# GYRE THERAPEUTICS, INC. (GYRE) FY 2024 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from GYRE THERAPEUTICS, INC.'s 10-K for fiscal year 2024.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1124105/000095017025040279/gyre-20241231.htm
Accession: 0000950170-25-040279
Filing date: 2025-03-17
Report date: 2024-12-31
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/GYRE/
All MD&A years: /company/GYRE/mda/
Previous year: /company/GYRE/mda/fy2023/ (FY 2023)
Next year: /company/GYRE/mda/fy2025/ (FY 2025)

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our audited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion and other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section of this report entitled “Risk Factors.” You should carefully read the “Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to gain an understanding of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described below.

Overview

We are a commercial-stage biotechnology company with a proven track record of financial success developing and commercializing small-molecule anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic drugs targeting organ diseases, focusing specifically on organ fibrosis. Fibrotic diseases represent a large patient population with significant unmet medical needs and involves a complex, multi-stage process with multiple pathways. While there are numerous potential targets for anti-fibrotic therapy, both established and emerging, addressing a single molecular pathway may not be sufficient to prevent, halt, or reverse fibrosis.

Our strategy is to build on our success in the development and commercialization of ETUARY® (pirfenidone) to expand into new indications and advance our pipeline of innovative drug candidates. Pirfenidone, the first anti-fibrotic drug approved for IPF in Japan, the EU, the United States, and the PRC, is a small molecule drug that inhibits the synthesis of TGF-ß1, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, and other fibrosis and inflammation modulators. We have obtained approval for ETUARY (pirfenidone) in the PRC for IPF.

Gyre Pharmaceuticals successfully advanced pirfenidone from research and development to commercialization in the PRC for the treatment of IPF. In addition to IPF, pirfenidone is undergoing one additional Phase 3 trial in the PRC for the treatment of pneumoconiosis (“PD”) to broaden its indications and market. In May 2024, Gyre Pharmaceuticals executed a comprehensive agreement with Jiangsu Wangao Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. to acquire the commercial rights to nintedanib, a small-molecule drug for the treatment of IPF. With this acquisition, we acquired the other product approved for the treatment of IPF, which is currently approved globally for the treatment of IPF. Nintedanib is expected to provide patients with more choices and benefits, and further enhance Gyre Pharmaceuticals’ leading position in the pulmonary fibrosis market. Gyre Pharmaceutical is planning to initiate commercialization of the nintedanib product in the PRC in 2025, which is to help offset declines in ETUARY sales as a result of the fluctuations in the Chinese economy significantly affecting demand for anti-fibrosis drugs and decreasing healthcare spending generally. We believe that this launch can drive meaningful revenue growth, expand our market penetration, and enhance brand recognition within the respiratory disease space. Additionally, the commercialization of nintedanib aligns with our broader strategy of building a comprehensive pulmonary care portfolio, potentially creating opportunities for synergies with our existing and future product offerings. We expect to continue to invest in commercialization efforts, including market access, physician education, and patient support programs, to optimize uptake and maximize the long-term value of this product.

F351, our lead development candidate in both the United States and the PRC, is a structural derivative of ETUARY (pirfenidone). It is a new oral chemical entity with an anti-fibrotic, TGF-ß1-targeting mechanism of action. Studies suggest that F351 and its major metabolites have minimal drug-drug interaction risks. We are prioritizing F351 for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to the large potential addressable market and significant unmet need.

133

Gyre Pharmaceuticals has completed a Phase 2 trial of F351 in the PRC for CHB-associated liver fibrosis. The Phase 2 trial showed that F351 was well-tolerated without notable toxicity and patients treated showed statistically-significant improvement of liver fibrosis, with the best efficacy results achieved at 270 mg/day dosing. Based on these results, a confirmatory Phase 3 trial is ongoing in the PRC with a primary endpoint of the reduction of the liver fibrosis score (Ishak Scoring System) by at least one stage after taking F351 in combination with Entecavir. In October 2024, the last patient completed the 52-week pivotal Phase 3 trial. Gyre Pharmaceuticals expects to report top-line data from this trial by the second quarter of 2025.

In the United States, we have completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of F351 in healthy volunteers. Following results from the PRC Phase 3 trial in CHB-associated liver fibrosis and pending approval of an IND submission, we expect to initiate a Phase 2 trial to evaluate F351 for the treatment of MASH-associated liver fibrosis in 2025. We cannot guarantee that a Phase 2 trial will be initiated or estimate the funding needed for such trial at this time, but may need to raise additional capital to fund this program.

In parallel, we are also conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial in the PRC to assess the safety and efficacy of F573, a caspase inhibitor for the treatment of acute/acute on-chronic liver failure. In addition, in May 2024, we obtained the approval from the NMPA for the IND to launch a new clinical trial in the PRC of another new drug candidate, F230, a selective endothelin receptor agonist for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We are preparing for the anticipated launch of the clinical trial in the PRC. We are also evaluating F528, a novel anti-inflammation agent that targets the inhibition of multiple inflammatory cytokines, in preclinical studies as a potential first-line therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In June 2024, Gyre Pharmaceuticals received approval from the NMPA for avatrombopag maleate tablets for the treatment of TP with CLD and ITP disease indications. TP is the most common hematologic complication in patients with CLD and can be life threatening in severe cases. Avatrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist. Avatrombopag was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with CLD-associated TP in May 2018, and its indication was subsequently expanded to include the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in June 2019. Gyre Pharmaceuticals acquired avatrombopag under a transfer agreement with Nanjing Healthnice Pharmaceutical Technology, Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Healthnice”) in June 2021 and is planning to start commercializing the avatrombopag product by 2025.

F351 Asset Acquisition

On December 26, 2022, we purchased the F351 Assets from GNI Japan and GNI Hong Kong, other than such assets and intellectual property rights located in the PRC, pursuant to the F351 Agreement.

Business Combination Agreement

On December 26, 2022, Catalyst entered into a Business Combination Agreement, as amended on March 29, 2023 and August 30, 2023 (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with GNI USA, GNI Japan, GNI Hong Kong, SG (collectively with GNI USA, GNI Japan and GNI Hong Kong, the “Contributors,” and each a “Contributor”), certain individuals and CPI. On October 30, 2023 (the “Effective Time”), the Contributions (as defined below) became effective and Catalyst acquired an indirect controlling interest in Beijing Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (doing business as Gyre Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.).

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, at the Effective Time of the Contributions, and after giving effect to the 1-for-15 reverse stock split:

a)
GNI USA contributed all of its ordinary shares in the capital of CPI to Catalyst in exchange for 45,923,340 shares of Common Stock (the “CPI Contribution”),

134

b)
GNI USA contributed its interest in Further Challenger International Limited (“Further Challenger”) for 17,664,779 shares of Common Stock (the “FC Contribution” and together with the CPI Contribution, the “GNI USA Contributions”), and

c)
each Minority Holder contributed 100% of the interest he or she held in his or her respective entity in exchange for an aggregate of 10,463,627 shares of Common Stock (the “Minority Holder Contributions” and together with the GNI USA Contributions, the “Contributions”).

As a result of the GNI USA Contributions, Gyre directly and indirectly holds 100% of CPI’s shares. Through Gyre’s ownership of CPI, prior to the Minority Holder Contributions, Gyre held a 56.0% indirect interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals. Upon completion of the Minority Holder Contributions, Gyre obtained additional indirect interests in Gyre Pharmaceuticals and holds, in aggregate, a 65.2% indirect interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals.

At the Effective Time, Gyre Pharmaceuticals terminated its 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) and the options (the “Gyre Pharmaceuticals Options”) outstanding under the 2021 Plan were terminated and replaced with options granted under a subplan for Chinese participants under the Gyre 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) that are substantially similar in all material respects to the Gyre Pharmaceuticals Options previously outstanding under the 2021 Plan.

The majority shareholder of Gyre Pharmaceuticals is BJContinent Pharmaceuticals Limited (“BJC”). The immediate holding company of BJC is CPI. Immediately following the GNI USA Contributions, the immediate holding company of CPI is Gyre. The majority stockholder of Gyre is GNI USA, which is indirectly wholly owned by GNI Japan.

The GNI USA Contributions were treated as an asset acquisition under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), with CPI treated as the accounting acquirer and presented as the predecessor for post-acquisition reporting purposes. Since Catalyst is the legal acquirer, the GNI USA Contributions were accounted for as a reverse asset acquisition. This determination was based upon the terms of the Business Combination Agreement and other factors including that, immediately following the GNI USA Contributions: (i) GNI USA (as the parent company of CPI immediately prior to the GNI USA Contributions) owns a substantial majority of the voting power of the combined company; (ii) GNI USA has the ability to control the board of directors of the combined company; and (iii) senior management of Gyre Pharmaceuticals and GNI USA hold a majority of the key positions in senior management of the combined company. Immediately prior to the closing of the GNI USA Contributions, Catalyst did not meet the definition of a business because Catalyst did not have an organized workforce that significantly contributed to its ability to create output, and substantially all of its fair value was concentrated in in-process research and development (“IPR&D”).

As of the closing date of the GNI USA Contributions, the net assets of Catalyst were recorded at their acquisition-date relative fair values in the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the reported operating results prior to the GNI USA Contributions are those of CPI.

The Minority Holder Contributions were treated as an equity transaction, where we obtained additional indirect interests in and maintained our control over Gyre Pharmaceuticals.

Contingent Value Rights Agreement

Concurrent with the signing of the Business Combination Agreement on December 26, 2022, Catalyst and the Rights Agent (as defined in the CVR Agreement) executed a contingent value rights agreement (the “CVR Agreement”), as amended on March 29, 2023, pursuant to which each CVR Holder, excluding GNI Japan and GNI Hong Kong, received one contractual contingent value right (a “CVR”) issued by the Company for each share of Catalyst common stock held by such holders. Each CVR entitles the CVR Holder thereof to receive certain cash payments in the future. For additional information, see Note 13 — Commitments and

135

Contingencies to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reverse Stock Split

On October 30, 2023, we effected a 1-for-15 reverse stock split immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Contributions. The par value of the Catalyst Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split was not adjusted and remains at $0.001 per share. All of the Catalyst’s issued and outstanding common stock and options have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.

All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented, unless otherwise indicated. Proportionate adjustments were made to the per share exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise or vesting of all stock options and warrants outstanding, which resulted in a proportional decrease in the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise or vesting of such stock options, warrants, and in the case of stock options and warrants, a proportional decrease in the exercise price of such stock options and warrants.

No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and stockholders who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of one share received a proportional cash payment.

Private Placement and Securities Purchase Agreement

On October 27, 2023, we entered into the Securities Purchase Agreement for a private placement with GNI USA (the “Private Placement”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, GNI USA agreed to purchase (i) 811 shares of our Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 811 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock Warrants”) for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. The Private Placement closed immediately after the closing of the Contributions.

The Preferred Stock Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $4,915.00 per share of Convertible Preferred Stock and expire on October 30, 2033.

Jiangsu Wangao Agreement

In May 2024, Gyre Pharmaceuticals entered into an agreement with Jiangsu Wangao Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (the “Jiangsu Wangao Agreement”), effective from May 7, 2024 to May 6, 2035. Pursuant to the Jiangsu Wangao Agreement, Gyre Pharmaceuticals obtained the drug registration certificate for and became the marketing authorization holder of nintedanib, a small-molecule drug for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, within the PRC. The total minimum payments under the Jiangsu Wangao Agreement are RMB 35.0 million, or approximately $4.8 million, based on the May 7, 2024 spot exchange rate. This includes an upfront transfer fee of RMB 15.0 million, or approximately $2.1 million, payable in three installments, and subsequent low- to mid-single-digit royalty payments over eight years following the commencement of sales. Additionally, Gyre Pharmaceuticals will bear the costs associated with relocating the production site to a designated location and will cover all expenses related to the manufacturing process. As of December 31, 2024, we had paid RMB 5.0 million, or approximately $0.7 million, based on the May 13, 2024 spot exchange rate of the first installment.

Long-Term Investment Measured Under Equity Method

On June 28, 2024, Gyre Pharmaceuticals entered into a partnership agreement as a limited partner and is obligated to pay $4.2 million for an 18.93% equity interest in the partnership. Pursuant to the partnership agreement, Gyre Pharmaceuticals, as a limited partner, shall not participate in any activities related to the management of the investment business. However, Gyre Pharmaceuticals may appoint a member to the

136

advisory committee of the partnership. As of December 31, 2024, our total investment into the partnership and the carrying value of the Company’s long-term investment in this affiliate was $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Financial Operations Overview

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we had a net income of $17.9 million and a net income attributable to common stockholders of $12.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our net loss was $85.5 million and net loss attributable to common stockholders was $92.9 million. As of December 31, 2024, we had accumulated deficit of $73.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $11.8 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $85.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $33.5 million.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

Sales of Pharmaceutical Products

We generate revenue primarily through sales of ETUARY and certain generic drugs in the PRC. Distributors are our direct customers, and sales to distributors accounted for 100.0% of the revenue from ETUARY. Such distributors sell ETUARY to certain outlets, including hospitals and other medical institutions, as well as pharmacies.

Operating Expenses

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue mainly consists of cost of sales representing direct and indirect costs incurred to bring the product to saleable condition. Cost of sales primarily consists of (i) raw material costs; (ii) staff costs for production employees; (iii) depreciation and amortization related to property and equipment and intangible assets used in production; (iv) taxes and surcharges; (v) transportation costs; and (vi) miscellaneous other costs.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses primarily relate to selling and marketing our product ETUARY in the PRC and consist of expenses incurred from hosting academic conferences, seminars and symposia; promotional expenses associated with market education on ETUARY for its use in hospitals; and staff costs primarily consisting of salaries and benefits for in-house marketing and promotion staff.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services used in research and development are initially deferred and capitalized in prepaid and other current assets. The capitalized amounts are then expensed as the related goods are delivered or services are performed, or until it is no longer expected that the goods or services will be delivered.

Research and development costs consist primarily of costs related to the pre-clinical and clinical development of our product candidates, which include payroll and other personnel-related expenses, laboratory supplies and reagents, contract research and development services for pre-clinical research and clinical trials, materials, and consulting costs, as well as allocations of facilities, depreciation and other overhead costs.

137

We manage our research and development expenses by identifying the research and development activities we expect to be performed during a given period and then prioritizing efforts based on anticipated probability of successful technical development and regulatory approval, market potential, available human and capital resources, scientific data and other considerations. We regularly review our research and development activities based on unmet medical need and, as necessary, reallocate resources among our research and development portfolio that we believe will best support the long-term growth of our business. We do not track research and development expenses by product candidate or development phase.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist of (i) accounting, IT, legal, administrative, and other internal service staff costs; (ii) stock-based compensation representing share options granted to our functional employees; (iii) professional service fees, primarily for legal and accounting services; and (iv) other miscellaneous expenses.

Acquired IPR&D

Acquired IPR&D expenses represent costs incurred for acquisitions of IPR&D with no alternative future use, which are expensed immediately upon acquisition.

Divestiture Losses

Prior to the GNI USA Contributions, we recorded a loss from the divestiture of almost all our assets other than our 56.0% indirect ownership interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals. This expense was reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The loss is presented net of the direct costs incurred with the transaction.

Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment

The net loss on the sale and disposal of property and equipment is reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Other Income (Expense), Net

Interest Income, Net

Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on our long-term certificates of deposit. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method by applying the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, when appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other income consists mostly of government grants. Government grants are recognized at their fair value where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, and all attaching conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the periods that the costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed. Where the grant relates to an asset, the fair value is credited to a deferred income account and is released to profit or loss over the expected useful life of the relevant asset by equal annual installments or deducted from the carrying amount of the asset and released to profit or loss by way of a reduced depreciation charge.

Other expenses consist of any non-operating costs, such as loss from equity method investments.

Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability

138

In connection with the Private Placement, we issued the Preferred Stock Warrants, which are freestanding financial instruments classified as warrant liability since the underlying securities are contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of events which are outside of our control. The Preferred Stock Warrants are recorded at fair value upon issuance and are subject to remeasurement at the end of each reporting period, with any change in fair value recognized in our statements of operations as other (income) expense.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes are comprised primarily of current income tax provision, mainly attributable to the profitable Gyre Pharmaceuticals operations in the PRC, and deferred income tax provision, mainly including deferred tax recognized for temporary differences in relation to research and development tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. tax purposes, deemed income inclusions from controlled foreign corporations for U.S. tax purposes, and fixed and intangible assets, net of valuation allowances.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands, except percentage change):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Year Ended December 31,"],["","","2024","","","2023","","","Change ($)","","","Change (%)"],["Revenues","","$","105,757","","","$","113,450","","","$","(7,693",")","","","(6.8",")%"],["Cost of revenues","","","3,884","","","","4,636","","","","(752",")","","","(16.2",")%"],["Gross Profit","","","101,873","","","","108,814","","","","(6,941",")","","","(6.4",")%"],["Operating expenses excluding cost of revenues:"],["Selling and marketing","","","57,511","","","","61,159","","","","(3,648",")","","","(6.0",")%"],["Research and development","","","12,024","","","","13,780","","","","(1,756",")","","","(12.7",")%"],["General and administrative","","","16,109","","","","14,662","","","","1,447","","","","9.9","%"],["Acquired in-process research and development","","","\u2014","","","","83,104","","","","(83,104",")","","**"],["Divestiture losses","","","\u2014","","","","2,711","","","","(2,711",")","","**"],["Loss on disposal of property and equipment","","","66","","","","628","","","","(562",")","","","(89.5",")%"],["Total operating expenses excluding cost of revenues","","","85,710","","","","176,044","","","","(90,334",")","","","(51.3",")%"],["Income (loss) from operations","","","16,163","","","","(67,230",")","","","83,393","","","**"],["Other income (expense), net:"],["Interest income, net","","","1,547","","","","1,044","","","","503","","","","48.2","%"],["Other expense, net","","","(1,659",")","","","(1,518",")","","","(141",")","","","9.3","%"],["Change in fair value of warrant liability","","","7,167","","","","(9,261",")","","","16,428","","","**"],["Income (loss) before income taxes","","","23,218","","","","(76,965",")","","","100,183","","","**"],["Provision for income taxes","","","(5,320",")","","","(8,515",")","","","3,195","","","","(37.5",")%"],["Net income (loss) from operations","","","17,898","","","","(85,480",")","","","103,378","","","**"],["Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest","","","5,813","","","","7,453","","","","(1,640",")","","","(22.0",")%"],["Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders","","$","12,085","","","$","(92,933",")","","$","105,018","","","**"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

** Not meaningful.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Revenues

Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $105.8 million and $113.5 million, respectively. The $7.7 million decrease was primarily driven by a $7.1 million decrease in ETUARY's revenue and a $0.6 million decrease in generic drug revenue as a result of decreased sales volumes. The decrease in

139

ETUARY and generic drug sales volumes was due to fluctuations in the Chinese economy that significantly affected demand for anti-fibrosis drugs and decreasing healthcare spending generally. To support future revenue growth, we plan to commercially launch new products, such as nintedanib and avatrombopag, in 2025, which will be supported by our extensive sales and marketing platform across the PRC.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $3.9 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by a $0.5 million factory stoppage loss due to factory renovation in 2023, which did not occur in 2024, and a $0.2 million decrease due to decreased sales volumes.

Selling and Marketing Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $3.6 million, or 6.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by a $2.4 million decrease in conference costs and promotion expense due to decreased sales activities, a $0.9 million decrease in selling and marketing payroll costs due to the decrease of sales of ETUARY in 2024, a $0.3 million decrease in share base compensation expense, and a $0.1 million decrease in miscellaneous expenses.

Research and Development Expenses

The table below details our costs for research and development for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands, except percentage change):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","Year Ended December 31,"],["","2024","","2023","","Change ($)","","Change (%)"],["Direct program expenses:"],["Clinical trials","$","4,328","","$","4,228","","$","100","","","2.4","%"],["Materials and utilities","","2,294","","","2,607","","","(313",")","","(12.0",")%"],["Pre-clinical research","","766","","","2,038","","","(1,272",")","","(62.4",")%"],["Indirect expenses:"],["Personnel-related costs including stock-based compensation","","3,253","","","4,092","","","(839",")","","(20.5",")%"],["Facilities, depreciation and other","","1,383","","","815","","","568","","","69.7","%"],["Total research and development expenses","$","12,024","","$","13,780","","$","(1,756",")","","(12.7",")%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Research and development expenses decreased by $1.8 million, or 12.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily from Gyre Pharmaceuticals, and was driven by a $0.3 million decrease in materials and utilities, a $1.3 million decrease in pre-clinical research expense due to several research and development projects advancing to the clinical trials stage or reaching the application phase in 2024, a $0.4 million decrease in staff cost due to reduced headcount, and a $0.5 million decrease in stock-based compensation related to options being fully vested in 2023, which did not occur in 2024. This overall decrease was partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in research and development expense from Gyre Therapeutics due to increased consulting fees.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 9.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by costs associated with being a public company, including a $1.9 million increase in professional expense, a $2.1 million increase in

140

miscellaneous expenses, and a $3.0 million increase in functional and administrative department's personnel cost, offset by a $5.6 million decrease in stock-based compensation cost.

Acquired IPR&D

There was no acquired IPR&D expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $83.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The acquired IPR&D represents costs incurred for acquisitions of IPR&D with no alternative future use, which were expensed immediately upon the closing of GNI USA Contributions.

Divestiture Losses

There was no divestiture loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The divestiture losses are related to sales of almost all our assets other than our 56.0% indirect ownership interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals. The loss is presented net of the direct costs incurred with the transaction.

Loss on Disposal of Property and Equipment

We recorded a net loss on the sale and disposal of property and equipment of $66.0 thousand and $628.0 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Other Income (Expense), Net

Interest income increased by $0.5 million, or 48.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to additional investments in long-term certificates of deposit.

Other expenses, net increased by $0.1 million, or 9.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $1.0 million increase in loss from equity method investment, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in government grants.

Change in fair value of warrant liability was a decrease of $7.2 million and an increase of $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease is related to the remeasurement of the Preferred Stock Warrants liability.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes was $5.3 million and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to a lower profit from Gyre Pharmaceuticals' operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $11.8 million, short-term bank deposit of $14.9 million and long-term certificates of deposit of $24.6 million, which are available to fund operations, and an accumulated deficit of $73.5 million. Our net income during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $17.9 million, while cash used in operating activities was $3.6 million. We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, and access to capital markets will be sufficient to fund our operating activities and obligations for at least 12 months following the filing date of this Annual Report.

141

Future Funding Requirements

We expect to use cash flows from operations to meet our current and future financial obligations, including funding our operations, and capital expenditures. Our ability to make these payments depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory, and other factors, many of which we cannot control. In particular, following results from the PRC Phase 3 trial in CHB-associated liver fibrosis and pending approval of an IND submission, we expect to initiate a Phase 2 trial to evaluate F351 for the treatment of MASH-associated liver fibrosis in 2025. We cannot guarantee that a Phase 2 trial will be initiated or estimate the funding needed for such trial at this time, but may need to raise additional capital to fund this program. Factors that may affect financing requirements include, but are not limited to:

•
the timing, progress, cost and results of our clinical trials, preclinical studies and other discovery and research and development activities;

•
the timing and outcome of, and costs involved in, seeking and obtaining marketing approvals for our products, and in maintaining quality systems standards for our products;

•
the timing of, and costs involved in, commercial activities, including product marketing, sales and distribution;

•
our ability to successfully commercialize and to obtain regulatory approval for, and successfully commercialize our other or future product candidates;

•
increases or decreases in revenue from our marketed products, including decreases in revenue resulting from generic entrants or health epidemics or pandemics;

•
the number and development requirements of other product candidates that we pursue;

•
our ability to manufacture sufficient quantities of our products to meet expected demand;

•
the costs of preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights, litigation costs and the results of litigation;

•
our ability to enter into collaboration, licensing or distribution arrangements and the terms and timing of these arrangements;

•
the potential need to expand our business, resulting in additional payroll and other overhead expenses;

•
the potential in-licensing of other products or technologies;

•
the emergence of competing technologies or other adverse market or technological developments; and

•
the impacts of inflation and resulting cost increases.

Future capital requirements will also depend on the extent to which we acquire or invest in additional complementary businesses, products and technologies.

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented (in thousands):

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Year Ended December 31,"],["","","2024","","","2023"],["Cash Flow Data:"],["Net cash (used) provided by operating activities","","$","(3,641",")","","$","25,892"],["Net cash used in investing activities","","","(19,884",")","","","(19,760",")"],["Net cash provided by financing activities","","","2,102","","","","2,500"],["Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents","","","(273",")","","","(298",")"],["Net change in cash and cash equivalents","","$","(21,696",")","","$","8,334"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

142

Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3.6 million, reflecting our net income of $17.9 million, offset by non-cash items of $5.9 million primarily related to the $7.2 million cash used in change in fair value of warrant liability, depreciation and amortization of $1.5 million, stock-based compensation of $0.8 million. Additionally, cash used in operating activities reflected changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $15.7 million.

Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $25.9 million, reflecting our net loss of $85.5 million, offset by non-cash items of $103.9 million primarily related to the acquired IPR&D of $83.1 million in connection with the GNI USA Contributions, $9.3 million related to the change in fair value of warrant liability, stock-based compensation of $7.3 million, divestiture losses of $2.7 million, and equity loss of unconsolidated affiliates of $1.3 million. Additionally, cash provided by operating activities reflected changes in net operating assets and liabilities of $7.5 million.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $19.9 million, which consisted of $15.5 million in purchases of certificates of deposit, $2.3 million in purchases of property and equipment, $0.8 million in acquisition of intangible assets and $1.7 million paid for equity method investment, partially offset by $0.4 million of cash acquired in connection with the sale of equipment.

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $19.8 million, which consisted of $15.7 million in purchases of certificates of deposit, $8.5 million in purchases of property and equipment and $1.0 million paid for equity method investment, partially offset by $5.6 million of cash acquired in connection with the GNI USA Contributions.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.1 million due to $1.9 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options and $0.8 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our ATM Program with Jefferies LLC, partially offset by $0.5 million of cash used in connection with deferred financing costs.

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $2.5 million due to the portion of proceeds from the issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock and Preferred Stock Warrants in the Private Placement received after the GNI USA Contributions.

Restricted Net Assets

Under PRC laws and regulations, Gyre Pharmaceuticals is subject to restrictions on foreign exchange and cross-border cash transfers, including to parent companies and U.S. stockholders. The ability to distribute earnings to the parent companies and U.S. stockholders is also limited. Current PRC regulations permit Gyre Pharmaceuticals to pay dividends to BJC only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Amounts restricted include paid-in capital and the statutory reserves of Gyre Pharmaceuticals. The aggregate amounts of restricted capital and statutory reserves of the relevant subsidiaries not available for distribution were $64.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. We do not expect the restrictions described above to have a material impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

Leases

143

We have entered into lease arrangements in (1) San Diego, California for our headquarters, which expires on the last day of the 38th full calendar month beginning on or after November 11, 2023, and (2) the PRC, for office and laboratory spaces through May 2027. As of December 31, 2024, our fixed lease payment obligations were $1.7 million, with $0.8 million payable within 12 months.

Other Contractual Obligations and Commitments

In June 2021, we entered into a transfer agreement with Nanjing Healthnice Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Healthnice”), an independent third party, pursuant to which Nanjing Healthnice agreed to transfer to us the avatrombopag maleate tablets for the treatment of CLD-associated thrombocytopenia and all relevant technologies, complete any research or trials and transfer to us all materials necessary for the application of marketing approval by the NMPA. We were approved by the NMPA as the marketing authorization holder of the avatrombopag maleate tablets on June 25, 2024. In exchange, we paid a total of approximately $2.3 million upon certain milestones (e.g., the completion of bioequivalence study, or the registration application to the NMPA) being met. We have completed the bioequivalence study and received NMPA acceptance on August 1, 2022, and as of December 31, 2024, we have made total payments of approximately $2.3 million.

In September 2022, we entered into a transfer agreement with New Jiyuan (Beijing) Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. (“New Jiyuan”), an independent third party, pursuant to which New Jiyuan agreed to transfer to us the minocycline hydrochloride foam for the treatment of moderate to severe acne and all relevant technologies, complete product development and transfer to us all materials necessary for the application of marketing approval of NMPA. Upon the completion of the transfer, we expect that we will be approved by NMPA as the marketing authorization holder of the minocycline hydrochloride foam. In exchange, we will pay a total amount of $1.0 million and the payments will be made by installments conditioned upon certain milestones (e.g., the completion of bioequivalence study, or the registration application to NMPA) being met. Process verification has been completed. As of December 31, 2024, we have made total payments of approximately $0.7 million.

Research and Development Programs

As of December 31, 2024, we have committed to allocate $33.0 million toward future research and development activities for various programs.

Property and Equipment

Our commitments related to the purchase of property and equipment contracted but not yet reflected in the consolidated financial statements were $1.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and are expected to be incurred within one year.

We expect to satisfy these contractual obligations and commitments through a combination of cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP and our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and operating results require our management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant accounting policies and methods used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements are described in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the

144

carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and such differences may be material.

Management believes our critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below are critical to understanding its historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606 (“ASC 606”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, whereby revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. A five-step model is used to achieve the core principle: (1) identify the customer contract, (2) identify the contract’s performance obligations, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and (5) recognize revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied. We apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer.

For the sale of pharmaceutical products, revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, generally on completion of delivery of the pharmaceutical products. For the sales of pharmaceutical products, most of our customers are distributors.

Revenue from product sales is recognized net of estimated sales discounts. These discounts are estimated based on sales volumes from the preceding months and applying the discount percentages specified in each contract. The estimation process requires management judgment, particularly in determining the amount of sales discounts based on historical sales volumes and contractually agreed-upon discount percentages. Additionally, variable consideration related to sales rebates is recorded as deductions from revenue based on historical experience and contract terms. Depending on the contract structure, we apply either the expected value method or the most likely amount method to estimate future rebates, selecting the approach that best predicts the amount of variable consideration. The estimates for these rebates are reviewed regularly, and adjustments are made as necessary.

Research and Development Expenses and Accruals

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred when the expenditures relate to ongoing research activities without alternative future use. A significant portion of our research and development expenses consists of pre-clinical and clinical trial costs, which involve contracts with third-party service providers such as contract research organizations. These costs are accrued based on management’s estimates of the services performed during the respective period.

We estimate the amount of work completed through discussion with internal personnel and external service providers in conjunction with reporting information obtained directly from the external service providers as to the progress or stage of completion of the services and the agreed-upon fee to be paid for such services. Accruals are based on progress reports, contractual terms, and management’s judgment regarding the stage of completion of various projects. Since there is often a timing difference between service delivery and invoicing, we make adjustments as more information becomes available. We also assess the likelihood of milestone-based payments under contract terms.

Although we do not expect our estimates to be materially different from amounts actually incurred, our understanding of the status and timing of services performed relative to the actual status and timing of services

145

performed may vary and may result in us reporting expenses that are too high or too low in any particular period. To date, we have not made any material adjustments to our prior estimates of research and development expenses.

Income Taxes

We record income taxes using the liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded against deferred tax assets, including net operating losses and tax credits, when it is determined it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the tax benefits will not be realized.

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes. When uncertain tax positions exist, we recognize the tax benefit of tax positions to the extent that the benefit would more likely than not be realized assuming examination by the taxing authority. The determination as to whether the tax benefit will more likely than not be realized is based upon the technical merits of the tax position as well as consideration of the available facts and circumstances.

Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a component of income tax expense, if any.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure the cost of employee, non-employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value-based measurement of the award on the date of grant and recognize the related expense over the period during which an employee, non-employee or director is required to provide services in exchange for the award on a straight-line basis. The estimated fair value of equity awards that contain performance conditions is expensed over the term of the award once we have determined that it is probable that performance conditions will be satisfied.

Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the grant date fair value of options using an option-pricing model is affected by our assumptions regarding a number of variables including the fair value of our common stock, its expected common stock price volatility over the expected life of the options, expected term of the stock option, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. We record stock-based compensation as a compensation expense, net of the forfeited awards. We elected to account for forfeitures when they occur. As such, we recognize stock-based compensation expense over their requisite service period based on the vesting provisions of the individual grants. Such assumptions involve inherent uncertainties and the application of significant judgment. As a result, if factors or expected outcomes change and we use significantly different assumptions or estimates, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different. We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions utilized for our stock-based compensation expense calculations on a prospective basis. See Note 12 — Stock Based Compensation to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.

Warrant Liability

In connection with the Private Placement, we issued the Preferred Stock Warrants (see Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) which are freestanding financial instruments classified as warrant liability since the underlying securities are contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of events which are outside of our control. The Preferred Stock Warrants are recorded at fair value upon issuance and are subject to

146

remeasurement at the end of each reporting period. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the Preferred Stock Warrants which is affected by our assumptions regarding a number of variables, including the fair value of our Convertible Preferred Stock, the expected share price volatility over the expected life of the options, expected term of the warrant, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. Such assumptions involve inherent uncertainties and the application of significant judgment. As a result, if factors or expected outcomes change and we use significantly different assumptions or estimates, our estimated fair value of warrant liability could be materially different. We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions utilized for our warrant liability fair value calculations on a prospective basis.

Smaller Reporting Company and Accelerated Filer Status

We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.

Based on the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2024, we believe we remain a smaller reporting company, but have become an “accelerated filer” as of December 31, 2024. Because we believe our non-accelerated filer status expired on December 31, 2024, we are required, pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to include in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2024 an attestation report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that is issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. However, we expect to continue to take advantage of the reduced reporting requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, the timing of their adoption, and our assessment, to the extent we have made one yet, of their potential impact on our financial condition of results of operations.

147
