TIDMDNL
RNS Number : 4657T
Diurnal Group PLC
30 March 2016
30 March 2016
Diurnal Group plc
("Diurnal" or the "Company")
Interim Results for the six months ended 31 December 2015
Diurnal Group plc (AIM: DNL), the specialty pharmaceutical
company targeting patient needs in chronic endocrine (hormonal)
diseases, announces its maiden results for the six months ended 31
December 2015.
Operational highlights
-- Initial Public Offering on the Alternative Investment Market
("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange in December 2015, raising
GBP30m before expenses via a placing of new ordinary shares and a
convertible loan
-- First patient treated in the Company's European Phase III
trial of Chronocort(R) in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, following
the period end
-- First patient treated in the Company's European follow-on
study of the Phase III Infacort(R) registration trial in paediatric
Adrenal Insufficiency, post period end
-- Strengthening of the Board with the appointment of Peter
Allen as Non-executive Chairman and John Goddard as Non-executive
Director
Financial overview
-- Operating loss of GBP3.5m (H1 2014/15: GBP1.3m) reflecting
investment in increased clinical and development activities
together with investment in overheads to support the anticipated
growth and development of the business
-- Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2015 of GBP33.1m (31
Dec 2014: GBP5.8m) following the successful AIM IPO and
fundraising
-- Net assets of GBP28.6m (31 Dec 2014: GBP5.5m)
-- Net cash used in operating activities was GBP2.0m (H1 2014/15: GBP1.0m)
Martin Whitaker, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Diurnal,
commented:
"I am pleased to announce our first set of results as a listed
company. The Board is grateful for the continued support of the
Company's existing shareholders together with the investment made
by new investors in the GBP30m fundraising and AIM IPO in December.
These monies enable the Company to continue to pursue its vision of
becoming a world-leading endocrinology speciality pharmaceutical
company. In the near term, it allows Diurnal to maintain the
momentum behind its late stage development programmes for
treatments targeting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Adrenal
Insufficiency and where we anticipate market authorisation of our
first product towards the end of 2017."
In the Interim Results:
-- "H1" refers to the six month period ended 31 December
-- "bn", "m" and "k" represent billion, million and thousand respectively
-- "Group" is the Company and its subsidiary undertaking, Diurnal Limited
For further information, please visit www.diurnal.co.uk
or contact:
+44 (0)20 3727
Diurnal Group plc 1000
Martin Whitaker, CEO
Ian Ardill, CFO
Numis Securities Ltd (Nominated +44 (0)20 7260
Adviser) 1000
Nominated Adviser: Michael Meade,
Freddie Barnfield, Paul Gillam
Corporate Broking: James Black
+44 (0)20 3727
FTI Consulting 1000
Simon Conway
Victoria Foster Mitchell
Notes to Editors
About Diurnal
Diurnal is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company
targeting patient needs in chronic endocrine (hormonal) diseases
which the Company believes are currently not satisfactorily met by
existing treatments. It has identified a number of specialist
endocrinology market opportunities in Europe and the US that are
together estimated to be worth more than $11bn per annum.
On its admission to AIM in December 2015, the Company raised
GBP30 million by way of a placing of new ordinary shares and a
convertible loan. The new funds will accelerate the development of
two leading product candidates which are in, or expected to
commence shortly, Phase III clinical trials, targeting diseases of
cortisol deficiency; Chronocort(R) , to be used for Congenital
Adrenal Hyperplasia ("CAH") in adults, and Infacort(R) , to be used
for Adrenal Insufficiency ("AI"), including CAH in children. The
lead product candidate, Infacort(R) , is anticipated to receive its
first regulatory approval in Europe towards the end of 2017.
For further information about Diurnal, please visit
www.diurnal.co.uk
Forward looking statements
Certain information contained in this announcement, including
any information as to the Group's strategy, plans or future
financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking
statements". These forward-looking statements may be identified by
the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms
"believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "expects",
"intends", "aims", "plans", "predicts", "may", "will", "seeks"
"could" "targets" "assumes" "positioned" or "should" or, in each
case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology,
or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future
events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all
matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of
places throughout this announcement and include statements
regarding the intentions, beliefs or current expectations of the
Directors concerning, among other things, the Group's results of
operations, financial condition, prospects, growth, strategies and
the industries in which the Group operates. The directors of the
Company believe that the expectations reflected in these statements
are reasonable, but may be affected by a number of variables which
could cause actual results or trends to differ materially. Each
forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the
particular statement.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on
circumstances that may or may not occur in the future or are beyond
the Group's control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance. Even if the Group's actual results of
operations, financial condition and the development of the
industries in which the Group operates are consistent with the
forward-looking statements contained in this document, those
results or developments may not be indicative of results or
developments in subsequent periods.
Operational Review
The last six months have been transformational for the Company,
culminating with an Initial Public Offering ("IPO") on the
Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange
in December 2015. Building on the success of the Company's
late-stage products, Infacort(R) and Chronocort(R) , Diurnal raised
GBP30m through its IPO. These funds provide the Company with the
financial strength to complete the development of Infacort(R) in
Europe and the US; obtain market authorisation in Europe for
Infacort(R) and generate first revenues; complete the development
of Chronocort(R) in Europe and commence development in the US; and
commence the construction of Diurnal's commercial capability in
Europe. Diurnal also believes that the IPO on AIM will assist in
the Company's future development by providing potential access to
development capital to progress its current and future pipeline and
enabling it to expand within its chosen specialist endocrine
therapy areas.
Diurnal has made significant clinical development progress with
its late-stage pipeline products over the past year. Infacort(R)
and Chronocort(R) are in late-stage clinical development targeting
indications of cortisol deficiency (adrenal disease). Infacort(R)
is currently undergoing a Phase III clinical trial in Europe and
Chronocort(R) commenced a Phase III clinical trial in Europe in
February 2016. Diurnal anticipates its first market authorisation
in Europe towards the end of 2017, with the maximum combined
addressable market potential, including further indication
extensions in cortisol deficiency, of its late-stage product
candidates expected to be approximately $3.4bn.
Significant Clinical Progress
Diurnal's lead programme is aiming to solve patient needs in
adrenal diseases that result from deficiency of the essential
hormone cortisol and which the Company believes are currently not
met satisfactorily through existing treatments. Diurnal expects
that, if approved, its most advanced product candidate, Infacort(R)
, will be the first product specifically designed and licensed for
children under six years of age suffering from the rare diseases
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia ("CAH") and Adrenal Insufficiency
("AI"). Infacort(R) aims to address the need for a product that is
licensed, effective, safe and easy to administer to infants,
neonates and children under six years of age. Diurnal currently
anticipates marketing authorisation approval for Infacort(R) in
Europe towards the end of 2017.
Diurnal expects its second product candidate, Chronocort(R) , to
achieve market authorisation in Europe towards the end of 2018.
Chronocort provides a drug release profile that the Company
believes mimics the body's natural cortisol circadian rhythm, which
current therapy is unable to replicate, and will improve disease
control for adults with CAH. In August 2015, Diurnal extended its
existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement ("CRADA")
with the National Institutes of Health ("NIH"), Maryland, US until
June 2021. The extension will support the Phase III clinical study
of Chronocort(R) for the treatment of CAH. Diurnal successfully
collaborated with the NIH to complete the Phase II study of
Chronocort(R) . The NIH is participating in and, following the
period end, treated the first patient in the Company's European
Phase III trial of Chronocort(R) in CAH.
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Diurnal continues to protect its product candidates through an
extensive patent portfolio, benefitting from a number of granted or
pending patents in key jurisdictions. In addition, during the
period, Chronocort(R) was granted orphan drug designation in the
treatment of AI by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") in
September 2015. This is further to Chronocort(R) 's orphan drug
designation in the treatment of CAH, granted by the FDA in March
2015 and Infacort(R) 's orphan drug designation in the treatment of
paediatric AI, granted by the FDA in May 2015. Diurnal intends to
apply for a paediatric use marketing authorisation for Infacort(R)
in Europe (Chronocort(R) already benefits from the orphan drug
designations for CAH and AI in Europe). These orphan drug
designations mean Infacort(R) and Chronocort(R) have the potential
to be granted market and data exclusivity on approval.
Diurnal plans to use its cortisol replacement offering to build
a strong platform in underserved diseases of the adrenal gland and
then expand into endocrine disease areas such as those associated
with the thyroid, gonads and pituitary. Continued product
development is expected to come from Chronocort(R) line extensions
aiming to address additional cortisol deficiency indication(s) and
from the Company's earlier-stage pipeline of endocrinology product
candidates. These earlier-stage candidates currently include a
native oral testosterone for the treatment of male hypogonadism;
and Tri4Combi(TM), a novel formulation to treat hypothyroidism.
Following the period end, the Company announced in February 2016
that the first patient was dosed in the Chronocort(R) pivotal Phase
III clinical trial in Europe for adults with Congenital Adrenal
Hyperplasia. Since then, in March 2016 the first patient has been
treated in the Company's European follow-up trial of long term
safety and biochemical disease control of Infacort in neonates,
infants and children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and
Adrenal Insufficiency, previously enrolled in the Company's pivotal
Infacort Phase III registration trial. This latter trial has been
designed with advice from the European Medicines Agency through a
Paediatric Investigation Plan to demonstrate hydrocortisone
absorption from the Company's Infacort(R) product - potentially the
first European approved paediatric product specifically designed
for children suffering from these rare diseases.
Board Strengthened
During the period, Diurnal strengthened its Board with the
appointment of Peter Allen as Non-executive Director and Chairman
of the Board in July and John Goddard as Non-executive Director in
November. Peter assumed the role of Chairman from Sam Williams, who
had been serving as Chairman on an interim basis following the
resignation of Kevin Bryett in April and continues as a
Non-Executive Director. Peter's extensive experience in the
healthcare industry and strong track record of success as a
Non-Executive Director and Chairman in the biotech and specialty
pharma industries were instrumental during the IPO process. Peter's
experience at every stage of the specialty pharma life cycle,
including research, development, marketing and sales will also be
valuable as the Company moves towards the commercialisation of its
highly specialised products for the treatment of chronic endocrine
diseases. John brings extensive financial, accounting, strategic
planning and business development experience in the global
pharmaceuticals industry and is Chairman of the Audit
Committee.
Outlook
Infacort(R) is currently undergoing a Phase III clinical trial
in Europe and if approved has the potential to be the first
licensed treatment in Europe for AI (including CAH) specifically
designed for use in children under six years of age. Diurnal
expects to report headline data around the end of 2016 and if
successful, anticipates market authorisation in late 2017.
Following FDA feedback, we will be commencing our US registration
programme in 2016. This consists of two clinical studies, one is a
food matrix compatibility study in adult volunteers and the other
is the pivotal study in our target paediatric population.
Chronocort(R) commenced a Phase III clinical trial in Europe in
February 2016. Chronocort(R) has the potential to be the first
product candidate for adults with CAH to mimic the natural cortisol
circadian rhythm, therefore improving disease control. We expect to
report headline data from this trial in early 2018. We continue to
be in dialogue with the FDA on the Phase III US clinical trial
design and expect to have an update later in the year, with the
intention to commence the Phase III study around the end of the
calendar year.
As mentioned, Diurnal is developing a native oral testosterone
replacement treatment for patients suffering from hypogonadism. The
Company has successfully completed in vivo pre-clinical studies of
its novel formulation and expects to initiate a proof of concept
study in human hypogonadal patients mid-year 2016.
Diurnal aims to become the world's leading endocrinology
specialty pharmaceutical company targeting under-served patient
needs in chronic hormonal diseases. Diurnal has identified a number
of such needs within the field of endocrinology, which the Company
believes represent a combined market opportunity estimated to total
more than $11bn. The Company intends to address these market
opportunities through the development of its late-stage pipeline,
by building a proprietary direct sales platform in Europe and the
US, through development of its early-stage pipeline and,
longer-term, through in-licensing and acquisitions.
Diurnal's products are expected to be prescribed by
endocrinologists predominantly located in specialist centres
throughout Europe and the US. Diurnal believes that the
concentrated nature of these centres provides a significant
opportunity to build a cost-effective, focused sales and marketing
operation, which should enable the Company to capture value from
its products and create a base for growth through pipeline
development and in-licensing.
Financial Review
Operating income and expenses
Operating expenses are in a growth phase, reflecting the
increased clinical and development activities together with
investment in overheads including headcount and business
infrastructure to support the anticipated growth and development of
the business in the coming periods.
Research and development expenditure for the six month period
was GBP1.8m (H1 2014/15: GBP0.9m). Expenditure on product
development and clinical costs increased in the period as the Group
prepares for its Chronocort(R) product to enter Phase III clinical
trials in Europe and the US and for its native oral testosterone
product to commence its human proof-of-concept trial in hypogonadal
patients. Staff related expenditure also increased as a result of
the implementation of a new remuneration policy and the creation of
a national insurance accrual for historical share option
awards.
Administrative expenses for the six month period were GBP1.7m
(H1 2014/15: GBP0.5m). The increase results from the appointment of
new staff, the implementation of a new remuneration policy, the
creation of a national insurance accrual for historical share
option awards and includes one-off costs in the period incurred on
the IPO. Costs of GBP0.6m (H1 2014/15: GBPnil) relate to fees paid
in connection with the AIM admission. A further GBP0.8m (H1
2014/15: GBPnil) of fees paid in connection with the fundraising
are shown as a deduction from share premium and GBP59k and GBP28k
have been charged against the convertible loan liability and its
equity component respectively.
Operating income represents funds receivable from a European
Commission grant supporting the European development of the Group's
Infacort(R) product.
Operating loss
Operating loss for the period increased to GBP3.5m (H1 2014/15:
GBP1.3m).
Financial income and expense
Financial income in the period was GBP8k (H1 2014/15: GBP2k) due
to higher average cash balances during the period. The funds
received from the IPO fundraising and the convertible loan arrived
too late in the period to make a meaningful impact on financial
income. Financial expense for the period was GBP6k (H1 2014/15:
GBP20k), being mainly the financial expense of the convertible
loan. No interest is payable in cash on this loan, the financial
expense representing the effective interest required under
accounting standards to charge the transaction costs and equity
element of the loan to the income statement over the term of the
loan. The Group had interest bearing convertible loans outstanding
for two months of the comparative period whilst the new convertible
loan had minimal impact on financial expense due to the timing of
the receipt of the funds. No interest is payable in cash on the new
convertible loan
Loss on ordinary activities before tax
Loss before tax for the period was GBP3.5m (H1 2014/15:
GBP1.3m).
Tax
The Group has not recognised any tax assets in respect of
trading losses arising in either the current financial period or
accumulated losses in previous financial years. The tax credit
recognised in respect of the financial period ended 30 June 2015
represents the receipt of Research & Development tax
credits.
Earnings per share
Loss per share was 10.0 pence (H1 2014/15: 3.8 pence). Loss per
share has been adversely impacted by the increases in operating
costs explained above.
Cash flow
Net cash used in operating activities was GBP2.0m (H1 2014/15:
GBP1.0m), driven by the increased loss for the period. Net cash
generated by financing was GBP29.1m (H1 2014/15: GBP6.0m)
reflecting the net proceeds of the issue of shares in the IPO of
GBP24.5m (H1 2014/15: GBP6.0m from a private fundraising) together
with GBP4.6m (H1 2014/15: GBPnil) of funds received from the
convertible loan.
Balance sheet
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Total assets increased to GBP33.5m (31 Dec 2014: GBP6.0m),
reflecting the increase in cash and cash equivalents arising from
the issue of ordinary shares and the convertible loan, offset by
the operating cash outflow for the period. Cash and cash
equivalents at 31 December 2015 were GBP33.1m (31 Dec 2014:
GBP5.8m). Total liabilities increased to GBP4.9m (31 Dec 2014:
GBP0.5m), reflecting the GBP3.1m liability component of the
convertible loan (31 Dec 2014: GBP35k of other loans), together
with trade and other payables of GBP1.8m (31 Dec 2014: GBP0.5m),
which increased due to trade payables and accruals for the IPO
expenses and accruals for bonuses and employer's national insurance
on non-tax beneficial share options. Net assets were GBP28.6m (31
Dec 2014: GBP5.5m).
Comparative information
The Group has applied the principles of reverse acquisition
accounting under IFRS 3 'Business Combinations' in the presentation
of consolidated shareholders' equity for comparative periods. These
comparative periods show the results of the accounting acquirer
(Diurnal Limited) along with the share capital structure of the
parent company (Diurnal Group plc). As a result, the consolidated
share capital and share premium presented for comparative periods
is that which was in existence immediately following the share for
share exchange which occurred on 1 December 2015, and which is
explained further in note 2 to the interim financial
information.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Diurnal considers strategic, operational and financial risks and
identifies actions to mitigate these risks. The principal risks and
uncertainties at the time of the Company's AIM IPO can be found in
its AIM Admission Document, available on the website
www.diurnal.co.uk. There are no changes to these principal risks,
with the exception of those in relation to the Company's cash
balance, noted below.
Following the IPO, the company holds a significant cash balance,
which is subject to fraud, credit and liquidity risks. The Board
has adopted a policy of dual approval for all payments made by the
company; in relation to credit risk, has set a minimum credit
rating of A-, together with a maximum exposure of GBP8m to an
individual counterparty; and in relation to liquidity risk, reviews
cash flow forecasts and holds cash in immediate access and term
deposits to a maximum term of 12 months.
Consolidated income statement
for the six months ended 31 December 2015
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Research and development
expenditure (1,822) (926) (2,227)
Administrative expenses 4 (1,705) (537) (1,000)
Other operating income - 149 241
Operating loss (3,527) (1,314) (2,986)
Financial income 8 2 8
Financial expense (6) (20) (41)
Loss before tax (3,525) (1,332) (3,019)
Taxation 6 - - 81
Loss for the period (3,525) (1,332) (2,938)
---------- ---------- ----------
Basic and diluted
loss per share (pence
per share) 5 (10.0) (3.8) (8.5)
---------- ---------- ----------
All activities relate to continuing operations.
The notes form part of this condensed financial information.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 31 December 2015
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Loss for the period (3,525) (1,332) (2,938)
---------- ---------- ----------
The notes form part of this condensed financial information.
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December 2015
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
As at As at As at
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
Note GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 8 12 10
Property, plant and
equipment 4 3 5
12 15 15
---------- ---------- ----------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 387 213 376
Cash and cash equivalents 33,138 5,811 6,073
33,525 6,024 6,449
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 33,537 6,039 6,464
---------- ---------- ----------
Current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 7 - (24) (24)
Trade and other payables (1,784) (482) (399)
(1,784) (506) (423)
---------- ---------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 7 (3,111) (11) -
(3,111) (11) -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (4,895) (517) (423)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net assets 28,642 5,522 6,041
---------- ---------- ----------
Equity
Share capital 8 2,610 15,351 15,351
Share premium 4 23,632 - -
Consolidation reserve (2,943) (4,943) (2,943)
Other reserve 1,458 - -
Retained earnings 3,885 (4,886) (6,367)
Total equity 28,642 5,522 6,041
---------- ---------- ----------
The notes form part of this condensed financial information.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 31 December 2015
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
Share Share Consolidation Other Retained
Capital Premium Reserve Reserve Earnings Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Balance
at 27 May
2014 15,351 - (11,824) - (3,849) (322)
Loss for
the period
and Total
comprehensive
loss for
the period - - - - (125) (125)
Equity settled
share based
payment
transactions - - - - 7 7
Contributions
by owners - - - - - -
Total transactions
with owners
recorded
directly
in equity - - - - 7 7
Balance
at 30 June
2014 15,351 - (11,824) - (3,967) (440)
Loss for
the period
and Total
comprehensive
loss for
the period - - - - (1,332) (1,332)
Equity settled
share based
payment
transactions - - - - 13 13
Reduction
of Capital - - - - 400 400
Contributions
by owners - - 6,881 - 6,881
Total transactions
with owners
recorded
directly
in equity - - 6,881 - 413 7,294
Balance
at 31 December
2014 15,351 - (4,943) - (4,886) 5,522
Loss for
the period
and Total
comprehensive
loss for
the period - - - - (1,481) (1,481)
Equity settled
share based
payment
transactions - - - - - -
Contributions
by owners - - 2,000 - - 2,000
Total transactions
with owners
recorded
directly
in equity - - 2,000 - - 2,000
Balance
at 30 June
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2015 15,351 - (2,943) - (6,367) 6,041
Loss for
the period
and Total
comprehensive
loss for
the period - - - - (3,525) (3,525)
Equity settled
share based
payment
transactions - - - - 152 152
Reduction
of Capital (12,107) - - - 12,107 -
Issue of
shares for
cash 884 24,465 - - - 25,349
Costs charged
against
share premium - (833) - - - (833)
Equity component
of convertible
loan - - - 1,486 - 1,486
Issue expenses
of convertible
loan - - - (28) - (28)
Repurchase
of deferred
shares (1,518) - - - 1,518 -
Total transactions
with owners
recorded
directly
in equity (12,741) 23,632 - 1,458 13,777 26,126
Balance
at 31 December
2015 2,610 23,632 (2,943) 1,458 3,885 28,642
Loss for the period is the only constituent of total
comprehensive loss for each period so the period amounts are shown
in the same line in the consolidated statement of changes in
equity
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the six months ended 31 December 2015
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss for the period (3,525) (1,332) (2,938)
Adjustments for :
Depreciation, amortisation
and impairment 3 2 7
Share-based payment 152 13 20
Financial income (8) (2) (8)
Finance expenses 6 20 41
Taxation - - (81)
Increase in trade and
other receivables (11) (114) (261)
Increase in trade and
other payables 1,385 377 284
Cash flow from operating
activities (1,998) (1,036) (2,936)
Interest paid (1) (1) (1)
Tax received - - 81
Net cash used in operating
activities (1,999) (1,037) (2,856)
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing
activities
Additions of property,
plant and equipment - - (5)
Interest received 8 2 8
Net cash from investing
activities 8 2 3
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing
activities
Net proceeds from issue
of share capital 24,516 6,000 8,000
Repayment of borrowings (24) (9) (25)
Net proceeds from issue
of borrowings 4,564 - -
Net cash generated by
financing activities 29,056 5,991 7,975
---------- ---------- ----------
Net increase in cash and
cash equivalents 27,065 4,956 5,122
Cash and cash equivalents
at the start of the period 6,073 855 951
Cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the period 33,138 5,811 6,073
---------- ---------- ----------
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1 General information
Diurnal Group plc ('the Company') and its subsidiary (together
'the Group') are a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical business
targeting patient needs in chronic endocrine (hormonal) diseases
which the Company believes are currently not met satisfactorily by
existing treatments. It has identified a number of specialist
endocrinology market opportunities in Europe and the US that are
together estimated to be worth more than $11bn per annum.
The Company is a public limited company incorporated and
domiciled in the UK. Its registered number is 09846650. The address
of its registered office is Cardiff Medicentre, Heath Park,
Cardiff, CF14 4UJ and its primary and sole listing is on the
Alternative Investments Market (AIM). The Company was incorporated
as Project Dime Limited on 28 October 2015 and reregistered as a
public company and changed its name to Diurnal Group plc on 4
December 2015.
2 Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation
2.1 Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise
stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these
consolidated financial statements.
Summary of impact of Group restructure and Initial Public
Offering
On 24 December 2015, the Company listed its shares on AIM. In
preparation for this Initial Public Offering ('IPO') the Group was
restructured. The restructure has impacted a number of the current
year and comparative primary financial statements and notes.
For the consolidated financial statements of the Group, prepared
under IFRS, the principles of reverse acquisition accounting under
IFRS 3 'Business Combinations' have been applied. The steps to
restructure the Group had the effect of Diurnal Group plc being
inserted above Diurnal Limited as the holder of the Diurnal Limited
share capital.
By applying the principles of reverse acquisition accounting,
the Group is presented as if Diurnal Group plc has always owned
Diurnal Limited. The comparative Income Statement and Balance Sheet
are presented in line with the previously presented Diurnal Limited
position. The comparative and current year consolidated reserves of
the Group are adjusted to reflect the statutory share capital and
share premium of Diurnal Group plc as if it had always existed,
adjusted for movements in the underlying Diurnal Limited share
capital and reserves until the share for share exchange.
The steps taken to restructure the Group are explained in more
detail in the Group Reorganisation section below. The impact on the
primary consolidated financial statements is as follows:
-- Equity reflects the capital structure of Diurnal Group plc.
As part of the restructuring of the Group and the IPO, a number of
shares in Diurnal Group plc were issued in exchange for cash. The
premium arising on the issue of shares is allocated to share
premium.
-- A consolidation reserve was created and reflects the
difference between the Diurnal Group plc reserves at the balance
sheet date as reflected in the opening reserves at the start of the
comparative period (1 July 2014) and the equity of Diurnal Limited
at the same date.
-- Fees associated with the IPO are allocated to share premium
and the Consolidated Income Statement depending on the nature of
the costs.
2.2 Basis of preparation
The interim financial information has been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
as adopted by the European Union, IFRIC interpretations and the
Companies Act 2006. These interim financial statements have been
prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting".
The financial information contained in this interim financial
statement has been prepared under the historical cost convention,
and on a going concern basis. The interim financial information for
the six months ended 31 December 2015 and for the six months ended
31 December 2014 contained within this Interim Report does not
constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of
Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. The
comparative figures for the year ended 30 June 2015 have been
extracted from the AIM admission document dated 21 December 2015,
adjusted in line with Note 2.1 above.
The main trading company within the Group historically presented
statutory accounts under United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Principles as applied to smaller entities (UK GAAP). The key
differences arising on transition to IFRS in the consolidated Group
financial statements for financial information previously presented
under UK GAAP are as follows:
-- Recognition of share based payment expense (IFRS 2): the
Company previously applied the exemption to recognising share based
payment expenses.
-- Convertible loans (IAS 32): the Company previously accounted
for convertible loans at their face value plus accrued interest
rather than for the host liability and the equity or derivative
liability.
-- Preference share dividends (IAS 39): the Company previously
accrued for the preference dividends over time rather than accruing
on the occurrence of an obligating event.
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The accounting policies used in the interim financial
information are consistent with those set out in the AIM Admission
document dated 21 December 2015. The following Adopted IFRSs have
been issued but have not been applied by the Group in these
financial statements. Their adoption is not expected to have a
material effect on the financial statements unless otherwise
indicated:
-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective date to be confirmed).
-- IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts (effective date to be confirmed).
-- IFRS 15 Revenue from Contract with Customers (effective date to be confirmed).
-- Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and
Amortisation - Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 (effective date to
be confirmed).
-- Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements - Amendments
to IAS 27 (effective date to be confirmed).
-- Annual Improvements to IFRSs - 2012-2014 Cycle (effective date to be confirmed).
-- Disclosure Initiative - Amendments to IAS 1 (effective date to be confirmed).
The preparation of financial information in conformity with IFRS
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are
based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or
actions, actual events ultimately may differ from those
estimates.
Group reorganisation
Prior to IPO the Group undertook a reorganisation in preparation
for the transaction.
The effect of this reorganisation was to insert a new ultimate
parent company, Diurnal Group plc, into the Group. This company
acquired the entire issued share capital of Diurnal Limited, as
summarised below.
Diurnal Group plc became the ultimate parent company of the
Group by acquiring Diurnal Limited in exchange for the issue of new
shares.
The key steps of the process were as follows:
-- On incorporation on 28 October 2015, 1 Ordinary share of GBP1 was allotted and issued.
-- On 1 December 2015, a number of further changes to the share capital occurred:
- a share subdivision whereby the ordinary share of GBP1 each
was subdivided into 2 Ordinary shares of 50 pence each;
- in accordance with the terms of a share for share exchange
agreement, the allotment and issue of 30,267,498 ordinary shares of
50 pence each and 4,395,000 B shares of 5 pence each in
consideration for the entire issued share capital of Diurnal
Limited. Following the conclusion of this share for share exchange,
which involved nil cash consideration, Diurnal Limited became a
wholly owned subsidiary undertaking of the Company;
- the nominal value of the 30,267,498 ordinary shares of 50 pence were reduced to 10 pence.
-- On 23 December 2015, 83,038 ordinary shares of 10 pence each
were allotted and issued to the Enterprise Investment Scheme
investors participating in the IPO placing of shares.
-- On 24 December, 30,350,538 ordinary shares of 10 pence each
were subdivided and reclassified into 30,350,538 ordinary shares of
5 pence each and 30,350,538 deferred share of 5 pence each.
Thereafter, a number of further changes to the share capital
occurred, which were conditional upon and immediately prior to
admission of the Company's shares to trading on AIM and
simultaneous with each other:
- the conversion of 4,339,500 B shares of 5 pence each into
4,339,500 ordinary shares of 5 pence each;
- the reduction of the Company's share capital by
GBP1,517,526.90 representing the aggregate nominal value of the
30,350,538 deferred share of 5 pence each, as a result of the
transfer of the deferred shares to the Company for nil
consideration and their subsequent cancellation;
- the allotment and issue of 17,520,721 ordinary shares of 5
pence each to investors participating in the IPO placing of
shares.
2.3 Going concern
At 31 December 2015, the Group had cash resources (being cash
and cash equivalents) of GBP33.1m. After making enquiries and
taking into account management's estimate of future expenditure,
the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will
have adequate financial resources to continue in operation for the
foreseeable future.
3 Segmental information
The Board regularly reviews the Company's performance and
balance sheet position for its operations and receives financial
information for the group as a whole. As a consequence the Group
has one reportable segment, which is Clinical Development.
Segmental profit is measured at operating loss level, as shown on
the face of the Income Statement. As there is only one reportable
segment whose losses, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows
are measured and reported on a basis consistent with the financial
statements, no additional numerical disclosures are necessary.
4 Initial public offering
On 21 December 2015 the Company published its AIM Admission
Document following its successful GBP30m fundraising. Its ordinary
shares of 5 pence each were admitted to trading on the AIM market
on 24 December 2015.
The Company issued 17,603,759 shares at a price of GBP1.44 per
share to raise GBP25.3m before expenses and received GBP4.7m before
expenses under a convertible loan from IP2IPO Limited, one of its
shareholders. Total expenses of the IPO and fundraising were
GBP1.5m, of which GBP0.8m were directly attributable to the issue
of the new shares and have been charged to the Share Premium
account. GBP59k and GBP28k have been charged against the
convertible loan liability and its equity component respectively.
The balance of GBP0.6m has been charged to the Consolidated Income
Statement and included within administrative expenses in the period
ended 31 December 2015.
To facilitate the IPO, the Company was incorporated on 28
October 2015 and acquired the entire issued share capital of
Diurnal Limited under a share for share exchange on 1 December
2015. The Company has applied the principles of reverse acquisition
accounting in the preparation of the consolidated financial
information.
A number of one-off and non-cash items, totalling GBP1.1m are
analysed in the following table.
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Research and development
expenditure
IFRS2 equity settled share
based payment transactions
- non-cash 65 - -
Employer NIC provision
on unapproved share options
- initial recognition of
historical liability 225 - -
290 - -
Administrative expenses
Expenses of the initial
public offering - one-off 623 - -
IFRS2 equity settled share
based payment transactions
- non-cash 87 13 20
Employer NIC provision
on unapproved share options
- initial recognition of
historical liability 100 - -
810 13 20
5 Loss per share
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
Loss for the period (GBP000) (3,525) (1,332) (2,938)
Weighted average number
of shares (000) 35,373 34,607 34,607
Basic and diluted loss
per share (pence per share) (10.0) (3.8) (8.5)
---------- ---------- ----------
The diluted loss per share is identical to the basic loss per
share in all periods, as potential dilutive shares are not treated
as dilutive since they would reduce the loss per share.
6 Taxation
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Current tax
- current year - - (81)
- adjustments for prior - - -
periods
Tax credit charge for the
period - - (81)
------------ ------------ ----------
The tax credit assessed for the period ended 30 June 2015
relates entirely to R&D tax credit relief.
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7 Loans and borrowings
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
As at As at As at
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Current loans and borrowings
Convertible Loans - - -
Other current loans - 24 24
- 24 24
Non-current loans and borrowings
Convertible Loans 3,111 - -
Other non-current loans - 11 -
3,111 11 -
Total loans and borrowings 3,111 35 24
IP Group convertible loan
On 24 December 2015 the Company received GBP4.7m from IP2IPO
Limited, a subsidiary of IP Group plc under a convertible loan
agreement. The loan is interest-free and unsecured with a maturity
date of 24 December 2020 (or such other date as the parties agree)
at which point the Company may either repay the principal amount
outstanding in full or convert such amount into non-voting shares
at a lower nominal value to that of the Ordinary Shares to ensure
that IP Group did not have control of the Company. IP Group may
convert the principal outstanding in whole or in parts exceeding
GBP0.1m into ordinary shares calculated at the IPO share price of
GBP1.44 per share conditional on it not having control of the
Company resulting from the conversion.
The convertible loan note is a compound financial instrument
containing a host financial liability and an equity component as
there is a contractual obligation to deliver a fixed number of
shares at the IPO price if the loan note is converted.
At 31 December 2015, the amount outstanding comprised:
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
As at As at As at
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Face value of convertible - -
loan issued on 24 December
2015 4,651
Equity Component (1,486) - -
Issue costs relating to - -
the liability element (59)
Liability component on - -
initial recognition at
31 December 2015 3,106
Interest expense 5 - -
Liability component at 3,111 - -
31 December 2015
Less amount included in - - -
current liabilities
Included in non-current - -
liabilities 3,111
---------- ---------- ----------
8 Share capital
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
Number Number Number
of Ordinary of B of Deferred Total
Shares Shares Shares GBP
At 28 October 2015
on incorporation 1 - - 1
Share subdivision
on 1 December 2015 1 - - -
Issued on 1 December
2015 30,267,498 4,339,500 - 15,350,724
Share capital reduction
on 1 December 2015 - - - (12,107,000)
Issued on 23 December
2015 83,038 - - 8,304
Share split on 24
December 2015 - - 30,350,538 -
Conversion of B shares
on 24 December 2015 4,339,500 (4,339,500) - -
Cancellation of Deferred
shares on 24 December
2015 - - (30,350,538) (1,517,527)
Issued on 24 December
2015 17,520,721 - - 876,036
At 31 December 2015:
Ordinary shares of
5 pence each 52,210,759 - - 2,610,538
The changes in the share capital are described in Note 2
Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation.
9 Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are
related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not
disclosed in this note.
Diurnal Limited traded with Silenicus Limited a company in which
Dr Bryett is a director thus related by virtue of its linked key
management personnel as well as Fusion IP Sheffield, Finance Wales
Investments Limited, Ridings Early Growth Limited, Sarum Investment
SICA Plc and Simm Investments Limited, all shareholders in the
Company.
During the period Diurnal Limited's trading with the parties
mentioned above constituted:
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Purchase of goods and services
Silenicus Limited - 11 26
Fusion IP Sheffield Limited/IP
Group plc 106 100 158
Finance Wales Investments
Limited 23 56 83
Ridings Early Growth Limited, 2 2 4
Sarum Investment SICAV
Plc - 3 3
131 172 274
Purchase of goods and services from related parties comprise
management services and monitoring. These were made at arm's length
and on normal commercial trading terms.
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
6 months 6 months 13 months
ended ended ended
31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun
2015 2014 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Compensation of key management
personnel of the Group
Short term employee benefits 273 56 148
Share - based payment transactions 102 11 16
375 67 165
Key management includes only executive and non-executive
directors.
Equity Investments in Diurnal Limited before the acquisition by
Diurnal Group plc
On 29 July 2014 the following Related Parties received ordinary
shares from the conversion of the principal and accrued interest on
loan notes held by them: IP Group, 2,940 shares for GBP699,741 of
debt; Finance Wales, 2,136 shares for GBP508,476 of debt; Ridings
Early Growth Limited, 91 shares for GBP21,754 of debt and Richard
Ross 44 shares for GBP10,514 of debt.
On 29 July 2014 the following Related Parties received ordinary
shares from the conversion of preference shares and accrued
dividend on preference shares held by them: IP Group, 1,194 shares
for GBP373,132 of preference shares; Finance Wales, 253 shares for
GBP79,139 of preference shares and Ridings Early Growth Limited, 84
shares for GBP26,379 of preference shares.
On 1 August 2014 the following Related Parties purchased the
Company's shares for cash: IP Group, 715 ordinary shares and 699 B
shares for GBP665,611; Finance Wales, 938 shares for GBP293,256 and
Ridings Early Growth Limited, 54 shares for GBP16,883.
On 17 December 2014 the following Related Parties purchased the
Company's shares for cash: IP Group, 3,573 ordinary shares and
3,692 B shares for GBP3,888,392; Finance Wales, 4,692 shares for
GBP1,466,907 and Ridings Early Growth Limited, 75 shares for
GBP23,448.
On 26 May 2015, the following Related Parties purchased the
Company's shares for cash: IP Group, 3,908 ordinary shares for
GBP1,221,797; Finance Wales, 1,864 shares for GBP582,761 and Sarum
Investment SICAV Plc, 340 shares for GBP106,298.
Equity Investments in Diurnal Group plc
On 24 December 2015 the following Related Parties purchased the
Company's shares for cash: IP Group, 5,624,600 ordinary shares for
GBP8,099,424; Finance Wales, 1,388,888 shares for GBP1,999,999;
Richard Ross, 6,944 shares for GBP9,999; Peter Allen, 34,722 shares
for GBP50,000; John Goddard, 6,944 shares for GBP9,999; Alan
Raymond, 13,888 shares for GBP19,999; Martin Whitaker, 11,111
shares for GBP16,000 and Ian Ardill, 13,888 shares for GBP19,999.
IP Group's 4,399,500 B shares were also converted into ordinary
shares on this date.
Convertible Loan Agreement
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IP2IPO Limited, a subsidiary of IP Group plc provided the
Company with GBP4,651k of debt financing under a convertible loan
agreement. The loan is interest-free and unsecured with a maturity
date of 24 December 2020 (or such other date as the parties agree)
at which point the Company may either repay the principal amount
outstanding in full or convert such amount into non-voting shares
at a lower nominal value to that of the Ordinary Shares to ensure
that IP Group did not have control of the Company. IP Group may
convert the principal outstanding in whole or in parts exceeding
GBP0.1m into ordinary shares calculated at the IPO share price of
GBP1.44 per share conditional on it not having control of the
Company resulting from the conversion.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR FKLLLQXFFBBF
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