1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

We are a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing and providing novel small molecule drugs that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders, cancer and rare immune diseases. Our pioneering research focuses on signaling pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. Our first product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets, the only approved oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor, for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The product is also commercially available in Europe, United Kingdom (UK) (TAVLESSE) and Canada (TAVALISSE) for the treatment of chronic ITP in adult patients.

Fostamatinib is currently being studied in a Phase 3 trial for the treatment of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA); a Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of hospitalized high-risk patients with COVID-19; a National Institute of Health (NIH)/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored Phase 3 trial (ACTIV-4 Host Tissue Trial) for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients; and a Phase 2 trial for the treatment of COVID-19 being conducted by Imperial College London.

Our other clinical programs include our interleukin receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) inhibitor program and a receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIPK1) inhibitor program in clinical development with partner Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly). In addition, we have product candidates in clinical development with partners BerGenBio ASA (BerGenBio) and Daiichi Sankyo (Daiichi).

Basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP). Any reference in these notes to applicable accounting guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative US GAAP included in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), and Accounting Standards Update (ASU) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).

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Liquidity

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As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $125.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Since inception, we have financed our operations primarily through sales of equity securities, debt financing arrangement, contract payments under our collaboration agreements and from product sales. Based on our current operating plan, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund our expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include those relating to revenue recognition on product sales and collaboration agreements, recoverability of our assets, including accounts receivables and inventories, stock-based compensation and the probability of achievement of corporate performance-based milestones for our performance-based stock option awards, impairment issues, the weighted average incremental borrowing rate for our lease, estimated interest rate for our financing liability, the estimated useful life of assets, and estimated accruals, particularly research and development accruals, on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. 

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. We determine the cost of inventories using the standard cost method, which approximates actual cost based on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventories consist primarily of third-party manufacturing costs and allocated internal overhead costs. We began capitalizing inventory costs associated with our product upon regulatory approval when, based on management’s judgment, future commercialization was considered probable and the future economic benefit was expected to be realized.

Prior to FDA approval of TAVALISSE, all manufacturing costs were charged to research and development expense in the period incurred. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our physical inventory included active pharmaceutical product for which costs have been previously charged to research and development expense. However, manufacturing of drug product, finished bottling and other labeling activities that occurred post FDA approval are included in the inventory value at each balance sheet date.

We provide reserves for potential excess, dated or obsolete inventories based on an analysis of forecasted demand compared to quantities on hand and any firm purchase orders, as well as product shelf life.

Cost of Product Sales

Cost of product sales consists of third-party manufacturing costs, transportation and freight, and indirect overhead costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of TAVALISSE. A portion of the cost of producing the product sold to date was expensed as research and development prior to the Company’s New Drug Application approval for TAVALISSE and therefore is not included in the cost of product sales during this period.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded net of customer allowances for prompt payment discounts and any allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of our customers and individual customer circumstances. To date, we have determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts is not required.

The following table summarizes the activity of our customer allowances for prompt payment discounts for the periods presented (in thousands):

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Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine whether arrangements are within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies its performance obligation. 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. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of this new guidance, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and identify, as a performance obligation, and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Product Sales

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the specialty distributors (SDs), who are our customers, obtain control of our product, which occurs at a point in time, upon delivery to such SDs. These SDs subsequently resell our products to specialty pharmacy providers, health care providers, hospitals and clinics. In addition to distribution agreements with these SDs, we also enter into arrangements with specialty pharmacy providers, in-office dispensing providers, group purchasing organizations, and government entities that provide for government-mandated and/or privately-negotiated rebates, chargebacks and discounts with respect to the purchase of our products.

Under ASC 606, we are required to estimate the transaction price, including variable consideration that is subject to a constraint, in our contracts with our customers. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. Revenue from product sales is recorded net of certain variable consideration which includes estimated government-mandated rebates and chargebacks, distribution fees, estimated product returns and other deductions.

Provisions for returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related revenue is recorded. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from our estimates. If actual results in the future vary from our estimates, we will adjust these estimates, which would affect net product revenue and earnings in the period such variances become known.

The following are our significant categories of sales discounts and allowances:

Sales Discounts. We provide certain customer a prompt payment discount that is explicitly stated in our contract. The sales discount is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period the related product revenue is recognized.

Product Returns. We offer our SDs a right to return product purchased directly from us, which is principally based upon the product’s expiration date. Product return allowances are estimated and recorded at the time of sale.

Government and Private Payor Rebates: We are subject to discount obligations under the state Medicaid programs and Medicare prescription drug coverage gap program. We estimate our Medicaid and Medicare prescription drug coverage gap rebates based upon a range of possible outcomes that are probability-weighted for the estimated payor mix. In December 2021 and beginning of 2022, we entered into rebate program agreements with Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), pursuant to which rebates will be paid in accordance with the respective agreements. The rebate reserves are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue and related liability is recorded as revenue reserves within other accrued liabilities in the balance sheet. Our liability for these rebates consists primarily of estimates of claims for the current quarter, and estimated future claims that will be made for product that has been recognized as revenue, but remains in the distribution channel inventories at the end of each reporting period.

Chargebacks and Discounts: Chargebacks for fees and discounts represent the estimated obligations resulting from contractual commitments to sell products to certain specialty pharmacy providers, in-office dispensing providers, group purchasing organizations, and government entities at prices lower than the list prices charged to our SDs who directly purchase the product from us. These SDs charge us for the difference between what they pay for the product and our contracted selling price to these specialty pharmacy providers, in-office dispensing providers, group purchasing organizations, and government entities. These reserves are established in the same period that the related revenue is recognized, resulting in a reduction of product revenue. Actual chargeback amounts are generally determined at the time of resale to the specialty pharmacy providers, in-office dispensing providers, group purchasing organizations, and government entities by our SDs. The estimated obligations arising from these chargebacks and discounts are recorded as revenue reserves within other accrued liabilities in the balance sheet.

Co-Payment Assistance: We offer co-payment assistance to commercially insured patients meeting certain eligibility requirements. The calculation of the accrual for co-pay assistance is based on an estimate of claims and the cost per claim that we expect to receive associated with product that has been recognized as revenue. 

Contract Revenues from Collaborations

In the normal course of business, we conduct research and development programs independently and in connection with our corporate collaborators, pursuant to which we license certain rights to our intellectual property to third parties. The terms of these arrangements typically include payment to us for a combination of one or more of the following: upfront license fees; development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments; product supply services; and royalties on net sales of licensed products.

Upfront License Fees: If the license to our intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, we recognize revenues from upfront license fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the licensee and the licensee is able to use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other promises, we determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time. If the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time, we use judgment in determining the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from the up-front license fees. We evaluate the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjust the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.

For arrangements that require us to share in the development costs but to which we do not participate in the co-development work, the portion of the upfront fee attributed to our share in the future development costs is excluded from the transaction price. If such share in the development costs is payable beyond 12 months from the delivery of the corresponding license, a significant financing component is deemed to exist. If a significant financing component is identified, we adjust the transaction price by reducing the upfront fee by the net present value of our share in future development costs over the expected commitment period. Such discounted amount will be reported as a liability in the balance sheet, with a corresponding interest expense being accreted based on a discount rate applied over the expected commitment period.

Development, Regulatory or Commercial Milestone Payments: At the inception of each arrangement that includes payments based on the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial or launch events, we evaluate whether the milestones are considered probable of being achieved and estimate the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the associated milestone value is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within our or the licensee’s control, such as regulatory approvals, are not considered probable of being achieved until uncertainty associated with the approvals has been resolved. The transaction price is then allocated to each performance obligation, on a relative standalone selling price basis, for which we recognize revenue as or when the performance obligations under the contract are satisfied. At the end of each subsequent reporting period, we re-evaluate the probability of achieving such development and regulatory milestones and any related constraint, and if necessary, adjust our estimate of the overall transaction price. Any such adjustments are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis, and recorded as part of contract revenues from collaborations during the period of adjustment.

Product Supply Services: Arrangements that include a promise for future supply of drug product for either clinical development or commercial supply at the licensee’s discretion are generally considered as options. We assess if these options provide a material right to the licensee and if so, they are accounted for as separate performance obligations.

Sales-based Milestone Payments and Royalties: For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the volume of sales, we determine whether the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties or sales-based milestones relate to and if such is the case, we recognize revenue at the later of (i) when the related sales occur, or (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied).

Government Contract

In January 2021, we were awarded up to $16.5 million by the US Department of Defense’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (referred to here as the US Department of Defense) to support our ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fostamatinib for the treatment of hospitalized high-risk patients with COVID-19. We determined that the government award should be accounted for under IAS 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, which is outside the scope of Topic 606, as the US Department of Defense is not receiving reciprocal value for their contributions. Revenue is recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the conditions of the grant will be met, and the grant will be received. For the US Department of Defense’s contract, this occurs when either each milestone has been accepted by the US Department of Defense or management has concluded that the conditions of the grant have been substantially met. See “Note 4 – Sponsored Research and License Agreements and Government Contract” for further discussion.

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Stock-based Compensation

Share-based awards are valued at fair value on the date of grant and that fair value is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. We use the straight-line attribution method over the requisite employee service period for the entire award in recognizing stock-based compensation expense. We account for forfeitures as they occur.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model requires management to make a number of assumptions including expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. A number of these assumptions are subjective, and their determination generally require judgment. We segregate option awards into the following three homogenous groups for the purposes of determining fair values of options: officers and directors, all other employees, and consultants. We determine the weighted-average valuation assumptions separately for each of these groups as follows:

We grant performance-based stock options to purchase shares of our common stock which will vest upon the achievement of certain corporate performance-based milestones. We determine the fair values of these performance-based stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model at the date of grant. For the portion of the performance-based stock options of which the performance condition is considered probable of achievement, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on the related estimated grant date fair values of such options on a straight-line basis from the date of grant up to the date when we expect the performance condition will be achieved. For the performance conditions that are not considered probable of achievement at the grant date or upon re-evaluation at each reporting date, prior to the event actually occurring, we recognize the related stock-based compensation expense when the event occurs or when we can determine that the performance condition is probable of achievement. In those cases, we recognize the change in estimate at the time we determine the condition is probable of achievement (by recognizing stock-based compensation expense as cumulative catch-up adjustment as if we had estimated at the grant date that the performance condition would have been achieved) and recognize the remaining compensation cost up to the date when we expect the performance condition will be achieved, if any.

The fair value of a restricted stock unit grant is based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

Our investment in debt securities consists of money market funds, US treasury bills, government- sponsored enterprise securities, and corporate bonds and commercial paper. All of our investment in debt securities are available-for-sale and are classified based on their maturities. We consider all highly liquid investments in debt securities with maturity of 90 days or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. All other investments with maturity greater than 90 days from the date of purchase are classified as short-term investments. Unrealized gains (losses) are reported within the statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive loss. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The carrying value of our loans payable and other long-term debt approximates fair value based on management’s estimation that a current interest rate would not differ materially from the stated rate, or the discount rate applied.

The fair value of our cash equivalents and short-term investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Hierarchical levels directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

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The fair valued assets we hold that are generally included under this Level 1 are money market securities where fair value is based on publicly quoted prices.

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The fair valued assets we hold that are generally assessed under Level 2 included government-sponsored enterprise securities, US treasury bills and corporate bonds and commercial paper. We utilize third party pricing services in developing fair value measurements where fair value is based on valuation methodologies such as models using observable market inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers and other reference data. We use quotes from external pricing service providers and other on-line quotation systems to verify the fair value of investments provided by our third-party pricing service providers. We review independent auditor’s reports from our third-party pricing service providers particularly regarding the controls over pricing and valuation of financial instruments and ensure that our internal controls address certain control deficiencies, if any, and complementary user entity controls are in place.

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Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk are primarily cash, investment in debt securities and accounts receivable. All of our cash and investment in debt securities are maintained with financial institutions that management believes are creditworthy. By policy, we limit the concentration of credit risk by diversifying our investments among a variety of high credit-quality issuers. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe we do not have a material exposure to credit risk arising from our investments.

Concentration of credit risk with respect to our accounts receivable is limited due to our small number of customers. Our accounts receivable consists mostly of outstanding invoices from our sale of TAVALISSE to our three specialty distributors. Accounts receivable may also include outstanding invoice or invoices from our collaboration partners with respect to the related sponsored research and license agreements, as well as outstanding invoice or invoices from the US Government with respect to the related government contract. As of December 31, 2021, 85% of our accounts receivable are outstanding invoices from our three specialty distributors, and the remaining 15% are outstanding invoices from the US Government and from other collaboration partners, Grifols, Kissei and Medison. As of December 31, 2020, 97% of our accounts receivable consisted of outstanding invoices from our specialty distributors, and the remaining 3% was related to outstanding invoices from our collaboration partners, Grifols and Medison.

See “Note 3 - Revenues” for summary of revenues from each of our customers who individually accounted for 10% or more of the total net product sales and revenues from collaborations.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to seven years.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses include costs for scientific personnel, supplies, equipment, consultants, research sponsored by us, allocated facility costs, costs related to pre-clinical and clinical trials, including raw materials, and stock-based compensation expense. All such costs are charged to research and development expense as incurred and at the time raw materials are purchased.

We have various contracts with third parties related to our research and development activities. Costs that are incurred but not billed to us as of the end of the period are accrued. We make estimates of the amounts incurred in each period based on the information available to us and our knowledge of the nature of the contractual activities generating such costs. Clinical trial contract expenses are accrued based on units of activity. Expenses related to other research and development contracts, such as research contracts, toxicology study contracts and manufacturing contracts are estimated to be incurred generally on a straight-line basis over the duration of the contracts. Raw materials and study materials not related to our approved drug, purchased for us by third parties are expensed at the time of purchase. 

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Leases

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We adopted ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements as of January 1, 2019. Pursuant to Topic 842, all of our leases outstanding on January 1, 2019 continued to be classified as operating leases. As a result of the adoption of Topic 842, we recognized $32.8 million in operating right-of-use lease asset and $33.2 million in lease liability, and derecognized $0.4 million of deferred rent in the balance sheet at adoption date. These were calculated using the present value of our remaining lease payments using an estimated incremental borrowing rate of 9%. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment on our accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2019. For our sublease agreement wherein we are the lessor, the same practical expedients apply to both lessor and lessee. Therefore, the sublease continues to be classified as an operating lease under Topic 842. Further, the adoption of Topic 842 did not have an impact on our sublease on the date of adoption since the expected sublease income is equal to the expected lease costs for the head leases over the remaining period of the lease term, and therefore, no impairment of the operating right-of-use asset was needed upon the adoption of Topic 842.

As of December 31, 2021, our leases continued to be classified as operating leases. Following the adoption of Topic 842 as discussed above, operating right-of-use lease asset and operating lease liability are presented on our balance sheet. Right-of-use lease assets represent our right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liability represents our commitment to make the lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use lease assets and lease liability are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. The operating right-of-use lease asset includes any lease payments made prior to commencement. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or expectations regarding the terms. Variable lease costs such as common area costs and property taxes are expensed as incurred. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.

For our sublease agreement wherein we are the lessor, sublease income will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the sublease. The difference between the cash received, and the straight-line lease income recognized, if any, will be recorded within prepaid and other current assets in the balance sheet.

Income taxes

We use the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period the change is enacted. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount whose realization is more likely than not.

Restructuring

Restructuring costs comprised of severance, other termination benefit costs, stock-based compensation expense for stock award and stock option modifications related to workforce reductions and accelerated depreciation. We recognize restructuring charges when the liability is probable, and the amount is estimable. Employee termination benefits are accrued at the date management has committed to a plan of termination and affected employees have been notified of their termination date and expected severance benefits.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing variety of exceptions within the framework of ASC 740. There were nine amendments in the ASU, such as the elimination of the incremental approach to intraperiod tax allocation, recognition of deferred tax liability for outside basis differences, changes to the accounting of hybrid tax regimes, amendments to the accounting of tax basis step-up in goodwill, clarification on separate financial statements of legal entities not subject to tax,  guidance on the accounting for ownership changes in investments, and guidance on interim-period accounting for tax law changes and year-to-date loss limitations. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this new standard on January 1, 2020 with no material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832) Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance. Current GAAP has no specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for, or the disclosure of, government assistance received by business entities. The amendments in this update improve financial reporting by requiring disclosures that increase the transparency of transactions with a government accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy, including the types of transactions, the accounting for those transactions, and the effect of those transactions on an entity’s financial statements. The amendments in this update require the following annual disclosures about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy, including: (1) information about the nature of the transactions and the related accounting policy used to account for the transactions; (2) the line items on the balance sheet and income statement that are affected by the transactions, and the amounts applicable to each financial statement line item; and (3) the significant terms and conditions of the transactions, including commitments and contingencies. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities within their scope for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early application of the amendments is permitted. We adopted this update during the year ended December 31, 2021 and accounted the award we received from the US Department of Defense in accordance with this update. See “Note 4 – Sponsored Research and License Agreements and Government Contract” for further discussion.