Table of Contents



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019

2020

OR

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

Commission file number 001-38129


Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware

04‑3562403


Delaware04-3562403
(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer


incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)


840 Memorial Drive Cambridge, MA 02139

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(617) 498‑0020

498-0020

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value

MRSN

The Nasdaq Global Select Market

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b‑212b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, 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 whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b‑212b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes    No  .

There were 47,883,52268,497,425 shares of Common Stock ($0.0001 par value per share) outstanding as of November 4, 2019.

2020.




Unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise, all references to “us,” “our,” “we,” the “Company” and similar designations in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Mersana Securities Corp.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward‑lookingforward-looking statements. Forward‑lookingForward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, our clinical results and other future conditions. The words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “seek,“on track,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,“seek,“potential,“should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” “possible,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “contemplate”“would” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward‑lookingforward-looking statements, although not all forward‑lookingforward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

These forward‑lookingforward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements about:

·

the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of our current and future research and development activities, preclinical studies and clinical trials;

·

the potential benefits of strategic partnership agreements and our ability to enter into selective strategic partnership arrangements;

the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of our current and future research and development activities and preclinical and clinical studies;

·

the timing of, and our ability to obtain and maintain, regulatory approvals for our product candidates;

the adequacy of our inventory of XMT-1536 and XMT-1592 to support our ongoing clinical studies, as well as the outcome of planned manufacturing runs;

·

our ability to quickly and efficiently identify and develop additional product candidates;

the timing of, and our ability to obtain and maintain, regulatory approvals for our product candidates;

·

our ability to advance any product candidate into, and successfully complete, clinical trials;

unmet need of ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer;

·

our intellectual property position, including with respect to our trade secrets; and

our ability to quickly and efficiently identify and develop additional product candidates;

·

our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements, the sufficiency of our current and expected cash resources and our need for additional financing.

our ability to advance any product candidate into, and successfully complete, clinical studies;

our intellectual property position, including with respect to our trade secrets;
the potential benefits of strategic partnership agreements and our ability to enter into selective strategic partnerships;
our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements, the sufficiency of our current and expected cash resources and our need for additional financing; and
the potential impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward‑lookingforward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward‑lookingforward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward‑lookingforward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in thisour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, particularly in the “Risk Factors” section,sections, that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward‑lookingforward-looking statements that we make. Our forward‑lookingforward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make.

In addition, while we expect that the COVID-19 pandemic might adversely affect our preclinical and clinical development efforts, business operations and financial results, the extent of the impact and the value of and market for our common stock will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time, such as the ultimate duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions, quarantines, physical distancing and business closure requirements in the U.S. and in other countries, and the effectiveness of actions taken globally to contain and treat the disease.
The forward‑lookingforward-looking statements contained herein represent our views as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments maywill cause our views to change. However, we disclaim any obligation to update these forward‑looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward‑lookingforward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

2


TABLE OF CONTENTS


3


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements


Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

58,196

 

$

59,634

Cash and cash equivalents$270,936 $62,351 

Short-term marketable securities

 

 

53,806

 

 

10,497

Short-term marketable securities37,439 

Accounts receivable

 

 

298

 

 

459

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

2,397

 

 

3,715

Prepaid expenses and other current assets3,998 1,536 

Total current assets

 

 

114,697

 

 

74,305

Total current assets274,934 101,326 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

2,446

 

 

2,694

Property and equipment, net1,698 2,164 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

3,059

 

 

 —

Operating lease right-of-use assets11,343 2,598 

Other assets

 

 

1,453

 

 

1,503

Other assets2,153 1,453 

Total assets

 

$

121,655

 

$

78,502

Total assets$290,128 $107,541 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

 

$

7,304

 

$

10,727

Accounts payable$4,528 $7,296 

Accrued expenses

 

 

8,037

 

 

12,375

Accrued expenses11,173 8,986 

Deferred revenue

 

 

4,646

 

 

46,196

Deferred revenue3,998 4,815 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

2,145

 

 

 —

Operating lease liabilities1,280 2,219 

Short-term debt

 

 

167

 

 

 —

Short-term debt667 

Other liabilities

 

 

85

 

 

127

Other liabilities91 87 

Total current liabilities

 

 

22,384

 

 

69,425

Total current liabilities21,070 24,070 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,257

 

 

 —

Operating lease liabilities10,606 677 

Long-term debt, net

 

 

4,670

 

 

 —

Long-term debt, net4,944 4,201 

Other liabilities

 

 

299

 

 

282

Other liabilities200 275 

Total liabilities

 

 

28,610

 

 

69,707

Total liabilities36,820 29,223 

Commitments (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments (Note 11)

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 175,000,000 shares authorized; 47,882,897 and 23,234,472 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

 5

 

 

 3

Stockholders' equity:Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectivelyPreferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
Common stock,$0.0001 par value; 175,000,000 shares authorized; 68,470,081 and 45,388,023 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectivelyCommon stock,$0.0001 par value; 175,000,000 shares authorized; 68,470,081 and 45,388,023 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

269,140

 

 

172,966

Additional paid-in capital504,876 270,662 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

28

 

 

(8)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)25 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(176,128)

 

 

(164,166)

Accumulated deficit(251,575)(192,374)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

93,045

 

 

8,795

Total stockholders’ equity253,308 78,318 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

121,655

 

$

78,502

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$290,128 $107,541 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


4


Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

    

 

2019

    

 

2018

    

 

2019

    

 

2018

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020201920202019

Collaboration revenue

 

$

844

 

$

2,151

 

$

42,081

 

$

9,405

 

Collaboration revenue$11 $844 $817 $42,081 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

Research and development

 

 

13,701

 

 

15,180

 

 

42,610

 

 

40,098

 

Research and development16,546 13,701 44,179 42,610 

General and administrative

 

 

4,436

 

 

4,380

 

 

13,072

 

 

12,181

 

General and administrative5,881 4,436 15,988 13,072 

Total operating expenses

 

 

18,137

 

 

19,560

 

 

55,682

 

 

52,279

 

Total operating expenses22,427 18,137 60,167 55,682 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

Interest income

 

 

608

 

 

340

 

 

1,785

 

 

1,049

 

Interest income19 608 414 1,785 

Interest expense

 

 

(107)

 

 

 —

 

 

(146)

 

 

 —

 

Interest expense(92)(107)(267)(146)

Total other income (expense), net

 

 

501

 

 

340

 

 

1,639

 

 

1,049

 

Total other income (expense), net(73)501 147 1,639 

Net loss

 

 

(16,792)

 

 

(17,069)

 

 

(11,962)

 

 

(41,825)

 

Net loss(22,489)(16,792)(59,203)(11,962)

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

 

 

17

 

 

48

 

 

36

 

 

107

 

Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securitiesUnrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities(2)17 (25)36 

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(16,775)

 

$

(17,021)

 

$

(11,926)

 

$

(41,718)

 

Comprehensive loss$(22,491)$(16,775)$(59,228)$(11,926)

Net loss attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted

 

$

(16,792)

 

$

(17,069)

 

$

(11,962)

 

$

(41,825)

 

Net loss attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted$(22,489)$(16,792)$(59,203)$(11,962)

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted

 

$

(0.35)

 

$

(0.74)

 

$

(0.28)

 

$

(1.82)

 

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted$(0.33)$(0.35)$(1.00)$(0.28)

Weighted-average number of shares of common stock used in net loss per share attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted

 

 

47,833,607

 

 

23,152,019

 

 

42,011,340

 

 

22,979,516

 

Weighted-average number of shares of common stock used in net loss per share attributable to common stockholders — basic and diluted68,419,192 47,833,607 59,086,202 42,011,340 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


5


Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Accumulated
Deficit
Stockholders’
Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

SharesAmount

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Other Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

Stockholders’

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

 

Income (Loss)

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

22,765,017

 

$

 3

 

$

168,018

 

$

(149)

 

$

(97,878)

 

$

69,994

Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASC 606

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,031)

 

 

(2,031)

Exercise of stock options

 

104,945

 

 

 —

 

 

255

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

255

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

745

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

745

Other comprehensive loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(13)

 

 

 —

 

 

(13)

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(12,403)

 

 

(12,403)

Balance at March 31, 2018

 

22,869,962

 

 

 3

 

 

169,018

 

 

(162)

 

 

(112,312)

 

 

56,547

Exercise of stock options

 

247,776

 

 

 —

 

 

470

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

470

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

958

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

958

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

72

 

 

 —

 

 

72

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(12,354)

 

 

(12,354)

Balance at June 30, 2018

 

23,117,738

 

 

 3

 

 

170,446

 

 

(90)

 

 

(124,666)

 

 

45,693

Exercise of stock options

 

43,137

 

 

 —

 

 

128

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

128

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,053

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,053

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

48

 

 

 —

 

 

48

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(17,069)

 

 

(17,069)

Balance at September 30, 2018

 

23,160,875

 

 

 3

 

 

171,627

 

 

(42)

 

 

(141,735)

 

 

29,853

Exercise of stock options

 

31,411

 

 

 —

 

 

65

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

65

Purchase of common stock under ESPP

 

42,186

 

 

 —

 

 

146

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

146

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,128

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,128

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

34

 

 

 —

 

 

34

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(22,431)

 

 

(22,431)

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

23,234,472

 

 

 3

 

 

172,966

 

 

(8)

 

 

(164,166)

 

 

8,795

Balance at December 31, 201823,234,472 $$172,966 $(8)$(164,166)$8,795 

Exercise of stock options

 

12,192

 

 

 —

 

 

42

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

42

Exercise of stock options12,192 — 42 — — 42 

Issuance of common stock under public offering, net of issuance costs of $5,587

 

24,437,500

 

 

 2

 

 

92,160

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

92,162

Issuance of common stock under public offering, net of issuance costs of $5,58724,437,500 92,160 — — 92,162 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,164

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,164

Stock-based compensation expense— — 1,164 — — 1,164 

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 8

 

 

 —

 

 

 8

Other comprehensive income— — — — 

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

21,901

 

 

21,901

Net income— — — — 21,901 21,901 

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

47,684,164

 

 

 5

 

 

266,332

 

 

 —

 

 

(142,265)

 

 

124,072

Balance at March 31, 201947,684,164 $$266,332 $— $(142,265)$124,072 

Exercise of stock options

 

32,693

 

 

 —

 

 

58

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

58

Exercise of stock options32,693 — 58 — — 58 

Purchase of common stock under ESPP

 

82,281

 

 

 —

 

 

283

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

283

Purchase of common stock under ESPP82,281 — 283 — — 283 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,161

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,161

Stock-based compensation expense— — 1,161 — — 1,161 

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

11

 

 

 —

 

 

11

Other comprehensive income— — — 11 — 11 

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(17,071)

 

 

(17,071)

Net loss— — — — (17,071)(17,071)

Balance at June 30, 2019

 

47,799,138

 

 

 5

 

 

267,834

 

 

11

 

 

(159,336)

 

 

108,514

Balance at June 30, 201947,799,138 $$267,834 $11 $(159,336)$108,514 

Exercise of stock options and warrants

 

83,759

 

 

 —

 

 

21

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

21

Exercise of stock options and warrants83,759 — 21 — — 21 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,285

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,285

Stock-based compensation expense— — 1,285 — — 1,285 

Other comprehensive income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

17

 

 

 —

 

 

17

Other comprehensive income— — — 17 — 17 

Net loss

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(16,792)

 

 

(16,792)

Net loss— — — — (16,792)(16,792)

Balance at September 30, 2019

 

47,882,897

 

$

 5

 

$

269,140

 

$

28

 

$

(176,128)

 

$

93,045

Balance at September 30, 201947,882,897 $$269,140 $28 $(176,128)$93,045 
Retirement of common stock in exchange for common stock warrantRetirement of common stock in exchange for common stock warrant(2,575,000)— (8,986)— — (8,986)
Issuance of common stock warrant in exchange for retirement of common stockIssuance of common stock warrant in exchange for retirement of common stock— — 8,986 — — 8,986 
Purchase of common stock under ESPPPurchase of common stock under ESPP57,792 — 206 — — 206 
Exercise of stock options and warrantsExercise of stock options and warrants22,334 — 54 — — 54 
Stock-based compensation expenseStock-based compensation expense— — 1,262 — — 1,262 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss— — — (3)— (3)
Net lossNet loss— — — — (16,246)(16,246)
Balance at December 31, 2019Balance at December 31, 201945,388,023 $$270,662 $25 $(192,374)$78,318 
Exercise of common stock warrant in exchange for common stockExercise of common stock warrant in exchange for common stock2,574,971 — — — — 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options43,055 — 119 — — 119 
Stock-based compensation expenseStock-based compensation expense— — 1,609 — — 1,609 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss— — — (29)— (29)
Net lossNet loss— — — — (16,926)(16,926)
Balance at March 31, 2020Balance at March 31, 202048,006,049 $$272,390 $(4)$(209,300)$63,091 
Issuance of common stock from at-the-market transactions, net of issuance costs of $2,176Issuance of common stock from at-the-market transactions, net of issuance costs of $2,17610,900,599 62,976 — — 62,977 
Issuance of common stock under public offering, net of issuance costs of $10,809Issuance of common stock under public offering, net of issuance costs of $10,8099,200,000 163,990 — — 163,991 
Purchase of common stock under ESPPPurchase of common stock under ESPP68,419 — 333 — — 333 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options206,143 — 1,296 — — 1,296 
Stock-based compensation expenseStock-based compensation expense— — 1,656 — — 1,656 
Other comprehensive incomeOther comprehensive income— — — — 
Net lossNet loss— — — — (19,786)(19,786)
Balance at June 30, 2020Balance at June 30, 202068,381,210 $$502,641 $$(229,086)$273,564 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options88,871 — 317 — — 317 
Stock-based compensation expenseStock-based compensation expense— — 1,918 — — 1,918 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss— — — (2)— (2)
Net lossNet loss— — — — (22,489)(22,489)
Balance at September 30, 2020Balance at September 30, 202068,470,081 $$504,876 $$(251,575)$253,308 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

    

2019

    

2018

20202019

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

Net loss

 

$

(11,962)

 

$

(41,825)

Net loss$(59,203)$(11,962)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation

 

 

963

 

 

907

Depreciation750 963 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 

 

 —

 

 

20

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments

 

 

(87)

 

 

(288)

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments(86)(87)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

3,610

 

 

2,756

Stock-based compensation5,183 3,610 

Non-cash rent expense

 

 

 —

 

 

77

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

65

 

 

 —

Other non-cash itemsOther non-cash items110 65 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

 

 

161

 

 

198

Accounts receivable161 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

1,318

 

 

(1,379)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets(2,460)1,318 

Other assets

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,433)

Other assets(700)

Accounts payable

 

 

(3,102)

 

 

3,619

Accounts payable(2,766)(3,102)

Accrued expenses

 

 

(4,518)

 

 

3,568

Accrued expenses2,367 (4,518)

Operating lease assets and liabilities

 

 

(66)

 

 

 —

Operating lease assetsOperating lease assets1,235 1,290 
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities(990)(1,356)

Deferred revenue

 

 

(41,550)

 

 

(5,532)

Deferred revenue(817)(41,550)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(55,168)

 

 

(39,312)

Net cash used in operating activities(57,377)(55,168)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

Maturities of marketable securities

 

 

10,500

 

 

74,565

Maturities of marketable securities37,500 10,500 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

 

(53,688)

 

 

 —

Purchase of marketable securities(53,688)

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

(605)

 

 

(1,093)

Purchase of property and equipment(285)(605)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(43,793)

 

 

73,472

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities37,215 (43,793)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds from public offering of common stock

 

 

92,162

 

 

 —

Net proceeds from public offering of common stock163,990 92,162 
Net proceeds from the at-the-market (ATM) facilityNet proceeds from the at-the-market (ATM) facility62,976 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

121

 

 

853

Proceeds from exercise of stock options1,732 121 

Proceeds from purchases of common stock under ESPP

 

 

283

 

 

 —

Proceeds from purchases of common stock under ESPP333 283 

Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs

 

 

4,965

 

 

 —

Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs(197)4,965 

Payments under capital lease obligations

 

 

(58)

 

 

 —

Payments under capital lease obligations(87)(58)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

97,473

 

 

853

Net cash provided by financing activities228,747 97,473 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(1,488)

 

 

35,013

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash208,585 (1,488)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

 

60,005

 

 

26,962

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period62,672 60,005 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

 

$

58,517

 

$

61,975

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period$271,257 $58,517 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:

Purchases of property and equipment in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

 —

 

$

75

Debt financing costs in accrued expenses

 

$

180

 

$

 —

Debt financing costs in accrued expenses$$180 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

64

 

$

 —

Cash paid for interest$173 $64 

Property and equipment acquired under finance leases

 

$

429

 

$

 —

Adjustment to accumulated deficit and deferred revenue upon adoption of Topic 606

 

$

 —

 

$

2,031

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilitiesRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$9,980 $4,778 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for financing lease liabilitiesRight-of-use assets obtained in exchange for financing lease liabilities$$429 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)


1. Nature of business and basis of presentation

presentation

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Company is focused on developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) that offer a clinically meaningful benefit for cancer patients with significant unmet need. The Company has leveraged over 20 years of industry learning in the ADC field to develop proprietary technologiesand differentiated technology platforms that enable it to design ADCs to have improved efficacy, safety and tolerability relative to existing ADC therapies. The Company’s innovative platforms, which include Dolaflexin and Dolasynthen, each delivering its DolaLock payload, as well as Immunosynthen, delivering a novel platform, Dolaflexin,stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist, provide an efficient product engine that has been used to generate proprietary ADCenabled a robust discovery pipeline for the Company and its partners. The Company’s product candidates to address patient populations that are not currently amenable to treatment with traditional ADC‑based therapies.include XMT-1536 and XMT-1592. The Company's early stage programs include a potentially first-in-class B7-H4-targeted DolaLock ADC as well as candidates leveraging the Immunosynthen platform.
XMT-1536, an ADC utilizing the Company’s lead product candidate, XMT‑1536, is a first-in-class, wholly-owned Dolaflexin ADCplatform and targeting NaPi2b, an antigen broadly expressed in ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma. In August 2019, the Company announced the dosing of the first patientadenocarcinoma, is currently in the expansion portion of thea Phase 1 study of XMT-1536. The expansion cohorts will assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of XMT-1536 at 36 mg/m2 every four weeks in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)NSCLC adenocarcinoma. XMT-1592 uses one of the Company’s new platforms, Dolasynthen, and also targets NaPi2b. The Company has not yet determined a maximum tolerated dose, and it plans to continue the dose escalation portion of the studyfiled an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in parallel.

In January 2019, following a strategic evaluation by the Company of the competitive environment for HER2-targeted therapies, the Company and its former partner, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, or Takeda, decided to discontinue the development of XMT-1522, which was then being studied in the dose escalation portion of a Phase 1 clinical trial. The Company’s collaboration agreements with Takeda were terminated during the first quarter of 2020 and initiated the Phase 1 dose escalation study of XMT-1592 in the second quarter of 2020.

The Company has incurred cumulative net losses since inception. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the net loss was $59,203, compared to net loss of $11,962 in the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The difference year over year is primarily attributable to $39,965 in deferred revenue that was recognized in the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the discontinuation of the partnership with Takeda in that quarter. The Company expects to continue to incur operating losses for at least the next several years. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $251,575. The future success of the Company is dependent on, among other factors, its ability to identify and develop its product candidates and ultimately upon its ability to attain profitable operations. The Company has devoted substantially all of its financial resources and efforts to research and development and general and administrative expense to support such research and development. Net losses and negative operating cash flows have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company’s stockholders' equity and working capital.

In April 2020, the Company sold 10,900,599 shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $62,976. In addition, in June 2020, the Company sold 9,200,000 shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $163,991. The Company believes that its currently available funds will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations through at least the next twelve months from the issuance of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Management’s belief with respect to its ability to fund operations is based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties. If actual results are different from management’s estimates, the Company may need to seek additional funding.
The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the biotechnology industry, including but not limited to, the need for additional capital, risks of failure of preclinical studies and clinical trials,studies, the need to obtain marketing approval and reimbursement for any drug product candidate that it may identify and develop, the need to successfully commercialize and gain market acceptance of its product candidates, dependence on key personnel, protection of proprietary technology, compliance with government regulations, development of technological innovations by competitors, reliance on third party manufacturers and the ability to transition from pilot-scale production to large-scale manufacturing of products.

The Company has incurred cumulative net losses since inception. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the net loss was $11,962, compared to $41,825 in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The difference year over year is primarily attributable to $39,965 in revenue that was recognized in the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the discontinuation of the partnership with Takeda in the first quarter of 2019. The Company did not recognize any revenue related to the collaboration agreements with Takeda in the second or third quarter of 2019 and does not expect to have any further revenue related to these agreements.

Cash used in operations was $55,168 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and $39,312 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The Company expects to continue to incur operating losses and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $176,128. The future success of the Company is dependent on its ability to identify and develop its product candidates and ultimately upon its ability to attain profitable operations. The Company has devoted substantially all of its financial resources and efforts to research and development and general and administrative expense to support such research and development. The Company’s net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. Net losses and negative operating cash flows have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on the Company’s stockholders' equity and working capital. The Company believes that its cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, as of September 30, 2019, will enable it to fund its operating plan through at least mid-2021. Management’s belief with respect to its ability to fund operations is based on estimates that are subject to risks and uncertainties. If actual results are different from management’s estimates, the Company may need to seek additional funding.

The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative United States generally accepted accounting principlesU.S. GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification

8

(ASC) and Accounting Standards
8

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

(ASC) and Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). All dollar amounts, except per share data in the text and tables herein, are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted from this report, as is permitted by such rules and regulations. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 20182019 and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 filed with the SEC on March 8, 2019.

February 28, 2020.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2019,2020, the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, a statement of stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018.2019. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature, other than the adjustments associated with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases (ASC 842).nature. The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2019,2020, or for any future period.

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the requirements of ASC 842 using the modified retrospective method as discussed below in Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include those of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Mersana Securities Corp. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company’s management evaluates its estimates which include, but are not limited to, management’s judgments with respect to the identification of performance obligations and estimatedstandalone selling prices of those performance obligations within its revenue arrangements, accrued expenses, valuation of stock-based awards and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company operatesviews its operations and manages its business as a single operating segment, which is the business of discovering and developing ADCs.

Summary of Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 are consistent with those discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 20182019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as otherwise noted below with respect to the Company’s lease accounting policies and as disclosed within the “Recentlyin "Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” section below.

9

Pronouncements."
9

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants at measurement dates. ASC Topic 820 Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820) establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for instruments measured at fair value. The hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity, or a remaining maturity at the time of purchase, of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company invests excess cash primarily in money market funds, commercial paper and government agency securities, which are highly liquid and have strong credit ratings. These investments are subject to minimal credit and market risks. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

The following amounts were presented as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

Nine months ended

September 30, 2019

 

September 30, 2018

Beginning

 

End

 

Beginning

 

End

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019

of period

    

of period

 

of period

    

of period

Beginning
of period
End
of period
Beginning
of period
End
of period

Cash and cash equivalents

$

59,634

 

$

58,196

 

$

26,591

 

$

61,604

Cash and cash equivalents$62,351 $270,936 $59,634 $58,196 

Restricted cash included in other assets, noncurrent

 

371

 

 

321

 

 

371

 

 

371

Restricted cash included in other assets, noncurrent321 321 371 321 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per statement of cash flows

$

60,005

 

$

58,517

 

$

26,962

 

$

61,975

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per statement of cash flows$62,672 $271,257 $60,005 $58,517 

Marketable Securities

Short-term marketable securities consist of investments in debt securities with maturities greater than three months and less than one year from the balance sheet date. Long-term marketable securities consist of investments with maturities greater than one year that are not expected to be used to fund current operations. The Company classifies all of its marketable securities as available-for-sale. Accordingly, these investments are recorded at fair value. Amortization and accretion of discounts and premiums are recorded as interest income within other income. UnrealizedPrior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities are included in other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary are included as a component of other income (expense), net, based on the specific identification method. When determining whether a decline in value is other than temporary, the Company considers various factors, including whether the Company has the intent to sell the security, and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices.

10

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Other Assets

The Company recorded other assets of $1,453$2,153 and $1,503$1,453 as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively, comprised of $1,832 and $1,132, respectively, held by a service provider, and restricted cash of $321 and $371, respectively,at the end of each period held as security deposits for a standby letter of credit related to a facility lease.
10

Table of Contents
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)
(in thousands, except share and $1,132 at the end of each period held by a service provider.

per share data)

(unaudited)
Net Loss per Share

Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common sharesstock outstanding during the period, without further consideration for potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common sharesstock and potentially dilutive securities outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock and if-converted methods.

For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, convertible preferred stock options, unvested restricted stock units (RSUs), warrants to purchase common stock and options to purchase common stock are considered to be potentially dilutive securities, but are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive and therefore, basic and diluted net loss per share were the same for all periods presented.

The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, because to include them would be anti-dilutive (in common stock equivalent shares):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three and nine months ended September 30,

 

    

2019

 

2018

Warrants

 

39,474

 

110,365

Restricted stock units

 

447,336

 

 —

Stock options

 

4,718,597

 

3,661,962

 

 

5,205,407

 

3,772,327

Leases

Consistent with ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in right-of-use lease assets (ROU assets), current portion of lease obligations and long-term lease obligations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Assets subject to finance leases are included in property and equipment, and the related lease obligation is included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Lease assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets used in operations. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense while expense for financing leases is recognized as depreciation expense and interest expense using the effective interest method. The Company has elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for short-term leases, which allows the Company not to recognize lease liabilities and ROU assets on the consolidated balance sheets for leases with an original term of twelve months or less.

ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease obligations represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease liabilities and their corresponding ROU assets are initially recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected remaining lease term. When determining the lease term, the Company includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Certain adjustments to the ROU asset may be required for items such as incentives received. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. As a result, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate reflects the fixed rate at which the Company could borrow, on a collateralized basis, the amount of the lease payments in the same currency, for a similar term, in a similar economic environment.  Prospectively, the Company will adjust the

11

Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Stock options6,215,368 4,718,597 
Unvested restricted stock units740,862 447,336 
Warrants39,474 39,474 
6,995,704 5,205,407 

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

ROU assets for straight-line rent expense, or any incentives received and remeasure the lease liability at the net present value using the same incremental borrowing rate that was in effect as of the lease commencement or transition date.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842), which replaced the guidance in ASC 840, Leases. The updated standard aims to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This standard is effective for the Company in the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients permitted in ASC Topic 842. Accordingly, the Company accounted for its existing operating leases as operating leases under the new guidance, without reassessing (a) whether the contracts contain a lease under ASC Topic 842, (b) whether classification of the operating leases would be different in accordance with ASC Topic 842, or (c) whether the unamortized initial direct costs would have met the definition of initial direct costs in ASC Topic 842 at lease commencement. The Company also elected not to include leases with an initial term of twelve months or less in the recognized ROU asset and lease liabilities. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting guidance, the Company recognized on January 1, 2019 (a) an operating lease liability of $4,778, and (b) an operating ROU asset of $4,369 which represents the lease liability of $4,778 adjusted for deferred rent of $409. This standard had a material impact on the Company’s balance sheets but had no impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows from operations. The most significant impact was the recognition of ROU assets and lease obligations for operating leases.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This guidance simplifies the accounting for share-based payments to non-employees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions.  This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance per ASU 2018-07 is to be adopted by using a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard at the date of initial application. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808):Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606. The main provisions of ASU 2018-18 include: (i) clarifying that certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for as revenue when the collaborative arrangement participant is a customer in the context of a unit of account and (ii) precluding the presentation of transactions with collaborative arrangement participants that are not directly related to sales to third parties together with revenue. This guidance will beis effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance per ASU 2018-18 is to be adopted retrospectively to the date of initial application of Topic 606. The Company is currently evaluatingadopted the potentialnew standard effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact that ASU No. 2018-18 may have on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial positionstatements and results of operations.

related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires that financial assets measured at amortized cost be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Currently,Historically, U.S. GAAP delaysdelayed recognition of the full amount of credit losses until the loss iswas probable of occurring. Under this ASU, the income statement will reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. The measurement of expected credit losses will be based upon historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct write-down of the security. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including

12

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

interim periods within those annual reporting periods, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluatingadopted the potentialnew standard effective January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact that ASU 2016-13 may have on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial positionstatements and resultsrelated disclosures.

11

Table of operations. 

Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
3. Collaboration agreements

Merck KGaA

In June 2014, the Company entered into a Collaboration and Commercial License Agreement with Merck KGaA (the Merck KGaA Agreement). Upon the execution of the agreement, Merck KGaA paid the Company a nonrefundable technology access fee of $12,000 for the right to develop ADCs directed to six6 exclusive targets over a specified period of time. NoNaN additional fees are due when a target is designated and the commercial license to the target is granted. Merck KGaA will be responsible for the product development and marketing of any products resulting from this collaboration. All six6 targets were designated prior to 2018. The Company is eligible to receive milestones under the Merck KGaA Agreement. The next potential milestone payment is a development milestone of $500 on Merck KGaA’s designation of a preclinical development candidate for anya target. Revenue for the milestone is fully constrained until it is certain the milestone would be achieved.

Under the terms of the Merck KGaA Agreement, the Company and Merck KGaA develop research plans to evaluate Merck KGaA's antibodies as ADCs incorporating the Company's technology. The Company receives feesreimbursement for its efforts under the research plans. The goal of the research plans is to provide Merck KGaA with sufficient information to formally nominate a development candidate and begin IND-enabling studies or cease development on the designated target.

In May 2018, the Company entered into a Supply Agreement with Merck KGaA (the Merck KGaA Supply Agreement). Under the terms of the agreement,Merck KGaA Supply Agreement, the Company will provide Merck KGaA with materials that could be used for IND-enabling studiespreclinical non-GMP ADC Drug Substance and clinical trials.GMP Drug Substance for use in clinical trials associated with one of the antibodies designated under the Merck KGaA Agreement. The Company receives fees and reimbursement for its efforts under the Merck KGaA Supply Agreement and reimbursement equal to the supply cost. The Company may also enter into future supply agreements to provide clinical supply material should Merck KGaA pursue clinical development of any other candidates nominated under the Merck KGaA Agreement.

Accounting Analysis

The Company identified the following performance obligations under the Merck KGaA agreement: (i) exclusive license and research services for six designated targets, (ii) rights to future technological improvements and (iii) participation of project team leaders and providing joint research committee services.

The Company recognizesis recognizing revenue related to the exclusive license and the research and development services over the estimated period of the research and development services using a proportional performance model. The Company measures proportional performance based on the costs incurred relative to the total costs expected to be incurred as the Company will satisfy the performance obligations as the research and development services are performed.incurred. To the extent that the Company receives fees for the research and development services as they are performed, these amounts are recorded as deferred revenue. Revenue related to future technological improvements and joint research committee services will be recognized ratably over the respective performance periodsperiod (which in the case of the joint research committee services approximates the time and cost incurred each quarter)period), which are 10 and five years, respectively. The Company continuesis continuing to reassess the estimated remaining term at each subsequent reporting period. As of December 31, 2018,2019, the total transaction price for the Merck KGaA Agreement was $22,070,$21,500, which representsrepresented the amount of consideration the Company iswas expected to receive for the transfer of goods and services to Merck KGaA. For each ofDuring the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company decreased the fees expected to be received for research and development activities by $570 $175 to $6,500,$6,325, resulting in a revised total transaction price for the Merck KGaA Agreement of $21,500 as of $21,325.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

2020, the Company completed its performance obligations associated with 1 of the 6 designated targets. For the three months ended September 30, 20192020 and 20182019, and the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the Company recorded collaboration revenue of $11, $800, $1,482,$817, and $836, and $2,426, respectively, related to its efforts under the Merck KGaA Agreement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized

13

12

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $34 and $1,255, respectively, in collaboration revenue and corresponding research and development expense of $34 and $1,255, respectively, related to the Merck KGaA Supply Agreement. Included in accounts receivable as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $262 and $450, respectively, related to the Merck KGaA Supply Agreement.

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had $4,646$3,998 and $4,815, respectively, in deferred revenue related to the Merck KGaA Agreement and Merck KGaA Supply Agreement that will be recognized in accordance withover the proportionalremaining performance method.

period.

Takeda XMT-1522 Strategic Partnership

In January 2016, the Company entered into a Development Collaboration and Commercial License Agreement with Takeda through itsTakeda's wholly owned subsidiary, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the development and commercialization of XMT-1522 (the XMT-1522 Agreement). Under the XMT-1522 Agreement, Takeda was granted the exclusive right to commercialize XMT-1522 outside of the United States and Canada. Under the XMT-1522 Agreement, the Company was responsible for conducting certain Phase 1 development activities for XMT-1522, including the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, at its own expense. The parties agreed to collaborate on the further development of XMT-1522 in accordance with a global development plan (Post-Phase 1 Development). On January 2, 2019, the Company received notice from Takeda stating that Takeda was exercising its right to terminate the XMT-1522 Agreement upon 30 days’ prior written notice. The XMT-1522 Agreement terminated in accordance with its provisions, and the Company and Takeda wound down activities related to the XMT-1522 Agreement as of March 31, 2019.

Under the XMT-1522 Agreement, the Company and Takeda shared equally all budgeted Post-Phase 1 Development costs through the date of termination and for a period of 30 days after the effective termination date.

For the applicable period within the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company was billed $200 by Takeda, representing the Company’s share of Post-Phase 1 Development costs incurred by Takeda. This amount has been reflected as research and development costs in the consolidated statement of operations.

Takeda strategic research and development partnership

In March 2014, the Company entered into a Research Collaboration and Commercial License Agreement with Takeda through Takeda’s wholly owned subsidiary, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the 2014 Agreement). The 2014 Agreement was amended in January 2015 and amended and restated in January 2016 (the 2016 Restated Agreement). The agreements provided Takeda with the right to develop ADCs directed to a total of seven7 exclusive targets, designated by Takeda, over a specified period of time. On January 2, 2019, the Company received notice from Takeda stating that Takeda was exercising its right to terminate the 2016 Restated Agreement upon 45 days’ prior written notice. The 2016 Restated Agreement terminated in accordance with its provisions, and the Company and Takeda wound down activities related to the 2016 Restated Agreement as of March 31, 2019.

During the applicable period within the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company billed Takeda $195 related to ASC 808 costs.

Accounting Analysis

The Company’s collaboration agreements with Takeda were terminated following receipt of written notices during the first quarter of 2019. As there are no further performance obligations, the Company concluded thatrecognized the remaining deferred revenue of $39,965 related to the termination of the XMT-1522 Agreement and the 2016 Restated Agreement resultedTakeda agreements in the completion first quarter of all of its remaining performance obligations. As a result, $39,965 of previously deferred revenue related to the Takeda agreements as of December 31, 2018 was recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company did not recognize any revenue related to the XMT-1522 Agreement or the 2016 Restated Agreement in the second quarter and will not have any further revenue related to these agreements.

Included in accounts receivable as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $26 and $9, respectively, related to the Takeda agreements.

Included in accounts payable as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 was $2,754 and $2,749, respectively,$2,335 related to the Takeda agreements.

14

13

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Summary of Contract Assets and Liabilities

The following table presents changes in the balances of our contract assets and liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018:

2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at
Beginning
of Period
AdditionsDeductionsBalance at
End of Period

 

Beginning

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

    

of Period

    

Additions

    

Deductions

    

End of Period

Nine months ended September 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2020Nine months ended September 30, 2020

Contract assets

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

Contract assets$$— $— $

Contract liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract liabilities:

Deferred revenue

 

$

46,196

 

$

 —

 

$

41,550

 

$

4,646

Deferred revenue$4,815 $$817 $3,998 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

of Period

    

Additions

    

Deductions

    

End of Period

Nine months ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract assets

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

Contract liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

$

52,439

 

$

2,373

 

$

7,906

 

$

46,906


Balance at
Beginning
of Period
AdditionsDeductionsBalance at
End of Period
Nine months ended September 30, 2019
Contract assets$$— $— $
Contract liabilities:
Deferred revenue$46,196 $$41,550 $4,646 
During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the Company recognized the following revenues as a result of changes in the contract asset and the contract liability balances in the respective periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 

 

September 30, 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

    

2018

2020201920202019

Revenue recognized in the period from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue recognized in the period from:

Amounts included in the contract liability at the beginning of the period

 

$

834

 

$

1,760

 

$

41,550

 

$

7,515

Amounts included in the contract liability at the beginning of the period$11 $834 $817 $41,550 

Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

Performance obligations satisfied in previous periods$$$$

Other Revenue

The Company has provided limited services for a collaboration partner, Asana BioSciences. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and nine months ended September 30, 2019, and 2018, the Company recognized revenue$10 and $25, respectively, of $10, $587, $25 and $782, respectively,revenue related to these services. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized revenue of $1,500 related to a milestone achieved upon the completion of a GLP toxicology study by Asana BioSciences. The Company did not0t recognize any revenue related to milestones inthese services for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020. The next potential milestone the Company is eligible to receive is $2,500 upon dosing the fifth patient in a Phase 1 clinical trialstudy by Asana BioSciences. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company considers this next milestone to be fully constrained as there is considerable judgment involved in determining whether it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would occur. As part of its evaluation of the constraint, the Company considered numerous factors, including the fact that achievement of the milestone is outside the control of the Company and there is a high level of uncertainty in achieving this milestone, as this would require successful initiation of clinical trials by the collaboration partner. The Company reevaluates the probability of achievement of a milestone subject to constraint at each reporting period and as uncertain events are resolved or other changes in circumstances occur.

15

14

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

4. Fair value measurements

The following table presents information about the Company's assets and liabilities regularly measured and carried at a fair value and indicates the level within fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such value as of December 31, 2019. The Company had no marketable securities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

2020
:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant

 

 

 

Fair
Value
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

Fair

 

Markets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

    

Value

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

September 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019December 31, 2019

Marketable securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities:

Commercial paper

 

$

14,871

 

$

 —

 

$

14,871

 

$

 —

Commercial paper$11,940 $$11,940 $

Corporate bonds

 

 

12,010

 

 

 —

 

 

12,010

 

 

 —

Corporate bonds12,010 12,010 

U.S. Treasuries

 

 

26,925

 

 

 —

 

 

26,925

 

 

 —

U.S. Treasuries13,489 13,489 

 

$

53,806

 

$

 —

 

$

53,806

 

$

 —

$37,439 $13,489 $23,950 $

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

Fair

 

Markets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

    

Value

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Marketable securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasuries

 

$

10,497

 

$

10,497

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

$

10,497

 

$

10,497

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

The carrying amounts of accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. There were no changes in valuation techniques or transfers between fair value measurement levels during the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018. As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents were comprised of cash and money market funds.

There were no changes in valuation techniques or transfers between fair value measurement levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

2019.

The carrying amounts ofreflected in the consolidated balance sheets for prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. nature.
As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents were comprised of cash and money market funds.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy generally consist of U.S. treasury securities, corporate bonds and commercial paper. The Company estimates the fair values of these marketable securities by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing sources. These inputs include market pricing based on real-time trade data for the same or similar securities, issuer credit spreads, benchmark yields and other observable inputs. The Company validates the prices provided by its third-party pricing sources by obtaining market values from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.As of September 30, 2019,2020, the carrying value of the Company’s outstanding borrowing under the Amended Credit Facility approximates(as defined below) approximated fair value (a Level 2 fair value measurement), reflecting interest rates currently available to the Company. The Amended Credit Facility is discussed in more detail in Note 7, “Debt”.

16

5. Marketable securities
The following table summarizes marketable securities held at December 31, 2019. The Company had 0 marketable securities as of September 30, 2020:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
December 31, 2019
Commercial paper$11,940 $$$11,940 
Corporate bonds11,990 20 12,010 
U.S. Treasuries13,484 13,489 
$37,414 $25 $$37,439 


15

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

5. Marketable securities

The following table summarizes marketable securities held at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

September 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

14,871

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

14,871

Corporate bonds

 

 

11,984

 

 

26

 

 

 —

 

 

12,010

U.S. Treasuries

 

 

26,923

 

 

 2

 

 

 —

 

 

26,925

 

 

$

53,778

 

$

28

 

$

 —

 

$

53,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

Unrealized

 

Unrealized

 

Fair

 

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Value

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasuries

 

$

10,505

 

$

 —

 

$

(8)

 

$

10,497

 

 

$

10,505

 

$

 —

 

$

(8)

 

$

10,497


6. Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

following as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

    

2019

 

2018

September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019

Accrued payroll and related expenses

 

$

3,080

 

$

3,042

Accrued payroll and related expenses$3,647 $4,037 

Accrued preclinical, manufacturing and clinical expenses

 

 

4,017

 

 

8,314

Accrued preclinical, manufacturing and clinical expenses6,600 4,230 

Accrued professional fees

 

 

710

 

 

567

Accrued professional fees and insuranceAccrued professional fees and insurance861 675 

Accrued other

 

 

230

 

 

452

Accrued other65 44 

 

$

8,037

 

$

12,375

$11,173 $8,986 


7. Debt

On May 8, 2019, the Company entered into a loan and security agreement (the Credit Facility)Original Agreement) with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) pursuant to which the Company can borrow, at its option, up to $20,000, in up to four principal advances of at least $5,000 each (each, a Term Loan or collectively, the Term Loans) through August 31, 2020.borrowed $5,000. The Company drew $5,000 on the Term Loan upon execution of the Credit Facility.

The Term Loans bearOriginal Agreement accrued interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) 4.0% and (ii) 1.50% below the Prime Rate. The Original Agreement had an interest-only period through August 31, 2020.

On August 28, 2020 (the Effective Date), the Company entered into a second amendment (the Amendment) to its existing loan and security agreement (as amended prior to the Amendment, the Existing Credit Facility) with SVB. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Company can borrow term loans in an aggregate amount of $30,000 (the Amended Credit Facility), at its option, (i) up to $25,000 in up to five principal advances through April 30, 2022, and (ii) an additional $5,000 in one principal advance, if the Company reaches certain development milestone events, as described in the Amendment, through April 30, 2022. The Company drew $5,200 upon execution of the Amendment, the proceeds of which were used to repay the Company’s existing balance and satisfy its obligations to SVB, including the final payment obligation under the Existing Credit Facility.
The Amended Credit Facility bears interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) 4.25% and (ii) 1.00% above the Prime Rate, as defined. The Company is obligated to make monthly interest onlyinterest-only payments on each outstanding Term Loanterm loan commencing on the first calendar day of the month following the funding date of such Term Loanterm loan, and continuing on the first calendar day of each month thereafter through AugustMay 31, 2020. Commencing on September 1, 2020 and continuing on2022. The interest only period may be extended through January 31, 2023 upon the first calendar dayachievement of each month thereafter,a regulatory milestone, as described in the Amendment. Following the interest-only period, the Company is obligatedwill be required to make 30 consecutiverepay the outstanding principal balance under the term loans in equal monthly payments of principal, together with applicableplus interest in arrears to SVB.

All outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to the Term Loans are due and payable in full on FebruarySVB through November 1, 2023. Upon repayment of the Term Loans, the2024 (the Maturity Date).

The Company is also required to make a final payment to SVB equal to 5.0%5.5% of the original principal amount of the Term Loansterm loans then extended to the Company. This final payment is accreted under the effective interest method over the life of each term loan. The Term Loansterm loans are secured by substantially all of the

17

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Company’s Company's assets, except for its intellectual property which is subject to a negative pledge, and certain other customary exclusions.

At the Company’s option, it may prepay the outstanding principal balance of any Term Loansterm loans in whole but not in part, subject to a prepayment fee of: (a) 3.0% of the Term Loansterm loans then extended to the Company if the prepayment occurs on or prior to May 8, 2020,August 28, 2021, (b) 2.0% of the Term Loansterm loans then extended to the Company if the prepayment occurs after May 8, 2020August 28, 2021 but on or prior to May 8, 2021,August 28, 2022, or (c) 1.0% of the Term Loansterm loans then extended to the Company if the prepayment occurs after May 8, 2021August 28, 2022 but before FebruaryNovember 1, 2023. In the event the Company has not borrowed a total of $20,000 upon the earlier of August 21, 2020, acceleration of the Company’s payment obligations or Company’s prepayment of the then extended Term Loans, the Company is required to pay an additional fee equal to 3.0% of any unborrowed portion of the committed funding (the Unused Term Loan Commitment Fee).

2024. The Amended Credit Facility includes customary affirmative financial, and restrictive covenants applicable to the Company. Affirmative covenants include, among others, covenants requiring the Company to maintain its corporate existence and governmental approvals, deliver certain financial reports, maintain insurance coverage and satisfy certain requirements regarding

16

Table of Contents
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
deposit accounts. Financial covenants include maintainingThe Amendment removed the requirement for the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of 1.50 to 1.00.ratio. The restrictive covenants include, among others, requirements relating to the Company’s ability to transfer collateral, incur additional indebtedness, engage in mergers or acquisitions, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments, create liens, sell assets and agree to a change in control, in each case subject to certain customary exceptions.

The Company’s payment obligations under the Amended Credit Facility are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of specified events of default, which include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of a material adverse change in the Company’s business, operations, or financial or other condition. Amounts outstanding upon the occurrence of an event of default are payable upon SVB’s demand and shall accrue interest at an additional rate of 5.0% per annum of the past due amount outstanding. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Amended Credit Facility. As such, as of September 30, 2019,2020, the classification of the loan balance as stated on the balance sheet was based on the timing of defined future payment obligations.

The unamortized issuance costs under the Existing Credit Facility were $139 as of the date of the Amendment. The Company incurred $215 of debt issuance costs relatedpaid to external legal and transaction fees.the lender in connection with the Amended Credit Facility of $17. The Company recorded such costs, including the debt issuance costssettlement of the final payment obligation under the Existing Credit Facility as a direct deductiondiscount from the carrying value of the Term Loansterm loans which are amortized as interest expense using the effective-interest method over the term of the Term Loans.

Amended Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2019,2020, there was $5,200 in term loans outstanding under the Company had drawn a Term LoanAmended Credit Facility and the debt consisted of $5,000.

the following:

September 30,
2020
Total debt$5,200 
Debt financing costs, net of accretion(262)
Accretion related to final payment
Long-term debt, net$4,944 
As of September 30, 2019, Debt consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 

 

 

2019

Total debt

 

$

5,000

Less: Current portion of long-term-debt

 

 

(167)

Total debt, net of current portion

 

 

4,833

Debt financing costs, net of accretion

 

 

(191)

Accretion related to final payment

 

 

28

Long-term debt, net

 

$

4,670

18

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

As of September 30, 2019,2020, the estimated future principal payments due are as follows:

 

 

 

2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019)

    

$

 —

2020

 

 

666

2020 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2020)2020 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2020)$

2021

 

 

2,000

2021

2022

 

 

2,000

20221,213 

2023

 

 

334

20232,080 
202420241,907 

Total debt

 

$

5,000

Total debt$5,200 

During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $60, $51, $173 and $64, respectively, of interest expense related to the Existing Credit Facility.

Facility and Amended Credit Facility, as applicable.

8. Stockholders’ equity

Preferred stock

As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had 25,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock. NoNaN shares of preferred stock have been issued.

Common stock

The holders

17

Table of the common stock are entitledContents
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to one vote for eachcondensed consolidated financial statements (continued)
(in thousands, except share held. Common stockholders are not entitled to receive dividends, unless declared by the Board of Directors (the Board).

In March 2019, the Company completed a follow-on public offering in which the Company issued and sold an aggregate of 24,437,500 shares of its common stock at the public offering price of $4.00 per share which included the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock. The net proceeds from the offering were $92,162.

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were 5,205,407 and 3,856,932 shares of common stock, respectively, reserved for the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants.

data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

 

2018

Warrants

 

39,474

 

110,365

Restricted stock units

 

447,336

 

 —

Stock options

 

4,718,597

 

3,746,567

 

 

5,205,407

 

3,856,932

(unaudited)

At-the-market equity offering program

On

In July 2, 2018, the Company established an at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program (ATM)(the 2018 ATM) pursuant to which it offered and sold up to $75,000 of its common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. In April 2020, the Company sold 8,938,599 and 1,962,000 shares of common stock at $5.59 per share and $7.74 per share, respectively, to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $65,153 through the 2018 ATM facility. Net proceeds to the Company after deducting fees, commissions and other expenses related to the offering were approximately $62,976.
In May 2020, the Company terminated the 2018 ATM and established a new ATM equity offering program (the 2020 ATM) pursuant to which it is able to offer and sell up to $75,000$100,000 of its common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had not0t sold any shares under the 2020 ATM.

Follow-on offering
In June 2020, the Company sold 9,200,000 shares of common stock, in an underwritten public offering price to the public of $19.00 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $174,800. Net proceeds to the Company after deducting fees, commissions and other expenses related to the offering were approximately $163,991.
Warrants

In connection with a 2013 Series A-1 Preferred Stock issuance, the Company granted to certain investors warrants to purchase 129,491 shares of common stock. The warrants have a $0.05 per share exercise price and a contractual life of 10 years. The fair value of these warrants was recorded as a component of equity at the time of issuance. As of

September 30, 2020, there were warrants to purchase 39,474 shares of common stock.

Exchange warrants

19

On November 26, 2019, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with entities affiliated with Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. (the Exchanging Stockholders), pursuant to which the Exchanging Stockholders exchanged an aggregate of 2,575,000 shares of common stock for warrants (the Exchange Warrants) to purchase an aggregate of 2,575,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of any stock dividends and splits, reverse stock split, merger or consolidation, change of control, reorganization or similar transaction, as described in the Exchange Warrants), with an exercise price of $0.0001 per share.
On March 2, 2020, the Exchanging Stockholders exercised the Exchange Warrants in full on a net cashless exercise basis, resulting in the issuance of 2,574,971 shares of common stock.
Common stock
The holders of the common stock are entitled to 1 vote for each share held. Common stockholders are not entitled to receive dividends, unless declared by the Board of Directors (the Board).
18

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019,, warrants to purchase 39,474 there were 6,995,704 and 7,782,582, respectively, shares of common stock were outstanding. During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, the Company issued 69,680 shares of common stock uponreserved for the exercise of warrants.

outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, as follows:

September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Stock options6,215,368 4,720,772 
Restricted stock units740,862 447,336 
Warrants39,474 39,474 
Exchange warrants2,575,000 
6,995,704 7,782,582 

9. Stock options

Stock option plans

In June 2017, the Company’s shareholdersstockholders approved the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2017 Plan). Under the 2017 Plan, up to 2,255,000 shares of common stock maywere initially available to be granted to the Company's employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors in the form of options, restricted stock awardsunits (RSUs) or other stock-based awards. The 2017 Plan provides that the number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2017 Plan shallwill be cumulatively increased annually by 4% of the outstanding shares or such lesser amount specified by the Board. The terms of the awards are determined by the Board, subject to the provisions of the 2017 Plan. As of the adoption date of the 2017 Plan, there were 3,141,625 options outstanding under the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) (the 2007 Plan and the 2017 Plan collectively are referred to as the Plans). Any cancellations under the 2007 Plan, which expired in June 2017, would increase the number of shares that could be granted under the 2017 Plan. In January 2019,2020, the number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2017 Plan was increased by 929,3781,815,520 shares. As of September 30, 2019,2020, there were 1,983,4321,320,916 shares available for future issuance under the 2017 Plan.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company granted 2,165,306 RSUs and options to purchase shares of common stock to employees under the 2017 Plan.

Inducement awards
On September 2, 2020, the Company granted its senior vice president of regulatory affairs an option to purchase up to 120,000 shares of common stock as an inducement to employment in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). No underwriters were involved in this issuance of securities. The securities were issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. These options are subject to terms substantially the same as the 2017 Plan.
With respect to incentivethe stock options,option grants as described above, the optionexercise price per share will equal the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, which is generally the closing price for a share of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date, and the vesting period is generally four years. Nonqualified stock options will be granted at an exercise price established by the Board at its sole discretion (which has not been less than fair market value on the date of grant) and the vesting periods may vary. Options granted under the 2017 Planas described above expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The Board may accelerate vesting or extend the expiration of granted options in the case of a merger, consolidation, dissolution, or liquidation of the Company.

19

Table of Contents
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
Stock option activity

A summary of the options activity under the Plans is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

Number
of Shares
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Number

 

Average

    

of Shares

    

Exercise Price

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2019

 

3,746,567

 

$

6.58

Outstanding at January 1, 2020Outstanding at January 1, 20204,720,772 $5.24 

Granted

 

1,630,283

 

 

3.74

Granted1,960,374 9.41 

Exercised

 

(58,964)

 

 

2.04

Exercised(338,069)5.13 

Cancelled

 

(599,289)

 

 

9.42

Cancelled(127,709)7.70 

Options outstanding at September 30, 2019

 

4,718,597

 

$

5.29

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2019

 

2,531,612

 

$

4.36

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2020Outstanding at September 30, 20206,215,368 $6.52 
Exercisable at September 30, 2020Exercisable at September 30, 20203,256,514 $4.87 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $6.17 and 2018, was $2.47 and $9.45$2.47 per share, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $121$1,732 and $853$121 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Restricted stock units

(RSUs)

In July 2019, the Company issued 449,331 restricted stock unitsRSUs with service conditions to employees. The awards cliff-vest two years after the grant date. In January 2020, the Company issued 324,932 RSUs with a service condition to employees offor which 447,366 are outstanding as of September 30, 2019.the vesting term is annually over four years. Vesting of these awards is contingent on the fulfillment of the service

conditions during the vesting term.

20

A summary of the RSU activity under the 2017 Plan is as follows:
Number of Shares
Unvested at January 1, 2020447,336 
Granted324,932 
Vested
Forfeited(31,406)
Unvested at September 30, 2020740,862 

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

conditions. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units was $4.00 per share. The Company recognized $184 of expense related to these awards in the third quarter of 2019 and will continue to recognize stock-based compensation expense related to these awards through July 2021 when the awards vest.

Stock-based compensation expense

The Company uses the provisions of ASC 718, Stock Compensation, to account for all stock-based awards to employees and non-employees.
The measurement date for employee awards is generally the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, using the straight-line method.

20

Table of Contents
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
The following table presents stock-based compensation expense by award type included within the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

2019

    

 

2018

 

 

2019

    

 

2018

2020201920202019

Stock options

 

$

1,055

 

$

988

 

$

3,240

 

$

2,692

Stock options$1,520 $1,055 $4,025 $3,240 

Restricted stock units

 

 

184

 

 

 —

 

 

184

 

 

 —

Restricted stock units335 184 962 184 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

 

46

 

 

65

 

 

186

 

 

65

Employee stock purchase plan63 46 196 186 

Stock-based compensation expense included in Total operating expenses

 

$

1,285

 

$

1,053

 

$

3,610

 

$

2,757

Stock-based compensation expense included in Total operating expenses$1,918 $1,285 $5,183 $3,610 

The following table presents stock-based compensation expense as reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

    

September 30, 

    

September 30, 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

2019

    

 

2018

 

 

2019

    

 

2018

2020201920202019

Research and development

 

$

587

 

$

495

 

$

1,636

 

$

1,302

Research and development$952 $587 $2,554 $1,636 

General and administrative

 

 

698

 

 

558

 

 

1,974

 

 

1,455

General and administrative966 698 2,629 1,974 

Stock-based compensation expense included in Total operating expenses

 

$

1,285

 

$

1,053

 

$

3,610

 

$

2,757

Stock-based compensation expense included in Total operating expenses$1,918 $1,285 $5,183 $3,610 

The Company had an aggregate

As of $8,290September 30, 2020, there was $15,007 and $2,269 of unrecognized stock compensation cost as of September 30, 2019 remainingexpense related to unvested stock options and unvested RSUs, respectively, that is expected to be amortizedrecognized over thea weighted-average period of 2.2 years. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had $1,605 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units. 2.5 years and 2.6 years, respectively.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three months ended

 

 

Nine months ended

 

    

September 30, 

 

    

September 30, 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2020201920202019

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.9

%  

2.9

%

 

2.4

%  

2.7

%

Risk-free interest rate0.4 %1.9 %1.3 %2.4 %

Expected dividend yield

 

 —

%  

 —

%

 

 —

%  

 —

%

Expected dividend yield%%%%

Expected term (years)

 

6.11

 

5.85

 

 

5.99

 

6.06

 

Expected term (years)6.106.116.045.99

Expected stock price volatility

 

75

%  

73

%

 

74

%  

73

%

Expected stock price volatility81 %75 %72 %74 %

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Board adopted, and the Company’s stockholders approved the 2017 employee stock purchase plan (the 2017 ESPP). The Company initially reserved 225,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2017 ESPP. In January 2019,2020, the number of shares of common stock for issuance under the 2017

ESPP was increased by 450,000 shares. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company issued 68,419 and 82,281, respectively, shares under the 2017 ESPP. The Company did 0t issue any shares under the 2017 ESPP for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. As of September 30, 2020, there were 656,666 shares available for issuance under the 2017 ESPP.

21


Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

ESPP was increased by 232,344 shares. The Company did not issue any shares under the 2017 ESPP during the three months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company issued 82,281 shares under the 2017 ESPP. The Company did not issue any shares under the 2017 ESPP during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 As of September 30, 2019, there were 332,877 shares available for issuance under the 2017 ESPP.

10. Leases

The Company has an operating lease for its facilityoffice space in Cambridge, MA and operating and finance leases for certain equipment. TheIn March 2020, the Company leasesentered into the Seventh Amendment to the office space in Cambridge, MA under an operating lease which was last amended in January 2018, and is effectiveto extend the term of the lease through March 2021.2026 and to provide the Company with a tenant improvement allowance of $172. The current rate per square foot that is in place through March 2021 (the original expiration date of the lease) did not change. After March 2021, there are predetermined fixed escalations of the rate as outlined in the amendment. The Company has an option to extend the lease term for an additional five years. The Company’s exercise of this option was not considered reasonably certain as of September 30, 2019.2020.
The extension is accounted for as a lease modification. The Company hasassessed the lease classification of the amended office space lease at the modification date and determined that the amended office space lease should be accounted for as an operating lease. The right-of-use asset and corresponding operating lease liability have been remeasured based on the present value of remaining lease termspayments over the remaining extended lease term, using the incremental borrowing rate applicable as of three yearsthe lease modification date. The Company determined the appropriate incremental borrowing rate by using a synthetic credit rating which was estimated based on an analysis of outstanding debt of companies with similar credit and financial profiles. Since the operating lease is a net lease, as the non-lease components (i.e., common area maintenance) are paid separately from rent based on actual costs incurred, such non-lease components were not included in the right-of-use asset and liability and are reflected as an expense in the period incurred.
As a result of the modification in March 2020, the Company recorded an increase of $9,980 to five years for certain equipment, some of which may include options to purchase at fair value.

Duringits right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liabilities in the first quarter of 2019,2020.

Following the Company entered into finance leases for certain equipment. The Company recorded assets under finance leases of $429 as property and equipment.

22

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 2019

Operating lease cost

 

$

540

 

$

1,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance lease cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of right-of-use assets

 

$

25

 

$

50

Interest on lease liabilities

 

 

 7

 

 

14

 

 

$

32

 

$

64

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 2019

Operating leases:

 

 

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

$

3,059

Operating lease liabilities, current

 

 

2,145

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,257

 

 

 

 

Finance leases:

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

 

$

429

Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation

 

 

(50)

Other liabilities, current

 

 

85

Other liabilities

 

 

299

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

1.6 years

Finance leases

 

 

4.0 years

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average discount rate:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

10.3%

Finance leases

 

 

6.9%

23

Table of Contents

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 2019

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

 

 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 

$

1,685

Operating cash flows from finance leases

 

 

14

Financing cash flows from finance leases

 

 

58

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

 

4,369

Finance leases

 

 

429

Futurechange, the Company's future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 20192020 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

Finance leases

2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019)

    

$

586

    

$

29

2020

 

 

2,394

 

 

116

2021

 

 

687

 

 

116

2022

 

 

 —

 

 

84

2023 and thereafter

 

 

 —

 

 

92

 

 

 

3,667

 

 

437

Imputed interest

 

 

 —

 

 

(8)

 

 

$

3,667

 

$

429

Operating leasesFinance leases
2020 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2020)$604 $29 
20212,772 116 
20222,843 84 
20232,928 74 
2024 and thereafter6,904 18 
Total lease payments16,051 321 
Present value adjustment(4,165)(30)
Present value of lease liabilities$11,886 $291 

11.


11. Commitments

License agreements

Through September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had licensed intellectual property from two3 biotechnology companies. The consideration included upfront payments and a commitment to pay annual license fees, milestone payments and, upon product commercialization, royalties on revenue generated from the sale of products covered by the licenses. The Company recorded a $750 milestone payment for the dosing of the first patient in the XMT-1592 trial during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The Company recorded a milestone payment of $600 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 upon the dosing of the first patient in the expansion cohort of the XMT-1536 clinical trial. The Company did not0t record any milestone payments during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018.

12. Subsequent events

For the purposes of the unaudited financial statements as of September 30, 2019 and the period then ended, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through November 6, 2019, the date the unaudited interim financial statements were issued. There were no items requiring adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

2020.

24

22

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited financial informationstatements and the accompanying notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 8, 2019.

February 28, 2020.

Our actual results and the timing of certain events may differ materially from the results discussed, projected, anticipated, or indicated in any forward-looking statements. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.Report. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report, on Form 10-Q, they may not be predictive of results or developments in future periods.

The following information and any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of factors discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and under Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020, and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2019.

2020, including those risks identified under Item 1A. Risk Factors.

We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the SEC, to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a clinical stageclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antibody drug conjugates, or ADCs, that offer a clinically meaningful benefit for cancer patients with significant unmet need. We have leveraged over 20 years of industry learning in the ADC field to develop proprietary technologiesand differentiated technology platforms that enable us to design ADCs to have improved efficacy, safety and tolerability relative to existing ADC therapies.
We believe that our innovative platforms which include Dolaflexin and Dolasynthen, each delivering our DolaLock payload, as well as Immunosynthen, delivering a novel stimulator of interferon genes, or STING, agonist, provide a highly-efficient product engine that has enabled a robust discovery pipeline for us and our partners. Our novel platform, Dolaflexin, has been usedADCs in preclinical and clinical studies are first-in-class molecules that target multiple tumor types with high unmet medical need and have exhibited improved safety and efficacy compared to generateADCs developed using first-generation technology.
Our goal is to become a pipelineleading oncology company by leveraging the potential of proprietaryour innovative and differentiated ADC technologies and the experience and competencies of our management team to identify, acquire and develop promising ADC product candidates and to address patient populationscommercialize cancer therapeutics that are not currently amenable to treatment with traditional ADC-based therapies. Our lead product candidate, improvements over existing treatments.
XMT-1536, is a first-in-class wholly-owned Dolaflexin ADC targeting the sodium-dependent phosphate transport protein NaPi2b, utilizes the Dolaflexin platform to deliver an average of 10 to 12 auristatin DolaLock payload molecules per antibody. The NaPi2b antigen is broadly expressed in ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma. In August 2019, we announced theor NSCLC, adenocarcinoma and ovarian cancer with limited expression in normal tissue. We are actively recruiting and dosing of the first patient in the expansion portion of the Phase 1 study of XMT-1536. The expansion cohorts will assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of XMT-1536 at 36 mg/m2 every four weeks in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma. NSCLC adenocarcinoma, where a majority of patients express NaPi2b, in a Phase 1 clinical trial.
23

We have not yet determined a maximum tolerated dose,also selected our next clinical product candidate, XMT-1592. XMT-1592 uses one of our new platforms, Dolasynthen, and we plan to continuealso targets NaPi2b. XMT-1592 comprises the dose escalation portionsame proprietary NaPi2b antibody and potent auristatin DolaLock payload with controlled bystander effect as XMT-1536, with the additional features of homogeneous, site-specific bioconjugation and precise drug-to-antibody ratio, or DAR. We filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the study in parallel.

In June 2019, we presented interim efficacyfirst quarter of 2020 and safety data frominitiated the ongoing Phase 1 dose-escalation study evaluating XMT-1536 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in a poster titled “Phase 1 dose escalation study of XMT-1536, a novel NaPi2b-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in patients (pts) with solid tumors likely to express NaPi2b.” We continue to add sites to support the expansion cohorts initiatedXMT-1592 in the thirdsecond quarter of 2019. By evaluating2020.

Our early-stage programs include a potentially first-in-class B7-H4-targeted DolaLock ADC. Our objective is to rapidly progress through IND-enabling studies and scale up manufacturing activities with third parties. B7-H4 provides significant opportunities for development in areas of high unmet need such as breast cancer, NSCLC and ovarian cancer.
In addition, we have established strategic research and development partnerships with Merck KGaA and Asana Biosciences for the expansion cohorts, we aimdevelopment and commercialization of additional ADC product candidates against a limited number of targets selected by our partners based on our Fleximer platform. We believe the potential of our ADC technologies, supported by our world-class management team and protected by our robust intellectual property portfolio, will allow us to establish proof of concept in platinum-resistant ovariandevelop targeted and highly tailored therapies to help cancer and NSCLC adenocarcinoma.

patients become cancer survivors.

Since inception, our operations have focused on such matters as building our platforms, identifying potential product candidates, producing drug substance and drug product material for use in preclinical studies, conducting preclinical and toxicology studies, manufacturing clinical trialstudy material and conducting clinical trials,studies, establishing and protecting our intellectual property, staffing our company and raising capital. We do not have any products approved for sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales. We have funded our operations primarily through our strategic partnerships, private placements of our convertible preferred stock and public offerings of our common stock.

In April 2020, we sold approximately 10.9 million shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $63.0 million. In addition, in June 2020, we sold 9.2 million shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $164.0 million.

Since inception, we have incurred significant cumulative operating losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019,2020, the net loss was $12.0$59.2 million, compared to $41.8net loss of $12.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.2019. The

25

difference year over year is primarily attributable to $40.0 million in revenue that was recognized in the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the discontinuation of the partnership with Takeda in that quarter. Cash used in operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $16.3 million and $55.2 million, respectively. quarter. As of September 30, 2019,2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $176.1$251.6 million. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses over the next several years. We anticipate that our expenses will increase significantly in connection with our ongoing activities, as we:

·

continue clinical development activities for our lead product candidate XMT-1536; 

·

continue activities to discover, validate and develop additional product candidates; 

continue clinical development activities for our lead product candidates XMT-1536 and XMT-1592;

·

maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; and

develop a research assay and companion diagnostic for the NaPi2b biomarker;

·

hire additional research, development and general and administrative personnel. 

continue activities to discover, validate and develop additional product candidates;

maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; and
hire additional research, development and general and administrative personnel.
Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business
We are continuing to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and ongoing clinical and preclinical development, as well as discovery efforts. Mitigation activities to minimize COVID-19-related operation disruptions are ongoing and include:
24

In line with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we have implemented work from home measures for all non-laboratory employees and have suspended all business travel. We have also prioritized laboratory activities and implemented staggered schedules in the interest of safety and efficiency for laboratory-based employees. We will continue to modify and adapt our measures to align with guidance as the pandemic evolves.
We are currently enrolling patients at investigational sites in different geographic areas across the United States, Canada and Australia in the XMT-1536 Phase 1 study and within the United States in the XMT-1592 Phase 1 dose escalation study. We are in the process of initiating additional clinical sites both inside and outside the United States to increase enrollment, which could additionally mitigate potential regional impacts from COVID-19. Consistent with FDA guidance, we issued an administrative letter to allow for remote patient monitoring and remote testing, when possible.
To the best of our knowledge, our contract manufacturing partners continue to operate their manufacturing facilities at or near normal levels, and we have not experienced any COVID-related delays in our manufacturing to date. We believe we have sufficient inventory of XMT-1536 and XMT-1592 to support our ongoing clinical studies. We have planned manufacturing runs to address all currently anticipated future needs. At this time, and subject to further COVID-19 implications, we do not anticipate any disruptions to our clinical supply.
The ultimate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our business operations is highly uncertain and subject to change and will depend on future developments, which cannot be accurately predicted. While the pandemic did not materially affect our financial results and business operations in the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, we are unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our financial position and operating results in future periods due to numerous uncertainties. Management is actively monitoring this situation and the possible effects on our financial condition, operations, suppliers, industry, and our employees. For additional information about risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic that may impact our business, our financial condition or our results of operations, see “Part II, Item 1A—Risk Factors” below in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, filed on May 8, 2020.
Financial operations overview

Revenue

To date, we have not generated any revenue from the sale of products. All of our revenue has been generated from strategic partnerships.

In June 2014, we entered into an agreement with Merck KGaA for the development and commercialization of ADC product candidates utilizing our Fleximer polymer scaffold for up to six target antigens. Merck KGaA is responsible for generating antibodies against the target antigens and we are responsible for generating Fleximer and our proprietary payloads and conjugating this to the antibody to create the ADC product candidates. Merck KGaA has the exclusive right to and is responsible for the further development and commercialization of these ADC product candidates. In May 2018, we entered into a supply agreement with Merck KGaA for the supply of materials that could be used for Investigational New Drug-enablingIND-enabling studies and clinical trials.

For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and2020 we recognized an immaterial amount of revenue related to the Merck KGaA Agreements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018,2020 we recognized revenue of $0.8 million $1.5and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized $0.8 million and $2.1 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, of revenue related to our license agreement and supply agreement withthe Merck KGaA.

KGaA agreements.

In January 2016, we entered into an agreementcollaboration agreements with Takeda for the development and commercialization of XMT-1522, a HER2-targeted ADC. Under this agreement, Takeda was granted the exclusive rightADC, and responsibilityup to commercialize XMT-1522 outside the United States and Canada.In addition, in January 2016, we entered into an agreement with Takeda for the development and commercialization ofseven ADC product candidates utilizing Fleximer.

In January 2019, following a strategic evaluation by the Company of the competitive environment for HER2-targeted therapies, the Company and Takeda decided to discontinue the development of XMT-1522, which was then being studied in the dose escalation of a Phase 1 clinical trial. The Company’s Our collaboration agreements with Takeda were terminated following receipt of written notices during the first quarter of 2019.

We recognized the

25

remaining deferred revenue of $40.0 million related to the termination of the Takeda agreements in the first quarter of 2019. We did not recognize any revenue related to the Takeda agreements in the second or third quarter and do not expect to have any further revenue related to these agreements.

We have provided limited services forto Asana BioSciences. WeFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 we recorded an immaterial amount of revenue forrelated to these services. We did not record any revenue related to these services in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded revenue of $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, related to these services. In addition, the Company recognized revenue of $1.5 million related to a milestone achieved during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The Company did not recognize any revenue related to milestones in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. 

2020.

26

For the foreseeable future, we expect substantially all of our revenue to be generated from our collaboration agreements with Merck KGaA and Asana BioSciences. Given the uncertain nature and timing of clinical development, we cannot predict when or whether we will receive further milestone payments or any royalty payments under these collaborations.

Operating expenses

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for our research and development activities, including our drug discovery efforts, and the development of our product candidates, which include:

·

employee-related expenses, including salaries, bonus, benefits and stock-based compensation expense; 

·

costs of funding research and development performed by third parties that conduct research, preclinical activities, manufacturing and clinical trials on our behalf; 

employee-related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation expense;

·

laboratory supplies; 

costs of funding research and development performed by third parties that conduct research, preclinical activities, manufacturing and clinical trials on our behalf;

·

facility costs, including rent, depreciation and maintenance expenses; and 

laboratory supplies;

·

upfront and milestone payments under our third-party licensing agreements.

facility costs, including rent, depreciation and maintenance expenses; and

upfront and milestone payments under our third-party licensing agreements.
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Costs of certain activities, such as manufacturing and preclinical studies and clinical trials,studies, are generally recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks. Nonrefundable advance paymentsCosts for goods or servicescertain development activities, such as clinical studies, are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to be received incompletion of specific tasks using data such as patient enrollment, clinical site activations and information provided to us by the future for use in researchthird parties with whom we contract.
Research and development activities are deferredcentral to our business model. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and capitalized. The capitalized amounts are expensed as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed.

duration of later-stage clinical trials and manufacturing costs. We expect that our total future research and development costs will continue to increase significantly forover current levels, depending on the foreseeable future asprogress of our product candidateclinical development programs progress.programs. There are numerous factors associated with the successful development and commercialization of any of our product candidates, including future trial design and various regulatory requirements, many of which cannot be determined with accuracy at our current stage of development. Additionally, future commercial and regulatory factors beyond our control may impact our clinical development programs and plans.

A significant portion of our research and development costs have been external costs, which we track on a program-by-program basis following nomination as a product candidate. We have not historically tracked all of our internal research and development expenses on a program-by-program basis as they are deployed across multiple projects under development. The following table summarizes our external research and development expenses, by program, following nomination as a development candidate.candidate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. All external research and development expenses not attributable to the XMT-1536, XMT-1592 and XMT-1522 programs are captured within preclinical and discovery costs. These costs relate to XMT-1592 prior to its designation in early 2020 as our next ADC clinical candidate, as well as additional earlier discovery stage
26

programs and certain unallocated costs. We terminated the development of XMT-1522 in the first quarter of 2019. Our internal research and development costs are primarily personnel-related costs, stock-based compensation costs, and facility costs, including depreciation, and lab consumables.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

(in thousands)2020201920202019

XMT-1536 external costs

 

$

2,193

 

$

3,106

 

$

6,801

 

$

7,739

 

XMT-1536 external costs$4,451 $2,193 $10,356 $6,801 
XMT-1592 external costsXMT-1592 external costs1,149 — 4,994 — 

XMT-1522 external costs

 

 

305

 

 

4,646

 

 

2,267

 

 

11,347

 

XMT-1522 external costs— 305 — 2,267 

Preclinical and discovery costs

 

 

4,994

 

 

1,590

 

 

13,383

 

 

3,434

 

Preclinical and discovery costs3,348 4,994 6,878 13,383 

Internal research and development costs

 

 

6,209

 

 

5,838

 

 

20,159

 

 

17,578

 

Internal research and development costs7,598 6,209 21,951 20,159 

Total research and development costs

 

$

13,701

 

$

15,180

 

$

42,610

 

$

40,098

 

Total research and development costs$16,546 $13,701 $44,179 $42,610 

The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. As such, we cannot reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing and estimated costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the remainder of the development of our product candidates. We are also unable to predict when, if ever, material net cash inflows will

27

commence from the development efforts associated with our product candidates. This is due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing drugs, including the uncertainty of:

·

successful completion of preclinical studies and IND-enabling studies; 

·

successful enrollment in and completion of clinical trials; 

successful completion of preclinical studies and IND-enabling studies;

·

receipt of marketing approvals from applicable regulatory authorities; 

successful enrollment in and completion of clinical trials;

·

establishing commercial manufacturing capabilities or making arrangements with third-party manufacturers; 

receipt of marketing approvals from applicable regulatory authorities;

·

obtaining and maintaining patent and trade secret protection and regulatory exclusivity for our product candidates; 

establishing commercial manufacturing capabilities or making arrangements with third-party manufacturers;

·

commercializing the product candidates, if and when approved, whether alone or in collaboration with others; and 

obtaining and maintaining patent and trade secret protection and regulatory exclusivity for our product candidates;

·

continued acceptable safety profile of the drugs following approval.

commercializing the product candidates, if and when approved, whether alone or in collaboration with others; and

continued acceptable safety profile of the drugs following approval.
A change in the outcome of any of these or other variables with respect to the development, manufacture or commercialization of any of our product candidates would significantly change the costs, timing and viability associated with the development of that product candidate.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other employee-related costs, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in executive, finance, accounting, information technology, business development, legal operations, information technology and human resources functions. Other significant costs include facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses, legal and other fees relating to patent and corporate matters, and fees for accounting and consulting services.

We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future to support continued research and development activities, including increased costs related to the hiring of additional personnel, fees to outside consultants and patent costs, among other expenses.

27

Other income (expense)

Other income (expense) consists primarily of interest income earned on cash equivalents and marketable securities. Interest expense is related to borrowings under the credit facility that we entered into onin May 9, 2019 with Silicon Valley Bank. It bearsand amended in August 2020. These borrowings bear a floating per annum rate interest, as well as a final payment of 5%5.5% of the amounts drawn, that is being recorded as interest expense over the term through the maturity date using the effective-interest method. Also included in interest expense is the amortization of the deferred financing costs and the accretion of debt discount relating to the credit facility.

Results of Operations
Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Dollar Change
(in thousands)20202019
Collaboration revenue$11 $844 $(833)
Operating expenses:
Research and development16,546 13,701 2,845 
General and administrative5,881 4,436 1,445 
Total operating expenses22,427 18,137 4,290 
Other income (expense):
Interest income19 608 (589)
Interest expense(92)(107)15 
Total other income (expense), net(73)501 (574)
Net loss$(22,489)$(16,792)$(5,697)
Collaboration Revenue
Collaboration revenue was immaterial during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in collaboration revenue was primarily a result of the completion of research services associated with a target included in the Merck KGaA Agreement during the three months ended September 30, 2019.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense increased by $2.8 million from $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 to $16.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
The increase in research and development expense was primarily attributable to the following:
an increase of $2.7 million related to manufacturing, clinical and regulatory activities for XMT-1536;
an increase of $1.1 million related to employee compensation, primarily due to increased headcount supporting the growth of our research and development activities, and the increase in valuation of stock-based awards granted to employees, resulting in higher stock-based compensation expense;
an increase of $0.5 million related to manufacturing activities for our discovery stage programs;
28

an increase of $0.4 million related to XMT-1592 clinical expenses;
an increase of $0.4 million related to consulting and professional fees; and
an increase of $0.2 million related to advancement of companion diagnostic development efforts for the NaPi2B biomarker.
These increased costs were partially offset by the following:
a decrease of $2.3 million related to preclinical development and manufacturing activities for XMT-1592; and
a decrease of $0.2 million related to the development and manufacturing activities for XMT-1522.
We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we continue our clinical development of XMT-1536 and XMT-1592 and continue to advance our preclinical product candidate pipeline and invest in improvements in our ADC technologies.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased by $1.4 million from $4.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 to $5.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily attributable to the following:
an increase of $0.9 million related to consulting and professional fees;
an increase of $0.3 million related to employee compensation, primarily due to the increase in valuation of stock-based awards granted to employees, resulting in higher stock-based compensation expense; and
an increase of $0.2 million in facility-related costs as a result of the amendment of our lease in March 2020.
We expect that our general and administrative expense will increase in future periods as we expand our operations. These increases will likely include legal, auditing and filing fees, additional insurance premiums and general compliance and consulting expenses.
Total Other Income (Expense), net
Total other income (expense), net was $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other income consists primarily of interest income on cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities. Interest expense related to our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.
29

Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Dollar Change
(in thousands)20202019
Collaboration revenue$817 $42,081 $(41,264)
Operating expenses:
Research and development44,179 42,610 1,569 
General and administrative15,988 13,072 2,916 
Total operating expenses60,167 55,682 4,485 
Other income (expense):
Interest income414 1,785 (1,371)
Interest expense(267)(146)(121)
Total other income (expense), net147 1,639 (1,492)
Net income (loss)$(59,203)$(11,962)$(47,241)
Collaboration Revenue
Collaboration revenue was $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $42.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in collaboration revenue was primarily a result of the termination of the Takeda agreements and the recognition of the remaining deferred revenue of $40.0 million in the first quarter of 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 revenue of $0.8 million was recognized as a result of completion of research services associated with a target included in the Merck KGaA Agreement. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, collaboration revenue of $1.0 million was recognized related to the Merck KGaA Agreement and Merck KGaA Supply Agreement.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expense increased by $1.6 million from $42.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 to $44.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
The increase in research and development expense was primarily attributable to the following:
an increase of $3.7 million related to manufacturing, clinical and regulatory activities for XMT-1536;
an increase of $1.8 million related to employee compensation, primarily due to increased headcount supporting the growth of our research and development activities, and the increase in valuation of stock-based awards granted to employees, resulting in higher stock-based compensation expense;
an increase of $1.3 million related to XMT-1592 clinical and regulatory expenses;
an increase of $0.8 million related to consulting and professional fees;
an increase of $0.7 million related to advancement of companion diagnostic development efforts for the NaPi2B biomarker;
an increase of $0.6 million related to manufacturing activities for our discovery stage programs; and
an increase of $0.4 million related to a milestones paid for in-licensed technologies.
30

These increased costs were partially offset by the following:
a decrease of $4.8 million related to preclinical development and manufacturing activities for XMT-1592;
a decrease of $2.0 million related to the development and manufacturing activities for XMT-1522; and
a decrease of $0.9 million to support partner programs.
We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we continue our clinical development of XMT-1536 and XMT-1592 and continue to advance our preclinical product candidate pipeline and invest in improvements in our ADC technologies.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense increased by $2.9 million from $13.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 to $16.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in general and administrative was primarily attributable to the following:
an increase of $1.6 million related to consulting and professional fees;
an increase of $1.0 million related to employee compensation, primarily due to the increase in valuation of stock-based awards granted to employees, resulting in higher stock-based compensation expense; and
an increase of $0.3 million in facility-related costs as a result of the amendment of our lease in March 2020.
We expect that our general and administrative expense will increase in future periods as we expand our operations. These increases will likely include legal, auditing and filing fees, additional insurance premiums and general compliance and consulting expenses.
Total Other Income (Expense), net
Total other income (expense), net was $0.1 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other income consists primarily of interest income on cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities. Interest expense was related to our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
Since our initial public offering in July 2017, we have financed our operations primarily with the proceeds from our initial public offering, our follow-on public offerings and use of our at-the-market, or ATM, equity offering program established in July 2018. We completed a follow-on public offering on March 5, 2019 that resulted in net proceeds of $92.2 million. On May 8, 2019, we entered into a term-loan agreement which was subsequently amended on August 28, 2020. Pursuant to the amendment, we may be subject to certain conditions, borrow term loans in an aggregate amount of up to $30.0 million, of which $5.2 million were funded upon execution of the amendment. These proceeds were used to repay the existing balance and satisfy our existing obligations to Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB. No additional amounts have been drawn since the initial draw of $5.2 million.
In April 2020, we sold approximately 10.9 million shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $63.0 million pursuant to our 2018 ATM. In addition, in June 2020, we sold 9.2 million shares of common stock in a follow-on offering and received net proceeds of approximately $164.0 million.
We terminated the 2018 ATM on April 9, 2020. On May 8, 2020, we established a new ATM pursuant to which we are able to sell $100.0 million of our common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices, or the 2020 ATM.
31

As of September 30, 2020, we had not sold any shares under the 2020 ATM and had $100.0 million of availability under the program.
As of September 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $270.9 million.
Cash Flows
The following table provides information regarding our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands)20202019
Net cash used in operating activities$(57,377)$(55,168)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities37,215 (43,793)
Net cash provided by financing activities228,747 97,473 
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$208,585 $(1,488)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $57.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and primarily consisted of a net loss of $59.2 million adjusted for changes in our net working capital and other non-cash items including stock-based compensation of $5.2 million and depreciation of $0.8 million. Net cash used in operating activities was $55.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and primarily consisted of a net loss of $12.0 million adjusted for non-cash items including the decrease in deferred revenue of $41.6 million primarily related to the Takeda agreements, stock-based compensation of $3.6 million and depreciation of $1.0 million, as well as change in our net working capital.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $37.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and consisted primarily of maturities of marketable securities. Net cash used in investing activity was $43.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and consisted primarily of purchases of marketable securities, slightly offset by the maturity of marketable securities.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $228.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $97.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of $164.0 million related to the follow-on public offering in May 2020 and the proceeds from the use of the ATM of $63.0 million in April 2020 as well as proceeds from exercise of stock options of $1.7 million, offset by the payment of $0.2 million of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of the proceeds from our follow-on public offering.
Funding Requirements
We expect our cash expenditures to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the research and development of, initiate clinical studies of, and seek marketing approval for our product candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to drug sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing and distribution are not the responsibility of potential collaborators.
32

We believe our currently available funds will be sufficient to fund our existing cash flow requirements and our current operating plan commitments for more than two years. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement and involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary as a result of a number of factors. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
the scope, progress, results and costs of drug discovery, preclinical development, laboratory testing and clinical studies for our product candidates;
the scope, prioritization and number of our research and development programs;
the costs, timing and outcome of regulatory review of our product candidates;
our ability to establish and maintain collaborations on favorable terms, if at all;
the achievement of milestones or occurrence of other developments that trigger payments under any collaboration agreements we obtain;
the extent to which we are obligated to reimburse, or entitled to reimbursement of, clinical study costs under future collaboration agreements, if any;
the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending intellectual property-related claims;
the extent to which we acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies;
the costs of securing manufacturing arrangements for clinical and commercial production; and
the costs of establishing or contracting for sales and marketing capabilities if we obtain regulatory approvals to market our product candidates.
Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical studies is a time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes many years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve drug sales. In addition, our product candidates, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, will be derived from sales of drugs that we do not expect to be commercially available for many years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our common stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. We have access to an additional line of credit under the credit facility with SVB, along with funds to be earned in connection with our agreements with Merck KGaA and Asana BioSciences, if development activities are successful under those agreements. Future additional debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends.
If we raise funds through additional strategic partnerships or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our drug development or
33

future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have, during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
Critical accounting policies and significant judgments and estimates

Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our judgments and estimates in light of changes in circumstances, facts and experience. The effects of material revisions in estimates, if any, will be reflected in the financial statements prospectively from the date of change in estimates. There were no material changes to our critical accounting policies as reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, which was filed with the SEC on

February 28, 2020.

28

March 8, 2019, with the exception of our critical accounting policies related to the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, effective January 1, 2019, as described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included herein.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

Dollar Change

Collaboration revenue

 

$

844

 

$

2,151

 

$

(1,307)

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

13,701

 

 

15,180

 

 

(1,479)

General and administrative

 

 

4,436

 

 

4,380

 

 

56

Total operating expenses

 

 

18,137

 

 

19,560

 

 

(1,423)

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

608

 

 

340

 

 

268

Interest expense

 

 

(107)

 

 

 —

 

 

(107)

Total other income (expense), net

 

 

501

 

 

340

 

 

161

Net loss

 

$

(16,792)

 

$

(17,069)

 

$

277

Collaboration Revenue

Collaboration revenue was $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $2.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease of $1.3 million was primarily a result of a decrease in services performed in support of partner programs for Asana BioSciences and the Merck KGaA Agreements.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense was $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $15.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The overall decrease of $1.5 million was primarily related to a decrease in manufacturing costs of $5.5 million for XMT-1536 and XMT-1522 programs, offset by the following:

·

$2.4 million increase in manufacturing costs for preclinical and discovery efforts associated with our next ADC clinical candidate;

·

$0.5 million increase in costs for advancement of companion diagnostic development efforts for the NaPi2B biomarker;

·

$0.6 million increase attributable to a milestone paid upon dosing of the first patient in the expansion cohort of the XMT-1536 clinical trial; and

·

$0.4 million increase attributable to employee compensation, including stock-based compensation expense.

We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we continue our clinical development of XMT-1536 and continue to advance our preclinical product candidate pipeline and invest in improvements in our ADC technologies.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense was approximately $4.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. General and administrative expense remained flat due to the following:

·

$0.6 million in increased employee compensation, including stock-based compensation expense;

29

·

$0.6 million in decreased consulting and professional fees.

We expect that our general and administrative expense will increase in the future to support continued research and development activities. These increases will likely include legal, auditing and filing fees, additional insurance premiums and general compliance and consulting expenses.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense), net, was $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. Other income consists primarily of interest income on cash equivalents and marketable securities, which increased $0.3 million due to higher investable balances for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Interest expense was related to our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.

Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

Dollar Change

Collaboration revenue

 

$

42,081

 

$

9,405

 

$

32,676

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

42,610

 

 

40,098

 

 

2,512

General and administrative

 

 

13,072

 

 

12,181

 

 

891

Total operating expenses

 

 

55,682

 

 

52,279

 

 

3,403

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

1,785

 

 

1,049

 

 

736

Interest expense

 

 

(146)

 

 

 —

 

 

(146)

Total other income (expense), net

 

 

1,639

 

 

1,049

 

 

590

Net loss

 

$

(11,962)

 

$

(41,825)

 

$

29,863

Collaboration Revenue

Collaboration revenue was $42.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $9.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $32.7 million, primarily as a result of the termination of the Takeda agreements and the recognition of the remaining deferred revenue of $40.0 million. Additionally, revenue of $2.1 million was recognized for the Merck KGaA Agreement and Merck KGaA Supply Agreement in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This compares to the revenue recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for support of partner programs with Takeda, Merck KGaA and Asana BioSciences of $7.9 million and recognition of a milestone of $1.5 million achieved upon completion of a GLP toxicology study by Asana BioSciences.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense was $42.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $40.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The overall increase of $2.5 million was primarily attributable to the following:

·

$0.5 million increase in costs for advancement of companion diagnostic development efforts for the NaPi2B biomarker;

·

$0.7 million increase in lab consumables and facilities costs;

·

$0.6 million increase attributable to a milestone paid upon dosing of the first patient in the expansion cohort of the XMT-1536 clinical trial; and

·

$1.7 million increase in employee compensation, including stock-based compensation expense.

30

These increased costs were primarily offset by $1.2 million in decreased clinical and regulatory expenses related to XMT-1522 program costs.

We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we continue our clinical development of XMT-1536 and continue to advance our preclinical product candidate pipeline and invest in improvements in our ADC technologies.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense was $13.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase of $0.9 million was primarily attributable to $1.4 million in increased employee compensation, including stock-based compensation expense. This increased cost was offset by $0.6 million in decreased consulting and professional fees.

We expect that our general and administrative expense will increase in the future to support continued research and development activities. These increases will likely include legal, auditing and filing fees, additional insurance premiums and general compliance and consulting expenses.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense), net, was $1.6 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively. Other income consists primarily of interest income on cash equivalents and marketable securities, which increased $0.7 million due to higher investable balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Interest expense of $0.1 million was related to our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility.

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Sources of Liquidity

Since our initial public offering in July 2017, we have financed our operations primarily with the proceeds from that offering and our 2019 follow-on public offering. The follow-on public offering was completed on March 5, 2019 and resulted in net proceeds of $92.2 million. On May 8, 2019, the Company entered into a term-loan agreement for up to $20.0 million, of which $5.0 million was funded in connection with the execution of the agreement. No additional amounts have been drawn since the initial $5.0 million. As of September 30, 2019, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $112.0 million.

On July 2, 2018, we established an ATM pursuant to which we are able to offer and sell up to $75.0 million of our common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. As of September 30, 2019, we had not sold any shares under the ATM and had $75.0 million of availability under the program.

Cash Flows

The following table provides information regarding our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(55,168)

 

$

(39,312)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(43,793)

 

 

73,472

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

97,473

 

 

853

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

$

(1,488)

 

$

35,013

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $55.2 million as compared to $39.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase was due primarily to an increase in operating expenses and the timing of payments made to vendors.

31

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $43.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and consisted primarily of purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by maturities of marketable securities. Net cash provided by investing activities was $73.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and consisted primarily of maturities of marketable securities.

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $97.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of the proceeds from the Company’s follow-on public offering and issuance of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily of the proceeds from exercises of stock options.

Funding Requirements

We expect our cash expenditures to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the research and development of, continue clinical trials of, and seek marketing approval for, our product candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to drug sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing and distribution are not the responsibility of potential collaborators. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts.

We currently expect that our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities will enable us to fund our operating plan through at least mid-2021. In addition, we have access to an additional line of credit of $15.0 million. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

·

the scope, progress, results and costs of drug discovery, preclinical development, laboratory testing and clinical trials for our product candidates;

·

the scope, prioritization and number of our research and development programs;

·

the costs, timing and outcome of reviews of our product candidates by regulatory agencies;

·

our ability to establish and maintain collaborations on favorable terms, if at all;

·

the achievement of milestones or occurrence of other developments that trigger payments under any collaboration agreements we obtain;

·

the extent to which we are obligated to reimburse, or entitled to reimbursement of, clinical trial costs under future collaboration agreements, if any;

·

the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending intellectual property‑related claims;

·

the extent to which we acquire or in‑license other product candidates and technologies;

·

the costs of securing manufacturing arrangements for clinical and commercial production; and

·

the costs of establishing or contracting for sales and marketing capabilities if we obtain regulatory approvals to market our product candidates.

32

Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical testing and clinical trials is a time‑consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes many years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve drug sales. In addition, our product candidates, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Our commercial revenues, if any, will be derived from sales of drugs that we do not expect to be commercially available for many years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, strategic partnerships and licensing arrangements. We have access to an additional line of credit of $15.0 million under the Credit Facility along with funds to be earned in connection with our agreements with Merck KGaA and Asana BioSciences, if development activities are successful under those agreements. Future additional debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends.

If we raise funds through additional strategic partnerships or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our drug development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

Off‑Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have, during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off‑balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk relatedrisk-related to changes in interest rates. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, particularly because our investments, including cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities are in a money market fund that investsinvested in U.S. Treasury obligations. Dueobligations, commercial paper and corporate bonds. However, we believe that due to the short-term duration of our investment portfolio and the low risklow-risk profile of our investments, if market interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly byan immediate 100 basis points or one percentage point, from levels at September 30, 2019, the change in the net fair value of our interest-sensitive marketable securitiesinterest rates would not have a material effect on the fair market value of our investments portfolio.

We are currently not exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, but we may contract with vendors that are located in Asia and Europe and may be subject to fluctuations in foreign currency rates at that time.

Inflation generally affects us by increasing our cost of labor and clinical trial costs. We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Management’s Evaluation of our Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange(the Exchange Act), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our management necessarily applies

33

its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2019,2020, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of such date.

34

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qquarter ended September 30, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

34

35

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business activities. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, as of the enddate of the period covered by this report,Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we diddo not believe we wereare party to any claim or litigation, the outcome of which, if determined adversely to us, would individually or in the aggregate be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors as set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020, other than those set forth in "Part II, Item 1A—Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on May 8, 2019.

2020.

Item 6. Exhibits.

EXHIBIT 3.1

-

EXHIBIT 3.2

-

EXHIBIT 10.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

-

EXHIBIT 31.2

-

EXHIBIT 32.1

-

EXHIBIT 101.INS

101

-

XBRL Instance Document.

The following financial and related information from Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reportable Language (iXBRL) includes: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; and, (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

EXHIBIT 101.SCH

104

-

The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

EXHIBIT 101.CAL

-

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

EXHIBIT 101.DEF

-

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

EXHIBIT 101.LAB

-

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

EXHIBIT 101.PRE

-

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

(contained in Exhibit 101).


35

36

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.

Dated: November 6, 2019

9, 2020

By:

/s/ Anna Protopapas

Anna Protopapas


President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: November 6, 2019

9, 2020

By:

/s/ Brian DeSchuytner

Brian DeSchuytner


Senior Vice President, Finance & Product Strategy

36


37