Full year results 2022

RNS Number : 1789D
Aptamer Group PLC
18 October 2022
 

 

18 October 2022

 

 

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE UK MARKET ABUSE REGULATIONS. ON PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

 

Aptamer Group plc

("Aptamer", the "Company" or the "Group")

 

Full year results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2022

 

Revenue increase of 152%; new partners and contracts won; and capacity expansion is on track to support increased demand

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer® binders as tools to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, today announces its full year results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2022.

 

Financial highlights

· Revenue increased by 152% to £4.0 million (15-month period to 30 June 2021: £1.6 million)

· Cash balance at 30 June 2022 of £6.7 million (2021: £0.4 million)

· Adjusted EBITDA loss of £1.7 million (15-month period to 30 June 2021: £2.4 million)

· Raised gross proceeds of £10.8 million in conjunction with AIM listing on 22 December 2021

 

Operational highlights

· Continued collaboration with AstraZeneca, supporting the development of Optimer®binders as next-generation drug delivery vehicles in kidney disease

· Extension of collaboration with PinotBio for Optimer®-drug conjugate development as delivery system for precision chemotherapeutics

· Continued expansion of Aptamer's partnership with DeepVerge plc, with Optimer®-enabled Microtox®PD systems installed at multiple sites across the UK as part of the Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection (EMHP) program

· Research collaboration with WuXi AppTec Research Services Division to identify new Optimer®-enabled therapeutics, building on a partnership begun in 2021

· Partnership signed in August 2021 with ProAxsis to develop Optimer® binders to replace the antibodies in respiratory diagnostic assays

· Agreement with Bio-Works Technologies to co-develop a new affinity resin for improved purification and scale up of gene therapy vector manufacturing

· Contract secured in July 2021 with a top five global pharma company to develop Optimer® binders as Quality Control reagents to support the development of a novel neurodegenerative disease vaccine

· Significant commercial agreement signed with a public life science research tool company to develop Optimer® binders for use on a multiplex platform

· Large-scale Optimer® development and commercialisation agreement signed with a life science research company for proteomics research

· Agreement signed with a precision oncology company to develop Optimer® binders for use in a companion diagnostic assay

 

Post-year end highlights

· Multiple contracts signed with a top ten pharmaceutical company to develop Optimer® binders for bioprocessing to support purification of novel therapeutics

· Contract signed with a multi-national consumer goods company for the development of Optimer® binders as novel solutions in personal care

· Agreement with leading US-based biotech company for the development of Optimer® binders to remove bioprocessing contaminants during therapeutic production

· Partnership with a top ten pharmaceutical company to develop Optimer® binders as immunohistochemistry reagents to support pipeline assets and early discovery targets

· Contract signed with Bioliquid Innovative Genetics S.L. to support Optimer® development for a novel prenatal and placental diagnostic platform

 

Corporate highlights

· In October 2022, the planned relocation to larger purpose-built laboratories was completed and this will allow Aptamer to scale its automation and operational efficiency and service the increasing demand for Optimer® binders

· Aptamer is pushing ahead with team expansion, technology developments and commercial contract wins following AIM listing in December 2021

· Implementation of Optimer®+ platform continues at pace, enabling progress on the generation of exemplification data with the aim to strengthen Aptamer's technology position in the market 

· Jenny Cutler appointed interim CFO in June, bringing over 20 years' experience in finance leadership roles, including listed company experience and Alastair Fleming as Chief Operating Officer, bringing 35+ years of international experience from several different sectors including medical devices, pharmaceuticals and food

Commenting on the full year results, Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, said: "Aptamer has maintained a solid pace of progress over the past year, having seen success in both expanding current partnerships and winning new contracts. Commercial traction continues to increase in Europe, USA and APAC regions.

"Looking ahead to the rest of the current financial year, we aim to continue delivering strong revenue growth and we expect to sign new contracts across all business units. This will demonstrate our progress and ability to capitalise on the clear market opportunity and demand for outsourcing the development of next-generation affinity ligands. Despite the challenging macro-economic environment, the first quarter of the current financial year has already seen the signing of several new contracts and we are on track to meet market expectations for the full year.

"We are also continuing to make progress in the development of additional capacity and, post-year end in October, we completed the move to our new premises, which will be a strong catalyst for our future growth. Alongside the expansion of our footprint, we are seeing strong progress in platform innovation which is driving the development of exemplification data, which is expected to enable further commercial traction.

"I'm extremely proud of everything we've achieved in our maiden year as a listed company and would like to take this opportunity to again thank all of the team for their continuous hard work and passion which has been integral to the success of our business, and our shareholders for their continuing support."

Sell-side analyst meeting and webcast

An in-person sell-side analyst meeting and webcast will take place at 10.00am this morning. To attend, please contact aptamergroup@consilium-comms.com or please dial in to the webcast following this link: https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/APTAMERGROUP/events/e6a07f86-0da1-4343-8072-45ac92240c53

- End -

For further information, please contact:

 

Aptamer Group plc

Dr Arron Tolley                                                                                    +44 (0) 1904 217 404

 

SPARK Advisory Partners Limited - Nominated Adviser  

Andrew Emmott / Adam Dawes  +44 (0) 20 3368 3550

 

Liberum Capital Limited - Broker

Richard Lindley / Ben Cryer / Will Hall / Cara Murphy   +44 (0) 20 3100 2000

 

Consilium Strategic Communications

Matthew Neal / Chris Welsh / Lucy Featherstone       +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

aptamergroup@consilium-comms.com

 

 

About Aptamer Group plc

Aptamer Group develops custom affinity binders through its proprietary Optimer® platform to enable new approaches in therapeutics, diagnostics and research applications. The Company strives to deliver transformational solutions that meet the needs of life science researchers and developers through the use of its proprietary Optimer® platform.

Optimer® binders are oligonucleotide affinity ligands that can serve as antibody alternatives in a variety of applications across different life science sectors. The global antibody market is currently worth over $145.0 billion. Optimer® binders are engineered to address many of the issues found with alternative affinity molecules, such as antibodies, and offer new, innovative solutions to bioprocessing, diagnostic and pharmaceutical scientists.

Aptamer Group has successfully delivered projects for global pharma companies, diagnostic development companies, and research institutes covering a range of targets and applications with the objective of establishing royalty-bearing licenses. Through the Optimer® technology and processes, scientists and collaborators are enabled to make faster, more informed decisions that support discovery and development across the Life Sciences.

Chairman's Statement

The past financial year has been characterised by strong growth across the Group, with the major inflection point in December 2021, when the business started life as a public company on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The listing raised gross proceeds of £10.8 million, providing a stable funding platform to allow our technology to be truly disruptive in the next-generation affinity ligand market. The funds raised, in challenging market conditions, have provided the resources to increase capacity, with the aim of meeting the increasing demand for our Optimer® binders. We are grateful to our existing shareholders and those who invested at the IPO, who are enabling the next steps for Aptamer as it grows its client base.

Scaling up is a key focus for the business, operationally and in terms of personnel. Good progress has been made on expanding automation systems, allowing high-volume programmes to be delivered at speed, as well as increasing capacity more broadly. Investment in our technology, team and infrastructure over the year has enabled increased translation of developed Optimer® binders to downstream applications and will continue to improve our ability to take affinity ligand market share both from providers of more traditional antibody solutions and other antibody-alternative technologies. This investment is supported by a move to larger premises, with more laboratory and office space, which was completed post-year end in October.

Whilst the funds raised at IPO to grow the business are being deployed, the Group has continued to deliver increased revenue and win new projects. Aptamers are a disruptive technology, and within each of our three business units we are signing contracts with partners ranging from big pharma to biotech companies, in instances where antibody technology would otherwise be typically used or no prior solutions have been available.

It is clear that the market for antibody alternatives is developing rapidly, driven by the increasing awareness of the limitation of antibodies, 50-60% of which reportedly fail to meet their internal validation standards(1). Where protein-based ligands, such as antibodies, can be associated with production and functionalisation issues, batch-to-batch variability and ethical concerns relating to the use of animals, aptamers and optimers can often overcome these problems, offering many commercial benefits. Due to these favourable attributes, the aptamer market is set to expand rapidly over the next five to ten years into a multi-billion-dollar worldwide market that is forecast to grow at 18-28% per annum(2).

Looking more specifically at our Optimer® platform, it offers key advantages over antibodies, including improved stability, tissue penetration and target specificity, as well as reliable manufacturing characteristics, reduced animal use and accelerated speed of discovery through high-throughput automation.

During the financial year, the Group has made excellent progress across all aspects of its strategic growth plan and it continues to add to its technological base. Specifically, we have three strategic pillars for growth to support the future expansion and development of the Group to ensure it is positioned for success. 

In Research & Development, work on the launch of our new Optimer®+ platform continues at pace. Once integrated, this next generation of aptamers should broaden potential applications and help strengthen Aptamer's differentiation within the affinity ligand market. Additionally, Aptamer is beginning to build key exemplification data to enable the development of tools for the targeted delivery of drug molecules for use in the therapeutics space.

Board and Governance

It has been a privilege to chair the Board since December 2021 and I want to share my thanks to former Chairman Steve Hull and the pre-IPO Board for laying the foundation for the successful 2021 IPO. Angela Hildreth joined the Board in the first half of the financial year, who sits on the Remuneration Committee and is serving as Chair of the Audit Committee, with significant AIM experience in financial, strategic and operational roles. This adds to the expertise of fellow Non-Executive Director, Dr John Richards, who sits on the Audit and Remuneration Committees, and brings deep industry and scientific expertise.

As a publicly listed company we are committed to running our business in line with best practice environmental, social and governance standards and the QCA Code. 

Outlook

A key next step to increase Aptamer's capacity was completed post year end in October as we moved in to a new 18,000 sq ft headquarters within York Science Park. This will provide the Group with significantly increased laboratory space and room for additional equipment to extend existing projects and deliver new workstreams at higher levels of automation. It will also enable further recruitment across the Group. Business continued as usual during the transition to our new location.

Our focus remains on strengthening existing and building new partnerships across our business units, developing exemplification data to support key applications, like drug delivery, and advancing the technology platforms to ensure we remain a leader within the aptamer development space.   

After a transformational year for Aptamer, the Board and I would personally like to extend our thanks to all our employees for their continued hard work and dedication before, during and after the IPO. The successful listing, which was supported by new and existing shareholders to whom we are grateful, marked the start of a new phase in the Group's history whilst retaining an innovative, scientific and entrepreneurial focus at its heart. 

Chief Executive Officer's statement

The past year has been transformational for the Group and it gives me great pleasure to share our progress with shareholders following our maiden financial year as a listed company. In December 2021, we raised £10.8 million in our initial public offering on AIM. The funds raised are enabling us to ensure that our proprietary technology can be truly disruptive to the well-established global antibody market predicted to reach over $248.9 billion by 2027(3), and positions us well to take advantage of the growing value of the antibody alternative market, which is predicted to reach over $12 billion by 2028(4)

Firstly, we are investing in the scale-up of our laboratory capacity, focusing on acceleration of our automation solutions. Secondly, we are investing in our proprietary novel nucleotide chemistry, which will give us a differentiated offer to the market. We are also expanding our commercial team and upgrading its systems to ensure the needs of our customers are met. Finally, some funds have been allocated to our working capital requirements to deliver our strategic plan.

Going forward this strategy will provide a framework, alongside a focus on tool development, for our growing organisation and will underpin the Group's future direction to ensure we are all aligned for success in our addressable markets. I am pleased that we have made excellent progress in advancing our key strategic growth pillars outlined below.

1.  To increase the capacity, enabling simultaneous handling of hundreds of targets

2.  To develop our proprietary scaffold technologies and protection of these technologies via patents

3.   To accelerate commercial expansion, data pack development, service development and upgrading systems and IT in line with the expanded business' requirements

Group performance

Our progress in delivering against our strategy has been underpinned by strong revenue growth in our maiden year since IPO of 152% to £4.0 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of £1.7 million and a cash position of £6.7 million at the end of the year. These results, which are in line with market expectations, have been delivered by our three business units throughout the year, an overview of which I have provided below.

Divisional performance

Aptamer Solutions

Aptamer Solutions provides custom development services of oligonucleotide-based aptamer and Optimer® binders for use as research tools, quality control reagents and affinity ligands to support bioprocessing applications.

We are focused on the custom development of Optimer® binders for a range of contract research services, from bioprocessing to research reagents. As our main revenue-generating business division, this business unit has seen continued growth with many contract wins this year.

At the beginning of the year, we secured a contract with a top-five global pharma company to develop Optimer® binders as quality control reagents for a novel neurodegenerative disease vaccine. We have also signed two large commercial agreements with public life science companies to develop panels of Optimer® ligands for use on proteomic and multiplex analysis platforms. The work with our multiplex platform partner has now progressed to late-stage development and we look forward to delivering these binders to our partner shortly. We have also signed an agreement with Bio-Works Technologies AG to co-develop new affinity purification resins for improved purification of gene therapy vectors.

Post year end, we have seen further contract wins with both a top-ten pharma partner and a US-based biotech company pursuing Optimer® development as bioprocessing ligands. Multiple Optimer® binder development programmes are being explored to purify a number of novel medicines with the top-ten pharma partner. Work with our US-based biotech partner will aim to develop Optimer® binders that improve current purification processes by removing production contaminants during the downstream manufacturing process. Additional post-period developments include the development of Optimer® binders as immunohistochemistry reagents to support both early-stage discovery projects and a pipeline asset for a top-ten pharmaceutical partner, and the development of Optimer® binders as novel solutions in personal care products for a multinational consumer goods company.

Aptamer Diagnostics

Aptamer Diagnostics focuses on the development and integration of Optimer® binders into diagnostic platforms. Optimer® binders offer significant advantages, including detection of novel diagnostic targets, increased stability and consistency. Our platform supports multiple diagnostic formats, such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, flow cytometry, biosensors, and cell and tissue imaging.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the global awareness of diagnostics and the need for rapid development of detection reagents.  In turn, the interest in our custom Optimer®-enabled diagnostic services has grown. An example of this is our partnership with DeepVerge, where we have developed SARS-CoV-2 Optimer® binders for use in their wastewater monitoring systems - an innovative solution to help combat disease outbreaks through the early detection of hotspots. Following successful performance evaluation versus. a close competitor (and data that showed our Optimer® binder could bind to the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) we expanded our partnership with DeepVerge. In March this year, we are proud to say Optimer®-enabled Microtox®PD systems started being installed at multiple sites across the UK as part of the Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection programme (EMHP). 

We have also recently partnered with ProAxsis to develop Optimer® binders to replace the antibodies in their respiratory diagnostic assays, which were causing issues due to poor stability and security of supply. These Optimer® binders have completed discovery and have been transferred to ProAxsis for their internal validation. In February this year, we also signed a contract with a precision oncology company to develop Optimer® binders for use in a companion diagnostic assay.

As the global need for diagnostics continues to grow, Optimer® binders are being explored by our partners across the diagnostic industry for a range of applications. Their excellent target recognition, consistent and ethical supply, and temperature stability enable simple global logistics and position our Optimer®-based tests as an antibody alternative for use in diagnostics.

Post year end, we have developed an agreement with Bioliquid Innovative Genetics S.L. for Optimer® development to support a novel prenatal and placental diagnostic platform.

Aptamer Therapeutics

Aptamer Therapeutics delivers contract research services in the field of therapeutics, using our Optimer® platform with a focus on Optimer®-drug conjugates, Optimer®-enabled gene therapies, and Optimer® agonists and antagonists for therapeutic application.

Over the financial year, our therapeutics business has shown significant growth, predominantly driven by a number of new contract wins, collaborations and partnerships - as well as expansions on previous agreements.

In July 2021, we signed an agreement with WuXi AppTec Research Services Division to identify new Optimer®-enabled therapeutic opportunities. We also commenced a project with PinotBio for the development of Optimer® drug conjugates for use as chemotherapeutic delivery vehicles, which following positive initial results was extended in May 2022. We have also continued our collaboration with AstraZeneca to support the development of Optimer® binders as next-generation drug delivery vehicles in kidney disease.

I am confident that the momentum we've gained in our maiden year in the application of Optimer® binders as potential therapeutic modalities will continue into the next year and beyond as the demand for our services grows and we build compelling exemplification data demonstrating the power of the platform.

Operational progress

At the time of our IPO, we set out our strategic pillars for growth to expand core capabilities and market share. Underpinned by the £10.8 million IPO fundraise, we intend to accelerate growth and increase capacity over multiple verticals to deliver more solutions and higher value engagements with customers. I have provided a summary of our delivery against each of these three areas below:

1.  To increase the capacity, enabling simultaneous handling of hundreds of targets

The scale up of our Optimer® platform is underway and includes increased automation in our processes, building on the capacity of our current platform with additional equipment in order to focus on acceleration of our automation solutions. Post-year end in October, we completed the planned relocation to larger facilities in York. The relocation will enable us to service the increasing demand for our Optimer® binders from both new and existing customers and completes the first stage of our capacity expansion.

2.  To develop our proprietary scaffold technology and protection of these technologies via patents

In order to stay ahead of the competition, we have increased our focus on R&D and are already looking at the next generation of improved binder technology. We are pleased to confirm the integration of our novel nucleotide chemistry platform, Optimer®+, is well underway. This platform has the potential to improve the performance of our existing technology, differentiate us in the affinity ligand market and allow us to enter new markets and address new targets. We are delivering our internal plans on the implementation of Optimer®+ and we have made progress in the generation of exemplification data to support the development of strategic collaborations in the drug delivery tools space. The development of this platform and its subsequent discovery processes is integral to our mission to stay at the forefront of aptamer technologies.

3.  To accelerate commercial expansion, data pack development, service development and upgrade systems and IT in line with the expanded business' requirements

We are also committed to scaling up our team. We remain on track with our hiring plan with our headcount increasing 59% from June 2021 to 54 employees as at 30 September 2022, including an assay development team to demonstrate Optimer® functionality as an additional service offering.

Board and senior management changes

Since we commenced trading on the AIM market, the Aptamer Board has been strengthened with the appointment of Dr Ian Gilham as Non-Executive Chairman. Ian replaced Steve Hull, who worked with Aptamer for eight years. I would like to thank Steve for his support, excellent leadership and advice over his time with the Group.

In addition, Dr Shozo Fujita joined the Scientific Advisory Board in 2021. He brings expertise in aptamer development and applications, and has developed functional aptabiosensors and novel aptamer-based nucleotide chemistries. Prior to this he was the founding partner at Apta Biosciences Ltd.  

We were also pleased to welcome Jenny Cutler as interim Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, bringing 20 years of financial experience, including at public companies, to the management team. Prior to this, further expansion to the management team took place with the appointment of Alastair Fleming as Chief Operational Officer. Both appointments will be integral to our future and business growth. We welcome these experienced individuals to Aptamer, and we are working hard as a management team to deploy the IPO funds and deliver on our strategy. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank Eleanor Brown, previously Chief Financial Officer for her four years of service and being central to the success of the IPO. We wish Eleanor well with her future endeavours.

Macro environment

The Board and senior management team actively monitor risk factors that could potentially affect the business, including the wider macroeconomic environment and global supply chain to ensure that the business is well placed to act and mitigate such risks where possible. To date, Aptamer has seen limited impact from such macro factors, however, we will continue to proactively monitor these.

People

Our team has made outstanding contributions during our maiden year and great progress has been made adapting to the challenges of being an AIM-listed business. We would like to thank and recognise the dedication and commitment from each department and each individual team member that has enabled our success in a fast-paced growth environment.

We are committed to empowering each team member for success and do this by placing a strong emphasis on the highest levels of scientific integrity, personal accountability and responsibility. Entrepreneurial spirit, fiscal responsibility and competition is encouraged and rewarded at every level.

We are dedicated to building and training a multi-disciplinary diverse team who are identified, hired and measured solely on merit and capability. Because of this, we are proud to employ a diverse group of people from all backgrounds who possess the drive and dedication to accelerate the delivery of our vision. People from all social and educational backgrounds are encouraged to excel whether they come from traditional education or have been trained via in-house vocational channels. 

Summary and outlook

I'm extremely proud of everything we've achieved in our maiden year as a listed company and would like to take this opportunity to again thank all of the team for their continuous hard work and passion, which has been integral to the success of our business.

Aptamer has maintained a solid pace of progress over the past year, having seen success in both expanding current partnerships and winning new contracts. Commercial traction continues to increase in Europe, USA and additional key global markets including APAC, across all business units.

Looking ahead to the rest of the current financial year, we aim to continue delivering strong revenue growth. We expect to sign contracts across all business units, demonstrating our progress in further capitalising on the clear market opportunity and demand for outsourcing the development of next-generation affinity ligands. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, the first quarter of the current financial year has already seen the signing of several new contracts and we are on track to meet market expectations for the full year.

We are also continuing to make progress in the development of additional capacity and, post-year end in October, we completed the move to our new premises, which will be a strong catalyst for our future growth. Alongside the expansion of our footprint, we are seeing strong progress in platform innovation which is being driven by the development of exemplification data that is expected to be a key future driver of commercial traction.

I am excited to see this momentum continue to build and the Group go from strength to strength.

Foot notes

(1)  Bradbury & Pluckthun. Standardize antibodies used in research. Nature. 518:27-29 (2015). Gray et al. Animal-free alternatives and the antibody iceberg. Nat. Biotechnology. 38:1234-1239 (2020)

(2)      Acumen Research & Consulting. (2022). Aptamers Market Analysis - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2022 - 2030 https://www.acumenresearchandconsulting.com/aptamers-market

Market Research Future. (2022). Aptamers Market by Type (Nucleic Acid and Peptide Aptamers), Application (Diagnostics, Therapeutics Development), Technology (Selex, X-aptamer and MARAS technique), End Users (Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies)- Forecast till 2030.  https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/aptamers-market-6630

Technavio. (2021). Aptamers Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026.  https://www.technavio.com/report/aptamers-market-industry-analysis

(3)   Market Data Forecast. Global Antibodies Market Size, Share, Trends, COVID-19 Impact & Growth Analysis Report - Segmented By Product Type, Indication, End User, Application and Region - Industry Forecast (2022 to 2027) Report ID: 1112. (2022)

(4)  The Insight Partners. Next-Generation Antibody Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Therapeutic Area (Oncology and Autoimmune or Inflammatory) and Technology (Antibody-Drug Conjugates, Bispecific Antibodies, Fc Engineered Antibodies, Antibody Fragments and Antibody-Like Proteins, and Biosimilar Antibody Products) Report Code: TIPRE00006412

 

 

Financial review

 

In December 2021 the Group raised gross proceeds of £10.8 million through a placing in conjunction with admission to AIM. This represented a major milestone in the Group's development and secured the funds necessary to deliver the Board`s plans for significant growth.

Revenue

The Group reported revenues for the year ended 30 June 2022 of £4.0 million compared to the 15- month period ended 30 June 2021 ('2021') of £1.6 million. This growth represents a 152% increase against a 15-month period and reflects a strong operational delivery of contract research work for customer projects across all three of our business units: Aptamer Solutions, Aptamer Diagnostics and Aptamer Therapeutics.

Gross profit

Gross profit margin improved from 42% in 2021 to 67% in 2022 as the Group utilised available operational capacity to deliver greater revenue and an improvement in operational efficiencies.

Research and development costs

During the year the Group expensed through the income statement £0.8 million (2021: £0.6 million) relating to the continued development of the Optimer®+ platform technology and the design and optimisation of novel aptamer library architectures. The IPO fundraise enabled the acceleration of this work in the second half of the financial year. No research and development costs were capitalised during the year (2021: £nil).

Administrative expenses

Administrative costs were £4.4 million for the year compared to £3.1 million for 2021. This increase in costs primarily reflects the expansion of the commercial and production teams. Total headcount increased from 34 at 30 June 2021 to 49 at 30 June 2022. 

Adjusted EBITDA

The Group uses Adjusted EBITDA as a profit performance metric as this excludes items which can distort comparability of underlying trading as well as being the measure of profit which most accurately reflects the cash-generating activities of the Group. The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating loss is as follows: 


Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month

period ended

30 June 2021

£'000

Adjusted EBITDA

(1,664)

(2,448)

Share-based payment expense

(457)

(55)

Statutory EBITDA

(2,121)

(2,503)

Amortisation

(22)

(24)

Depreciation

(433)

(345)

Operating loss

(2,576)

(2,872)

 

Share-based payment charges

The non-cash share-based payment charge for the year increased to £0.5 million (2021: £0.1 million). This charge includes a one-off charge of £0.3 million in respect of a warrant that the Company issued to SPARK to subscribe for up to 689,417 Ordinary Shares on 15 December 2021.

Tax

The Group claims each year for research and development tax credits. Since it is loss-making, the Group elects to surrender these tax credits for a cash rebate. The benefit to the Group is included within the taxation line of the income statement and amounts to £0.5 million (2021: £0.6 million). The Group has not recognised any tax assets in respect of trading losses arising in the current financial year or accumulated losses in previous financial years.

Loss for the year

The loss for the year was £2.1 million (2021: £2.3 million loss). The basic and diluted loss per ordinary share decreased to 3.24 pence per share (2021: 3.92 pence per share) based on an average number of shares in issue during the year of 64,546,622 (2021: 58,970,318).

Cash flow

The Group had £6.7 million of cash at 30 June 2022 (2021: £0.4 million). The cash inflow for the year was £6.3 million (2021: £0.1 million inflow). This primarily reflects the net cash proceeds from the IPO of £9.6 million (2021: £2.1 million from the issue of share capital) and cash receipts relating to research and development tax credits of £0.6 million which represented the tax refund for the prior period (2021: £0.3 million). These were offset by the cash outflow from operating activities of £3.0 million (2021: £1.6 million outflow), lease payments of £0.5 million (2021: £0.3 million) and an investment in capital expenditure and intangible assets of £0.4 million (2021: £0.4 million).

Financial position

Net assets at 30 June 2022 were £8.1 million (2021: £0.1 million) of which cash amounted to £6.7 million (2021: £0.4 million) reflecting the net fundraise of £9.6 million. After consideration of the Group's detailed forecasts, the Board has concluded that the Group has the resources to continue as a going concern and meet its financial obligations as they fall due. 

Right-of-use assets have increased by £1.1 million to £1.3 million (2021: £0.2 million) primarily due to the signing of the new lease at York Science Park. A corresponding right-of-use lease liability of £1.3 million (2021: £0.2 million) has been recorded at 30 June 2022.

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 June 2022

 

 


Notes

 Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended 30 June 2021

£'000

Revenue

3

4,036

1,600

Cost of sales


(1,351)

(927)

Gross profit


2,685

673



 


Administrative expenses

4

(4,352)

(3,126)

Other operating income

5

3

5



 


Adjusted EBITDA


(1,664)

(2,448)

Depreciation and impairment (including loss on disposal of assets)


(433)

(345)

Amortisation of intangible assets


(22)

(24)

Share-based payment expense


(457)

(55)

 

Operating loss


(2,576)

(2,872)



 


Finance costs

9

(62)

(38)

Loss before taxation


(2,638)

(2,910)

 


 


Taxation

10

545

598

Loss and total comprehensive expense


(2,093)

(2,312)











 

 

Basic loss per share

30

3.24p

3.92p

Diluted loss per share

30

3.24p

3.92p



 

 

 

There were no items of other comprehensive income in the current or prior period. Accordingly, no statement of other comprehensive income has been prepared.

 

 

Consolidated statement of financial position

At as 30 June 2022

 

 

Notes

30 June

 2022

£'000

30 June

 2021

£'000

Assets




Non-current




Other intangible assets

11

341

222

Property, plant and equipment

12

483

284

Right-of-use assets

13

1,340

235

Other receivables

18

379

-



2,543

741

Current


 


Inventories 

17

420

90

Trade and other receivables

18

1,866

864

Cash and cash equivalents


6,691

369



8,977

1,323



 


Total assets


11,520

2,064

 


 


Current liabilities

19

(2,374)

(1,865)

 


 


Net current assets/(liabilities)


6,603

(542)

 


 


Non-current liabilities

20

(1,060)

(68)

Provisions for liabilities

23

(35)

(26)



 


Net assets


8,051

105

 


 


Equity


 


Issued share capital

29

69

30

Share premium

31

9,573

5,203

Group reorganisation reserve

31

185

185

Share-based payment reserve

31

538

83

Accumulated losses


(2,314)

(5,396)

Equity attributable to shareholders


8,051

105

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 30 June 2022


Notes

Issued share capital

£'000

Share premium

£'000

Group reorganisation reserve

£'000

Share-based payment reserve

£'000

 

Retained earnings

£'000

Total equity

£'000

 

 








 

Balance at 1 April 2020


28

3,088

185

28

(3,084)

245

 

 








 

Loss and total comprehensive expense for the period


-

-

-

-

 

(2,312)

(2,312)

 

Issue of share capital

29

2

2,115

-

-

-

2,117

 

Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments

32

-

-

-

55

-

55

 

 








 

Balance at 30 June 2021


30

5,203

185

83

(5,396)

105

 

 








 

Loss and total comprehensive expense for the year


-

-

-

-

(2,093)

(2,093)

 

Issue of share capital net of transaction costs

29

9

9,573

-

-

-

9,582

 

Share capital bonus issue

29

30

-

-

-

(30)

-

 

Capital reduction

29

-

(5,203)

-

-

5,203

-

 

Credit to equity for equity-settled share-based payments

32

-

-

-

455

2

457

 

 








 

Balance at 30 June 2022


69

9,573

185

538

(2,314)

8,051

 

 























 

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 30 June 2022

 


Notes

Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended 30 June 2021

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities




Cash used in operations

33

(2,973)

(1,641)

Income taxes received


598

267

Net cash used in operating activities


(2,375)

(1,374)



 


Investing activities 


 


Purchase of intangible assets


(141)

(227)

Purchase of tangible assets


(277)

(197)

Net cash used in investing activities


(418)

(424)

 


 


Financing activities


 


Issue of share capital, net of issue costs


9,582

2,116

Loans


(10)

49

Payment of lease liabilities


(395)

(252)

Interest paid


(62)

(39)

Net cash generated from financing activities


9,115

1,874



 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents


6,322

76

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year


369

293

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year


6,691

369

 

 

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 30 June 2022

 

  1   Accounting policies

 

Company information

Aptamer Group PLC ("the Company") is a company limited by shares, domiciled, and incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales. The registered office is Windmill House, Innovation Way, York, YO10 5BR.

 

The Group consists of Aptamer Group PLC and all of its subsidiaries. The Group is a leading provider of Optimer® reagents for use by customers in research, diagnostics and therapeutics. Aptamer Group has developed a platform technology which is utilised by its three trading subsidiary companies to solve problems for pharmaceutical and bio-technology customers in the bioprocessing, research reagents, diagnostic and therapeutic areas of the life sciences.

 

 

1.1   Basis of preparation

 

The financial information included in this annual results announcement for the year ended 30 June 2022 does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts.  Statutory accounts for the period ended 30 June 2021 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 were approved by the Board on 17 October 2022 and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course.  The Auditor's report on those accounts for the year ended 30 June 2022 was unqualified, made reference to material uncertainty with regard to the going concern basis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3).

 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and International Financial Reporting Committee ("IFRC") Interpretations that are applicable to the consolidated financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2022, and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

 

These accounting policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

These consolidated financial statements are the first published consolidated financial statements of Aptamer Group PLC prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The consolidated financial statements of Aptamer Group PLC were previously prepared under Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

 

Some of the IFRS recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements and accounting policy choices differ from UK GAAP. Consequently, the Directors have amended certain accounting policies to comply with IFRS. The Directors have also taken advantage of certain exemptions from the requirements of IFRS permitted by IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards". The exemptions taken are set out in note 38.

 

Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the adjustments made, except to the extent that the Directors have taken advantage of exemptions to retrospective application of IFRS permitted by IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards".

 

Reconciliations and descriptions of the effect of the transition to IFRS on the consolidated and Company equity and the consolidated and Company total comprehensive income previously reported under UK GAAP are given in note 38.

 

These financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Group and the Company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

 

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

 

1.2  Reporting period

  These financial statements were prepared for the year ended 30 June 2022. Prior year financial statements are for a period of 15 months from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2021, therefore the comparative figures are not comparable.

 

1.3   Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Aptamer Group PLC and all of its subsidiaries (i.e. entities that the Group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). The subsidiaries consolidated in these Group accounts were acquired via Group reorganisation and as such merger accounting principles have been applied.

 

Financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are made up to 30 June 2022. The subsidiaries' financial figures are included for their entire financial period rather than from the date the Company took control of them. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the Group.

 

The Company acquired its 100% interest in Aptamer Solutions Limited (2015) and Aptamer Diagnostics Limited (2018) by way of a share for share exchange. The Company also acquired 100% of the share capital of Aptamer Therapeutics Limited and Aptasort Limited from Dr Arron Tolley in 2015. This is a business combination involving entities under common control and the consolidated financial statements are issued in the name of the Group, but they are a continuance of those of Aptamer Solutions Limited and Aptamer Diagnostics Limited. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of Aptamer Solutions Limited and Aptamer Diagnostics Limited have been recognised and measured in these consolidated financial statements at their pre-combination carrying values. The retained earnings and other equity balances recognised in these consolidated financial statements are the retained earnings and other equity balances of the Company, Aptamer Solutions Limited and Aptamer Diagnostics Limited. The equity structure that appears in these consolidated financial statements (the number and the type of equity instruments issued) reflects the equity structure of the Company including equity instruments issued by the Company to affect the consolidation. The difference between consideration given and net assets of Aptamer Solutions Limited and Aptamer Diagnostics Limited at the date of acquisition is included in a Group reorganisation reserve.

 

All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

 

Equity method

Under the equity method of accounting, the investments are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group's share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the investee in profit or loss, and the Group's share of movements in other comprehensive income of the investee in other comprehensive income. Dividends received or receivable from associates and joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

 

Where the Group's share of losses in an equity-accounted investment equals or exceeds its interest in the entity, including any other unsecured long-term receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the other entity.

 

Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of equity-accounted investees have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

 

The carrying amount of equity-accounted investments are tested for impairment in accordance with the policy described in note 1.12

 

1.4   Going concern

These financial statements are prepared on the basis that the Group is a going concern. In forming its opinion as to going concern, the Board prepares forecasts based upon its assumptions with particular consideration to the Group's key risks and uncertainties. The going concern period assessed is until October 2023 which has been selected as it can be projected with a good degree of expected accuracy.

 

The forecasts prepared reflect a range of sensitivities including a severe but plausible scenario together with mitigating actions. The forecasts, using the downside assumptions, still ensure that the Group has sufficient cash to meet its operating requirements. However, the Group acknowledges that there is some uncertainty around the timing of receivables including the R&D tax credit. Based on these considerations, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to meet its liabilities as they arise for at least 12 months from the approval of these financial statements and, consequently, the Directors have adopted the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of these financial statements.

 

1.5  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published and are not mandatory for the 30 June 2022 reporting period and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods.  

 

1.6  Revenue

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

Research activities

The Group's main source of revenue is fees for research activities carried out under contracts with customers. These contracts can be in progress over accounting period ends and consist of separate phases with fixed attributable income attached to each phase. The contract contains performance obligations set out for each phase. In most cases that customer has a right to proceed or cease the research work at the end of each phase.

 

The Group recognises revenue when it satisfies the performance obligations in respect of each phase of work. The Group has made enhancements in internal systems during the last quarter of the current financial year which allow it to reliably allocate transaction prices to performance obligations within each phase of work. Accordingly, the Group recognises revenue over time as each performance obligation is satisfied

 

No revenue is recognised in relation to subsequent contract phases until the customer has elected to progress to that phase and the above criteria in relation to satisfaction of performance obligations has been met.

 

Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to receive. If the consideration is receivable more than 12 months after the transaction date and the effect of discounting is material, the revenue amount recognised is discounted to its present value at the transaction date, using a discount rate which reflects customer risk, and the unwinding of this discount is recognised as financial income over the period until the date the consideration is due. Typically, the Group does not enter into transactions whereby revenue is variable or contains non-cash consideration, or is subject to reversals of income.

 

Costs incurred in fulfilling a contract phase, which include internal labour costs and materials, are recognised in the balance sheet until the satisfaction of performance obligations where:

· the costs relate directly to a contract that the Group can specifically identify;

· the costs generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying (or in continuing to satisfy) performance obligations in the future; and

· the costs are expected to be recovered.

 

1.7   Research and development expenditure

An intangible asset arising from development (or from the development phase of an internal project) is recognised where the following criteria are met:

· it is technically feasible to complete the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;

· management intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;

· there is ability to use or sell the intangible asset;

· it can be demonstrated that the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;

· there is evidence of existence of a market for the output of the intangible asset or the intangible asset itself or, if it is to be used internally, the usefulness of the intangible asset;

· adequate technical, financial and other resources exist to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and

· the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be reliably measured.

 

Research expenditure and development expenditure that do not meet the criteria above are written off against profits in the year in which they are incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.

 

1.8   Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably.

 

The depreciable amount of an intangible asset with a finite life is allocated on a systematic basis over its useful life.  Amortisation begins when the asset is available for use.

 

The amortisation period and the amortisation method for intangible assets with a finite useful life is reviewed each financial year end.  If the expected useful life of the asset is different from previous estimates, the amortisation period is changed accordingly.

 

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

 

·     Product development and registrations                 typically 10-15 years on a straight-line basis

 

1.9   Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Cost may also include transfers from equity of any gains or losses on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment.

 

Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset is derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.

 

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost or revalued amounts of the assets, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives or, in the case of leasehold improvements and certain leased plant and equipment, the shorter lease term as follows:

 

· Other property, plant and equipment     6 years on a straight-line basis

· Fixtures, fittings and equipment     6 years on a straight-line basis 

 

The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

 

An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in profit or loss. When revalued assets are sold, it is Group policy to transfer any amounts included in other reserves in respect of those assets to retained earnings.

 

1.10  Right-of-use assets

A right-of-use asset is recognised at commencement of the lease and initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, plus any incremental costs of obtaining the lease and any lease payments made at or before the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

 

The right-of-use asset is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The depreciation methods applied are as follows:

 

·   Right-of use assets        Shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a  straight-line  basis

 

Payments associated with short-term leases of equipment and vehicles and all leases of low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss.

 

Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. Low-value assets comprise IT equipment and small items of office furniture.

 

The right-of-use asset is subject to impairment and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability and lease modifications.

 

1.11  Fixed asset investments

Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not  publicly  traded  and  whose  fair  value  cannot  otherwise  be  measured  reliably,  which  are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.

 

In the parent Company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

 

1.12 Impairment of non-current assets

At each reporting period end date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-current assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

 

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income statement, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

 

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the income statement, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

 

1.13  Inventories

Raw materials and stores, work in progress and finished goods are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead expenditure, the latter being allocated on the basis of normal operating capacity. Cost includes the reclassification from equity of any gains or losses on qualifying cash flow hedges relating to purchases of raw materials but excludes borrowing costs. Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory on the basis of weighted average costs. Costs of purchased inventory are determined after deducting rebates and discounts.

 

At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in the income statement. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in the income statement.

 

1.14  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions and other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

 

1.15  Financial instruments

Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's statement of financial position when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, and the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

Financial assets

Financial assets are recognised in the Group's statement of financial position when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are classified into specified categories, depending on the nature and purpose of the financial assets.

 

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

· those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through Other comprehensive income (OCI) or through profit or loss); and

· those to be measured at amortised cost.

 

The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

 

At initial recognition, financial assets classified as fair value through profit and loss are measured at fair value and any transaction costs are recognised in the income statement. Financial assets not classified as fair value through profit and loss are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs.

 

Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal or interest.

 

Debt instruments

Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the Group's business model for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics of the asset. There are three measurement categories into which the Group classifies its debt instruments:

· Amortised cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows, where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at amortised cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognised directly in profit or loss and presented in other gains/(losses) together with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented as a separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.

· Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI): Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where the assets' cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI. Movements in the carrying amount are taken through OCI, except for the recognition of impairment gains or losses, interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses, which are recognised in profit or loss. When the financial asset is derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in OCI is reclassified from equity to profit or loss and recognised in other gains/(losses). Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in other gains/(losses), and impairment expenses are presented as a separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.

· Fair value through profit or loss (FVPL): Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at FVPL is recognised in profit or loss and presented net within other gains/(losses) in the period in which it arises.

 

Impairment of financial assets

An impairment loss is recognised for the expected credit losses on financial assets where there is an increased probability that the counterparty will be unable to settle an instrument's contractual cashflows on contractual due dates, a reduction in the amounts expected to be recovered, or both.

 

The probability of default and expected amounts recoverable are assessed using reasonable, and supportable past and forward-looking information that is available without undue cost or effort. The expected credit loss on trade receivables is a probability weighted amount determined from grouping the receivables based on days overdue and making assumptions based on historic information to allocate an overall expected credit loss rate for each group.

 

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the Group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

 

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments.

 

Financial liabilities, including borrowings, trade payables and other payables, are initially measured at fair value net of transaction costs directly attributable to the issuance of the financial liability. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. For the purposes of each financial liability, interest expense includes initial transaction costs and any premium payable on redemption, as well as any interest or coupon payable while the liability is outstanding.

 

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled, or they expire.

 

Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the Group.

 

The Group subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value. Where the Group's management has elected to present fair value gains and losses on equity investments in OCI, there is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit or loss following the derecognition of the investment. Dividends from such investments continue to be recognised in profit or loss as other income when the Group's right to receive payments is established.

 

Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVPL are recognised in other gains/(losses) in the statement of profit or loss as applicable. Impairment losses (and reversal of impairment losses) on equity investments measured at FVOCI are not reported separately from other changes in fair value.

 

1.16 Taxation

The income tax expense or credit represents the sum of the tax currently payable or receivable on the current period's taxable income or loss, based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction, adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.

 

Current tax

The tax currently payable or receivable is based on taxable profit or loss for the period. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible.

 

The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions, where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

 

Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

Deferred tax

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.

 

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and where the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority.

 

1.17 Provisions

Provisions for legal claims, service warranties and make good obligations are recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

 

The amount recognised as a provision is the management's best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. The discount rate used to determine the present value is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as interest expense.

 

1.18  Employee benefits

Short-term obligations

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service are recognised in respect of employees' services up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liabilities are presented as current employee benefit obligations in the balance sheet.

 

T ermination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Group is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

 

Retirement benefits

The Group operates a defined contribution pension plan. Payments to the defined contribution pension plan are charged as an expense as they fall due.

 

Share-based payments

Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees via the Aptamer Group EMI Share Option Scheme and unapproved share options. Information relating to these schemes is set out in note 32.

 

Employee options

The fair value of options granted under the Aptamer Group EMI Share Option Scheme and unapproved share options is recognised as an employee benefits expense, with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted:

· including any market performance conditions (e.g., the entity's share price);

· excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (e.g., profitability, sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period); and

· including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (e.g., the requirement for employees to save or hold shares for a specific period of time).

The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting and service conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

 

1.19  Leases

On commencement of a contract which gives the Group the right to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability unless the lease qualifies as a 'short-term' lease (term is 12 months or less with no option to purchase the lease asset) or a 'low-value' lease (where the underlying asset is £4,000 or less when new).

 

Initial measurement of the lease liability

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments during the lease term, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, or the incremental borrowing rate if the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined.

 

To determine the incremental borrowing rate, the Group:

 

· where possible, uses recent third-party financing received by the individual lessee as a starting point, adjusted to reflect changes in financing conditions since third-party financing was received;

· uses a build-up approach that starts with a risk-free interest rate adjusted for credit risk for leases held by the Group, which does not have recent third-party financing; and

· makes adjustments specific to the lease, e.g. term, country, currency and security.

 

The lease is the non-cancellable period of the lease plus extension periods that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise and termination periods that the Group is reasonably certain not to exercise.

 

Lease payments include fixed payments, less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments dependent on an index or a rate (such as those linked to LIBOR), amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees and payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option. Variable lease payments are initially measured using the index or rate when the leased asset is available for use.

 

Subsequent measurement of the lease liability

The lease liability is subsequently increased for a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability and reduced for lease payments.

 

Interest on the lease liability is recognised in the income statement. Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the lease liability as they are not dependent on an index or rate are recognised in the income statement in the period in which the event or condition that triggers those payments occurs.

 

When the lease liability is remeasured due to changes arising from the original terms and conditions of the lease, the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or income statement if the right-of-use asset is already reduced to nil.

 

A lease modification that was not part of the original terms and conditions of the lease is accounted for as a separate lease or an adjustment to the lease liability depending on the nature of the change.

 

1.20  Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met, and the grants will be received.

 

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria is satisfied is recognised as a liability.

 

1.21  Foreign exchange

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Great British Pounds sterling, which is functional and presentation currency of each of the Group's entities.

 

Transactions and balances

T ransactions in currencies other than functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are recognised in the income statement. They are deferred in equity if they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges or are attributable to part of the net investment in a foreign operation.

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings are presented in the statement of profit or loss, within finance costs. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the statement of profit or loss on a net basis within other gains/(losses).

 

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. For example, translation differences on non-monetary assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss are recognised in profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss, and translation differences on non-monetary assets such as equities classified as at fair value through other comprehensive income are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

1.22  Finance costs

Finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Interest paid is included under financing activities in the statement of cash flows.

 

 

2   Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Group's accounting policies, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates, judgements, and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

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

 

The estimates and judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

 

(i) Revenue recognition

 

The Group assesses the point at which performance obligations under contracts with customers are satisfied and accordingly when revenue is recognised in the financial statements. It also capitalises only directly attributable costs associated with the fulfilment of contracts as an asset in the statement of financial position, and only when the costs and their future benefit can be assessed with reasonable certainty.

 

(ii) Impairment of trade and other receivables

 

The Group makes an estimate of the recoverable value of trade and other receivables. When assessing impairment of trade and other receivables, management considers factors including the credit rating of the receivable, the ageing profile of receivables and historical experience. As at 30 June 2022, the provision for trade receivables impairment amounted to £nil (2021: £nil).

 

(iii) Impairment of investments

 

Interests in subsidiary undertakings are reviewed annually to assess whether there is objective evidence to indicate that either the carrying value of interests are impaired or impairments recognised in prior periods require to be reversed. Recoverable value of the subsidiary undertaking is estimated as the higher of value-in-use or fair value less cost of disposal. Fair value is based on net assets and incorporates adjustments to reflect the fair market value. See note 14 for the carrying amount of the investments.

 

(iv) Impairment of intangible assets

 

Product development and registration costs are recognised at historical cost and are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful life, which is typically 10-15 years.  In the case of registration costs where the asset is not in use, amortisation commences from the date of grant.  The Group assesses these assets for impairment on an annual basis by comparing their carrying value with the recoverable amount, the recoverable amount being based on an assessment of the asset's value-in-use.  The Group considers the cash-generating unit to which these assets belong and uses discounted cashflows from these cash-generating units to determine the value-in-use.  The Group sensitises these results and determines if there is an impairment of intangible assets.

 

(v) R&D tax credits

 

The current tax receivable represents an R&D tax credit based on an advance claim with HMRC.  The final receivable is subject to HMRC approval.

 

 

3   Revenue

 

Group revenue analysed by class of business

 

The Company and Group comprise a single operating segment being research and experimental development of biotechnology.

 

Group revenue analysed by geographical market

 

Revenue recognised in the income statement is analysed by geographical market as follows:

 

 


Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month

period ended

30 June 2021

£'000

United Kingdom

597

363

Europe

325

182

Rest of the World

3,114

1,055


4,036

1,600

 

  All assets are located in, and services delivered from, the United Kingdom.

 

An analysis of revenue by customer is set out in the table below:

 

 


Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month

period ended

30 June 2021

£'000

Customer A

814

-

Customer B

765

72

Customer C

67

183

Customer D

-

170

All other customers

2,390

1,175


4,036

1,600

 

During the year the Group recognised revenue from performance obligations satisfied during the year. All of the Group's contracts are for the delivery of service within the next 12 months for which the practical expedient in paragraph 121(a) of IFRS 15 applies. The entire revenue of the Group relates to its contracts with customers.

 

 

4   Analysis of expenses by nature

 

 

Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month

period ended

30 June 2021

£'000

Auditors' remuneration (note 6)

52

-

Employee remuneration (note 7)

2,943

1,872

Amortisation of intangible assets (note 11)

22

24

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 12)

97

75

Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 13)

276

226

Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets

1

44

Research and development expenses

848

614

Share-based payment expenses

457

55

Raw materials and consumables used

490

483

 

 

5   Other operating income

 

 

Year ended

 30 June 2022

£'000

15-month

period ended

30 June 2021

£'000

Government grants

3

5

 

  The Group received funding from a government grant scheme and has complied with the conditions of the funding throughout the year/period.

 

Auditors'   remuneration

 

  Fees payable to the Group's auditors and associates:


Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended

30 June 2021

£'000

For audit services



Audit of the financial statements of the Group and Company

52

-


 


For non-audit services

 


Review of interim financial statements

4

-

Reporting Accountant in relation to AIM admission document

129

-


185

-

 

 

7   Employees

 

The average monthly number of persons (including Directors) employed by the Group during the year was:

 


Year ended

30 June 2022

Number

15-month

period ended

30 June 2021

Number

Administration and support

9

7

Production

22

15

Research and development

5

4

Sales

8

5


44

31

 

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

 


Year ended 30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended

 30 June 2021

£'000

Wages and salaries

2,651

1,674

Social security costs

264

170

Other pension costs

28

28

Staff costs charged to income statement

2,943

1,872

 

 

8   Directors' remuneration

 

Information about emoluments paid to Directors, including the highest paid Director, have been included in the Remuneration Committee report shown in the Annual Report.

 

 

9  Finance costs

 

 


Year ended 30 June 2022

£'000

 

15-month period ended 30 June 2021

£'000

Interest on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost




Bank charges

2


-

Other interest on financial liabilities

23


31


25


31

Other finance costs

 



Interest payable on lease liabilities

23


5

Foreign exchange loss

14


2

Total finance costs

62

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest on financial liabilities relates to assets held under leases. Refer to note 21 for more details on the Group's outstanding loans and borrowings.

 

 

10   Taxation

 


Year ended

 30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended 30 June 2021

£'000

Current tax



UK corporation credit on loss for the current year/period

(546)

(598)

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

1

-

Deferred tax

 


Origination and reversal of timing differences 

-

  -

Total tax credit

(545)

(598)

 



 

The actual credit for the year/period can be reconciled to the expected credit for the year/period based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

 

 


Year ended

 30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended 30 June 2021

£'000

Loss before taxation

(2,638)

(2,910)


 


Expected tax credit based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2021: 19%)

(501)

(553)

Expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

42

-

Research and development tax relief

(239)

(459)

Surrender of tax losses for R&D tax credit refund

-

186

Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes in tax rates

-

(148)

Deferred tax asset not recognised

152

376

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

1

-

Taxation credit in the financial statements

(545)

(598)




 

As at 30 June 2022 the Group had unrelieved tax losses of approximately £3,805,000 (2021: £2,680,000). A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of these losses. Please see note 24 for further details.

 

 

11   Intangible assets 

 

 

 

Product development & registrations

 



 

 


£'000

Cost


At 1 April 2020

-

Transition adjustment under IFRS 1.C4

22

At 1 April 2020

22

Additions - internally generated

108

Additions - externally acquired

119

At 30 June 2021

249

Additions - internally generated

141

 

At 30 June 2022

390



 

Accumulated amortisation


At 1 April 2020

-

Transition adjustment under IFRS 1.C4

3

At 1 April 2020

3

Charge for the period

24

At 30 June 2021

27

Charge for the year

22

 

At 30 June 2022

49



 

Carrying amount


At 30 June 2022

341

At 30 June 2021

222

At 1 April 2020

19







 


An amortisation charge of £22,000 (2021: £24,000) has been disclosed separately on the Group Income Statement.

 

 

12   Property, plant and equipment


Other property, plant and equipment

 

Fixtures,

 fittings and equipment

Total 


£'000

£'000

£'000

Cost




At 1 April 2020

533

20

553

Transition adjustments 

-

-

-

At 1 April 2020

533

20

553





Additions

65

10

75

Disposals

(26)

-

(26)

At 30 June 2021

572

30

602





Additions

346

10

356

Disposals

(10)

-

(10)

Transfers

-

-

-

At 30 June 2022

908

40

948





 

Accumulated depreciation




At 1 April 2020

252

13

265

Transition adjustments

-

-

-

At 1 April 2020

252

13

265

 

 

 

 

Charge for the period

71

4

75

Disposals

(22)

-

(22)

At 30 June 2021

301

17

318





Charge for the year

93

4

97

Disposals

(9)

-

(9)

Impairment

59

-

59

At 30 June 2022

444

21

465






 

 

Carrying amount





 

At 30 June 2022

464

19

483

At 30 June 2021

271

13

284

At 1 April 2020

281

7

288






 














 

 

13  Right-of-use assets


Buildings

 

Plant

and

 machinery

 

Total 

 

 

 

 


£'000

£'000

£'000

Cost




At 1 April 2020

-

-

-

Transition adjustments 

169

12

181

At 1 April 2020

169

12

181





Additions

201

217

418

Disposals

(201)

(6)

(207)

At 30 June 2021

169

223

392





Additions

1,225

204

1,429

Disposals

(169)

-

(169)

At 30 June 2022

1,225

427

1,652





 

Accumulated depreciation




At 1 April 2020

-

-

-

Transition adjustments

92

6

98

At 1 April 2020

92

6

 98

 

 

 

 

Charge for the period

191

35

226

Disposals

(161)

(6)

(167)

At 30 June 2021

122

35

157





Charge for the year

230

46

276

Disposals

(168)

-

(168)

Lease modification

47

-

47

At 30 June 2022

231

81

312






 

 

Carrying amount



 

At 30 June 2022

994

346

1,340

At 30 June 2021

47

188

235

At 1 April 2020

77

6

83












 

 

14  Investments

 


Group

Company


2022

£'000

2021

£'000

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Investment in subsidiaries

-

-

418

418

 

Movements in investments

Parent Company

 

 

Investments other than loans

£'000


At 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022

418





Carrying amount



At 30 June 2022

418


At 30 June 2021

418


 

Details of the subsidiaries can be found in note 15. The Directors believe that the carrying value of investments is supported by their underlying assets.

 

 

15   Subsidiaries

 

Details of the Company's subsidiaries at 30 June 2022 are as follows:

 

Name of undertaking

Registered office

Nature of business

  Class of

  shares held

% Held






Direct

Aptamer Solutions Limited

Windmill House, Innovation Way, York, YO10 5BR

Research and development

Ordinary


100

Aptamer Therapeutics Limited

Windmill House, Innovation Way, York, YO10 5BR

Research and development

Ordinary


100

Aptamer Diagnostics Limited

Windmill House, Innovation Way, York, YO10 5BR

Research and development

Ordinary


100

Aptasort Limited (dormant)

Windmill House, Innovation Way, York, YO10 5BR

Research and development 

Ordinary


100

 

Each trading entity is a trading division of the Group and offers commercial services to customers. 

 

 

16   Financial instruments

 


2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Financial assets measured at amortised cost 



Inventories

420

90

Trade and other receivables

1,866

864

Cash and cash equivalents

6,691

369


8,977

1,323

 

 

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

 


Trade and other payables

2,126

1,679

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

1,308

254


3,434

1,933

 

All financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost.

 

 

17   Inventories

 


2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Raw materials and consumables

420

81

Work in progress

-


420

90

 

Inventories are stated after provision for impairment of £nil (2021: £nil).

 

Inventory losses charged to the income statement amounted to £nil (2021: £nil).

 

The cost of inventory recognised as an expense in the current year was £490,000 (2021: £483,000). These costs were included in cost of sales. Inventories are charged to cost of sales when materials are consumed or contractual commitments are complete.

 

 

18  Trade and other receivables


 

 

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Amounts falling due within one year:




Trade receivables


629

190

Allowance for expected credit losses


-

-

Trade receivables - net


629

190

Corporation tax recoverable


545

598

Other receivables


525

67

Prepayments


167

9



1,866

864

 

 

 

 

Amounts falling due after more than one year :


 


Other receivables 


379

-



379

-





An impairment review has been undertaken at the statement of financial position date to assess whether the carrying amount of financial assets is deemed recoverable. A provision for impairment is made when there is objective evidence of impairment which is usually indicated by a delay in the expected cash flows or non-payment from customers. All trade receivable balances originate from contractual agreements with customers which were outstanding at the reporting date. Trade receivables are stated after an expected credit loss allowance of £nil (2021: £nil). There are no trade receivables that fall due after more than one year.

 

 

19   Current liabilities

 


 

Notes

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

21

248

186

Trade payables 


514

538

Other taxation and social security


105

80

Other payables


234

22

Accruals


959

543

Deferred income


314

496



2,374

1,865

 

 

The carrying amount of these liabilities equals their fair value. Deferred income relates to amounts outstanding under existing customer contracts where the delivery of service has not been completed at the reporting date.

 

 

20  Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

Notes

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

21

1,060

68



1,060

68

 

 

 

21  Interest-bearing borrowings

 

The contractual terms of the Group's interest-bearing loans and borrowings are as follows:

 

 

 

 

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Current


 


Obligations under leases


209

176

Other loans 


39

10



248

186

Non-current


 


Obligations under leases


1,060

29

Other loans


-

39



1,060

68

 


 

 

 

 

Security of borrowings

Lease liabilities are secured against the assets to which they relate .

 

 

22  Lease liabilities


2022

 '000

2021

 '000

Maturity analysis - contractual undiscounted cash flows

 


Within one year

303

190

Years two to five inclusive

1,208

29

After five years

-

-

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

1,511

219

Future finance charges

(242)

(14)

Discounted lease liabilities

1,269

205

Consisting of:

 


Non-current

1,060

29

Current

209

176

Total discounted lease liabilities

1,269

205

 

Amounts of right-of-use assets recognised and the movements during the year/period are disclosed in note 13.

 

The total cash outflow for leases during the year was £395,000 (2021: £252,000).

 

 

23   Provisions for liabilities


2022

 '000

2021

 '000

Dilapidations

35

26


35

26


 

 

Movements on provisions:


2021

 '000

2020

 '000

Dilapidations



At 1 July

26

20

Additional provisions

9

6

At 30 June

35

26


 

 

A provision was made in a prior period by the Directors to cover the expected contractual commitments on termination of the licence agreement to occupy the premises where the Group is based.

 

 

24   Deferred tax liabilities

 

As at 30 June 2022, the Group had unrelieved tax losses of approximately £3,805,000 (2021: £2,680,000). A deferred tax asset of £723,000 (2021: £509,000) at 19% has not been recognised in respect of these losses due to uncertainty of timing of taxable profits.

 

 

25  Cash and cash equivalents


2022

£'000

2021

£'000

 Cash and cash equivalents

6,691

369


 

 

 

 

26  Financial risk management

 

The Group's financial instruments comprise cash and receivables and payables held at amortised cost that arise from its operations.

 

The main financial risks arising from the Group's financial instruments are liquidity risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and credit risk. The Directors review and agree policies for managing each of these risks.

 

Liquidity risk

Management control and monitor the Group's cash flow on a regular basis, including forecasting future cash flows, available bank and other credit facilities in comparison to the Group's outstanding commitments on a regular basis to ensure that the Group has sufficient funds to meet the obligations of the Group as they fall due.

 

Interest rate risk

The Group adopts a policy of ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of fixed and floating rates in managing its exposure to changes in interest rates on borrowings. There is no material exposure to changes in interest rates at the reporting date.

 

Management regularly reviews the Group's interest rate risk position and considers the requirement for any hedging instruments to mitigate risk as part of this regular monitoring. There were no such hedging instruments in place at the year-end (2021: none).

 

Foreign currency risk

The main currencies in which the Group trades are the Pound Sterling and the US Dollar.

 

The Group is exposed in its trading operations to the risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and during the period the fluctuation in exchange rates has had an impact on reported results. The risk associated with foreign currency fluctuations is mitigated by holding foreign currency bank accounts. There was no significant exposure to foreign currency fluctuations at the reporting date.

 

Credit risk

Credit risk predominantly arises from trade receivables and cash and cash equivalents. Credit risk attributable to trade receivables is managed by monitoring the aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one customer depending upon their credit rating. The amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are net of allowances for doubtful debts, estimated by the Group's management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment. The Group has no issues with the impairment of debts at the reporting date. The historic trading activity and the collection of balances due from customers does not indicate that impairment risk will be significant in the future.

 

 

27  Capital risk management

 

The Group's objectives when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. The Group can implement a range of measures to alter the capital structure including altering the dividends paid to shareholders and arranging appropriate banking facilities.

 

The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt (borrowing offset by cash and bank balances, see note 34) and equity (comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings).

 

The Directors of the Group review the capital structure on an ongoing basis. As part of this review the Directors consider the cost of capital and risks associated with each class of capital.

 

Effective interest rates and maturity analysis



 

 



1 April 2020

Effective interest rate

 %

Total

 '000

One year or less

 '000

1-2 years

 '000

2-5 years

£'000

More than 5 years

£'000

Cash and cash equivalents

0.0

293

-

-

-

-








Right-of-use lease liabilities

8.0

161

130

27

4

-


 

132

130

27

4

-

 

 

 

30 June 2021

Effective interest rate

 %

Total

 '000

One year or less

 '000

1-2 years

 '000

2-5 years

£'000

More than 5 years

£'000

Cash and cash equivalents

0.0

369

-

-

-

-








Right-of-use lease liabilities

8.0

204

176

28

-

-

Other loans

2.5

49

10

39

-

-


 

116

186

67

-

-

 

 

 

30 June 2022

Effective interest rate

 %

Total

 '000

One year or less

 '000

1-2 years

 '000

2-5 years

£'000

More than 5 years

£'000

Cash and cash equivalents

0.0

6,691

-

-

-

-



 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use lease liabilities

8.0

1,269

209

335

725

-

Other loans

2.5

39

39

-

-

-


 

5,383

248

335

725

-

 

 

28  Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

 



Charge to income statement in respect of defined contribution schemes

28

28

 

A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. Contributions totalling £7,043 (2021: £11,833) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.

 

 

29  Issued share capital


2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Ordinary share capital

 


Issued and fully paid

 


69,022,594 (2021: 298,540,000) Ordinary shares of £0.001 each (2021: £0.0001 each)

69

30


69

30

 



On 11 October 2021 the Company allotted 158,000 Ordinary shares of £0.0001 each for a consideration of £0.03 per share.

 

On 29 November 2021 a total of 298,698,000 Ordinary shares of £0.0001 each were consolidated into 29,869,800 Ordinary shares of £0.001 each. An additional 29,869,800 Ordinary shares of £0.001 each were also allotted on that day.

 

On 22 December 2021 the Company issued 9,202,094 Ordinary shares of £0.001 each for a consideration of £1.17 per share.

 

On 28 February 2022 the Company issued 70,900 Ordinary shares of £0.001 each for a consideration of £0.16 per share.

 

On 14 April 2022 the Company issued 10,000 Ordinary shares of £0.001 each for a consideration of £0.08 per share.

 

During the year the Company incurred £1,201,100 of transaction costs which have been offset against share premium.

 

On 22 September 2021 the Company passed a special resolution to cancel the total amount of the share premium account of the Company from £5,203,442 to £0, with the amount reduced credited to a reserve.

 

 

30  Loss per share

 


 

Year ended

30 June 2022

 

15-month period ended 30 June

2021

 

Basic loss per share

3.24p

3.92p

Diluted loss per share 

3.24p

3.92p

Loss for the year/period

£2,093,000

£2,312,000

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating the basic/diluted loss per share

64,546,622

58,970,318


 

 

The loss attributable to equity holders (holders of ordinary shares) of the Company for the purpose of calculating the fully diluted loss per share is identical to that used for calculating the loss per share. The exercise of share options would have the effect of reducing the loss per share and is therefore anti-dilutive under the terms of IAS 33 "Earnings per Share".

 

 

31  Reserves

 

  Retained earnings

  Cumulative profit and loss net of distribution to owners.

 

  Share premium

Cumulative excess over nominal value of consideration received, net of directly attributable issue costs, for shares issued.

 

Share-based payments reserve

Used to recognise the grant date fair value of options issued to employees but not exercised.

 

Group reorganisation reserve

Difference between the consideration given and the net assets of acquired entities at the date of acquisition.

 

 

32  Share-based payments

 

The Group operates an executive unapproved share option scheme and an EMI employee share option scheme. The movement on share options issued was as follows:

 


Exercise price

£

Options

At 1 April 2020


6,065

Issued in the period (unapproved share scheme) 

0.3108

1,134

Issued in the period (EMI share option scheme)

0.3108

9,404

Lapsed in the period 

0.3108

(649)

At 29 June 2021


15,954

Subdivision of shares of £0.1 to £0.0001


15,938,046

At 30 June 2021


15,954,000

Consolidation of shares of £0.0001 to £0.001


(14,358,600)

Bonus issue of shares at 1 for 2


1,595,400

At 29 November 2021


3,190,800

Issued in the period (unapproved share scheme)

1.1700

256,410

Issued in the period (EMI share option scheme)

0.6350

284,200

Lapsed in the period (EMI share option scheme)

0.6350

(1,000)

Exercised in the period (EMI share option scheme)

0.3108

(112,200)

Lapsed in the period (EMI share option scheme)

0.3108

(659,800)

At 30 June 2022


2,958,410

 

Share options outstanding at 30 June 2022 were:

 

Effective datEffective date of grant

Expiry date

 

Exercise price

£

Options

Granted on 1 April 2015 (executive share option scheme)

21 November 2030

0.0768

118,600

Granted on 1 April 2016 (executive share option scheme) 

21 November 2030

0.0768

118,200

Granted on 1 April 2017 (executive share option scheme) 

21 November 2030

0.0768

236,800

Granted on 1 April 2018 (executive share option scheme) 

21 November 2030

0.1554

138,000

Granted on 1 April 2019 (executive share option scheme) 

21 November 2030

0.1554

96,200

Granted on 1 April 2020 (executive share option scheme) 

29 June 2031

0.1554

44,000

Granted on 1 February 2021 (executive share option scheme) 

29 June 2031

0.1554

182,600

Granted on 30 June 2021 (EMI share option scheme)

29 June 2031

0.1554

1,288,000

Granted on 31 July 2019 (EMI share option scheme)

31 July 2029

0.1554

196,400

Granted on 15 December 2021 (executive share option scheme)

14 December 2021

1.1700

256,410

Granted on 16 December 2021 (EMI share option scheme)

15 December 2031

0.6350

283,200




2,958,410





On 15 December 2021, the Company granted to SPARK a warrant to subscribe for up to 689,417 Ordinary Shares (representing 1% of the Enlarged Share Capital) at the Placing Price. The exercise period commences on Admission and ends on the third anniversary of Admission.

 

The fair value at grant date is determined using the Black-Scholes model and considers the exercise price, the term of the option, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the option.

Key assumptions used in respect of share-based payment charges for those options issued during the period are as follows:

Effective

30 June 2022

SPARK

warrant

 

30 June 2022 Executive share option scheme 

 

30 June 2022 EMI share option scheme

Number of options

689,417

256,410

284,200

Exercise price

£1.17

£1.17

£0.635

Share price at grant date

£1.17

£1.17

£1.17

Expected volatility

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

Time to exercise

3.00 years

2.50 years

2.34 years

Risk-free interest rate

0.47%

0.43%

0.47%

Option fair value

£0.40

£0.36

£0.62





The total expense recognised in the income statement from equity-settled share-based payments is disclosed in note 4.

 

 

33  Cash used in operations


 

2022

£'000

2021

£'000

Loss for the year/period after tax 

(2,093)

(2,312)


 


Adjustments for:

 


Taxation credit

(545)

(598)

Finance costs

62

38

Amortisation of intangible assets

22

24

Depreciation and impairment of tangible assets

432

301

Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets

1

44

Equity-settled share-based payment expense

457

55

Increase in provisions

9

6


(1,655)

(2,442)

Movements in working capital:

 


Increase in inventory

(330)

(20)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors

(1,433)

104

Increase in creditors

445

717


 


Cash used in operations

(2,973)

(1,641)

 

 

34   Analysis of changes in net debt

 


1 July 2021

£'000

Cash flows

£'000

New leases

£'000

Other non-cash changes

 '000

30 June 2022

 '000

Cash and cash equivalents

369

6,322

-

-

6,691

Loans

(49)

10

-

-

(39)

Lease liabilities

(205)

395

(1,506)

47

(1,269)


115

6,727

(1,506)

47

5,383

 


1 April 2020

£'000

Cash flows

£'000

New leases 

£'000

Other non-cash changes

 '000

30 June 2021

 '000

Cash and cash equivalents

293

76

-

-

369

Loans

-

(49)

-

-

(49)

Lease liabilities

(161)

252

-

(296)

(205)


132

279

-

(296)

115







 

 

35   Controlling party

 

The Directors consider that there is no ultimate controlling party.

 

 

36   Related party transactions

  Transactions with related parties

 

Key management personnel

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, including the Directors of the Company.

 

The remuneration of key management personnel of the Group was:


Year ended

30 June 2022

£'000

15-month period ended 30 June 2021

£'000

Aggregate emoluments

1,397

442

Share-based payments

101

12

Value of Company contribution to defined contribution pension schemes

5

4


1,503

458

 

 

37   Capital commitment

 

The Group has entered into a contract at the year end to fit out leasehold premises amounting to £1.6 million.

 

 

38  Explanation of transition to IFRS

 

This is the first year that the Group and Company have presented its results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The last financial statements under UK GAAP were for the year ended 30 June 2021 and for the Company only. The date of transition to IFRS was 1 April 2020. Set out below are the changes in accounting policies which reconcile the loss for the year ended 30 June 2022 and the total equity at 1 April 2020 between UK GAAP as previously reported and IFRS.

 

(a)  IFRS 1: First-time Application of International Financial Reporting Standards

 

In accordance with IFRS 1, the Group is entitled to a number of voluntary and mandatory exemptions from full restatements which have been adopted as follows:

 

Property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets

The Group has elected to retain the carrying values under UK GAAP as the deemed cost at transition. The Directors considered that the value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in the Group was a good approximation to the fair value as at the date of transition.

 

Investments in subsidiaries

The carrying value of investments in subsidiaries under FRS 102 has been taken as the deemed cost at the date of transition to IFRS, which is permitted under IFRS 1.

 

Business combinations

The Directors have elected not to apply IFRS 3: Business Combinations to business combinations that took place before the transition to IFRS but instead have applied it prospectively from the transition date. This means that no retrospective reversal of accumulated goodwill can take place in accordance with IFRS 1. The carrying amount of goodwill at the transition date is the carrying amount under UK GAAP.

 

Share-based payment expense

IFRS 2: Share-based Payment has not been applied to equity-settled share-based payments granted on or before 7 November 2002, nor has it been applied to share-based payments granted after 7 November 2002 that vested before the date of transition to IFRS standards.

 

Leases

IFRS 16: Leases has optional transitional reliefs and practical expedients permitted for first-time adopters of IFRS, which have been applied as follows:

· Determination of whether contracts existing at the date of transition contain leases based on an assessment of the facts and circumstances existing at that date, instead of determining retrospectively whether a contract contained a lease at the inception date of the contract;

· Recognition and measurement of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets at the date of transition to IFRS. The lease liability is discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at the date of transition to IFRS, and the right-of-use asset is measured at an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to that lease recognised in the statement of financial position immediately before the date of transition to IFRS; and

· The use of a single discount rate has been applied to each portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics.

 

(b) Explanation of reconciling items between FRS 102 and IFRS

 

Leases

Under FRS 102 leases, where the Group is lessee, are treated as operating leases where appropriate and rentals charged on a straight-line basis. On adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognised lease liabilities in relation to leases which were previously classified as operating leases under FRS 102, using the cumulative catch-up approach. These liabilities are measured at the present value of remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee's incremental borrowing rate at the date of transition. 8% was deemed to be a reasonable approximation of the incremental borrowing rate for all leases at the date of transition by the Directors.

 

The associated right-of-use assets for leases were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to that lease recognised in the statement of financial position as at the transition date.

 

IFRS 16 does not distinguish between operating leases and finance leases, unlike UK GAAP. As such, the liabilities, and assets in relation to finance leases which existed on the statement of financial position as at the transition date, have been transferred into the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognised at that date under IFRS.

 

Business combinations

IFRS 3 allows the use of the carrying amount of goodwill at the transition date to be the carrying amount under UK GAAP. Since at the transition date the goodwill amount was £nil, no goodwill amount was recognised under IFRS.

 

Financial instruments

Under UK GAAP, bad debt provision is calculated on a specific basis per customer. Under IFRS, an "expected loss" impairment model applies, which requires a low allowance to be recognised based on expected credit losses. The Directors reviewed the existing bad debt provision in place and compared it with the values calculated under an "expected loss" impairment model. The conclusion was that there are no material adjustments which would be required as a result of the transition in this area.

 

Revenue recognition

IFRS 15 introduced a five-step recognition model for revenue which applies to all contracts with customers, regardless of whether it is a supply of goods or services. UK GAAP has separate recognition criteria for the sale of goods and services. The Directors reviewed the applicable revenue streams comparing the accounting under UK GAAP, to the expected accounting under the five-step recognition model. The conclusion was that there are no material adjustments which would be required as a result of the transition in this area.

 

 

 Reconciliation of equity under IFRS at transition date


 

 

 

 

At 1 April 2020


 

 

 

 

Company

UK GAAP

£'000

 

 

 

Consolidation

and Group adjustments

£'000

 

 

 

Share-based payments

£'000

 

 

 

 

 

Patents

£'000

Leases

 '000

Group

IFRS

£'000

 

Assets








 

Non-current








 

Investments

418

(418)

-

-

-

-

-

 

Other intangible assets

-

-

-

-

19

-

19

 

Property, plant, and equipment

37

251

288

-

-

-

288

 

Right-of-use assets

-

-

-

-

-

83

83

 


455

(167)

288

-

19

83

390

 

Current assets








 

Inventories 

-

71

71

-

-

-

71

 

Trade and other receivables

1,784

(1,148)

636

-

-

-

636

 

Cash and cash equivalents

64

229

293

-

-

-

293

 


1,848

(848)

1,000

-

-

-

1,000

 

 








 

Total assets

2,303

(1,015)

1,288

-

19

83

1,390

 

 








 

Current liabilities

(223)

(783)

(1,006)

-

-

(88)

(1,094)

 

 








 

Net current assets/(liabilities)

1,625

(1,631)

(6)

-

-

(88)

(94)

 

 








 

 








 

Non-current liabilities

(1)

(26)

(27)

-

-

(4)

(31)

 

Provisions for liabilities

-

(20)

(20)

-

-

-

(20)

 

 








 

Net assets/(liabilities)

2,079

(1,844)

235

-

19

(9)

245

 

 








 

Equity








 

Issued share capital

28

-

28

-

-

-

28

 

Share premium

3,088

-

3,088

-

-

-

3,088

 

Group reorganisation reserve

-

185

185

-

-

-

185

 

Share-based payment reserve

44

-

44

(16)

-

-

28

 

(Accumulated losses)/Retained earnings

(1,081)

(2,029)

(3,110)

16

19

(9)

(3,084)

 

Equity attributable to shareholders

2,079

(1,844)

235

-

19

(9)

245

 











 

 

 

Reconciliation of equity under IFRS at 30 June 2021

 


Company

UK GAAP

£'000

Consolidation and Group adjustments

£'000

Patents

£'000

 

 

 

Leases

£'000

Group IFRS

£'000

Assets








Non-current








Investments

418

(418)

-

-

-

-

-

Intangible assets

106

-

106

-

116

-

222

Property, plant and equipment

89

379

468

-

-

(184)

284

Right-of-use assets

-

-

-

-

-

235

235


613

(39)

574

-

116

51

741

Current assets








Inventories

-

90

90

-

-

-

90

Trade and other receivables

3,142

(2,278)

864

-

-

-

864

Cash and cash equivalents

142

227

369

-

-

-

369


3,284

(1,961)

1,323

-

-

-

1,323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

3,897

(2,000)

1,897

-

116

51

2,064

 








Current liabilities

(924)

(884)

(1,808)

-

-

(57)

(1,865)

 








Net current assets/(liabilities)

2,360

(2,845)

(485)

-

-

(57)

(542)

 








Non-current liabilities

(39)

(29)

(68)

-

-

-

(68)

Provisions for liabilities

-

(26)

(26)

-

-

-

(26)

 








Net assets

2,934

(2,939)

(5)

-

116

(6)

105

 








Equity








Issued share capital

30

-

30

-

-

-

30

Share premium

5,203

-

5,203

-

-

-

5,203

Group reorganisation reserve

-

185

185

-

-

-

185

Share-based payment reserve

83

-

83

-

-

-

83

(Accumulated losses)/Retained earnings

(2,382)

(3,124)

 

(5,506)

-

116

(6)

(5,396)

Total equity

2,934

(2,939)

(5)

-

116

(6)

105

 

 

 Reconciliation of income statement under IFRS for the year ended 30 June 2021

 




15-month period ended 30 June 2021

Company

UK GAAP

£'000

 

 

Consolidation and Group adjustments

£'000

 

 

 

Group

UK GAAP

£'000

Share-based payments

£'000

 

 

 

 

Patents

£'000

Leases

£'000

Group IFRS

£'000

Revenue

185

1,415

1,600

-

-

-

1,600

Cost of sales

(393)

(534)

(927)

-

-

-

(927)

Gross profit/(loss)

(208)

881

673

-

-

-

673









Administrative expenses

(2,707)

(712)

(3,419)

(16)

107

202

(3,126)

Other operating income

1,607

(1,602)

5

-

-

-

5

 

Operating loss before depreciation and amortisation

(1,308)

(1,433)

(2,741)

(16)

107

202

(2,448)









Depreciation (including loss on disposal of assets)

(23)

(129)

(152)

-

-

(193)

(345)

Amortisation of intangible assets

(13)

-

(13)

-

(11)

-

(24)

Share-based payment expense

(55)

-

(55)

-

-

-

(55)

Operating loss

(1,399)

(1,562)

(2,961)

(16)

96

9

(2,872)









Finance costs

(3)

(30)

(33)

-

-

(5)

(38)

Loss before taxation

(1,402)

(1,592)

(2,994)

(16)

96

4

(2,910)









Taxation

101

497

598

-

-

-

598

Loss for the year 

(1,301)

(1,095)

(2,396)

(16)

96

4

(2,312)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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