used to fund Prima’s IMP321 clinical trial program.

On 18 November 2015 Prima BioMed unveiled a new study of IMP321 in Australia. The Phase I Combination Study of IMP321 + Checkpoint Inhibitor, called ‘TACTI-mel’ (‘Two ACTive Immunotherapeutics in melanoma’), is a potentially revolutionary study in immuno-oncology by combining APC activator with an approved checkpoint inhibitor in patients with metastatic melanoma. The Human Research Ethics Committee at the Greenslopes Private Hospital in Queensland cleared the study protocol, with the first patient expected to enter study in the first-half of 2016.

On 26 November 2015 Prima BioMed received a $420K cash rebate from the Australian federal government’s R&D tax incentive program.

On 11 December 2015, in connection with a previously announced collaboration with NEC Corporation and Yamaguchi University in which Prima’s IMP321 would be used to adjuvant a peptide vaccine that had been developed by Yamaguchi University for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, Prima BioMed announced that favourable safety data from studies conducted by NEC Corporation and Yamaguchi University has resulted in a decision to progress the vaccine into clinical research progress with a New Material Transfer Agreement. Under such new Material Transfer Agreement, Yamaguchi University will work towards clinical research in cancer patients, which will be initiated in Japan in the first quarter of 2016.

 

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On 2 December 2015 Prima BioMed initiated a Phase IIb study in metastatic breast cancer (AIPAC). The first clinical site was initiated in Belgium, with the Institutional Review Board approval obtained at four clinical sites in Belgium and three sites in the Netherlands. The University Hospital Saint-Luc in Brussels was the first AIPAC trial site.

On 27 January 2016 Prima BioMed announced the initiation of the first clinical trial site for TACTI-mel, a Phase I clinical study in melanoma using its lead compound IMP321, to be conducted in Australia. The study will evaluate safety as the primary endpoint and anti-tumour activity and the immune response to the combination as secondary endpoints.

On 28 January 2016 Prima BioMed announced the granting of a patent relating to Prima’s IMP731 antibody (originally developed by Immutep): Patent number US 9,244,059 entitled “Cytotoxic anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody and its use in the treatment or prevention of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune disease” by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

On 2 March 2015 Prima BioMed and WuXi Biologics announced that through their strategic supply partnership, Prima’s first-in-class immuno-oncology product candidate IMP321 (LAG-3 Ig fusion protein),manufactured at WuXi’s state-of-the-art cGMP facility in China, has been dosed in a Phase IIb clinical trial in Belgium. The IMP321 clinical samples were the first biological manufactured in China to receive regulatory approval for administration in clinical trials in Europe.

On 4 March 2016 Prima BioMed received a NASDAQ Notice of Bid Price Deficiency for the period from January 13, 2016 through February 26, 2016. Prima was given till 29 August 2016 to increase the bid price to over US$1.00 per ADR for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, or the ADRs would be removed from trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. Nasdaq advised on 7 June 2016 that compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule had been regained.

On 15 March 2016 Prima BioMed published IMP321 Safety and Immune Monitoring Data in the March 15 edition of the Clinical Cancer Research journal. The investigator-led clinical trial in melanoma using IMP321 as an adjuvant to a therapeutic vaccine was the result of a long-standing academic collaboration between Dr. Frédéric Triebel, Prima’s Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Medical Officer and scientists at the Ludwig Centre for Cancer Research at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

On 2 May 2016 Prima BioMed announced the granting of patent number 5908210 entitled “Use of Recombinant LAG-3 or the Derivatives thereof for Eliciting Monocyte Immune Response” by the Japanese Patent Office. This patent supports the use of IMP321 as it is being used in the AIPAC trial in metastatic breast cancer.

On 12 May 2016 Prima BioMed entered into a sale and exclusive licensing agreement with Sydys Corporation to advance CVac’s immuno-oncology program and oversee its future development. The transaction was considered the best entrepreneurial solution to position CVac for clinical success and to continue the program’s development without further resource commitment from Prima. The transaction also provides the potential for considerable future milestone and royalty payments over time.

On 22 June 2016 Prima BioMed announced initial safety data from the first cohort of patients in its Phase IIb AIPAC chemo-immunotherapy clinical study of Prima’s lead compound, IMP321. The first six patients received 6 mg doses of IMP321 in combination with paclitaxel, which proved to be safe and well tolerated with no drug related serious adverse events. The data also demonstrated activation of blood monocytes/dendritic cells and CD8 T cells.

Fiscal 2017

On July 12, 2016 Prima BioMed announced a new clinical trial investigating the intra-tumoural injection of IMP321. The collaborative study is being conducted by lead investigator and sponsor, the Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Krankenhaus Nordwest GmbH in Frankfurt Germany.

On August 18, 2016 Prima BioMed provided the market with an operational update on the Company’s cash position and the recruitment progress in its two active clinical trials in IMP321: AIPAC (Active Immunotherapy PAClitaxel) and TACTI-mel (Two ACTive Immunotherapeutics in melanoma).

On 25 August 2016 Prima BioMed announced the granting of patent number 2142210 entitled “Cytotoxic anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody and its use in the treatment or prevention of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune disease” by the European Patent Office. This patent relates to Prima’s IPM731 antibody (originally developed by Immutep).

 

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On November 23, 2016 Prima BioMed announced the signing of a non-binding MOU and strategic development and manufacturing partnership it entered into with WuXi Biologics. Under the partnership, WuXi Biologics will be the exclusive clinical and commercial manufacturer for IMP321 for Prima worldwide (excluding: China, Macau, Taiwan and Hong Kong where rights are retained by Eddingpharm, Prima’s development partner in China)

On December 19, 2016 Prima BioMed announced a ratio change for its American Depositary Share (ADS) program, changing from thirty (30) ordinary shares to one hundred (100) ordinary shares, effective December 28, 2016 (US E.S.T).

On December 20, 2016 Prima BioMed received approval from the Competent Authority and Ethics Committee in the UK for its Phase IIb AIPAC study of IMP321. The safety run-in phase of the first patient cohort is already being conducted across 11 clinical sites in Belgium, The Netherlands and Hungary.

On December 22, 2016 Prima BioMed announced interim data from its AIPAC Phase IIb clinical trial in breast cancer, testing IMP321 plus paclitaxel chemotherapy, with all 15 patients in the safety run-in phase confirming previous trial results as well as the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of IMP321 at both dosage levels.

On December 29, 2016 Prima BioMed announced first clinical data from its TACTI-mel Phase I clinical trial for IMP321 combined with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA ® ) in melanoma cancer. The results confirmed that IMP321 is safe and well tolerated at the first dose level of 1 mg, paving the way for 6 mg dosage.

On January 3, 2017 Prima BioMed announced a new early stage product candidate to be known as IMP761, developed at a laboratory in Paris, and believed to be the first agonist antibody of LAG-3.

On January 5, 2017 Prima BioMed entered into new Material Transfer Agreement with Japan’s CYTLIMIC, a recent spin off from NEC Corporation (NEC), to test a cancer peptide vaccine in combination with IMP321.

On January 12, 2017 Prima BioMed commenced recruitment for the second cohort of six patients for its TACTI-mel melanoma trial being conducted in Australia. This second cohort was fully recruited by March.

On January 20, 2017 Prima BioMed commenced the enlarged randomised phase of its AIPAC Phase IIb clinical trial for IMP321 in breast cancer. The randomised phase will see half of the 226 patients receiving paclitaxel plus a placebo and half receiving paclitaxel in conjunction with IMP321.

On February 13, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received A$860k grant income from the French Government with respect to expenditure incurred by Immutep on European R&D activities in the 2015 calendar year, related to the Company’s LAG-3 programs.

On March 1, 2017 Prima BioMed announced the granting of patent number 9,579,382 entitled “Use of Recombinant LAG-3 or the Derivatives thereof for Eliciting Monocyte Immune Response” by the United States Patent Office. This patent supports the use of IMP321 as it is being used in the AIPAC trial in metastatic breast cancer.

On April 12, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received A$492k grant income from the Australian Government provided in respect of expenditure incurred on eligible R&D activities conducted in the 2016 fiscal year, mainly related to the Company’s TACTI-mel trial in Australia.

On April 19, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received approval to recruit six patients for the third cohort of its Phase I TACTI-mel melanoma trial to be dosed at the 30mg dose level.

On June 1, 2017 Prima BioMed announced the formation of a Clinical Advisory Board to serve as a strategic resource as the Company continues to advance the clinical development program and commercialisation path for IMP321 worldwide.

On June 5, 2017 Prima BioMed announced positive safety and efficacy data from the 15 patient safety run-in stage of its AIPAC clinical trial for IMP321 in breast cancer, presented at the 2017 ASCO Conference in Chicago, U.S.A.

On June 26, 2017 Prima BioMed provided the market with a mid-year operational update on its clinical trials as well as advising of its Chinese partner, EOC Pharma’s (affiliate of Eddingpharm) application for an Investigational New Drug as a preparation to start clinical trials.

 

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On June 30, 2017 Prima BioMed announced it had entered a securities purchase agreement with investors in the U.S.A, raising US$5.0 Million via a registered direct offering of its American Depositary Shares.

Fiscal 2018

On July 10, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received regulatory and ethical approvals for the clinical trial investigating IMP321 in new settings, called “INSIGHT”, in collaboration with the Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Krankenhaus Nordwest GmbH in Frankfurt Germany.

On July 17, 2017 Prima BioMed announced the second milestone payment expected from Novartis relating to Prima’s IMP701 LAG-3 antibody.

On July 18, 2017 Prima BioMed provided the market with a Second Half 2017 operational update on the extended cash balance subsequent to the closing of the U.S. capital raise and expected 2nd milestone payment from Novartis.

On 16 August, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received A$1.3m grant income from the French Government provided under the Crédit d’Impôt Recherche scheme via Immutep.

On 21 August, 2017 Prima BioMed announced the appointment of Grant Chamberlain to the Board as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

On 30 August, 2017 Prima BioMed announced a research collaboration with Melbourne’s Monash University as well as the receipt of a A$360k grant under the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Project scheme.

On 5 September, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received a Japanese patent grant for IMP321 in infectious disease, patent number 6169734 entitled “Use of Recombinant LAG-3 or the Derivatives thereof for Eliciting Monocyte Immune Response.”

On 8 September, 2017 Prima BioMed announced that it received a Japanese patent grant for IMP731 antibody, patent number 6177735 entitled “Cytotoxic anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody and its use in the treatment or prevention of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune disease”.

B. Business Overview

Background

Prima BioMed is a leader in the development of immunotherapeutic products. Our key product candidate is IMP321, which is a recombinant protein in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.

IMP321, based on the LAG-3 immune control mechanism plays a vital role in the regulation of the T cell immune response. IMP321, which is a soluble LAG-3Ig fusion protein, is an antigen presenting cell (APC) activator boosting T cell responses. IMP321 is currently in a Phase II clinical trial as a chemoimmunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer termed AIPAC (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT 02614833) and in a Phase I combination therapy trial in metastatic melanoma termed TACTI-mel (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT 02676869).

A number of additional LAG-3 products including antibodies for immune response modulation in autoimmunity and cancer are being developed by Prima BioMed’s pharmaceutical partners. Prima BioMed is also developing an agonist of LAG-3 (IMP761) for autoimmune disease.

Operations Summary

Prima BioMed has administrative offices in Sydney, Australia and in Germany. With the acquisition of Immutep in December 2014 we also have a laboratory located in Paris for the conduct of research and development relating to the LAG-3 program, under which we have four product candidates: IMP321, IMP761, IMP701 and IMP731.

As of June 30, 2017, we employed 17 people. Our internal staff manages finances, business development, intellectual property, investor relations, oversight of manufacturing, and clinical development. We make extensive use of outside contractors and consultants to help manage and conduct manufacturing and clinical trials.

 

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IMP321 Clinical Development

Prima BioMed’s lead program is the development of IMP321, a recombinant protein that may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to amplify a patient’s immune response. IMP321 may also be administered in combination with other agents and at different doses to achieve different effects on the immune system. These alternative applications of IMP321 are the subject of various clinical programs.

Background IP supporting the development of LAG-3 products was licensed from Merck Serono in 2002. Development milestones and royalties are payable on earnings of LAG-3 products. Further details are provided under intellectual property section.

Prima BioMed is developing IMP321 jointly with Eddingpharm under a licensing agreement dated May 2013 between Immutep and Eddingpharm. Eddingpharm has the exclusive development right of the IMP321 product in China, Macau and Taiwan, while the development right in other countries is retained by Immutep. Eddingpharm has paid for the past manufacture of IMP321 GMP grade material needed for the conduct of clinical trials of IMP321 but current and future costs of manufacturing of IMP321 are now Prima’s responsibility. Immutep will offer technical assistance to Eddingpharm to facilitate its application to register IMP321 in China, Macau and Taiwan. Eddingpharm is also required to make further milestone payments to Immutep if IMP321 achieves specific development milestones as well as undisclosed royalties on sales. Eddingpharm’s co-development of IMP321 is supported by a sublicense from Immutep to the background Serono licensed IP.

In Fiscal 2016, Prima Biomed started two new clinical trials for IMP321. The first one was Active Immunotherapy PAClitaxel (AIPAC), a Phase IIb study on IMP321’s effectiveness in treating metastatic breast cancer. Meetings have taken place with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in regard to protocol design of the AIPAC study and the EMA have shown their support of the design, although a scientific advice is not legally binding. The primary purpose of the AIPAC trial, which will have a study group of up to 226 patients, is to determine the clinical benefit of IMP321 in terms of Progression-Free Survival as the primary clinical endpoint in this patient population. The second of the two clinical trials was Two ACTive Immunotherapeutics in melanoma (TACTI-mel), a Phase I study on IMP321’s effectiveness in enhancing immune responses to PD-1 inhibitors in melanoma patients. The primary purpose of the TACTI-mel trial, which will have a study group of up to 18 patients, is to determine safety and dosage levels for combining the two products in future trials.

In Fiscal 2017, Prima BioMed announced a new clinical trial investigating e.g. the intra-tumoural injection of IMP321. The collaborative study is being conducted by lead investigator and sponsor, the Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Krankenhaus Nordwest GmbH in Frankfurt Germany. It is an investigator initiated clinical trial.

On December 22, 2016 Prima BioMed announced interim data from its AIPAC Phase IIb clinical trial in breast cancer, testing IMP321 plus paclitaxel chemotherapy, with all 15 patients in the safety run-in phase confirming previous trial results as well as the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of IMP321 at both dosage levels.

On December 29, 2016 Prima BioMed announced first clinical data from its TACTI-mel Phase I clinical trial for IMP321 combined with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA ® ) in melanoma cancer. The results confirmed that IMP321 is safe and well tolerated at the first dose level of 1 mg, paving the way for 6 mg dosage.

On January 3, 2017 Prima BioMed announced a new early stage product candidate to be known as IMP761, developed in our laboratory in Paris, and believed to be the first agonist antibody of LAG-3.

On January 5, 2017 Prima BioMed entered into new Material Transfer Agreement with Japan’s CYTLIMIC, a recent spin off from NEC Corporation (NEC), to test a cancer peptide vaccine in combination with IMP321.

On January 12, 2017 Prima BioMed commenced recruitment for the second cohort of six patients for its TACTI-mel melanoma trial being conducted in Australia. This second cohort was fully recruited by March.

On January 20, 2017 Prima BioMed commenced the enlarged randomised phase of its AIPAC Phase IIb clinical trial for IMP321 in breast cancer. The randomised phase will see half of the 226 patients receiving paclitaxel plus a placebo and half receiving paclitaxel in conjunction with IMP321.

On June 5, 2017 Prima BioMed announced safety and efficacy data from the 15 patient safety run-in stage of its AIPAC clinical trial for IMP321 in breast cancer, presented at the 2017 ASCO Conference in Chicago, U.S.A.

 

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IMP731 Clinical Development

A second key product candidate of Prima Biomed is IMP731, a depleting antibody that removes T cells involved in autoimmunity. The product candidate was acquired through Prima Biomed’s acquisition of Immutep in December 2014. Immutep obtained the exclusive intellectual property rights of IMP731 from the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM Transfert) under a commercial co-ownership and exploitation agreement dated July 2010. In return, Immutep has the obligation to make customary milestone payments when the product achieves market authorization, plus additional minor royalty payments on sales.

The development of IMP731 was licensed to Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) under a license and research collaboration agreement dated December 2010 between Immutep and GSK. Under the sublicense, GSK has the exclusive development right of IMP731and will fund all the development costs and make potential milestone payments in the aggregate amount of up to £64 million as well as potential royalty payments to Immutep.

Like Eddingpharm’s development of IMP321, GSK’s development of IMP731 is supported by a sublicense from Immutep that gives GSK the right to develop the product using background licensed IP from Serono.

In January 2015, Prima collected a milestone payment by GSK for the development of GSK2831781 for a first time in human clinical trial. More information about this clinical trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov by searching for NCT02195349.

IMP701 Clinical Development

The third key product candidate of Prima Biomed is IMP701, an antagonist (blocking) antibody targeting the LAG-3 molecule with potential application in the treatment of cancer. It is designed to block the negative signal in cytotoxic T cells, which may stop T cells from responding to the cancer. The product candidate was acquired through Prima Biomed’s acquisition of Immutep in December 2014.

The development of IMP701 was licensed to CoStim Pharmaceuticals under an exclusive license and collaboration agreement dated September 2012 between Immutep and CoStim. Under the license, CoStim has the exclusive development right of IMP701, in consideration for the obligation to fund all the development costs and to make milestone and royalty payments to Immutep.

In February 2014, CoStim became a wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis, but the obligations of the Agreement remained with CoStim. Novartis has been conducting pre-clinical development of IMP701, and a Phase I clinical trial started in August 2015. The number of patients in that clinical trial was increased during Fiscal 2016. More information about this clinical trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov by searching for NCT02460224.

Like Eddingpharm’s development of IMP321 and GSK’s development of IMP731, CoStim’s development of IMP701 is supported by a sublicense from Immutep that gives Co-Stim the right to develop the product using licensed technology from Serono.

IMP761 Preclinical Development

IMP761, our fourth LAG-3 related product candidate, is our first agonist antibody related to LAG-3. The product candidate is not partnered and in early preclinical development (in vitro and in vivo studies). No GMP grade material has been produced yet.

Research Reagents used in the Development of LAG-3 Products

Immutep manufactures, sells and distributes research reagents used by scientists in the research of LAG-3 products. The business generates around €100,000 per year for Immutep. The reagents are manufactured by Immutep and distributed through third party distributers. These third parties include Adipogen and Enzo.

The research reagents were originally manufactured and sold based on background licensed technology from Serono. Since 2016, the relevant patents have expired and Immutep therefore has no further obligation to make royalty payments on these sales to Serono under the licensing agreement dated December 2002 between Immutep and Serono.

 

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CVac (Clinical Development for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer Patients in Remission)

Prior to the acquisition of Immutep, Prima BioMed’s lead program was CVac the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer patients who were in complete second remission. This disease represents a significant unmet medical need due to the high relapse rates and high morbidity associated with the disease.

After completing a strategic review of the assets after acquiring Immutep in December 2014, Prima BioMed decided to consolidate the CVac clinical trial program and seek a development partner. In May 2016 Prima entered into a sale and exclusive licensing agreement with Sydys Corporation,Inc., a New York-based company that has been repurposed as a clinical stage biotechnology company in order to develop the CVac assets. The shares of Sydys are publicly traded in the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sydys licensed Prima’s CVac related assets, including manufacturing protocols, clinical data from Phase I and Phase II trials, patents and know-how. Prima will also sell certain assets including some equipment and inventory to Sydys. In return, Prima received a 9.9% equity stake in Sydys at the time of closing as consideration for the assets being transferred. Given the significant capital requirements for conducting clinical trials, no upfront payment was received. However, should CVac be successfully commercialized, Prima could receive over A$400 million (US$293 million) in development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments payable for achievement of set commercial sales targets, in addition to low single digit royalties on sales. As Sydys possessed no significant cash reserves at the time of the transaction and is currently a one product company, there are significant risks associated with this transaction, such as the inability of Sydys to raise sufficient funds in order to develop and commercialize CVac.

In February 2014, Neopharm and Prima entered into an exclusive supply and manufacturing agreement whereby Prima granted Neopharm the exclusive right to distribute the CVac product in Israel and Palestine for treatment of cancer. Prima will provide support and data for Neopharm to obtain marketing authorisation of CVac in these territories. Upon approval, Prima will then manufacture CVac for Neopharm for treatment of patients. Prima and Neopharm will share net profits 50/50. This agreement was transferred to Sydys as part of the completion of the exclusive licensing agreements.

Intellectual Property

As of 30 June 2017, Prima owns, co-owns or licenses a total of 14 patent families. Two of these patent families are in-licensed from Merck Serono and cover the background LAG-3 intellectual property (refer to the following paragraph for further details). The Merck Serono families will expire during fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and three other in-licensed Serono families covering the background LAG-3 intellectual property expired during fiscal years 2015-2017.

On the 9 December 2002, Ares Trading SA (a fully owned subsidiary of Serono, now Merck Serono) and Immutep SA entered into an exclusive Licence Agreement for the development of the LAG-3 technology. The license covers use of background patents and know-how necessary for the development of certain LAG-3 products. Confidential milestones and royalties are payable to Serono while the patent or know-how license is in force. As the license is exclusive it provides a greater level of protection to the development of LAG-3 products. The license is sub-licensable and has been sublicensed in Agreements with GSK, Co-Stim and Eddingpharm. Improvements to the technology and new developments in intellectual property covered by the license are the property of Immutep.

In addition to the patent families in-licensed from Merck Serono, Prima owns, co-owns or in-licenses 11 patent families which collectively cover its candidates IMP321, IPM731, IMP701 and IMP761.

CVac is protected in some major markets and a number of other countries by one patent family licensed from the Burnet Institute in Melbourne, Australia pursuant to a novation agreement between the Burnet Institute, Prima BioMed and Cancer Vac Pty Ltd. A decision has been made by Prima to allow the non-US CVac patents to lapse 6 months earlier than would otherwise have been the case by failing to pay the final renewal fees due in September 2017. Therefore, including the 6-month grace period for late-payment of renewal fees, these non-US patents will lapse in March 2018. The US CVac patent expires in August 2022 and steps have been taken to pay the renewal fee due in January 2018.

In addition to patent protection for all of our assets, we rely on unpatented trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information as well as proprietary technological innovation and expertise that are protected in part by confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees, advisors and consultants.

 

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Patent matters in biotechnology are highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. The availability and breadth of claims allowed in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents cannot be predicted. Statutory differences in patentable subject matter may limit the protection Prima BioMed can obtain on some or all of their licensed inventions or prevent us from obtaining patent protection either of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Since patent applications are not published until at least 18 months from their first filing date and the publication of discoveries in the scientific literature often lags behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that we, or any of our licensors, were the first creator of inventions covered by pending patent applications, or that we or our licensors, were the first to file patent applications for such inventions. Additionally, the grant and enforceability of a patent is dependent on a number of factors that may vary between jurisdictions. These factors may include the novelty of the invention, the requirement that the invention not be obvious in the light of prior art (including prior use or publication of the invention), the utility of the invention and the extent to which the patent clearly describes the best method of working the invention. In short, this means that claims granted in various territories may vary and thereby influence commercial outcomes.

While we have applied and will continue to file for protection as appropriate for our therapeutic products and technologies, we cannot be certain that any future patent applications filed by the company, or licensed to us, will be approved, or that Prima BioMed will develop additional proprietary products or processes that are patentable or that we will be able to license any other patentable products or processes. Prima BioMed cannot be certain that others will not independently develop similar products or processes, duplicate any of the products or processes developed or being developed by the company or licensed to us, or design around the patents owned or licensed by us, or that any patents owned or licensed by us will provide us with competitive advantages.

Furthermore, we cannot be certain that patents held by third parties will not prevent the commercialization of products incorporating the technology developed by us or licensed to us, or that third parties will not challenge or seek to narrow, invalidate or circumvent any of the issued, pending or future patents owned or licensed by us.

Our commercial success will also depend, in part, on our ability to avoid infringement of patents issued to others. If a court determines that we were infringing any third party patents, we could be required to pay damages, alter our products or processes, obtain licenses or cease certain activities. We cannot be certain that the licenses required under patents held by third parties would be made available on terms acceptable to us or at all. To the extent that we are unable to obtain such licenses, we could be foreclosed from the development, export, manufacture or commercialization of the product requiring such license or encounter delays in product introductions while we attempt to design around such patents, and any of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may have to resort to litigation to enforce any patents issued or licensed to us or to determine the scope and validity of third party proprietary rights. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of effort by us. We may have to participate in opposition proceedings before the Australian Patent and Trademark Office or another foreign patent office, or in interference proceedings declared by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to determine the priority of invention for patent applications filed by competitors. Any such litigation interference or opposition proceeding, regardless of outcome, could be expensive and time consuming, and adverse determinations in any such proceedings could prevent us from developing, manufacturing or commercializing our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

During the course of fiscal year 2016, the Company took action to file a trademark application for Prima BioMed in Australia and also an International (Madrid) application designating United States, Europe (EU), China and Japan, claiming priority from the Australian application. The respective applications are now pending in China, accepted in Australia, and registered in United States, Europe and Japan.

CVac is a registered trademark in Australia, the United States, Europe, New Zealand, China, and the UAE. Immutep is a registered trademark in France and an application has been filed in Australia. The Company owns both of these trademarks in these jurisdictions. The CVac trademark has been licensed to Sydys. See “Item 4. Information on the Company B “Background - CVac Clinical Development for the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer Patients in Remission” for more information.

 

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Patent Portfolio

The following table presents our portfolio of patents and patent applications, including their status (as at June 30, 2017) and title.

 

Patent

Family

  

Title

  

Status

  

Expires

Family 338 (Serono)

   Mutants of LAG-3 proteins, products of the expression of these mutants and use    Granted US    Nov 2017

Family 356 (Serono)

   Use of MHC Class II ligands as adjuvant for vaccination and of LAG-3 in cancer treatment    Granted Europe x2, Canada x2, Israel, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, US x2    Sept 2018

Family 400 (IGRD and Paris XI)

   Molecules binding to Glu-Pro motifs, therapeutical compositions containing them and their applications    Granted Europe    2021

Family 500 (Immutep)

   Vaccine composition comprising a class II MHC ligand couples with an antigen, method for the preparation and the use thereof    Granted Canada, Europe, Japan    2025

Family 550 (Immutep & INSERM)

   Cytotoxic anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody and its use in the treatment or prevention of organ transplant rejection and autoimmune disease   

Pending Canada, China, US, Europe and Japan

Granted US, Europe and Japan

   2028

Family 600 (Immutep)

   Compositions containing LAG-3 and cells that secrete GM-CSF and the methods of use    Granted US    2028

Family 650 (Immutep)

  

Use of recombinant LAG-3 or the derivatives

thereof for eliciting monocyte immune response

   Pending China, Europe (x3), Japan and US Granted Australia, Europe, Japan and US    2028

Family 660 (Immutep)

  

Combined preparations for the treatment of

cancer

   Pending in Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, US and Hong Kong    2034

Family 670 (Immutep)

   Combination of IMP321 and a checkpoint inhibitor   

Pending in Europe, Russia, US, Canada,

Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan, Brazil, India and Israel

   2036

Family 700 (Immutep & Novartis)

   Antibody molecules to LAG-3 and uses thereof    National phase in 50 countries    2035

Family 710 (Immutep & Novartis)

   Combination therapies comprising antibody molecules to LAG-3    Pending PCT application    2036

Family 761 (Immutep)

   Anti-LAG-3 antibodies    Pending PCT application    2036

Family 800 (Immutep)

   Binding assay    Chinese provisional    2037

Family 3

        

(Burnet Institute)

   Method of producing dendritic cells pulsed with MFP    Granted in Australia, Europe, Canada, Japan (x2), Canada and US.   

2018

(2022 in US)

Competition

We expect to face competition from other pharmaceutical or biotech companies and academic institutions that are developing comparable products including LAG-3 antibodies, checkpoint activators/inhibitors, cell therapies and other cancer treatments. We believe the competitive position of Prima BioMed in the face of such competition will be driven by a number of factors including the safety and efficacy of IMP321 or our other product candidates compared with competitor products, the price value analysis, adoption by patients and physicians, timing of entry into the market in each indication, and the timing of regulatory approvals and influence of regulatory approvals such as orphan designation. The need to continuously improve and optimize manufacturing costs is also expected to be crucial to remaining competitive.

 

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Current treatments for metastatic breast cancer include chemotherapies/cytotoxics, parp inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors and immunotherapies. The competitive space for checkpoint inhibitors, including LAG-3, is constantly growing. IMP321 is a first in class antigen presenting cell activator with limited direct competition. The Company believes there is significant potential for combining an immune activator with other treatment modalities including chemotherapies and checkpoint inhibitors to achieve enhanced therapeutic success.

There are a number of companies developing antagonist LAG-3 antibodies like IMP701 that are more advanced than that being developed by Novartis but the safety and efficacy of these candidates remains to be seen. As far as we are aware, there are currently no other companies developing depleting LAG-3 antibodies such as IMP731 other than our partner, GSK. Our new early stage product candidate IMP761 is being developed as the first ever agonist antibody of LAG-3. It is mechanistically distinct from any of the known LAG-3 antibodies.

Regulatory Authorities

Our ongoing research and development activities, production, and marketing of our pharmaceutical product is subject to regulation by numerous governmental authorities, including (i) in Australia, principally the Therapeutics Goods Administration, or TGA; (ii) in the United States, principally the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA; and (iii) in Europe, principally the European Medicines Agency, or EMEA.

United States

Government oversight of the pharmaceutical industry is usually classified into pre-approval and post-approval categories. Most of the therapeutically significant innovative products marketed today are the subject of New Drug Applications, or NDAs, or Biologics License Applications, or BLAs. Preapproval activities, based on these detailed applications, are used to assure the product is safe and effective before marketing.

In the United States, The Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or CBER, is the FDA organization responsible for vaccines, blood and biologics evaluation and approval. The FDA may inspect and audit the development facilities, planned production facilities, clinical trial sites and laboratory facilities. After the product is approved and marketed, the FDA uses different mechanisms for assuring that firms adhere to the terms and conditions of approval described in the application and that the product is manufactured in a consistent and controlled manner. This is done by periodic unannounced inspections of production and quality control facilities by FDA’s field investigators and analysts.

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and Public Health Service Act

Prescription drug and biologic products are subject to extensive pre- and post-market regulation by the FDA, including regulations that govern the testing, manufacturing, safety, efficacy, labeling, storage, record keeping, advertising and promotion of such products under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, and their implementing regulations. The process of obtaining FDA approval and achieving and maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations requires the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources. Failure to comply with applicable FDA or other requirements may result in refusal to approve pending applications, a clinical hold, warning letters, civil or criminal penalties, recall or seizure of products, partial or total suspension of production or withdrawal of the product from the market. FDA approval is required before any new drug or biologic, including a new use of a previously approved drug, can be marketed in the United States. All applications for FDA approval must contain, among other things, information relating to safety and efficacy, stability, manufacturing, processing, packaging, labeling and quality control.

Biologic License Applications (BLAs)

The FDA’s BLA approval process generally involves:

 

    completion of preclinical laboratory and animal testing in compliance with the FDA’s good laboratory practice, or GLP, regulations;

 

    submission to the FDA of an IND for human clinical testing, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the United States;

 

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    performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety, purity and potency of the proposed biologic product for each intended use;

 

    satisfactory completion of an FDA pre-approval inspection of the facility or facilities at which the product is manufactured to assess compliance with the FDA’s cGMP regulations; and

 

    submission to and approval by the FDA of a BLA.

The manufacturing and quality, as well as preclinical and clinical testing and approval process requires substantial time, effort and financial resources, and we cannot guarantee that approval for our product candidate will be granted on a timely basis, if at all. Preclinical tests include laboratory evaluation of toxicity and immunogenicity in animals. The results of preclinical tests, together with manufacturing information and analytical data, are submitted as part of an IND application to the FDA. In such a case, the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns. Further, an independent institutional review board, or IRB, covering each medical center proposing to conduct clinical trials must review and approve the plan for any clinical trial before it commences at that center and it must monitor the study until completed. The FDA, the IRB or the sponsor may suspend a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Clinical testing also must satisfy extensive Good Clinical Practice, or GCP, regulations, which include requirements that all research subjects provide informed consent and that all clinical studies be conducted under the supervision of one or more qualified investigators.

For purposes of an NDA submission and approval, human clinical trials are typically conducted in the following sequential phases, which may overlap:

 

    Phase I: Trials are initially conducted in a limited population to test the product candidate for safety and dose tolerance.

 

    Phase II: Trials are generally conducted in a limited patient population to identify possible adverse effects and safety risks, to determine the initial efficacy of the product for specific targeted indications and to determine dose tolerance and optimal dosage. Multiple Phase II clinical trials may be conducted by the sponsor to obtain information prior to beginning larger and more extensive Phase III clinical trials.

 

    Phase III: These are commonly referred to as pivotal studies. When Phase II evaluations demonstrate that a dose range of the product is effective and has an acceptable safety profile, Phase III clinical trials are undertaken in large patient populations to further evaluate dosage, to provide substantial evidence of clinical efficacy and to further test for safety in an expanded and diverse patient population at multiple, geographically-dispersed clinical trial sites. Generally, replicate evidence of safety and effectiveness needs to be demonstrated in two adequate and well-controlled Phase III clinical trials of a product candidate for a specific indication. These studies are intended to establish the overall risk/benefit ratio of the product and provide adequate basis for product labeling.

 

    Phase IV: In some cases, the FDA may condition approval of a BLA on the sponsor’s agreement to conduct additional clinical trials to further assess the product’s safety, purity and potency after BLA approval. Such post-approval trials are typically referred to as Phase IV clinical trials.

Progress reports detailing the results of the clinical studies must be submitted at least annually to the FDA and safety reports must be submitted to the FDA and the investigators for serious and unexpected adverse events. Concurrent with clinical studies, sponsors usually complete additional animal studies and must also develop additional information about the product and finalize a process for manufacturing the product in commercial quantities in accordance with cGMP requirements. The manufacturing process must be capable of consistently producing quality batches of the product candidate and, among other things, the manufacturer must develop methods for testing the identity, strength, quality and purity of the final product. Moreover, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.

The results of product development, preclinical studies and clinical trials, along with the aforementioned manufacturing information, are submitted to the FDA as part of a BLA. BLAs must also contain extensive manufacturing information. Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, the FDA agrees to specific goals for BLA review time through a two-tiered classification system, Standard Review and Priority Review. Standard Review is applied to products that offer, at most, only minor improvement over existing marketed therapies. Standard Review BLAs have a goal of being completed within a ten-month timeframe, although a review can take a significantly longer amount of time. A Priority Review designation is given to products that offer major advances in treatment, or provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists. A Priority Review means that the time it takes the FDA to review a BLA is six months. It is likely that our product candidate will be granted a Standard Review. The review process is often

 

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significantly extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification. The FDA may refer the application to an advisory committee for review, evaluation and recommendation as to whether the application should be approved. The FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, but it generally follows such recommendations.

The FDA may deny approval of a BLA if the applicable regulatory criteria are not satisfied, or it may require additional clinical data or additional pivotal Phase III clinical trials. Even if such data are submitted, the FDA may ultimately decide that the BLA does not satisfy the criteria for approval. Data from clinical trials are not always conclusive and the FDA may interpret data differently than we do. Once issued, product approval may be withdrawn by the FDA if ongoing regulatory requirements are not met or if safety problems occur after the product reaches the market. In addition, the FDA may require testing, including Phase IV clinical trials, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies, or REMS, and surveillance programs to monitor the effect of approved products that have been commercialized, and the FDA has the power to prevent or limit further marketing of a product based on the results of these post-marketing programs. Products may be marketed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved label. Further, if there are any modifications to the drug, including changes in indications, labeling or manufacturing processes or facilities, approval of a new or supplemental BLA may be required, which may involve conducting additional preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Other U.S. Regulatory Requirements

After approval, products are subject to extensive continuing regulation by the FDA, which include company obligations to manufacture products in accordance with GMP, maintain and provide to the FDA updated safety and efficacy information, report adverse experiences with the product, keep certain records and submit periodic reports, obtain FDA approval of certain manufacturing or labelling changes and comply with FDA promotion and advertising requirements and restrictions. Failure to meet these obligations can result in various adverse consequences, both voluntary and FDA-imposed, including product recalls, withdrawal of approval, restrictions on marketing, and the imposition of civil fines and criminal penalties against the BLA holder. In addition, later discovery of previously unknown safety or efficacy issues may result in restrictions on the product, manufacturer or BLA holder.

We, and any manufacturers of our products, are required to comply with applicable FDA manufacturing requirements contained in the FDA’s GMP regulations. GMP regulations require, among other things, quality control and quality assurance as well as the corresponding maintenance of records and documentation. The manufacturing facilities for our products must meet GMP requirements. We, and any third-party manufacturers, are also subject to periodic inspections of facilities by the FDA and other authorities, including procedures and operations used in the testing and manufacture of our products to assess our compliance with applicable regulations.

With respect to post-market product advertising and promotion, the FDA imposes a number of complex regulations on entities that advertise and promote pharmaceuticals, which include, among others, standards for direct-to-consumer advertising, promoting products for uses or in patient populations that are not described in the product’s approved labelling (known as “off-label use”), industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities, and promotional activities involving the Internet. Failure to comply with FDA requirements can have negative consequences, including adverse publicity, enforcement letters from the FDA, mandated corrective advertising or communications with doctors and civil or criminal penalties. Although physicians may prescribe legally available drugs for off-label uses, manufacturers may not market or promote such off-label uses.

Changes to some of the conditions established in an approved application, including changes in indications, labelling, or manufacturing processes or facilities, require submission and FDA approval of a new BLA or BLA supplement before the change can be implemented. A BLA supplement for a new indication typically requires clinical data similar to that in the original application, and the FDA uses the same procedures and actions in reviewing BLA supplements as it does in reviewing BLAs.

Adverse event reporting and submission of periodic reports is required following FDA approval of a BLA. The FDA also may require post-marketing testing, known as Phase IV testing, risk mitigation strategies, and surveillance to monitor the effects of an approved product or place conditions on an approval that could restrict the distribution or use of the product.

European Union

In addition to regulations in the United States, we are subject to a variety of foreign regulations governing clinical trials and commercial sales and distribution of our products. Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for a product, we must obtain approval of a product by the comparable regulatory authorities of foreign countries before we can commence clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries. The approval process varies from country to country and the time may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval. The requirements governing the conduct of clinical trials vary greatly from country to country.

 

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Under European Union regulatory systems, we must submit and obtain authorization for a clinical trial application in each member state in which we intend to conduct a clinical trial. After we have completed our clinical trials, we must obtain marketing authorization before we can market our product. We may submit applications for marketing authorizations either under a centralized or decentralized procedure. The centralized procedure provides for the grant of a single marketing authorization that is valid for all European Union member states. The decentralized procedure provides for mutual recognition of national approval decisions. Under this procedure, the holder of a national marketing authorization may submit an application to the remaining member states. Within 90 days of receiving the applications and assessment report, each member state must decide whether to recognize approval. If a member state objects to the approval, an arbitration process is initiated and the final decision is made by the European Commission on the basis of an opinion of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP. The mutual recognition procedure may be used more than once for subsequent applications to other member states in relation to the same product candidate.

The European Medicines Agency, or EMA, is a decentralized body of the European Union located in London. The EMA is responsible for the scientific evaluation of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the European Union. The EMA is involved in the scientific evaluation of medicines that fall within the scope of the centralized procedure. However, other medicines that do not fall within this scope are marketed in the European Union either in individual member states, in accordance with their national authorization procedures, or in multiple member states through the decentralized or mutual-recognition procedures. The EMA only becomes involved in the assessment of such medicines when they have been referred to the EMA due to a disagreement between two or more member states about the authorization or use of the medicine, or due to some other issue that requires resolution in the interest of protecting public health. Like the FDA there is a harmonization between regulators and the EMA may inspect and audit the development facilities, planned production facilities, clinical trial sites and laboratory facilities. Additionally, after the product is approved and marketed, the EMA uses different mechanisms for assuring that firms adhere to the terms and conditions of approval described in the application and that the product is manufactured in a consistent and controlled manner. This is done by periodic unannounced inspections of production and quality control facilities.

Australia

In Australia, the relevant regulatory body responsible for the pharmaceutical industry is the Therapeutics Goods Administration, or TGA. As with the EMA and FDA there is a harmonization and collaboration between regulatory authorities. The CTN filing in Australia references the US FDA IND but separately requires a TGA manufacturing authorization to permit manufacture of products in Australia.

Third-Party Payer Coverage and Reimbursement

Although our product candidate has not been commercialized for any indication, if they are approved for marketing, commercial success of our product candidate will depend, in part, upon the availability of coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers at the federal, state and private levels.

Inflation and Seasonality

Management believes inflation has not had a material impact on our operations or financial condition. Management further believes that our operations are not currently subject to seasonal influences due to our current lack of marketed products. Moreover, cancer, which is the target of our products, is not a seasonal disease. Accordingly, once we have marketed products, management does not expect that our business will be subject to seasonal influences.

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

Prima BioMed has no manufacturing capabilities and is dependent on third parties for cost effective manufacture and manufacturing process development of their product candidates. Problems with third party manufacturers or the manufacturing process as such may delay clinical trials and commercialization of Prima BioMed’s product candidates.

Biological product candidates like CVac, IMP731, IMP761, IMP701 or IMP321 usually have more complicated manufacturing procedures than chemically produced therapies. The change of manufacturing partners, manufacturing process changes or changes of other nature could impact the product quality and affect the comparability of different product batches. A lack of comparability could significantly impact the development timelines and could even lead to a situation where regulatory bodies require additional or new pre-clinical or clinical development.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

Below is a list of the current subsidiaries of Prima BioMed Ltd., including our ownership percentage, its date of formation and its jurisdiction. These subsidiaries were established to allow us to conduct commercial and clinical operations in Europe and the United States and expand our operations in Australia.

 

Subsidiary

   Ownership  

Date of Formation/Acquisition

   Jurisdiction

Prima BioMed USA Inc.

   100%   April 2010 (formed)    Delaware, United States

Prima BioMed GmbH

   100%   September 2010 (formed)    Germany

Prima BioMed Australia Pty Ltd

   100%   November 2011 (formed)    Australia

Prima BioMed IP Pty Ltd

   100%   November 2011 (formed)    Australia

Immutep S.A.S

   100%   December 2014 (acquired)    France

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

We own computer equipment, office furniture and laboratory equipment, which is primarily placed at our own offices and laboratories.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

A. Operating Results

Foreign Currency Risk

The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar and Euro.

The group seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the group. The group considers using derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain risk exposures or using natural hedging. Derivatives are exclusively used for hedging purposes, i.e. not as trading or other speculative instruments. There were no derivative financial instruments held by the group as at 30 June 2017, 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2015.

Governmental Policies

Our ongoing research and development activities, production, and marketing of our pharmaceutical product is subject to regulation by numerous governmental authorities: (i) in Australia, principally the Therapeutics Goods Administration, or TGA; (ii) in the United States, principally the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA; and (iii) in Europe, principally the European Medicines Agency, or EMA. Also, our ability to commercially exploit our products successfully will depend in part on the extent to which reimbursement for the cost of our products and related treatment will be available from government health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other organizations.

The Australian and French Government R&D tax incentive schemes relating to eligible research and development activities are expected to provide us with significant benefits in future years. Such eligible R&D activities include but are not limited to:

a. Core activities, which are experimental activities whose outcome cannot be known or determined in advance, but can only be determined by applying a systematic progression of work;

b. Core activities conducted for the purpose of generating new knowledge (including new knowledge in the form of new or improved processes and materials); or

c. Supporting activities that are directly related and designed to support the above (a) and (b).

 

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For further information regarding governmental economic, fiscal, monetary or political policies or factors that have materially affected, or could materially affect, our operations or our shareholders’ investments, see Item 3. Key Information D “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business,” “– Risks Relating to Our Location in Australia” —“Item 10. Additional Information – D “Exchange Controls” and “E Taxation.”

Background

Prima BioMed is a globally active biotechnology company that is a leader in the development of immunotherapeutic products. Prima BioMed is dedicated to leveraging its technology and expertise to bring innovative treatment options to market for patients and to maximize value to shareholders.

Prima’s main pipeline of products is based on the LAG-3 immune control mechanism which plays a vital role in the regulation of the T cell immune response. The most clinically advanced product is a immunostimulatory factor (APC activator), IMP321, for cancer chemoimmunotherapy which has completed early clinical trials. A number of additional LAG-3 products including antibodies for immune response modulation in autoimmunity and cancer are being developed by large pharmaceutical partners.

Our former lead product candidate in development was CVac™, an autologous dendritic cell based product in clinical trials for late stage epithelial ovarian cancer patients in complete remission. Prima has out-licensed the development and commercialisation of CVac to Sydys Corporation.

Overview

We are a development stage enterprise at an early stage in the development of our product candidate. We have incurred net losses since inception and expect to incur substantial and increasing losses for the next several years as we expand our research and development activities and move our product candidate into later stages of development. The process of carrying out the development of our products to later stages of development may require significant additional research and development expenditures, including pre-clinical testing and clinical trials, as well as for obtaining regulatory approval. To date, we have funded our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities, proceeds from the exercise of options, grants and interest income. For details of the business overview, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences have not been recognised since the group is currently in a loss making position and unable to generate taxable income to utilise the carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences. The utilisation of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recouped. The group is subject to income taxes in Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are certain transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The group estimates its tax liabilities based on the group’s understanding of the tax law. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

 

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Development

The consolidated entity has expensed all internal development expenditure incurred during the year as the costs relate to the initial expenditure for development of biopharmaceutical products and the generation of future economic benefits is not considered probable given the current stage of development. It was considered appropriate to expense the development costs as they did not meet the criteria to be capitalized under AASB 138 Intangible Assets (IAS 38) .

Going concern

The Group has experienced significant recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities since its inception. As at June 30, 2017, the Group holds cash and cash equivalents of $12,236,974 (2016: $20,879,548) and raised capital (net of costs) of approximately A$5.3 million in early July 2017. In line with the Company’s financial risk management, the directors have carefully assessed the financial and operating implications of the above matters, including the expected cash outflows of ongoing research and development activities of the Company over the next 12 months. Based on this consideration, the directors are of the view that the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due for at least 12 months following the date of these financial statements and that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

Monitoring and addressing the ongoing cash requirements of the Group is a key focus of the directors. This involves consideration of alternative future capital raising initiatives and an active engagement with potential retail and institutional investors alike.

Amortization of intellectual property

Costs incurred in acquiring intellectual property are capitalized and amortized on a straight line basis over a period not exceeding the life of the patents. Where a patent has not been formally granted, the company estimates the life of the granted patent in accordance with the provisional application.

Costs include only those costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the intellectual property. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2017 to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016

Other Income

Other income increased by A$2.3 million to A$4.2 million for FY2017 from A$1.9 million for FY2016. The increase was primarily attributable to A$2.4 million higher grant income from the Australian and French governments recognised in the fiscal year of 2017.

In April Prima received a A$0.5 million cash rebate from the Australian Federal Government’s R&D tax incentive program, which was provided in respect of expenditure incurred on eligible research and development activities conducted in FY2016 and mainly related to our TACTI-mel trial being conducted in Australia. The company has also benefited from cash grants of €0.6 million (approximately A$0.9 million) from the French Crédit d’Impôt Recherche scheme (received in February 2017) for the eligible R&D expenditures incurred in the calendar year 2015 in Europe. In addition, Prima has recognised approximately A$0.6 million grant income from the Australian Federal Government’s R&D tax incentive program and A$1.3 million (received in August 2017) from French Crédit d’Impôt Recherche scheme for the expenditure incurred on eligible research and development activities conducted in the fiscal year of 2017 and the calendar year of 2016, respectively.

Miscellaneous income increased by A$0.1 million to A$0.8 million for FY2017 from A$0.7 million for FY2016. This increase was primarily attributable to sales growth of manufactured product used in research.

Interest income for FY2017 was A$0.1 million versus A$0.3 million for FY2016. The decrease was due to a decrease in the level of cash held on term deposits and a reduction in interest rates.

 

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Research & Development and Intellectual Property Expenses

Research and development and intellectual property expenses increased by A$0.4 million to A$7.5 million for FY2017 from A$7.1 million for FY2016. The slight increase was expected and was primarily due to the increase in R&D expenses due to patient recruitment for our two IMP321 related clinical trials, AIPAC and TACTI-mel, and the development of our new product candidate IMP761.

Corporate Administrative Expenses

Corporate administrative expenses for FY2017 was A$4.3 million compared to A$7.0 million in FY2016. This decrease of A$2.7 million was primarily due to a decrease of A$1.2 million in finance, legal and consulting expenses, a decrease of A$0.4 million in labour expenses, and a decrease of A$1.2 million in employee share-based payment expenses in FY2017 compared to the prior period.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased to A$1.7 million for FY2017 from A$2.0 million for FY2016. This was due to certain intellectual property assets and the plant & equipment of CVac being written off during the fiscal year of 2016.

Finance cost

Finance costs were A$0 for FY2017 compared to A$0.01 million for FY2016. The interest expense incurred in the fiscal year of 2016 related to other borrowings which were repaid in August 2015.

Changes in fair value of comparability milestone

Changes in fair value of the comparability milestone were A$0 for FY2017 compared to A$0.5 million for FY2016. This amount related to a payment into a retention account on the acquisition of Immutep which was measured at fair value through the profit and loss.

Net change in fair value of convertible note liability

The net change in fair value of the convertible note liability was A$0.8 million for FY2017 compared to A$0.6 million for FY2016. The increase was attributable to the liability component of the convertible note being measured at fair value.

Net Loss

Net loss decreased to A$9.4 million for the fiscal year of 2017 from A$62.0 million for the fiscal year of 2016. This decrease was primarily due to the accounting treatment for a share based payment to a strategic investor where A$47.5 million was expensed in FY2016. The amount represents the difference between the accounting fair value of convertible notes and warrants issued to Ridgeback Capital Investments and the cash received, which was expensed on grant date.

Comparison of Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016 to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015

Revenue

The license revenue for fiscal year 2016 was A$0.2 million and nil for fiscal year 2015. The increase of A$0.2 million was attributable to revenue received in relation to an out-licensing deal of one of the company’s Intellectual Property assets.

Other Income

Other income decreased to A$1.9 million for fiscal year 2016 from A$2.1 million for fiscal year 2015, a decrease of A$0.2 million, or 11.4%. Other income consists of interest income, cash tax rebates, grant income, gain on foreign exchange and other miscellaneous income. The interest income for fiscal year 2016 was A$0.3 million and A$0.2 million for fiscal year 2015. The increase in interest income in fiscal year 2016 is due to an increase in the level of cash held on term deposits and a decrease in interest rates on term deposits. Income from cash tax rebates and grant income from the Saxony Development Bank related to eligible research and development expenditures consists of A$0.9 million and A$1.2 million for fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2015,

 

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respectively. The decrease of A$0.3 million was attributable to the reduction in the Research & Development expenditure in fiscal year 2016 compared to fiscal year 2015. No foreign exchange gain was recognized in 2016 compared to a gain of A$0.5 million for fiscal year 2015, which was driven by the impact of changes in our U.S. and Euro cash holdings compared to the prior year.

Research & Development and Intellectual Property Expenses

Research and development and intellectual property expenses decreased to A$7.1 million for fiscal year 2016 from A$9.0 million for fiscal year 2015, a decrease of A$1.9 million, or 21%. The decrease in research and development and intellectual property expenses in the fiscal year 2016 was due to the initiation of the two new clinical trials AIPAC and TACTI-mel, compared to the prior year which related to the cessation of the costly CVac clinical trials.

Corporate Administrative Expenses

Corporate administrative expenses increased to A$7 million for fiscal year 2016 from A$5.7 million for fiscal year 2015, an increase of A$1.3 million, or 22%. The increase in corporate administrative expenses was attributable to an increase in employee share-based payment expenses in fiscal year 2016 of A$1.97 million compared to A$0.7 million in fiscal year 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to A$2.0 million for fiscal year 2016 from A$1.3 million for fiscal year 2015, an increase of A$0.7 million, or 49%. The increase is attributable to amortization costs incurred on Intellectual Property Assets acquired on the purchase of Immutep covering the full year in fiscal year 2016 compared to the part of fiscal year 2015.

Loss on foreign exchange

Loss on foreign exchange was $0.6 million for fiscal year 2016 compared to nil for fiscal year 2015, which was driven by the impact of changes in exchange rates on our U.S. and Euro cash holdings compared to the prior year.

Share Based Payment to strategic investor

The Share Based Payment to strategic investor expense was A$47.5 million for fiscal year 2016 compared to A$0 in fiscal year 2015. The amount represents the difference between the fair value of convertible notes and warrants issued to Ridgeback Capital Investments and the cash received. Due to additional benefits being provided by Ridgeback, the difference has been expensed on grant date in accordance with AASB 2 (IFRS 2) . Refer to note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Finance cost

Finance costs of A$0.01 million were incurred during fiscal year 2016 compared to A$18.3 million in fiscal year 2015. The decrease was attributable to our procurement of funding from Bergen Global Opportunity Fund, LP for the acquisition of Immutep in fiscal year 2015. This funding was repaid before the end of fiscal year 2015. The interest expense incurred in fiscal year 2016 related to other borrowings which were repaid in August 2015.

Net change in fair value of convertible note liability

Net change in fair value of convertible note liability of A$0.6 million were incurred during fiscal year 2016 compared to nil in fiscal year 2015. The increase was attributable to the liability component of the convertible note being measured at fair value as required by AASB 2 (IFRS 2). Refer to note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Net Loss

Net loss increased to A$62.0 million for fiscal year 2016 from A$32.2 million for fiscal year 2015, which was primarily driven by non-cash financing costs, including a share-based payment to a strategic investor (Ridgeback Capital Investments) and non-cash changes in the fair value of the financial liability. Removing the impact of those two non-cash items results in a loss after tax for FY16 of A$13,939,476. This loss is 0.91% higher when compared to the adjusted previous period loss of A$13,813,681 after removing non-cash financing costs of A$18,338,015.

 

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New Accounting Standards and Interpretations Not Adopted

New and amended standards adopted by the group

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2017 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the company. The company’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below:

 

  (i) AASB 15 (IFRS 15) Revenue from Contracts with Customers—The AASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue. This will replace AASB 118 (IAS 18) which covers revenue arising from the sale of goods and the rendering of services and AASB 111 (IAS 11) which covers construction contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The standard permits either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption. It applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. The impact of the new standard on the financial statements when applied to future periods will depend on the Group’s sources of revenues at the time of adoption of the new standard.

 

  (ii) AASB 9 (IFRS 9) Financial Instruments—AASB 9 (IFRS 9) addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets. It applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. Management has yet to fully assess the impact of the new standard on the financial statements when applied to future periods.

 

  (iii) AASB 16 (IFRS 16) Leases—The AASB 16 (IFRS 16) has issued a new standard for the accounting of leases. The new standard will predominantly affect lessees, with almost all leases brought onto the balance sheet. It applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019. Management has yet to fully assess the impact of the new standard on the financial statements when applied to future periods, although the Group currently has no off-balance sheet lease commitments.

There are no other standards and interpretations that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact on the Group in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception, our operations have mainly been financed through the issuance of equity securities. Additional funding has come through convertible loans, operating grants and interest earned from cash on term deposit.

Equity Issuances

The following table summarizes our issuances of ordinary shares for cash, excluding share-based payments, executive and employee compensation in the last five fiscal years.

 

     Fiscal
Year
     Number of
Shares/Options
     Net Proceeds  
                   (in A$)  

Ordinary Shares – share purchase plan

     2013        77,083,450        6,166,676  

Listed Options – option entitlement offer

     2013        77,378,699        1,547,574  

Ordinary Shares – share purchase plan

     2014        85,562,503        6,845,001  

Ordinary Shares – private placement, repayment of convertible loans and exercise of performance rights and options

     2015        522,785,260        31,028,380  

Ordinary Shares – private placement, share purchase plan and exercise of performance rights and options

     2016        310,136,343        14,935,642  

Ordinary Shares – exercise of performance rights and options

     2017        18,111,994        830,144  

Capital Requirements

As of June 30, 2017, we had year-end cash and cash equivalents of A$12.2 million and, subsequent to year-end, raised capital (net of costs) of approximately A$5.3 million in early July 2017. We anticipate that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our operations for more than 12 months from the date of this filing. However, our forecast of the period of time

 

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through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue one or more of our clinical trials or our operations.

We anticipate that we will require substantial additional funds in order to achieve our long-term goals and complete the research and development of our current product candidates. We do not expect to generate significant revenue until we obtain regulatory approval to market and sell our product candidate and sales of our product candidate have commenced. We therefore expect to continue to incur substantial losses in the near future. Our future capital requirements are difficult to forecast and will depend on many factors, including:

 

    the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

 

    the scope, results and timing of preclinical studies and clinical trials;

 

    the costs and timing of regulatory approvals; and

 

    the costs of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended June 30,  
     2017      2016      2015  
     A$      A$      A$  

Net cash used in operating activities

     (8,506,798      (11,309,691 )      (7,786,982 )

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (6,644      102,575        (11,961,411 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (8,532      25,720,284        11,268,429  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,521,974      14,513,168        (8,479,964 )

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

     (120,600      (393,235      1,039,537  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     20,879,548        6,759,615        14,200,042  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     12,236,974        20,879,548        6,759,615  

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was A$8.5 million, A$11.3 million, and A$7.8 million during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Payments to suppliers and employees account for almost all of the amounts above for R&D and administrative purposes. Net cash used in operating activities increased during fiscal year 2016 due to the AIPAC and TACTI-mel clinical trials that were initiated and has decreased in fiscal year 2017 primarily due to a decrease in our corporate administrative expenses. During fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, our payments to suppliers and employees were offset by interest income received of A$0.1 million, A$0.3 million, and A$0.2 million, respectively, and grant income received of A$1.4 million, A$0.9 million, and A$1.2 million, respectively.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was A$7k during fiscal year 2017, while net cash provided by investing activities was A$0.1 million during fiscal year 2016 and net cash used in investing activities was A$12.0 million during fiscal year 2015. The net cash outflow for fiscal year 2017 was due to the purchase of plant and equipment. The cash inflow in fiscal year 2016 was a result of the sale of plant and equipment. The net cash outflow for fiscal year 2015 increased as a result of the acquisition of Immutep S.A.S.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2017 was A$9k, while net cash provided by financing activities was A$25.7 million and A$11.3 million for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net cash used in or provided by financing activities during (i) fiscal 2017 was primarily attributable to the exercise of performance rights, (ii) fiscal 2016 was primarily due to the issue of shares attributable to a share purchase plan (A$10 million) and attributable to private placements to institutional investors (A$3.8 million) and the issue of convertible notes (A$13.7 million), (iii) fiscal 2015 was primarily attributable to the issue of shares (A$4.0 million), the issue of convertible notes (A$2.9 million) the exercise of warrants (A$2.6 million) and conversion of convertible notes (A$1.1 million).

 

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At June 30, 2017 we had A$12.2 million in cash and cash equivalents compared with 2016, where we had A$20.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. At June  30, 2015, we had A$6.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses

For a description of our research and development programs and activities, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B—. Business Overview—Background”. For a description of the amount spent during each of the last three fiscal years on company-sponsored research and development activities, as well as the four components of research and development expenses, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Results of Operations.”

D. Trend Information

We are a development stage company and it is not possible for us to predict with any degree of accuracy the outcome of our research or commercialization efforts.

Our research and development expenditure is our primary expenditure. Increases or decreases in research and development expenditure are attributable to the level of clinical trial activity and the amount of expenditure on those trials. The main clinical trials are the AIPAC 226 patient Phase IIb study in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast carcinoma patients receiving IMP321 as an adjuvant to a standard chemotherapy treatment regimen of paclitaxel and our pilot Phase I TACTI-mel study for 18 patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma are being dosed with IMP321 in combination with an approved checkpoint inhibitor.

It is expected that as we activate new clinics and recruit more patients for our current clinical trials, that our R&D expenses will increase.

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

During fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

As of June 30, 2017 our contractual obligations were as set forth below:

 

     Payments Due by Period  

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

   Less than
6 months
     More than
5 years
     Total
contractual
cash flows
 
     $      $      $  

Non-Derivatives

        

Trade and other payables

     2,588,781        —        2,588,781  

Convertible note liability

     —        17,876,076        17,876,076  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,588,781        17,876,076        20,464,857  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

We have agreements with clinical sites and contract research organizations. We make payments to these sites and organizations based upon the number of patients enrolled and the period of follow-up in the trial.

G. Safe Harbor

Special note regarding forward-looking statements

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including assumptions, anticipations, expectations and forecasts concerning the Group’s future business plans, products, services, financial results, performance, future events and information relevant to our business, industries and operating environments. When used in this document, the words

 

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‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘assume’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘expect’ and similar expressions, as they relate to the Group or its management are intended to identify forward-looking environments. Such statements reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent a good-faith assessment of our future performance for which we believe there is a reasonable basis. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expresses or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, adverse changes or uncertainties in economic conditions that affect the markets we serve and the risks as described in Item 3D. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

These forward-looking statements represent our view only as of the date they are made and we disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained herein, except as may be otherwise required by law.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and Senior Management

The following table sets forth our directors and senior management, their age and the positions they held as of September 1, 2017.

 

Name

  Age     

Position

Lucy Turnbull AO(1)

    59     

Non-Executive Chairman

Albert Wong AM (2)

    58     

Non-Executive Deputy Chairman

Pete Meyers (3)

    47     

Non-Executive Director

Russell Howard, Ph.D.(4)

    67     

Non-Executive Director

Grant Chamberlain (5)

    46     

Non-Executive Director

Marc Voigt

    44     

Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer

Frédéric Triebel

    62     

Chief Scientific Officer & Chief Medical Officer

Deanne Miller

    40     

Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel & Company Secretary

 

(1)   Chair of the Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit & Risk Committee.
(2)   Member of the Remuneration Committee and Audit & Risk Committee.
(3)   Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
(4)   Member of the Remuneration Committee
(5)   Member of the Remuneration Committee and Audit & Risk Committee appointed to the board on August 21, 2017 & to both committees on August 28, 2017.

Ms. Lucy Turnbull AO. Ms. Turnbull is an urbanist, businesswoman and philanthropist with longstanding interest in cities and their planning and technological and social innovation. She chaired ASX listed WebCentral Ltd from 2004-06 when it was acquired by ASX listed Melbourne IT Limited. She was a director of Melbourne IT from 2006-2010 and was a director of Sealink Travel Group Ltd in 2015. She is Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission and chairs the Committee for Sydney. She was previously Deputy Chair of the COAG Reform Council’s Cities Expert Panel advising on its Metropolitan Strategic Planning Report. She was the first female Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney from 2003-4 and before that was Deputy Mayor from 1999-2003. She was a board member of the Cancer Institute of NSW and the Australian Technology Park, Redfern. In 2012 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business by the University of NSW for her contribution to business, philanthropy and local government. In 2011 she became an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community, local government and business.

Mr. Albert Wong AM . Originally from Hong Kong, Mr Wong has been involved in the investment banking and stockbroking industry for some 35 years, he has and continues to serve on various boards including Kyckr Limited. Albert’s philanthropic activities include serving on the boards of UNSW Foundation, The Children’s Medical Research Institute, Australian Museum Foundation and Honorary Life Governor of the Physics Foundation at the University of Sydney. In January 2017, Mr Wong was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community, particularly to medical research and tertiary education sectoral.

Mr. Pete Meyers. Pete Meyers is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGRX). From May 2016 to January 2017, Mr. Meyers served as the Chief Financial Officer of Motif BioSciences Inc. (NASDAQ: MTFB; AIM: MTFB), where he led the execution of the company’s November 2016 US IPO. From August 2013 to March 2016, Mr. Meyers served

 

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as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NASDAQ: TLOG), where he led the execution of the company’s December 2013 IPO and subsequent acquisition of Shape Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prior to his role at TetraLogic, Mr. Meyers spent 18 years in health care investment banking, holding positions of increasing responsibility at Dillon, Read &Co., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and, most recently, as Co-Head of Global Health Care Investment Banking at Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. Mr. Meyers is the Chairman and President of The Thomas M. Brennan Memorial Foundation, Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Boston College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Business School.

Dr. Russell Howard, Ph.D. Dr. Russell Howard is an Australian scientist, executive manager and entrepreneur. He was a pioneer in molecular parasitology and commercialization of “DNA Shuffling”. He is an inventor of 9 patents and has over 150 scientific publications. After his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Melbourne, he held positions at several research laboratories, including the National Institutes of Health in the USA where he gained tenure. In industry, Dr. Howard worked at Schering-Plough’s DNAX Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA; was the President and Scientific Director of Affymax, Inc. And co-founder and CEO of Maxygen, Inc. After its spin-out from GlaxoWellcome. As Maxygen’s CEO, Dr. Howard led its IPO on NASDAQ and a secondary offering, raising US$ 260 million. Maxygen developed and partnered dozens of technology applications and products. After leaving Maxygen in 2008, he started the Cleantech company Oakbio, Inc. And remains involved in several innovative companies in the USA and Australia. He is currently Executive Chairman of NeuClone Pty Ltd and Head of Commercial Strategy for Genomics at Genome.One, both in Sydney.

Mr. Grant Chamberlain. Mr. Grant Chamberlain is a corporate adviser and entrepreneur. He has over 20 years’ experience in investment banking and has advised on many of the largest mergers and acquisitions transactions in Australia during that time. Mr Chamberlain was Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Financial Sponsors Australia at Bank of America Merrill Lynch until June 2017 and prior to joining Bank of America Merrill Lynch in 2013, Mr Chamberlain held senior positions at Nomura Australia and Deutsche Bank. He began his career as a corporate lawyer at Freehill Hollingdale & Page. Mr Chamberlain earned a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.

Mr. Marc Voigt. Mr. Voigt has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer since 2012 and was appointed as CEO and Executive Director in July 2014. He has extensive experience in the corporate and biotechnology sectors. He joined Prima BioMed’s management team in 2011 as the General Manager of our European operations at Prima BioMed GmbH, where he currently serves as the Managing Director. He has previously worked as an investment manager for Allianz Insurance biotech venture fund, and as a personal assistant to a member of the Executive Board of Allianz Insurance. Mr. Voigt has also worked for German investment bank, net.IPO.AG, in the area of business development and German securities offerings. In the biotech sector, he has held the positions of CFO/CBO at Revotar Biopharmaceuticals AG and Medical Enzymes AG. He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Freie Universität of Berlin, and is a member of the pharma licensing club Germany and a member of the judging panel of Germany’s largest business plan competition.

Dr. Frédéric Triebel , MD Ph.D., Dr Triebel is our Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Medical Officer and has been with Prima BioMed since December 2014, following the completion of the acquisition of Immutep. Dr Triebel was the scientific founder of Immutep S.A. (2001) and served as the Scientific and Medical Director at Immutep from 2004. Before starting Immutep, he was Professor in Immunology at Paris University. While working at Institut Gustave Roussy (IGR), a large cancer center in Paris, he discovered the LAG-3 gene in 1990 and continued working on this research program since then, identifying the functions and medical usefulness of this molecule. He headed a research group at IGR while also being involved in the biological follow-up of cancer patients treated in Phase I/II immunotherapy trials. He was Director of an INSERM Unit from 1991 to 1996. First trained as a clinical hematologist, Prof. Triebel holds a Ph.D. in immunology (Paris University) and successfully developed several research programs in immunogenetics and immunotherapy, leading to 144 publications and 16 patents.

Ms. Deanne Miller. Ms. Miller joined Prima BioMed as General Counsel and Company Secretary in October 2012 and was promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer in November 2016. She has broad commercial experience having held legal, investment banking, regulatory compliance and tax advisory positions, including, Legal Counsel at RBC Investor Services, Associate Director at Westpac Group, Legal & Compliance Manager at Macquarie Group, Regulatory Compliance Analyst at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, and Tax Advisor at KPMG. She joined Prima as General Counsel and Company Secretary in October 2012. She has a Combined Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Finance (double major) from the University of Sydney. She is admitted as a solicitor in NSW and member of the Law Society of NSW.

 

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B. Compensation

Remuneration Principles

Remuneration of all executive and non-executive directors and officers is determined by the Remuneration Committee.

We are committed to remunerating senior executives and executive directors in a manner that is market-competitive and consistent with “Best Practice” including the interests of shareholders. Remuneration packages are based on fixed and variable components, determined by the executives’ position, experience and performance, and may be satisfied via cash or equity.

Non-executive directors are remunerated out of the aggregate amount approved by shareholders and at a level that is consistent with industry standards. Non-executive directors do not receive performance based bonuses and prior shareholder approval is required to participate in any issue of equity. No retirement benefits are payable other than statutory superannuation, if applicable.

Our remuneration policy is not directly based on our financial performance, rather on industry practice, given we operate in the biotechnology sector and our primary focus is research activities with a long term objective of developing and commercializing the research and development results.

We envisage our performance in terms of earnings will remain negative while we continue in the research and development phase.

The purpose of a performance bonus is to reward individual performance in line with our objectives. Consequently, performance based remuneration is paid to an individual where the individual’s performance clearly contributes to a successful outcome. This is regularly measured in respect of performance against key performance indicators.

We use a variety of key performance indicators to determine achievement, depending on the role of the executive being assessed. These include:

 

    Successful contract negotiations.

 

    Achievement of research project milestones within scheduled time and/or budget.

 

    Our share price reaching a targeted level on the ASX over a period of time.

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth all of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each individual who served as directors and executive officers in fiscal 2017.

 

June 30, 2017

  Short-term Benefits     Post
Employment
Benefits
    Long-
term
Benefits
   

 

    Share-based
Payments
     Total  
    Cash
salary
and fees
A$
    Cash
bonus
A$
    Non
Monetary
A$
    Super-
annuation
A$
    Long
service
leave
A$
    Termi-
nation
benefits
A$
    Executive
Performance
rights
A$
    Options
issued
A$
     A$  

Non-Executive Directors

                  

Ms. L. Turnbull, AO

    137,520       —       —         13,064       —         —         —         —          150,584  

Mr. A .Wong

    84,040       —         —         7,984       —         —         —         —          92,024  

Dr. R. Howard

    90.000       —         —         —         —         —         —         —          90,000  

Mr. P. Meyers

    —         —         189,810 1,2       —         —         —         —         —          189,810  

Mr. M. Voigt

    328,802       —         —         —         —         —         339,355 3       —          668,157  

Other Key Management Personnel

                  

Dr. F. Triebel

    245,616       —         —         —         —         —         136,231 3       —          381,847  

Ms. D. Miller

    180,384       —         —         17,136       6,879       —         162,051 3       —          366,450  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
    1,066,362       —         189,810       38,184       6,879       —         637,637       —          1,938,972  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1  

Mr. Pete Meyers was issued 7,720,588 performance rights in lieu of cash for his services as a non-executive director, in accordance with shareholder approval received at the AGM on 14 November 2014. The first tranche of his performance rights

 

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  vested to him i.e. 1,715,686 converted to ordinary shares immediately after the shareholder approval was received. (Being for service from date of appointment to 30 September 2014). The second tranche of 2,573,529 performance rights vested on 1 October 2015. (Being for service from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015); The third tranche of 2,573,529 performance rights is due to vest on 1 October 2016. (Being for service from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016); The final 857,844 will vest on 1 October 2017. (Being for service from 1 October 2016 to 31 January 2017).

 

2   Mr Pete Meyers was issued 10,023,350 performance rights in lieu of cash for his services as a non-executive director, in accordance with shareholder approval received at the AGM on 25 November 2016. The first tranche of his performance rights is due to vest on 1 October 2017. (Being for service from 1 February 2017 to 30 September 2017). The second tranche of 2,736,367 performance rights is due to vest on 1 October 2018. (Being for service from 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018); The third tranche of 2,736,367 performance rights is due to vest on 1 October 2019. (Being for service from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019); The final 2,736,367 will vest on 1 October 2020. (Being for service from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020).

 

3   Performance rights were granted under the EIP. Long term incentive performance rights vest in three tranches as follows:

 

    1/3 vested to Mr Voigt and Ms Miller on 5 August, 2015 and to Dr Triebel on 31 January, 2016.

 

    1/3 vested on 5 August, 2016 to Mr M Voigt, Ms D Miller and Dr F Triebel.

 

    1/3 to vested on 5 August, 2017 to Mr M Voigt, Ms D Miller and Dr F Triebel.

 

     Vesting is contingent upon the employee being continuously employed in good standing through the vesting period. The performance rights are subject to accelerated vesting according to agreed terms in each person’s employment contract.

Service Agreements

The following members of key personnel have service agreements as at 30 June 2017 as follows:

 

Mr. Marc Voigt

  Chief Executive Officer, Chief Business Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Agreement commenced:

  July 9, 2014

Details

 

The initial term is for a period of 3 years and has been extended to 6 years Each party is to provide at least 6 months’ notice of its intention to extend the term of the contract.

 

Prima BioMed may make payments in lieu of the period of notice, or for any unexpired part of that notice period.

 

The agreement can be terminated by either party upon 6 months’ notice. The termination terms are payment of base salary in lieu of notice period.

Base salary including superannuation

  €215,000 subject to an increase of €35,000 contingent upon certain performance milestones. Subsequent to June 30, 2017, these milestones were satisfied and Mr. Voigt’s salary was increased to €250,000.

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

  Chief Scientific Officer & Chief Medical Officer

Agreement commenced:

  October 01, 2014

Details

 

Each of the parties may terminate the employment contract and the present Amendment, subject to compliance with the law and the CBA and notably to a 3-month notice period as set forth in the CBA. Subsequent to June 30, 2017, this 3-month notice period was changed to a 6-month notice period.

 

The party which fails to comply with the notice period provisions shall be liable to pay the other an indemnity equal to the salary for the remainder of the notice period.

 

Dr Triebel is subject to a non-competition clause which shall apply for 12 months, starting on the last effective day of work, and covers the territory of European Union. A non-competition indemnity of 33% of the average monthly gross basic remuneration paid to Dr Triebel within 12 months preceding the notification of the termination will be paid on a monthly basis to the Employee during the entirety of the non-competition period, unless the Company releases Dr Triebel from such non-competition clause, in which case the payment period will be 3 months.

 

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Base salary including superannuation

   €170,000

Ms. Deanne Miller

   Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel & Company Secretary

Agreement commenced:

   October 13, 2012

Details

  

The agreement can be terminated with 3 months’ notice.

 

The termination terms are payment of base salary in lieu of notice period.

Base salary including superannuation

   A$219,000. Subsequent to June 30, 2017, Ms. Miller’s salary was increased to A$240,900 and the 3-month notice period to terminate was increased to 6 months.

Executive Incentive Plan

A new Executive Incentive Plan, or EIP, was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in November 2015.The key terms of the EIP are as follows:

Operation

The Board is responsible for administering the EIP in accordance with the EIP Rules. A grant of performance rights and/or options under the EIP will be subject to both the EIP Rules and the terms and conditions of the specific grant.

Eligibility

The EIP is open to employees (including Directors employed in an executive capacity) of the Company who are invited by the Board to participate in the EIP. The EIP is not open to non-executive directors of the Company. All non-executive directors are ineligible to participate in any current employee incentive scheme of the Company. The Board may invite employees to apply for performance rights and/or options under the EIP in its absolute discretion.

Grant

No payment is required on the grant of a performance right and no exercise price is payable upon the performance right vesting. No payment is required on the grant of an option. The exercise price of an option will be determined by the Board in its discretion and specified in the participant’s invitation letter.

Vesting

The vesting of a performance right will be conditional on the satisfaction of any performance conditions attaching to the performance right. Performance conditions will be determined by the Board in its discretion and specified in the participant’s invitation letter. Where relevant performance conditions are met, then the performance right will vest and be automatically be exercised into Shares. The vesting of an option will be conditional on the satisfaction of any performance conditions attaching to the option. Performance conditions will be determined by the Board in its discretion and specified in the participant’s invitation letter.

Where a participant ceases to be an employee of the Company because of total and permanent disability, death, or any other circumstance determined by the Board in its discretion, the Board may determine that any of the performance rights and/or options granted to a participant will vest, whether or not any performance conditions attaching to the performance right and/or option have been met. Notwithstanding this and subject to the ASX Listing Rules:

(i) the Board may vest some or all of a participant’s performance rights and/or options even if a performance condition has not been met, if the Board considers that to do so would be in the interests of the Company; and

(ii) the vesting of a participant’s performance rights and/or options may be made subject to further conditions as determined by the Board.

Lapse of Performance Rights and Options

All performance rights and options that have not vested on or before the fifth anniversary of their grant date will automatically lapse. Performance rights and options will also lapse if the applicable performance conditions attaching to them are not met within a

 

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prescribed period determined by the Board in its discretion. If a participant ceases to be an employee of the Company (other than in the circumstances referred to above), the participant’s performance rights and/or options will lapse automatically on cessation of the participant’s employment unless the Board determines otherwise within 60 days of the date of cessation of the participant’s employment.

Conversion

A participant may at any time request the Board to convert any or all of the participant’s unvested performance rights to Options, or vice versa, at a rate of conversion determined by the Board in its absolute discretion. Any converted performance rights or Options will be subject to the same terms and conditions of the original performance rights or options (as applicable) granted to the participant unless otherwise determined by the Board in its discretion.

Dealing with Performance Rights and Options

Performance rights and options are not transferable, except on the participant’s death, to their legal personal representative.

Shares

Each performance right will entitle a participant to one share upon vesting. Each option will entitle a participant upon vesting to subscribe for one share at the exercise price specified by the Board in the participant’s invitation letter. Shares issued as a result of the vesting of a performance right or vesting and exercise of an option will rank equally with the shares currently on issue.

Maximum Number of Performance Rights and Options

The Board may grant such number of performance rights and/or options under the EIP as the Board determines so long as no limit specified, imposed or calculated by any relevant policy or guideline of ASIC, including any regulatory guide, class order or condition for relief, is exceeded.

Takeovers

If the event of a takeover bid (as defined in the Corporations Act), a participant’s performance rights and options will vest immediately to the extent that the performance conditions attaching to those performance rights and/or options have been satisfied and the remaining performance rights and/or options will lapse.

Reconstruction of Capital

If the Company makes a bonus issue, then a participant will become entitled to a proportionately greater number of shares on vesting of the performance rights and/or options held, as if the performance rights and/or options had vested before the bonus issue. If there is any other form of capital reconstruction, the number of performance rights and/or options will be adjusted in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules. A participant is not entitled to participate in any new issue of securities in the Company other than as described above.

Amendment of Incentive Plan

Subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Board may amend the rules of the EIP, but no amendment may materially reduce the rights of participants generally in respect of the performance rights and/or options granted to them, except an amendment made primarily to enable compliance with the law governing or regulating the EIP, to correct a manifest error or mistake, to take into account changes in development in taxation law or to enable compliance with the Corporations Act or the ASX Listing Rules.

 

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Number of securities issued under the EIP since the date of last approval

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the EIP up to June 30, 2017.

 

Grant Date

  Expiry Date   

Exercise Price

  Balance
at
Start of
the
Period
    Issued
During
the
Period
    Exercised
During
the
Period
    Lapsed
During
the
Period
    Balance at
End of
the
Period
 

December 23, 2013

  June 30, 2018    The Options are exercisable at an exercise price of A$ 0.0774 per Share at any time after vesting and prior to 5pm on June 30, 2018 (Expiry Date).     1,515,752       —       —       —       1,515,752  

January 24, 2014

  June 30, 2018    The Options are exercisable at an exercise price of A$ 0.0774 per Share at any time after vesting and prior to 5pm on June 30, 2018 (Expiry Date).     165,116       —       —       —       165,116  

Set out below are summaries of STI and LTI performance rights granted under the EIP up to June 30, 2017.

 

2017

Grant date

   Fair
value
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

September 19, 2014

     0.044        5,422,794        —          —          2,665,441        2,757,353        —    

September 19, 2014

     0.044        1,807,598        —          —          888,480        919,118        —    

November 14, 2014

     0.038        9,191,177        —          —          —          9,191,177        —    

November 14, 2014

     0.040        3,063,725        —          —          —          3,063,725        —    

August 5, 2015

     0.047        28,000,001        —          14,000,000        —          14,000,001        —    

October 1, 2015

     0.060        600,000        —          —          —          600,000        —    

October 1, 2015

     0.061        200,000        —          —          —          200,000        —    

December 29, 2015

     0.050        1,538,462        —          1,538,462        —          —          —    

March 7, 2016

     0.041        1,486,326        —          —          —          1,486,326        —    

February 10, 2017

     0.035        —          1,634,375        —          —          1,491,565        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        51,310,083        1,634,375        15,538,462        3,553,921        33,852,075        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

C. Board Practices

Introduction

Our Board of Directors is elected by and accountable to our shareholders. It currently consists of six directors, including five non-executive directors, of which one is the non-executive Chairman of our Board of Directors. The Chairman of our Board of Directors is responsible for the management of the Board of Directors and its functions.

Election of Directors

Directors are elected at our annual general meeting of shareholders. Under our Constitution, a director, other than a managing director, must not hold office for more than three years or beyond the third annual general meeting following his appointment (whichever is the longer period) without submitting himself for re-election. Our Board of Directors has the power to appoint any person to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director (provided that the total number of directors does not exceed the maximum allowed by law), and any director so appointed may hold office only until the next annual general meeting when he or she shall be eligible for election.

Corporate Governance

ASX Corporate Governance Principles

In Australia there are no defined corporate governance structures and practices that must be observed by a company listed on the ASX, except that entities of a certain size are required to have audit and remuneration committees and in some instances trading policies for key management personnel. Instead, the ASX Corporate Governance Council has published the Corporate Governance

 

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Principles and Recommendations, which contains what are called the Recommendations which articulate eight core principles which are intended to provide a reference point for companies about their corporate governance structures and practices. Under ASX listing Rule 4.10.3, companies are required to attach a copy (or the URL page on its website) of the Company’s corporate governance statement (which has been approved by the Board) and provide a statement in their Annual Report to shareholders disclosing the extent to which they have followed the Recommendations in the reporting period and where they have not followed all the Recommendations, identify the Recommendations that have not been followed, and the reasons for not following them and what (if any) alternative governance practices it adopted in lieu of the recommendations during that period . It is not mandatory to follow the Recommendations. We believe we are in material compliance with the Recommendations. Set forth below are the material provisions of the Recommendations together with the reasons, where applicable, for variations therefrom.

 

1. Lay solid foundations for management and oversight . Companies should establish and disclose the respective roles and responsibilities of board and management and how their performance is monitored and evaluated. During the year ended June 30, 2017, we varied from the Recommendations in the following area:

 

    At present the Board does not have a formal diversity policy as recommended by the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations. The Board believes that the Company does not have a workforce size which is significant enough to require a formal diversity policy. A diversity policy will be formalised as the Company develops and grows. At present the Board ensures that appropriate procedures and measures are introduced and responsibilities delegated to the Remuneration committee to ensure that the both the Board’s and the Company’s diversity objectives are met.

 

2. Structure the Board to add value . Companies should have a board of an effective composition, size, and commitment to adequately discharge its responsibilities and duties effectively. During the year ended June 30, 2017, we varied from the Recommendations in the following area:

 

    The Board believes that we are not of a size, nor are our financial affairs of such complexity, to justify the establishment of a Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors. All matters which might be properly dealt with by a Nomination Committee are considered by the full Board of Directors. The Board considers the necessity to establish a Nomination Committee annually.

 

3. Promote ethical and responsible decision-making . Companies should act ethically and responsibly.

 

4. Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting . Companies should have formal and rigorous processes to independently verify and safeguard the integrity of their corporate reporting.

 

5. Make timely and balanced disclosure . Companies should make timely and balanced disclosure of all matters concerning it that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of its securities.

 

6. Respect the rights of shareholders . Companies should respect the rights of shareholders by providing them with appropriate information and facilities to allow them the effective exercise of those rights.

 

7. Recognize and manage risk . Companies should establish a sound system of risk management and periodically review the effectiveness of that internal control.

 

8. Remunerate fairly and responsibly . Companies should ensure that the level and composition of remuneration is sufficient and reasonable and that its relationship to performance is clear.

Non-Executive and Independent Directors

Australian law does not require a company to appoint a certain number of independent directors to its board of directors or audit committee. However, under the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the ASX recommends, but does not require, that a ASX-listed company have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors and that the audit committee be comprised of independent directors, within the meaning of the rules of the ASX. Our Board of Directors currently has five directors, of which four are non-executive directors within the meaning of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, and our audit committee consists of four such non-executive directors. Accordingly, we currently comply with the Recommendations.

 

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Under NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, in general a majority of our Board of Directors must qualify as independent directors within the meaning of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and our audit committee must have at least three members and be comprised only of independent directors, each of whom satisfies the respective “independence” requirements of NASDAQ and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Board of Directors does not have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. The Board of Directors does meet regularly and independent directors are expected to attend all such meetings. Our practices are consistent with the Recommendations, in that the Recommendations do not provide that independent directors should meet separately from the Board of Directors.

Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Lucy Turnbull, Albert Wong, Pete Meyers, Grant Chamberlain and Russell Howard qualifies as an independent director under the requirements of the ASX, NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee . NASDAQ Marketplace Rules require us to establish an audit committee comprised of at least three members, each of whom is financially literate and satisfies the respective “independence” requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ and one of whom has accounting or related financial management expertise at senior levels within a company.

Our Audit Committee assists our Board of Directors in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, including the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, our independent public accountants’ qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent public accountants, and such other duties as may be directed by our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is also required to assess risk management.

Our Audit Committee currently consists of four board members, each of whom satisfies the “independence” requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and ASX Rules. Our Audit Committee is currently composed of Albert Wong, Lucy Turnbull, Pete Meyers and Grant Chamberlain. The audit committee meets at least two times per year.

Remuneration Committee. Our Board of Directors has established a Remuneration Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, within the meaning of NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. The Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing the salary, incentives and other benefits of our directors, senior executive officers and employees, and to make recommendations on such matters for approval by our Board of Directors. The Remuneration Committee is also responsible for overseeing and advising our Board of Directors with regard to the adoption of policies that govern our compensation programs. Lucy Turnbull, Russell Howard, Albert Wong and Grant Chamberlain are the current members of the Remuneration Committee, each of whom qualifies as an “independent director” within the meaning of NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

Nominations Committee. Our Board of Directors has not established a Nominations Committee. The Recommendations provide that the Nominations Committee of a company should have a charter that clearly sets out its roles and responsibilities, composition, structure, membership requirements and the procedures for inviting non-committee members to attend meetings. We have not established a Nominations Committee as we do not believe the size of our financial affairs justify the establishment of a separate committee at this time.

Corporate Governance Requirements Arising from Our U.S. Listing — the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, SEC Rules and the Nasdaq Global Market Marketplace Rules.

Our shares in the form of ADRs are quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as related new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, require companies which are considered to be foreign private issuers in the U.S., such as us, to comply with various corporate governance practices. In addition, Nasdaq has made certain changes to its corporate governance requirements for companies that are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. These changes allow us to follow Australian “home country” corporate governance practices in lieu of the otherwise applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards, as long as we disclose each requirement of Rule 5600 that we do not follow and describe the home country practice we follow in lieu of the

 

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relevant Nasdaq corporate governance standards. We intend to take all actions necessary to maintain compliance with applicable corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, rules adopted by the SEC and listing standards of Nasdaq. We follow Australian corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules in respect of:

 

    Nasdaq requirement under Rule 5620(c) that a quorum consist of holders of 33 1/3% of the outstanding ordinary shares — The ASX Listing Rules do not have an express requirement that each issuer listed on ASX have a quorum of any particular number of the outstanding ordinary shares, but instead allow a listed issuer to establish its own quorum requirements. Our quorum is currently two persons who are entitled to vote. We believe this quorum requirement is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

    The Nasdaq requirements under Rules 5605(b)(1) and (2) relating to director independence, including the requirements that a majority of the board of directors must be comprised of independent directors and that independent directors must have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present — The Nasdaq and ASX definitions of what constitute an independent director are not identical and the requirements relating to the roles and obligations of independent directors are not identical. The ASX, unlike Nasdaq, permits an issuer to establish its own materiality threshold for determining whether a transaction between a director and an issuer affects the director’s status as independent and it does not require that a majority of the issuer’s board of directors be independent, as long as the issuer publicly discloses this fact. In addition, the ASX does not require that the independent directors have regularly scheduled meeting at which only independent directors are present. We believe that our Board composition is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and that it is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

    The Nasdaq requirements under Rule 5605(c)(1) and (2) relating to the composition of the audit committee and the audit committee charter — The Nasdaq and ASX audit committee requirements are not identical. Moreover, differences in the requirements of Nasdaq and ASX also arise because of the differences in the definitions of who constitutes an independent director, as discussed above. We have an audit committee and audit committee charter that are consistent with the requirements of the ASX Listing Rules and which we believe are appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

 

    The Nasdaq requirements under Rules 5605(d) that compensation of an issuer’s officers must be determined, or recommended to the Board for determination, either by a majority of the independent directors, or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, and that director nominees must either be selected, or recommended for the Board’s selection, either by a majority of the independent directors, or a nominations committee comprised solely of independent directors. The Nasdaq compensation committee requirements are not identical to the ASX remuneration and nomination committee requirements. Issuers listed on the ASX are recommended under applicable listing standards to establish a remuneration committee consisting of a majority of independent directors and an independent chairperson, or publicly disclose that it has not done so. We have a Remuneration Committee that is consistent with the requirements of the ASX and which we believe is appropriate and typical of generally accepted business practices in Australia.

Directors’ Service Contracts

For details of directors’ service contracts providing for benefits upon termination of employment, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Service Agreements.”

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Constitution provides that, we may indemnify a person who is, or has been, an officer of our company, to the full extent permissible by law, out of our property against any liability incurred by such person as an officer in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal, and whatever their outcome.

In addition, our Constitution provides that to the extent permitted by law, we may pay, or agree to pay, a premium in respect of a contract insuring a person who is or has been an officer of our company or one of our subsidiaries against any liability:

 

    incurred by the person in his or her capacity as an officer of our company or a subsidiary of our company, and

 

    for costs and expenses incurred by that person in defending proceedings relating to that person acting as an officer of Prima BioMed, whether civil or criminal, and whatever their outcome.

 

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We maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy. We have established a policy for the indemnification of our directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred as a director or officer, including costs and expenses associated in successfully defending legal proceedings.

D. Employees

As of June 30, 2017, we had 17 employees. Of such employees, 11 were employed in research and development, one in intellectual property management and 5 in general management and administration. Of these 17 employees, 4 were located in Australia, 5 were located in France, 7 were located in Germany and one was located in the US. As at the end of fiscal years 2015 and 2016 we had 21 and 22 employees, respectively. The consolidation of our CVac program and the prioritization of IMP321 led to a change in staff structure, which resulted in a reduction of employees during fiscal year 2017 by approximately 19%.

Each of our full-time employees has entered into an agreement with a term of employment of between one to four years or for an unlimited term. We also engage part-time employees. We may only terminate the employment of any of our employees in accordance with the relevant employee’s contract of employment.

Our standard contract of employment for full time and part-time employees provides that we can terminate the employment of an employee without notice for serious misconduct or with between one to three months’ notice without cause (as set out in the relevant employee’s contract of employment). We can terminate the employment of a casual employee without notice. For a summary of the key terms of employment of each of our senior management, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Service Agreements.”

E. Share Ownership

For a description of arrangements involving the employees in the capital of the company, including any arrangement that involves the issue or grant of options or shares or securities of the company, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Global Employee Share Option Plan,” “—Employee Share Option Plan” and “—Executive Incentive Plan.”

Beneficial Ownership of Senior Management and Directors

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Ordinary shares relating to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of the above table are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.

The following table sets forth certain information as of June 30, 2017 regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by each of our directors and senior management and by all of our directors and senior management as a group. The shares are beneficially owned, held directly or via an entity related to the individual. The percentages shown are based on 2,079,742,938 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017.

 

Name

   Number of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned
    Percentage of
Ownership
 

Lucy Turnbull

     20,359,576       *  

Albert Wong

     3,837,500       *  

Russell Howard

     —       —  

Pete Meyers

     6,862,744       *  

Marc Voigt

    

18,271,960

4,500

 

**

    *  

Deanne Miller

     8,243,572       *  

Frédéric Triebel

     15,978,049       *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons) – Ordinary shares

    

73,553,551

4,500

 

**

    3.54 %

 

* Less than 1%.
** Held in the form of 45 ADSs listed on the NASDAQ Global Market.

 

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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Shareholders

One shareholder, Ridgeback Capital Investments LP, or Ridgeback, owned more than 5% or more of our ordinary shares as at June 30, 2017. Ridgeback held 112,343,250 ordinary shares, representing 5.402% of the total issued share capital of the Company as at June 30, 2017. The ordinary shares are registered in the name of its custodian HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited, with Ridgeback being the underlying holder and entitled to be registered as the holder. Each share ranks pari passu with existing ordinary shares and entitles the holder to one vote. The voting rights of Ridgeback are no different than the voting rights of other holders of our ordinary shares. The associates of Ridgeback (Ridgeback Associates) are Ridgeback Capital Management L.P. (which has the power to control the right to vote and the disposal of the securities) and Wayne Holman (as the controlling party of Ridgeback Capital Management L.P.).

As of June 30, 2017, there were 11,232 holders of record of our ordinary shares, of which 6 holders, holding approximately 0.344% of our ordinary shares, had registered addresses in the United States. These numbers are not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our shares nor are they representative of where such beneficial holders reside, as many of these ordinary shares were held of record by brokers or other nominees. The majority of trading by our U.S. investors is done by means of ADSs that are held of record by HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Ltd, which held 30.76% of our ordinary shares as of such date.

To our knowledge, we are not directly or indirectly controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal person severally or jointly. There are no agreements known to us, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of Prima BioMed.

B. Related Party Transactions

We operate inter-company loan accounts with our wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and loan balances are eliminated on consolidation.

During fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 there were no related party transactions. During fiscal 2015 Ridgeback became a major shareholder of the Company. In connection with the Ridgeback investment described below Ridgeback received a convertible note. The convertible note was subject to shareholder approval, with such approval being obtained on 31 July 2015.

On 15 May 2015 Prima announced that Ridgeback Capital Investments LP, or Ridgeback, a US-based specialist healthcare investor, would be investing A$15m in Prima BioMed via a share placement at 1.73 cents (to raise A$1.25m) to be followed, after shareholder approval, by a Convertible Note with a fixed conversion price of 2 cents (to raise A$13.75m). The Convertible Note was subject to shareholder approval, which was obtained on 31 July 2015. The Convertible Note has a ten-year term, accrues interest at 3% per annum (which is payable at maturity) and is convertible at Ridgeback’s election. As part of this investment, Ridgeback also received two warrants: (i) a warrant to purchase 8,475,995 ordinary shares at 2.5 cents per share, exercisable at any time, which expires on 4 August 2025 and (ii) a warrant to purchase 371,445,231 ordinary shares at 2.37 cents per share, exercisable at any time, which expires on 4 August 2020. The share price of each warrant is subject to standard adjustments in accordance with the ASX Listing Rules. On 27 May 2015, Ridgeback’s investment was increased by another 28,000,000 shares as a result of the conversion of the convertible note held by Bergen Global Opportunity Fund, LP, which precipitated a change in the terms of Ridgeback’s subscription agreement with Prima.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are included in Item 18 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is found immediately following the text of this Annual Report on Form 20-F. The audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2017, is included therein immediately preceding the financial statements.

 

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Export Sales

The Company had no export sales in its latest financial year ended June 30, 2017 and for financial years ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 and, as a result, the percentage of export sales for the Company for each of the three years was zero.

Legal Proceedings

We are not involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings, including those relating to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on our financial position or profitability. The company is not involved in any governmental proceedings pending or known by us to be contemplated.

Dividend Distribution Policy

We have never paid cash dividends to our shareholders. We intend to retain future earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Any future dividend policy will be determined by the Board of Directors and will be based upon various factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant. There is no assurance that dividends will ever be paid. See “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements”.

B. Significant Changes

Significant changes since the date of the annual financial statements are included herein.

 

    On 29 June 2017, Prima entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain accredited investors to purchase 2,631,268 of its American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) at a purchase price per ADS of US$1.90 in a registered direct offering, for total gross proceeds of approximately US$5.0 million (equivalent to approximately AU$6.5 million). In a concurrent private placement, the Company agreed to issue unregistered warrants to purchase up to 1,973,451 of its ADSs. The warrants have an exercise price of US$2.50 per ADS, are exercisable immediately and will expire on 5 January 2023 from the date of issuance. The Company completed the transaction on 4 July 2017 and received the proceeds on 5 July 2017. The capital raising costs of A$846,180 incurred in June 2017 are included in Other Current Assets and will be re-classified to be netted off the share capital raised in July 2017.

 

    On 1 August 2017, Prima received a second clinical milestone payment of US$1.0 million from Novartis based on the collaboration and licensing agreement between the companies relating to Prima’s IMP701 LAG-3 antibody.

 

    On 16 August 2017, Prima received a €876,635 (A$1,306,266) cash rebate from the French Government under its Crédit d’Impôt Recherche scheme which is included in Grant and other receivables as at 30 June 2017.

 

    On 21 August, 2017 Prima announced the appointment of Grant Chamberlain to the Board as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

 

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ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

Our ordinary shares have traded on the ASX under the symbol “PRR” since our initial public offering on July 9, 2001. The ADSs have traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “PBMD” since April 16, 2012. Each ADS represents 100 ordinary shares. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market quotations for our ordinary shares as quoted on the ASX and on the NASDAQ Global Market.

 

     Per Ordinary Share (A$)     Per ADS (US$)  
     High      Low     High     Low  
     A$      A$     US$     US$  

Fiscal Year Ended June 30,

         

2013

     0.20        0.06       23.20       5.67  

2014

     0.11        0.03       11.43       2.73  

2015

     0.19        0.02       21.60       1.40  

2016

     0.09        0.04       6.00       2.40  

2017

     0.04        0.03       3.30       1.70  

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2016:

         

First Quarter

     0.09        0.05       6.00       3.10  

Second Quarter

     0.06        0.05       5.13       3.37  

Third Quarter

     0.06        0.04       4.00       2.40  

Fourth Quarter

     0.05        0.04       4.13       3.00  

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2017:

         

First Quarter

     0.04        0.04       3.30       2.67  

Second Quarter

     0.04        0.03       3.26       1.70  

Third Quarter

     0.04        0.03       3.24       2.10  

Fourth Quarter

     0.04        0.03       2.79       1.88  

Month Ended:

         

April 2017

     0.03        0.03       2.53       2.14  

May 2017

     0.03        0.03       2.55       2.31  

June 2017

     0.04        0.03       2.79       1.88  

July 2017

     0.03        0.02       2.22       1.55  

August 2017

     0.03        0.02       1.73       1.40  

September 2017

     0.03        0.02       1.96       1.55  

For a description of the rights of our ADSs, see “Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities—D. American Depositary Shares.”

On December 28, 2016, we changed the ordinary share-to-ADS ratio from 30:1 to 100:1. Per ADS sale prices for dates prior to such change are adjusted to give effect to such change.

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

C. Markets

Our ordinary shares are listed and traded on the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd., or ASX, on the NASDAQ Global Market where our ordinary shares in the form of ADSs are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market.

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

 

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E. Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

General

Our constituent document is a Constitution. The Constitution is subject to the terms of the Listing Rules of ASX Limited and the Corporations Act 2001. The Constitution may be amended or repealed and replaced by special resolution of shareholders, which is a resolution of which notice has been given and that has been passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution.

Purposes and Objects

As a public company we have all the rights, powers and privileges of a natural person. Our Constitution does not provide for or prescribe any specific objects or purposes.

The Powers of the Directors

Under the provision of our Constitution our directors may exercise all the powers of our company in relation to:

Management of Company

The business is managed by the directors who may exercise all the powers of our company that are not by the Corporations Act or by this constitution required to be exercised by shareholders in general meeting subject nevertheless to any provision of this constitution and to the provisions of the Corporations Act.

Members Approval to Significant Changes

The directors must not make a significant change (either directly or indirectly) to the nature and scale of our activities except after having disclosed full details to ASX in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules of the ASX and the directors must not sell or otherwise dispose of the main undertaking of our company without the approval of shareholders in general meeting in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules.

Rights Attached to Our Ordinary Shares

The concept of authorized share capital no longer exists in Australia and as a result, our authorized share capital is unlimited. All our outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The rights attached to our ordinary shares are as follows:

Dividend Rights. The directors may declare that a dividend be paid to the members according to the shareholders’ pro rata shareholdings and the directors may fix the amount, the time for payment and the method of payment. No dividend is payable except in accordance with the Corporations Act as amended from time to time and no dividend carries interest as against the Company.

 

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Voting Rights. Holders of ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Such voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.

The quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person, or by proxy, attorney or representative appointed pursuant to our Constitution. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum generally is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place. At the reconvened meeting, the required quorum consists of any two members present in person, or by proxy, attorney or representative appointed pursuant to our Constitution. The meeting is dissolved if a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time appointed for the meeting.

An ordinary resolution, such as a resolution for the declaration of dividends, requires approval by the holders of a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy, or by written ballot and voting thereon. Under our Constitution, a special resolution, such as amending our Constitution, approving any change in capitalization, winding-up, authorization of a class of shares with special rights, or other changes as specified in our Constitution, requires approval of a special majority, representing the holders of no less than 75% of the voting rights represented at the meeting in person, by proxy or by written ballet, and voting thereon.

Rights in Our Profits. Our shareholders have the right to share in our profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution.

Rights in the Event of Liquidation. In the event of our liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, our assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the capital at the commencement of the liquidation paid up or which ought to have been paid up on the shares held by them respectively. This right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividend or distribution rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights, such as the right in winding up to payment in cash of the amount then paid up on the share, and any arrears of dividend in respect of that share, in priority to any other class of shares.

Changing Rights Attached to Shares

According to our Constitution, the rights attached to any class of shares, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the class, may be varied with either the written consent of the holders of not less than 75% of the issued shares of that class or the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the shares of that class.

Annual and Extraordinary Meetings

Our directors must convene an annual meeting of shareholders at least once every calendar year, within five months of our last fiscal year-end balance sheet data. Notice of at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting is required. A general meeting may be convened by any director, or one or more shareholders holding in the aggregate at least 5% of our issued capital. A general meeting must be called not more than 21 days after the request is made. The meeting must be held not later than two months after the request is given.

Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities in Our Company

Subject to certain limitations on the percentage of shares a person may hold in our company, neither our Constitution nor the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia restrict in any way the ownership or voting of shares in our company.

Changes in Our Capital

Pursuant to the Listing Rules, our directors may in their discretion issue securities to persons who are not related parties of our company, without the approval of shareholders, if such issue, when aggregate with securities issued by our company during the previous 12 month period would be an amount that would not exceed 15% of our issued capital at the commencement of the 12 month period. Other allotments of securities require approval by an ordinary resolution of shareholders.

C. Material Contracts

Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report (including the exhibits hereto), we are currently not, and have not been in the two years preceding publication of this annual report, party to any material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business.

 

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D. Exchange Controls

Australia has largely abolished exchange controls on investment transactions. The Australian dollar is freely convertible into U.S. dollars. In addition, there are currently no specific rules or limitations regarding the export from Australia of profits, dividends, capital or similar funds belonging to foreign investors, except that certain payments to non-residents must be reported to the Australian Cash Transaction Reports Agency, which monitors such transaction, and amounts on account of potential Australian tax liabilities may be required to be withheld unless a relevant taxation treaty can be shown to apply.

The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975

Under Australian law, in certain circumstances foreign persons are prohibited from acquiring more than a limited percentage of the shares in an Australian company without approval from the Australian Treasurer. These limitations are set forth in the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act, or the Takeovers Act.

Under the Takeovers Act, as currently in effect, any foreign person, together with associates, or parties acting in concert, is prohibited from acquiring 15% or more of the shares in any company having total assets of A$252 million or more (or A$1,094 million or more in case of U.S. investors). “Associates” is a broadly defined term under the Takeovers Act 1975 and includes:

 

    spouses, lineal ancestors and descendants, and siblings;

 

    partners, officers of companies, the company, employers and employees, and corporations;

 

    their shareholders related through substantial shareholdings or voting power;

 

    corporations whose directors are controlled by the person, or who control a person; and

 

    associations between trustees and substantial beneficiaries of trust estates.

In addition, a foreign person may not acquire shares in a company having total assets of A$252 million or more (or A$1,094 million or more in case of U.S. investors) if, as a result of that acquisition, the total holdings of all foreign persons and their associates will exceed 40% in aggregate without the approval of the Australian Treasurer. If the necessary approvals are not obtained, the Treasurer may make an order requiring the acquirer to dispose of the shares it has acquired within a specified period of time. The same rule applies if the total holdings of all foreign persons and their associates already exceeds 40% and a foreign person (or its associate) acquires any further shares, including in the course of trading in the secondary market of the ADSs. At present, we do not have total assets of A$231 million or more. At this time, our total assets do not exceed any of the above thresholds and therefore no approval would be required from the Australian Treasurer. Nonetheless, should our total assets exceed the threshold in the future, we would will be mindful of the number of ADS that can be made available, and monitor the 40% aggregate shareholding threshold for foreign persons (together with the associates) to ensure that it will not be exceeded subject to the Australian Treasurer’s approval.

Each foreign person seeking to acquire holdings in excess of the above caps (including their associates, as the case may be) would need to complete an application form setting out the proposal and relevant particulars of the acquisition/shareholding. The Australian Treasurer then has 30 days to consider the application and make a decision. However, the Australian Treasurer may extend the period by up to a further 90 days by publishing an interim order. The Australian Treasurer has issued a guideline titled Australia’s Foreign Investment Policy which provides an outline of the policy. As for the risk associated with seeking approval, the policy provides that the Treasurer will reject an application if it is contrary to the national interest.

If the level of foreign ownership exceeds 40% at any time, we would be considered a foreign person under the Takeovers Act. In such event, we would be required to obtain the approval of the Australian Treasurer for our company, together with our associates, to acquire (i) more than 15% of an Australian company or business with assets totaling over A$252 million (or A$1,094 if the investor is a non-government entity from a ‘partner agreement’ country); or (ii) any direct or indirect ownership in Australian residential real estate and certain non-residential real estate.

The percentage of foreign ownership in our company would also be included determining the foreign ownership of any Australian company or business in which it may choose to invest. Since we have no current plans for any such acquisition and do not own any property, any such approvals required to be obtained by us as a foreign person under the Takeovers Act will not affect our current or future ownership or lease of property in Australia.

Our Constitution does not contain any additional limitations on a non-resident’s right to hold or vote our securities.

 

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Australian law requires the transfer of shares in our company to be made in writing. No stamp duty will be payable in Australia on the transfer of ADSs.

E. Taxation

The following is a discussion of Australian and United States tax consequences material to our shareholders. To the extent that the discussion is based on tax legislation which has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, the views expressed in the discussion might not be accepted by the tax authorities in question or by court. The discussion is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and does not exhaust all possible tax considerations.

Holders of our ADSs should consult their own tax advisors as to the United States, Australian or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.

E.1. AUSTRALIAN TAX CONSEQUENCES

In this section we discuss the material Australian tax considerations that apply to non-Australian tax residents with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposal of the absolute beneficial ownership of ADSs, which are evidenced by ADSs. This discussion is based upon existing Australian tax law as of the date of this Annual Report, which is subject to change, possibly retrospectively. This discussion does not address all aspects of Australian income tax law which may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as ADSs or shares held by investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies or tax exempt organizations). In addition, this summary does not discuss any foreign or state tax considerations, other than stamp duty. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the Australian and foreign income and other tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the ADSs or shares.

Nature of ADSs for Australian Taxation Purposes

Holders of our ADSs are treated as the owners of the underlying ordinary shares for Australian income tax and capital gains tax purposes. Therefore, dividends paid on the underlying ordinary shares will be treated for Australian tax purposes as if they were paid directly to the owners of ADSs, and the disposal of ADSs will be treated for Australian tax purposes as the disposal of the underlying ordinary shares. In the following analysis we discuss the application of the Australian income tax and capital gains tax rules to non-Australian resident holders of ADSs.

Taxation of Dividends

Australia operates a dividend imputation system under which dividends may be declared to be “franked” to the extent they are paid out of company profits that have been subject to income tax. Fully franked dividends are not subject to dividend withholding tax. Dividends that are not franked or are partly franked and are paid to non-Australian resident stockholders are subject to dividend withholding tax, but only to the extent the dividends are not franked.

Dividends paid to a non-resident stockholder are subject to withholding tax (a) except to the extent they have been franked and (b) at 30%, unless the stockholder is a resident of a country with which Australia has a double taxation agreement.

In accordance with the provisions of the Double Taxation Convention between Australia and the United States, the maximum rate of Australian tax on any unfranked portion of a dividend to which a resident of the United States is beneficially entitled is 15%, where the U.S. resident holds less than 10% of the voting rights in our company, or 5% where the U.S. resident holds 10% or more of the voting rights in our company. Special rules apply to Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts that hold shares and receive dividends. The Double Taxation Convention between Australia and the United States does not apply to limit the tax rate on dividends where the ADSs are effectively connected to a permanent establishment or a fixed base carried on by the owner of the ADSs in Australia through which the stockholder carries on business or provides independent personal services, respectively.

Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares—Capital Gains Tax

Australian capital gains derived by non-Australian residents in respect of the disposal of capital assets that are not taxable Australian property will be disregarded. Non-Australian resident stockholders will not be subject to Australian capital gains tax on the capital gain made on a disposal of our shares, unless they, together with associates, hold 10% or more of our issued capital, tested either at the time of disposal or over any continuous 12 month period in the 24 months prior to disposal, and the value of our shares at the time of disposal is principally attributable to Australian real property assets.

 

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Australian capital gains tax applies to net capital gains at a taxpayer’s marginal tax rate but for certain stockholders a discount capital gain may apply if the shares have been held for 12 months or more. For individuals, this discount is 50%. Net capital gains are calculated after reduction for capital losses (including certain prior year capital losses), which may only be offset against capital gains.

Tax on Sales or other Dispositions of Shares—Stockholders Holding Shares on Revenue Account

Some non-Australian resident stockholders may hold shares on revenue rather than on capital account, for example, share traders. These stockholders may have the gains made on the sale or other disposal of the shares included in their assessable income under the ordinary income provisions of the income tax law, if the gains are sourced in Australia.

Non-Australian resident stockholders assessable under these ordinary income provisions in respect of gains made on shares held on revenue account would be assessed for such gains at the Australian tax rates for non-Australian residents, which start at a marginal rate of 29% for non-Australian resident individuals. Some relief from the Australian income tax may be available to such non-Australian resident stockholders under the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia, for example, because the stockholder does not have a permanent establishment in Australia.

To the extent an amount would be included in a non-Australian resident stockholder’s assessable income under both the capital gains tax provisions and the ordinary income provisions, the capital gain amount would generally be reduced, so that the stockholder would not be subject to double tax on any part of the income gain or capital gain.

Dual Residency

If a stockholder were a resident of both Australia and the United States under those countries’ domestic taxation laws, that stockholder may be subject to tax as an Australian resident. If, however, the stockholder is determined to be a U.S. resident for the purposes of the Double Taxation Convention between the United States and Australia, the Australian tax applicable would be limited by the Double Taxation Convention. Stockholders should obtain specialist taxation advice in these circumstances.

Stamp Duty

A transfer of shares of a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange is not subject to Australian stamp duty except in some circumstances where the listed company holds substantial real property and/or real property interests.

Australian Death Duty

Australia does not have estate or death duties. No capital gains tax liability is realized upon the inheritance of a deceased person’s shares. The disposal of inherited shares by beneficiaries, may, however, give rise to a capital gains tax liability.

Goods and Services Tax

The issue or transfer of shares will not incur Australian goods and services tax and does not require a stockholder to register for Australian goods and services tax purposes.

Research and Development Tax Incentives

The Australian Government tax incentive scheme, introduced on July 1, 2011, replaces the former R&D Tax Concession scheme for research and development activities in income years commencing on or after July 1, 2011. Subject to certain exclusions, the new scheme provides benefits for eligible research and development activities (R&D activities). Such eligible R&D activities include but are not limited to:

 

    Core activities, which are experimental activities whose outcome is not known or cannot be determined in advance, but can only be determined by applying a systematic progression of work;

 

    Core activities must be conducted for the purpose of generating new knowledge (including new knowledge in the form of new or improved processes and materials); or

 

    Supporting activities that are directly related and designed to support core activities and are usually required in order for the core activities to take place.

 

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Under the R&D Tax incentive scheme, entities will be entitled to either (i) a 43.5% refundable tax offset for eligible companies with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum; or (ii) a non-refundable 40% tax offset for all other eligible companies. Where our turnover is less than $20 million, we anticipate being entitled to claim a 43.5% refundable tax offset for costs relating to eligible R&D activities during the year.

E.2 UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences that generally apply to U.S. Holders (as defined below) who hold ADSs as capital assets. This summary is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, and the bilateral taxation convention between Australia and the United States, or the Tax Treaty, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. If you are a U.S. Holder and subject to special rules, including broker-dealers, financial institutions, certain insurance companies, investors liable for alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, regulated investment companies, non-resident aliens of the United States or taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, persons who hold the ADSs through partnerships or other pass-through entities, persons who acquired their ADSs through the exercise or cancellation of any employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for their services, investors that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting shares, and investors holding ADSs as part of a straddle or appreciated financial position or as part of a hedging or conversion transaction, you are strongly advised to consult your personal tax advisor. This summary does not address any state, local and foreign tax considerations or any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs.

If a partnership or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes owns ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of its partners will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partnership should consult its tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to it and its partners of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs.

For purposes of this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means an individual who is a citizen or, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a resident of the United States; a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over administration of the trust, and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Distributions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of ADSs will be treated as owning the underlying ordinary shares, or ADSs. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the gross amount of any distribution received by a U.S. Holder with respect to the underlying ordinary shares, including the amount of any Australian taxes withheld therefrom, will be included in gross income as a dividend to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs and thereafter will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the ADSs. We have not maintained and do not plan to maintain calculations of earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. Holder may need to include the entire amount of any such distribution in income as a dividend.

The U.S. dollar value of any distribution on the ADSs made in Australian dollars generally should be calculated by reference to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar in effect on the date of receipt of such distribution by the U.S. Holder regardless of whether the Australian dollars so received are in fact converted into U.S. dollars. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in Australian dollars and converts those Australian dollars into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate other than the rate in effect on such day may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss, which would generally be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Subject to complex limitations and certain holding period requirements, a U.S. Holder may elect to claim a credit for Australian tax withheld from distributions against its U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitations set out in the Code include computational rules under which foreign tax credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each such class of income. Dividends generally will be treated as foreign-source passive category

 

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income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder that does not elect to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Australian tax withheld. Dividends will not however be eligible for the “dividends received deduction” generally allowed to corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations.

Subject to certain limitations, dividends received by a non-corporate U.S. Holder are subject to tax at a reduced maximum tax rate of 20 percent. Distributions taxable as dividends generally qualify for the 20 percent rate provided that: (i) the issuer is entitled to benefits under the Tax Treaty or (ii) the shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and certain other requirements are met. We believe that we are entitled to benefits under the Tax Treaty and that the ADSs currently are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. However, no assurance can be given that the ADSs will remain readily tradable. However, the reduced rate does not apply to dividends received from PFICs. As noted below, we believe there is a material risk that we are a PFIC.

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and the issuer of the security underlying the ADS may be taking actions (including pre-release transactions that may be undertaken by the depositary as described in “Description of American Depositary Shares – Pre-release of ADSs”) that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rated of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Australian taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and our Company.

Disposition of ADSs

If you sell or otherwise dispose of ADSs, you will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the ADSs for more than one year at the time of the sale or other disposition. In general, any gain that you recognize on the sale or other disposition of ADSs will be gain from U.S. sources for purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation; losses will generally be allocated against U.S. source income. The deduction of capital losses is subject to certain limitations under the Code.

In the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder who receives Australian dollars in connection with the sale or other disposition of ADSs, the amount realized will be calculated based on the U.S. dollar value of the Australian dollars received as determined on the settlement date of such exchange. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in Australian dollars and converts Australian dollars into U.S. dollars at a conversion rate other than the rate in effect on the settlement date may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

An accrual basis U.S. Holder may elect the same treatment required of cash basis taxpayers with respect to a sale or disposition of ADSs, provided that the election is applied consistently from year to year. Such election may not be changed without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS. In the event that an accrual basis U.S. Holder does not elect to be treated as a cash basis taxpayer (pursuant to the Treasury regulations applicable to foreign currency transactions), such U.S. Holder may have a foreign currency gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of differences between the U.S. dollar value of the currency received prevailing on the trade date and the settlement date. Any such currency gain or loss would be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies

There is a substantial risk that we are a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to the U.S. Holders of our ADSs and may cause a reduction in the value of such securities.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash is considered to be an asset which produces passive income. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, annuities and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets

 

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which produce passive income. As a result of our substantial cash position, the decline in the value of our stock and the current composition of our gross income, we believe that there is a material risk that we are currently a PFIC and that may be a PFIC in the future.

If we are a PFIC in any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns ADSs, such U.S. Holder could be liable for additional taxes and interest charges upon (i) certain distributions by us (generally any distribution paid during a taxable year that is greater than 125 percent of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs), and (ii) any gain realized on a sale, exchange or other disposition, including a pledge, of the ADSs, whether or not we continue to be a PFIC. In these circumstances, the tax will be determined by allocating such distributions or gain ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs. The amount allocated to the current taxable year and any year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income (rather than capital gain) earned in the current taxable year. The amount allocated to other taxable years will be taxed at the highest marginal rates applicable to ordinary income for each such taxable year, and an interest charge, generally that applicable to underpayments of tax, will also be imposed on the amount of taxes so derived for each such taxable year.

The PFIC provisions discussed above apply to U.S. persons who directly or indirectly hold stock in a PFIC. Both direct and indirect shareholders of PFICs are subject to the rules described above. Generally, a U.S. person is considered an indirect shareholder of a PFIC if it is:

 

    A direct or indirect owner of a pass-through entity, including a trust or estate, that is a direct or indirect shareholder of a PFIC;

 

    A shareholder of a PFIC that is a shareholder of another PFIC; or

 

    A 50%-or-more shareholder of a foreign corporation that is not a PFIC and that directly or indirectly owns stock of a PFIC.

An indirect shareholder may be taxed on a distribution paid to the direct owner of the PFIC and on a disposition of the stock indirectly owned. Indirect shareholders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these rules.

If we cease to be a PFIC in a future year, a U.S. Holder may avoid the continued application of the tax treatment described above by electing to be treated as if it sold its ADSs on the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC. Any gain would be recognized and subject to tax under the rules described above. Loss would not be recognized. A U.S. Holder’s basis in its ADSs would be increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized on the sale. A U.S. Holder would be required to treat its holding period for its ADSs as beginning on the day following the last day of the last taxable year in which we were a PFIC.

If the ADSs are considered “marketable stock” and if a U.S. Holder elects to “mark-to-market” its ADSs, the U.S. Holder would not be subject to tax under the excess distribution regime described above. Instead, the U.S. Holder would generally include in income any excess of the fair market value of the ADSs at the close of each tax year over the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs. If the fair market value of the ADSs had depreciated below the adjusted basis at the close of the tax year, the U.S. Holder would be entitled to deduct the excess of the adjusted basis of the ADSs over their fair market value at that time. However, such deductions generally would be limited to the net mark-to-market gains, if any, the U.S. Holder included in income with respect to such ADSs in prior years. Income recognized and deductions allowed under the mark-to-market provisions, as well as any gain or loss on the disposition of ADSs with respect to which the mark-to-market election is made, is treated as ordinary income or loss (except that loss is treated as capital loss to the extent the loss exceeds the net mark-to-market gains, if any, that a U.S. Holder included in income with respect to such ordinary shares in prior years). However, gain or loss from the disposition of ADSs (as to which a “mark-to-market” election was made) in a year in which we are no longer a PFIC, will be capital gain or loss. Our ADSs should be considered “marketable stock” if they traded at least 15 days during each calendar quarter of the relevant calendar year in more than de minimis quantities.

A U.S. Holder of ADSs will not be able to avoid the tax consequences described above by electing to treat us as a qualified electing fund. In general, a qualified electing fund is, with respect to a U.S. person, a passive foreign investment company if the U.S. person has elected to include its proportionate share of a company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gains in U.S. income on an annual basis. A qualified electing fund election can only be made with respect to us if we provide U.S. Holders with certain information on an annual basis and we do not intend to prepare the information that U.S. Holders would need to make the qualified electing fund election.

 

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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Payments in respect of ADSs may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and to U.S. backup withholding tax at a rate equal to the fourth lowest income tax rate applicable to individuals (which, under current law, is 28%). Backup withholding will not apply, however, if a U.S. Holder (i) is a corporation, (ii) satisfies an applicable exemption, or (iii) furnishes correct taxpayer identification.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. tax liability, and a U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as applicable to “foreign private issuers” as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our proxy solicitations are not subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, transactions in our equity securities by our officers and directors are exempt from reporting and the “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission an Annual Report on Form 20-F containing financial statements that have been examined and reported on, with and opinion expressed by an independent registered public accounting firm, and we submit reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K containing (among other things) press releases and unaudited financial information for the first six months of each fiscal year. We post our Annual Report on Form 20-F on our website promptly following the filing of our Annual Report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

This document and the exhibits thereto and any other document we file pursuant to the Exchange Act may be inspected without charge and copied at prescribed rates at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. by calling the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission using its EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) system.

The documents concerning our company which are referred to in this document may also be inspected at our office located at Level 12, 95 Pitt Street, Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia.

I. Subsidiary Information

We currently have the following subsidiaries:

 

    Prima BioMed USA Inc, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in the State of Delaware in the United States.

 

    Prima BioMed GmbH, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in Germany.

 

    Prima BioMed Australia Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in Australia.

 

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    Prima BioMed IP Pty Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in Australia.

 

    Immutep S.A.S., a 100% owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, incorporated in France

These subsidiaries were established to allow us to conduct commercial and clinical operations in Europe and the United States.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash and money market funds. We invest our excess cash and cash equivalents in interest-bearing accounts and term deposits with banks in Australia. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest income sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of Australian interest rates. However, because of the short-term nature of the instruments in our portfolio, a sudden change in market interest rates would not be expected to have a material impact on our financial condition and/or results of operation.

We conduct our activities predominantly in Australia. However, we are exposed to foreign currency risk via trade and other payables we hold. We are required to make certain payments in U.S. dollars, European Euro and other currencies. See “Note 2. Financial Risk Management—(a) Market Risk” to our notes to the financial statements for a further discussion of market risk and sensitivity analysis.

Our exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in Australian dollar, was as follows:

 

     June 30, 2017      June 30, 2016  
     USD      EUR      USD      EUR  

Cash in bank

     712,680        7,449,288        1,428,959        7,261,477  

Trade and other receivables

     —        5,024        27,205        29,539  

Trade and other payables

     (135,820 )      (858,305      (10,993 )      (256,364 )

Borrowings

     —        —        —        —  

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

A. Debt Securities

Not applicable.

B. Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

C. Other Securities

Not applicable.

 

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D. American Depositary Shares

The following are fees and charges that a holder of our ADSs may have to pay to the Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary:

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing ordinary shares or ADS
holders must pay:
   For:

US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

  

•    Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of ordinary shares or rights or other property

 

•    Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

US$0.05 (or less) per ADS

  

•    Any cash distribution to ADS holders

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to an ADS holder had been ordinary shares and the ordinary shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs, i.e., US$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

  

•    Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders

US$0.05 (or less) per ADSs per calendar year

  

•    Depositary services

Registration or transfer fees

  

•    Transfer and registration of ordinary shares on our ordinary share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when an ADS holder deposits or withdraws ordinary shares

Expenses of the depositary

  

•    Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

 

•    converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or ordinary share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes

  

•    As necessary

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities

  

•    As necessary

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse and/or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders, or waive fees and expenses for services provided, generally relating to costs and expenses arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that are affiliates of the depositary and that may earn or share fees or commissions.

The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates and, in those cases, acts as principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns revenue, including transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained in any currency conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at that time or that the method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s obligations under the deposit agreement. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency conversions is available upon request to the depositary.

 

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ADS holders are responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on its ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of its ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register any transfer ADSs or allow an ADS holder to withdraw the deposited securities represented by its ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to an ADS holder or sell deposited securities represented by an ADS holder’s ADSs to pay any taxes owed and such ADS holder will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to the holders of ADSs holder any proceeds, or send to the holders of ADSs any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.

PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of June 30, 2017, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of June 30, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2017 based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO 2013). Based on our evaluation under the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework , our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2017.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm as we are an emerging growth company.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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ITEM 15T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16. RESERVED

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Pete Meyers is a member of our board of directors and serves on our audit committee. Our board has determined that Pete Meyers is an audit committee financial expert and satisfies the “independence” requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and ASX Rules.

 

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to our chief executive officer and all senior financial officers of our company, including the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The code of conduct is publicly available as attachment C to our Board Charter on our website at www.primabiomed.com.au. Written copies are available upon request. If we make any substantive amendment to the code of conduct or grant any waivers, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of conduct, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website.

 

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

We retained PricewaterhouseCoopers as our independent registered public accounting firm. Set forth below is a summary of the fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers services provided in fiscal years 2017 and 2016.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

     Fiscal 2017
A$
     Fiscal 2016
A$
 

Audit fees

     434,250        441,741  

Audit-related fees*

     —        —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     434,250        441,741  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * Related to due diligence services

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval of an audit or non-audit service may be given as a general pre-approval, as part of the audit committee’s approval of the scope of the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm, or on an individual basis. Any proposed services exceeding general pre-approved levels also requires specific pre-approval by our audit committee. The policy prohibits retention of the independent registered public accounting firm to perform the prohibited non-audit functions defined in Section 201 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and also requires the audit committee to consider whether proposed services are compatible with the independence of the registered public accounting firm.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not applicable

 

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ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3), foreign private issuers, such as our company, are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain provisions of the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of any such NASDAQ rules must submit to NASDAQ, in advance, a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. We submitted such a written statement to NASDAQ. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Corporate Governance Requirements Arising from our U.S. Listing—the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, SEC Rules and the Nasdaq Global Market Marketplace Rules” for a summary of such differences.

 

ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have elected to furnish financial statements and related information specified in Item 18.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

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Prima BioMed Ltd

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2017 and 2016

     F-3  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended June  30, 2017, 2016, and 2015

     F-4  

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the years ended June  30, 2017, 2016, and 2015

     F-5  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended June  30, 2017, 2016, and 2015

     F-6  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-7  

 

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LOGO   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

To Board of Directors and Shareholders of Prima BioMed Ltd:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, of cash flows and of changes in equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prima BioMed Ltd and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2017 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Sydney, Australia

October 19, 2017

 

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Table of Contents

PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

            June 30,  
     Note      2017
A$
    2016
A$
 

ASSETS

       

Current Assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

     7        12,236,974       20,879,548  

Current receivables

     8        2,194,016       168,300  

Other current assets

     9        1,488,268       623,020  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

        15,919,258       21,670,868  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets

       

Plant and equipment

     10        24,202       31,500  

Intangibles

     11        19,020,336       20,851,699  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Current Assets

        19,044,538       20,883,199  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

        34,963,796       42,554,067  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

       

Trade and other payables

     13        2,588,781       1,422,798  

Current tax payable

     14        —         21,549  

Employee benefits

     16        43,227       27,694  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

        2,632,008       1,472,041  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Liabilities

       

Convertible note liability

     15        5,778,984       5,027,168  

Employee benefits

     17        20,498       43,151  

Deferred tax liability

     12        —         694,194  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-Current Liabilities

        5,799,482       5,764,513  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

        8,431,490       7,236,554  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

        26,532,306       35,317,513  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

EQUITY

       

Contributed equity

     18        195,352,543       194,530,932  

Reserves

     19        63,018,575       63,258,187  

Accumulated losses

     19        (231,838,812     (222,471,606 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to the owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

        26,532,306       35,317,513  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY

        26,532,306       35,317,513  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above consolidated balance sheets should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

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PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

            Years ended June 30,  
     Note      2017
A$
    2016
A$
    2015
A$
 

Revenue

         

License revenue.

        —       175,052       —    

Other income

         

Miscellaneous income

        800,460       702,743       168,322  

Grant income

        3,316,273       887,083       1,167,190  

Net gain on foreign exchange

        433       —         538,248  

Interest income

        104,368       264,043       219,107  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue and other income

        4,221,534       2,028,921       2,092,867  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

         

Research & development and intellectual property

     5        (7,525,744     (7,059,528 )     (8,952,447 )

Corporate administrative expenses

     5        (4,346,952     (6,982,629 )     (5,723,106 )

Depreciation and amortization expenses

     5        (1,701,615     (1,993,093 )     (1,341,202 )

Share Based Payment to strategic investor

     15        —         (47,468,071 )     —    

Loss on foreign exchange

     5        —         (563,890 )     —    

Net finance cost

     5        —         (8,199 )     (18,364,804 )

Changes in fair value of comparability milestone

     5        —         (542,075 )     —    

Loss on disposal of assets

     5        —         —         (5,160

Changes in fair value of convertible note liability

     15        (751,816     (607,637 )     —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income tax expense

        (10,104,593 )     (63,196,201 )     (32,293,852 )

Income tax benefit

     6        737,387       1,181,017       142,156  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense for the year

        (9,367,206     (62,015,184 )     (32,151,696 )

Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

         

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

         

Exchange differences on the translation of foreign operations

        (271,696     306,997       (56,907 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year net of tax

        (271,696     306,997       (56,907 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

        (9,638,902     (61,708,187 )     (32,208,603 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss for the year is attributable to:

         

Owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

        (9,367,206     (62,015,184 )     (32,151,696 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (9,367,206     (62,015,184 )     (32,151,696 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year is attributable to:

         

Owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

        (9,638,902     (61,708,187 )     (32,208,603 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (9,638,902     (61,708,187 )     (32,208,603 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        Cents       Cents (Revised )     Cents (Revised )

Basic earnings per share

     29        (0.45 )     (3.08 )     (2.34 )

Diluted earnings per share

     29        (0.45 )     (3.08 )     (2.34 )

The above consolidated statements of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

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PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

            Years Ended June 30,  
     Note      2017
A$
    2016
A$
    2015
A$
 

Cash flows related to operating activities

         

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)

        (10,818,557 )     (13,336,202 )     (15,276,020 )

Miscellaneous income

        800,460       702,743       168,322  

License revenue

        —         175,052       —    

License fee received

        —         —         5,774,784  

Interest received

        104,368       264,043       380,650  

Tax received / (paid)

        21,643       (2,410 )     (1,908 )

Grant income

        1,385,288       887,083       1,167,190  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities

     28        (8,506,798 )     (11,309,691 )     (7,786,982 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows related to investing activities

         

Cash received from held-to-maturity investments

        —         —         9,000,000  

Proceeds from disposal of plant and equipment

        —         129,705       —    

Payments for plant and equipment

        (6,644 )     (27,130 )     (48,499 )

Payment for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

          —         (20,912,912 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

        (6,644 )     102,575       (11,961,411 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows related to financing activities

         

Proceeds from issue of shares and options*

     18        1       13,761,075       7,744,648  

Proceeds from issue of convertible notes

     15        —         13,750,828       —    

Proceeds from borrowings

        —         —         3,925,405  

Repayment of borrowings*

        —         (1,508,473 )     (237,308 )

Share issue transaction costs

        (8,533 )     (283,146 )     (164,316 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

        (8,532 )     25,720,284       11,268,429  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

        (8,521,974 )     14,513,168       (8,479,964 )

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

        (120,600 )     (393,235 )     1,039,537  

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

        20,879,548       6,759,615       14,200,042  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

     7        12,236,974       20,879,548       6,759,615  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* During the year ended 30 June 2015, convertible notes in the amount of $2,853,883 were converted into equity. No impact has been recorded on the cashflow statement for this conversion.

The above consolidated statements of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

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PRIMA BIOMED LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(in Australian dollars, except number of shares)

 

Consolidated

   Issued Equity
A$
    Reserves
A$
    Retained earnings
A$
    Total equity
A$
 

Balance at July 1, 2014

     149,014,372       1,882,674       (128,304,726 )     22,592,320  

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

     —         (56,907 )     —         (56,907

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     —         —         (32,151,696 )     (32,151,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

     —         (56,907 )     (32,151,696     (32,208,603
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

        

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs

     30,800,584       2,201,037       —         33,001,621  

Share based payment

     —         565,606       —         565,606  

Employee share based payment

     —         738,799       —         738,799  

Exercise of vested performance rights

     63,480       (63,480 )     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

     179,878,436       5,267,729       (160,456,422 )     24,689,743  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   Issued Equity
A$
    Reserves
A$
    Retained earnings
A$
    Total equity
A$
 

Balance at July 1, 2015

     179,878,436       5,267,729       (160,456,422 )     24,689,743  

Other comprehensive gain for the year, net of tax

     —         306,997       —         306,997  

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     —         —         (62,015,184 )     (62,015,184
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

     —         306,997       (62,015,184 )     (61,708,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

        

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs

     13,477,930       —         —         13,477,930  

Issue of convertible notes

     —         9,331,297       —         9,331,297  

Share based payment

     —         82,242       —         82,242  

Share based payment to strategic investor

     —         47,468,071       —         47,468,071  

Employee share based payment

     —         1,976,417       —         1,974,417  

Exercise of vested performance rights

     1,174,566       (1,174,566 )     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2016

     194,530,932       63,258,187       (222,471,606 )     35,317,513  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   Issued Equity
A$
    Reserves
A$
    Retained earnings
A$
    Total equity
A$
 

Balance at July 1, 2016

     194,530,932       63,258,187       (222,471,606 )     35,317,513  

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

     —         (271,696 )     —         (271,696

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     —         —         (9,367,206 )     (9,367,206
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

     —         (271,696 )     (9,367,206 )     (9,638,902
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

        

Contributions of equity, net of transaction costs

     (8,532 )     —         —         (8,532

Employee share based payment

     —         862,227       —         862,227  

Exercise of vested performance rights

     830,143       (830,143 )     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2017

     195,352,543       63,018,575       (231,838,812 )     26,532,306  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above consolidated statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

 

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PRIMA BIOMED LTD

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in Australian dollars, unless otherwise noted)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the consolidated entity consisting of the Company and its subsidiaries. The financial statements were authorized for issue, in accordance with a resolution of directors, on October 19, 2017.

(a) Basis of preparation

These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’) and the Corporations Act 2001. Prima BioMed Ltd is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statement.

(i) Compliance with IFRS

The consolidated financial statements of the Prima BioMed Ltd group also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

(ii) New and amended standards adopted by the group

None of the new standards and amendments to standards that are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning July 1, 2016 affected any of the amounts recognized in the current period or any prior period.

(iii) Historical cost convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for, where applicable, financial assets and liabilities (including derivative financial instruments), which are subsequently remeasured to fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.

(iv) Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the consolidated entity’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in note 3.

(b) Principles of consolidation

Subsidiaries are all entities (included structured entities) over which the group has control. The group controls an entity when the group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the group.

(c) Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker (CODM), who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(d) Foreign currency translation

(i) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the Prima BioMed Ltd’s functional and presentation currency.

(ii) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss, except when they are deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment in a foreign operation.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings are presented in the income statement, within finance costs. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented separately in the income statement on a net basis.

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. For example, translation differences on non-monetary assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss are recognized in profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss and translation differences on non-monetary assets such as equities classified as available-for-sale financial assets are recognized in other comprehensive income.

(iii) Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

    assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet

 

    income and expenses for each income statement and statement of comprehensive loss are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions), and

 

    all resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings and other financial instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recognized in other comprehensive income. When a foreign operation is sold or any borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

(e) Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

The group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been met for each of the group’s activities as described below. The group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

(i) License revenue

License revenue is recognized on receipt or where there is reasonable assurance that the license revenue will be received.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(e) Revenue recognition (continued)

 

Other income

(i) Interest income

Interest income is recognized as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

(ii) Grant income

Grants from the governments, including Australian Research and Development Rebates and Development Rebates, France’s Crédit d’Impôt Recherche, and Saxony Development Bank (“Sächsische Aufbaubank”) from Germany, are recognized at their fair value when there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Company will comply with all attached conditions. Government grants relating to operating costs are recognized in the Statements of Comprehensive Income as grant income.

(iii) Miscellaneous income

 

  a. Research collaboration income

The group receives income from undertaking research collaborations with are recognized when the services have been provided.

 

  b. Research material sales

The group receives income from the sale of materials supplied to other researchers in order to conduct further studies on LAG-3 technologies. Income is recognized at the point at which the ownership of material is transferred to third parties.

(f) Income tax

The income tax expense or benefit for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred income tax is also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilize those temporary differences and losses. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognized for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(f) Income tax (continued)

 

Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Prima BioMed Ltd and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities are set off in the consolidated financial statements.

Current and deferred tax is recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

(g) Business combinations

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the fair value of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business and the equity interests issued by the group. The consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration agreement, and the fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The group recognizes and non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquired entity’s net identifiable assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

The excess of the consideration transferred and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired and the measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, the difference is recognized directly in profit and loss as a bargain purchase.

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable terms and conditions.

Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently remeasured to fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. Any gains or losses arising from such remeasurement are recognized in profit and loss.

(h) Impairment of assets

Goodwill and intangible assets that have a definite useful life are subject to amortization and tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each reporting period.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(i) Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the balance sheet.

(j) Current receivables

Current receivables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Amount receivable in relation to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value Added Tax (VAT) are due from the local taxation authorities and recorded based on the amount of GST and VAT paid on purchases. They are presented as current assets unless collection is not expected for more than 12 months after the reporting date.

Collectability of current receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Receivables which are known to be uncollectible are written off by reducing the carrying amount. An allowance account is used when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due.

(k) Investments and other financial assets

Investments and other financial assets are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs are included as part of the initial measurement, except for financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. They are subsequently measured at either amortized cost or fair value depending on their classification. Classification is determined based on the purpose of the acquisition and subsequent reclassification to other categories is restricted.

Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the consolidated entity has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the asset is derecognized or impaired, as well as through the amortization process.

Impairment of financial assets

The group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. Objective evidence includes significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor; a breach of contract such as default or delinquency in payments; the lender granting to a borrower concessions due to economic or legal reasons that the lender would not otherwise do; it becomes probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization; the disappearance of an active market for the financial asset; or observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in estimated future cash flows.

The amount of the impairment allowance for loans and receivables carried at amortized cost is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. If there is a reversal of impairment, the reversal cannot exceed the amortized cost that would have been recognized had the impairment not been made and is reversed to profit or loss.

(l) Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

    Computers – 3 years

 

    Plant and equipment – 3-5 years

 

    Furniture – 3-5 years

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(l) Plant and equipment (continued)

 

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (note 1(h)).

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in profit or loss.

(m) Intangible assets

(i) Intellectual property

Costs incurred in acquiring intellectual property are capitalized and amortized on a straight line basis over a period not exceeding the life of the patents, which averages 14 years. Where a patent has not been formally granted, the company estimates the life of the granted patent in accordance with the provisional application.

Costs include only those costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the intellectual property. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (note 1(h)).

(ii) Research and development

Research expenditure on internal projects is recognized as an expense as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects (relating to the design and testing of new or improved products) are recognized as intangible assets when it is probable that the project will, after considering its commercial and technical feasibility, be completed and generate future economic benefits and its costs can be measured reliably. The expenditure that could be recognized comprises all directly attributable costs, including costs of materials, services, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of overheads. Other expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognized as an expense as incurred.

As the Company has not met the requirement under the standard to capitalize costs in relation to development, these amounts have been expensed.

Development costs previously recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period. Capitalized development costs are recorded as intangible assets and amortized from the point at which the asset is ready for use on a straight line basis over its useful life.

(iii) Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as described in (note 1(g)). Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized but it is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

(n) Trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid.

The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months from the reporting date. They are recognized initially at their fair value and subsequently remeasured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(o) Compound instruments

Convertible notes, including the attached options and warrants, issued to Ridgeback Capital Investments are accounted for as share based payments when the fair value of the instruments are higher than the consideration received, representing intangible benefits received from the strategic investor. The difference between the fair value and consideration received at issuance of the convertible notes and attached options and warrants is recognised immediately in profit and loss as a share-based payment charge.

If options or warrants contain a settlement choice between cash or shares, this settlement choice constitutes a compound feature of the convertible notes, which triggers the separation of debt and equity components to be accounted for separately. The liability component is measured at fair value at initial recognition and subsequent changes in fair value are recognised in profit and loss. The difference between the fair value of the convertible notes and the liability component at inception is accounted as an equity element and not remeasured subsequently.

(p) Finance costs

Finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

(q) Employee benefits

(i) Short-term obligations

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and accumulating annual leave that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are recognized in respect of employees’ services up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognized when the leave is taken and measured at the rates paid or payable.

(ii) Other long-term employee benefit obligations

The liabilities for long service leave and annual leave that are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the end of the reporting period of corporate bonds with terms and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. Remeasurements as a result of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in profit or loss. The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting period, regardless of when the actual settlement is expected to occur.

(iii) Retirement benefit obligations

The group does not maintain a group superannuation plan. The group makes fixed percentage contributions for all Australian resident employees to complying third party superannuation funds. The group has no statutory obligation and does not make contributions on behalf of its resident employees in the USA and Germany. The group’s legal or constructive obligation is limited to these contributions. Contributions to complying third party superannuation funds are recognized as an expense as they become payable.

(iv) Share-based payments

Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees via the Executive Incentive Plan (EIP). Information relating to these schemes is set out in note 30.

The fair value of performance rights and options granted under the EIP are recognized as an employee benefits expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted, which includes any market performance conditions and the impact of any non-vesting conditions but excludes the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. The total expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-marketing vesting conditions. It recognizes the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

(v) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal employment contract expiry date. The group recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to terminating the employment of current employees.

(vi) Bonus plan

The group recognizes a liability and an expense for bonuses. The group recognizes a provision where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation.

(r) Contributed equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

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

(s) Earnings per share

(i) Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing:

 

    the profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company

 

    by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the year. Bonus elements have been included in the calculation of the weighted average number of ordinary shares and has been retrospectively applied to the prior financial year.

(ii) Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account:

 

    the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares, and

 

    the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(t) Goods and Services Tax and other similar taxes (‘GST’)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is recognized as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(u) New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for June 30, 2017 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the company. The company’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below:

 

  (i) AASB 15 (IFRS 15) Revenue from Contracts with Customers—The AASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue. This will replace AASB 118 (IAS 18) which covers revenue arising from the sale of goods and the rendering of services and AASB 111 (IAS 11) which covers construction contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The standard permits either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption. It applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2018. The impact of the new standard on the financial statements when applied to future periods will depend on the Group’s sources of revenues at the time of adoption of the new standard.

 

  (ii) AASB 9 (IFRS 9) Financial Instruments—AASB 9 (IFRS 9) addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets. It applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2018. Management has yet to fully assess the impact of the new standard on the financial statements when applied to future periods.

 

  (iii) AASB 16 (IFRS 16) Leases—The AASB 16 (IFRS 16) has issued a new standard for the accounting of leases. The new standard will predominantly affect lessees, with almost all leases brought onto the balance sheet. It applies to annual reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2019. Management has yet to fully assess the impact of the new standard on the financial statements when applied to future periods, although the Group currently has no off-balance sheet lease commitments.

There are no other standards and interpretations that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact on the Group in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

(v) Parent entity financial information

The financial information for the parent entity, Prima BioMed Ltd, disclosed in note 31 has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements, except as set out below.

(i) Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Prima BioMed Ltd.

(ii) Tax consolidation legislation

Prima BioMed Ltd and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. The head entity, Prima BioMed Ltd, and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated group account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be a stand-alone taxpayer in its own right.

The entities have also entered into a tax funding agreement under which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by the head entity for any current tax receivable and deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred to the head entity under the tax consolidation legislation. The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts recognized in the wholly-owned entities’ financial statements.

 

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NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

(v) Parent entity financial information (continued)

 

The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year. The head entity may also require payment of interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax instalments. Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with the tax consolidated entities are recognized as current amounts receivable from or payable to other entities in the group. Any difference between the amounts assumed and amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement are recognized as a contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned tax consolidated entities.

(iii) Share-based payments

The grant by the company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the group is treated as a capital contribution to that subsidiary undertaking. The fair value of employee services received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognized over the vesting period as an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity.

NOTE 2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the group. The group may use derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain risk exposures. Derivatives are exclusively used for hedging purposes, i.e. not as trading or other speculative instruments. The group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities using forward contracts or natural hedging. The group uses different methods to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include sensitivity analysis and cash flow forecasting in the case of foreign exchange and aging analysis for credit risk.

Risk management is carried out by senior management under policies approved by the board of directors. Management identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close co-operation with the group’s operating units. The board provides the principles for overall risk management, as well as policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investment of excess liquidity.

(a) Market risk

Foreign exchange risk

The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the US dollar and Euro. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. The risk is measured using sensitivity analysis and cash flow forecasting.

Management has set up a policy to manage the company’s exchange risk within the group companies. The group hedges its foreign exchange risk exposure arising from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities using forward contracts or natural hedging.

The group considers using forward exchange contracts to cover anticipated cash flow in USD and Euro periodically, as derivatives held for trading and measured through the statement of comprehensive income. This policy is reviewed regularly by directors from time to time. There were no outstanding foreign exchange contracts as at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016.

 

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NOTE 2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

 

The group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in Australian dollar, was as follows:

 

     June 30, 2017      June 30, 2016  
     USD      EUR      USD      EUR  

Cash in bank

     712,680        7,449,288        1,428,959        7,261,477  

Trade and other receivables

     —          5,024        27,205        29,539  

Trade and other payables

     (135,820 )      (858,305 )      (10,993 )      (256,364 )

Sensitivity

Based on the financial assets and liabilities held at June 30, 2017, had the Australian dollar weakened/ strengthened by 10% against the US dollar with all other variables held constant, the group’s post-tax loss for the year would have been $57,686 lower/$57,686 higher (2016 – $194,610 lower/$194,610 higher).

Based on the financial instruments held at June 30, 2017, had the Australian dollar weakened/ strengthened by 10% against the Euro with all other variables held constant, the group’s post-tax loss for the year would have been $659,601 lower/$659,601 higher lower (2016 – $1,050,105 lower/$1,050,105 higher), mainly as a result of foreign exchange gains/losses on translation of Euro denominated financial instruments.

Any changes in post-tax loss will have an equivalent change to equity.

The group’s exposure to other foreign exchange movements is not material.

(b) Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on a group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks. For banks, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of ‘A’ according to ratings agencies are accepted.

The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings:

 

     June 30, 2017      June 30, 2016  
     $      $  

Cash at bank and short-term bank deposits

     

Minimum rating of A

     12,236,974        20,879,548  

(c) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash to meet obligations when due. At the end of the reporting period the group held deposits at call of $12,236,974 (2016: $20,879,548) that are expected to readily generate cash inflows for managing liquidity risk. Management monitors rolling forecasts of the group’s liquidity reserve cash and cash equivalents (note 7) on the basis of expected cash flows. In addition, the group’s liquidity management policy involves projecting cash flows in major currencies and considering the level of liquid assets necessary to meet these.

As outlined in Note 3, the company’s monitoring of its cash requirements extends to the consideration of potential capital raising strategies and an active involvement with its institutional and retail investor base.

Maturities of financial liabilities

The tables below analyze the group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on their contractual maturities for:

 

  (a) all non-derivative financial liabilities, and

 

  (b) net and gross settled derivative financial instruments for which the contractual maturities are essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows.

 

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NOTE 2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

 

The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.

 

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

At June 30, 2017

   Less than
6 months
$
     More than
5 years
$
     Total
contractual
cash flows
$
     Carrying
Amount
(assets) /
liabilities
$
 

Non-Derivatives

           

Trade and other payables

     2,588,781        —        2,588,781        2,588,781  

Convertible note liability (refer note 15)

     —        17,876,076        17,876,076        5,778,984  
     2,588,781        17,876,076        20,464,857        8,367,765  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

At June 30, 2016

   Less than
6 months
$
     More than
5 years
$
     Total
contractual
cash flows
$
     Carrying
Amount
(assets) /
liabilities
$
 

Non-Derivatives

           

Trade and other payables

     1,422,798        —        1,422,798        1,422,798  

Convertible note liability (refer note 15)

     —        17,876,076        17,876,076        5,027,168  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,422,798        17,876,076        19,298,874        6,449,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(d) Fair value measurements

The following table presents the group’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured and recognized at fair value at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 on a recurring basis:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

At June 30, 2017

   $      $      $      $  

Liabilities

           

Convertible note liability

     —        —        5,778,984        5,778,984  

Total liabilities

     —        —        5,778,984        5,778,984  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

At June 30, 2016

   $      $      $      $  

Liabilities

           

Convertible note liability

     —        —        5,027,168        5,027,168  

Total liabilities

     —        —        5,027,168        5,027,168  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(i) Valuation techniques used to determine fair values

Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments trade in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and trading and available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted (unadjusted) market prices at the end of the reporting period. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the group is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.

Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example over-the-counter derivatives) is determined using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2

 

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NOTE 2. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

 

Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. This is the case for unlisted equity securities.

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

 

    The use of quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments

 

    The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable yield curves

 

    The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the balance sheet date

 

    The fair value of the remaining financial instruments is determined using discounted cash flow analysis.

(ii) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (level 3)

The following table presents the changes in level 3 instruments for the year ended June 30, 2017:

 

     Convertible note
liability
     Total  
     $      $  

Opening balance July 1, 2016

     (5,027,168      (5,027,168

Other increases/(decreases)

     (412,525      (412,525

Changes in fair value

     (339,291      (339,291
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing balance June 30, 2017

     (5,778,984      (5,778,984
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(iii) Valuation inputs and relationships to fair value

The following table summarizes the quantitative information about the significant inputs used in level 3 fair value measurements:

 

Description

   Fair value at
June 30, 2017
$
    

Unobservable inputs

   Range of inputs  

Convertible note

     5,778,984      Face value    $ 13,750,828  
      Interest rate of note      3%  
      Risk adjusted interest rate      15%  

(iv) Valuation process

The convertible note was valued using a discounted cash flow model. Prima used valuation specialists to perform these valuations based on the inputs above.

NOTE 3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS (continued)

 

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences have not been recognized since the group is currently in a loss making position and unable to generate taxable income to utilize the carried forward tax losses and taxable temporary differences. The utilization of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the losses are recouped. The group is subject to income taxes in Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are certain transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The group estimates its tax liabilities based on the group’s understanding of the tax law. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

Development

The consolidated entity has expensed all internal development expenditure incurred during the year as the costs relate to the initial expenditure for development of biopharmaceutical products and the generation of future economic benefits is not considered probable given the current stage of development. It was considered appropriate to expense the development costs as they did not meet the criteria to be capitalized under AASB 138 (IAS 38) Intangible Assets .

Going Concern

The Group has experienced significant recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities since its inception. As at June 30, 2017, the Group holds cash and cash equivalents of $12,236,974 (2016: $20,879,548) and raised capital (net of costs) of approximately A$5.3m in early July 2017. In line with the Company’s financial risk management, the directors have carefully assessed the financial and operating implications of the above matters, including the expected cash outflows of ongoing research and development activities of the Company over the next 12 months. Based on this consideration, the directors are of the view that the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due for at least 12 months following the date of these financial statements and that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

Monitoring and addressing the ongoing cash requirements of the Group is a key focus of the directors. This involves consideration of alternative future capital raising initiatives and an active engagement with potential retail and institutional investors alike.

Amortization of intellectual property

Costs incurred in acquiring intellectual property are capitalized and amortized on a straight line basis over a period not exceeding the life of the patents. Where a patent has not been formally granted, the company estimates the life of the granted patent in accordance with the provisional application.

Costs include only those costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the intellectual property. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (note 1(h)).

 

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NOTE 4. SEGMENT REPORTING

Identification of reportable operating segments

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with internal reports which are reviewed and used by Management and the Board of Directors (who are identified as the Chief Operating Decision Makers (‘CODM’)). The Group operates in one operating segment, being Cancer Immunotherapy.

Operating segment information

 

June 30, 2017

   Cancer
Immunotherapy
A$
    
Unallocated
A$
     Consolidated
A$
 

Revenue

        

License revenue.

     —          —          —    

Other income

        

Miscellaneous income

     800,460        —          800,460  

Grant income

     3,316,273        —          3,316,273  

Other income

     —          433        433  

Interest income

     —          104,368        104,368  

Total revenue and other income

     4,116,733        104,801        4,221,534  

Segment Result

     (10,209,394      104,801        (10,104,593 )

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense

     (10,209,394      104,801        (10,104,593 )

Income tax benefit

           737,387  
        

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense

           (9,367,206 )
        

 

 

 

Total segment assets

     34,963,796        —          34,963,796  

Total segment liabilities

     8,431,490        —          8,431,490  

June 30, 2016

   Cancer
Immunotherapy
A$
    
Unallocated
A$
     Consolidated
A$
 

Revenue

        

License revenue.

     175,052        —          175,052  

Other income

        

Miscellaneous income

     702,743        —          702,743  

Grant income

     887,083        —          887,083  

Interest income

     —          264,043        264,043  

Total revenue and other income

     1,764,878        264,043        2,028,921  

Segment Result

     (63,460,244 )      264,043        (63,196,201 )

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense

     (63,460,244 )      264,043        (63,196,201 )

Income tax benefit

           1,181,017  
        

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense

           (62,015,184 )
        

 

 

 

Total segment assets

     42,554,067        —          42,554,067  

Total segment liabilities

     7,236,554        —          7,236,554  

 

F-21


Table of Contents

NOTE 4. SEGMENT REPORTING (continued)

 

June 30, 2015

   Cancer
Immunotherapy
A$
    
Unallocated
A$
     Consolidated
A$
 

Revenue

        

License revenue.

     —          —          —    

Other income

        

Miscellaneous income

     168,322        —          168,322  

Grant income

     1,167,190        —          1,167,190  

Net gain on foreign exchange

     —          538,248        538,248  

Interest income

     —          219,107        219,107  

Total revenue and other income

     1,335,512        757,355        2,092,867  

Segment Result

     (33,051,207 )      757,355        (32,293,852 )

Profit/(loss) before income tax expense

     (33,051,207 )      757,355        (32,293,852 )

Income tax benefit

           142,156  
        

 

 

 

Loss after income tax expense

           (32,151,696 )
        

 

 

 

Total segment assets

     30,983,445        —          30,983,445  

Total segment liabilities

     6,293,702        —          6,293,702  

NOTE 5. EXPENSES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Loss before income tax includes the following specific expenses:

        

Research & Development and Intellectual Property

        

Research and development

     6,991,151        6,382,377        8,515,150  

Intellectual property management

     534,593        677,151        437,297  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Research & Development and Intellectual Property

     7,525,744        7,059,528        8,952,447  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Corporate administrative expenses

        

Auditor’s remuneration

     234,250        441,741        292,807  

Directors fee and employee expenses

     2,180,054        3,714,522        2,508,533  

Administrative expenses

     1,932,648        2,826,366        2,921,766  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total corporate administrative expenses

     4,346,952        6,982,629        5,723,106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation

        

Plant and equipment

     3,680        168,924        308,719  

Computers

     8,867        10,676        14,523  

Furniture and fittings

     1,394        2,775        2,532  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total depreciation

     13,941        182,375        325,774  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization

        

Patents

     —          61,881        55,002  

Intellectual Property Assets R&D

     1,687,674        1,748,837        960,426  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total amortization

     1,687,674        1,810,718        1,015,428  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

     1,701,615        1,993,093        1,341,202  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Gain)/loss on disposal of assets

        

Plant and equipment

     —          (18,493 )      5,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance expenses

        

Interest expenses

     —          8,199        26,789  

Other finance expenses

        —          18,338,015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Finance expense

     —          8,199        18,364,804  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-22


Table of Contents

NOTE 5. EXPENSES (continued)

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Loss on foreign exchange

     —          563,890        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in fair value of comparability milestone

     —          542,075        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share Based Payment to strategic investor

     —          47,468,071        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-23


Table of Contents

NOTE 6. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Current tax

        

Current tax on profits for the year

     (43,193 )      3,121        1,908  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current tax expense

     (43,193 )      3,121        1,908  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income tax

        

Increase in deferred tax assets (note 12)

     (419,460 )      (921,463 )      —    

Decrease in deferred tax liabilities (note 12)

     (274,734      (262,675 )      (144,064 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax (benefit)/expense

     (694,194      (1,184,138 )      (144,064 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit)/expense

     (737,387 )      (1,181,017 )      (142,156 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable

        

Loss before income tax expense

     (10,104,593      (63,196,201 )      (32,293,852 )

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 27.5% (2016 and 2015: 30%)

     (2,778,763 )      (18,958,860 )      (9,688,156 )

Tax effect amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculating taxable income:

        

Non-deductible share based payments

     234,385        14,858,019        226,653  

Non-deductible financing costs

     —          —          5,501,405  

Other non-deductible expenses

     628,111        598,016        306,360  

Non-assessable income

     (911,975 )      (266,125 )      (233,261 )

Capital listing fee

     (64,120      (90,305 )      (188,530 )

Difference in overseas tax rates*

     811,346        1,184,138        184,251  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (2,081,016 )      (2,675,117 )      (3,891,278 )

Net adjustment to deferred tax assets and liabilities for tax losses and temporary differences not recognized

     1,343,629        1,494,100        3,749,122  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit)/expense**

     (737,387      (1,181,017 )      (142,156 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Difference in overseas tax rate is as a result of reduced corporate income tax rate of 15% applicable to the Immutep subsidiary.
** Income tax benefit relates to tax payable in the United States and movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities for the French subsidiary.

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Deferred tax assets not recognized

        

Deferred tax assets not recognized comprises temporary differences attributable to:

        

Carried forward tax losses benefit

     30,987,750        32,044,352        31,262,135  

Temporary differences

     57,955        438,284        (196,493 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets not recognized

     31,045,705        32,482,636        31,065,642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-24


Table of Contents

NOTE 6. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (continued)

 

The above potential tax benefit, which includes tax losses and temporary differences has not been recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as the recovery of this benefit is not probable. There is no expiration date for the tax losses carried forward. The estimated amount of cumulative tax losses at June30, 2017 was $112,682,727 (2016 – $106,814,506). Utilization of these tax losses is dependent on the parent entity satisfying certain tests at the time the losses are recouped.

NOTE 7. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Cash on hand

     130        114  

Cash at bank

     11,972,345        20,619,806  

Cash on deposit

     264,499        259,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     12,236,974        20,879,548  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above cash and cash equivalent are held in AUD, USD, and Euro. The interest rate on these deposits range from 0% to 2.05% in 2017 (2016 – 0% to 2.05%).

NOTE 8. CURRENT RECEIVABLES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

GST receivable

     187,273        73,640  

Grant and other receivables

     2,006,743        94,660  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,194,016        168,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Due to the short term nature of these receivables, the carrying value is assumed to be their fair value and at June 30, 2017. No receivables were impaired or past due.

NOTE 9. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Prepayments*

     604,687        591,926  

Capital raising costs**

     846,180        —    

Security deposit

     37,311        30,890  

Accrued interest

     90        204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,488,268        623,020  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Prepayments are in relation to the deposits paid to organizations involved in the clinical trials.
** Capital raising costs are in relation to the costs incurred in June 2017 for the capital raise in the US. The costs will be re-classified to be netted off the share capital raised in July 2017.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 10. NON-CURRENT ASSETS – PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

     Plant and
Equipment
A$
    Computers
A$
    Furniture
and
fittings
A$
    Total
A$
 

At June 30, 2015

        

Cost or fair value

     605,648       28,016       7,172       640,836  

Accumulated depreciation

     (322,831 )     (17,419 )     (2,629 )     (342,879 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     282,817       10,597       4,543       297,957  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2016

        

Opening net book amount

     282,817       10,597       4,543       297,957  

Exchange differences

     10,518       391       168       11,077  

Additions

     12,969       13,447       714       27,130  

Disposals

     (122,289 )     —         —         (122,289 )

Depreciation charge

     (168,924 )     (10,676 )     (2,775 )     (182,375 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     15,091       13,759       2,650       31,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2016

        

Cost or fair value

     511,195       41,971       8,064       561,230  

Accumulated depreciation

     (496,104 )     (28,212 )     (5,414 )     (529,730 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     15,091       13,759       2,650       31,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2017

        

Opening net book amount

     15,091       13,759       2,650       31,500  

Exchange differences

     (171 )     (229 )     (46 )     (446 )

Additions

     —         7,089       —         7,089  

Disposals

     —         —         —         —    

Depreciation charge

     (3,680 )     (8,867 )     (1,394     (13,941 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     11,240       11,752       1,210       24,202  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2017

        

Cost or fair value

     510,188       48,919       8,030       567,137  

Accumulated depreciation

     (498,948 )     (37,167 )     (6,820 )     (542,935 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book amount

     11,240       11,752       1,210       24,202  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 11. NON-CURRENT ASSETS – INTANGIBLES

 

     Patents
A$
     Intellectual
Property
Assets
A$
     Goodwill
A$
     Total
A$
 

At June 30, 2015

           

Cost or fair value

     1,915,671        23,451,000        109,962        25,476,633  

Accumulated amortization and impairment

     (1,853,790 )      (960,426 )      —          (2,814,216 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book amount

     61,881        22,490,574        109,962        22,662,417  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2016

           

Opening net book amount

     61,881        22,490,574        109,962        22,662,417  

Amortization charge

     (61,881 )      (1,748,837 )      —          (1,810,718 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     —          20,741,737        109,962        20,851,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At June 30, 2016

           

Cost or fair value

     1,915,671        23,451,000        109,962        25,476,633  

Accumulated amortization and impairment

     (1,915,671 )      (2,709,263 )      —          (4,624,934 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book amount

     —          20,741,737        109,962        20,851,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended June 30, 2017

           

Opening net book amount

     —          20,741,737        109,962        20,851,699  

Exchange difference

     —          (143,689 )      —          (143,689 )

Amortization charge

     —          (1,687,674 )      —          (1,687,674 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Closing net book amount

     —          18,910,374        109,962        19,020,336  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At June 30, 2017

           

Cost or fair value

     1,915,671        23,343,253        109,962        25,368,886  

Accumulated amortization and impairment

     (1,915,671 )      (4,432,879 )      —          (6,348,550 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net book amount

     —          18,910,374        109,962        19,020,336  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(i) Amortization methods and useful lives

The group amortizes intangible assets with a limited useful life using the straight-line method over the following periods:

 

    Patents, trademark and licenses – 13 – 21 years

 

    Intellectual property assets – 13 – 14 years

NOTE 12. DEFERRED TAX BALANCES

(i) Deferred tax assets

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Tax losses

     2,836,526        2,417,066  

Total deferred tax assets

     2,836,526        2,417,066  

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions

     (2,836,526 )      (2,417,066 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-27


Table of Contents

NOTE 12. DEFERRED TAX BALANCES (continued)

 

(ii) Deferred tax liabilities

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Intangible assets

     2,836,526        3,111,260  

Total deferred tax liabilities

     2,836,526        3,111,260  

Set-off of deferred tax liabilities pursuant to set-off provisions

     (2,836,526      (2,417,066 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

     —          694,194  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(iii) Movements in deferred tax balances

 

     Tax Losses
A$
     Intangible Assets
A$
     Total
A$
 

Movement

        

At June 30, 2016

     2,417,066        (3,111,260 )      (694,194 )

(Charged)/credited

        

– to profit or loss

     419,460        274,734        694,194  

– to other comprehensive income

     —          —          —    

– directly to equity

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At June 30, 2017

     2,836,526        (2,836,526      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 13. CURRENT LIABILITIES – TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Trade payables

     1,138,753        561,263  

Other payables and accruals*

     1,450,028        861,535  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,588,781        1,422,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Includes accrued 2017 capital raising costs

NOTE 14. CURRENT LIABILITIES – TAX

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Current tax payable

     —          21,549  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     —          21,549  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 15. NON CURRENT LIABILITIES – CONVERTIBLE NOTE

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Convertible note at fair value at issue date/beginning of reporting period

     5,027,168        4,419,531  

Net change in fair value

     751,816        607,637  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Convertible note at fair value at end of reporting period

     5,778,984        5,027,168  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

On May 11, 2015, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with Ridgeback Capital Investments (Ridgeback) to invest in Convertible Notes and Warrants of the Company for cash consideration totaling $13,750,828, which was subject to shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting. Shareholder approval was received on July 31, 2015.

The 13,750,828 Convertible Notes issued have a face value of $1.00 per note which are exercisable at a price of $0.02 per share, mature on August 4, 2025 and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum which may also be converted into shares. Conversions may occur during the period (i) at least 3 months after the Issue Date and (ii) at least 15 business days prior to the maturity date into 50 ordinary shares of the Company per note (subject to customary adjustments for rights or bonus issues, off market buybacks, issues at less than current market price, share purchase plan, dividend reinvestment plan at a discount, return of capital or dividend or other adjustment). If a change of control event, delisting event or event of default has occurred, Ridgeback may elect to convert the notes into shares or repayment of principal and interest. The Convertible Notes rank at least equal with all present and future unsubordinated and unsecured debt obligations of the Company and contain customary negative pledges regarding financial indebtedness, dividend payments, related party transaction and others.

8,475,995 Warrants were granted to Ridgeback which are exercisable at a price of $0.025 per share on or before August 4, 2025. 371,445,231 Warrants were granted to Ridgeback which are exercisable at a price of $0.0237 per share on or before 4 August 2020. All warrants may be settled on a gross or net basis and the number of warrants or exercise price may be adjusted for a pro rata issue of shares, a bonus issue or capital reorganization. The Warrants do not confer any rights to dividends or a right to participate in a new issue without exercising the warrant.

In addition to the above cash financing from Ridgeback, it was disclosed at the Extraordinary General Meeting explanatory memorandum that Ridgeback also provides the company with additional benefits, including:

 

    Introductions to other well respected investment institutions which will help in future financing

 

    The ability to attract other top level executives and researchers to the company and the board

 

    Potential introductions for additional in-licensing opportunities; and

 

    Increased visibility to other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and potential partners and collaborators on Prima’s internal assets

As a result of the above, the additional benefits provided to Prima determine that the financing transaction, including the issue of warrants, is to be accounted for as a Share-Based Payment and are expensed on the grant date in accordance with AASB 2 (IFRS 2). The value of the share-based payment to the strategic investor has been calculated by determining the fair value of the convertible note and warrants at the time of EGM approval and deducting the net cash proceeds from Ridgeback.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 15. NON CURRENT LIABILITIES – CONVERTIBLE NOTE (continued)

 

 

     June 30, 2017
A$
 

Fair value of convertible note

     45,851,305  

Fair value of warrants

     15,367,594  

Less: cash received

     (13,750,828 )
  

 

 

 

Share based payment to strategic investor

     47,468,071  
  

 

 

 

(i) Fair value of convertible notes

The initial fair value of the convertible notes has been estimated by an external valuer using a combination of the Black-Scholes methodology for the conversion option component of the notes and a discounted cashflow valuation for the debt component of the note. Key terms of the note are included above. The following assumptions which were based on market conditions that existed at the grant date:

 

Assumption

   Convertible
notes
    

Rationale

Historic volatility

     85.0%      Based on the Company’s historical volatility data

Share price re

   $ 0.051      Closing market share price on July 31, 2015

Risk free interest rate

     2.734%      Based on Australian Government securities yields which match the term of the convertible note

Risk adjusted interest rate

     15.0%      An estimate of the expected interest rate of a similar non-convertible note issued by the company

Dividend yield

     0.0%      Based on the Company’s nil dividend history

Risk free rate

     2.734%      Based on 10 year Australian Government securities yield

The fair value of the convertible note is allocated between a financial liability for the traditional note component of the convertible note and into equity which represents the conversion feature. The traditional note component of the convertible note was initially recorded at fair value of $4.4m, based on the present value of the contractual cash flows of the note discounted at 15%. After initial recognition, the liability component of the convertible note has been measured at fair value as required by AASB 2 (IFRS 2). The remaining value of the convertible note was allocated to the conversion feature and recognized as equity.

 

     Note –
Liability
     Conversion
feature –
Equity
 

Fair value at issuance

     4,419,531        41,431,774  

Fair value movements

     1,359,453        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2017

     5,778,984        41,431,774  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(ii) Fair value of warrants

The fair value of each warrant granted is not traded in an active market and instead has been estimated by an external valuer using the Black-Scholes pricing model based on the following assumptions. Key terms of the warrants were included above. The following assumptions were based on market conditions that existed at the grant date:

 

Assumption

   5 year
warrants
     10 year
warrants
    

Rationale

Historic volatility

     85.0%        85.0%      Based on 3 year historical volatility data for the Company

Exercise price

   $ 0.0237      $ 0.0250      As per subscription agreement

Share price

   $ 0.0510      $ 0.0510      Closing share price on valuation date from external market source

Risk-free interest rate

     2.177%        2.886%      Based on Australian Government securities yields which match the term of the warrant

Dividend yield

     0.0%        0.0%      Based on the Company’s nil dividend history

Fair value

   $ 0.0457      $ 0.0403      Determined using Black-Scholes models with the inputs above

 

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NOTE 16. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Annual leave

     43,227        27,694  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The current provision for employee benefits is in relation to accrued annual leave and covers all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required period of service. The entire amount of the provision is presented as current, since the group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for any of these obligations.

NOTE 17. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Long service leave

     20,498        43,151  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 18. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

 

          Consolidated  
    

Note

   June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Fully paid ordinary shares

   18(a)      185,690,589        184,868,978  

Options over ordinary shares - listed

        9,661,954        9,661,954  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        195,352,543        194,530,932  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Ordinary Shares

 

          June 30, 2017      June 30, 2016  
    

Note

   No.      A$      No.      A$  

At the beginning of reporting period

        2,061,630,944        184,868,978        1,751,494,601        170,216,482  

Shares issued during year

   18(b)      —          —          283,158,931        13,761,075  

Exercise of options and warrants (Shares issued during the year)

   18(b)      18,111,994        830,144        26,977,412        1,174,567  

Exercise of convertible notes (Shares issued during the year)

   18(b)      —          —          —          —    

Transaction costs relating to share issues

        —          (8,533      —          (283,146 )
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At reporting date

        2,079,742,938        185,690,589        2,061,630,944        184,868,978  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(b) Shares issued

 

2017 Details

   Number      Issue Price
A$
     Total
A$
 

Performance rights exercised

     18,111,991        0.05        830,143  

Options exercised

     3        0.20        1  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 
     18,111,994           830,144  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

NOTE 18. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY (continued)

 

(b) Shares issued (continued)

 

2016 Details

   Number      Issue Price
A$
     Total
A$
 

Shares issued under Share Purchase Plan

     200,000,000        0.05        10,000,000  

Ridgeback shares issued

     12,136,750        0.02        209,966  

Share placement

     31,022,181        0.05        1,551,109  

Share placement

     40,000,000        0.05        2,000,000  

Performance rights exercised

     26,977,409        0.04        1,174,566  

Options exercised

     3        0.20        1  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 
     310,136,343           14,935,642  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held.

The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value and the company does not have a limited amount of authorized capital.

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.

Options

Information relating to the Company’s Global Employee Share Option Plan, including details of options issued, exercised and lapsed during the financial year and options outstanding at the end of the reporting period, is set out in note 30.

Unlisted Options

 

Expiration Date

   Exercise Price      Number  

June 30, 2018

   $ 0.0774        1,680,868  

December 12, 2018

   $ 0.05019        147,628,500  

August 4, 2020

   $ 0.0237        371,445,231  

October 30, 2020

   $ 0.057        793,103  

March 7, 2021

   $ 0.04        1,026,272  

August 4, 2025

   $ 0.025        8,475,995  
     

 

 

 

Total

        531,049,969  
     

 

 

 

Share buy-back

There is no current on-market share buy-back.

Capital risk management

The consolidated entity’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that they can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital .

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the consolidated entity may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The consolidated entity would look to raise capital when an opportunity to invest in a business or company was seen as value adding relative to the current parent entity’s share price at the time of the investment. The consolidated entity is not actively pursuing additional investments in the short term as it continues to integrate and grow its existing businesses in order to maximize synergies.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 19. EQUITY – RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

(a) Reserves

     

Options issued reserve

     19,116,205        19,116,205  

Conversion feature of convertible note reserve

     41,431,774        41,431,774  

Foreign currency translation reserve

     (232,751 )      38,945  

Share-based payment reserve

     2,703,347        2,671,263  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     63,018,575        63,258,187  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movement in options issued reserve were as follows:

     

Opening balance

     19,116,205        3,748,611  

Options issued during the year

     —          15,367,594 *
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

     19,116,205        19,116,205  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movements in conversion feature of convertible note reserve:

     

Opening balance

     41,431,774        —    

Conversion feature of convertible note

     —          41,431,774 *
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

     41,431,774        41,431,774  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movement in foreign currency translation reserve were as follows:

     

Opening balance

     38,945        (268,052 )

Currency translation differences arising during the year

     (271,696 )      306,997  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

     (232,751 )      38,945  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Movement in share-based payment reserve were as follows:

     

Opening balance

     2,671,263        1,787,170  

Employee options issued during the year

     862,227        1,976,417  

Exercise of vested performance rights

     (830,143      (1,174,566 )

Share-based payments

     —          82,242  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

     2,703,347        2,671,263  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(b) Accumulated losses

     

Movement in accumulated losses were as follows:

     

Opening balance

     (222,471,606      (160,456,422 )

Net loss for the year

     (9,367,206      (62,015,184 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance

     (231,838,812      (222,471,606 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Current year movements relate to the fair value of convertible notes and warrants issued to Ridgeback accounted for in accordance with AASB 2 (IFRS 2). Refer to note 15 for further information.

(c) Nature and purpose of reserves

(i) Options issued reserve

On August 4, 2015 warrants were granted to Ridgeback Capital Investments. 8,475,995 Warrants were granted which are exercisable at a price of $0.025 per share on or before 4 August 2025. 371,445,231 Warrants were granted which are exercisable at a price of $0.0237 per share on or before 4 August 2020. All warrants may be settled on a gross or net basis and the number of warrants or exercise price may be adjusted for a pro rata issue of shares, a bonus issue or capital reorganisation. The Warrants do not confer any rights to dividends or a right to participate in a new issue without exercising the warrant. For further information, refer to note 15.

In October 2014, the Company issued 19,800,000 options with an exercise price of $0.05475 in relation to the Bergen investment agreement. In December 2014, the Company issued 200,000,000 warrants at an exercise price of $0.05019 to the vendors of Immutep S.A. The options expire on October 2, 2017 and December 12, 2018. Each option and warrant is exercisable for one ordinary share in the capital of the Company. As at June 30, 2016, all options held by Bergen were exercised, and 52,371,500 warrants were exercised by the vendors of Immutep S.A. The options held are exercisable at any time before its expiry date.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 19. EQUITY – RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS (continued)

 

(ii) Conversion feature of convertible note reserve

This amount relates to the conversion feature of the convertible note issued to Ridgeback Capital Investments which has been measured at fair value as required by AASB 2 (IFRS 2). For further information, refer to note 15.

(iii) Foreign currency translation reserve

Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled entity a recognized in other comprehensive loss as described in note 1(d) and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity. The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net investment is disposed of.

(iv) Share-based payments reserve

The share-based payments reserve is used to recognize the grant date fair value of options and performance rights issued to employees but not exercised. For a reconciliation of movements in the share-based payment reserves refer to note 30.

NOTE 20. DIVIDENDS

There were no dividends paid or declared during the current or previous fiscal year.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 21. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES

(a) Directors and key management personnel compensation

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Short-term employee benefits

     1,256,272        1,300,140        1,509,877  

Long-term employee benefits

     6,879        5,817        6,231  

Post-employment benefits

     38,184        42,471        43,056  

Share-based payments

     637,637        1,824,643        467,002  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,938,972        3,173,071        2,026,166  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(b) Equity instrument disclosures relating to key management personnel

(i) Options provided as remuneration and shares issued on exercise of such options

For details of options provided as remuneration and shares issued on the exercise of such options, together with terms and conditions of the options, please refer to note 30.

(ii) Shareholding

The numbers of shares in the company held during the financial year by each director of and other key management personnel of the group, including their personally related parties, are set out below. There were no shares granted during the reporting period as compensation.

 

June 30, 2017

   Balance at
start of the year
    Received during the
year on the exercise
of performance rights
     Received during
the year on the
exercise of
options
     Other changes
during the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Ordinary shares

            

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     20,359,576       —          —          —         20,359,576  

Mr. Albert Wong

     3,837,500       —          —          —         3,837,500  

Dr. Russell Howard

     —         —          —          —         —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     4,289,215       2,573,529        —          —         6,862,744  

Mr. Marc Voigt

    

11,605,293

150

 

   

6,666,667

—  

 

 

    

—  

—  

 

 

    

—  

—  

 

 

   

18,271,960

45

 

Ms. Deanne Miller

     4,950,980       4,000,000        —          (707,408     8,243,572  

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

     12,644,716       3,333,333        —          —         15,978,049  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ordinary shares

     57,687,430       16,573,529        —          (707,408     73,553,551  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ADSs

     150       —          —          —         45  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* American Depositary Shares (ADSs) traded on the NASDAQ

 

F-35


Table of Contents

NOTE 21. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES (continued)

 

June 30, 2016

   Balance at
start of the year
    Received during
the year on the
exercise of
performance
rights
     Received during
the year on the
exercise of
options
     Other changes
during the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Ordinary shares

            

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     20,059,576       —          —          300,000       20,359,576  

Mr. Albert Wong

     3,537,500       —          —          300,000       3,837,500  

Dr. Russell Howard

     —         —          —          —         —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     1,715,686       2,573,529        —          —         4,289,215  

Mr. Marc Voigt

    

870,000

150

 

*

   

10,735,293

—  

 

 

    

—  

—  

 

 

    

—  

—  

 

 

   

11,605,293

150

 

*

Ms. Deanne Miller

     20,924       6,450,980        —          (1,520,924 )     4,950,980  

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

     9,311,383       3,333,333        —          —         12,644,716  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ordinary shares

     35,515,219       23,093,135        —          (920,924 )     57,687,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ADSs

     150       —          —          —         150  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* American Depositary Shares (ADSs) traded on the NASDAQ

 

June 30, 2015

   Balance at
start of the year
    Received during
the year on the
exercise of
performance
rights
     Received during
the year on the
exercise of
options
     Other changes
during the year
    Balance at end
of the year
 

Ordinary shares

            

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     20,059,576       —          —          —         20,059,576  

Mr. Albert Wong

     3,537,500       —          —          —         3,537,500  

Dr. Russell Howard

     —         —          —          —         —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —         1,715,686        —          —         1,715,686  

Mr. Matt Lehman

    

1,617,763

32,706

 

*

    —          —          —        

1,617,763

32,706

 

*

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     —         —          —          —         —    

Mr. Marc Voigt

    

720,000

150

 

*

    —          —         

150,000

—  

 

 

   

870,000

150

 

*

Ms. Deanne Miller

     —         —          242,424        (221,500 )     20,924  

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

     —         —          —          9,311,383       9,311,383  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ordinary shares

     25,934,839       1,715,686        242,424        9,239,883       37,132,832  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total ADS

     32,856       —          —          —         32,856  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* American Depositary Shares (ADSs) traded on the NASDAQ

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 21. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES (continued)

 

(iii) Option holdings

The number of options over ordinary shares in the parent entity held during the financial year by each director and other members of key management personnel of the consolidated entity, including their personally related parties, is set out below:

 

June 30, 2017

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised      Other
Changes
    Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Options over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy 1 Turnbull, AO

     4,439,894        —          —          (4,439,894     —          —          —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     —          —          —          —         —          —          —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —          —         —          —          —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —          —          —          —         —          —          —    

Mr. Marc Voigt

     721,754        —          —          (78,125     643,629        643,629        —    

Ms. Deanne Miller

     121,212        —          —          —         121,212        121,212        —    

Dr Frédéric Triebel

     24,000,600        —          —          —         24,000,600        24,000,600        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     29,283,460        —          —          (4,518,019     24,765,441        24,765,441        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The above options during the year ended 30 June 2017 lapsed.

 

June 30, 2016

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised      Other
Changes
    Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Options over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     4,439,894        —          —          —         4,439,894        4,439,894        —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     —          —          —          —         —          —          —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —          —         —          —          —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —          —          —          —         —          —          —    

Mr. Marc Voigt

     1,171,754        —          —          (450,000 )     721,754        721,754        —    

Ms. Deanne Miller

     121,212        —          —          —         121,212        121,212        —    

Dr Frédéric Triebel

     24,000,600        —          —          —         24,000,600        24,000,600        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     29,733,460        —          —          (450,000 )     29,283,460        29,283,460        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-37


Table of Contents

NOTE 21. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES (continued)

 

 

June 30, 2015

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised     Other
Changes
     Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Options over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     4,439,894        —          —         —          4,439,894        4,439,894        —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Martin Rogers

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Matt Lehman

     2,104,441        —          —         —          2,104,441        2,104,441        —    

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     1,537,275        —          —         —          1,537,275        1,537,275        —    

Mr. Marc Voigt

     1,171,754        —          —         —          1,171,754        1,171,754        —    

Ms. Deanne Miller

     363,636        —          (242,424 )     —          121,212        121,212        —    

Dr Frédéric Triebel

     —          —          —         24,000,600        24,000,600        24,000,600        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     9,617,000        —          (242,424 )     —          33,375,176        33,375,176        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(iv) Performance rights holdings

The number of performance rights over ordinary shares in the parent entity held during the financial year by each director and other members of key management personnel of the consolidated entity, including their personally related parties, is set out below:

 

June 30, 2017

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised     Other
Changes
     Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Rights over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     3,431,373        10,023,350      (2,573,529     —          10,881,194        —          10,881,194  

Mr. Marc Voigt

     25,588,236        —          (6,666,667     —          18,921,569        —          18,921,569  

Ms. Deanne Miller

     11,676,471        —          (4,000,000     —          7,676,471        —          7,676,471  

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

     8,152,993        —          (3,333,333     —          4,819,660        —          4,819,660  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     48,849,073        10,023,350        (16,573,529     —          42,298,894        —          42,298,894  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2016

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised     Other
Changes
     Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Rights over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     6,004,902        —          (2,573,529 )     —          3,431,373        —          3,431,373  

Mr. Marc Voigt

     16,323,529        20,000,000        (10,735,293 )     —          25,588,235        —          25,588,236  

Ms. Deanne Miller

     6,127,451        12,000,000        (6,450,980 )     —          11,676,471        —          11,676,471  

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

     —          11,486,326        (3,333,333 )     —          8,152,993        —          8,152,993  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     28,455,882        43,486,326        (23,093,135 )     —          48,849,072        —          48,849,073  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 21. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES (continued)

 

June 30, 2015

   Balance at
start of
the year
     Granted      Exercised     Other
Changes
     Balance at
end
of the year
     Vested and
exercisable
     Unvested  

Rights over ordinary shares

                   

Ms. Lucy Turnbull, AO

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Albert Wong

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Dr. Russell Howard

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Mr. Pete Meyers

     —          7,720,588        (1,715,686 )     —          6,004,902        —          6,004,902  

Mr. Matthew Lehman

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    

Dr. Sharron Gargosky

     —          6,127,451        —         —          6,127,451        —          6,127,451  

Mr. Marc Voigt

     —          16,323,529        —         —          16,323,529        —          16,323,529  

Ms. Deanne Miller

     —          6,127,451        —         —          6,127,451        —          6,127,451  

Dr. Frédéric Triebel

     —          —          —         —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     —          36,299,019        (1,715,686 )     —          34,583,333        —          34,583,333  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 22. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by the auditor of the parent entity, its related practices and non-related audit firms

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Audit fees

PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

        

Audit or review of the financial report

     234,250        232,000        286,000  

Other audit and assurance services in relation to regulatory filings overseas

     200,000        209,741        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     434,250        441,741        286,000  

Audit-related fees

        

Network firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

        

Due Diligence services

     —          —          66,986
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-PwC audit firm

        

Audit or review of the financial report

     —          —          —    

Preparation of the tax return and other consulting services

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     434,250        441,741        352,986  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 23. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There were no material contingent liabilities in existence at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016.

NOTE 24. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

There were no material capital or leasing commitments at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016.

 

F-39


Table of Contents

NOTE 25. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Parent entity

Prima BioMed Ltd is the parent entity.

Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 26.

Key management personnel

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 21.

Receivable from and payable to related parties

There were no trade receivables from or trade payables due to related parties at the reporting date.

Loans to/from related parties

There were no loans to or from related parties at the reporting date.

NOTE 26. SUBSIDIARIES

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1:

 

    

 

   Equity holding  

Name of entity

   Country of
incorporation
   June 30, 2017
%
     June 30, 2016
%
 

Prima BioMed USA Inc

   United States      100.00        100.00  

PRR Middle East FZ LLC

   United Arab Emirates      100.00        100.00  

Prima BioMed GmbH

   Germany      100.00        100.00  

Prima Biomed Australia Pty Ltd

   Australia      100.00        100.00  

Prima Biomed IP Pty Ltd

   Australia      100.00        100.00  

Immutep S.A.S.

   France      100.00        100.00  

NOTE 27. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE REPORTING DATE

On June 29, 2017, Prima entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain accredited investors to purchase 2,631,268 of its American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) at a purchase price per ADS of US$1.90 in a registered direct offering, for total gross proceeds of approximately US$5.0 million (equivalent to approximately AU$6.5 million). In a concurrent private placement, the Company agreed to issue unregistered warrants to purchase up to 1,973,451 of its ADSs. The warrants have an exercise price of US$2.50 per ADS, are exercisable immediately and will expire on January 5, 2023. The Company completed the transaction on July 5, 2017 and received the proceeds on July 5, 2017. The capital raising costs of AU$846,180 incurred in June 2017 are included in Other Current Assets and will be re-classified to be netted off the share capital raised in July 2017.

On August 1, 2017, Prima received a second clinical milestone payment of US$1.0 million from Novartis based on the collaboration and licensing agreement between the companies relating to Prima’s IMP701 LAG-3 antibody.

On August 16, 2017, Prima received a €876,635 (A$1,306,266) cash rebate from the French Government under its Crédit d’Impôt Recherche scheme which is included in Grant and other receivables as at June 30, 2017 (please refer to Note 8 Current Receivables).

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 28. RECONCILIATION OF LOSS AFTER INCOME TAX TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
    June 30, 2016
A$
    June 30, 2015
A$
 

Loss after income tax expense for the year

     (9,367,206     (62,015,184 )     (32,151,696 )

Adjustments for:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     1,701,615       1,993,093       1,341,202  

Add back share based payments

     862,227       2,058,659       738,799  

Non-cash share based payment to strategic investor

     —         47,468,071       —    

Changes in fair value of comparability milestone

     —         542,075       —    

Add back (gain)/loss on disposal of assets

     —         (18,493 )     5,160  

Add back Non-cash finance expenses

     —         —         18,338,015  

Unrealized gain on exchange through the profit and loss

     (218,567     844,864       (1,039,537 )

Net change in fair value of convertible note liability

     751,816       607,637       —    

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease/(increase) in current receivables

     (2,025,716     (394,922 )     5,958,640  

Decrease/(increase) in other operating assets

     (865,245     324,983       350,970  

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

     1,377,141       (1,491,882 )     (1,187,960 )

Increase/(decrease) in employee benefits

     (7,120     (45,165 )     (357 )

(Decrease)/increase in income tax payable

     (21,549     712       3,849  

(Decrease)/increase in deferred tax liability

     (694,194     (1,184,139 )     (144,064
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

     (8,506,798     (11,309,691 )     (7,786,979 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

F-41


Table of Contents

NOTE 29. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Loss after income tax

     (9,367,206      (62,015,184      (32,151,696
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss after income tax attributable to the owners of Prima BioMed Ltd

     (9,367,206      (62,015,184      (32,151,696
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Number      Number (Revised)*      Number(Revised)*  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share

     2,072,450,143        2,016,566,497        1,371,431,903  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share

     2,072,450,143        2,016,566,497        1,371,431,903  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Cents      Cents (Revised)*      Cents (Revised)*  
        

Basic earnings per share

     (0.45      (3.08      (2.34

Diluted earnings per share

     (0.45 )      (3.08      (2.34

 

* The Group revised the 2016 and 2015 EPS figure to correct the basic and diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the EPS calculation. Although the figure has been updated in these financial statements, the Group has determined that the revision to the number of shares and the resulting EPS was not material to the 2016 and 2015 financial statements.

Information concerning other notes and options issued:

The following table summarizes the convertible notes, performance rights, listed options and unlisted options that were not included in the calculation of weighted average number of ordinary shares because they are anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Listed options

     —          77,378,693        77,378,696  

Unlisted options

     531,049,969        531,049,969        164,894,609  

Convertible notes

     727,075,050        706,476,966        —  

Performance rights

     33,852,075        51,310,083        38,183,209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-executive director rights

     10,881,194        3,431,373        6,004,902  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

a) Executive Incentive Plan (EIP)

Equity incentives are granted under the Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) which was approved by shareholders at the 2015 Annual General Meeting. In light of our increasing operations globally the Board reviewed the Company’s incentive arrangements to ensure that it continued to retain and motivate key executives in a manner that is aligned with members’ interests. As a result of that review, an ‘umbrella’ EIP was adopted to which eligible executives are invited to apply for the grant of performance rights and/or options. Equity incentives granted in accordance with the EIP Rules are designed to provide meaningful remuneration opportunities and will reflect the importance of retaining a world-class management team. The Company endeavors to achieve simplicity and transparency in remuneration design, whilst also balancing competitive market practices in France, Germany, and Australia. The company grants Short Term Incentives (STIs) and Long Term Incentives (LTIs) under the EIP.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

NOTE 30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

 

(a) Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) (continued)

 

Set out below are summaries of all STI and LTI performance rights granted under the EIP:

 

2017

Grant date

   Fair
value
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

September 19, 2014

     0.044        5,422,794        —          —          2,665,441        2,757,353        —    

September 19, 2014

     0.044        1,807,598        —          —          888,480        919,118        —    

November 14, 2014

     0.038        9,191,177        —          —          —          9,191,177        —    

November 14, 2014

     0.040        3,063,725        —          —          —          3,063,725        —    

August 5, 2015

     0.047        28,000,001        —          14,000,000        —          14,000,001        —    

October 1, 2015

     0.060        600,000        —          —          —          600,000        —    

October 1, 2015

     0.061        200,000        —          —          —          200,000        —    

December 29, 2015

     0.050        1,538,462        —          1,538,462        —          —          —    

March 7, 2016

     0.041        1,486,326        —          —          —          1,486,326        —    

February 10, 2017

     0.035        —          1,634,375        —          —          1,634,375        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        51,310,083        1,634,375        15,538,462        3,553,921        33,852,075        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2016

Grant date

   Fair
value
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

September 19, 2014

     0.042        7,398,896        —          5,390,073        2,008,823        —          —    

September 19, 2014

     0.044        10,845,588        —          —          5,422,794        5,422,794        —    

September 19, 2014

     0.044        3,615,196        —          —          1,807,598        1,807,598        —    

November 14, 2014

     0.037        4,068,627        —          4,068,627        —          —          —    

November 14, 2014

     0.038        9,191,177        —          —          —          9,191,177        —    

November 14, 2014

     0.040        3,063,725        —          —          —          3,063,725        —    

August 5, 2015

     0.047        —          945,180        945,180        —          —          —    

August 5, 2015

     0.050        —          2,551,985        —          2,551,985        —          —    

August 5, 2015

     0.051        —          850,662        —          850,662        —          —    

August 5, 2015

     0.047        —          42,000,000        13,999,999        —          28,000,001        —    

October 1, 2015

     0.060        —          600,000        —          —          600,000        —    

October 1, 2015

     0.061        —          200,000        —          —          200,000        —    

December 29, 2015

     0.050        —          1,538,462        —          —          1,538,462        —    

March 7, 2016

     0.041        —          1,486,326        —          —          1,486,326        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        38,183,209        50,172,615        24,403,879        12,641,862        51,310,083        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value at grant date for Short Term Incentive (STI) performance rights are determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

The model inputs for STI performance rights granted during the year ended June 30, 2017 included:

 

Grant date

   February 10,
2017
 

Share price at grant date

   $ 0.035  

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

     54 %

Expected dividend yield

     Nil  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.80 %

 

F-43


Table of Contents

NOTE 30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

 

(a) Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) (continued)

 

The model inputs for STI performance rights granted during the year ended June 30, 2016 included:

 

Grant date

   August 5,
2015
    December 29,
2015
    March 7,
2016
 

Share price at grant date

   $ 0.047     $ 0.050     $ 0.041  

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

     167 %     169 %     169 %

Expected dividend yield

     Nil       Nil       Nil  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.03 %     1.97 %     2.14 %

The model inputs for STI performance rights granted during the year ended June 30, 2015 included:

 

Grant date

   September 19,
2014
    November 14,
2014
 

Share price at grant date

   $ 0.047     $ 0.050  

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

     90 %     90 %

Expected dividend yield

     Nil       Nil  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.86 %     2.55 %

The fair value at grant date for 42,000,000 long term incentives issued on August 5, 2015 are determined using a Black Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

The model inputs for these performance rights granted included:

 

Grant date

     August 5, 2015  

Measurement period

     August 5, 2015 to August 5, 2017  

Share price at grant date

     $0.047  

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

     162 %

Expected dividend yield

     Nil  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.95 %

The fair value at grant date for long term incentives are determined using an “Up and in Call” Barrier Option Pricing Model.

The model inputs for performance rights granted during the year ended June 30, 2016 included:

 

Grant date

     August 5, 2015        October 1, 2015  

Measurement period – tranche 1

    
August 5, 2015 to
October 2, 2017
 
 
    
October 1, 2015 to
October 2, 2017
 
 

Measurement period – tranche 2

    
August 5, 2015 to
October 2, 2018
 
 
    
October 1, 2015 to
October 2, 2018
 
 

Barrier price

    



CAGR 20% per

annum over
measurement
period

 

 
 
 

    


CAGR 20% per
annum over
measurement
period
 
 
 
 

Share price at grant date

     $0.047        $0.058  

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

     120%        120%  

Expected dividend yield

     Nil        Nil  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.12%        1.94%  

 

F-44


Table of Contents

NOTE 30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

 

(a) Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) (continued)

 

The model inputs for performance rights granted during the year ended June 30, 2015 included:

 

Grant date

     September 19, 2014        November 14, 2014  

Measurement period – tranche 1

    
September 19, 2014 to
October 2, 2017
 
 
    
September 19, 2014 to
October 2, 2017
 
 

Measurement period – tranche 2

    
September 19, 2014 to
October 2, 2018
 
 
    
September 19, 2014 to
October 2, 2018
 
 

Barrier price

    


CAGR 20% per
annum over
measurement

period

 
 
 

 

    


CAGR 20% per
annum over
measurement

period

 
 
 

 

Share price at grant date

     $0.042        $0.037  

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares

     90%        90%  

Expected dividend yield

     Nil        Nil  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.86%        2.55%  

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the EIP:

 

2017

Grant date

  Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
    Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

December 23, 2013

    30 June 2018        0.0774        1,515,752        —          —         —          1,515,752        1,515,752  

January 24, 2014

    30 June 2018        0.0774        165,116        —          —         —          165,116        165,116  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

       1,680,868        —          —         —          1,680,868        1,680,868  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average
exercise price

       0.0774                   0.0774     

2016

Grant date

  Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
    Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

December 23, 2013

    30 June 2018        0.0774        1,515,752        —          —         —          1,515,752        1,515,752  

January 24, 2014

    30 June 2018        0.0774        165,116        —          —         —          165,116        165,116  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

          1,680,868        —          —         —          1,680,868        1,680,868  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercise price

       0.0774                   0.0774     

2015

Grant date

  Expiry date      Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
    Forfeited during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

December 23, 2013

    30 June 2018        0.0774        1,758,176        —          (242,424     —          1,515,752        1,515,752  

January 24, 2014

    30 June 2018        0.0774        165,116        —          —         —          165,116        165,116  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

          1,923,292        —          (242,424     —          1,680,868        1,680,868  
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercise price

       0.0774                   0.0774     

No options expired during the periods covered by the above tables.

Fair value of options granted

No options were granted during the year ended June 30, 2017 (2016 – Nil). The fair value at grant date is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

 

F-45


Table of Contents

NOTE 30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

 

(b) Performance rights issued to non-executive directors with shareholders’ approval

At the 2016 annual general meeting, shareholders approved the issue of 10,023,350 performance rights to Mr Pete Meyers in lieu of cash for his services as a non-executive director. When exercisable, each performance right is convertible into one ordinary share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of performance rights outstanding at the end of the period was less than 3.3 years. Set out below are summaries of performance rights granted with shareholders approval.

 

2017

Grant date

   Type of
performance
right granted
     Fair
value
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

November 14, 2014

     Director rights        0.037        3,431,373        —          2,573,529        —          857,844        —    

November 25, 2016

     Director rights        0.038        —          10,023,350        —             10,023,350        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           3,431,373        10,023,350        2,573,529        —          10,881,194        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2016

Grant date

   Type of
performance
right granted
     Fair
value
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

November 14, 2014

     Director rights        0.037        6,004,902        —          2,573,529        —          3,431,373        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           6,004,902        —          2,573,529        —          3,431,373        —    
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2015

Grant date

   Fair
value
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

November 14, 2014

     0.037        —          7,720,588      1,715,686        —          6,004,902        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        —          7,720,588        1,715,686        —          6,004,902        —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of performance rights granted

The fair value at grant date for Short Term Incentive performance rights is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the performance right. The fair value at grant date for Long Term Incentive performance rights is determined using an “Up and in Call” Barrier Option Pricing Model.

 

F-46


Table of Contents

NOTE 30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

 

(c) Options issued to other parties

During the prior year, options were issued to Ridgeback Capital Investments and Trout Group LLC and these are exercisable at June 30, 2017.

Set out below is a summary of the options granted to both parties:

 

2016

Grant date

   Expiry date    Exercise
price
     Balance at
start of the
year Number
     Granted
during the
year Number
     Exercised
during the
year Number
     Lapsed during
the year
Number
     Balance at
end of the
year Number
     Vested and
exercisable at
end of the year
Number
 

July 31, 2015

   August 5, 2020      0.0237        371,445,231        —          —          —          371,445,231        371,445,231  

July 31, 2015

   August 5, 2021      0.025        8,475,995        —          —          —          8,475,995        8,475,995  

October 30, 2015

   October 30, 2020      0.057        793,103        —          —          —          793,103        793,103  

March 7, 2016

   March 7, 2021      0.040        1,026,272        —          —          —          1,026,272        1,026,272  

Fair value of options granted

There were no options granted during the year ended June 30, 2017 (2016 – 381,739,601 options). The fair value at grant date is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the impact of dilution, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

(g) Expenses arising from share-based payment transactions

Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognized during the period as part of employee benefit expense were as follows:

 

     Consolidated  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Share-based payment expense

     —          82,242  

Employee share-based payment expense

     862,227        1,976,417  

Share Based Payment to strategic investor

     —          47,468,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     862,227        49,529,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Share-based payment transactions with employees are recognised during the period as a part of corporate administrative expenses.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

NOTE 31. PARENT ENTITY INFORMATION

Set out below is the supplementary information about the parent entity.

Statement of comprehensive loss

 

     Parent  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
     June 30, 2015
A$
 

Loss after income tax

     (8,526,159      (61,973,221 )      (29,484,263 )

Total comprehensive loss

     (8,526,159      (61,973,221 )      (29,484,263 )

Statement of financial position

 

     Parent  
     June 30, 2017
A$
     June 30, 2016
A$
 

Total current assets

     13,220,743        20,205,467  

Total non current assets

     20,936,849        20,903,050  

Total assets

     34,157,592        41,108,517  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,189,848        1,103,005  

Total non current liabilities

     6,482,571        5,847,876  

Total liabilities

     7,672,419        6,950,881  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity

     

— Contributed equity

     195,352,543        194,530,932  

— Reserves

     63,251,328        63,219,244  

— Accumulated losses

     (232,118,699      (223,592,540 )

Total equity

     26,485,173        34,157,636  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Guarantees of financial support

There are no guarantees entered into by the parent entity.

Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

Refer to note 23 for details in relation to contingent liabilities as at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016.

Capital commitments – Property, plant and equipment

The parent entity did not have any capital commitments for property, plant and equipment at as June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016.

 

F-48


Table of Contents
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F:

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

          Incorporated by Reference  

Exhibit

  

Description

  

Schedule/
Form

    

File

Number

    

Exhibit

    

File

Date

 
  1.1    Constitution of Registrant      20-F        001-35428        1.1        2/13/12  
  2.1    Form of Deposit Agreement between Prima BioMed, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary, and owners and holders from time to time of ADSs issued thereunder, including the Form of American Depositary Shares      20-F        001-35428        2.1        4/2/12  
  2.2    Subscription Agreement between Prima BioMed Ltd and Ridgeback Capital Investments L.P., dated May 14, 2015, as amended (including form warrants and notes)      20-F        001-35428        2.2        10/30/15  
  2.3    Form of American Depositary Share Purchase Warrant      6-K        001-35428        99.3        6/29/17  
  4.1    Deed of Novation between The MacFarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health Ltd, Prima BioMed and Cancer Vac Pty Ltd, dated April 18, 2012      20-F        001-35428        4.4.1        10/30/13  
  4.2+#    Prima BioMed Employee Share Option Plan            
  4.3+    Prima BioMed Global Employee Share Option Plan      20-F        001-35428        4.10        10/3/12  
  4.4+    Prima Executive Incentive Plan      20-F        001-35428        4.11        10/30/13  
  4.5+    Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Marc Voigt, effective July 1, 2012      20-F        001-35428        4.15        10/3/12  
  4.6+    Chief Executive Officer Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Marc Voigt, effective July 9, 2014      20-F        001-35428        4.15.1        9/24/14  
  4.7+    Executive and Business Manager Employment Contract between Prima Biomed GmbH and Marc Voigt, effective July 9, 2014      20-F        001-35428        4.15.2        9/24/14  
  4.8+    Variation to Executive Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Marc Voigt, effective June 1, 2015      20-F        001-35428        4.15.3        10/30/15  
  4.9+    Variation to the Amendment to the Indefinite Term Employment Contract, by and between Immutep S.A. and Frédéric Triebel, effective March 1, 2016      20-F        001-35428        4.17        10/3/16  
  4.10+    Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Deanne Miller, dated October 13, 2012      20-F        001-35428        4.16        10/30/13  
  4.11+    Variation to Executive Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Deanne Miller, effective February 1, 2013      20-F        001-35428        4.16.1        10/30/13  
  4.12+    Variation to Executive Employment Agreement between Prima BioMed and Deanne Miller, effective June 1, 2015      20-F        001-35428        4.16.2        9/24/14  
  4.13*    Supply, Distribution and Licensing Agreement between Prima BioMed and Neopharm Ltd., dated February 19, 2014      20-F        001-35428        4.20        9/24/14  


Table of Contents
          Incorporated by Reference  

Exhibit

  

Description

  

Schedule/
Form

    

File

Number

    

Exhibit

    

File

Date

 
  4.14*    Share Sale Agreement, dated October 2, 2014, by and between Prima BioMed and Immutep S.A.      20-F        001-35428        4.21        10/30/15  
  4.15+    Amendment to the Indefinite Term Employment Contract Entered Into Effect On May 1st 2004, dated 1  October 2014, by and between Immutep S.A. and Frédéric Triebel      20-F        001-35428        4.22        10/30/15  
  4.16*    Sub-License, License and Asset Purchase Agreement, by and among Prima BioMed Ltd. and Sydys Corporation, dated May 12, 2016      20-F        001-35428        4.18        10/3/16  
  4.17    Placement Agency Agreement, dated June 29, 2017, by and between Prima BioMed Ltd and Maxim Group LLC      6-K        001-35428        99.1        6/29/17  
  4.18    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated June 29, 2017, by and between Prima BioMed Ltd and the purchasers party thereto      6-K        001-35428        99.2        6/29/17  
12.1#    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934            
13.1#    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934            
15.1#    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers            

 

* Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been submitted separately with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
# Filed herewith.

In accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, and the instructions to Form 20-F, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 13.1 and 13.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Annual Report on Form 20-F and will not be deemed “filed” for purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporates it by reference.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

P RIMA B IOMED L TD
/s/ Marc Voigt

By: Marc Voigt

Title: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial

Officer and Chief Business Officer

Date: October 19, 2017

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